Returning to the Market, Dispelling the Burden of Life's Ups and Downs

Before leaving, Pharmacist Lan met Jia Tingwan.

"Sister Lan, have you seen Zhou Ning?"

Looking at her charmingly naive face and her silly, cheerful demeanor, Pharmacist Lan was in a good mood; the little girl was not worth mentioning.

"In the yard."

After saying that, she lightly touched the ground with her toes, her body floated up, and she drifted into the sky.

Jia Tingwan gazed at the figure in the white dress, filled with envy. Reaching the Foundation Establishment meant being able to fly.

She found Zhou Ning and asked, "Master, how did Pharmacist Lan become Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

Zhou Ning was carrying a watering can and watering the tender green leaves on the shelf.

These are wild Nine-Bend Rabbit Berry seedlings Hua Ran. If they bear fruit, long-term consumption can improve their quality.

Zhou Ning made a long trench, filled it with Land of Wei Chen Earth, and then irrigated it with spiritual spring water. In just a few days, it grew vigorously.

He adopted the air of a reclusive sage. "She always wanted to become Foundation Establishment cultivator. Where there's a will, there's a way, and with sincere devotion, it works. So she succeeded."

"Really? I want to become Alchemist! I burn incense for my great-grandparents every day, hoping they will bless me and help me become Alchemist soon!"

Zhou Ning said calmly, "They themselves aren't Alchemist, so how can they protect you? If you want to become one, then just become one."

Really? How do I become one?

Zhou Ning was too lazy to argue with her and said dismissively, "Why don't you just change your name to Alchemist?"

Jia Tingwan felt like she had been tricked, and she pouted.

"I have something I need you to do," Zhou Ning said.

Jia Tingwan asked, "What is it?"

Zhou Ning instructed, "Recently, a flock of sheep has appeared on the marshland, always stealing willow leaves. Go catch one and make it into a kebab to intimidate the other sheep!"

Jia Tingwan the order; she would use her Late Qi Refining cultivator to subdue the little sheep.

Zhou Ning watched her depart on the flying boat, feeling satisfied. "My disciple may be foolish, but he is as loyal as an ox or a horse."

He then released his Divine Sense to observe, a range of thirty miles, enough to cover the entire Little Willow Marsh.

Fifteen minutes later.

Zhou Ning was admiring the sight of Wan'er defeating the lamb when he suddenly sensed the aura of a Foundation Establishment Realm.

Zhou Ning frowned. "It was her. Did Sun Gui reveal my identity?"

With a flash, he arrived in front of the formation, where a large, square figure appeared on the horizon.

The six jade-casting golden seal talismans in Zhou Ning's immortal foundation spun rapidly, eager to be used.

The fact that Black Husband was able to slap Sun Gui across the face without killing him suggests that her strength is comparable to that of Foundation Establishment Late Stage. She must be treated with utmost care.

Black Husband didn't use Law Artifact, yet his speed was comparable to that of Yan Pingjie, a prodigy from the Azure Mystic Sect, and he quickly arrived at Falling Ning Island.

Her booming voice resounded through the sky. "Fellow Daoist Ma, I am Black Husband, open the door!"

Zhou Ning was displeased. Damn it, his disguised identity had been exposed.

He immediately unleashed his Divine Sense, crashing it into Black Husband's square-shaped weapon, attempting to once again uncover her true nature.

As a result, a dark light burst forth from Black Husband's body, completely obscuring her.

Even when Zhou Ning released his Divine Sense, comparable to that of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator in this realm, he still couldn't see through it.

If he were to release everything, it might be possible to see through the illusion, but that would be far too shocking, comparable to the Core Formation Realm cultivator. Zhou Ning thought about it and decided to give up.

Acting cautiously is never a bad thing.

"Hmph, is this how Alchemist Zhou treats his guests?" Black Husband said angrily, feeling humiliated from his first visit!

Zhou Ning replied listlessly, "Don't you think your coy and secretive manner lacks sincerity?"

Black Husband said, "I have come here to do business with Alchemist Zhou, to refine the Thunder-Shaking Meridian-Continuation Pill."

"Hehe, it seems this pill is quite important to you, as it has enabled you to break through to the Foundation Establishment. What, was it not completely cured?" Zhou Ning guessed the reason.

It seems that Black Husband's constitution is special, and he needs to take this pill for a long time to suppress it.

"No need for you to worry about that. Are you going to practice it or not?" she asked.

Zhou Ning: "It depends on what you can offer."

