Chapter Sixteen: Exchanging Elixirs

As he approached the stall, he saw that the vendor was a young man, probably only two years older than Yun Yufeng. Sensing someone draw near, the youth slowly opened his eyes, which had been closed all this time.

Yun Yufeng considered his words before speaking. “I have the blood of a magical beast, but it’s not on me. I’ll need to return to the inn to fetch it. Would you be willing to accompany me?”

The young man agreed without hesitation, though his voice carried a tinge of coldness. “Alright, I trust you. I witnessed your duel earlier.”

“In that case, thank you. I won’t disappoint you.” Yun Yufeng smiled. “Die Shang, help me retrieve my sword. I’ll head back to the inn first with this gentleman.”

“Yes, young master.” Die Shang turned and left.

The two walked toward the inn together, their conversation drifting from one trivial topic to another. The young man was not one for words; he spoke little. According to him, he was an orphan, named by his master as Ji Nanshan. He had followed his master since childhood, learning various skills. Once he reached the fourth level of cultivation, his master sent him out to make his own living, to earn and support himself.

Yun Yufeng admired the master’s approach. Flowers grown in a greenhouse never bloom with brilliance of their own; though such hardship might slow his cultivation, the long-term benefits were clear.

Yun Yufeng smiled. “Brother Ji, as an alchemist, you must be in high demand. Has no one tried to recruit you? With backing, you’d have no worries about cultivation, and could live in luxury. Isn’t that preferable?”

Ji Nanshan curled his lip. “That’s not the life I want. I dream of wandering free, living as I please, roaming the world with sword in hand. That’s my ideal. My master is a wanderer, yet well connected, possessing all the freedom and respect one could desire. Fine clothes and rich food? What are those but the trappings of a caged pet, easily discarded.”

With just a few words, Yun Yufeng understood that beneath Ji Nanshan’s aloof exterior lay a proud heart. So young, yet already disenchanted with worldly pursuits, indifferent to fame and fortune, his mind unburdened by attachment. He knew what he wanted from life, unbound by ties—his only guiding light being his master, who served as both role model and compass.

Yun Yufeng laughed. “To think you’re so detached at your age—it’s rare to see such a mindset.”

“Aren’t you the same?” Ji Nanshan replied. “To speak as you do marks you as one of my kind. Better to die than live without freedom. I’ve grown used to this way of life. I love alchemy, and it provides for me, but it can make things monotonous. That’s why I yearn for the vastness of the sky, the boundlessness of the earth. Only then can my spirit soar, my soul be uplifted. The world is full of wonders, and the path ahead is endless.”

“I truly envy your outlook. I don’t even know where my own path leads. In this world, to be respected, one must become a king, a supreme being, standing above all others. Otherwise, where is freedom found? My heart is weighed down by too many cares. You, brother Ji, are truly unrestrained.”

Hearing this, Ji Nanshan’s hands clenched slightly, his expression darkening. “That’s why I need the blood of a sixth-tier fire-type magical beast.”

Yun Yufeng ventured, “You’re looking to advance to a sixth-tier alchemist?”

Ji Nanshan glanced at him, lips pressed together. “I need to reach the fifth level of Martial Spirit first, but I’m close. The more sixth-tier blood I can get, the better, but it’s expensive and scarce. All I can do is try my best.”

“Heh, don’t worry. I’ll give you a fair price, but keep it between us. There are always some pests who can’t be trusted.”

“You’re right,” Ji Nanshan said flatly. “The city is generally safe, but there’s always the chance someone gets greedy. Best to be cautious.” He clearly wasn’t one for pleasantries; after all, when meeting strangers, it was lucky if they weren’t out to take advantage. The shops were all so ruthless that he’d come to the central square to barter instead.

“Up ahead is the Yunlong Inn, where I’m staying. The view is quite nice. Care to sit for a while and share a drink?”

“In that case, I’ll happily accept your hospitality.” Ji Nanshan did not stand on ceremony, seeing that Yun Yufeng’s invitation was sincere.

Pushing open the door, a faint, refreshing fragrance greeted them. Yun Yufeng took a deep breath, feeling invigorated and cleansed, the sensation seeping through every pore. He gestured invitingly. “Brother Ji, please, make yourself comfortable while I change my clothes.”

He dusted off his tattered garments and disappeared behind the screen, donning a fresh robe. He looked himself over and nodded with satisfaction—now, this was more like it. From his spatial pouch, he took out a jar of Scarlet Flame Tiger King’s blood, poured a small bottle, and emerged from behind the screen.

“Brother Ji, what do you think of this blood?” he asked, placing the porcelain bottle on the table with a smile.

Ji Nanshan stared at the porcelain bottle in surprise, then frowned in dismay. “You’re not seriously using a porcelain bottle for this, are you?”

Yun Yufeng was puzzled. “Is there something wrong with that?”

