I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Cola Novels, a professional online novel platform, offers the most comfortable reading experience.

Three months later.

Inside the quiet room, Zhou Yuan slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a long stream of white breath, within which a faint five-colored glow flashed and disappeared.

The remaining remnant of the Heaven-Mending Pill has been completely refined and absorbed by the pure pill fire within the body.

He carefully sensed the changes within his body.

The most obvious change is that the speed at which it absorbs the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is slightly faster than before.

Although the improvement wasn't earth-shattering, for someone with pseudo-spiritual root aptitude like him, any improvement in his physical constitution was like carving out a new step on a rugged mountain path, which was of extraordinary significance.

"The Heaven-Mending Pill is indeed miraculous... Although it is only a remnant of the medicine, it has a subtle and profound effect."

Zhou Yuan was quite satisfied, but he did not immediately take out the second one to refine.

The way of cultivation requires a balance of tension and relaxation.

He needs to assess the current situation and plan his next steps.

The first thing to do is to take stock of our assets.

Of the pills I've accumulated over the years through embezzlement, aside from those used before and after forming my core, and those used for my avatar's cultivation, I currently have about thirty bottles left.

These are all "Essence Pills" and "Snow Spirit Pills," suitable for cultivators in the mid-to-late stages of Foundation Establishment to improve their magical power, and are of excellent quality.

Based on market prices, the total value of this batch of pills is estimated to be around 150,000 low-grade spirit stones.

In addition to the four batches of Dust-Subduing Pills that were seized not long ago, there are a total of forty-two pills.

This pill is priceless on an outer island like Kui Xing Island. If we conservatively estimate the price at 8,000 spirit stones per pill, its value is as high as 300,000 spirit stones!

In addition, the dividends and rewards I received from the Six-Linked Palace over the years, after deducting daily expenses and the cost of purchasing materials, have left me with a surplus of 80,000 spirit stones.

With such a rough calculation, his net worth is already close to 500,000 spirit stones!

It seems we're halfway there to reach the goal of one million spirit stones needed to upgrade the next equipment slot.

But Zhou Yuan was very clear-headed. The vast majority of this 500,000 was "assets," which were pills that had not yet been converted into cash, rather than "cash" that could be used at any time.

Converting these pills into spirit stones safely and efficiently is a problem.

He should sell it himself? Absolutely not.

He had just delivered five batches of Dust-Reducing Pills to the Six-Linked Palace, and then immediately started selling large quantities of the same type of pills, or even earlier batches. It was as if he was openly telling Ouyang Gong, "I've embezzled quite a lot over the years."

This will inevitably arouse suspicion, and may even lead to a complete breakdown in relations.

Moreover, selling pills personally requires finding reliable channels, negotiating prices, and guarding against being cheated, which is extremely time-consuming and energy-intensive.

For Zhou Yuan, who had just formed his core and urgently needed time to stabilize his realm, improve his cultivation, and break through to a higher realm, time was more precious than spirit stones.

The formation of the pseudo-spiritual root is already a heaven-defying opportunity. He must make every effort to break through to the nascent soul stage before his five-hundred-year lifespan limit arrives. He cannot afford to waste a single moment.

"It seems that this matter can only be handled by the avatar."

Zhou Yuan quickly came up with a plan.

Zhou Tian, ​​now a "Sha Dan" cultivator at the early stage of Core Formation, possesses enough strength to protect himself in the Chaotic Star Overseas Island region.

Most importantly, no one knows his relationship with his avatar; the avatar's actions have nothing to do with his true self.

Send your avatars to areas far from Kui Xing Island to sell these Foundation Establishment pills in batches and at different locations. This method is safe and will not attract the attention of the Six Palaces.

In terms of price, it can even be slightly lower than the market price in order to sell quickly.

With the plan settled, Zhou Yuan decided to proceed without further delay.

He packed about thirty bottles of pills into an inconspicuous storage bag and quietly left the Jade Peak Cave without alerting anyone.

After leaving Kuixing Island, he flew straight to the remote sea area where he had made a promise with his avatar.

On a sheltered spot on a deserted island, Zhou Yuan met Zhou Tian, ​​an incarnation who was living in seclusion there, cultivating and consolidating his "Sha Dan" realm.

The aura of the avatar was more solid than before, and the bloodthirsty aura surrounding him was also much more restrained, indicating that his cultivation had been stabilized.

Zhou Yuan handed the storage bag to his avatar, and at the same time, through mental connection, he transmitted detailed information such as precautions for selling pills, approximate price range, and sensitive areas to avoid.

"Remember, safety first. It's better to sell fewer spirit stones than to get involved in unnecessary trouble. Once the transaction is complete, flee immediately and do not linger," Zhou Yuan instructed.

Zhou Tian nodded indifferently, took the storage bag, and his figure transformed into an almost imperceptible blood shadow, silently merging into the vast sea and heading away from Kui Xing Island.

After watching his avatar depart, Zhou Yuan returned to Kui Xing Island, as if he had only gone out for a walk.

He then strolled to Yuhuan Residence on Tiandu Street.

