Gongyi Tianheng looked over: “Hai Tian has arrived?”
The Tianlong Guard respectfully answered: “Just now.”
Tianheng faintly nodded his head: “Invite him in.”
The Tianlong Guard answered positively, and flashed out.
Soon after, two of Tianheng’s fingers clutched Gu Zuo’s collar and lifted him up.
Gu Zuo arms and legs fluttered before he found his footing.
Tianheng’s other hand took out a mirror and placed it in front of Gu Zuo, allowing him to take a look at his reflection.
Gu Zuo: “...”
The next moment, Gu Zuo jumped up and immediately dashed into their room to bathe: “Ah, ah, ah! I’m so dirty! Why didn’t big brother tell me sooner?!”
Tianheng paused, somewhat speechless.
Actually, he already asked just then.
At this time, the Tianlong Guard guided a slender young man inside. This young man was the Hundred Rivers League member Hai Tian, who’d placed an order a few days ago. When he saw Tianheng, he loosened a sigh and promptly came over in greetings: “Sure enough, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is a reliable person.”
Tianheng smiled as he cupped his hands and said: “Senior Sect Brother Hai, please sit.”
Hai Tian went over in quick steps and sat across from Tianheng.
Tianheng poured him a cup of tea, and cut to the chase: “The medicinal pills have already been prepared. Senior Sect Brother Hai, please wait for a bit. Ah Zuo is sorting things out in the other room.”
Hai Tian sighed in relief, and immediately developed a good impression of Tianheng.
Ordinary people always wanted to exchange conventional greetings when doing business. They’d want to wade through a big, rambling pile before they were willing to step into the problem for discussion. They’d even need to talk about many pleasantries and favors before slowly expressing themselves... If it was during normal times, then exchanging civilities naturally wouldn’t have been a problem. However, when it involved one’s own matter of life and death, such actions would be displeasing. It was just that, under these circumstances, not only didn’t Tianheng get greedy, he was also willing to immediately get down to business. This naturally left Hai Tian in a good mood.
In the other room, Gu Zuo had directly plunged into the bath tub to bathe. Without waiting for him to clean off the pill dust and cauldron ash, he heard his big brother’s voice through his Tianfu Acupoint.
[Ah Zuo, after you’re done washing, bring the medicinal pills out.]
At first, Gu Zuo was still a little embarrassed. Hearing no teasing intent within this tone, he naturally felt much better. He quickened the speed that he cleaned himself and he transmitted back in his mind.
[I understand, big brother.]
Outside, Hai Tian drank several mouthfuls of tea. After that, carrying some expectations, he asked: “How many Jinyuan Pills can Junior Sect Brother Gongyi provide for us this time?”
Tianheng seemed to think about it, and replied: “This time’s pill refining went quite smoothly. Because there are many skillful pharmacists, a few mid and high grade pills were also produced. Thus, there are one hundred low grade pills, three hundred mid grade pills, and one hundred high grade pills for a total of five hundred pills... What does Senior Sect Brother Hai think of this?”
Hai Tian’s face almost couldn’t contain his smiling expression: “Good, good, good! It’s truly too good!”
He also understood that such medicinal pills weren’t easy to refine. Originally, he thought that having two or three hundred pills was pretty good. He didn’t expect that Tianheng would exceed his way of thinking, and had as many as five hundred! Moreover, within these five hundred pills, there was also no less than one hundred high grade pills!
His eyes were full of appreciation: “Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, many thanks for the huge help! With these five hundred Jinyuan Pills, the Hundred Rivers League’s disciples will finally have even more safeguards!”
Tianheng waited for him to calm down a little before reminding him: “However, Senior Sect Brother, whatever the medicinal pill, all of them have their limits. The Jinyuan Pill is only suitable for Xiantian martial artists; Houtian martial artists are unable to bear the medicinal power. Also, no matter how much a Xiantian martial artist upgrades, it’s impossible to break through a large realm. If a Xiantian stage seven martial artist takes a high grade Jinyuan Pill, he can only upgrade to a pseudo-Immortal Realm. His strength will be infinitesimally close to the Immortal Realm, but he won’t be able to surpass it.”
Hai Tian’s expression was undisturbed: “I’m naturally aware of this.”
