Chapter 273: A Heartache So Deep It's Hard to Breathe
"Hm?"
Hearing Xuan Yi's words, Xuan Kong Zi's gaze sharpened as he focused on Lu Bu's face, which had been altered using the Thousand Illusions Technique. After a few breaths, realization dawned on his face, and a trace of amusement surfaced.
"You sly boy, you almost had me fooled!"
At first, Xuan Kong Zi had subconsciously assumed this person might be from the Soul Hall. But after thinking it over, that didn't seem likely.
Although this "Xiao Yan" was an imposter, the fact that he was acting against the Soul Hall was undeniable. Even if it were a staged ploy, where would the Soul Hall find a way to have a Void Ancient Dragon help them with such a performance?
Xuan Kong Zi's gaze flicked toward Hei Qing, who was standing beside Lu Bu. He was more inclined to believe this young man had assumed a false identity to avoid the Soul Hall's pursuit.
Hei Qing grinned broadly, his rugged face full of amusement. "This kid... He's in for it this time, huh?"
"Senior, what do you mean by that?" Lu Bu chuckled, showing neither panic nor embarrassment at being exposed.
"Hmph… Just a few days ago, the Wind Venerable from the Falling Star Pavilion rushed to the Northern Region to pick up a young man. That young man's name was also Xiao Yan!" Xuan Yi's gaze narrowed, her tone cold.
"Hm?" A hint of surprise flashed across Lu Bu's face. Xiao Yan had arrived in Central Plains?
Wait, how did the Wind Venerable know about Xiao Yan's identity? And why would he travel such a distance to pick him up?
Lu Bu frowned. Something didn't add up. Could it be… something had happened to Yao Chen?
"Heh…" A playful smirk appeared on Lu Bu's lips as the thought crossed his mind. This situation was becoming quite amusing. Finally, Xiao Yan would have his time in the spotlight!
Still, how had Xuan Yi obtained this information so quickly?
Lu Bu's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but he quickly brushed off the question. He hadn't fully unraveled this mystery, but he decided it wasn't worth pursuing for now.
"Boy, answer me! Who are you?" Xuan Yi demanded coldly. "The Pill Tower doesn't accept people with unknown backgrounds. You'd best be honest."
The Pill Tower had previously suffered greatly due to the Soul Hall's schemes. Xuan Yi couldn't afford to be careless.
"Xuan Yi, calm down. Let's hear what this… young man has to say," Xuan Kong Zi said, still smiling amicably.
He was confident that the boy before him had no ties to the Soul Hall. And even if he did… there wasn't much they could do about it.
The Void Ancient Dragon's mastery of spatial powers was unparalleled. Even Xuan Kong Zi, a peak Dou Zun, couldn't confidently claim he could capture one unscathed.
Noticing Xuan Kong Zi's subtle glance at the Void Ancient Dragon standing beside Lu Bu, Xuan Yi hesitated for a moment before realization dawned. While it was clear this young man wasn't from the Soul Hall, that didn't mean her suspicions could be entirely dismissed.
Behind Xuan Kong Zi, Cao Ying's enchanting face held a faint smile as her fox like eyes carefully observed the so called "Dou Di candidate." She was deeply curious about what secrets lay hidden beneath his unassuming exterior.
Feeling the attention of the three individuals, Lu Bu let out a helpless laugh. These alchemists, so attuned to spiritual power, were indeed hard to fool.
"Pardon me, seniors. The Soul Hall is a powerful enemy, and I had no choice but to use a false name to avoid their pursuit," Lu Bu said with a calm smile. "Since you dislike my pretense, I'll reveal my true face."
As he spoke, he raised his right hand and slowly wiped it across his face. A faint light rippled, and his true appearance emerged.
"Oh…" Behind him, Cao Ying's alluring eyes lit up slightly. This face was much more pleasing to look at!
"I am Lu Bu. Greetings, seniors." Lu Bu nodded politely.