Ji Nanshan slapped his thigh, rolling his eyes. “Of course there is! If stored in porcelain, the blood’s spiritual quality will slowly dissipate. Only a jade bottle preserves its properties. Let’s see if you can still satisfy me as you promised.” He eyed Yun Yufeng warily, clearly worried he might try to back out.

“Er…” Yun Yufeng was at a loss. What a hassle. He scratched his head, forcing a smile. “I’d never heard that before. When my family hunted magical beasts, I took a little in secret. So… do you think it’s still usable?”

Ji Nanshan rolled his eyes in exasperation, full of disdain. Secretly, indeed—clearly his family spoiled him, letting him make such blunders. They hadn’t even bothered to tell him about using jade bottles, letting him make a fool of himself.

Still, he reached for the bottle, silently praying the blood still retained some potency. Otherwise, the journey would have been a waste, not to mention all those days spent waiting in the central square.

As his hand touched the bottle, he flinched—it was hot. In an instant, his eyes lit up. The quality of the blood far exceeded his expectations, its spiritual essence remarkably well preserved. He gently uncorked it; a searing, metallic scent rushed to his head, and a domineering, kingly aura filled his nostrils. The blood inside was still nearly boiling, bubbling fiercely.

With a snap, Ji Nanshan produced a jade bottle, uncapped it, poured the blood in, and closed it tightly, as if afraid to let any essence escape.

He looked up at Yun Yufeng in astonishment. “This is eighth-tier magical beast blood—at the very peak of the eighth tier, no less!”

Yun Yufeng was quite pleased with Ji Nanshan’s reaction, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. That’ll teach you for scaring me earlier. Now you’re the one shocked. He replied with a mysterious air, “Perhaps. I’m not entirely sure.”

“Cough, cough—” Ji Nanshan almost choked, suppressing the urge to punch him. He was clearly showing off, and doing so shamelessly. Then he realized: if this blood had been stored in porcelain, yet retained such vibrancy, Yun Yufeng must have a spatial artifact.

“Brother Yun, didn’t you say you’ve been away from your family for over a month?”

Yun Yufeng, still basking in his triumph, was caught off guard by the question. Just moments ago, Ji Nanshan had been so excited; now, he was asking something so odd. Still, he nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

“So this blood’s been with you for over a month, then?”

“Mm, that’s correct.”

Ji Nanshan gave him a long, meaningful look. “Brother Yun, you’re quite the cautious one, aren’t you?”

Yun Yufeng didn’t quite understand, but followed his lead. “Well, you know how it is, Brother Ji. Life on the road has its inconveniences.”

Ji Nanshan said nothing, his fingers caressing the jade bottle reluctantly. At last, he tore his gaze away and looked directly at Yun Yufeng. “Brother Yun, this blood, though not much in quantity, is truly rare and precious. I need it badly—not for myself, but for someone else. I’m sorry, but now it’s my turn to have nothing of value to trade. Such a pity—it’s a rare opportunity.”

Yun Yufeng studied Ji Nanshan in silence. “Brother Ji, do you truly need this, even if not for yourself?”

“Yes. It’s very, very important. My master needs it to heal. He was wounded years ago by a sinister technique, and the internal injury has never healed. The right kind of fire-attributed blood is nearly impossible to find. Though this bottle yields little essence, it’s enough as a medicinal primer. Even more precious is that it’s the essence of an eighth-tier peak magical beast, one with royal blood—an unparalleled treasure.”

Yun Yufeng couldn’t help but ask, “Is your master of such a high rank that he can’t find fire-type essence anywhere?”

Ji Nanshan shook his head. “Eighth-tier magical beasts are stronger than most humans of the same level, and those at the peak can rival even the Saint rank. But my master’s injury requires just such blood. That’s why, after all these years, his cultivation hasn’t progressed beyond the early eighth tier. Despite his many connections, he’s never found it, nor heard of it being auctioned anywhere.”

Yun Yufeng drew a sharp breath. Only now did he realize what a windfall he possessed—and how much trouble it could bring if word got out. His mind raced, and a plan formed.

“Brother Ji, how about this: this blood means little to me, but it’s invaluable to you. Though we’ve just met, I feel a strong affinity between us. Why don’t you take it to your master first? We can settle our accounts later, at your convenience.”

Ji Nanshan met Yun Yufeng’s gaze, his own clear and unclouded. “You’re overthinking it, Brother Yun. I may not be a gentleman, but I am straightforward. Your generosity is almost too much.”

Yun Yufeng flushed slightly. “Forgive my presumption, Brother Ji. I meant every word. It’s rare to meet a kindred spirit. Take this blood to help your master heal. See if it works; if it does, I have a bit more left. If you have nothing to trade right now, consider it a favor owed—a favor from an alchemist is worth quite a lot. I have high hopes for your future.”