Tianheng smiled: “However, there’s also no need to be too worried. If a high grade pill was given to an exceptional genius who was restricted by their realm, when they upgrade to the pseudo-Immortal Realm, it won’t be a difficult matter for them to prevail over several genuine Immortal Realm martial artists.”
Hai Tian also smiled: “It’s precisely this reasoning.”
One needed to look at how to use Jinyuan Pills of different product grades. If they gave mid grade pills to several Xiantian stage eight geniuses, it was equivalent to having several low Immortal Realm martial artists. It would really be used for other martial artists with lower realms to save their lives.
Hai Tian didn’t need to go into detail with Tianheng about this. Tianheng already understood.
The two had a tacit mutual understanding.
After discussing this, Hai Tian then asked about the amounts for the other types of medicinal pills. Tianheng, of course, answered with a detailed explanation. Basically, the negotiations were settled.
After that, a fair-skinned teenager with soft, jet-black hair walked out from the other room. His hands carried a basket, and quite a few jade bottles were in the basket. The teenager quickly arrived next to Tianheng.
In the basket, not only were there Qi Linking Pills, Qi Accumulating Pills, Revitalization Pills, and Jinyuan Pills, there were also Snowy Ginseng Pills, Meridian Replenishing Pills, and Bone Replenishing Pills as well. In addition, they were all high grade pills. It was just that there were differences in quantity.
Hai Tian’s gaze swept over everything. Sure enough, the amounts were all correct. His heart was happy, and he carefully extracted a stack of golden banknotes. However, because this was the first cooperation, there actually wasn’t too many of the other pills aside from the Jinyuan Pills. As a result, the sum of the golden banknotes was only several hundred thousand. Of course, this was already equivalent to half a day’s turnover for Medicine of Life.
Soon after, Hai Tian properly put away these medicinal pills. When he looked at Tianheng again, his gaze was even more good-natured. It could be said that his entire being was radiating goodwill towards Tianheng: “With these pills, my Hundred Rivers League will be much more safe. But if this Hai may be so bold as to ask a favor, I hope that I can obtain some pills every month from my Junior Sect Brother from now on. Would Junior Sect Brother...”
Tianheng smiled and said: “I’m indebted to Senior Sect Brother Hai’s regards. According to what was said before, each month I can provide two hundred Qi Linking Pills, twenty Qi Accumulating Pills and Revitalization Pills each, fifty Snowy Ginseng Pills, ten Bone Replenishing Pills and Meridian Replenishing Pills each, and as for Jinyuan Pills... Because the pill production is indeterminate and the product grades still can’t be ensured, I’ll provide a total of eighty low, mid, and high grade pills. How about that?”
Hai Tian heard this. He knew that the other party’s Medicine of Life also need large quantities of medicinal pills, and he also considered that his side was probably only going to have challenges in the short term. He nodded and said: “Sure enough, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is straightforward. Then, it’s settled!”
Tianheng smiled again: “Senior Sect Brother Hai can come fetch the medicinal pills at the start of every month.”
Hai Tian replied: “Many thanks! I’ll be taking my leave!”
After he finished speaking, he turned around and walked out in large strides. He was very impatient at this moment. He wanted to tell this good news to the numerous sect brothers of the Hundred Rivers League!
After Hai Tian departed, Gu Zuo sighed in relief and sat down: “Big brother, we still have five hundred Jinyuan Pills. What are we going to do?”
Tianheng said: “After this, refine the remaining Meridian Purification Pills as well as some Jinyuan Pills, but keep them between mid and high grade. I’ll gather more medicinal herbs and leave them for Ah Zuo’s use.”
Gu Zuo also nodded: “Okay, I’ll do my best!”
Naturally, there was no distrust. Because, apart from those several main herbs needed for the Xiantian Pill that they previously couldn’t find, his big brother worked through unknown means so that he never lacked for medicinal herbs. Even when he was drilling into the bull’s horn while refining the Jinyuan Pills, there was always enough herbs. As a result, he only really needed to carefully refine medicine... As far as a pharmacist was concerned, there was nothing better than this.
No hassles and no worries!
Off to the side, Gongyi Tianheng summoned a Tianlong Guard and ordered: “After three days have passed, launch the Detoxification Pill.”
The Tianlong Guard affirmed respectfully. His silhouette flashed as he went back into hiding.
