Volume Two: Travels in Qi Chapter 66: The Pill Pavilion

Zhang Heng followed Yun Yanrou into the city of Sandstone. Ordinary citizens had to queue and register to enter, but as a member of the Yun family, Yun Yan could simply state her identity and pass through directly.

In terms of conditions, Sandstone City was only marginally better than Liunan City. Liunan, backed by the Dragon Burial Abyss, suffered from chaotic spiritual energy, and its strongest figure—Zhang Heng’s grandfather, Zhang Lie—was only at the first stage of the Yuan Pill Realm. Sandstone City, surrounded on three sides by sand, fared little better; Yuan Pill Realm experts existed, but were few and far between.

The encirclement of sand meant resources were scarce, making the city far less prosperous than Liunan. It seemed the system had deliberately chosen this place as Zhang Heng’s next ground for growth. Experience farming, after all, began in small towns before moving to bustling cities where martial arts flourished.

Zhang Heng could barely contain his excitement—not for the city itself, but because this was his second step towards dominance in this foreign world.

Upon arriving at the Yun residence, Yun Yanrou summoned a servant and made some casual arrangements. She bowed slightly to Zhang Heng, apologizing, “Young Master Zhang, forgive me. I have urgent matters to attend to and must leave. If my hospitality falls short, I beg your understanding.” With those words, she took the antidote pill and departed swiftly.

Zhang Heng paid it no mind. He decided to take a bath first.

The servant, puzzled by Yun Yanrou’s request to treat this apparent “beggar” with utmost courtesy, could only obey. She led Zhang Heng to a well-appointed guest room.

After washing up, Zhang Heng lay idly on the bed. Though he carried many spiritual items that could hasten his advancement, cultivation demanded solid foundations, and he had no intention of improving his realm during this period.

He sighed, thinking, “Perhaps I should study alchemy now. Who knows when I might need it?” With that in mind, he prepared to seek out an alchemy furnace in the city.

As for the spiritual fire needed for alchemy—if he wished to refine high-grade pills or those especially difficult to temper, he would need something special. But for ordinary first and second-tier pills, a standard fire technique would suffice.

He opened the door to find Yun Yanrou waiting, her face radiant with joy. Her smile was captivating. She bowed gently and said, “Thank you, Young Master Zhang. After my father took the antidote, his condition has markedly improved.”

Zhang Heng smiled modestly. “There’s no need for such formality, Miss Yun.”

Yun Yanrou studied Zhang Heng carefully.

After bathing and donning a long robe, Zhang Heng’s appearance took Yun Yanrou by surprise. He was worlds apart from when he first arrived. Having suppressed his spiritual power and trekked through the sands for nearly seven days, his physique was now stronger, his face bearing the ruggedness befitting a man. Having reached the sixth stage of body refinement and undergone countless spiritual baptisms, his skin was imbued with spiritual energy, and his demeanor had greatly improved.

In the secular world, he would be considered a refined young gentleman, well-versed in literature.

Seeing Yun Yanrou’s gaze linger, Zhang Heng shamelessly remarked, “So, Miss Yun, what do you think? Am I handsome?”

Yun Yanrou’s cheeks flushed, her eyes darting aside as she hurriedly changed the subject. “Young Master Zhang, where are you off to?” His attire indicated he had business.

Zhang Heng replied solemnly, “Miss Yun, do you know where in Sandstone City I might find an alchemy furnace for sale?”

“An alchemy furnace?” Yun Yanrou was momentarily stunned, then teased, “Aren’t you an alchemist, Young Master Zhang? How could you not have a furnace?” She clearly doubted his claim.

Zhang Heng answered casually, “I tried refining pills in the sand and blew up the furnace. Now I need a new one.”

Combined with his earlier beggar-like appearance, Yun Yanrou found the story somewhat believable.

“So you’re looking for an alchemy furnace? I’m quite familiar with Sandstone City—why don’t I accompany you in your search?” She sensed Zhang Heng was likely a true alchemist and sought to befriend him.

Zhang Heng nodded in agreement. Truth be told, with his system, finding a place selling furnaces would be trivial. Still, the company of a beauty was never a loss.

As they left, the eyes of someone outside Zhang Heng’s room shifted from hesitation to malice.

Strolling along the lively streets, Zhang Heng felt his spirits lighten. He had spent the past days in relentless cultivation, which was dull. He needed more exposure to people; otherwise, life would be too tedious.

Sensing the silence, Yun Yanrou tried to start a conversation. “Young Master Zhang, to be an alchemist at such a young age is truly remarkable,” she said, admiringly.

In the past, others had always sought her favor, but never had someone like Zhang Heng simply ignored her, gazing about as if she were not there.

To achieve first-tier alchemist status at twenty-five was considered genius. Zhang Heng looked eighteen or nineteen; if he really was an alchemist, his talent was indeed extraordinary.

Zhang Heng made no reply, instead asking, “Miss Yun, where should we look for an alchemy furnace?”

Yun Yanrou blinked, then explained, “If you want to buy a furnace, you must go to the Alchemy Pavilion.”

Alchemy Pavilion? Zhang Heng knew of it—Liunan City had one, famed for its mystery. He hadn’t expected there would be one in the kingdom as well; its backing must be considerable.

After about fifteen minutes’ walk, they arrived at the so-called Alchemy Pavilion.

The pavilion was bustling, with constant streams of buyers and sellers of pills—and, surprisingly, a queue. Zhang Heng found it amusing; no matter where you were, strength could compel others to follow your rules.

The Yun family had some prestige here, and as soon as Yun Yanrou appeared, a young servant girl quickly greeted them.

Bowing, the girl asked, “Miss Yun, are you here to purchase pills?” She ignored Zhang Heng entirely.

Yun Yanrou replied, “I’ve brought a friend to purchase an alchemy furnace. Please show us the way.”

An alchemy furnace? The servant was startled. Only alchemists or those connected to them would buy such a thing—otherwise, what purpose would it serve?

She looked Zhang Heng over again, but he didn’t resemble an alchemist at all.

Nonetheless, she said politely, “Miss Yun, and you, young master, please follow me.” Years of service had honed her intuition; anyone accompanied by Yun Yanrou and seeking a furnace could hardly be ordinary. Perhaps he was apprentice to some great alchemist.

The two followed her through the crowds to the second floor, which was much quieter than the first. Here were displayed precious pills and rare artifacts, inaccessible to the general public—only cultivators with power and status could enter.

The servant went in to report. Zhang Heng wandered about, browsing. There were a fair number of pills—second and third tier—but none caught his eye.

After all, Zhang Heng had scoured the bodies of fallen cultivators throughout Dragon Burial Abyss. He had plenty of treasures on him and looked down on these offerings.

Soon, a voice from within called out, “We have esteemed guests—please, come in.”