by Fiery Moon
Xiao Chen smiled, “Miss Feng, I wonder how much you want for this medicine cauldron?”
Feng Feixue picked up the Azure Dragon Medicine Cauldron and played with it in her hands. She did not give Xiao Chen a direct answer, “Alchemists are one of the most respected professions in the Tianwu Continent. Undeniably, a top quality medicine cauldron is not the most important thing to an alchemist. Medicine cauldrons can be classified into five grades, does Young Master Xiao know about this?”
There were definitely differences in the quality of medicine cauldron, but Xiao Chen had not heard about the classification of five grades before. He shook his head and said, “Please elaborate.”
Chapter 18: Owing A Big Favor
“A grade-one medicine cauldron is made out of ordinary metals, and can only withstand ordinary flames of the mundane world. As a result, the medicinal pills refined through one will not exceed grade two, and that’s excluding peak quality pills; a grade-two medicine cauldron has some small amounts of Moonstones mixed in, just like Yellow Ranked Spirit Weapons, and can withstand the Spiritual Flames of the world. It is insignificant, and does not have any soul, so it is difficult for medicinal pills refined from such a cauldron to be of peak quality. A grade-three medicine cauldron can barely be considered a medicine cauldron of superior quality, notwithstanding it being alloyed with a large amount of Moonstones, as well as other rare materials. In addition, it is made by a skilled blacksmith. This kind of medicine cauldron may have a soul, and the medicinal pills refined by it can achieve their peak effects. Its whole body is perfectly smooth and round, making any leakage of medicinal fragrance virtually impossible,” Feng Feixue spoke as though it was routine, as she actively replied.
Xiao Chen listened with interest, “What about grade-four and grade-five?”
Feng Feixue stopped for a while before continuing, “Once a medicine cauldron crosses over the boundary of the third grade, it will become what is better known as a heavenly cauldron. Heavenly cauldrons are very rare, and not only do they require large amounts of Moonstones and a pile of materials, but they also require a divine-level blacksmith to imbue it with a soul during casting. Due to the scarcity of Moonstones, there have not been any new heavenly cauldrons for hundreds of years. As for the divine cauldron, which is above the heavenly cauldron, I have only read about it in books; I have never seen one before.”
Xiao Chen pondered on everything Feng Feixue had said, “Then what grade is this Azure Dragon medicine cauldron?”
“This is a work at the peak of grade-three. If you can find a divine blacksmith to infuse it with a soul, then it can immediately become a heavenly cauldron,” Feng Feixue said unhurriedly, looking at Xiao Chen without blinking.
This Azure Dragon medicine cauldron was actually a top grade-three medicine cauldron... It seemed he had underestimated the price of this medicine cauldron earlier. He would not be able to afford it even if he scrounged together all the silver taels to his name.
However, Xiao Chen was unresigned and pushed the envelope, “I wonder what it would take for Miss Feng to be willing to part with this Azure Dragon medicine cauldron?”
Feng Feixue took the Azure Dragon medicine cauldron and tossed it around, a trace of wit flitting across her face as she smiled, “If Young Master Xiao is truly interested, then how about I give it to you as a gift?”
As a gift? Xiao Chen was surprised, but he quickly reacted mentally, How could there be such a good thing in this world? Xiao Chen smiled embarrassedly, “Miss Feng, please stop teasing me. Just state your price. I may not have much money on hand, but I believe that I should still be able to afford this medicine cauldron.”
Feng Feixue smiled, “Are you really able to afford it? A superior grade-one medicine cauldron would require a few thousand taels of silver; a superior grade-two medicine cauldron requires tens of thousands of silver taels; and as for this top grade-three medicine cauldron, it would be impossible to purchase this without hundreds of thousands of silver taels.”
So expensive!
Xiao Chen frowned. Hundreds of thousands of silver taels was nothing to the Xiao Clan, but it was not a small sum either. Would the Xiao Clan spend such an amount on him? It was hard to say.
Actually, if she truly wanted to sell this top grade-three medicine cauldron, she could even sell it for a million silver taels at an auction. Moonstones were far too rare in the continent, and heavenly cauldrons were already rarely seen in the past century. This top grade-three medicine cauldron could possibly be the best medicine cauldron most alchemists would be able to use in their entire life.