Gu Zuo thought it over, and also called out to that place: “Dragon Five, when that time comes, remember to come find me to pick up the medicine!”
A voice could be heard from that place: “Yes.”
This matter was settled.
Following that, Gu Zuo burrowed into another tidy medicine refining room and started today’s lunch as well as the medicinal decoction Tianheng needed to soak in. With his current psychic power, splitting his attention wasn’t a problem. In addition, after Tianheng stepped into the Xiantian Realm, his meridians naturally widened somewhat. Although it couldn’t compare to other Xiantian martial artists, his meridians were already much stronger than they were previously.
Because the meridians were blocked by Xiantian Qi at the beginning, this stage was also the stage that the Tiandu Body bore the best. For medicinal decoctions and cuisines, it was okay to slowly nurse the body — Not like before when it was needed to make Tianheng endure severe pain.
Yet, this would only continue up to when he approached the Immortal Realm. And once Tianheng broke through to the Immortal Realm, the qi energy roaming through those meridians would be even more rich and powerful. This would cause an intense impact upon the meridians! At that time, the meridians’ tolerance would receive a frightening ordeal!
Merely, what Gu Zuo presently had was only the treatment method prior to the Immortal Realm. Right now, he didn’t know anything that was more in-depth. He had a premonition that he’d probably obtain it from the system at that time.
Just like now, Gu Zuo asked in his mind.
[System, how do I treat the Tiandu Body after reaching the Immortal Realm?]
[Haven’t started the side mission. No comment.]
[...]
It was just like that.
The Hundred Rivers League was located near the center of the Inner Sect. Those who could hold their base of operations here were all successive powerhouses on the Sky Leaderboard. As the Sky Leaderboard second place, it was only natural that Xiao Tianqi’s dwelling was located here.
Although Xiao Tianqi was only a Core Disciple and not an Apprentice, his strength was outstanding, so he could still occupy a mountain peak that was in the vicinity of the tallest ones. And this mountain peak was also surrounded by several small hills, where some other Immortal Realm martial artists lived — Some of them were powerhouses near the bottom of the Sky Leaderboard rankings, and some of them were Core Disciples. However, all of them relied on Xiao Tianqi’s strength, which formed such an alliance.
That’s right. The Hundred Rivers League wasn’t just a single mountain, it was a small mountain range made up of twenty-something mountain peaks.
Hai Tian quickly returned here and directly went up to Tianqi Peak, which was the tallest among them.
Named after Xiao Tianqi, it was his place of seclusion.
Hai Tian’s strength was at Xiantian stage seven. When Xiao Tianqi was in the Outer Sect, Hai Tian was drawn in by his charisma and followed him. Then, they directly entered the Inner Sect together. Unfortunately, his aptitudes were far inferior to Xiao Tianqi’s. Even when Xiao Tianqi made it onto the Sky Leaderboard, he still hadn’t entered the Immortal Realm.
Yet, Hai Tian was still Xiao Tianqi’s confidante. It was because he was loyal and devoted to Xiao Tianqi. If he hadn’t taken on all the trivial matters for Xiao Tianqi in the early days, Xiao Tianqi wouldn’t have been able to spend all his time honing himself along the path of martial artists so easily. Nor would he have been able to attain his current achievements.
It could be said that Hai Tian was the only person who was given free access to wander Tianqi Peak.
This time, Xiao Tianqi had met with a crisis. Even though Hai Tian had only heard people mention a little bit about Medicine of Life’s matters, he was willing to personally go over to seek proof. It was for the purpose of resolving Xiao Tianqi’s complications.
So, as Hai Tian went up the mountain, he met many martial artists who were more powerful than him, and they all expressed goodwill towards him. Hai Tian always kept the accounts of Tianqi Peak on hand. Even if there were a couple delinquents who wanted to fight over this authority of his, several secret investigations revealed that he basically had no selfish motives whatsoever. The accounts were actually as transparent as clear water.
Hai Tian eventually reached Tianqi Saber Cave — The weapon that Xiao Tianqi used was the saber, and his path of cultivation was the way of the saber. Even the place where he lived was a self-proclaimed Saber Cave.
Just as he got close, a rough voice could be heard from inside: “Has Junior Sect Brother Hai Tian returned?”
Hai Tian raised his voice: “Senior Sect Brother Xiao! I’m here!”