Ouyang Gong had already been informed and warmly welcomed Zhou Yuan into the inner hall, serving him spiritual tea.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou Yuan got straight to the point: "Manager Ouyang, I've come today to discuss something with you."

"Please speak, Master Zhou." Ouyang Gong's expression turned serious.

"After much deliberation, I feel that I should not be complacent in the art of alchemy. I have already studied the pills for the Foundation Establishment stage quite thoroughly. Although continuing to refine them can bring stable profits, the improvement of my alchemy skills has gradually plateaued."

His reasons were reasonable.

Anyone who hears this would think it's a normal choice for an alchemist aspiring to reach the pinnacle of alchemy.

Of course, only Zhou Yuan himself knew the real reason: he had successfully formed his core, and the effects of the pills for the Foundation Establishment stage on his cultivation had greatly diminished. What he needed in the future were pills that could help him advance to the Core Formation stage.

Planning ahead and utilizing the resources of the Six-Hall Connection to obtain elixir formulas and materials is the best long-term strategy.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Gong's eyes flashed with surprise, which quickly turned into deep admiration and joy.

Zhou Yuan's proactive pursuit of a breakthrough is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for Yu Huan Ju and Liu Lian Dian! If they can successfully refine a Core Formation stage pill, Zhou Yuan's value will skyrocket once again!

"Master Zhou's ambition is truly a blessing for our Six-in-One Palace!"

Ouyang Gong clapped his hands and laughed, "Leave this to me! I'll immediately apply to headquarters to transfer a batch of Core Formation stage pill formulas and corresponding medicinal materials! With Alchemist Zhou's skills, he'll definitely master it quickly!"

"In that case, I'll have to trouble Manager Ouyang." Zhou Yuan bowed and thanked him.

"Master Zhou, you're too kind!"

Ouyang Gong sighed, "To be honest, I owe everything I have today to you, Master Zhou. Because of you, the Kuixing Island branch's performance has skyrocketed year after year, its reputation has soared, and it has brought huge profits to the headquarters."

"Now, headquarters has decided that I will soon be transferred to the main island branch of the Inner Twelve Star Islands to serve as the manager!"

It's estimated that within the next three or four years, once a suitable vacancy becomes available, the transfer order will be issued immediately.

His eyes were filled with gratitude as he looked at Zhou Yuan: "If it weren't for Master Zhou, I, Ouyang Gong, would probably have spent my whole life in the outer island branch."

Zhou Yuan smiled slightly: "Manager Ouyang is too modest. This is what you deserve."

Ouyang Gong waved his hand, then said seriously, "There is one more thing. In view of Master Zhou's outstanding contributions, headquarters has officially issued a document appointing Master Zhou as the steward of our Six-Hall Kui Xing Island branch!"

Her status was equivalent to that of Steward Feng Sanniang, and she enjoyed many privileges and convenient access to resources within the branch.

This was an unexpected surprise.

The position of steward means that he has a more formal status and voice within the Six Halls system, making it easier for him to act.

"Furthermore..." Ouyang Gong suddenly lowered his voice, a friendly smile appearing on his face, "Master Zhou, your cultivation far surpasses mine, and your alchemy skills are beyond my reach. Today, I dare to ask to get closer to you... If you don't mind, I would like to address you as 'Big Brother.' What do you say?"

Zhou Yuan was taken aback upon hearing this, not expecting Ouyang Gong to make such a request.

This is clearly the other party trying their best to build a closer relationship in order to show sincerity and bind them.

After a moment's hesitation, Zhou Yuan did not refuse.

Ouyang Gong was a shrewd and capable man.

They also know how to maintain appropriate boundaries.

Moreover, he is about to be promoted to the main island of the inner star, which may come in handy in the future. Having more friends is always better than having more potential rivals.

"You're exaggerating."

Zhou Yuan smiled and said, "Since you have not rejected me, I am truly grateful."

"Great! That's wonderful!"

Ouyang Gong was overjoyed, "Brother Zhou! From now on, we're family!"

"Brother Ouyang."

Zhou Yuan also changed his tune, and the two smiled at each other, their relationship seemingly growing even closer.

After chatting for a while, Zhou Yuan took his leave and returned to his cave at Yuqi Peak.

In the quiet room, he took out the second remnant of the Heaven-Mending Pill, put it in his mouth, and once again activated the pill fire to slowly and continuously refine it.

Improving qualifications is a long-term strategy that must be pursued persistently.

Time flies, and a year has passed in the blink of an eye.

After Zhou Yuan completely refined and absorbed the medicinal power of the fifth and final remnant of the Heaven-Mending Pill, he clearly felt a subtle yet profound change occurring within himself.

Their sensitivity to the spiritual energy of heaven and earth has become more acute, and their efficiency in absorbing and refining it has increased by nearly 30% compared to a year ago!

If his previous aptitude was that of a top-tier pseudo-spiritual root, then now he feels that he has firmly stepped into the realm of three spiritual roots!

Although there is still a world of difference between them and geniuses with celestial spiritual roots or heterogeneous spiritual roots.

However, compared to the initial pseudo-spiritual root aptitude, it is a complete transformation.

This means that his future cultivation speed will be much faster than expected, and his chances of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage have also increased significantly.