" Xiao Yan, if I'm not mistaken, this thing should be the Soul Stone Iron Scroll, which is rarely mentioned in ancient books."
Xiao Ming's slightly surprised words reached Xiao Yan's ears, causing the latter's expression to change immediately.
The Soul Stone Iron Scroll, a mysterious item rarely recorded even in ancient books, was something Xiao Ming had only learned about from Xiao Mingyuan years ago. Although the latter was somewhat lax in his cultivation, he was very knowledgeable about matters related to alchemy. However, he never expected that they would actually encounter this legendary treasure that even Xiao Mingyuan longed for.
As for the Soul Stone Iron Scroll, Xiao Yan had been fortunate enough to learn a little about it from several ancient books within the Xiao Clan. However, he had been so focused on examining the contents of the scroll that he had overlooked the scroll itself. Now, looking at the dark scroll, he saw that the Old Gu runes engraved on it were arranged in an orderly fashion. Judging from some of the unique runes, the scroll before him was undoubtedly the legendary Soul Stone Iron Scroll.
Soul Stone Iron Scroll extremely rare Soul Technique scrolls, usually only found in ancient records. They are so highly regarded because most of them are forged by powerful alchemy masters using their Spiritual Strength and special materials. These Soul Stone Iron Scroll usually exist in sets, and if they truly contain high-level Soul Technique, there will be at least two scrolls. If someone unfamiliar with them tries to examine them using ordinary methods, the result will usually be the same as what Xiao Yan just obtained. However, if they can explore their principles, they might gain unexpected insights.
"If it's two or more scrolls of Intent Grade Soul Technique, exchanging them for two scrolls of seventh-tier high-grade pill formulas isn't necessarily a bad deal..."
Having silently calculated his options, Xiao Yan raised his gaze and looked again at the old man opposite the stone platform who had his eyes closed in meditation. He grinned and said:
"Could you please tell me the level of the Soul Technique contained in this iron scroll?"
Upon hearing this, the old man opened his half-closed eyes again. Seeing Xiao Yan's calm expression, he was slightly surprised. His gaze then quickly turned to Xiao Ming behind him. After seeing those grayish-white eyes, he seemed to understand something immediately.
"I underestimated him; this gentleman is a man of great skill."
The old man nodded slightly to Xiao Ming, then his cloudy old eyes returned to Xiao Yan, and he said calmly:
"The price I offered wasn't low, but it won't be a loss for you. What you see is a Mid Intent Grade Soul Technique."
" Mid Intent Grade!"
Xiao Yan frowned slightly, but his heart was churning with turmoil. Compared to high-level Dou Technique, high-level Soul Technique were even rarer on the continent. A single high-level Soul Technique could even be exchanged for an eighth-grade pill. Although his Heart-Shattering Palm also had the effect of shattering the soul, it was still far inferior to the surprise attack of Soul Technique. If he could obtain this Soul Stone Iron Scroll, which contained two Intent Grade Soul Technique, it would greatly enhance Xiao Yan's combat power.
But for now...
Xiao Yan tapped his fingers lightly on the stone platform in front of him, his dark eyes darting around as if deep in thought. After a long while, he slowly shook his head and said:
"Sir, Mid Intent Grade Soul Technique is indeed valuable, but in the end, it's still just Mid Intent Grade."
After saying this, Xiao Yan flipped his hand and took out a scroll and a jade bottle from his Storage Ring, then said:
"I have here a prescription for the Seven Lives Suspended Bone Pill, along with two pills. I wonder what you think of it, sir?"
"Consider? Heh, young friend, there's no need to try and fool this old man with these things. We both know the value of this iron scroll. If you really want to take this, bring out something truly valuable."
Upon hearing this, the old man's lips curled into a mocking smile. He then crossed his arms and closed his eyes again, sitting back down.
If you feel you've been taken advantage of, then you may leave on your own.
After saying this, the old man returned to his previous posture, no longer bothering to pay attention to Xiao Yan in front of him. Only the latter frowned slightly, his eyes fixed on the Soul Stone Iron Scroll in front of him, his expression slightly hesitant.