That voice spoke again: “Don’t just stand there. Come on in!”
Hai Tian laughed, and stepped in just like this.
While Tianqi Saber Cave was called a cave, it was actually a large hall cut from the mountain face and excavated out. There were indeed many hidden chambers filled with saber marks inside, but there was still a proper outer hall to hold meetings and receive guests.
When Hai Tian entered, he saw a man at the seat of honor who had a forthright appearance, as well as about seven or eight Core Disciples sitting around him who weren’t that upright.
That forthright man waved a hand to Hai Tian. He walked over, and casually sat down on a stone couch to the side. Following which, he immediately said: “This time, I found a way to resolve our current predicament.”
As his voice fell, it drew the attention of all the others.
Xiao Tianqi, the forthright man, stared blankly: “What way?”
The gazes of several others shined, and they all looked over:
“Junior Sect Brother Hai, you aren’t playing a joke, right?”
“Could it be that you’ve spoken with a power and formed an alliance?”
“He Chenghong’s side isn’t easy to deal with!”
“Whatever method you have, just say it quickly!”
Birds of a feather flocked together.
Although their hearts weren’t too convinced, these top members of the Hundred Rivers League gave a lot of face, and made their guesses one after another.
Hai Tian’s thoughts moved. A basket was released from his inter-spatial tool, and he caught it in his hands. Many jade bottles in that basket also appeared in the sights of the numerous Immortal Realm martial artists.
Hai Tian had always been calm. Previously, because he wasn’t certain that he could get enough Jinyuan Pills, he didn’t tell the many leaders about this matter. Even the golden banknotes given to Gongyi Tianheng came from his own expenses. He didn’t spent a single tael of Tianqi Peak’s gold. It was different now. He obtained so many medicinal pills and he also had a long-term supply arrangement with Tianheng. Naturally, he wanted to inform these colleagues of the good news.
The numerous Immortal Realms knew that these were definitely medicinal pills, but what sort of pills were capable of freeing them from their current plight? However, they also knew that Hai Tian wasn’t a person who’d speak without thinking. They looked to Xiao Tianqi.
Xiao Tianqi understood the intent of the many martial artists. He took the lead and asked: “Junior Sect Brother Hai Tian, please tell us carefully! What’s so special about these medicinal pills?”
Hai Tian’s face carried a happy expression. He stretched out a hand and took out a yellow-jade long-necked bottle. He opened his mouth and explained: “Contained within this type of jade bottle are all high grade Qi Linking Pills.”
High grade Qi Linking Pills?
An Immortal Realm martial artist was also somewhat happy: “Junior Sect Brother Hai found a new supplier?”
Hai Tian promptly nodded: “Correct. The place I found can supply two hundred high grade pills every month!”
Xiao Tianqi might’ve looked forthright, but he wasn’t the type of person whose thoughts were forthright. After he finished listening, he faintly nodded: “Although the amount is somewhat small, it can’t be said to be a cup of water on a burning cart of firewood. Indeed, it can loosen our desperate situation.”
Merely, the many Immortal Realm martial artists understood his incomplete meaning. It could only be said that these medicinal pills weren’t too few, but they also weren’t enough.
If it was just this, how could it be said to be solving their predicament?
However, that basket still had many jade bottles. In that case, the reason should’ve been among them.
Sure enough, Hai Tian continued. The ones he took out this time were two small, blue-jade bottles: “Twenty high grade Revitalization Pills.” Then he took out another two small red-jade bottles, “Twenty high grade Qi Accumulating Pills.”
Upon seeing this, the numerous Immortal Realm martial artists all nodded.
These two types of high grade pills were even harder to come by. Twenty pills also wasn’t considered few.
Following that, the ones Hai Tian took out was a medium black-jade bottle and two small black-jade bottles: “Fifty Snowy Ginseng Pills. They’re high grade medicinal pills.” He paused before he continued to talk, “This type of medicinal pill doesn’t exist within our Qingyun Sect. It’s a type of pill that enriches the blood. If we are in danger of losing large quantities of blood, it can be promptly taken after staunching the bleeding. It can rapidly replenish the lost blood, recovering our energy.”
There was an Immortal Realm martial artist who couldn’t help blurting out: “A good pill!”