He obtained a portion of Jade Marrow Ganoderma during the last alchemy session, but he no longer needs it.

What do you want?

Zhou Ning thought for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Five Elements Spirit Fruit?"

"Dream on!" Black Husband's voice was full of disdain.

The Five Elements Spirit Fruit is the main ingredient for refining the Crystal Transformation Pill, and it is the only main ingredient. The other auxiliary ingredients are much inferior and not difficult to collect.

Having obtained this fruit, one is not far from obtaining the Crystal Transformation Pill, a rare elixir that can increase the probability of Core Formation by 20%.

Zhou Ning thought she was omnipotent, but it seems she's only this capable.

"Billowing Water Mist Root?"

What is it?

Zhou Ning sighed inwardly. "It's really hard to find. Without the Billowing Water Mist Root, I can't refine the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage stage breakthrough pill, the Settling Liquid Pill." He wouldn't be able to break through quickly and would need to spend another ten years polishing his bottleneck.

Although ten years isn't a long time, after all, the lifespan of Immortal Foundation cultivator is 360 years, which is 120 years longer than that of Foundation Establishment cultivator in this world, but who knows what Su...

What if Chang Shuo suddenly breaks through one day and goes berserk, attacking him?

Hope must always be placed on oneself.

Zhou Ning submitted several more materials.

Black Husband suddenly said, "I have the Innate Copper Stone."

She pointed to a jade box, inside which was a stone about the size of an adult's fist, with a mottled bronze color and rough texture.

She channeled her Law Power, producing a clear, resonant bell sound.

Zhou Ning: "Sure, but it's too small. It needs to be at least the size of a human head."

The Innate Copper Stone comes from the depths of high-grade spiritual mines and is most suitable for casting cauldrons and refining Pill Furnace.

He is currently refining second-tier pills, but due to insufficient technique and an inadequate Pill Furnace, his success rate is only around 40% to 50%.

Legend has it that there is Spirit Planting object, which is the innate Innate Copper Stone Innate Copper Essence that has been formed from petrified liquid over tens of thousands of years, and is a top-grade material for refining Law Treasure.

Black Husband was a straightforward man and delivered the Innate Copper Stone in advance.

Zhou Ning treated him with sincerity and invited him into an Alchemy Chamber on the edge of the island, which was located on the outer perimeter of the Three Talents Azure-Guarding Formation.

After all, Zhou Ning's villa had many secrets that could not be easily revealed to others.

Black Husband glanced at the pale blue light barrier, his voice deep and hoarse. "The formation is excellent. It uses the power of Heaven, Earth, and Man to draw upon the Spiritual Qi of the Marsh Water to lock the formation and strengthen its defenses. It is truly exquisite and difficult for even False Core Formation cultivator to break."

Zhou Ning clicked his tongue in amazement. "I never imagined you, fellow Daoist, would know a thing or two about formations? Aren't you a talisman drawer?"

Black Husband said, "The principles of runes and arrays are also interconnected; I am also an array master."

"I admire you," Zhou Ning said.

Black Husband, seemingly making conversation out of boredom, gazed at the light barrier again and said, "The person who set up this formation must be a genius. If I could meet them in this lifetime, I would have no regrets."

Zhou Ning: "He is indeed a genius array master, but unfortunately, his character is flawed."

Black Husband paused, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "How so?"

Zhou Ning recalled the past, saying, "I had a past with this person. She ate and drank my food, and I never held it against her. But she even used underhanded tricks within the formation. Hmph, I'll catch her sooner or later and make her atone for her sins!"

Black Husband was speechless with emotion, then said, "Perhaps she had no choice in the matter."

Zhou Ning glanced at Black Husband: "That's because you don't know my past."

"Alright, bring the medicinal herbs, I'll refine the pills for you right away," Zhou Ning said.

Thus, rare medicinal materials such as Ice Lotus, Meridian Continuation Flower, and Golden Well Thunder Ginseng appeared one after another.

Zhou Ning wondered to himself if this widow had inherited the legacy of some Core Formation Cultivator, otherwise how could she produce so many rare medicinal herbs in just four years?

Black Husband continued to watch Zhou Ning refine the elixir.

Zhou Ning did not stop him. He currently did not have a high-level Pill Furnace, and could only produce one pill of the extremely difficult-to-refine Thunder-Suppressing Meridian-Continuation Pill.

Once you've gathered high-grade spiritual materials like Innate Copper Stone, find Shen Huaizhen in Land of Wei to refine them into Pill Furnace.

