Chapter 25 Elara

For instance, the spiritual herb required to refine the Qi Gathering Pill (Spiritual Object), the Aura-Concealing Grass, would cost 15 spirit stones per portion if purchased in the Yuyang Market, whereas here it only requires 13 spirit stones.

At this rate, just 3 successful pills from a single batch would earn 2 spirit stones.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin decisively purchased 5 portions of Qi-absorbing Grass to further advance his alchemy skills.

After collecting several spiritual herbs and wandering the market a while longer, he discovered that the most cost-effective items here were the flesh and blood of demonic beasts.

Compared to Yu County, the price of demon beast flesh here was more than 40 percent cheaper. The Chen Clan's Cyan Azure Spirit Fish could fetch 5 spirit stones in the Yuyang Market, yet equivalent demon beast flesh in this location would only sell for 3 spirit stones each.

Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) bordered the vast marshlands, where demonic beasts were all too common—no wonder the prices were so cheap.

However, Yu County was located within the Chu Kingdom, where over thousands of years, the demonic beasts had been cleared out for the most part, making them rather scarce now.

The flesh and blood of demonic beasts and spiritual fowl are rich in spiritual energy. Consuming them not only slightly enhances 1's cultivation but also strengthens tendons and bones, replenishing a cultivator's vital energy and blood. They are truly rare and precious ingredients.

Seeing how cheap the monster beast meat was here, Eldrin decided to buy a few jin as well, planning to grill it later for a taste.

Truth be told, although Spirit Isle Lake (Location) possessed 2 great spiritual delicacies—the Purple-Striped Wild Goose (Demon Beast) and the Azure-Scale Spirit Fish—he could never bring himself to consume them. Instead, for many years he had not tasted the savory flesh of a demon beast.

He stored away the beast meat and casually moved toward the next stall, but his gaze abruptly stilled.

"This item..."

"Little brother, have you taken a fancy to any particular treasure?"

The stall owner was a tall, lean middle-aged cultivator who appeared to be in his forties or fifties, with a beard about an inch long.

Seeing a customer approach, he immediately rose to face Eldrin with a benevolent smile.

Eldrin remained expressionless, his gaze sweeping over the stall before him. The stall held only a few items: a mid-grade, first-tier flying sword, a small mid-grade, first-tier defensive bell artifact, and a tattered map.

"This map is so badly damaged, what use could it possibly have?"

Upon hearing this, the man immediately stroked his long beard, a flicker of greed flashing in his eyes as he covertly transmitted his voice.

"Fellow Daoist, this is something you are unaware of."

"Although this map of mine is tattered, its origins are anything but ordinary. Legend has it, it marks the location of a cave abode left behind by a certain Golden Core realm predecessor."

"Legend has it this map was split in 2 long ago. Should 1 find its missing counterpart, reuniting them would reveal the ancient cave abode left behind by our predecessors."

"Such a precious opportunity can be yours for just 500 spirit stones."

"Enough, it's just a fragmentary map." Eldrin suddenly cut him off: "5 spirit stones—will you sell it or not?"

The man’s voice cut off abruptly, his face flushing with humiliation and rage. “This object is tied to the legacy of a senior’s cave abode—its worth is beyond measure! How could you treat it with such contempt?”

He spoke hastily, and seeing Eldrin turn to leave, he quickly stuffed the torn map into his hand.

"Sell, sell, sell! 5 spirit stones it is, just as you said."

After the exchange was made, Eldrin turned and left. Not long after, he circled back and took a distant glance, only to find that the man’s stall now displayed another identical fragment of the map.

After casting a deep glance at that person, Eldrin returned to the inn and took out 2 fragmented maps. Piecing them together, they ultimately merged into a complete map.

Another fragment of the map turned out to be the very piece he had obtained from the demonic cultivator's storage pouch.

He studied the map intently, his gaze sharpening slightly. The marked location of the abode was actually in the 100,000-li wilderness south of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location), near the direction of Yu County.

"Look at this location, it's actually along the way."

"It seems I can go check it out on my way back."

In the blink of an eye, another 10 days had passed. During this time, he had made numerous attempts and gained a deeper understanding of the Sky Ruin Pavilion.

After making numerous inquiries, he discovered that the Celestial Ruins Pavilion had an impeccable reputation. It was said that Daoist Jiang had established strict rules forbidding anyone from targeting customers or leaking any client information.

Violators shall, at the minimum, have their cultivation abolished and be expelled from Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location), or face execution at the hands of the elders in severe cases.

This was no empty rumor. It was said that over 1 100 years ago, a disciple of Daoist Jiang had coveted a guest’s rare treasure and resorted to treachery, eliminating the visitor to seize the prize. Yet, when the victim’s family discovered his disappearance, they came knocking at his door.

In order to uphold the sect's integrity, Daoist Jiang personally used a Soul-Snatching Talisman to identify the culprit. Resolute in his righteousness, he not only executed his own disciple but also offered triple compensation to the victim's family.

From that day forth, no negative news ever emerged about the Celestial Ruins Pavilion. Over a century of cultivation and accumulation had earned them profound trust.

"No wonder before we set out, Third Elder said that Patriarch Jiang was a man of principle and would surely sell the Meridian-Nourishing Pill to us."

"I'm afraid the accumulated reputation and credibility built over hundreds of years alone would be worth over a 100 times more than the Meridian-Nourishing Pill."

Eldrin grew increasingly familiar with the situation at Celestial Ruins Mountain, and a measure of confidence settled in his heart. Resolving to waste no more time, he decided to purchase the Meridian-Nourishing Pills at once and bring them back for the clan leader’s recovery.

Early that morning, he arrived at the Heavenly Ruins Pavilion. A young Qi Refining stage maiden at the front desk spotted him and promptly greeted him with a warm smile.

"Fellow Daoist, since you've come to my Heavenly Ruins Pavilion, might I inquire what you wish to purchase?"

Eldrin glanced around to ensure no 1 was nearby before transmitting his voice: "I wish to purchase a second-tier elixir."

The young woman’s gaze flickered in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. Guiding Eldrin (Person Name) to a side chamber, she gestured for him to sit, poured him a cup of tea, and said:

"I cannot make the decision regarding the trade of second-tier elixirs."

"Please wait a moment, honored guest. I shall summon the shopkeeper."

"Alright." Eldrin gave a slight nod.

In just a few moments, a woman in a pale purple gown with delicate features approached.

She cast a glance at Eldrin, her eyes narrowing slightly before she smiled gently. "Young friend, to possess such cultivation at your tender age is truly remarkable."

"You flatter me, Senior."

Eldrin rose to his feet and spoke with a hint of nervousness.

He faintly sensed that although the woman appeared delicate and graceful, her aura was unfathomably profound—even more formidable than the old clan leader by a significant margin. This indicated she was at least a Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivator.

Seemingly sensing his tension, the woman smiled faintly and took a seat nearby.

"My name is Elara, and I currently serve as the shopkeeper of the Celestial Ruins Pavilion."

"Young friend, as our guest, there is no need for formality."

Hearing this, Eldrin felt an inexplicable sense of relief, his tension easing slightly as he let out a soft breath.

At that moment, Elara smiled faintly, finally getting down to business.

"I heard you wish to purchase second-tier pills, young friend. May I ask which variety you seek?"

She added, casting another glance at the private booth, "Rest assured, young friend. This place is shielded by a formation that blocks divine sense. Cultivators below the Zi Palace realm would find it impossible to eavesdrop."

Eldrin nodded, pondered for a moment, then spoke candidly, "This junior has come to request the purchase of 1 Meridian-Nourishing Pill."