Chapter 279
Preparations
Chapter 279 Preparations
Several days later, in the city of Nutao, in the elegant room on the third floor of the "Hundred Herbs Pavilion".
"Master Chen, please reconsider!"
Manager Su held the teacup in both hands, his face plastered with an almost ingratiating smile, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes deepening with this overly enthusiastic smile.
"If you are willing to exclusively entrust our store with the sale of the 'Moonlight Youth-Preserving Pill,' our commission rate can be reduced to 10%... no, 5%! Our store only charges 5% commission!"
She paused, then, seeing Chen Jinshu's calm expression, quickly added:
"If you find it troublesome, our pavilion can also buy them directly! The price is up to you! Thirty thousand per stone... thirty-five thousand! No, forty thousand! Forty thousand low-grade spirit stones per stone!"
Chen Jinshu picked up the white jade teacup in front of him. The tea was clear and green, with wisps of steam rising from it.
She lowered her eyelids slightly, took a sip, and then slowly said:
"Manager Su is too kind. I, Chen, have only managed to produce a few pills by chance and do not deserve such treatment."
"lucky?"
Manager Su almost burst out laughing, but forcibly suppressed it, his tone becoming even more sincere:
"Master Chen, you are too modest! Your three 'Moonlight Youth-Preserving Pills' have three layers of halos and natural silver patterns. Their medicinal power is so pure that even the third-grade alchemists served in our pavilion are ashamed of their inferiority! In the past few days, countless female cultivators have been knocking on our door to inquire about them, and Madam Liu has even sent people to urge us three times..."
She leaned forward and lowered her voice:
"To be honest, pills are scarce in Raging Waves City, and high-quality anti-aging pills are even more scarce and expensive. If you are willing to cooperate with our organization long-term, you will surely become famous throughout the Southern Frontier within six months!"
Chen Jinshu remained calm. Of all the shops she had visited, most of the shopkeepers had treated her with the same obsequious attitude.
It's not that there are no ups and downs, it's just that we've become numb to it.
She came to Baicao Pavilion with the intention of simply checking out the market and inquiring about Blackwater Marsh.
Unexpectedly, the reputation of "Moonlight Youth-Preserving Pill" spread so quickly after the auction three days ago.
"I appreciate Manager Su's kindness."
She put down her teacup, thinking of asking about the Blackwater Marsh, and then said:
"It's just that Mr. Chen is new to southern Xinjiang and is not very familiar with the local customs and culture."
I've heard that the Blackwater Marsh in the southwest is rich in several rare poisonous herbs, which may have miraculous effects in alchemy. Have you heard of them, shopkeeper?
Shopkeeper Su's eagerness faltered slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
"Blackwater Marsh?"
She sat up straight, her brows slightly furrowed:
“That’s no safe place. It’s shrouded in poisonous miasma year-round, the swamps are fraught with danger, and the ‘Black Water Serpent’ is lurking there. Even Golden Core cultivators who go there in groups often don’t return.”
She glanced at Chen Jinshu, her tone carrying a hint of admonition:
"Master Chen's alchemy is profound, why take such a risk? If you need poisonous herbs, our pavilion has some in stock, though not top-tier, but enough."
"Common poisonous plants have insufficient medicinal properties."
Chen Jinshu shook his head, offering no further explanation, only saying:
"What Chen needs are the 'Bone-Corroding Orchid' and the 'Nether Soul Grass,' which grow deep in the poisonous miasma and absorb the yin energy for a hundred years. These two items can only be obtained from the Blackwater Marsh."
Upon hearing this, Manager Su's expression changed slightly. Even Golden Core cultivators would avoid such poisonous herbs, yet this Fellow Daoist Chen was still searching for them.
"The Bone-Corroding Orchid... the Soul-Soul Grass..."
She repeated it to herself, a hint of apprehension flashing in her eyes:
"Both of these are key ingredients for refining elixirs of malevolent poison, and they must grow in places where yin energy gathers and wandering souls roam. What kind of elixir does Master Chen intend to refine that requires such evil substances?"
Chen Jinshu raised her eyes, her gaze cool and clear, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry:
"Dan has no inherent good or evil; people are characterized by good and evil. Manager Su, you only need to tell me where I can obtain a detailed map of the Blackwater Marsh, or if you have any guides you can recommend?"
