Mortals: Take Mo Juren at the start

"This is quite a large scale. There are more than 10,000 cultivators in this temporary market alone. If we add the others, the total number is close to 40,000 to 50,000."

"The number of people is indeed quite large, and almost all of them are cultivators. Moreover, this is far from the peak period. When the alchemy competition truly begins, the total number of people is estimated to double."

Of course, although there were many cultivators present, they were mainly below the Nascent Soul stage, with those reaching the Deity Transformation stage or above being a minority.

On the wide street, Mo Juren and Xiao Yunhuang walked side by side, talking to each other, while Wu Chang and the others followed quietly behind.

Before long, they arrived at an inn, where, under Mo Juren's orders, everyone settled down.

The procurement for Tianhua Tower was naturally handled entirely by Wu Chang, who led the team. Mo Juren didn't need to worry about it; he only needed to complete his own tasks.

"Judging by the time, it will still be almost a year before the alchemy competition truly begins. Before then, Brother Mo, do you have any plans? Or are you just going to wait here?" Inside a room, the two sat facing each other, and Xiao Yunhuang suddenly asked meaningfully.

“My purpose in coming here is to obtain the Primordial Essence Pill. The time required to refine the pill is uncertain. The higher the grade of the pill, the longer it will take. It can take anywhere from a few days to several years. I suppose that Sect Master Xue wouldn’t wait a year to start refining it. He should have prepared in advance, right?” Mo Juren paused, then asked the other party in return.

“As Brother Mo said, it’s definitely necessary to start preparations in advance. Based on past experience, the refining of the Primordial Essence Pill usually takes about three to six months, so there’s still more than half a year of leeway before then.” Xiao Yunhuang nodded slightly. Upon hearing this, Mo Juren’s eyes suddenly flashed, and he said with a half-smile, “…”
"You've emphasized your free time twice, you must have some thoughts on that, right?"

"No...no..." Having her thoughts exposed, Xiao Yunhuang became somewhat embarrassed, stammering as she spoke. Seeing this, Mo Juren couldn't help but chuckle.

"We're not strangers, so just say what you're thinking. Why be so coy? This isn't like Miss Xiao at all. Remember when we first met? She was ready to kill someone at the slightest disagreement..."

"You...you stop talking!" Xiao Yunhuang blushed instantly when the matter was brought up again, and cursed inwardly, "This guy is too hateful. He was clearly teasing me on purpose."

"If you dare to 'talk nonsense' again, I will definitely not forgive you." Xiao Yunhuang's eyebrows were raised, looking very angry, which made Mo Juren secretly chuckle. He then nodded very solemnly.

"That's more like it. Miss Xiao is so capable and spirited, a true heroine who doesn't yield to men. She always speaks her mind. Now, tell me, what suggestions do you have?"

"You're doing this on purpose! I'll be driven crazy by you sooner or later!" Xiao Yunhuang snorted coldly. As their relationship deepened, she naturally developed some subtle thoughts, so she rarely showed her true nature anymore. Instead, she always tried to emulate Seventh Sister, becoming more and more gentle and virtuous. But today, she completely broke down and could no longer pretend.

After a pause, she finally said, her voice still puffed out in anger.
"Starting from the Wanling Mountains, flying north for about 100,000 miles will lead you into the boundless sea, where a 'Fairy Spirit Island' is located somewhere near the coast."

As its name suggests, this island is a famous fairyland in the area, with breathtaking scenery. Cultivators who come to Fengcheng will visit it whenever they have free time.

I was thinking that since we have plenty of time, we might as well go and make a trip, but for now, let's not.

"Immortal Spirit Island? There's such a wonderful place? Why not go?" Mo Juren looked slightly surprised, but Xiao Yunhuang snorted coldly again.
"I suddenly don't feel like going."

“Uh…” Mo Juren’s expression froze for a moment, and he instantly understood what was going on. Indeed, after what had just happened, the slightly romantic atmosphere between the two of them had been completely destroyed, so it was no wonder that the other party was in a bad mood.

Since things had come to this point, he couldn't say anything more, so he had to forcefully change the subject and get down to business:

"Master Xue must have already begun preparations. In that case, why don't we set off for the Medicine God Sect right now and deliver the 'Mysterious Spirit Jade Marrow' there?"

"I don't need the 'Primordial Essence Pill,' so why should I go with you, you wretched guy?" Xiao Yunhuang muttered to herself, but outwardly she didn't refuse and nodded.

Seeing this, Mo Juren secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that he agreed, which meant that his slight displeasure from before had been temporarily put aside.

