Above the mage

Chapter 319 Innate Drug-Taking Body

What a classic concept!

Standing amidst the bustling crowd at the White Fish Potion Shop, listening to the pharmacist's serious and eloquent speech, Gao De found himself inappropriately struck by this thought.

Isn't this exactly the same as the poison pills in those cultivation novels from my past life?

He muttered to himself, a slight smile unconsciously creeping onto his lips.

But what makes a classic a classic is that it truly contains irrefutable underlying principles.

Potions are made from all sorts of extraordinary materials and magical plants.

These materials themselves contain trace amounts of impurities and toxins. Although they are mixed, these impurities and toxins cannot be completely eliminated, and a small amount will remain.

These residual impurities and toxins will accumulate in the drinker's body after consumption.

This is similar to eating meals on a daily basis. Even if you eat vegetables that are touted as green, natural, and incredibly healthy, there will still be trace amounts of harmful toxins and substances, such as oxalic acid.

However, as long as the amount is not excessive, the body's metabolic system will metabolize and process these trace substances that are harmful to the body, without causing any problems.

However, if the intake is greatly exceeded, far exceeding the body's metabolic capacity, these originally insignificant trace substances will gradually accumulate in the body, like a snowball, eventually causing incalculable harm.

Potions all follow the same principle.

Although it is a "tonic" that can help with cultivation, quickly improve strength, and has many other benefits, if it is taken in excess without restraint, it will inevitably cause the drug toxins to accumulate in the body over time.

"If too much drug poison accumulates, it will affect your absorption, conversion, and operation of magic."

Over here, the pharmacist was still explaining the dangers of drug poisoning, his face brooking no argument: "The flow of magic power in your bodies is like a rushing river. If there is too much drug poisoning, the river will be blocked everywhere, and the efficiency of cultivation will inevitably be greatly reduced, even causing your cultivation to stagnate or regress, causing you to fail to break through the threshold that you could have easily reached due to the influence of drug poisoning."

He said earnestly, "Furthermore, if the drug's toxicity accumulates to a certain level, it can directly cause physical discomfort. So, another reason for limiting purchases is for everyone's benefit, in case you drink the potion without restraint and ruin your future."

No one present was a fool; they all knew that this was the logic. But the merchant certainly didn't think that way. However, there was no need to undermine them or make themselves uncomfortable for no reason.

So everyone cooperated and praised the White Fish Potions Shop, making the atmosphere lively and bustling.

The pharmacist, having received satisfactory feedback, took out a set of finely packaged alfalfa pulp from the cabinet and handed it to the mage who was first in line.

The monk had been eagerly waiting nearby. Upon seeing this, he quickly and obediently handed over fifty gold coin coins, then left the pharmacy with his alfalfa juice, filled with barely suppressed joy.

Immediately afterwards, the next person took over.

The entire transaction process was smooth and extremely fast.

Gaode only waited for less than three minutes before it was his turn.

It's the same principle of cash on delivery.

But as soon as he took a few steps with the alfalfa pulp in his arms, before he had even completely left the pharmacy, the pharmacist shouted at the top of his lungs:

"I'm sorry everyone, we're out of alfalfa pulp for today. If you need more, please come back on the 17th of this month."

As soon as the pharmacist finished speaking, those who hadn't yet been called in the queue erupted in an uproar.

"What's going on? I've been here since early morning, waiting for so long, and now they're telling me they're sold out!"

"That's right, that's right. If you still have stock, just bring it out. Why wait until next month?" A middle-aged-looking monk next to him chimed in.

The crowd began to complain, and the entire pharmacy was instantly filled with noise and dissatisfaction, trying to get the pharmacist to put another batch of alfalfa pulp on the shelves.

The pharmacist remained completely unmoved and let them make a scene.

Seeing this, everyone realized that making a fuss was useless, and they gradually stopped.

Gao De didn't linger any longer and quickly left the White Fish Potions Shop with the alfalfa pulp he had just received.

The magic material shop in the mean alley.

This is one of the two magic supply stores recommended to Gaode by the young guide, and the owners behind them are both mages from the Sea Sentinels.

Gao De was prepared to sell all the last of the extraordinary materials he had brought from the North.

Since it was his first astral journey, he didn't bring out too many extraordinary materials from the North, as this would affect the operation and there was no guarantee that he would have a chance to use them.

Meanwhile, in Holder Town, Gao De had already sold off most of the extraordinary materials he had brought.

Unfortunately, when it came time to sell, the purchase price was halved. In addition, he had purchased eight sets of magical materials needed for spell potions and contributed 220 gold coin "guarantee fees" to Knight Gerard. This time, he spent another 50 gold coin to acquire this set of alfalfa pulp.

After several rounds of trouble, his savings were quickly depleted.

It's truly bottomless, not an exaggeration.

Gaode is now so poor that he only has 2 silver dragon coins and 20 copper coins left in his pocket.

This amount of money wasn't even enough for him to extend his stay until the second round of the Sea Sentinel exam.

If I don't hurry up and make some money, I'm afraid I'll be sleeping on the streets soon.