Manager Su remained silent for a moment, then sighed.
"We do have a map of the route, drawn many years ago by a guest elder who survived the outer edge of the Blackwater Marsh. However, due to the passage of time, the terrain may have changed."
She got up and went to the inner room, and soon took out a yellowed animal skin map and spread it on the table.
The map depicts mountains and swamps in dark red paint, with several hastily written markings: "Poisonous Miasma Area," "Black Serpent's Nest," and "Dead Soul Beach."
"This map may not be accurate, but the general orientation should be correct."
Manager Su pointed to a mark on the map:
"Entering the swamp from here, travel upstream along the Yin Bone River for three hundred miles, and you will find a forest of rotten bones. It is said that someone once found the Bone-Corroding Orchid there. As for the Netherworld Grass... it is only rumored to grow in the Soul Burial Abyss in the heart of the swamp, but even a Nascent Soul True Monarch would not dare to enter that place lightly."
Chen Jinshu carefully memorized the diagram, his fingertips tracing the winding Yin Gu River as if deep in thought.
Thank you.
She gathered up the animal hide map, took out a jade bottle from her storage bag, and pushed it in front of Manager Su:
"This is a gift of thanks."
Shopkeeper Su uncorked the bottle, and a fragrant aroma filled the air. Inside the bottle were three top-grade second-rank "Clearing Miasma and Dispelling Poison Pills".
Her eyes lit up, and she quickly put it away, a smile returning to her face.
"Master Chen, you're too kind! Actually... if you really want to find detailed information about Blackwater Marsh, you might as well go to 'Danxin Garden' in the west of the city."
"Danxin Garden?"
"It is a small gathering spontaneously organized by local alchemists in Nutao City. They gather in the garden on the third and eighteenth of each month to exchange alchemy techniques and materials. The host is the 'Old Man Pine Crane', who is in the middle stage of the Golden Core realm and has a great reputation and extensive network in the alchemy world of Southern Xinjiang."
Manager Su lowered his voice:
"When he was young, Elder Songhe ventured deep into the Blackwater Marsh several times to collect herbs, and he is very familiar with the area. However, he is a reclusive man and does not easily receive guests. If you go there as an alchemist, you may have the opportunity to meet him."
Chen Jinshu nodded slightly.
"The third day of the lunar new year... that is tomorrow."
She stood up and gave a slight bow to Manager Su:
"I apologize for bothering you today."
"Take care, Master Chen!"
Manager Su hurriedly saw him off, and even at the top of the stairs, he didn't forget to give him some instructions:
"We hope you will give this matter of cooperation your consideration, Master Alchemist! The doors of the Hundred Herbs Pavilion are always open for you!"
……
The next day, Danxin Garden in the west of the city.
The garden gate is simple and ancient, with green vines entwining it. Above the gate hangs an ebony plaque with the two characters "Loyal Heart" carved in vigorous strokes.
Chen Jinshu handed over the jade token given to her by Manager Su. After the gatekeeper checked it, he respectfully led her inside.
The garden is not large, but it is a hidden paradise.
The corridors are winding, the pavilions are scattered, and the courtyard is filled with various medicinal herbs, filling the air with their fragrance.
More than ten cultivators were already sitting scattered in the main hall, some talking in hushed tones, others resting with their eyes closed. Most of them were at the late Foundation Establishment stage to the early Golden Core stage, and all were dressed as alchemists.
Chen Jinshu found a corner to sit down and waited to see what would happen.
Before long, an elderly man in a green robe with white hair and beard and a thin face slowly walked into the hall, supported by two young boys.
Everyone stood up and bowed:
"Greetings, Senior Songhe."
The old man, Songhe, waved his hand and sat down in the main seat. His cloudy gaze swept across the hall and paused briefly on Chen Jinshu.
"A new face?"
His voice was hoarse, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
Chen Jinshu stood up and cupped his hands in greeting:
"Chen Jinshu, a rogue cultivator, has just arrived in Nutao City and has come to pay his respects."
