Chapter 233: Pill Matters
Entry into Shuntian City was deceptively simple. The guards merely asked for a name, their relaxed demeanor a stark contrast to the tension of border towns.
However, as Qin Lu passed through the gate, a silver-white mirror mounted above the archway flashed. A beam of light swept over him, silently recording his physical features and cultivation level.
Qin Lu didn’t resist. He walked through honestly, allowing the artifact to scan him. He had nothing to hide.
Passing through the illusory formation that veiled the entrance, the true face of Shuntian City revealed itself.
It was breathtaking.
Pristine white jade slabs paved the streets, gleaming under a light that seemed eternal. Rows of shops stretched as far as the eye could see, their colorful banners fluttering in a gentle, artificial breeze. The air buzzed with a vibrant, harmonious clamor—the sound of prosperity.
“Not bad,” Qin Lu murmured, scanning the street. “Similar layout to White Jade Market, but the scale…”
He looked up.
Floating high above the city were countless red lanterns and ribbons of silk. They hovered without any visible support, emitting a soft, dazzling radiance that bathed the metropolis in perpetual daylight.
“A city that never sleeps?” Qin Lu marveled. “Those lanterns must be Magical Artifacts. Keeping thousands of them active around the clock… the Spirit Stone cost alone must be astronomical. Truly extravagant.”
He shook his head, suppressing his rogue cultivator’s instinct to calculate the waste, and merged into the crowd.
His mission was singular: find a cure for Gu Can.
The [Recovery Injury Pill] had saved Gu Can’s life, but it couldn’t wake him from his vegetative state. To repair the deep spiritual damage caused by the Blood Demon’s formation, Qin Lu needed something stronger. He needed a Foundation Establishment alchemist.
As he walked, Qin Lu noticed something peculiar about the locals.
The cultivators here carried themselves with an air of refined gentleness. There was no cursing, no shoving, no undercurrent of violence. It was a stark contrast to the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of Wuji Market, where a wrong look could start a duel.
“Civilization,” Qin Lu sighed. “It really is different here.”
Before long, he spotted a pill shop. He checked the signboard and stepped inside.
“Senior, welcome! What kind of Pills are you looking for?”
A young shop assistant hurried over, bowing respectfully.
Qin Lu cut straight to the chase. “Do you have any Second Grade Pills?”
“Naturally,” the assistant beamed. “Please follow me.”
He led Qin Lu to a central display shelf made of polished mahogany. “These are our finest Second Grade offerings. Please take a look.”
Qin Lu scanned the wooden plaques beneath the vials. There were nearly ten varieties, but he only recognized a few names.
“Little friend,” Qin Lu asked, pointing to the shelf. “Which of these can regenerate flesh and bone for a severe trauma victim?”
“Ah, that would be the [Recovery Injury Pill],” the assistant said proudly. “It’s highly effective for rapid healing.”
Qin Lu shook his head. “Insufficient. I need something stronger. Do you have anything else?”
He knew the [Recovery Injury Pill] well. It was exactly what Gu Yue had administered. It wasn’t enough.
“Well… perhaps the [Protect Meridian Pill]?” the assistant suggested. “It protects the meridians and body, aiding in recovery…”
“Can it wake a comatose cultivator whose soul has been damaged by evil energy?”
“Uh… I’m afraid not,” the assistant laughed awkwardly, rubbing his hands.
Qin Lu looked at him. “Does your shop have a Foundation Establishment alchemist?”
The assistant shook his head vigorously. “No, Senior. Our head alchemist is at the late stage of Qi Condensation. Shall I fetch him?”
“No need.”
Qin Lu sighed. “Let me ask you a different question. Are there any Foundation Establishment alchemists in Shuntian City?”
The assistant straightened up, pride returning to his face. “Of course! Shuntian City is home to hundreds of Foundation Establishment seniors. Among them, there are eight master alchemists!”
Qin Lu’s eyes lit up. “Do they have shops? Where are they?”
“Seven of them have shops. I know all their locations, but…” The assistant trailed off, his eyes drifting meaningfully to Qin Lu’s waist.
Qin Lu understood immediately. With a casual wave, he tossed several Low Grade Spirit Stones to the boy.
“Hehe! Thank you for the reward, Senior!”
The assistant pocketed the stones with practiced speed. “Listen closely. The first shop is called [Hundred Apricot Grove], located in the middle of Yong’an Road. It’s run by Senior Xi Ren. The second is…”
He listed all seven locations, even providing the home address of the eighth alchemist who worked privately.
“Excellent.”
Armed with the information, Qin Lu left the shop and strode back into the bustling street. He wasted no time, heading straight for the first address on the list.
[Hundred Apricot Grove].
The owner, Xi Ren, was a genuine Foundation Establishment alchemist.
Qin Lu glanced at the elegant storefront and stepped inside without hesitation.
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