As the young guide explained, the alleyway magic supplies store is not very large, and its location is just like its name suggests, situated in a narrow alleyway away from the main street.

This is a two-story brick and stone building, with a few clumps of moss peeking out from the gaps in the dark gray bricks.

The walls at the bottom have been eroded by the sea winds over the years, resulting in a thin layer of salt frost.

The door was made of heavy solid wood and painted a deep navy blue, but now much of the paint had peeled off, exposing the worn wood grain underneath.

An oval-shaped bronze plaque hangs on the door, engraved with the name of the Magic Materials Shop. The lettering has become somewhat blurred and difficult to decipher due to long-term rubbing and oxidation.

The brass door handles gleamed with the oily sheen of years of handling.

Gaode stepped inside.

"Hello, guest, what can I do for you?" As soon as you entered, a middle-aged man stood up from behind the counter. He was wearing a plain-colored robe and had a perfectly appropriate smile on his face as he greeted you.

"I want to sell some extraordinary materials," Gao De said bluntly, glancing at the shop at the same time.

Although it looks a bit dilapidated from the outside, the interior space is quite large and clean. The wooden shelves are neatly arranged, various magical materials are placed in an orderly manner, and bottles and jars shimmer with strange light, exuding a faint medicinal fragrance and magical fluctuations.

"No problem," the middle-aged man asked, "Would you like to make the transaction in a private room?"

He pointed to a small door on the side of the shop, which was half-closed.

One could glimpse that the interior was furnished to be more private, with thick curtains blocking outside prying eyes, and soft sofas and soundproofing magic runes, all to ensure that the transaction could be carried out quietly.

Everyone understands the principle of not flaunting wealth, so many people prefer to sell their magical materials in a private space to avoid being noticed and coveted by those with ulterior motives.

Given this demand, the magic material store will naturally provide corresponding services, with dedicated trading rooms.

"Let's trade here, no need to waste time." Since he had arrived early, there were no other customers in the shop yet, so Gao De didn't bother with anything else and directly took out the last of his extraordinary materials that he had brought from the Northern Territory.

He took out a cloth bag, poured it on the table, and with a few muffled thuds, seven or eight pieces of ore that shimmered with a faint ice-blue light rolled out.

The middle-aged man, who had been quite calm, suddenly narrowed his eyes upon seeing the minerals.

"This is... Froststone?" he blurted out, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Gao De nodded slightly.

Froststone is a mineral commonly found in extremely cold environments. Its surface appears to be meticulously sculpted by frost and snow, covered with irregular white patterns, resembling frost flowers on a winter windowpane, with a faint icy blue sheen within the patterns.

Because it has been exposed to extreme cold for a long time, the magic it contains can provide an additional "coldness" bonus to water elemental spells, making the spell effects even more chilling and freezing.

Whether inlaid on a staff or made into a spellcasting ring, it is very popular among mages who are skilled in water elemental magic.

The practice and use of magic often have distinct regional characteristics.

As a coastal city, Dorne has a large number of mages who, while not necessarily specializing in water elemental spells, are generally familiar with a few water elemental spells to meet the needs of actual combat.

Therefore, in Dorne, you absolutely don't have to worry about this thing rotting in your hands; it's a sure-fire bestseller.

"Second tier, there are even two third tier pieces among the second tier!" The middle-aged man took the frost-patterned stones that Gao De had taken out and used magic to identify and judge their grades one by one, becoming increasingly surprised.

Gaode smiled.

The extraordinary materials he has left that he hasn't sold yet are all of relatively high value.

When making a move in Hold'em, Gao De was worried that revealing too many good items at once would attract attention, so he chose to hold back.

These froststone ores were mined by hunters from the Zhenbing tribe from a small froststone vein discovered near Phoenix, at the junction of a glacial crevice and permafrost.

Because there is not much demand for froststone, the Zhenbing tribe has not officially started mining this froststone vein. They have only marked it and collected some high-quality samples to bring back to the tribe.

What he brought were samples brought back by hunters from the Zhenbing tribe.

"So, what price can you offer?" Gao De asked.

"Six second-tier frost-patterned stones and two third-tier frost-patterned stones," the middle-aged man said after thinking for a moment, in a very sincere tone, "These frost-patterned stones of yours are all very large, each weighing more than two pounds. This weight is enough to make an extraordinary item."

"According to market prices, a second-tier froststone weighing more than two pounds can sell for around 70 gold, while a third-tier one can sell for around 340 gold. Our purchase price is usually half of that. However, there's no need to worry about accumulating froststone in your hands, so I can give you an extra 50% profit and buy it at 55% of the market price."

"These eight frost-patterned stones are equivalent to 605 goldbird coins."

"What do you think?"

Acquiring the property at a 55% price certainly demonstrates a certain level of sincerity.

Just as the young guide said, the magic supplies shop in the alley is located in such a remote place and looks so "dilapidated" that it has a history of 100 years, which is due to its reputation for honesty and integrity.

"Deal." Gaode didn't haggle any further, and the deal was settled.

The middle-aged man's face lit up with joy upon hearing that Gaode had agreed to the deal.

