Chapter 43: The Transaction

Whether you are a new patron or an old friend, all who cross the threshold of the Treasure Immortal Residence shall leave fully satisfied, without a trace of regret, said Manager Zhong, his tone brimming with unquestionable confidence.

Hearing this, Cao Yun’s eyes flashed with a mixed gleam of doubt and anticipation. He slowly spoke, I can only hope the collection at the Treasure Immortal Residence will not disappoint me. Being able to purchase everything I need in one stop will certainly spare me much wearisome travel.

Maintaining his unhurried self-assurance, Manager Zhong smiled faintly: Fellow Daoist He may rest easy. If even my Treasure Immortal Residence cannot meet your demands, I fear such items could scarcely be found anywhere throughout the entire Qin State cultivation world.

At that moment, a young maiden dressed as a handmaiden glided lightly over. Upon the tray she carried, a pot of fragrant tea and several exquisite cups emitted an enticing luster. The rich aroma drifted over even before she drew near, instantly refreshing the mind and lifting the spirits.

This is the specialty spiritual tea of my Treasure Immortal Residence. Not only is it overflowing with fragrance, but it also possesses the miraculous effect of clearing the mind and quickening the senses—a rarity indeed in the outside world, Manager Zhong gently picked up a cup, took a polite sip, and spoke with unmistakable self-satisfaction.

Cao Yun’s gaze swept past the retreating figure of the handmaiden, then turned back to Manager Zhong. Manager Zhong, let us first examine the medicinal pills and spiritual herbs here. I have little interest in tasting tea.

With a hearty laugh, Manager Zhong replied, Haha, Fellow Daoist He is indeed an impatient man. Very well, wait a moment. With that, he turned and strode toward the third floor.

A short while later, Manager Zhong returned carrying several crystalline jade bottles and archaic, elegant jade boxes. A confident smile beamed across his face. Fellow Daoist He, these items are all supreme elixirs tailored for breaking through the Qi Condensation realm. Within the jade box are hidden several rare, top-grade spiritual herbs. I wonder if they catch your eye?

Gazing at the abundant collection displayed by Manager Zhong, a wave of joy stirred within Cao Yun’s heart, though he simultaneously pondered whether these treasures would truly aid him in breaking through his bottleneck.

Manager Zhong cast a smiling glance at Cao Yun, then slowly lifted the lid of the jade box. Just as Cao Yun leaned in to inspect it closely, the fierce spiritual pressure of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment expert suddenly washed over him, causing the wisps of murderous intent coiled within his body to tense instantly, almost reacting with a counterattack by pure instinct. Fortunately, Cao Yun suppressed it in time, narrowly averting an unnecessary conflict.

Witnessing Cao Yun’s momentary shift, Manager Zhong merely smiled indifferently and resumed introducing the herbs within the box. This is a single stalk of Hundred-Refined Flower, an essential ingredient for refining Essence Pills. Provided one masters basic alchemy techniques, one can readily refine one to two bottles of Essence Pills, the exact yield depending upon the Fellow Daoist’s proficiency in alchemy. Of course, the art of alchemy is simple to learn and requires no undue worry on your part. Purchasing the Hundred-Refined Flower will also come with a complimentary cauldron and a precious formula, allowing the Fellow Daoist to brew them yourself without relying on others. After all, such heavenly treasures should not be flaunted too easily. The price for this stalk of Hundred-Refined Flower is merely two thousand spiritual stones. As he spoke, he opened the second box. This is a stalk of Pure Yang Grass, the key component for refining Pure Yang Pills. The Essence Pillar and the Pure Yang Pill are hailed as the sacred elixirs for Foundation Establishment in the cultivation world, and enjoy the prestigious reputation of Foundation Establishment Pills among rogue cultivators alike.

Cao Yun inspected the spiritual herbs in both boxes, nodded with satisfaction, and then shifted his gaze to the several bottles of elixirs nearby.

