Traveling through time to cultivate immortality: a life and death test

"Fellow Daoist Dongfang, you mentioned earlier that you had two bottles of pills up for auction. Where's the other one?" the steward excitedly asked upon seeing the Dingyan Pill settled. Shopkeeper Chang and Master Li also looked at him curiously. Liu Xing, without pretense, immediately pulled out another jade bottle, gently placed it on the table, and motioned for Master Li to examine it. Master Li grabbed the bottle and poured out six pills.

"This is..." Master Li was about to blurt out the name of the elixir, but hesitated, seeming extremely unsure. He then used various methods to verify the efficacy and potency of the medicine. Finally, he said cautiously, "This elixir is not for humans, but for demonic beasts. It acts on the brain and has the special effect of stimulating spiritual intelligence."

Manager Chang and the steward were both curious and puzzled. Liu Xing was astonished and impressed by Mr. Li's insight, as he could so quickly and accurately determine the efficacy and function of the elixir.

"Mr. Li is right. This elixir is called the Spirit-awakening Pill. It comes from the demon clan and is mainly used for demon beasts below level four to awaken their intelligence in advance." Liu Xing took the initiative to introduce.

"That's right, this kind of elixir is extremely rare, and I have never seen it before." The old man in red seemed to be thinking about something, still trying to figure out the ingredients and efficacy of the elixir.

"To what extent can this pill improve spiritual intelligence?" Shopkeeper Changqing was already estimating the value of the pill. He had already thought that cultivators with spiritual pets would definitely be eager to get the Spirit-Awakening Pill, and even senior cultivators in the Core Formation stage might be interested in it.

"It can reach the thinking sensitivity of an adult." Liu Xing answered affirmatively.

"Good! Good! What great stuff! Does Fellow Daoist Dongfang have more of this kind of elixir? Our Tongda Chamber of Commerce can buy them all." Shopkeeper Chang seemed to have discovered a huge business opportunity, so he asked anxiously.

"Manager Chang, you must be joking. It's already a great opportunity to get such a bottle. How can we have any extra?" Liu Xing immediately denied it.

"It's okay if there is none. I was just too greedy. This bottle of elixir will also be auctioned. The starting price is 60,000. What do you think, Fellow Daoist Dongfang?" The middle-aged man was able to take it or leave it. Seeing that Liu Xing's attitude was sincere and did not seem fake, he felt relieved. So he pondered for a moment and said a starting price.

"It's all up to Manager Chang to arrange." The reserve price has far exceeded Liu Xing's expectations. Although he is ecstatic in his heart, he does not show any expression on his face. After so many years of hard work, he has honed his scheming to perfection.

"Go and inform the Yuling Sect that with the appearance of such a good thing, they must be made to bleed profusely." Manager Chang conveyed the message to the steward.

"Fellow Daoist Dongfang, are you an alchemist? These pills were made by you personally, right?" Shopkeeper Chang started chatting cordially with Liu Xing again.

Liu Xing did not deny it, but just nodded slightly, which was considered as his consent.

"Friend Dongfang, are you willing to be a guest official of our Tongda Chamber of Commerce? Guests are exempt from the auction service fee." The middle-aged man asked eagerly.

"How much is the auction service fee?" Liu Xing asked calmly.

"Normally, we charge 10% of the auction proceeds as service fee." Shopkeeper Chang replied.

"Becoming a guest alchemist at the Tongda Chamber of Commerce offers numerous benefits, including a 20% discount on purchases and a special reward for each alchemy session. I warmly welcome you once again, and I hope you'll accept," Shopkeeper Chang repeated his invitation. Liu Xing remained hesitant, unwilling to be constrained. He vividly remembered his ten years working for the Wang family when he first entered the world of immortal cultivation. While benefits are valuable, freedom is even more valuable.

"What are the requirements and restrictions on me after becoming a guest official?" Liu Xing did not refuse directly, but planned to understand the situation first.

"We will prepare the pill formula, medicinal materials, and remuneration in advance. You only need to come here regularly to complete the corresponding number of alchemy tasks. There will be no restrictions on your freedom, and it will not interfere with your cultivation. You can handle your own affairs on a daily basis without any constraints." Shopkeeper Chang seemed to see Liu Xing's concerns and put forward a very relaxed cooperation condition.

"Are all guest officials treated like this?" Liu Xing asked again.

"Of course not. Only alchemists and weapon refiners have full freedom and can come and go at any time. Other guests need to obey the tasks assigned by the Chamber of Commerce." Manager Chang further explained, indicating that the Chamber of Commerce attaches great importance to and treats alchemists and weapon refiners differently.

"After becoming a guest official of Tongda Chamber of Commerce, can I also become a guest official of other organizations?" Liu Xing asked again.

"There are no restrictions at all. As I said before, you can come and go freely. You just need to complete certain tasks every month." Manager Chang confirmed again.

Liu Xing pondered silently, as if weighing the pros and cons. The so-called guest alchemy official was just a part-time job, just completing the alchemy tasks every month, and there were no other restrictions on freedom. It seemed very good, but what omissions had not been considered? Would his success rate be exposed? As long as no one was allowed to observe, it could be avoided. In addition to the 20% discount from the Chamber of Commerce and the immediate alchemy payment, he could also get the alchemy formula and extra herbs for free. He even thought of finding a few more guest officials, at least one more guest official for refining weapons, so that he could continue to improve his refining skills. His thoughts were in a tizzy, and he was silent for a long time.

"What do you think, Fellow Daoist Dongfang? Fellow Daoist Dongfang?" Seeing that Liu Xing had remained silent, Shopkeeper Chang could not help but ask.

"Ah, oh." Liu Xing reacted instantly, and Manager Chang brought his thoughts back.

"Manager Chang has invited me so warmly, it would be unkind of me if I don't agree." Liu Xing agreed with pretended modesty.

"That's great. With Fellow Daoist Dongfang joining us, the pill production of my Tongda Chamber of Commerce can be increased by one third!" Shopkeeper Chang was very happy.

"However, I have a little personal problem that I'm embarrassed to tell you. I must be alone when I'm refining pills, and no one can disturb me, otherwise I'll get nervous and won't be able to refine any pills." Liu Xing said with embarrassment.

"Hahaha, I didn't think it was a big deal. It's no problem at all. Every alchemist has an independent alchemy room." Shopkeeper Chang thought that Liu Xing said this on purpose because he didn't want his unique alchemy technique to be stolen, so he readily approved the independent office.

"Thank you, Manager Chang, for your understanding. I hope you will all take care of me in the future." Liu Xing bowed to the three of them in thanks. Everyone was very happy to have recruited an alchemist like Liu Xing. Then, Manager Chang handed Liu Xing a guest token as proof of his identity.

"Fellow Daoist Dongfang, how about coming to my place for a cup of tea when you have time?" Master Li Dan invited Liu Xing to visit his residence.

"Okay, I have nothing else to do right now," Liu Xing agreed happily. He was looking for a fellow practitioner to share his alchemy experience, and he also wanted to learn more about the Tongda Chamber of Commerce through Mr. Li. This would allow for smoother progress and minimize potential danger. So, the two of them said goodbye to Shopkeeper Chang and left together.