People fight and become emperors in advance

Chapter 170 Spirit-Nourishing Powder, Plans After Leaving the Pill Domain

Chen Xiao's gaze lingered briefly on the bronze plate before he quickly looked away, casually scanning the jade platform.

During the process, he kept glancing at the other medicinal herbs, as if his interest had been piqued. It wasn't until much later that he casually picked up the copper piece between his fingers.

The coolness of the metal traveled through my fingertips; this was because it had been left in a low-temperature environment for a long time.

Turning the copper sheet over in my hand, the rough surface brushed against my palm. Its unremarkable texture was no different from the copper sheets commonly found on the street. If it weren't for the crooked and complex patterns engraved on it, anyone would think it was just a piece of scrap copper.

"Sir, how much for this copper sheet?"

"A high-grade seventh-rank pill formula, no bargaining."

The disheveled old man opened his eyes and replied with a series of yawns.

Upon hearing this reply, Cao Ying, who was standing to the side, subtly tugged at Chen Xiao's sleeve.

As an alchemist, she knew the value of a high-grade seventh-rank pill formula. Although she didn't understand why Chen Xiao was interested in this rather ordinary copper piece, from her perspective, the exchange was definitely not worthwhile, so she secretly gave him a heads-up.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly, not too surprised by the old man's high price.

In business, it's always the same: ask for the moon, then haggle.

"Old man, what's so special about this copper piece? How come it's so valuable?"

Zi Yan also came over, but after looking at it for a long time, she couldn't see anything special about the copper piece.

"I don't know," the old man replied matter-of-factly.

Then he explained, "Although I don't know what this copper piece is for, I'm sure it's an ancient artifact. Anything with the word 'ancient' in it is bound to be valuable. You can ask this young lady about this; she's an alchemist and knows better."

Seeing the old man's gaze, Cao Ying shook her head: "It's too expensive. Even if, as the old man says, this copper piece is an ancient artifact, there are many things that have been passed down from ancient times, including some common items. The fact that the old man has been unable to sell this copper piece suggests that those who are interested in it have this concern."

Chen Xiao smiled slightly. Cao Yaonu was indeed quite clever, and she had pinpointed the problem with the copper piece.

Too lazy to waste any more words, Chen Xiao put down the copper plate, stood up and said directly, "A mid-grade seventh-rank pill formula. If you're willing, sir, I'll buy it and study it. If not, then forget it."

This is a huge find. The old man only knew that the copper pieces were valuable, but he didn't know their exact value.

Chen Xiao had read the script and knew where the old man's bottom line was.

Upon hearing the price Chen Xiao offered, the old man shook his head and continued to close his eyes for a short rest.

Chen Xiao didn't hesitate and decisively left with the three women.

However, after walking only ten steps or so, the old man's voice came from behind.

"Take it, take it, but let me make this clear first: I don't accept those half-baked seventh-grade mid-level pill formulas."

Chen Xiao stopped and smiled slightly.

Back at the stall, Chen Xiao put away the copper piece and was about to take out the pill formula from his storage ring to pay when Cao Ying beat him to it, taking out a yellowed pill formula and handing it over.

"Seventh grade, mid-level, Star Condensation Pill. When this pill is completed, it displays a brilliant starlight color, and its fragrance is as deep as the vast starry sky. It has the effect of condensing spiritual power and has a great amplifying effect on the use of soul attacks and defenses. We should meet the old gentleman's requirements."

The old man took it, examined it, and nodded in satisfaction.

Once he accepted it, the deal was officially finalized.

As Cao Ying left the stall, noticing Chen Xiao's gaze, she smiled slyly and said, "I know you have a lot of good stuff on you, but I've already thoroughly mastered all the pill formulas I have. I don't know much about the ones you have yet. It would be too wasteful to exchange them with you. It's better to give them to me than to give them to him."

Chen Xiao was speechless. Thanks to the demoness's actions, neither he nor the stall owner suffered any losses. He gave up a mid-grade seventh-rank pill formula, and the other party received one as he wished.

Only the demoness was able to learn another type of mid-grade seventh-rank pill after reselling it, making a fortune.

"Ying'er's consideration is more thorough. We'll do as you say."

"You're really getting better at calling me that," Cao Ying retorted with a flirtatious eye roll.

Ever since he put on that act in front of Song Qing, this guy has become too lazy to change how he addresses her; the more he calls her, the more natural it feels.

Having achieved his purpose at the trade fair, Chen Xiao had no desire to linger any longer and immediately led the three women away.

...

Upon returning to the courtyard, Chen Xiao immediately instructed Zi Yan and Little Fairy Doctor to close the gate tightly before leading the three women into the room.

inside the room.

Under the flickering candlelight, the four people gathered around the table, where a bronze plate with an old, tarnished glow lay quietly in the center.

The copper sheet has a mottled base color like a faded sunset, and its surface is covered with gnarled and winding green rust, like countless twisted earthworms coiled on it. These layers of rust, accumulated over the years, have gnawed away at the mysterious patterns originally engraved on the copper sheet, leaving them incomplete.

