Fama was initially puzzled about how a mysterious sixth-tier alchemist had suddenly appeared in the Jia Ma Empire.
However, upon seeing the alchemist badge worn by Xiao Feng, which was issued by the Pill Tower, Fama immediately showed a look of realization.
Clearly, Xiao Feng must be a genius alchemist from the Central Plains who happened to pass through the Jia Ma Empire.
Although Xiao Feng looked quite young, Fama, during his travels in the Central Plains, had seen alchemy prodigies in their teens who were already seventh-tier alchemists. Those individuals were truly monstrous!
Dressed in a white robe, Fama quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and greeted Xiao Feng:
"I am Fama, the current president of the Alchemist Association. May I ask for the name of this young friend?"
"My surname is Xiao, and my name is simply Feng. President Fama can just call me Xiao Feng,"
Xiao Feng replied with a smile.
"Xiao Feng? That name sounds so familiar..."
"Isn't the third young master of the Xiao family, who made a three-year agreement with Nalan Yanran, also named Xiao Feng? Could they be the same person?"
"Do you even know what you're saying? That third young master of the Xiao family was just a Dou Practitioner last year. How could he suddenly become a sixth-tier alchemist?"
Amid the noisy discussions around them, President Fama frowned slightly and said, "Young friend Xiao Feng, this isn't the best place to talk. Why don't we find somewhere quieter to chat?"
"Sure."
Under Fama's lead, Xiao Feng followed him to the reception hall.
When Fama subtly probed for more information, Xiao Feng didn't beat around the bush. He directly stated his purpose: to exchange alchemy recipes for the Triple Imprint Spirit Pill and the Spirit Fusion Pill.
The Triple Imprint Spirit Pill is a pill of a level between fourth-tier and fifth-tier, divided into three grades. Each grade corresponds to a circle of pill markings on its surface, with three markings representing the highest grade of the pill.
A standard Triple Imprint Spirit Pill can help its user break through the bottleneck from Dou Master to Dou Grandmaster.
If the user is already a Dou Grandmaster, the pill can increase their strength by one star without any side effects.
The highest-grade Triple Imprint Spirit Pill can directly boost the user's strength by three stars.
Even a Dou Spirit-level expert who consumes the highest-grade Triple Imprint Spirit Pill has a certain chance of gaining a two-star increase in strength.
The Spirit Fusion Pill, on the other hand, is a sixth-tier pill that allows the user's soul and body to merge, rapidly restoring soul power and completely healing any past soul injuries.
Although the Triple Imprint Spirit Pill and the Spirit Fusion Pill weren't unique to the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Association, they were still incredibly rare.
Judging from the original storyline, even Yao Lao didn't possess the recipes for these two pills.
At first, Fama was prepared to tactfully decline Xiao Feng's request. However, when Xiao Feng offered to exchange them for the Breaking Zong Pill, Fama instantly changed his mind.
Fama had been stuck at the peak of Dou Emperor for many years, so he couldn't resist the allure of a pill that could help him break through the bottleneck to Dou Ancestor.
Unfortunately, the Breaking Zong Pill only increases the chance of breaking through the bottleneck by 10%, so Fama still wasn't confident he'd make it. However, even a sliver of hope was better than none.
After successfully obtaining the recipes for the Spirit Fusion Pill and the Triple Imprint Spirit Pill, Xiao Feng asked Fama for help in purchasing some medicinal ingredients.
Since the Triple Imprint Spirit Pill is only a fourth-tier pill, the ingredients were relatively easy to acquire. Fama quickly gathered enough ingredients for five pills.
The Spirit Fusion Pill was a different story. Its primary ingredients were rare sixth-tier herbs.
Apart from Gu He, the Pill King, there were no other sixth-tier alchemists in the Jia Ma Empire. Therefore, the Alchemist Association's vault had limited supplies of sixth-tier herbs.
When Fama's staff retrieved the herbs for the Spirit Fusion Pill, they discovered that two essential sixth-tier herbs were missing, leaving Fama with no choice but to apologize to Xiao Feng.
Xiao Feng didn't blame Fama. He expressed his understanding and then left the Alchemist Association, heading toward the Mittel Auction House.
Compared to the branch in Wu Tan City, the Mittel Auction House headquarters in Jia Ma Holy City was significantly larger and bustling with activity.
Noticing the sixth-tier alchemist badge on Xiao Feng's chest, the surrounding guests and guards instinctively stepped aside, creating a clear path for him through the crowded venue.
In the Jia Ma Empire—or even across the entire Dou Qi Continent—a sixth-tier alchemist held a lofty status.
Even Dou Emperor experts typically showed deference to sixth-tier alchemists.
Moreover, an alchemist capable of refining sixth-tier pills wouldn't be weak in cultivation—at least a Dou King.
After entering the spacious auction hall, Xiao Feng casually scanned the surroundings.
The hall was filled with numerous crystal display cases showcasing various rare and unusual treasures. The cheapest item on display was priced at over 30,000 gold coins.
While Xiao Feng was curiously examining the treasures, a commotion suddenly arose nearby.
Tap, tap, tap...
Accompanied by crisp footsteps, a graceful figure in a red cheongsam walked through the crowd and approached Xiao Feng.
When the newcomer saw Xiao Feng's face, her red lips parted in shock: "It's you?"
The stunning woman with a curvaceous figure and alluring presence was none other than Ya Fei, who had returned from the Wu Tan City branch.
As a core member of the Mittel family, Ya Fei had originally gone to Wu Tan City to gain experience and escape the advances of Mu Zhan.
Later, after receiving the Scorpion Bracelet from Xiao Feng—which granted her combat strength comparable to a Da Dou Shi with the Scorpion Armor—she no longer feared Mu Zhan.
Additionally, during Hai Bodong's stay in Wu Tan City, Ya Fei earned his favor through her charm.
After Xiao Feng left Wu Tan City, Ya Fei returned to Jia Ma Holy City soon after.
Earlier, upon hearing from a maid that a sixth-tier alchemist had arrived, Ya Fei hurried over to personally greet this distinguished guest without asking about their appearance.
She never expected the sixth-tier alchemist to be Xiao Feng, the man who had occupied her thoughts.
Seeing Ya Fei's adorable, wide-eyed expression, Xiao Feng smirked playfully: "What's wrong? Can't I be an alchemist?"
"Of course, you can!"
Recovering from her shock, Ya Fei beamed with delight, skillfully wrapping her arm around Xiao Feng's:
"My dear Young Master Feng, this isn't the place to talk. Come, I'll take you to the VIP room for a proper chat."
(End of Chapter)
Guys, my country has been in state of war since last night and my city is on the borders so my update schedule has been very unstable. I apologize for that. And I am not sure when everything will get to normal so I request you all to be patient with me! Also I would appreciate it if you guys will support me financially in the times of crisis! Thank you!
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