Chapter 30 Lv 2 Qi Refining Realm (1/2)

Xiao Chen's head rose and saw that the young man was a disciple who was his senior with powers that have long stagnated in the level of Lv 9 Body Refining Realm.

Reinvigorated with fervor, Prince Zhao hurried to pick up the broken pot he tossed aside and began knocking on it again, ”Heh! Excellent, brother! This is a true Qi-refining Pill from the Elixir Room of the Black Dragon Peak! We are honest purveyors of medicinal needs. Moreover, you can truly feel being a real man...”

Pouting doubtfully, the young man asked, ”Can I first have a look?”

Prince Zhao put his broken pot aside and showed him a Qi-refining Pill, ”Look closely! This is a grand production by the Elixir Room! It has the seal of the Elixir Room as authentication!”

The young man held the elixir to his nose and sniffed. He could neither confirmed its authenticity. However, this had also attracted many of the other disciples who snuck closer to have a look at the purported goods from the cellar of the Elixir Room.

”Did you say that these came from the Elixir Room? Surely this cannot be true. How could the elixirs from the Elixir Room be sold here?”

Still banging on his broken pot, Prince Zhao, still yelling at the top of his voice, heard this and quipped, ”Good question there, brother! It is not possible for one to get their hands upon such quality goods from the Elixir Room! We have channels of our own, you see...” With that, his eyes squinted knowingly, ”Well, you know, eh...”

Prince Zhao returned to banging on his broken pot as he then continued crying, ”Heh heh heh! Come come come! Come have a look! Hot and fresh buns from the Elixir Room... Oh, no! It's elixirs!”

The young man frowned, ”How much for this elixir?”

Prince Zhao paused and replied, ”Do not worry, brother. Our goods are top-notch; only for three Spirit Stones! Also, since it's our opening day, you will be receiving one Energy-fortifying Pill and three Energy Pills as a reward for your support!”

”Three Spirit Stones? That's a tad expensive, don't you think? The gang from the southern mountain sold three elixirs for only one Spirit Stone.”

Everyone huddled around them began to talk and discuss. They were still doubtful that the elixirs were true products from the Elixir Room otherwise they would have even paid ten Spirit Stones.

Xiao Chen rose to his feet and smiled to the young man, ”Take it, Senior Brother. Consider it a gift from us for our opening day.”

Hearing this, Prince Zhao immediately spoke into Xiao Chen's ear in a hushed tone, ”That's three Spirit Stones, Senior Brother Xiao! We should at least charge him for one Stone! Surely there's no need to just give it away for free?”

Xiao Chen only smiled in return. The young man asked sheepishly, ”Are you really giving this to me for free?”

”Indeed. Just take one and try its effects,” said Xiao Chen with a welcoming gesture, smiling.

”Very well. You have my thanks, Junior Brother.” The young man stowed away the elixir and walked away, eager to sample the elixir which he received for free. The crowd too began to scatter.

Prince Zhao frowned dolefully, ”Perfect, Senior Brother. Not only we have not sold anything the entire morning, but you have even given one away for free. We should just call it quits. I think you're hardly material for ambitious endeavors.”

Xiao Chen only wore a smile, but he gave no reply.

At noon, everyone took out the food that they brought along and began eating and drank only plain water. Due to the considerable distance to the mess hall and the limited hours that the Sky-gazing Gorge was open, many elected to spend more time on their training rather than traveling.

From afar came a clear voice like ringing bells in the air, chirping joyfully to him, ”Heh heh, Young Master!” It was Lil Ruo who came with his food.

Xiao Chen frowned as he noticed everyone watching jealously. He whispered to her, ”Why are you here?”

Wearing a white dress that made her stood out, Lil Ruo hopped gracefully to him like a dryad from the fables. Smiling, she said, ”I have asked for permission from Elder Wu. He said I could come and deliver food to you, Young Master.”

”I see.” Xiao Chen replied, nodding. Lil Ruo handed him the food carrier. Prince Zhao peered over to pry on its contents, his mouth salivating with hunger. Princes Qi and Yan feigned a cough and recited some incantations, conjuring a bun which they had set aside earlier.

The mouths of the rest of the other newer disciples around them were wide-opened with amazement, ”Wow! You all know how to use the Divine Vessel technique!”

Prince Zhao was pleased with himself, saying, ”Nah. It's just a simple trick!” He made a few hand seals, only to find himself stuck midway. He cried frightfully, ”Oh my God! I'm stuck! You two! Come help me!”

”Arg, you bothersome fool. We can't even eat in peace.” With their buns stuffed into their mouth, Princes Qi and Yan came over and placed their palms on his back and channeled some of their spiritual energies into him. Finally, Prince Zhao was able to remove his bun from his Divine Vessel.

The princes looked at their dried and shriveled bun which was anything but fresh and soft. Prince Zhao ogled hungrily at the steam wafting from Xiao Chen's lunch in the food carrier and gulped. He giggled and said, ”Urm, Senior Brother Xiao... My bun is cold and hard that it's too difficult to eat. Can I leave it to warm in your carrier for a moment?”

Shaking his head lightly, Xiao Chen pulled out three chicken drumsticks from the food carrier with a smile and handed to them three.

The evening passed swiftly without any incident. Xiao Chen had not asked the three princes to continue peddling their wares after their lunch. At his cottage that night, he brewed another round of elixirs. The following morning when they returned to the Sky-gazing Gorge, they found that the entire Gorge was noisy with a loud din.

”I have finally reached Lv 1 Qi Refining Realm! Hahahaha!” It was the young man who had received the elixir without any charge from Xiao Chen yesterday, dancing jubilantly in the midst of curious and astounded onlookers.

Seeing that Xiao Chen had arrived, more than a dozen of people rushed and surrounded him.