"Chen Xiao, is this really a good thing?"

Chen Xiao nodded affirmatively. He bent two fingers together, and his fighting spirit rapidly gathered around him like a vortex, condensing into a sharp blue-white needle at his fingertips.

Chen Xiao took out a small bowl and placed it on the table. Then he picked up the copper sheet, held his breath, and with a slight twist of his wrist, slowly inserted the fine needle into the gnarled green rust on the surface of the copper sheet at an almost tricky angle. Every step forward was done with extreme caution, for fear of damaging the secret hidden beneath the copper sheet.

Under the tense gaze of the three women, who held their breath, Chen Xiao spent a full half hour removing all the green patina from the surface of the copper sheet.

Chen Xiao tossed the copper piece aside and looked at the enchantress.

"Ying'er, burn it."

Cao Ying was too lazy to correct his form of address. She nodded slightly, gathered the patina in the bowl into a small ball, and made it float up.

As she activated the strange fire, the emerald green flames instantly enveloped the copper ball.

The next moment, Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan immediately noticed something was wrong.

The temperature of the strange fire could easily incinerate the black iron, but at this moment Cao Ying controlled the temperature to rise steadily, and the heat wave in the air even distorted the surrounding space.

However, the copper ball engulfed by the flames remained as stable as a rock. The mottled copper rust on its surface only emitted a few wisps of blue smoke under the high temperature. Not only did it show no signs of melting, but it also faintly emitted an eerie glow, as if it had completely absorbed the power of the strange fire.

Cao Ying also became interested and immediately raised the temperature again. After nearly ten minutes, the green copper ball gradually showed signs of melting.

As the copper ball melted more rapidly, the green color on its surface faded quickly, just like morning mist being evaporated by the scorching sun. Tiny, pale yellow dust particles peeled off from the molten copper rust, like golden fireflies breaking free of their shackles!

These dust particles seemed to have a life of their own, flickering and shimmering like spirits, giving people an extremely strong sense of spirituality.

The process of the pale yellow dust falling off took only about two minutes before it completely stopped. As the dust fell off, the copper ball turned into dust in an instant.

At this moment, within the emerald flame, only five pale yellow dust particles remained, shimmering with a spiritual luster, remaining unchanged no matter how the flames burned them.

The Fairy Doctor's beautiful eyes gazed at the five specks of dust suspended in the flames. Her long eyelashes cast dappled shadows in the firelight. She noticed the burning passion surging in Chen Xiao's eyes, and her lips parted slightly.

"So, these five grains of dust are the greatest value of that copper piece?"

Chen Xiao nodded emphatically, signaling Cao Ying to stop. He collected five pale yellow dust particles into a jade bottle and placed it on the table for close examination. Zi Yan, lying on the table, stared at it for a long time but still couldn't figure it out. "What exactly is this?" she asked.

"Pregnancy Powder Dust!"

Upon hearing the words Chen Xiao uttered, not only Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, but even Cao the Demoness had a look of bewilderment on her pretty face.

She is talented and has a good background, which shows that knowledge needs to be accumulated and grown step by step. A newly adult enchantress doesn't really know everything.

Under the scrutinizing gazes of the three women, Chen Xiao pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "The essence of Spirit-Nourishing Powder lies in the word 'spirit.' Ying'er is an alchemist and understands this best. The stronger the spirituality of an eighth-grade pill, the higher its grade. And this Spirit-Nourishing Powder can enhance spirituality."

Chen Xiao paused, his gaze sweeping over the three women's suddenly constricted pupils. "Besides that, it has an even greater function. If it is integrated into the soul, it can nurture the soul, gradually enhancing the spiritual energy within it, thereby allowing one to step into the so-called spiritual realm!"

Upon hearing this, both Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan took a deep breath and instantly understood the value of this Spirit-Pregnancy Powder.

Cao Ying, standing to the side, stared intently, her surprise barely concealed.

A spiritual soul is the threshold for an eighth-grade alchemist.

People with spiritual souls are not necessarily eighth-grade alchemists.

However, all eighth-grade alchemists are definitely above the Spirit Realm Soul level.

Because, without reaching the Spirit Realm, it is simply impossible to refine an eighth-grade pill!

"Spirit-Nourishing Dust is actually a special type of Grade 8 pill, but its refining method has been lost. This thing is like a magnet that can attract spirituality. When it is integrated into the soul, it can make the spiritual energy within the soul become more and more abundant without you even realizing it. Moreover, it also has an extremely good catalytic effect on certain states of enlightenment."

After giving the three women a brief explanation, Chen Xiao picked up the jade bottle.

"Everyone who sees this gets a share. There are five grains of Spirit-Nourishing Powder. We will each take one, and keep the last one for future use."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Xiao's fighting spirit surged, drawing out the four grains of spirit-nurturing powder.

Three of them shot towards the foreheads of Little Fairy Doctor, Zi Yan, and Cao Ying respectively, while the last one landed between Chen Xiao's eyebrows.

