I created a safe zone in the nightmare world.

"⑤ Special: Pharmacist Yan"

"Note: A special extraordinary life form, 'Pharmacist Tan,' has been created and contracted to be an employee of the safe zone. The employee is under the jurisdiction of the safe zone's leader, but the leader must also pay the employee's salary daily. Currently, Pharmacist Tan's salary is: 10 Faith Points/day."

"Extraordinary Talent: Myriad Transformations Body"

"Spells: Spell Power Shockwave (Rare), Mist Walk (Rare)"

"Knowledge: Expert-level Alchemy, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Cultivation"

"Note: There are currently 0/1 employee contract slots remaining."

The bizarre employee conversion options that have appeared this time are different from those in the past.

First, it's "Special Life Form → Special Extraordinary Life Form".

"When the bizarre employee option appeared before, half of them came from the extraordinary area, but the converted ones were still just ordinary bizarre employees." Shi An can enhance his own bizarre employees. It doesn't take much time for newly recruited bizarre employees to be promoted from ordinary bizarre to extraordinary bizarre, but this time should be saved as much as possible.

That saves money, and the new employees can create value as soon as they join the company.

"This employee's panel is also very impressive. The special skills actually appear on the panel, so we're in luck now! And there are three special skills in total."

He already had the idea of ​​finding special talents among the employees of the Ghost Company.

After all, those who suffer from nightmares in the present world have only been exposed to nightmares for a very short time, and it is impossible to find experts with several or even decades of experience.

But the same doesn't necessarily apply to employees with strange personalities.

Shi An immediately chose to switch, and thus, the fifth employee of the safe zone officially joined the company.

Shi An guessed that this employee number 5 was transformed from the extraordinary Great Perfection BOSS in the canyon area.

Just like how he transformed the dormitory nightmare into a bleeding handprint and defeated the black-armored leader into a sharpened blade.

But the regional boss is like a rotting corpse in a robe, and what about employee number 5?

He wore a drab gray robe, and his face had dark circles under his eyes, pale cheeks, and short, graying hair. He looked like an old man in his fifties or sixties, without the slightest resemblance to the eerie.

He looks more like a human than Lifeng.

But it should look like a human.

Shi An had long suspected that people like Li Feng and Yao Shi Tan had strange identities, and that only people like them were more likely to master advanced technology.

Moreover, this person looks like an old Chinese medicine doctor or a scholar, with the demeanor of a master alchemist.

As expected, Pharmacist Tan, like Li Feng, could speak human language. He spoke fluent Da Xia language. Shi An guessed that Wei Qi's ability to speak Da Xia language might be related to his being a Da Xia person. After all, not all intelligent life in the universe could speak Da Xia language.

The pseudo-humans are indeed fluent in the Xia language, but the other mantis people, a group with strange and unpredictable intelligence, have fewer members who can speak the Xia language.

Yao Shiyan said, "Boss, Yao Shiyan is here to report for duty."

Shi An nodded: "I heard you're skilled at brewing potions, identifying herbs, and even cultivating them?"

"Yes." When talking about his professional field, Pharmacist Yan showed a proud look. "I was once known as the strongest pharmacist of the new era. I am proficient in thousands of prescriptions and have even created dozens of secret prescriptions. I am a big shot in the industry."

Thousands of prescriptions? That's incredible!

Shi An felt he should post it, but it didn't seem to be written on the panel.

He asked cautiously, "Could you also write down the formulas for these potions that you're good at?"

"What's so difficult about that...?"

Pharmacist Yan originally had an attitude that even as the boss, he couldn't insult people, and his expertise was beyond question!

But the next moment, his expression changed from a stunned look to a frown, followed by self-doubt.

Finally, they fell silent.

"Boss, I think I've lost my memory. All I remember is that I'm a genius pharmacist, nothing else."

As he spoke, fearing his value would plummet, he quickly added a few more words, "But potion making is ingrained in my instincts. As long as I find an opportunity... like seeing a corresponding potion recipe, I can immediately master making that kind of potion without having to learn it again." "And boss, believe me, I am definitely a top-notch genius in the field of potion making. It won't take me long to learn a recipe again." Shi An remained silent.

