Xunuo stared at the Polygonatum for a moment. Noticing someone at the edge of the table looking at him, he turned his head and smiled slightly.
The person wore a somewhat worn blue robe, without a hat, and his hair was tied up high with a black ribbon. A three-inch-long beard hung down to his chest, and his face was slightly yellow, with sharp features that conveyed determination. He nodded slightly to Xunuo before lowering his head to examine the Polygonatum.
Xunuo pondered to himself: If this person also sought the Centennial Polygonatum for medicinal use, then he would have no hope. However, if he was merely buying it for profit or was not in a hurry to refine medicine, there might still be some chance for him to buy or trade.
With this thought in mind, he gently walked over and took a closer look at the Polygonatum. He addressed an elderly man wearing a square cap beside him, “Are you the Innkeeper here?”
The old man nodded and replied, “I am Zhang, just an old man managing this place. What can I do for you, young sir?”
Xunuo clasped his hands and smiled, “Boss Zhang, I heard that your establishment has acquired a Centennial Polygonatum; it must be this one, right?”
Zhang looked somewhat flustered and said, “Young sir, unfortunately, this Centennial Polygonatum has already been sold to this guest. If you are interested, you may negotiate with this Daoist.”
Seeing the Innkeeper's expression, Xunuo understood that carrying a sword while traveling instilled some fear in ordinary people. He quickly waved his hand and said, “Boss Zhang, please don’t misunderstand. While I covet this item, I would never take what others cherish. I certainly won’t cause you any trouble.”
After saying that, he carefully observed the Centennial Polygonatum again.
After a while, the man in the yellow robe raised his head with satisfaction and said, “Indeed, it is a hundred-year-old Polygonatum. This old Daoist is in need of a century-old medicinal herb; this one is just right.”
Xunuo's heart stirred upon hearing this.
He saw the old Daoist reach into his robe and pull out a large bundle, placing it on the table. The Innkeeper hurriedly opened the bundle to count the silver.
Seeing this display from the old Daoist made Xunuo's eyes light up. Carrying silver around all day was not only conspicuous but also troublesome due to potential thieves. If he could hide it like the old Daoist did within his clothing, it would be much more convenient. He planned to ask the old Daoist about this method later.
The innkeeper finished counting the silver and noticed that Xunuo still hadn’t left. He glanced sideways at Xunuo, then slipped into the counter with the silver in his arms.
The Yellow-Faced Old Daoist looked at Xunuo with a half-smile and prepared to leave his seat.
Xunuo clasped his hands and said, "Please, Daoist, stay a moment."
Without even looking at Xunuo, the Yellow-Faced Old Daoist replied, "What is it?"
Xunuo took a wooden box from his robe and placed it on the table. "Please take a look at this item and see how it compares to the Centennial Polygonatum."
Only then did the Yellow-Faced Old Daoist turn around with a hint of suspicion on his face. He pointed at the wooden box on the table, which opened with a soft sound. Upon seeing what was inside, the old Daoist displayed a look of shock. He sat back down and carefully examined the contents of the box. The innkeeper also stretched his neck from behind the counter to take a peek.
After a while, the Yellow-Faced Old Daoist set down the wooden box and gazed thoughtfully at Xunuo. Seeing that there was potential for an exchange for the Centennial Polygonatum, Xunuo smiled and was about to speak.
At that moment, an almost imperceptible sensation began to wrap around Xunuo. He shuddered as if struck by lightning. This strange yet familiar feeling filled him with both surprise and joy.
The first time he had felt something like this from an external source was from a Clam Spirit. This time, Xunuo released his Divine Sense immediately. In the next moment, he found himself staring in astonishment at the Yellow-Faced Old Daoist in front of. This Divine Sense originated from the old Daoist in front of.
Xunuo knew this was a rare opportunity; even if it meant giving up the Centennial Ginseng, he needed to clarify many of his confusions. Ever since he began practicing the Huayang Classic, he had reaped numerous benefits but had also walked on eggshells with every step, fearing that one misstep could lead him into irretrievable doom. Moreover, he had no reliable person to consult.
Although Wuhua Sect treated Xunuo well, his initial difficulties in joining the sect and later being betrayed in Qingyang City made him hesitant to fully trust them.
The Yellow-Faced Old Daoist also looked surprised as he stared at Xunuo for a while before smiling lightly and saying, "So it turns out you are also one of our kind; I must admit I misjudged you. I am Dongfang Yunqing from Purple Cloud Mountain. May I ask how you wish to be addressed?"
Xunuo hurriedly clasped his hands and opened his mouth but didn’t know how to respond. Finally, he sighed and said, "I apologize for any offense; I am Xunuo. I have practiced an ancestral martial art, but somehow it has turned out quite different from what is usual, leading to many confusions. Today I am fortunate enough to meet you; I hope you can help me understand."