People with the alchemist occupation were also seldom seen lately. It could be said that every alchemist was the result of a clan’s heavy investment. They had no mind to be frugal with their money, considering it perfectly normal to spend a fortune in order to purchase a quality cauldron.
Even though it was such, when Xiao Chen heard Feng Feixue’s words, he felt uncomfortable. Xiao Chen smiled coldly, “Miss Feng, it seems you've already decided for yourself that I, Xiao Chen of all people, cannot afford such a luxurious item, isn’t that right?”
Feng Feixue’s smile froze. Realizing that the tone of her words was inappropriate, she hurriedly added, “Young Master Xiao, you misunderstand me. You can have this medicine cauldron right away! If Young Master Xiao does not have enough silver, you can just write a promissory note.”
Xiao Chen took out a piece of Moonstone the size of his palm, “Many thanks for Miss Feng’s intentions, but there is no need for a promissory note. I wonder if this piece of Moonstone is worth the price.”
Feng Feixue was taken by surprise. She picked up the palm-sized Moonstone and inspected it carefully before smiling bitterly, “Young Master Xiao, I truly have good intentions. Are you not willing to accept this kindness of mine?”
Xiao Chen held the Azure Dragon medicine cauldron in his hands and promptly cupped them in a polite gesture, signifying he was taking his leave, “Many thanks for Miss Feng’s medicine cauldron. Goodbye!” After he said that, he turned to walk away without looking back. Xiao Chen felt uneasy staying in that room. The emergence of this medicine cauldron was a little strange, so it was best that he left early.
Feng Feixue stared pensively at the palm-sized Moonstone in her hand. Such a large piece of Moonstone would allow one to forge an Inferior Grade Profound Ranked Spirit Weapon and still have materials in reserve. This naturally covered the cost of her medicine cauldron by a long shot. Looking at Xiao Chen’s disappearing figure, Feng Feixue smiled gently, “Xiao Chen, looks like the Azure Dragon Martial Spirit is not your only secret.”
Unbeknownst as to when, a man shrouded in darkness appeared behind Feng Feixue. The appearance of this man was quite abrupt, as though he had been there all along.
“Big Miss, actually, more than a thousand years has passed since that promise was made. There is no need to honor it anymore,” a hoarse voice came from the man in the shadows.
Feng Feixue’s expression turned cold as she warned him, “You don’t have to bother about my matters.”
“I am just reminding Big Miss, the clan takes priority,” the hoarse voice spoke once again, as though he did not hear Feng Feixue’s warning.
Feng Feixue smiled coldly, “Shu, I will say it once again, don’t interfere in my matters. If I find out that anything has happened to Xiao Chen, regardless of whoever's fault it is, I will blame it on you.”
Within the shadows, Shu laughed out coldly and changed the topic, “We have found out the facial appearance of the person you are looking for. We should have his exact address in another seven days.”
Feng Feixue stared blankly for awhile, “I understand what you mean. I have not forgotten the purpose in coming here. Pay special attention to this. I don’t want anything going wrong.”
After Xiao Chen left the doors of the Regretful Iron, and took a deep breath of fresh air while standing in the wide street. The feeling of a pair of eyes star
ing at him was present the entire time he was on the fourth floor, which made him feel exceedingly uncomfortable, as if danger was looming, rendering his senses uneasy.
Regardless of the result, he accomplished his motive for coming out today. He held the Azure Dragon medicine cauldron in his bag as he smiled in satisfaction and made preparations to head over to the herbs shop. He intended to buy some herbs before heading home.
Mohe City was bustling during the day; there was high human traffic, and the shouts of people advertising their products. It was far from being cold and cheerless. Xiao Chen was not in a hurry, slowly walking on the big street and appreciating the strange scenery he would never have had the chance to see back home on Earth.