He examined the pharmacist Tan a few more times.

Dark circles under his eyes, a pale face, and graying hair.

If you say you are an experienced pharmacist, he will believe you; this kind of demeanor is very convincing to patients.

But you say you are a genius of the new generation, surpassing all your peers?

How can there be a genius at sixty?

"May I ask how old you are, sir?" Shi An asked.

Pharmacist Yan pointed to himself: "Me? Me?"

But there's no one else here.

Pharmacist Tan finally realized something. He looked up at the ceiling and said, "Boss, although I really have no memory of it, I'm certain that I was only twenty-two years old when I was alive!"

Twenty-two years old?

A head full of gray hair?

Perhaps this is the demeanor of a master.

At this moment, Yaoshi Yan's cultivation level is at the early stage of the Transcendent Realm, far below the Transcendent Great Perfection Realm of the regional BOSS.

Shi An guessed that Yao Shi Yan didn't have the same trick as the regional BOSS, which could temporarily amplify the abilities of more than a dozen extraordinary beings.

But it doesn't matter; what he values ​​is Yaoshi Yan's alchemy skills.

Having reached the Transcendent Realm, one possesses the basic requirement to personally refine potions—besides, this is a new era where potion refining is automated and AI assists; Shi An simply needs a pharmacist to oversee the entire process.

Shi An originally wanted Yao Shi Tan to go to the martial arts arena to test his strength, but after hearing about the Furnace Alchemy Factory, Yao Shi Tan couldn't wait to start working there. So Shi An also followed Yao Shi Yan to the Alchemy Factory.

Laboratory area.

Pharmacist Yan inspected the ritual equipment one by one, and he nodded.

"Not bad, not bad. The equipment here is no worse than my alchemy lab back then. However, this alchemy factory is more focused on crafting objects." He had originally wanted to say that there were still too few machines here.

For example, he didn't have his favorite alchemy cauldron, because he felt most comfortable and had the best feeling about using that cauldron to refine medicines.

However, the fully automated black box for alchemy here greatly makes up for this deficiency.

Soon, Pharmacist Yan proved he wasn't exaggerating. He opened the potion recipe section on the control interface and, after just a couple of glances, suddenly understood. "Yes, yes, I can make this potion. But then again, this fully automated black box refining method is already quite perfect." Even he couldn't produce a perfect potion every time he refined these common-level potions, such as the life potion.

While the probability of him personally refining the potions and producing perfect-grade potions was indeed far higher than with the automated process of the black box, the speed and efficiency of the refining process were far inferior. "Our black box production line can refine 1000 ordinary-grade potions, or 100 rare-grade potions, or 10 superior-grade potions per day."

"I can be responsible for processing rare and superior grade potions."

"Oh, improve the potion formula? That's a piece of cake. I also remembered this 'Refreshing Potion.' Some of the rare potions can be replaced like this... like this..."

Shi An didn't actually understand, but he only needed to nod calmly and that was it.

Shi An then took out four ancient potion recipes that the strategy team had found. Before they were even entered into the database, the pharmacist Tan recognized them at a glance.

"I also know how to make these four kinds of medicines."

Among them, the Might Potion and the Frenzy Potion are of lower value, serving as temporary buffs. The former increases physical strength, while the latter increases magical power.

"Lower value" refers to potions that can permanently increase basic three-dimensional attributes. These two potions are very practical, and the materials required for crafting them are not expensive, so they are likely to become best-selling products in the future.

"However, only those at the Transcendent level can use these two potions," said Pharmacist Yan. "Those in the Refinement stage haven't truly acquired magical power yet, so the Frenzy Potion is useless; drinking the Mighty Strength Potion would be even worse, as a mortal's physique can't support such a massive increase in strength, causing their muscles to twist and burst." The Dragon Blood Potion can significantly enhance the user's physique, but it has slight side effects, such as becoming more bloodthirsty and possibly growing scales on certain parts of the body. The Divine Energy Burning Potion is even more precious, permanently enhancing mental power, although it's far less significant than the Awakening Potion, it's still more noticeable for Transcendent individuals. It also has side effects, stimulating and causing some damage to the mind.