When that time comes, refine pills for Black Husband, and steal one for every pill refined.

Zhou Ning heated the Pill Furnace, added the medicine, and officially began the alchemy process.

An hour and a half later, he tapped the Pill Furnace, causing it to vibrate and spew out a ball of lightning-shaped pill.

Black Husband quickly put it into the jade bottle.

At the same time, he took out a large box containing a Innate Copper Stone the size of a human head.

"Alchemist Zhou, I will come back to refine another one in three years."

Zhou Ning said, "I don't need the Innate Copper Stone anymore. Just bring me the Billowing Water Mist Root, the Pure Yang Fire Clay, and the Water Cloud Essence. Any one of these will be enough for me to refine pills."

Black Husband seemed annoyed, but in the end he agreed.

Zhou Ning easily manipulated her.

He had figured it out: the "Thunder-Suppressing Meridian-Continuation Pill" was extremely important to Black Husband, as it concerned his very lifeline in cultivation. Unless Hei Fu found another Alchemist, he would have no choice but to rely on him.

"You're a formation master, right?" Zhou Ning suddenly asked.

He recalled the box he had seized from Ye Qin's Storage Bag, which seemed to have some kind of restriction on it.

"I know a little bit." Black Husband was equally annoyed. She sensed that Zhou Ning had an arrogant air about him, as if he could live off a secret for the rest of his life.

Without further hesitation, Zhou Ning swept his hand across his belt, and a black box fell to the ground. Its surface was covered with blood-red array runes, which were extremely intricate and profound.

Black Husband saw it and, seeing an opportunity, became excited. He stared intently at the black box, occasionally revealing Method Formula.

"You're lucky you didn't open it without permission, otherwise—" Black Husband's words were laced with schadenfreude.

Zhou Ning replied indifferently, "Who will refine pills for you if I die?"

Black Husband: "--"

"Can it be untied?" He was extremely curious; what kind of magical object could be preserved in such a box?

"I need to study this further, within seven days," said Black Husband.

"As expected of a formation master, impressive." Zhou Ning praised.

He sensed with his Divine Sense that his beloved disciple had already begun roasting mutton, so he invited, "No rush to unravel the mystery, Fellow Black Husband Fu, please eat first."

Zhou Ning left the Alchemy Chamber and came to the edge of the pavilion by the water.

Jia Tingwan sat by the long grill, grilling mutton skewered on willow branches over the charcoal fire. The fat sizzled and dripped onto the charcoal.

Wisps of smoke rose from the fire.

Zhou Ning felt a pang of heartache. "You actually used spirit charcoal to roast mutton!"

This is charcoal that can be used for alchemy!

"It's so delicious, Master!" Jia Tingwan couldn't stop swallowing as she smelled the rich aroma of fat, caramel, and willow.

"Go prepare some Clear Yang Melon and Snow Cherry Fruit, and also some rice wine!" Zhou Ning instructed. Black Husband helped him open the box, so he naturally wanted to treat him well.

"Oh." Jia Tingwan walked away reluctantly.

While grilling skewers, Zhou Ning kept an eye on the spirit fish in the marsh. He used his Law Power to grab it, cleaned it immediately, and put it on the grill.

Fifteen minutes later, Jia Tingwan returned and called out to Black Husband Dao You.

The three people sat cross-legged on the ground. The sun was setting, the willows were swaying, and the water reflected the glow of the sunset – what a beautiful scene!

Zhou Ning took a bite of the kebab. The outer skin was slightly crispy, and the aroma of the fat burst forth. The tender lamb meat, mixed with the slightly spicy and salty flavor of the spices, was incredibly delicious.

Zhou Ning took another sip of the sweet, icy rice wine and laughed, "It's a pity that Pharmacist Lan is gone. Otherwise, with her commentary, this spiritual food would be even more refreshing, nourishing this and that area."

Jia Tingwan: "That's right!"

Especially when Pharmacist Lan said it was good for the brain, she felt great taking it.

At the same time, Jia Tingwan looked at Black Husband and thought, "He's really big, bigger than three of me!"

For some reason, the way the other person ate gave her a vague sense of familiarity.

"Strange?" Jia Tingwan was completely baffled.

On his way to Zhang Family Fort, Pharmacist Lan first went to Fortune Star Market to deliver the Lesser Exploding Essence Pill to the Zhao Household cultivators.

Afterwards, she walked through the market, intending to leave immediately, but then she remembered the rumors.