Xiao Tianqi’s eyes also faintly shined.
If the effects were really this good, then it was naturally a good pill.
At this point in time, many Immortal Realm martial artists also held some expectations for the remaining medicinal pills. They saw very clearly that there were still three different colored jade bottles remaining!
Hai Tian took out a small green-jade bottle: “Ten Bone Replenishing Pills.” Then he took out a small teal-jade bottle, “Ten Meridian Replenishing Pills. All of them are high grade. As the names imply, their effects are to reconnect broken bones and meridians.”
The gazes of Xiao Tianqi and the other martial artists became brighter: These two were even better! After a battle, they could reduce the number of seriously injured people, and could let some those who had comparatively grave injuries to re-enter the battle as quickly as possible!
Merely, the previously mentioned medicinal pills could only be said to provide certain aid, which could reduce the suffering of the league’s numerous disciples when being robbed. However, it was impossible to do what Hai Tian asserted.
In that case, the most useful one should’ve been the final type of medicinal pill?
But no one knew what use this kind of magical pill would have!
Because of the foreshadowing of these medicinal pills, the expectations of the numerous Immortal Realm martial artists had already reached its peak. When it was time to announce it, they also couldn’t help staring at Hai Tian. Their gazes were particularly focused.
Xiao Tianqi opened his mouth: “Then, the final type is?”
Hai Tian took a deep breath: “The Jinyuan Pill. There are five hundred Jinyuan Pills here, divided into low, mid, and high grades. The low grade pills can briefly upgrade...” Each of his words were clear as he went into full detail about the Jinyuan Pill’s uses, taboos, and period of activity. Everything was attentively mentioned!
Once he finished talking, the venue had become quiet.
After a good while had passed, an Immortal Realm martial artist hurriedly exhaled and said: “Junior Sect Brother Hai, is what you said true? The Jinyuan Pill really has such amazing effects?”
Hai Tian’s expression was resolute: “It’s true.” Although he hadn’t tested it yet, he didn’t feel that Gongyi Tianheng, who had that kind of bearing, would try to fool him. Thus, he believed Tianheng.
Another Immortal Realm martial artist swallowed a mouthful of saliva: “If it’s true...”
Yet another one supplemented: “Not only can this time’s plight be solved, but the league’s disciples can also be protected while simultaneously baiting the enemy!”
Xiao Tianqi was very decisive: “The medicinal pills are precious, but they must be tested. Junior Sect Brother Hai Tian, instruct a Xiantian Realm Junior Sect Brother to come over to observe the effects.”
Although he trusted Tianheng, this was Hai Tian’s decision. How could he let another fellow Junior Sect Brother test it? Hence, he immediately said: “As a Xiantian stage seven, I happen to be suitable to test the three product grades of the Jinyuan Pill. Also, I can see the results the best from my own body.”
After he finished speaking, Hai Tian first took out a low grade Jinyuan Pill and placed it inside his mouth without the slightest hesitation. In the blink of an eye, the pill transformed into medicinal liquid and flowed down right into his belly. At almost the same time, a medicinal power spread throughout his body. Hai Tian only felt his body faintly heating up. The total amount of internal true qi, the true qi’s circulation, and his own perceived strength all abruptly rose!
The pupils of many Immortal Realm martial artists all shrank: “It’s true!”
Because of their realms, they could clearly distinguish that Hai Tian’s qi energy had really upgraded from Xiantian stage seven to Xiantian stage eight. In addition, although this stage eight wasn’t too stable, it wasn’t the type to immediately regress back to the previous realm.
The Jinyuan Pill truly was a pill of godly effects!
According to what Hai Tian said, the time this medicinal pill would last was two hours. This could be said to be neither too long nor too short. It was enough to flee for one’s life, and it was also enough to make a comeback. Moreover, this thing’s medicinal effects could be layered. After taking a pill, if one’s realm was about to drop, they could continuing maintaining their state so long as they took another one of the same product grade.
Everyone quietly waited for two hours. Soon, Hai Tian’s qi energy weakened and he promptly took another low grade pill. Sure enough, his qi energy immediately recovered! Soon after, another two hours passed and when Hai Tian’s realm fell completely, he took a mid grade pill. Then once another two hours passed, he took a high grade pill.
Time passed unwittingly, but not a single person here lost their patience.
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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