“Chen Jinshu…” A glint flashed in the eyes of the old man Songhe:
"Is it the one who refined the 'Moonlight Youth-Preserving Pill'?"
A murmur rippled through the room as several pairs of eyes turned to Chen Jinshu, each with a different expression.
"It was a lucky success, nothing to brag about," Chen Jinshu said calmly.
The old man, Songhe, stared at her for a moment, then suddenly smiled:
"Luck? If refining a Youth-Preserving Pill with three layers of halos and naturally occurring silver patterns is still considered luck, then what has become of my life in alchemy?"
He gestured for Chen Jinshu to sit down, his tone softening somewhat:
"Young friend, have you come to exchange alchemy techniques, or do you have other requests?"
Chen Jinshu didn't beat around the bush: "This junior wishes to go to the Blackwater Marsh to seek the Bone-Corroding Orchid and the Soul-Binding Grass. I have heard that you have entered the marsh several times, so I have come to ask for your guidance."
The alchemists exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes filled with shock.
The old man with the pine and crane brows furrowed:
"What do you need those two things for? The Bone-Corroding Orchid is fine, but the Soul-Binding Grass grows in the Burial Abyss, a place of great danger that has devoured countless cultivators' lives over the centuries!"
"Alchemy."
Chen Jinshu gave a brief two-word answer and then said no more.
After a long silence, the old man, Songhe, slowly said:
"Blackwater Marsh... I haven't been there for 130 years. The last time I went deep into it, I found a 'Three Yin Resurrection Grass' on the outskirts of the Burial Soul Abyss, but I almost died in the belly of a snake."
He took out a jade slip from his sleeve and used his spiritual power to send it to Chen Jinshu:
"This is the latest route I drew back then, much more detailed than those circulating in the market. Changes in the poisonous miasma, monster lairs, and safe routes are all marked. Since you dare to go, I will give it to you."
Chen Jinshu took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense. It was indeed several times more detailed than the one from Manager Su, and even several hidden natural caves for avoiding poison were clearly marked.
"Thank you, senior."
She bowed respectfully and took out a jade box from her storage bag:
"I have nothing to repay you with, but these are three 'Jade Marrow Bone Tempering Pills,' which may have a slight effect on strengthening the body's foundation and nourishing the vital energy. I hope you will accept them with a smile."
The old man opened the jade box, and a clear fragrance wafted out. The three pills were round and smooth like jade, with a radiant glow.
A hint of surprise flashed across his eyes, but he nodded and accepted it.
"You're very kind, young friend."
He paused, then took a small cloth bag from his pocket and handed it over:
"These are seeds of several unique spiritual plants from the Southern Frontier that I have collected in recent years. Among them, the 'Blood-Vine' and the 'Ghost-Faced Flower' both require a yin-evil environment to cultivate, which may be useful to you."
Chen Jinshu took the cloth bag and probed it with his divine sense. He immediately sensed the aura of seven or eight different spiritual seeds inside, some of which were not even recorded in the Mysterious Female Elixir Scripture.
"This junior thanks you."
The old man, Songhe, waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall, and suddenly raised his voice:
"Young friend Chen's alchemy skills are extraordinary. It is fate that you have come to my Danxin Garden today. If any of you have any questions about alchemy, you may feel free to exchange ideas."
These words immediately enlivened the atmosphere in the hall.
A middle-aged alchemist was the first to stand up, cupped his hands, and asked:
"Fellow Daoist Chen, I have a moment to ask your question. When refining the 'Clearing Miasma and Dispelling Poison Pill,' the medicinal properties of 'Seven-Step Snake Venom Vine' and 'Honeysuckle' clash. How should we harmonize them?"
Chen Jinshu thought for a moment and replied:
"First, soak the snake venom vine in three drops of 'Cold Pool Dew' for half an hour to remove its dryness. Then, simmer it over a low flame until the vine turns dark purple. Then, add honeysuckle to ensure the medicinal properties are compatible."
The alchemist was taken aback upon hearing this, then clapped his hands:
"Excellent! The dew in the cold pool is neutral in nature, just right for the condition! Thank you for your guidance, fellow Daoist!"
Another female cultivator asked:
"Fellow Daoist Chen, the 'Moonlight Youth-Preserving Pill' is based on the lunar essence, but the power of the lunar essence is elusive and difficult to condense. What method do you use to extract it?"