"What is your relationship with Xiao Yan?" Xuan Yi's gaze flickered as she asked, her tone faint but probing.
"Senior, I believe what you truly wish to ask about… is not Xiao Yan," Lu Bu replied with a soft chuckle, his voice carrying a cryptic tone.
"You…" Xuan Yi's expression shifted, and a flash of anger crossed her face. How could he have so casually exposed the secret in her heart?
What did he mean by that?
Cao Ying raised an eyebrow, a trace of doubt flickering through her bright eyes. This man seemed to understand her teacher better than she did.
"Interesting…" Cao Ying chuckled softly. Perhaps it was worth investigating this Lu Bu further.
"Ahem… Let's leave that matter for later. Back to the main topic," Xuan Kong Zi said with a light cough. "Young man, Lu Bu, if you wish to prove you've reached the eight star level, the best way is naturally to refine an eight star pill. Would you agree?"
"Of course," Lu Bu nodded slightly. That was to be expected.
"In that case, you'll have three days to prepare. After three days, we'll observe your alchemy skills," Xuan Kong Zi said with a smile.
"I will await you, seniors," Lu Bu replied politely.
"Then it's settled. Don't worry, your name and identity will not be revealed by the Pill Tower," Xuan Kong Zi reassured him, leaving no room for doubt.
"Thank you, senior." Lu Bu's smile deepened.
With that, Xuan Kong Zi, Xuan Yi, and Cao Ying turned and left the estate.
"Xuan Kong, why didn't you let me get to the bottom of this?" Xuan Yi asked anxiously as they walked away. She had worked tirelessly for years, and now she finally had a lead.
"Why the rush?" Xuan Kong Zi replied with a hint of irritation. "Would it make a difference if he told us now or later? Besides, you and I control the Pill Tower. If he doesn't want to talk, can't you simply go to the Falling Star Pavilion and find out for yourself?"
"Women… Always short sighted. If you anger him, you might push him toward the Soul Hall. What then?"
Xuan Yi froze at his words, her frustration momentarily subsiding. Taking a deep breath, she chose not to argue further.
Cao Ying's bright eyes shimmered with curiosity as she observed her teacher and Xuan Kong Zi. She couldn't make sense of their conversation, but she didn't press the issue. After all, there were other ways to uncover the truth.
A faint smile curved across her lips. This "Xiao Yan" no, Lu Bu was proving to be quite fascinating.
…
Back in the estate, Hei Qing yawned and stretched lazily. "Lu Bu, this alchemist stuff has nothing to do with me. I'm going to sleep don't bother me."
"Oh no, you're coming with me, Hei Qing," Lu Bu said with a grin.
"Where to?" Hei Qing asked, sounding annoyed.
"To the alchemist trade fair. I need to gather some materials…"
"Hm?" Hei Qing's eyes immediately lit up, and his previous irritation vanished. "Treasure hunting? That's my favorite!"
"Let's go! I'm coming with you!" Hei Qing exclaimed, his drowsiness disappearing entirely.
…
The Pill Tower's alchemist trade fairs varied in scale. Smaller fairs took place continuously, while the larger ones were held periodically, boasting grander scales far beyond their smaller counterparts.
The current fair was located at the border between the inner and outer regions of Holy Pill City. The streets were bustling with activity, but despite the large crowds, the area was meticulously organized. Crime such as robbery or murder was unthinkable here no one dared to challenge the authority of the Pill Tower.
Outside a massive, sprawling building, Lu Bu and Hei Qing appeared. Lu Bu casually flicked his fingers, pinning a dark golden seven star badge to his chest.
This badge was a symbol of his status as an alchemist, and without it, entry to the trade fair was impossible.
"Ah… I can smell so many treasures!" Hei Qing's eyes sparkled as he breathed deeply, looking utterly captivated.
The Void Ancient Dragon Clan had a natural sensitivity to heavenly treasures.
