Chapter 386

Chapter 386: Fair Trade

In the hall, Hong Xiu’s beautiful eyes stared at Zhou Luo, her face wore a smile, and in her heart she thought much higher of him.

"The Great Dao is merciless, but we cultivators still have emotions and desires," Pill Master Zhou did not explain much.

Though he knew that beauty was fleeting, he thought about what he could do for the women who followed him.

When these words were spoken, Hong Xiu’s face turned serious, and a flicker of respect passed through her eyes.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator herself, the other party’s mental cultivation realm was clearly far superior to hers.

At that moment, she suddenly realized why Pill Master Zhou had earned the appreciation of that legendary great figure and gained immense Immortal opportunity.

"Pill Master Zhou is right; this is indeed something our generation should learn," Hong Xiu did not argue.

Then, she continued, "I do have an everlasting beauty technique, but I don’t know what Pill Master Zhou can offer?"

Hong Xiu had always greatly admired Zhou Luo, especially his conduct and methods, which were unlike those of other Foundation Establishment cultivators.

He always appeared calm and imperturbable to sudden changes, yet when confronted with major matters, he could show swift decisiveness.

Over the past ten-plus years in the Immortal City, she had closely observed him.

So she did not mind telling him about this technique.

After all, hoarding something like this brought little benefit, and it was better to exchange it for what she needed.

After her words, Pill Master Zhou also showed a slight smile and said, "Friend Hong Xiu, what do you need?"

Hong Xiu’s beautiful eyes flashed faintly, her charming face bore an inviting smile, "If I want the Yao Yuan Pavilion, would Pill Master Zhou agree?"

Yao Yuan Pavilion was situated beside Yao Chi Pavilion, and every day countless cultivators could be seen entering and leaving to purchase items.

Each time she saw this sight, Hong Xiu would guess how much profit the owner earned in a single day, and she imagined that taking it over could also bring her greater earnings.

So when Pill Master Zhou made his request, she promptly voiced this idea.

"Yao Yuan Pavilion doesn’t sell many of those potions," Pill Master Zhou hinted meaningfully.

It seemed as if people came daily to Yao Yuan Pavilion to buy potions, but in reality they were drawn by Pill Master Zhou’s reputation as a second level Pill Master.

After all, that was likely the only way they could access such a figure.

So naturally, everyone wanted to come there to try their luck.

Hong Xiu smiled lightly, "That’s true. Then what does Pill Master Zhou have?"

She handed the Right to Choose to him.

Hearing this, Pill Master Zhou thought carefully and said, "I can give you a Foundation Establishment Dan."

An item as vital as a Foundation Establishment Dan was fully worthy of that everlasting beauty technique.

Anyway, over the years of potion-making, he had gathered plentiful materials and even ready-made pills.

This was the sole precious relic he could present, and he believed she would not refuse it.

These words startled Hong Xiu; she looked at him with shock, her beautiful eyes unfathomable.

"Pill Master Zhou, the item you proposed for exchange is rather too valuable."

Though a treasure like the Foundation Establishment Dan held little direct use for her, on the market it was priceless beyond measure and exceedingly rare.

Such a precious potion, and the other party was actually willing to offer it. This was something Hong Xiu hadn’t expected.

However, she understood clearly that since it was an equal exchange, if the other party presented such a rare item, her offering merely a so-called Youth-Preservation cultivation method would undoubtedly be insufficient.

Everyone present was sharp-witted, but the question remained: what else could she produce?

Hong Xiu’s conduct found Zhou Luo somewhat surprised; he hadn’t anticipated she possessed principles.

This elevated his estimation of her a few notches.

"If Friend Hong Xiu finds it too valuable, I have some second-level potions here. If you deem them sufficient, you may take them," Zhou Luo produced a jade vial.

This vial contained potions he had obtained from the ruins. The quality was decently high and should suffice.

Taking the vial, Hong Xiu extended her mental strength inside. Gazing at the high-grade potions within, she inwardly gasped.

Their quality was even finer than she had imagined.

Lifting her gaze towards him, she pondered: he likely lacked the ability to refine potions this exceptional himself. Could they be from that ruin exploration?

Tactfully avoiding inquiry, she merely gave a slight nod, "I don’t need that much."

Having spoken, she deliberately selected a portion of the potions and handed the rest back.

This transaction wasn’t about squeezing maximum profit from Zhou Luo; she simply wished to forge a friendship.

For cultivators at their level, intersecting interests fostered connections, paving the way for future cooperation.

After returning the potions, Hong Xiu flicked her right wrist, and a jade slip materialized in her palm.

"This technique might extend lifespan and halt aging," she kindly cautioned, "but it demands a wealth of rare natural treasures."

Such defiance of the heavens’ will to prolong life was inherently fraught with difficulty.

Zhou Luo cupped his hands respectfully. "My thanks to Friend Hong Xiu."

Given the enterprises under his control, procuring select rare treasures held no concern.

"No need for such courtesies. Ours was simply a fair trade," Hong Xiu smiled.

Afterward, the two conversed a while longer.

Hong Xiu once more raised the topic of their prior cooperation. Regrettably, the presence of Tian Xia Restaurant presented significant hurdles for Yao Chi Pavilion to participate meaningfully.

An hour later, Hong Xiu took her leave.

Zhou Luo, carrying the jade slip, retreated to the rear courtyard.

Yao Wu was amusing the children. She had cultivated a non-toxic strain of Gu insects, which delighted the youngsters, offering welcome respite from their monotonous routines.

"Examine this cultivation method."

Zhou Luo passed her the jade slip.

He had previously reviewed its contents, confirming no issues existed before handing it over.

This constituted a Supreme Qi Refinement technique, neither low in grade nor lacking in benefits.

Its sole drawback lay in the immense quantity of natural treasures required.

He intended for Yao Wu to study it first, then later find means to disseminate it among his wives and concubines.

Possessing this Youth-Preservation cultivation method should gift them several extra decades of life.

Other methods could be sought later, if need be.

If possible, he naturally preferred these long-time companions not depart the world just yet.

"If you encounter any problems, seek me in the chamber," Zhou Luo stated after delivering the slip.

Finding himself with free time, he resolved to delve deeper into the legacies acquired from the ruins.

Entering the room, Zhou Luo opened the jade slip detailing the fusion of formations and Gu techniques, determined to experiment with combining the two.

He had to concede, Zhao Zhi Xuan possessed remarkable talent in formations.

Only upon reading the slip’s introduction did he grasp the sheer difficulty inherent in melding formations with Gu techniques.

Given his current cultivation realm, success was far from guaranteed.

Ultimately, his apprehension stemmed from insufficient mastery over formations. Had he attained the rank of Second Level Formation Master, the endeavour would likely prove smoother.

After perusing the slip’s contents, Zhou Luo had no choice but to temporarily abandon the attempt.