Painting of the Nine Immortals

“I knew you were waiting for those two treasures,” Ling Xian softly grinned, not at all surprised.

Whether it was the Essence of Herbalism or the Flame of Purity, both items, especially the former one, were treasures that were extremely difficult to hunt down. Until the current owner died, there could be no second owner.

Therefore, for Hong Yan Xin to wait so much for over a century was not exactly a strange turn of events. If it weren’t Ling Xian’s well timed appearance, she would have to wait for another 1,000 years and might not even meet someone with the Essence of Herbalism.

“That’s right. A century ago, I arrived at the City of Dan and found many extremely rare spiritual medicines and set the rules for this Nothing is for Sale store. My end goal was to wait for the fated one.” Hong Yan Xin’s smile blossomed. Though she managed to appeare calm, in reality, she was very excited.

After a century of waiting, there was finally hope. Who wouldn’t be ecstatic?

“No wonder you would set such strange rules. No wonder I felt like the rules were specifically made for me.” Ling Xian came to the realization and grinned, “I have to admit that you have such good luck.”

“Yes, there can only be one Essence of Herbalism at all times. It is extremely difficult to find. The Flame of Purity is very very rare as well. It is almost impossible to find someone with just one of them, let alone finding someone with both.”

Remembering the century long hard wait she endured, Hong Yan Xin sighed deeply. However, her smile quickly reappeared, “Luckily, the heavens did not let me down. I have finally found you.”

“Then, let’s talk less bullshit and dive right into it,” Ling Xian said softly.

“I am sure you have heard it. Every 10 years in the City of Dan, the city hosts a gathering for the young alchemists.” Hong Yan Xin’s eyes flashed with expectation.

“I have heard of it,” Ling Xian nodded, silently thinking that not only did he know of it, he also participated in it during his lost century.

“Then there is no need for me to explain it in detail.”

Hong Yan Xin sipped on her tea and said, “What I want you to pay attention to is the location of the meeting. Since you already know of the meeting, you must have heard about the contests that happen.”

Ling Xian softly nodded. He had entered the gathering of the alchemists before so of course he knew where it is being held, “You are talking about the Realm of Alchemy?”

“That’s right. The gathering of the alchemists will be held in the Realm of Alchemy. It is a Hidden Territory and it is tightly under the grasp of the five controlling Clans of the city. It is extremely spacious and borderless there.”

Hong Yan Xin softly nodded and said softly, “The geniuses of the younger generation of alchemists need to pass three tests. The first one is to test their understanding towards spiritual medicine…”

“I know all of that. Just tell me the main point.” Ling Xian interrupted suddenly.

He had attended this gathering once before and naturally was familiar with the competitions. The gathering is divided into three different sections. The first test tests the alchemist’s understanding regarding spiritual medicine. The second test asks for how well the alchemist controls the flame and Qi. The third test calls for the best finished medicinal Dan.

“Very good. Since you are clear about all that, then I won’t waste my time explaining.” Hong Yan Xin grinned, “What I am about to say next is very important. You better listen carefully.”

Pausing, she continued, “There is a magical place inside the Hidden Territory. There exists countless amount of spiritual medicine. It is the place the five Clans rely on to thrive. The first test will be held there. Whoever can identify the most spiritual medicine will become the winner of the round.”

“You are still talking trash. Can you please just get to it?” Ling Xian frowned. He had experienced all this personally, why wouldn’t he know all this?”

“Alright, I want you to enter the competition, enter the Realm of Alchemy, and find for me a specific spiritual medicine from that magical place.”

Hong Yan Xin’s expression was serious as she said in a low voice, “To others, this request is as hard as climbing up to heavens. Because even if an alchemist knew what it looks like, they could not pick it out from the hundreds of thousands of spiritual medicines there. Plus, I don’t even know what it looks like.”

“However, I do know its name. Therefore, I think, to you, someone who’ve possessed the Essence of Herbalism, this should be something really easy.”

Staring tightly at Ling Xian, Hong Yan Xin said with high hope, “Therefore, I hope you can help me.”

Ling Xian frowned tightly and did not answer right away. Because to him, this task was actually really easy.

What could he do? The Essence of Herbalism was far too insane. For anyone else to try and pinpoint it without even knowing what it looked like would be next to impossible.

However, to him, as long as he knew the name of it, he would be able to locate it.

“Fairly speaking, this isn’t difficult for me. However, I do not believe I have any reason to help you without something in return.” Ling Xian said softly.

“Do not worry about that. The compensation will for sure satisfy you.” Hong Yan Xin was quick to promise.

He was waiting for this.

The corner of Ling Xian’s lips curled up. He, however, did not ask about the compensation right away and merely chuckled with interest, “Let’s move on to the second thing then.”

“You sure are smart for knowing I have a second favor to ask.” Hong Yan Xin’s eyes flashed with strangeness.

“No sh!t. Finding spiritual medicine only uses my Essence of Herbalism and not my Flame of Purity.” Ling Xian was not kind with his words, “If I’m not guessing wrong, you need my help inside the Forest of a Thousand Poison?”

“You even know of the Forest of a Thousand Poison, you sure are informed.” Hong Yan Xin raised an eyebrow. If anyone else dared to talk to her so rudely, she would’ve slapped them.

However, she didn’t dare doing so to Ling Xian, as he was her last hope.

“This information is no secret. There are so many cultivators entering the Realm of Alchemy and news get passed around.” Ling Xian smiled faintly. “Tell me, what do you need me to do there.”

“I want you to enter the Forest of a Thousand Forest and obtain an item from deep within,” Hong Yan Xin said in a low voice.

“Deep within the Forest of a Thousand Poison?”

Ling Xian frowned immediately. He was well aware of what kind of place the Forest of a Thousand Poison was. Poisonous air surrounds the area all year long and every step exposes the passenger to a new type of toxin.

Or else it wouldn’t have been named the Forest of a Thousand Poison.

It meant that there are thousands of types of poison there and each one of them was extremely aggressive. It was the one place everyone was terrified of.

To use a simple example: the 43 spiritual medicines in the stone room were described as aggressive. However, even if they combined, they would be not even a thousandth of the strength of the poison found in the Forest!

This alone was enough to prove how terrifying that place was!

“You and I are both aware of what kind of place the Forest of a Thousand Poisons is. Even the leaders of the cultivation community will die without some kind of detoxifying treasure.”

Hong Yan Xin fixated her gaze on Ling Xian and continued, “In the entire world, other than those with Flame of Purity, I cannot think of anyone who could make it in there.”

“Theoretically speaking, the Flame of Purity is the way to go. However, that is just in theory. How everything will go down is unknown to everyone.” Ling Xian frowned tightly. This would involve his own life and he could not easily agree.

“I believe that with you completion leveled cultivation and the special properties of the Flame of Purity, you can do this,” Hong Yan Xin gawked at Ling Xian. Noticing how he was hesitating, she was completely flustered.

After a “thump”, this unknown but extraordinary woman actually knelt down and made a statement that moved Ling Xian.

“I have never begged or plead anyone in my life. But now, I am begging you, begging you to help me.”