Seeing this, Manager Zhong harbored not the slightest trace of displeasure; instead, he grew even more courteous as he introduced the pills. These three bottles consist of one bottle of Essence Pills and two bottles of Pure Yang Pills, priced at one thousand five hundred spiritual stones per bottle. As for the efficacy of these pills, there is surely no need for me to elaborate, Manager Zhong said with a broad smile.

That is naturally unnecessary, but I wonder if I might take out a single pill to examine it closely? Although Cao Yun knew of the Treasure Immortal Residence's sterling reputation, he remained steadfast in his caution.

Manager Zhong did not answer directly, merely looking at Cao Yun with a beaming smile.

With a casual wave of Cao Yun’s hand, a storage pouch materialized before Manager Zhong. Picking up the pouch, Manager Zhong probed it briefly, and the smile on his face instantly grew even more radiant. Naturally you may. Although my Treasure Immortal Residence has always offered quality goods at fair prices, if the Fellow Daoist wishes to inspect them, by all means, look to your heart's content.

Without further ado, Cao Yun picked up a single Essence Pill, placed it in his palm, and gently pinched it between his thumb and forefinger. After inspecting it carefully and sniffing it, he examined a Pure Yang Pill in the exact same manner. Nodding, he said, Excellent. However, I have only two thousand spiritual stones on hand. I wonder if you also acquire weapon-crafting materials here?

We do, of course we do, Manager Zhong replied, his face lighting up with joy.

One must understand that in the present-day cultivation world, weapon-crafting materials were far scarcer than spiritual herbs. Many mineral veins and primeval forests were controlled by the Demonic Path, leading to a recurring imbalance in the Righteous Path where practitioners' realms failed to match the tier of their magic tools. It had become commonplace for Righteous cultivators to be suppressed by Demonic practitioners of the same realm.

Cao Yun was well aware of the current plight of the Righteous Path. He still possessed a few rather unique beast materials, originally intended for the weapon-crafting hall to forge into superior magic tools, but before he could do so, he was dispatched to Green Mountain Sect by Dai Wuhai.

Rather than emptying all the beast materials from his storage pouch, Cao Yun merely produced a pair of giant, three-foot-long boar fangs. Without superfluous words, he handed them directly to Manager Zhong.

Manager Zhong had been quietly observing Cao Yun’s actions. Remaining silent, he accepted the two boar fangs, inspected them carefully, and began assessing them at a leisurely pace.

Oh?

Upon recognizing what he held in his hands, Manager Zhong could not help but look stunned, a trace of excitement flickering across his expression.

Fellow Daoist He, this... judging by the spiritual fluctuations emanating from it, could this be the fang of a beast at the tenth layer of Qi Condensation? Manager Zhong asked, his face filled with astonishment.

Manager Zhong truly possesses a discerning eye, Cao Yun nodded and said. These are indeed the fangs of a beast at the tenth layer of Qi Condensation, which I expended a great deal of effort to acquire.

Hearing this, Manager Zhong’s face immediately broke into radiant delight, and he repeatedly examined the items over and over again, unable to contain his joy.

Manager Zhong, shouldn't we discuss the transaction now? Cao Yun slowly inquired.

Ah... Fellow Daoist He, please forgive me. It has been quite some time since I last laid eyes on such fine goods, so I lost my composure somewhat. I hope the Fellow Daoist will excuse me! Startled for a moment, Manager Zhong spoke with a slightly reddened face.

Hehe, that is of no consequence. I only wonder if these two thousand spiritual stones, combined with my two tenth-layer Qi Condensation beast fangs, will suffice to purchase these three bottles of elixirs? Cao Yun chuckled lightly.

Certainly, this will more than suffice, Manager Zhong agreed without a moment's hesitation.

Cao Yun looked at Manager Zhong in puzzlement, thinking to himself: It seems I still underestimated the value of weapon-crafting materials to Righteous cultivators.

Thus, the two quickly concluded their transaction, leaving both parties thoroughly pleased.