Mortal: The Path to Immortality

During this period, Lu Nanzhu used the "new generation of spirit moss" he deduced to accelerate the growth of several batches of high-quality herbs. Although this thing was not as convenient as Han Li's little green bottle, the speed at which it could produce one or two hundred years' worth of medicinal properties in a few weeks was enough to support his "drug-based cultivation" plan.

The previously slow-progressing "Eternal Spring Skill" finally broke through to the ninth level of Qi Refining with the accumulation of a large number of pills.

"Ninth level of Qi Refining. In this market where most cultivators only have the third or fourth level of Qi Refining, I have a bit of confidence to protect myself."

Over the past few months, he changed his appearance and sold pills and talismans in batches at different stalls, being extremely cautious with each transaction. Under this extremely restrained management, he had accumulated a small pile of low-grade spirit stones in his storage bag. More importantly, through various scattered transactions and casual conversations, he finally figured out the details of the Zhong family's bounty.

One day, Lu Nanzhu arrived at the center of the market. There stood a magnificent pavilion built entirely of obsidian and purple-gold wood—the Hundred Beasts Pavilion. This was the Zhong family's storefront in Qingya Immortal Market, and also the place where the bounty was posted.

He stood in front of the crimson gold bounty from the Hundred Beasts Pavilion and carefully checked the bounty details.

He then entered the pavilion and went straight to the second floor.

"Stop! Please stop here. If you want to buy medicine, go to the lobby on the first floor. We don't serve unauthorized personnel here." A shop assistant in charge blocked the way.

Without a word, Lu Nanzhu took out a wooden box with a faint fragrance from his pocket and opened it briefly. In an instant, a fresh scent of herbs and trees wafted out.

"What... what is this?"

"I'm offering medicine. Medicine to save the life of the third young master of the Zhong family." Lu Nanzhu's voice was hoarse, tinged with caution. "Please have the person in charge come out."

A moment later, at the Hundred Beasts Pavilion.

The head steward of the Zhong family stared coldly at the wooden box on the table, then glanced at the somewhat down-on-his-luck rogue cultivator in front of him. He didn't rush to look at the medicine, but instead first exerted a Foundation Establishment stage spiritual pressure.

Lu Nanzhu then appeared trembling, his face pale, and even his breathing became rapid.

"Where did you get this medicine?" The Zhong family steward withdrew his divine sense, confirmed the cultivation level of the person opposite him, and asked calmly.

"Your Excellency... I found it on a piece of wood struck by lightning." Lu Nanzhu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his eyes darting around, his tone slow. "That place is extremely eerie. I lost several companions trying to pick this herb, and I only managed to escape by using all my strength. If Your Excellency wants to send someone there, you should make more preparations, as it will be difficult to escape once trapped."

The steward of the Zhong family remained silent, reached out and removed the talisman from the wooden box, opening it.

When he saw the green Ganoderma lucidum, with its canopy edge wrapped in wisps of purple veins, his pupils suddenly contracted, and his hand, which was reaching for the herb, froze.

"Judging by my observation, this medicine shouldn't be more than three hundred years old, right?" Steward Zhong looked up, a murderous glint in his eyes, and tossed the wooden box onto the table. "You dare to mock the Zhong family? The bounty notice clearly states three hundred years! If you don't explain yourself clearly today, don't even think about leaving this Hundred Beasts Pavilion!"

"Wait, sir!" Lu Nanzhu picked up the wooden box from the table, already clutching a fireball talisman in his palm, feigning a desperate struggle. "A three-hundred-year-old ordinary Qingzhi grass is indeed potent. But this Qingzhi grass is extremely difficult to grow, as you should know, sir. Moreover, those that are several hundred years old, unless one is blessed by heaven, ordinary cultivators will never encounter them even if they spend their entire lives."

He pointed to the purple stripes on the blade of grass, his voice trembling as he said:

"Although this herb is less than three hundred years old, it is indeed an extremely rare century-old Qingzhi herb. Moreover, it is a 'variant' that survived on lightning-struck wood, and it has a natural affinity for lightning power, which is of great use to cultivators who practice lightning-attribute techniques! The efficacy of this herb is definitely no less than that of a three-hundred-year-old Qingzhi herb! You are a smart person. Whether you choose to stubbornly cling to the medicinal power of those few decades or choose a herb that can save your life, you should know the answer in your heart."

Butler Zhong fell silent, staring intently at the flowing purple lines on the medicinal plant.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he understood the value of compatible "exotic" medicinal plants better than this down-on-his-luck rogue cultivator. The lightning power within a cultivator with a lightning spiritual root was the most violent; ordinary plant spiritual power entering the body often dissipated before it could take effect. But this "exotic" Qingzhi grass had compatible attributes, and perhaps it could truly have the miraculous effect that this rogue cultivator claimed.

A moment later, the murderous intent in his eyes gradually faded, and he grinned.

"Two hundred years of refinement, yet you dare claim it's equivalent to three hundred years of medicinal potency. You rogue cultivator, you've got some guts, and you've certainly got some knowledge." Butler Zhong sneered, but instead of reaching for the wooden box, he crossed his arms and leaned forward slightly, putting invisible psychological pressure on Lu Nanzhu. "But you must know, the Third Young Master's life is extremely precious. If anything goes wrong when this medicine is delivered, forget about the fireball talisman in your hand; even if you have the greatest supernatural powers, you won't escape the fate of having your soul and body annihilated."

Half of the cold sweat on Lu Nanzhu's back was genuine. He pretended to take a half-step back, intimidated by the oppressive aura, but his tone became increasingly urgent:

"My lord! Since I dared to take this bounty, I have risked my life! If you do not believe me, you may ask the herbalist in our clan who is an expert in herbs to examine me. I only ask... I only ask to be given a new life."

Upon hearing this, Steward Zhong smiled with a hint of contempt. In his view, this kind of rogue cultivator, who had lost his companion and was terrified while gathering herbs, and who only wanted to find a powerful patron to shelter under, was the easiest to deal with.

"Want a proper background? Heh, entering the Zhong family of Spirit Beast Mountain isn't something you can just do with a stale medicinal plant." Butler Zhong tapped the table lightly with his finger, producing a dull thud. "The medicine, the Zhong family accepts it. If it's truly effective, you'll receive the full reward of spirit stones. As for your desired 'background'..."

He paused deliberately, staring at Lu Nanzhu with a cold gaze.

"Perfect timing. You have some knowledge of medicinal plants, and the sect's herb garden would be quite suitable for you. Although it's in a remote location and you rarely see anyone there, it's a good place for someone like you who has survived a calamity to find peace and quiet. Would you be willing?"

Lu Nanzhu was overjoyed, but his face showed some struggle and hesitation. Finally, as if resigned to his fate, he sighed deeply and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for your kindness, sir! As long as there is a safe place, I... I will obey."

A smug sneer flashed in Butler Zhong's eyes.

Throwing this rogue cultivator who knows a little about pharmacology into the back mountain of the sect allows us to utilize his pharmacological skills; it's a worthwhile deal.

"For the next few days, you will wait in the side hall of the Hundred Beasts Pavilion. Once the Third Young Master's medicine takes effect, someone will take you up the mountain."

Butler Zhong waved his hand, signaling Lu Nanzhu to step down.

Lu Nanzhu humbly placed the wooden box on the table and meekly withdrew from the elegant attic room.