Chen Jinshu's expression remained unchanged:
"By chance, I obtained a wisp of pure moon essence, which I cannot reveal to outsiders."
The female cultivator seemed to be deep in thought and did not ask any further questions.
The question-and-answer session lasted for half an hour. Chen Jinshu answered fluently and always hit the nail on the head. The alchemists in the hall gradually went from being skeptical to being convinced, and their gazes toward her became more respectful.
The old man listened attentively throughout, his eyes filled with increasing admiration.
After the conversation came to an end, he slowly began to speak:
"Young friend Chen has a solid foundation in alchemy and unique insights. Given time, he will surely achieve great things."
The art of alchemy in Raging Waves City is in decline. If you, young friend, could visit often, it would be a great fortune for the local alchemists.
After a few modest words, Chen Jinshu, seeing that it was getting late, got up to take his leave.
The old man, Songhe, personally saw him off to the garden gate, and as he was about to leave, he suddenly whispered:
"The Blackwater Marsh is dangerous. If you insist on going there, please remember three things: First, avoid the time when the poisonous miasma is strongest at noon; second, avoid the night when the black snakes appear under the full moon; and third, do not enter within a hundred miles of the Burial Soul Abyss."
He paused, then lowered his voice:
"Thirty years ago, I saw a dark shadow flash by on the outskirts of the Burial Abyss. Its aura was chilling and bone-deep, neither human nor ghost... Young friend, please be careful."
Chen Jinshu's gaze sharpened slightly, and he cupped his hands in greeting:
"I will remember this."
Back in the quiet room of the inn, Chen Jinshu set up a restriction and, with a thought, stepped into the spiritual plant space of the Mysterious Female Treasure Furnace.
The scene inside the space startled her slightly.
The Xuan Yin Spirit Field, which was originally only a few feet square, has now expanded to more than half an acre.
The soil was a deeper color, almost black, with a dark sheen flowing across its surface like living water.
Moreover, faint moon-white light spots were gathering above the spirit field, and wisps of cold, yin energy seeped out from the void and spontaneously disappeared into the soil.
"The effects of the Yin Soul Beads are so remarkable?"
She crouched down and gently touched the soil with her fingers.
A surge of pure Yin energy flowed into my fingertips, making my meridians feel slightly cool, but I felt no discomfort. Instead, I felt my mind was clear.
"A letter!"
Qingheng ran over from beside the bamboo house, her bright blue eyes sparkling:
"Look! The spiritual field is absorbing the moonlight and yin energy on its own! My cultivation here has helped my vital energy recover much faster!"
With a wave of her small hand, a faint blue-green light emanated from her body.
The next moment, centered on her, the spiritual plants within a radius of three zhang moved without wind, their leaves unfurling, their stems growing taller, bursting with vitality.
In particular, the newly planted "Blood Vine" seeds sprouted and grew at a speed visible to the naked eye, with dark red patterns appearing on the vines and faintly surrounded by yin energy.
"Is this... the nascent form of a domain?"
Chen Jinshu sensed the fluctuation and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Qingheng's face flushed slightly, a little embarrassed:
"It can only last for three breaths... and it takes a lot of effort."
She took a breath, the surrounding blue light dissipated, and the spiritual plants returned to normal, but the blood-patterned vines had grown by about an inch.
"It's already very good."
Chen Jinshu gently stroked the top of her head:
"Once your original nature is fully restored, this field will be of great use."
She looked around and saw that each acre of spiritual fields was full of vitality.
Seven Ningyin flowers have bloomed in the Xuan Yin Spirit Field, their buds full and their fragrance rich.
The purple lightning bamboo shoots in the lightning-attribute spirit field have grown taller, crackling with electric light.
The six Blood Vermilion Fruit plants in the white spiritual field are even more lush, with unripe fruits the size of rice grains already growing on their branches.
"At this rate of growth, these spiritual plants can be harvested in two months at most."
Chen Jinshu estimated that if these spiritual herbs were refined into pills and sold in Nutao City, it would bring in a considerable income.
At that time, supplies for the journey to Heishuize will be better prepared.