The pharmacist, Tan, said, "I remember that both of these potions can be used in conjunction with two other auxiliary potions to significantly reduce the side effects. I don't remember those two potions, but given the properties of the Dragon Blood Potion and the Divine Burning Potion, give me some time and I can figure them out."

"However, I still need some equipment and a lot of materials to conduct the experiments."

Approved.

As the shopkeeper, Shi An was quite wealthy. As long as Pharmacist Yan could refine more high-quality, high-level potions, he could buy whatever he wanted. On the other hand, the canyon area was quite large, and Shi An sent dozens of Dream Refining cultivators to carry out a vigorous sweep for most of the day before finally cleaning up the entire area.

The cleaning team didn't find any more high-value treasures, however, Tian Hua stated:

"The soil in this area is very special, more fertile than the soil in the world. Planting certain medicinal herbs that are compatible with it will achieve twice the result with half the effort."

He suggested that, if conditions permit, this area should be occupied.

Tian Hua has also traveled to many places and seen many campsites.

This canyon area would also be quite suitable for building a camp; it's easy to defend and difficult to attack, with only the canyon opening serving as an entrance and exit. Pharmacist Yan also came over and indicated that this place was indeed worth utilizing.

He added, "Oh, right, this medicinal herb field can only be truly effective if it stays here. Digging it up will waste half of its potential." Tian Hua: "???"

The medicinal herb field that was within our grasp has vanished?

I was so stupid!

Ultimately, Shi An agreed to the plan to build a camp here.

Other forces might have to consider construction costs, intermediate risks, and whether it's worthwhile, but he's different.

You can build it if you want; it won't cost much.

"By the way, I still have a lighthouse blueprint left. It seems this place can indeed serve as the second camp in the safe zone."

"Yes, let's build it as an agricultural base."

The store manager received many precious medicines, potion formulas, new employees, and camps. Members received a large amount of contributions and dream crystals. Tian Hua found a new research method, and the museum owners saw the possibility of buying the energizing potion in the future.

Everyone is happy.

But happiness is not shared by all people.

At this moment, Commander Han and his entourage were on their way back to Tiannan City.

They passed by an unmanned supply depot set up by the city's defense forces and took a short rest there.

Commander Han said, "Regardless, we have replicated those potion formulas, so this mission was not a failure. In fact, in some ways, we obtained those formulas at a lower cost."

He obtained the recipe by shamelessly begging for it.

Fortunately, the group of people who claimed to be from the safe zone were not difficult to talk to, and perhaps because he was an official of Tiannan City, they gave him a reasonable offer.

The commander paid the fee.

And this cost is far lower than the price they would have to pay to send a group of strong warriors to provide support from their Third Army Corps.

But that's not how you calculate it.

If their Third Legion were to personally explore and conquer this area, their gains would certainly be far more than just a few recipes. Clearly, there are still great values ​​and secrets hidden deep within this area, which is why this mysterious force within the Safe Zone is willing to go to great lengths, even enlisting the powerful allies of the Pavilion Master and the City Lord of Burning Maple, to conquer it.

Commander Han was very curious about how much the leaders of the safe zone had gone to in order to bring out these two people.

What treasures or secrets lie hidden deep within the canyon?

"Regardless, this time we were outmatched, both in combat strength and initial reconnaissance methods. What puzzles me most is this force called the 'Safe Zone'—I've never heard of them before."

"No matter what, let's report to the commander first."

With the help of this supply point and the equipment they carried, he was able to make a brief communication with headquarters.

Commander Han dialed the signal.

At the same time.

City Defense Army, Third Corps Base.

General Fu, the corps commander, was pondering the corps' grand military exercise. This time, with the opportunity presented by the Land of Revelation, each corps had a quota, and naturally, he wanted to select the strongest and most suitable candidates.

"And what about the safe zone? We were told we'd be assisting in building several camps there in a while?"

This safe zone seemed to appear out of nowhere.

However, General Fu already knew that Baijiang City, Chongshan City, and Lindong City all had close cooperation with the Safe Zone and had gained huge benefits from it.