She used to be the organizer of the lantern festival, where she and a group of Qi Refining friends who had no hope of Foundation Establishment would spend their days drinking tea, reciting poetry, exchanging resources, and incidentally satirizing Aristocratic Clan.

Those days were mostly leisurely, only occasionally when facing the Foundation Establishment major repairs of the Aristocratic Clan would I feel that my life and fortune were out of my control, and I was like a piece of duckweed.

Since she left her inner circle and joined Little Willow Marsh, rumors have been rampant.

Some say that in order to achieve Foundation Establishment, she willingly submitted to Alchemist Zhou, becoming his concubine and slave, showing no shame whatsoever.

Some say that Alchemist Zhou, a newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivator, doesn't even have enough resources of his own, so how could he possibly help her Foundation Establishment? That's wishful thinking.

Every time she came to the market to trade, she always received many strange looks.

"I should at least go and take a look," the Pharmacist Lan thought to himself.

With a light step, her figure, bathed in the glow of the sunset, appeared ethereal and otherworldly.

Clear Night Pavilion was a small gathering place for self-proclaimed literati and refined gentlemen in the market.

As dusk fell, many red lanterns lit up under the eaves of the corridor, and snacks were laid out on a long table.

Everyone looked at the woman in the center; she had freckles on her face, wore heavy makeup, and looked to be about thirty-five.

"Today, Steward Deacon Su. I hope you will continue to look after him in the future!" Alchemist Tang smiled so broadly that wrinkles appeared on his face.

Su Wen's smile was forced. Ever since Zhou Ning killed three Foundation Establishment from the Su Household, she had been implicated and lost all hope of Foundation Establishment, so she was exiled to Fortune Star Market.

"Haha, Deacon Su, you'll understand once you've stayed long enough. Our Fortune Star Market is full of literati and poets; I guarantee you'll have a wonderful time!"

Although she is down on her luck now, Su Wen's fiery personality has not completely disappeared. She is not yet fifty years old, and she refuses to admit defeat.

"Hmph, what's the point of you all having fun every day? You don't even have a chance to reach the Foundation Establishment. From now on, get back to work!"

If she can properly manage all the artisans, there might still be hope for her to reach the Foundation Establishment.

"Hahaha!" Everyone took it as a joke.

Dressed in white, Alchemist Xu remained as refined as ever. "Deacon Su has misunderstood. Why not listen to me compose a poem?"

"Not vying for worldly gain, but living a quiet life in the courtyard, nurturing one's innocent nature."

Alchemist Tang once courted him, but was rejected, and replied impatiently, "You lousy poet."

The other craftsmen chimed in, "What a terrible poem! Look at mine!"

"Leaning on the railing, I watch the clouds rise, and leisurely gaze at the northern mountains."

The group composed poems to compare their skills, but none of them were convinced of their own merits.

Suddenly someone said, "If only Pharmacist Lan were here, she could settle this matter for us."

Alchemist Tang scoffed, "Her? She's probably already had several children with Zhou Ning!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of boos erupted, and the expressions on everyone's faces were quite intriguing.

There was also jealousy towards Zhou Ning, after all, the Pharmacist Lan was truly outstanding in both talent and appearance.

Just then, a gentle voice suddenly came from the sky. "Oh? Are you having a poetry contest?"

The Pharmacist Lan, her robes fluttering, slowly descended into the courtyard without the aid of any Law Artifact. Upon witnessing this scene, everyone's gazes froze, their expressions deeply moved.

Looking at the various pastries laid out on the long table, Pharmacist Lan casually recited a lame poem. "One plate, two plates, three or four plates, precious delicacies piled high on jade platters."

What do you all think of my poem?

The Alchemist Tang, who had previously publicly mocked him, turned pale with fright and hurriedly stammered, "What a wonderful poem! This poem is excellent!"

Realizing what was happening, everyone quickly flattered, "This is the best poem of the year; we deserve a big toast!"

"Senior Lan truly deserves to be called the most talented woman in our Lantern Festival. With this poem, who can rival her!"

The Pharmacist Lan was surrounded by countless flattery. She casually picked up a piece of osmanthus pastry and took a bite.

"I won't disturb your enjoyment any longer."

Then, with a light step, she gracefully flew out of the Clear Night Pavilion and disappeared without a trace.

The people in the courtyard seemed to have just woken up from a dream, and began to discuss among themselves.

Su Wen clenched her fists, her nails digging into her flesh, causing sharp pain and immense resentment.

Zhou Ning, whose life and death I once decided with a single word, now even a mere servant girl has successfully achieved Foundation Establishment.