Having reached an agreement, the two did not delay and immediately flew out of the inn, heading straight for the due north direction at high speed.

In just a short while, they flew over the Medicine God Sect. Looking ahead, what came into view was a huge barrier of light formed by an unknown array.

Meanwhile, somewhere within the light barrier, an extremely wide passage had already been opened, with countless cultivators flying in and out.

Clearly, with the alchemy competition about to begin, the Medicine God Sect has shut down many functions of its protective array, and even the passageways remain open.

Of course, this does not mean that any outsider can come and go as they please. Several figures were standing at the entrance of the passage, and any cultivator who wanted to enter the Medicine God Sect had to state their purpose.

Mo Juren and his companion flew over and explained their purpose. The cultivators from the Medicine God Sect immediately understood and their attitude became warmer.

“In that case, please follow me, seniors.” One of the white-haired men, who was at the Core Formation stage, spoke up and then led the two men into the passage.

Compared to most other sects, the Medicine God Sect is not particularly special. The various buildings built on the peaks of the mountains are similar in style to those of other sects.

The only special thing about this place is the incredibly rich and mixed aroma of medicinal herbs that permeates the air.

Soon after, the three flew to the top of the largest mountain in the central area. The first thing they saw was a large cluster of palaces, and in front of the palaces was a huge plaza.

"This is the sect's main council hall. Matters concerning the Primordial Essence Pill are handled personally by the sect leader. In addition, two seniors arrived earlier and are currently negotiating with the sect leader..."

"You arrived first?"

Upon hearing the white-haired man's reminder, Mo Juren's heart stirred, and he subconsciously turned to exchange a glance with Xiao Yunhuang, both of them having some kind of guess.

He quickly flew to the front of the main hall, apologized, and then went inside to announce his arrival. When he came out again, a smile had appeared on his face.

"The sect leader has agreed. You two seniors may go in directly." The white-haired man cupped his hands in greeting, but did not follow along. Instead, he bid farewell and turned to leave.

Seeing this, Mo Juren did not hesitate and immediately walked towards the palace gate with Xiao Yunhuang.

Upon entering the main hall, several figures immediately came into view.

Seated in the main seat was an old man in a black robe, presumably the sect leader of the Medicine God Sect. His cultivation was only at the Core Formation stage, clearly indicating that he was only responsible for managing the sect's trivial affairs.

On either side below him sat two other, all-too-familiar figures.

Just as Mo Juren had guessed, the person on the left was Ye Ying, the young master of the Ye family, while the person on the right was Long Dong of the Long family, the young man with the blood mole.

These two are quite destined to meet again, but judging from their expressions, their relationship is not very good.

The arrival of Mo Juren and Xiao Yunhuang naturally attracted the attention of the three people present, especially Ye Ying, who smiled again and nodded to the latter. According to Xiao Yunhuang, although the two women had never interacted before, they clearly knew each other and were aware of each other's identities.

Long Dong, however, was clearly different. As the young master of the Long family, he looked at Xiao Yunhuang with a mixture of unfamiliarity and curiosity. But when he noticed the interaction between the two women, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

The sect leader of the Medicine God Sect, who was seated at the head of the table, stood up and bowed respectfully, saying, "I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly, but I hope you will forgive me."

"We two have come here without permission, so how can you blame us? Fellow Daoist, please do not have any wild thoughts."

"Senior, you have a magnanimous heart; it is I who am petty and narrow-minded," the old man shook his head slightly, and continued.
"Please take a seat, both of you. Let's discuss any issues you may have."

"I apologize for disturbing you." Mo Juren cupped his hands in greeting. At this moment, Xiao Yunhuang took the initiative to walk to the left and greeted Ye Ying when she reached her.
"Sister Ye, it's been a long time..."

"It really is you, Sister Yunhuang! I couldn't quite believe it when we were at Juxing Pavilion." Ye Ying immediately stood up, then stepped forward and took the former's hand in surprise.

"I was very surprised at the time, and even a little hesitant to go up and recognize you. I never expected to see you again today." Xiao Yunhuang smiled and said very kindly.

"Speaking of which, the last time we met was over a hundred years ago. I remember you were still at the peak of the late Nascent Soul stage. I never imagined that in just over a hundred years, you would have already broken through to the mid-Deity Transformation stage. This speed is simply unbelievable, which shows just how outstanding your talent is, sister..."

"It was just a bit of luck; I'm nowhere near as good as Sister Ye..."

"..."

The two women linked arms and chatted intimately, before sitting down close together.