Right at this very moment, however, the sound of galloping horses emerged in the distance. Xiao Chen relied on his great eyesight to gain a clear view of the commotion ahead. There were three people riding their fine steeds on the street in a brisk gallop, and everyone on the street parted a path for them. There were some who did not manage to get out of the way in time, and could do nothing but dive to the ground in their moment of haste, dirt inadvertently entering their mouths. When they saw the people on the horses, they did not dare to say anything and simply considered themselves unlucky. When the people on the horses saw this, they laughed loudly, looking incredibly arrogant. They spurred the horses on, not reducing their speed.
In the blink of an eye, those three horses arrived almost directly in front of Xiao Chen. A little girl before him, standing in the middle of the street, was so frightened when she saw the galloping horses that she ended up crying. The horses galloped faster and faster, and despite their clear collision course with the little girl, the riders did not slow down at all.
Chapter 19: Dangerous Battle on The Street
Xiao Chen was taken aback. This group of people was too outrageous. He dashed forward and grabbed the little girl in the very instant of her imminent peril, barely evading the group of marching horses…
“Neigh!”
The one leading the three men pulled on the reins, causing the horse to neigh as he reared it to a stop. When the two people behind saw this, they also followed suit in a hurry. The person in the lead was dressed in a brown, flowery gown. He was the first to turn his horse around and slowly trot over to Xiao Chen.
“I wondered who this familiar-looking person was... So it was actually the Second Young Master of the Xiao Clan. Why are you imitating others and acting chivalrous today?” the youth riding on the back of the horse towered over him and laughed loudly with arrogance.
“Indeed, Young Master Xiao has been a rare sight in Misty Rain Pavilion. Young Master Xiao’s character has definitely changed,” one of the other men riding a horse quickly followed-up.
Xiao Chen gently placed down the little girl and looked coldly at the group of people on horseback. These three people were Zhang Clan disciples, and the one leading them was Zhang Zeyang, the second son of the Zhang Clan clan head. He had an equally horrible reputation in Mohe City as Xiao Chen, but it was not because he was also trash. Instead, it was for bullying the commoners, as well as his arrogant and despotic character. Due to the fact that the Zhang Clan and the Xiao Clan were at loggerheads, whenever the two of them met, there were always some disagreements. However, Xiao Chen had always been on the losing end.
“What are you looking at? What kind of expression is that? Are you seeking death?” one of the men behind Zhang Zeyang raised his horsewhip and suddenly lashed in Xiao Chen’s direction. The whip cracked in the air, fast approaching Xiao Chen’s face with whiplash. If it were the Xiao Chen of old, it would have definitely hit him and caused a laceration.
Xiao Chen smiled coldly as he used his hand to grab the whip firmly with a fluid swipe of his arm, greatly astonishing the person on horseback. He wished to retract the whip, but was unable to move it even an inch, as though it was wedged tightly in a steel vice grip. There seemed to be a flash of lightning in Xiao Chen’s eyes, as arcs of electricity leapt around on his hands, issuing crackling sounds.
With a whooshing sound, the electricity traveled along the horsewhip to the whip-wielder’s hands. Very soon, it jumped around his body in wide arcs, sparing not even the horse he was mounted on from electrocution. The horse was shocked, resulting in it jumping about wildly, and the Zhang Clan disciple was flung from the horse, landing with a loud thud.
Zhang Zeyang quickly leaped off his horse to help his comrade on the ground back up. The Zhang Clan disciple’s face was pale, and he still trembled. With the electricity having invaded the meridians of his body, he would not be recovering anytime soon.
“Xiao Chen! You dare hurt my cousin! Are you tired of living?” Zhang Zeyang shouted out in a powerful voice.
Xiao Chen smiled indifferently, “Zhang Zeyang, according to your logic, I cannot retaliate and can only allow you to hit me? Was this reasoning taught to you by your mother, or your father? Being merely the insignificant second son of the Zhang Clan, do you really think there is no one in Mohe City that can deal with you?”
Zhang Zeyang was stunned—Xiao Chen’s character really was changed! In the past when they had met, it was routine for him to beat Xiao Chen up. Due to this being a shameful matter, Xiao Chen wouldn’t dare tell his clan, so he, Zhang Zeyang, was not at all worried. Why was Xiao Chen behaving so assertively today? However, no matter how assertive he acted, he was still trash. Zhang Zeyang could deal with garbage of the 9th Grade Spirit Refinement realm as a Medial Grade Martial Disciple quite easily.
