Raise a sword!

The exchange rate for mid-grade spirit stones to low-grade spirit stones is 1:100.

In other words, besides the talismans, pills, and refining materials, Jiang Peng also gained more than 2300 spirit stones this time.

Add to what you already had.

Jiang Peng now possesses over 2500 spirit stones.

"We've escaped poverty." Jiang Peng's face lit up with joy.

After more than a year of struggling in the market, although the resources were barely enough and he was even able to save some money, this was all based on the fact that Jiang Peng did not spend much money.

Even though she was only at the early stage of Qi Refining, Jiang Peng had many things she longed for but couldn't achieve due to financial constraints.

First, regarding the cultivation method, that matter has already been settled.

"Next, I need to find a few Qi Refining stage spells to broaden my horizons and increase my methods, and also to conceal my true trump cards."

The spells obtained from Dan the Demon were all too conspicuous.

Just like how the moment he used the Sword Control Technique and Cloud Step, the guy called Senior Brother Li immediately recognized his origin.

In addition to the spells for the Qi Refining stage, Jiang Peng also plans to purchase a mid-grade first-tier pill formula.

Alchemists' skills are indeed valuable, but they can only refine low-grade pills, which is barely enough to make a living.

The craftsmanship isn't reflected in the price, and the added value isn't high!

Only by refining higher-grade pills can one earn more resources.

If Jiang Peng could refine second-tier pills, he would even have people eager to deliver materials to his door simply by staying at home.

"Spells, pill formulas... these two items alone will probably cost over a thousand spirit stones," Jiang Peng pondered to himself.

Jiang Peng had some extra money for the time being, but after thinking it over, she decided to continue to lie low for a while longer.

It remains to be seen how the Cangshan Sect will react to the killing of its three disciples.

It's best to keep a low profile for now.

"I'll switch cultivation techniques and try to break through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining first," Jiang Peng thought to himself.

...

Seven days flew by.

In the cultivation room, Jiang Peng was awakened by the vibration of the doorplate.

This is because he had already finished his cultivation and was just meditating; otherwise, he would have shut out the movement of the doorplate long ago.

In seven days, Jiang Peng had completed the transformation of the "Golden Flame Technique".

Although she has not yet broken through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining, simply switching cultivation techniques has increased Jiang Peng's spiritual power by at least 30% compared to before.

Moreover, it's not just about increasing the total amount of spiritual energy.

Now, Jiang Peng's spiritual power naturally contains a trace of fire, making it much easier for him to use fire control techniques to refine pills.

I left the meditation room and went to the front yard.

When the door opened, Lan Yingying was standing outside.

The two locked eyes, Lan Yingying's gaze carrying a hint of aggression, as if she wanted to see right through Jiang Peng.

"Why does Miss Lan look like that? What happened?" Jiang Peng asked calmly.

At the same time, Jiang Peng felt Lan Yingying's divine sense probing him without any attempt at concealment.

It wasn't just Lan Yingying; another divine sense was also secretly probing her background.

Fortunately, this search ended soon.

"Early stage of Qi Refining cultivation, alchemist, member of the Mutual Aid Association," Lan Yingying said softly.

She didn't try to hide her voice, but she clearly made it clear that she wasn't speaking to Jiang Peng.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Peng raised an eyebrow slightly.

Although Lan Yingying's background is unclear, her ability to gather information is not to be underestimated.

Jiang Peng had never intentionally publicized the mutual aid society, but she never expected that the other party would find out about it.

Soon, Lan Yingying breathed a sigh of relief and then pointed towards the door behind Jiang Peng.

Jiang Peng understood and made way for Lan Yingying, leading her into the front yard.

In the side room of the front yard, Jiang Peng served Lan Yingying a cup of hot tea.

"Brother Jiang, please don't be offended. There were people from Cangshan Pavilion secretly investigating just now," Lan Yingying said, holding up her teacup.

"Investigate me? What is there to investigate about a mere early-stage Qi Refining cultivator who never leaves his home?" Jiang Peng feigned ignorance.

Seeing this, Lan Yingying looked helpless.

"That's what I told them too, but this matter is quite serious, so none of the disciples who came to handle it were willing to listen to reason."

Lan Yingying noticed that Jiang Peng seemed genuinely puzzled, and that he still had the aura of pill fire on his body, indicating that he had just finished refining pills. So she explained, "What a coincidence! On the very day I took Brother Jiang to the Ghost Market, three disciples of the Cangshan Sect were killed near the Ghost Market."

Jiang Peng's expression was one of perfect surprise.

In his past life, he was an extra; in this life, he struggles and struggles at the bottom of the cultivation world.

His acting skills have become increasingly natural.

Lan Yingying briefly explained the cause and effect, and finally said, "It is almost certain that the one who took action was a sword cultivator from the Jade Pavilion Sword Cultivator. The market is still investigating the mole within the organization."

As she said this, Lan Yingying's peach blossom eyes flickered slightly.

Her voice was lowered slightly.

"Although only three insignificant disciples died, Cangshan Pavilion clearly does not intend to let this go."

Jiang Peng was taken aback.

This moment of surprise was completely devoid of any acting skill.

"What do you mean by 'not intending to let this go'? Does the Upper Sect intend to start a war with the Jade Pavilion Sword Pavilion?"

Lan Yingying replied, "A full-scale war is unlikely, but the two sects have always been at odds, so sporadic raids are inevitable... Cangshan Market will also be within their target range."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Peng felt it was utterly absurd.

What merit or ability did a mere Qi Refining cultivator possess to cause the deterioration of relations between two major Golden Core sects?

"Even the market is no longer safe?" Jiang Peng asked worriedly.

"The Sword Pavilion may only be able to raid the market, but Brother Jiang, there is no need to worry too much. Even if sword cultivators come, they will not cause trouble for ordinary rogue cultivators."

That's what they say, but Jiang Peng still had to be wary of the possibility that a fire at the city gate could spread to the fish in the moat.

After discussing the situation for a while, Lan Yingying suddenly looked hesitant.

Jiang Peng could tell at a glance that this hesitant look was too contrived and was obviously just something she was putting on for him.

So Jiang Peng pretended not to know, and even stared at Lan Yingying with wide eyes, neither of them saying a word.

A dozen or so breaths passed, and the atmosphere became extremely awkward.

Finally, Lan Yingying gave a bitter smile and glared at Jiang Peng resentfully.

"Brother Jiang, you have no sense of romance whatsoever!"

"Just say what you have to say. Why put on airs with me?" Jiang Peng said calmly as he sipped his tea.

Lan Yingying shook her head, both amused and exasperated.

"She really is a blockhead! Brother Jiang, we've known each other for over a year, what do you think of my sister's character?"

Jiang Peng was twenty-three years old when she transmigrated, and she is only twenty-five this year.

The woman in front of her, Lan Yingying, was at least in her thirties, but because she started cultivating early, she looked only seventeen or eighteen years old.

A mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator called herself "Little Sister"...

"Fellow Daoist, please speak frankly," Jiang Peng said, no longer wanting to beat around the bush.

Lan Yingying stood up and gave a slight bow.

"This younger sister wishes to purchase your elixirs, fellow Daoist."

"Haven't you been buying them all along?"

Lan Yingying explained, "It refers to all kinds of pills."