If one didn't know the inside story, seeing this scene, one would really think that the two women had a very deep relationship.

However, Mo Juren knew very well that the two women had only met once before, but had no interaction whatsoever, and could not even be considered friends.

His enthusiasm at this moment can only be described as superb acting skills, something even he himself would be ashamed of.

He didn't approach them, but instead found another spot to sit down, and a maidservant immediately brought him some spiritual tea.

Mo Juren's face immediately lit up with anticipation. When he came in, he had smelled a faint aroma of tea, mixed with a faint medicinal fragrance, which was quite peculiar.

This naturally held immense appeal for him, who was obsessed with the art of tea.

As the maid poured out the spiritual tea, the aroma of tea and medicine became even stronger, refreshing and invigorating. After taking a sip, one felt instantly relaxed and happy.

"Excellent tea..." Mo Juren couldn't help but exclaim in praise, and upon hearing this, the old man in the black robe seated at the head of the table immediately smiled and said...
"This is a unique 'medicinal tea' of our Medicine God Sect. Not only does it have a special taste, but it also has a great effect on cultivation. Even a Nascent Soul stage expert like you can still benefit from it."

"Your sect's expertise in alchemy is indeed remarkable. You are able to combine medicinal herbs and spiritual tea to create a special medicinal tea. This is truly extraordinary."

"These minor techniques are ultimately just for satisfying one's appetite and cannot compare to elixirs. Senior, you flatter me."

After a round of mutual flattery, the old man in the black robe didn't waste any time and immediately got down to business:

"All of you seniors have come here for the 'Primordial Essence Pill'. I won't go into the rules, as you all know them. In that case, please take out what you have prepared."

Upon hearing this, Long Dong immediately flipped his hand, revealing a jade bottle about half a foot tall. He then used his magic to send it directly to the old man.

"The bottle contains 'Mysterious Jade Marrow,' a whole bottle. With such a large quantity, I wonder how many Qi Refining Pills it could be exchanged for?"

"Senior is joking. The sect leader uses the sect's most treasured 'Heavenly Sun Divine Furnace' every time he refines pills. Each time the furnace is opened, at least a hundred pills are refined."

For a scale like this, the amount of materials required is already considerable, and the bottle of Xuanling Jade Marrow provided by the senior can only be used to open the furnace once at most.

Therefore, according to the rules set by the sect leader, one can only receive one-tenth of the quantity from one batch of pills.

"Only one-tenth? Your sect is really greedy. Don't think I don't know what's going on. The amount of Xuanling Jade Marrow I brought this time is enough to refine two batches of pills, so I want two-tenths." Long Dong snorted coldly, his dissatisfaction evident in his words.

"It's impossible for it to be 20%. Perhaps, as you said, these Xuanling Jade Marrow can be used to refine two batches of pills, but since the sect leader of this sect is personally refining them, he will still have to charge a certain fee, right?"
"Besides, that's only one aspect. The number of Primordial Essence Pills that can be refined depends on more than just the Profound Spirit Jade Marrow. If the other materials are insufficient, it's meaningless no matter how much Profound Spirit Jade Marrow you bring," the old man immediately retorted.

These words caused Longdong to frown slightly. After thinking for a moment, he said again:

"What you say makes sense, and charging a fee is normal, which I don't mind. But charging 10% of the Qi Refining Pill is a bit inappropriate, isn't it?"

"Please forgive me, senior. This is a rule that our sect leader has already set. Moreover, this matter is between our two parties and is not something that can be forced. If you do not agree, that is fine. We can just say that we are not destined to meet and can cooperate again in the future."

"Heh..." Long Dong sneered. He knew in his heart that the other party was obviously looking for a bargaining chip, and their attitude was so tough that there was no room for negotiation.

This pill is not only related to his own cultivation, but other clansmen can also use it. He is determined to obtain it, and he will not give it up even if he suffers some losses.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh, and then replied with a helpless expression:

"Alright, one-tenth of the price will do. I agree."

"In that case, the deal is done. The sect leader will start refining the pills in six months. If all goes well, it will take three to six months to complete. Don't forget to come and collect them then."

"I can't forget it!" Long Dong chuckled, then stood up abruptly.

"Now that this matter is settled, I have other important business to attend to, so I will not disturb you any longer. Farewell."

Without waiting for a response, he transformed into a streak of light and flew out of the main hall.

At this moment, the old man quickly withdrew his gaze, then turned to look at where Mo Juren was, and asked with a smile:
"May I ask what kind of material this senior has brought?" (End of Chapter)