"But the Three Cities are the Three Cities. Our Tiannan is the provincial capital, full of powerful individuals and numerous training grounds."

Besides the wonders, they also have more than twenty training grounds of varying sizes built by themselves in Tiannan City.

No force has a stronger foundation than Tiannan City.

Why would they cooperate with the safe zone? Cooperation is one thing, but why make concessions?

At this moment,

"Commander, there's important news from the communications room. It's a message from Commander Han and his men."

Commander Fu rushed to the communications room and soon heard both good news and bad news.

The good news is that the drug formula does exist, and they have obtained it.

The bad news is that their long-planned target area was taken over by another organization in half a day.

"Are you sure it's only half a day?"

"I'm sure," Commander Han said, "Our people entered the canyon first and set up many detection methods around it. But I think that this force called the Safe Zone probably scouted this canyon area even earlier, which is why they dared to send out a large number of powerful people without hesitation."

With this in mind, Commander Han felt relieved.

They weren't robbed of their right to conquer; it's just that someone else came first.

Besides, in the wild, the strong rule, and if someone's strength far surpasses his own, he certainly wouldn't be able to say a word against it.

At this moment, Commander Han noticed his corps commander looking thoughtful, "Safe zone, so it's a safe zone..."

It turns out the commander already knew about the safe zone, which makes it less surprising.

The safe zone is likely an extremely powerful top-tier force. His lack of familiarity with it stems from his insufficient status; even the commander wouldn't recognize it. General Fu, however, was also surprised.

"Are the various pavilion masters and the Lord of Burning Maple City all willing to be at the forefront? Is this driven by self-interest, personal charisma, or perhaps both?"

"And they mobilized more than twenty extraordinary individuals with ease?"

General Fu, who knew some of the inside information, was clear that these two, the owners of the various shops, were probably not actually invited by the manager of the safe zone.

He was curious about the safe zone, but the ark had already left.

"But I still don't believe that any force can surpass Tiannan City in terms of foundation. I reckon it's Director Dai and a few others who are promoting other forces in the Great Xia."

"At this stage, let's focus our energy on the Land of Revelation. If we can obtain a great opportunity there, the foundation of Tiannan City will definitely increase significantly, and we might even produce a few more people at the Ascension Realm."

He also harbors ambitions for advancement!

Li Feng has already entered the realm of extraordinary perfection, and the next step is to advance and transform.

As for the half-step advancement realm? That's a realm that only those who fail to advance reach, a state that's neither here nor there.

"However, it seems that there is no breakthrough technique for the Ascension Realm in Tiannan City either."

It's possible that Tiannan City still has some crucial information hidden, but it's also likely true that Tiannan City doesn't yet have a clear method for breaking through.

If there's no method, find it yourself.

Shi An had long anticipated this day—he would be a pioneer in the safe zone, blazing trails through the unknown. In the future, if he rose to a high position and possessed sufficient ability, he might even attempt to create a cultivation system and career system more suitable for the physique of the Great Xia Baby.

We still need to take it one step at a time.

Shi An is currently unable to modify any system, and he is not even clear about Li Feng's current level in the Great Perfection of the Extraordinary Realm.

Li Feng is certainly not weak, but nowadays, those at the Great Perfection of the Extraordinary Realm and those at the Half-Step Ascension Realm are all exceptionally talented.

"Only by determining our standards and positioning ourselves can we better deal with the bizarre."

"But how do we clearly define our own position?"

Shi An arrived at the training ground.

He has been studying the training ground for many days.

He discovered that while the training ground was wondrous, it could have many more functions.

"Based on the rules and power of the training ground itself, I can modify it to have even more functions."

This marked the beginning of his attempts at innovation.

Shi An materialized a martial arts performer and extracted information about numerous powerful individuals challenging him, as well as strange information from his own mind. He waved his hand, and a surge of power of conviction flowed out, entering the body of the martial arts performer not far away.

The simulated figure changed rapidly.

In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a powerful, ferocious, and terrifying monster.

It was a strange mantis-like figure familiar to many of the powerful members.