In truth, the Inner and Outer Peak market boasted more official Pill Shops, such as the Profound Immortal Pill Shop, which catered exclusively to Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators, and the Profound Fire Pill Shop, which specialized in serving those in the Qi Refining Stage.
However, these shops were deeply connected to the Sect and naturally outside Han Yi's consideration.
The Nine Dragons Merchant Guild, on the other hand, dealt not only in Medicinal Pills but also in Magic Artifacts, Formation Arts, Talismans, and more. With its formidable backing, Han Yi's modest transactions wouldn't warrant the Guild's deliberate scrutiny.
Lost in thought, Han Yi snapped back to attention when Manager He finished the calculations.
"Fellow Daoist is a valued regular customer," Manager He said, rounding up the total to 1,900 Spirit Stones. "Is that agreeable?"
Han Yi nodded. "No problem. I'll take your word for it, Manager He."
Manager He's expression softened, and a genuine smile spread across his face.
Instead of immediately paying and leaving, Han Yi revealed his second purpose for visiting: "Manager He, does your guild carry sword artifacts?"
Manager He's eyes lit up at the mention of swords. "Of course! We even stock Magic Treasures here. It all depends on what you can afford."
"What grade of sword artifact are you looking for, Fellow Daoist?"
Without hesitation, Han Yi stated his predetermined request: "I need a Mid-Grade Sword Artifact."
Manager He's eyes twinkled with amusement. This was no small transaction.
Generally speaking, cultivators in the early to mid-stages of Qi Refining typically used Low-Grade Magic Artifacts. Only those in the late stages of Qi Refining would employ Mid-Grade Magic Artifacts, while the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement was required to wield High-Grade Magic Artifacts. Top-Grade Magic Artifacts, in most cases, were reserved for cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Stage.
"Fortuitously, I happen to have Mid-Grade Magic Artifacts on hand. I can't guarantee immediate availability for High-Grade ones."
"Fellow Daoist, please take a look."
With a gentle wave of his hand, Manager He conjured three long jade boxes onto the table between them.
Han Yi abruptly held his breath.
The jade boxes before him varied in length. The longest stretched a full two meters, while the shortest measured around one and a half meters.
"Fellow Daoist, here are three Mid-Grade Sword Artifacts."
"The longest one is called Longing. Originally a High-Grade Magic Artifact, it was reclassified as Mid-Grade due to damage. In terms of power, this artifact has already reached the pinnacle of the Mid-Grade tier. If an Artifact Refinement Master were to rework it, it could potentially be restored to its original High-Grade status."
"This one," Manager He said, gesturing to the first sword, "is one and a half meters long, a moderate length for a sword artifact. Its thick blade classifies it as a broadsword. Named Thunder Sword, it possesses an innate thunder attribute. If you have a Thunder Spirit Root, wielding it will be effortless and doubly effective. Otherwise, it will prove exceedingly challenging."
"The last one," Manager He continued, indicating the third sword, "is the shortest, at only one meter and twenty centimeters. Its narrow blade makes it a relatively short sword artifact. Named Shadowless, it grants a speed boost when wielded."
Manager He paused, his gaze settling on Han Yi.
At that moment, Han Yi's eyes sparkled with excitement as they fixed on the first sword.
A High-Grade Magic Artifact! These were rare treasures typically reserved for the peak of the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining or those on the cusp of Foundation Establishment.
Though damaged, its power still far surpassed that of ordinary Mid-Grade Magic Artifacts.
Han Yi coveted it.
He shook his head, a wry expression on his face.
He had researched the prices of Mid-Grade Magic Artifacts beforehand. There was no way he could afford a sword artifact that had once been High-Grade but had been downgraded to Mid-Grade.
His gaze reluctantly drifted to the second sword, a hint of regret in his eyes.
A Thunder Spirit Root was an extraordinary variant, on par with Heavenly Spirit Roots. With his Mixed Spirit Root, forcing such a sword would only lead to disaster.
Especially in battle, a single misstep while wielding this sword could prove fatal.
Swords were instruments of slaughter, and choosing one required the utmost caution. Han Yi wasn't about to gamble with his life.
Though the Thunder Sword was powerful and impressive, he wouldn't force himself to use something unsuited to him. He reluctantly dismissed it.
Han Yi shifted his gaze to the final sword, examining it carefully. Through the jade case, he saw a 1.2-meter-long blade resting silently. Its slender, jet-black form captivated him.
Manager He, standing nearby, smiled knowingly, already aware of Han Yi's choice.
Now came the matter of price.
Half an hour later...
Han Yi left the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild with a pang of heartache. The Shadowless Sword had cost him a staggering 3,500 Spirit Stones. In other words, he had actually lost money on this trip, just counting the Spirit Stones in his pocket.
No wonder even Inner Sect Disciples lived frugally. A single Mid-Grade Magic Artifact could devour eighty percent of their savings, leaving little for daily cultivation expenses. It was truly a struggle.
Meanwhile, back at the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild, Manager He took out the Gold-Silver Pill once more and examined it closely.
"The quality is quite good," he murmured.
"This person actually bought a Mid-Grade Magic Artifact, and judging by his expression, he doesn't seem to own one himself. That's a bit odd. He doesn't strike me as an Inner Peak Disciple."
"But could an Outer Peak Disciple possess such a refined alchemy technique?"
"An interesting fellow," Manager He concluded.
A hint of perplexity crossed his face, but he refrained from making any further moves.
In his eyes, any secrets Han Yi might possess would merely be those of a Qi Refining Stage cultivator, hardly worth the effort to uncover.
Of course, if Han Yi were to suddenly produce a Foundation Establishment Pill, the situation would change entirely.
Foundation Establishment Pills were immensely valuable. Their raw materials were rare and expensive, making them strategic medicinal pills controlled by the Sect.
Even within the Sect, alchemists capable of refining them were exceedingly rare, typically senior Foundation Establishment Stage alchemists or even Golden Core Stage alchemists.
After leaving Red Sun Market, Han Yi made another trip to Little Sea-Viewing Peak. He had maintained this connection all along, never severing it.
However, he wasn't greeted by the familiar Yan Ru, but by a new female cultivator.
Over a year ago, Yan Ru had seized the opportunity to relocate to the Inner Peak. She moved from Little Sea-Viewing Peak to Azure Dragon Peak and even secured a Foundation Establishment Stage Elder as her master. Han Yi had only glimpsed her once, half a year prior, at the market, spotting her from a distance without making any deliberate effort to greet her.
The new female cultivator, Chen Yujin, was four years younger than Han Yi, but her exceptional Spirit Root talent had already propelled her to the Qi Refining Fifth Layer.
"Senior Brother Han, the Junior Sisters have been waiting for you," Chen Yujin called out.
"Hurry up and come in," another voice urged.
Han Yi's lips twitched uncontrollably at her words.
Chen Yujin's invitation made him feel like he was heading to a brothel for some... entertainment.
And the kind where he'd be the only man surrounded by many women.
Han Yi shook his head, banishing the absurd thoughts, and followed the impatient Chen Yujin into the room.
Inside, approximately thirty female cultivators awaited, most at the Qi Refining Fourth or Fifth Layer. None appeared to have reached the Sixth Layer.
"Oh, Senior Brother Han, you must bring plenty of Medicinal Pills this time," Chen Yujin said, her voice soft and soothing, "so we can divide them among all the Junior Sisters."
Chen Yujin's beauty was undeniable, and her soft, persuasive voice was mesmerizing.
Her figure was equally captivating. As she walked ahead of Han Yi, her slender waist swayed seductively with each step.
Han Yi almost nodded instinctively, then suddenly stiffened.