Thinking of this point, Zhang Zeyang did not bother about Xiao Chen’s taunt, and instead smiled coldly, “Young Master Xiao, are you in that much of a hurry to die?”
Xiao Chen laughed loudly, “Are you an idiot? After speaking so much, you are still only able to say the same thing over and over again. What does my death have to do with you? If you have the abilities, then come and hit me. I will stand still over here, so come if you dare.”
“You really think I will not dare to hit you?” Upon hearing such mockery, Zhang Zeyang could no longer hold back. He shouted angrily as the Essence in his body circulated rapidly inside him. He hurled a fist towards Xiao Chen with a roar, using about eighty percent of his full power. Xiao Chen crossed his bottom line by mocking him in public, which was intolerable in his book!
Xiao Chen smiled equally coldly... So that was all it took to infuriate him? He followed the incoming fist, replete with killing intent, with his gaze. The Purple Thunder Divine Incantation circulated rapidly in his body, and the Azure Dragon in his Dantian roared softly as his Essence surged, raring to come out.
“Hu!”
Xiao Chen struck out, unleashing a plain fist just like Zhang Zeyang’s. Xiao Chen used his full power in this punch and a thunderous sound of wind billowed off his curled hand, as purple crackling electrical arcs gathered on it.
“Bang!”
Their two fists collided head-on, setting off an explosive sound that filled the skies. Zhang Zeyang felt only a turbulent force heading in his direction, but it was definitely not something he could easily withstand. His body was blasted back a few steps before he managed to stabilize himself. His face turned incredibly pale, and blood trickled out from the corner of his mouth.
Xiao Chen cultivated the Purple Thunder Divine Incantation, in addition to the Azure Dragon Martial Spirit, so the Essence in his body was very deep and profound. The full force of his cultivation as a Martial Disciple was equivalent to a peak Martial Disciple. Zhang Zeyang had thought Xiao Chen was still in the 9th Grade Spirit Refinement realm, and thus only used eighty percent of his full power. When going against Xiao Chen, who was using his full force, how could he overcome that?
“With just that insignificant amount of strength, you dare to throw your weight around in Mohe City?” Xiao Chen snorted. He ferociously stomped on the ground with his right foot, imprinting his foot in small cracks on the marble floor of the street. This stomp caused Xiao Chen to fly fo
rward, reaching Zhang Zeyang’s front instantaneously. He struck his palm out towards Zhang Zeyang’s chest.
This happened incredibly fast, and even the people beside Zhang Zeyang were unable to react to it. Looking at this palm, imbued with murderous intent, he felt jittery and shut his eyes in despair, Could it be that I, Zhang Zeyang, will die here today?
“Stop!” an explosive shout came from afar. The voice was very loud, and shook the eardrums of everyone present. Xiao Chen ignored this voice and continued to send out his powerful palm strike towards Zhang Zeyang. The opportunity to cripple Zhang Zeyang was not something that came by every day, after all. All or nothing.
Chapter 20: The Valiant Zhang He, Battle in Anger
“Boom!”
A figure rapidly approached, streaking across the sky like a laser beam, leaving behind trails of afterimages. It went nimbly behind Zhang Zeyang and ferociously pulled him backward, saving him.
The figure then struck out quickly, clashing with Xiao Chen’s palm. Only two breaths of time had passed since this person had shouted. His speed and strength were evident.
A surging strength emanated from this person’s palm, forcing Xiao Chen to quickly retreat three steps before he managed to stabilize himself. The blood in his body was in turmoil, so Xiao Chen hurriedly circulated the Purple Thunder Divine Incantation to protect his Dantian and calm the fluctuating blood and Essence in his body.
In front of Xiao Chen was the person who had struck out. The man was dressed in white; he was very handsome and had a faint smile on his indifferent face. His eyes held a trace of pride, making his expression seem colder.
“Big brother, why are you here?” Zhang Zeyang, who was saved, shouted out in joy. After realizing who had rescued him, he knew that he could possibly turn this situation to his advantage.