Feng Lin slowly pushed open the doors of the Thousand Lotus Pavilion, a soft sound echoing through the well-arranged room. The interior was carefully decorated, with shelves filled with neatly organized resources. Elegant racks held vials, boxes, and pills, while small lanterns illuminated every corner of the shop, creating a calm and prestigious atmosphere.

  Liang, following his young master with respect, glanced around curiously. Although he was familiar with this place, he knew that every item in this shop held its own value. They were far from being the only ones browsing the area. Other, older customers observed the shelves attentively, their hands on their hips or their eyes scrutinizing each product.

  Feng Lin stopped in front of a particular shelf, observing the pills and herbs displayed behind glass. Seeing his interest in the resources, Liang stepped forward and leaned slightly to explain.

  — Meridian Opening Pill, he said, pointing at a gleaming vial on the shelf. It is a high-grade mortal-level pill. This pill is used to help a cultivator increase their chances of breaking through the Meridian Opening stage. It’s a crucial phase in cultivation, preparing both the body and mind for better Qi control. However, this pill is quite expensive due to its effectiveness and rarity. Many cultivators seeking to surpass this stage rely on it.

  Liang watched Feng Lin, waiting for a reaction, but the latter remained impassive, his gaze shifting to the other shelves.

  Seeing his master's interest in resources, Liang continued:

  — And here is the Weak Youth Pill. It is of low rank, but it has its advantages in certain situations. It allows one to go without food or water for three whole days. That may seem odd, but in circumstances where a cultivator must fully concentrate on training or during long journeys, it can be an asset for saving time and energy. However, it is not particularly effective in the long run.

  Liang then turned to another shelf.

  — These are mainly low- to mid-quality resources for low-level cultivators, he said, pointing at another shelf. Nothing particularly useful for a high-level cultivator, but some of these pills and resources can be beneficial for a beginner or even for early training preparations.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Feng Lin briefly turned to Liang, a slight smirk forming on his lips. These products were far from worthy of his attention, but they were part of the larger plan he had in mind for his progression. Without another word, he turned away and continued his path through the shelves.

  Liang nodded and followed him in silence.

  Feng Lin continued scanning the shelves, his gaze carefully examining each item. He stopped in front of a shelf filled with rare herbs and dried plants. One, in particular, caught his attention. Its leaves were small, almost translucent green, and it seemed to vibrate with a subtle yet powerful energy.

  Liang, walking behind him, noticed his master's sudden stop and approached. He cast a curious glance at the herb, which seemed to catch the light in a strange way, but he had no idea what it represented.

  — These herbs, Master Feng, are called Midnight Leaves, Liang explained hesitantly. It is said that they emit a pleasant fragrance in water and are often used in baths to relax muscles and soothe the mind. But beyond that, I do not know of any other applications.

  Feng Lin observed the Midnight Leaves in silence, his mind quickly analyzing their potential. So cheap for their utility… he thought to himself. He knew very well that these herbs could be used in much more advanced alchemical concoctions, with effects far beyond a simple relaxing bath. But that, Liang did not need to know.

  Feng Lin then turned toward the counter, where the shopkeeper was waiting calmly. He had no intention of wasting time. He already knew what he wanted to buy. With a quick gesture, he pointed to the Midnight Leaves, along with a few other plants and roots he deemed interesting for a future concoction. Liang, standing in his master's shadow, waited silently, not daring to ask too many questions.

  The shopkeeper approached, smiling in satisfaction.

  — These are Midnight Leaves, Sky Roots, and Moon Flowers. Midnight Leaves are commonly used in baths, releasing a pleasant fragrance and known for their soothing effect. Sky Roots are effective in medicinal baths, promoting Qi circulation and relaxing muscles. As for Moon Flowers, they are used in restorative potions.

  Feng Lin nodded without saying a word. He was well aware of the effects of these plants, but he let the shopkeeper continue.

  The shopkeeper, slightly more enthusiastic, added:

  — Midnight Leaves are popular in relaxing baths, Sky Roots for body refinement, and Moon Flowers for purifying and rebalancing energy.

  Feng Lin remained silent for a moment before calmly asking:

  — And how much for all of this?

  The shopkeeper promptly replied:

  — 2 silver pieces and 4 copper pieces.

  Feng Lin paid the amount without hesitation. Liang, silent, followed without fully understanding the true value of the herbs, but he did not ask questions. They continued their tour of the shop.

  The Thousand Lotus Pavilion, though only a branch, was well-known in the city. The shelves were filled with various medicinal herbs and alchemy tools. The shop's atmosphere was pleasant, with lanterns casting a soft glow and a light scent of incense lingering in the air.

  — The main store is much larger, Liang said, glancing around. But here, the prices are more affordable.

  Feng Lin nodded, his eyes sweeping over the various items around him. Each object, though modest, could prove useful in his future experiments. Even if the shop was not as prestigious as the main branch, he knew he could find what he needed here.