"That's enough."
After a short while, Xiao Yan seemed to have made up his mind. He sighed, flipped his hand again, and another jade bottle appeared in his palm. The moment he opened it, a strong and rich medicinal fragrance quickly spread around the area.
The aroma of the medicine attracted the attention of many passersby, and the old man in front of Xiao Yan cast a shocked gaze at him the moment the jade bottle was opened. Although the shock only lasted for a moment, it was still noticed by the observant Xiao Yan.
"Surely you've heard of the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill, sir?"
Xiao Yan smiled and said calmly.
" Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill!"
Upon hearing this, the old man's expression changed again. He had naturally heard of this miraculous pill, which was highly praised by countless alchemists, but he never expected that this legendary pill would appear in front of him today.
"I can exchange this Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill, along with the formula for the Seven Lives Suspended Bone Pill."
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, the old man's excitement intensified. Obtaining the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill would undoubtedly elevate his achievements in alchemy. However, being a shrewd old man, he forcibly suppressed his rising emotions upon seeing the pill so close at hand. His old eyes darted around, and he sat back down, chuckling as he said:
"The collection in your possession, young friend, truly surprises me. However... pills are just pills after all. No matter how many you have, they will eventually run out. Besides, you only have one pill. If you would like to add the recipe for the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill, this iron scroll is yours to take."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was taken aback, and his face immediately showed displeasure. The pill formula was a relic of the Fire Banyan Clan. If he were to exchange it and give it away casually, it would violate the trust placed in him by the Huo Rong siblings. No matter what, he could not give it away easily. He shook his head regretfully and said:
"I only obtained this Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill by chance; I don't have the formula. What I just said is my bottom line for this offer. If you are still not satisfied, senior, I will not force you."
After saying that, he stood up without hesitation, put away the jade bottle in his hand, turned his head to look at Xiao Ming and the other two behind him, shook his head slightly, ignored the old man's reluctant look, and walked away.
Seeing Xiao Yan leave so decisively, the old man's face showed a struggle. The price had already been negotiated to this extent, and both sides knew that it was a test of patience. Whoever could hold out until the end would be the ultimate winner. Even if the old man didn't sell, many more passersby would still come forward to inquire. It was just that once he missed the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill, he might never have it again in his life...
"Well!"
Seeing Xiao Yan and his group about to disappear into the crowd, the old man finally gritted his teeth in resentment and shouted through his Spiritual Strength:
"Young friend, wait a moment!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Yan abruptly stopped in his tracks, his tense face instantly relaxing. He turned around, calmly returning to his stall, raising an eyebrow at the old man before him, and said indifferently:
"Has the old gentleman changed his mind?"
"You don't need to put on this act. I've let many guests go without hesitation, but I just don't want to miss out on the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill you have."
Looking at Xiao Yan's appearance, the old man curled his lips slightly in mockery. Xiao Yan immediately chuckled and no longer tried to hide it. He stretched out his hand, and two items that he had prepared beforehand were revealed from under his sleeve. They were the formula for the Seven Lives Suspended Bone Pill and the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill.
Seeing the pill Xiao Yan handed over, the old man couldn't help but sigh helplessly. For alchemists, especially for one like him who had almost reached the pinnacle of alchemy, there was no other way to advance further except by relying on external objects. That's why he was so excited when he first saw the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill.
The old man quickly put away the jade bottle scroll that Xiao Yan handed him. His expression gradually softened, and an uncontrollable excitement welled up in his old eyes. This scene made Xiao Yan chuckle. Then, he lowered his gaze and landed on the Soul Stone Iron Scroll in front of him. He sighed inwardly at the close call and reached out to take it.
However, just as Xiao Yan's hand was about to touch the iron scroll, a fair hand suddenly reached out from the side, and a suction force surged from the palm. As the iron scroll moved, a faint laugh also came.
"Hehe, my friend, everything has its order. I had my eye on this iron scroll first. Although I'm a bit late, I'll take it."