Dongfang Yunqing nodded and said, "We are indeed fellow practitioners; there’s no need for such formalities. I cannot bear such titles as 'senior.' If there’s anything I can guide you on, I would be more than happy to share my insights. However, are you looking to exchange this Centennial Ginseng with me?"
Xunuo nodded and said, "If you think it's acceptable, my friend."
Just as the words left his mouth, Dongfang Yunqing immediately interjected, "Of course it is."
Finished speaking, he took out a wooden box containing Centennial Polygonatum from his robe and handed it to Xunuo.
Xunuo was still pondering how to seek guidance from him. He was more worried that this old Taoist would take the ginseng and leave without a word, so he hesitated to reach for the wooden box.
Dongfang Yunqing smiled lightly, a hint of red appearing on his face. "This exchange seems a bit unfair to you; how about I add something extra?"
Xunuo hurriedly accepted the wooden box and said, "You misunderstand, Dongfang. Having your guidance is already the greatest benefit. Why don't we find a quiet place to discuss in detail?"
Dongfang Yunqing collected the Centennial Ginseng from the table and replied, "That works too. Follow me."
With that, he stepped out of the pharmacy, and Xunuo quickly followed behind. In no time, they had exited the city.
Dongfang Yunqing did not take the main road at all; once outside the city, he soared through the treetops. Xunuo dared not hold back and sprinted after him with all his might. However, he soon found Dongfang Yunqing growing farther away until he vanished from sight.
After chasing for what felt like an eternity, nearly to the point of exhaustion, Xunuo could no longer see Dongfang Yunqing. Just as he was filled with anxiety, he suddenly heard Dongfang Yunqing's voice beside him: "Why don't you release your Divine Sense?"
Xunuo slapped his forehead in frustration, cursing himself for forgetting such an important detail in his haste. He quickly released his Divine Sense and immediately located Dongfang Yunqing's position.
He dashed toward a nearby mountain peak. Moments later, Xunuo reached the summit and saw that Dongfang Yunqing was already waiting there.
Upon seeing Xunuo arrive, Dongfang Yunqing raised his hand and flattened a large rock at the top of the mountain. He then pointed to two stones in the distance; those hundred-pound stones flew over and landed on either end of the flattened rock. When they touched down, they transformed into two stone benches.
Xunuo stared in disbelief at this spectacle before him, feeling as if he were in a dream. His heart raced with astonishment beyond measure. His legs felt as heavy as lead, unable to move even an inch; he even entertained thoughts of kneeling in reverence.
Dongfang Yunqing sat down on a stone bench. With a flick of his wrist, a gourd and two wine cups appeared on the smooth surface of the large stone, as if they had always been there.
He looked at Xunuo and smiled, "Friend, come sit over here. I have a jug of Spiritual Wine. I usually don't indulge in it, but since we have this chance today, let's enjoy some wine together."
As he spoke, he poured the wine into both cups from the gourd, and with another flick of his hand, the gourd vanished.
Xunuo observed Dongfang Yunqing and felt reassured; he realized that Dongfang would not harm him. With such celestial abilities, if he wanted to cause harm, he wouldn't need to go through all this trouble. Relaxing his mind, he began to regain feeling in his legs.
Slowly, Xunuo walked over to another stone bench and sat down respectfully, gazing at Dongfang Yunqing.
Seeing Xunuo's novice expression, Dongfang Yunqing smiled faintly. He picked up one of the wine cups and said, "This Spiritual Wine is quite precious; its spiritual energy dissipates over time. Let's drink first before we talk."
With that, he downed the wine in one gulp and placed the cup down on the stone bench before closing his eyes to meditate.
Xunuo glanced at Dongfang Yunqing. As he lifted his cup, he noticed that it was crafted from exquisite jade. The wine inside was a clear blue color with an enticing aroma that invigorated him. Not daring to hesitate, Xunuo tilted his head back and drank the entire contents of the cup.
Instantly, he felt a surge of warmth rush through him like a fire igniting in his lungs, stirring his True Qi into a tempest within. Startled, Xunuo quickly began to circulate his Huayang Classic. He soon felt a vast wave of True Qi flooding into his Dantian. In an instant, the True Qi within his Dantian visibly increased.
Overjoyed, Xunuo slowly refined this new strand of True Qi, merging it with his own. Estimating roughly, he realized that the amount of True Qi gained from this cup of Spiritual Wine would take him at least five or six days of regular cultivation to achieve. If he could regularly access such Spiritual Wine for cultivation assistance, reaching the seventh layer of Huayang Classic would be a breeze.
The story is gradually entering a fantastical cultivation theme; I hope everyone enjoys it.
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