Lu Bu rolled his eyes. If adorable Zi Yan made such an expression, it would be endearing. But on Hei Qing… A burly dragon acting like this? It was a little creepy.
"What are you standing around for? Hurry up, let's go inside!" Hei Qing urged.
"Not so fast. Change your appearance," Lu Bu said with a pointed look.
"Lu Bu, what do you mean by that?" Hei Qing was confused.
Lu Bu rolled his eyes again before smirking and tilting his head dramatically, puffing out his chest as he called out arrogantly, "Come, Little Hei, follow your young master inside!"
Hei Qing froze, his face twitching. He resisted the urge to slap Lu Bu before reluctantly following behind him.
At the entrance, the armored guards spotted the badge on Lu Bu's chest, and a trace of respect immediately appeared on their faces. But as their gaze rose to meet his arrogant expression, their faces darkened, and they wished they could jab the spear in their hands straight into his nose.
"What are you looking at? Get out of the way! Make way for this alchemist!" Lu Bu bellowed, striding in as if he owned the place.
The guards' faces were black with anger, silently grateful they hadn't saluted this type of person he didn't deserve it.
Inside the Alchemist Trade Fair, Lu Bu's brazen and domineering voice drew the attention of many. Almost instinctively, the crowd turned to look at him.
"Hmph!" Lu Bu snorted coldly, suddenly unleashing an overwhelming wave of soul force. In an instant, the expressions of everyone at the fair changed. What terrifying soul strength!
This obnoxious young man, though insufferable, was clearly no ordinary wastrel!
"Old man, how much for this Southridge Ghost Hibiscus?" Lu Bu smirked as he walked up to a stall and began picking through items like he was at a vegetable market, making the vendor's face turn dark.
But the vendor dared not show his frustration. The other party's soul power was leagues above his own, and with his arrogance, there was no guarantee this wasn't some family's spoiled young master.
"One scroll of a clearly inscribed Tier 7 mid grade pill formula "
"Enough!" Lu Bu interrupted, slamming his palm on the crystal counter with a loud bang, startling the old man so much that he shivered.
"Do you think you can trick me, huh? Are the petals made of gold? Or is the pistil golden too?"
"This thing is worth exactly one Tier 7 mid grade pill. Take it or leave it!"
"I… I…" The old man broke into a cold sweat, the oppressive force of Lu Bu's soul strength making him tremble. The young man wasn't wrong the asking price was high. But then again, what businessman didn't aim to turn a profit?
Thud!
A jade bottle was slammed onto the crystal counter.
"No response? I'll take that as a yes!" Lu Bu barked, his voice loud enough to draw more attention. "This is a Color Vein Pill!"
With that, Lu Bu snatched up the Southridge Ghost Hibiscus and stored it in his spatial ring before turning toward another stall.
Meanwhile, the old vendor stood there, stunned, before his face lit up with joy. The Color Vein Pill might only be a Tier 7 mid grade pill, but it was a supreme remedy for soul injuries a must have for alchemists.
For any alchemist, whose work constantly risked soul damage, having such a pill in reserve was invaluable. Even though it was classified as mid grade, some were willing to pay prices equivalent to Tier 7 high grade pills just to obtain it.
"So many pill veins…" The vendor opened the jade bottle and gasped with delight. "This… This must've been refined by an eighth tier alchemist!"
Hearing this, the countless alchemists present at the trade fair turned to look at Lu Bu with wide eyes, their expressions now filled with awe. So, this brat wasn't simple at all! He was clearly someone to be reckoned with.
In an unspoken way, Lu Bu's persona as an arrogant but capable young master was solidified.
Lu Bu shrugged nonchalantly, not feeling the slightest bit of remorse. The Color Vein Pill was indeed precious, but it had come from Mu Gu's stash. Being generous with someone else's belongings caused Lu Bu no mental strain whatsoever. He even had the pill recipe, so he could always refine more later.
Grinning, Lu Bu strutted around the fair like he owned the place, scanning the stalls for more materials he needed.