The moment the Spirit-Nourishing Powder entered their foreheads, all four of them trembled violently, their faces suddenly tightened, and they could all feel as if they had been pricked by needles, with a dull pain in their heads.

Fortunately, the pain did not last long and soon dissipated.

Immediately afterwards, all four of them could sense that a strange fluctuation suddenly permeated the surrounding world. Wisps of extremely faint, unusual air currents seeped out from the spatial fluctuations and finally slowly entered their foreheads.

Chen Xiao's soul cultivation had never stopped, but he hadn't felt his soul power growing for a long time.

At this moment, the feeling of being unable to make any progress was finally broken. The spirit-nurturing dust acted like a catalyst, causing the spiritual energy contained within his soul to increase at an extremely slow but palpable speed!

This surge lasted for nearly three hours before gradually subsiding, but the strange currents seeping out from between heaven and earth continued to converge towards the center of the forehead.

Chen Xiao slowly opened his eyes, only to find that the three girls, Little Fairy Doctor and Fairy Doctor, were still immersed in that state.

Chen Xiao did not see anything wrong with this.

His soul power was already extremely strong, no weaker than Cao Ying's. After the Spirit-Nourishing Powder was incorporated, its effect was more inclined to cause a qualitative change in Chen Xiao's soul.

In comparison, Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan's soul power is slightly weaker. After the Spirit-Nourishing Powder is incorporated, it will accelerate the accumulation of their power until one day, they will be able to break through to the Spirit Realm naturally.

This is a good thing, and Chen Xiao is happy to see it happen.

After all, the benefits of strengthening the soul are visible to the naked eye.

After putting away the jade bottle on the table, Chen Xiao quietly left the room.

Upon arriving at the courtyard, one discovers that the plants have undergone a dramatic transformation, as if a year has passed in just over an hour. They have grown considerably more lush, with the plants closer to the room growing the best, resulting in a haphazard and uneven appearance.

Upon seeing this, Chen Xiao's fighting spirit surged slightly, and an ice blade materialized.

After trimming the flowers and plants to his liking, he went to the stone table, took out a notebook, and began to read it by the moonlight.

After an unknown amount of time, another figure emerged from the room.

She came up behind Chen Xiao, glanced at the notes in his hand, and seeing that they were just some miscellaneous discussions about the creation of combat techniques, she immediately lost interest and sat down on a stone bench to the side.

"I just heard a muffled sound."

"What's that sound?" Chen Xiao didn't even look up.

"It seems to be a method of soul cultivation, but it's incomplete. At the pinnacle of the soul, one must close off the celestial spirit and absorb spiritual energy to forge the soul."

Cao Ying rested her chin on her hand as she looked at him, and without hiding anything, told him everything.

Chen Xiao nodded, followed the cultivation mantra and slowly tried to comprehend it for a few minutes, then shook his head and gave up.

The grade of this soul cultivation method is unknown, but it is certain that this incomplete version is far inferior to the "Nine Nether Soul Scripture" that he had pre-received.

"It is said that some powerful beings can leave their soul imprints on objects. If I am not mistaken, what you heard should be the imprint left by those ancient powerful beings. However, the years that have passed have been too long, causing it to become blurred and incomplete."

"Just as I guessed."

Does the Cao family possess a method for cultivating the soul?

“Yes, this is the most important thing in the Cao family. Even among family members, only alchemists of the sixth rank or above and experts above the Dou Zong level can cultivate it. If you are interested, I will talk to my family and they should agree to let you cultivate it. However, it cannot be passed on to outsiders.”

"No need for that, I have that too."

Cao Ying nodded slightly, noticing that he was distracted, and immediately reached out and took the note.

After realizing that her actions were somewhat rash, she felt a strange unease.

Normally, although she often teases Chen Xiao and occasionally provokes him, she always keeps to a certain standard. For example, at the assessment of the five major families a few days ago, she pretended to be intimate with Chen Xiao, but she asked for his opinion and got his consent before she did so.

This time, however, she seemed to have suddenly become stupid, only realizing her mistake after acting rashly.

The reason for this is probably that Chen Xiao's attention was not on her when he was talking to her.

However, she was unhappy because Chen Xiao didn't look at her.

At this moment, Chen Xiao looked up and saw that the demoness's gaze was slightly evasive, and her appearance was very similar to that of Queen Medusa before she was Cai Lin.

"I have something important to ask you: how long do you plan to stay in the Pill Domain this time?"

The enchantress pushed the note in front of Chen Xiao and lowered her eyes.

Chen Xiao put the note into his storage ring and said, "I'll leave in a month at most after I've dealt with Xian'er's matter. I need to find a place to break through to the Dou Zong realm. After that, I might go to the Northern Continent. My return date is uncertain."

"Is there any danger? What I mean is, if you need help, the Cao family can assist you, after all, that was the condition we agreed to for you."

"I'm not sure, but it should be fine. Once Xian'er condenses the poison pill, her strength will increase dramatically, and advancing to the Dou Zun level will be no problem."

(End of this chapter)