This transaction is considered a large order even for a magic material store; they might not encounter such a deal even once every two weeks.

Both parties were happy.

Gao De emerged from the magic supplies shop in the alley with his wallet bulging, feeling much more confident.

Dorne is far more prosperous than Saint Sien. It is the largest city that Gaode has seen since arriving in this world, and correspondingly, the prices and cost of living here are not low.

If your wallet isn't bulging, you really can't move an inch.

Conversely, if you have money in your pocket, Dorne is an absolutely wonderful place, full of resources and enjoyment.

Carrying his substantial fortune, Gaode headed straight for the most bustling downtown business district of Dorne.

"Ten stacks of lacquered jade paper, ten stacks of first-tier magic paper, one first-tier rune pen, and five bottles of first-tier magic ink." Upon entering a large rune shop in the city center, Gao De immediately began his extravagant shopping spree.

The store was filled with a faint scent of ink and magic. Wooden shelves reached the ceiling and were filled with all kinds of rune materials. Many classic rune diagrams were also hung on the walls.

In order to plant trees, Gao De traveled to the northern border, and due to the lack of conditions, he had neglected his rune studies for a long time.

This was not only knowledge imparted to him by He west, but also Gao De's own interest.

Now that he has arrived in the Golden Flower Dynasty and has the opportunity, his first priority is naturally to resume his studies in rune literature.

The first thing to do is to buy the corresponding "stationery".

As a large rune shop, the rune pens, magic paper, and even magic ink sold in the shop are all mass-produced, generic items, nothing too rare or unique, but it's enough for Gaode.

A Tier 1 rune pen is slightly cheaper than a Tier 1 extraordinary item, costing only 50 gold.

A stack of Tier 1 magic paper costs 6 gold. A stack contains ten sheets, so ten stacks would be one hundred sheets, which would cost another 60 gold.

First-tier magic ink is quite durable; one bottle is enough to draw over a hundred rune diagrams, so it is relatively expensive, costing 10 gold per bottle. Gao De ordered five bottles at once, which is 50 gold.

Jade lacquer paper is a special "magic paper" used by rune architects to practice rune crafting techniques.

Because they are extremely small, a stack contains one hundred sheets, and the price is 6 gold coins.

Ten stacks, a thousand sheets, enough for Gaode Maps to use for one or two years.

In which world can you study art without some family wealth? He suddenly spent another 220 gold coin on Gaode, watching the shop assistant skillfully pack the goods, and couldn't help but sigh to himself.

After leaving the rune shop, Gaode turned to a mage training room located not far across the street from the rune shop.

The shop's signboard hung high, shimmering with mysterious runic luster in the sunlight. Although the storefront wasn't particularly grand, it exuded a tranquil and profound aura.

This is a shop that rents out meditation rooms specifically for monks to practice in seclusion.

After leaving the Northern Territory and arriving in the Golden Flower Dynasty, Gao De deeply felt that the biggest inconvenience was that he could no longer enjoy the cultivation environment of a fourth-tier spiritual land at will.

Fortunately, the problem isn't too serious. As long as you're willing to spend the money, you can always find an alternative. Renting a training room is the current solution.

This training room is quite large, and can provide up to a fourth-tier training room, but the price is too high. For Gao De, a third-tier training room costing 10 gold for two hours is enough for him.

In fact, if you are careful with your budget, a second-tier training room costing 2 gold coins for two hours is more than enough to meet your daily training needs.

However, Gaode kept thinking about the alfalfa pulp he had just received and was curious about its effects.

Alfalfa juice, a rare magical potion, requires an environment with extremely abundant magical energy to maximize its effects.

In addition, his wallet had become bulging from selling Froststones, so he was quite well-off. Therefore, Gao De decided to splurge this time and chose a third-tier cultivation room.

Renting a training room is not cost-effective.

Because this thing was never intended for the daily practice of monks.

For most mages, it is usually only at the critical moment of breaking through a rank that they will grit their teeth and choose to rent a high-level training room, just to use the rich magic power there to increase the success rate of the breakthrough.

Those nobles who don't mind spending the money don't need to rent a cultivation room at all—they have a higher-level cultivation environment at home.

With that thought in mind, Gao De paid the bill and climbed the winding stairs, quickly entering a third-level cultivation room on the third floor.

The training room here is roughly the same as the training room in Seres Academy. It is also a square space with ancient runes engraved on the walls, faintly emitting a soft light.

Gao De skillfully activated the magic node array in the training room.

After the magic concentration value displayed on the alchemy screen reached 1056, he took out a bottle of alfalfa juice that was glowing with a faint green light, and then tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

The cool liquid slid down my throat, carrying wisps of strange magical energy that instantly spread throughout my body.

However, Gao De did not immediately begin his cultivation. Instead, as if he had made some astonishing discovery, he paused in place, slightly taken aback.

[Drug toxins are beginning to accumulate in your body. You are starting to adapt to these toxins. Your immunity to various toxins increases by 0.1%. Your body's organs' ability to digest, metabolize, and excrete various toxins increases by 0.1%.]

(End of this chapter)