As he continued to spend freely, the stall owners, while inwardly irritated by his brash demeanor, found it hard to dislike someone who spent generously. No one wanted to miss out on a profitable deal, so they grudgingly endured his attitude and traded with him.
"Lu… Ahem, Xiao Yan, there's something unusual over there," Hei Qing said, pointing to a scruffy old man nearby who was lazily scratching his foot. But Hei Qing wasn't pointing at the man he was gesturing toward a tarnished brass fragment sitting on the old man's crystal counter.
"That's definitely interesting…" Lu Bu's eyebrows rose in surprise. Hei Qing had a good eye Lu Bu had been planning to search for that piece later, but Hei Qing had spotted it right away.
A sly grin spread across Lu Bu's face as he led Hei Qing over to the stall.
"Old man, how much for this?" Lu Bu grabbed the brass fragment, turning it over in his hand. The piece, covered in verdigris, was engraved with intricate patterns not runes or formations, but more like reliefs or murals. In essence, it looked useless.
"Heh heh…" The scruffy old man's eyes lit up as he saw someone take interest in the fragment. Rubbing his hands together, he grinned slyly. "One scroll of a Tier 7 high grade pill recipe. Friend, this is an ancient artifact definitely worth every coin!"
"Damn, that Old Yan sure is greedy…"
"Selling a useless piece of junk for that price?"
"Shut up! Can't you see the old man's doing business here?" The scruffy old man roared at the hecklers before turning back to Lu Bu, grinning shamelessly. "Friend, I promise this fragment is worth it!"
"I've been selling here for decades and never scammed anyone!"
"Pfft…"
"How can you say that with a straight face? I'm embarrassed for you!"
The crowd's jeers didn't bother the old man at all. He kept smiling slyly at Lu Bu as if staring at a fat sheep ready for slaughter.
"Alright, I'll take it!" Lu Bu grinned and casually tossed a scroll onto the counter. Simultaneously, the tarnished brass fragment flew into his hand.
"Ha ha! Good lad, you've got a keen eye!" The old man's eyes sparkled as he unfurled the scroll, laughing heartily when he saw it was a recipe for a Lesser Boosting Pill.
The onlookers shook their heads in pity. Poor kid he'd been scammed by Old Yan.
"Ha ha! Kid, take this home and study it well. This ancient artifact is definitely extraordinary!" The scruffy old man chuckled, his face practically glowing with glee as he caressed the scroll.
"No need. I already know," Lu Bu said with a mischievous smirk.
Before the old man could respond, Lu Bu raised two fingers and conjured a sharp thread of Dou Qi, using it to scrape away the verdigris on the brass fragment.
Seeing Lu Bu's actions, the old man froze, a bad feeling creeping into his heart.
The moment Lu Bu finished scraping, he flicked the fragment away and carefully gathered the verdigris into a small, round ball.
The old man's face paled. "Wait… What are you doing?"
Lu Bu ignored him. A flame ignited in his palm the Green Lotus Core Flame and he began to refine the verdigris.
Moments later, the ball of verdigris melted, leaving behind fine yellow powder that collected in Lu Bu's hand.
"This… This is Spirit Nurturing Dust?!" The old man's eyes bulged as he shrieked in a high pitched voice, unable to contain his shock. His face turned red, and his breathing quickened.
Spirit Nurturing Dust was a rare substance that could help someone break through to the eighth tier in alchemy.
"Ha ha… Old man, your business is indeed worth every coin!" Lu Bu laughed heartily, closing his hand and storing the precious dust in his spatial ring.
Pfft!
Hearing this, the old man's face turned ashen. Clutching his chest, he staggered back a few steps, his expression one of utter heartbreak like he'd been stabbed a thousand times.
"Ha ha ha! Old Yan, looks like you're the fool this time!"
"Hey, that's just business! You can't call it foolish!"
Laughter filled the trade fair as the crowd roared with amusement, while the scruffy old man stood frozen, utterly devastated.
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