Qiu Zu: From an apprentice in a medicine shop to an immortal ancestor.

The next day, early in the morning, at the An residence.

An Jishi took the medicine bottle from Qiu Zhen's hand, fanned it, and took a slight sniff.

"No poison."

Having said that, the skilled and bold apothecary An readily uncorked the bottle and poured it out.

Two pills the size of longans tumbled out.

Immediately afterward, a rich medicinal fragrance wafted out, filling the room with a refreshing scent.

"This is a Gu Yuan Pill."

Apothecary An only glanced at it and quickly made his judgment:

"These two pills are refined from top-grade medicinal materials such as deer antler velvet, deer antler glue, angelica, and dried rehmannia root. They fortify the foundation, nourish the essence, and replenish qi. They are top-grade pills for enhancing one's cultivation."

"Sir, can you tell if there are any hidden tricks?"

"At first glance, it is no different from an ordinary Gu Yuan Pill, and the quality is still top-notch."

Apothecary An nodded slightly, quite approvingly:

"You are indeed cautious. There are endless ways to harm people in the martial world. To rashly consume it, if the other party has left a hidden trick, then you will be controlled by them."

Qiu Zhen nodded. He had this concern, which is why he came to find Apothecary An.

"Sir, have you ever heard of the 'Myriad Gods Alliance'?"

"Never heard of it."

Apothecary An shook his head:

"Perhaps I am ignorant. Whether it is Chang Le Prefecture or the entire territory of Great Zhou, I have never heard of the great name of the 'Myriad Gods Alliance.' I have heard of a Myriad Immortals Alliance, which gathers a large number of cultivators and is very mysterious."

Myriad Immortals Alliance?

Qiu Zhen heard of this "cultivator organization" for the first time, and he was surprised. He had inquired with Fairy Yun Rou and Monk Zhen Kong before, but they were not very clear about it either.

Obviously, even among "Innate" and "Yin Spirit" practitioners, there is a huge gap.

Apothecary An had not yet become a grandmaster, but his status and connections were comparable to martial arts grandmasters, and he knew many secrets.

Frankly speaking, Qiu Zhen's interest in the "Myriad Immortals Alliance" far exceeded that of the "Myriad Gods Alliance," and he couldn't help but ask:

"Cultivators also have factions? Has the imperial court not encircled and suppressed them?"

"It can't be said to be a large force. It's just that they mingle in the martial world and hide in the world, stirring up trouble everywhere, making it difficult to wipe them out in one fell swoop."

Apothecary An said casually, but he obviously didn't mean to elaborate.

Seeing this, Qiu Zhen didn't ask any further questions to avoid suspicion, and immediately returned to the topic, cupping his hands and asking for advice:

"Sir, what do you think I should do now?"

An Jishi pondered for a moment and said:

"It is a good thing that they intend to recruit you. It is only natural for someone with a destined fate to be courted and recruited. As for the 'Gu Yuan Pill,' it is best to be careful and not consume it. In the future, I will teach you the art of refining pills and making medicine, so you can refine your own pills and take them with peace of mind."

Qiu Zhen was overjoyed, which was exactly what he wanted.

"Thank you, sir."

An Jishi nodded slightly, thought of something, and instructed again:

"You have now broken through three barriers. You can take spiritual herbs, precious medicines, and pills to break through the fourth barrier. For the last barrier, you should not rely on external forces. It is best to temper and accumulate your qi and blood little by little."

"Now that you possess top-grade innate talent, even if it is a slow and steady effort, it will only take half a year to go from the fourth to the fifth barrier, reaching the Great Perfection of the Acquired Realm after you turn sixteen."

Qiu Zhen became interested after hearing An Jishi's instructions.

From what he knew, it seemed that the early cultivation paths of many talented figures from aristocratic families and major sects were similar, mostly reaching the Great Perfection of the Acquired Realm around the age of fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen.

"Sir, is there something special about this?"

"Of course."

An Jishi explained with a smile:

"The concept of Acquired Realm Refining oneself actually originates from those who seek immortality through cultivation. They refine grain to transform essence, perfecting the acquired essence, qi, and spirit, stabilizing the qi and blood throughout the body without leakage, cultivating a body without leakage, and laying the foundation for the path of immortality. We martial artists are the same."

"The fifth barrier is the key moment to cultivate a body without leakage. Spiritual herbs and precious medicines contain impurities. If contaminated with impurities, the body without leakage is prone to flaws, which is not only detrimental to breaking through to the Innate Realm, causing you to take detours, but also has some slight effects in the future."

"I see!"

Qiu Zhen was very moved.

The advantages of the orderly inheritance of aristocratic families and major sects are indeed evident everywhere. Wandering cultivators in the martial world, how would they know these twists and turns, and would inevitably take many detours.

Of course, the fact that he cannot take spiritual herbs and precious medicines to break through the fifth barrier has little impact on him.

If he doesn't take precious medicines, he can refine the spiritual essence of demonic heads.

This object is a product of Yin and Yang creation. As long as he can subdue and purify the remaining thoughts of the demonic head, it is the purest spiritual energy in the world, even better than what is obtained from internal refinement through 'refining grain to transform essence.'

Qiu Zhen had an extreme desire for knowledge. Seeing that An Jishi was in a talkative mood, he immediately asked him about the difficulties he encountered in his cultivation.

An Jishi answered them one by one.

Sometimes Qiu Zhen's insights on cultivation also made his eyes light up and he gained a lot.

At first, it was An Jishi who gave guidance, but later it vaguely became a discussion and exchange of ideas.

This was still because Qiu Zhen had only been cultivating for a short time and lacked accumulation.

After a discussion and exchange of ideas, An Jishi became even more satisfied with Qiu Zhen, with a look of anticipation on his face:

"Practice hard. With your comprehension and temperament, even without a great destiny, you have hope of joining the ranks of martial arts grandmasters!"

As An Jishi spoke, An Kang and An Huayu happened to enter from outside the courtyard and heard these words.

"Dad, who has hope of becoming a martial arts grandmaster?"

Soon, An Huayu and An Kang, who entered the courtyard, saw Qiu Zhen beside An Jishi, with a look of astonishment:

"Ah!"

In the next few days, Qiu Zhen's life became regular and fulfilling.

Early in the morning, he went to the An residence to practice martial arts, learn the art of refining pills and making medicine, and study medicine. In the afternoon, he went to the Demon Suppression Division to exorcise evil for the martial masters of the Demon Suppression Division.

On the first afternoon, Qiu Zhen exorcised evil for more than thirty Demon Suppression martial masters, with excellent results. The evil demonic energy in their bodies was completely removed, winning unanimous praise from all the treated martial masters.

That day, the Demon Suppression Division's treasury gave Qiu Zhen the "annual salary" of six hundred taels in one lump sum, very readily.

There was no saying that the government's money was difficult to settle, as ordinary street merchants would say.

The things that were dragged from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, one year to two or three years, and finally turned into bad debts, simply did not happen.

On the contrary, the Demon Suppression Division rushed to offer the annual salary, as if they were afraid that Qiu Zhen would go back on his word.

Afterward, a group of Demon Suppression Captain Wu treated Qiu Zhen with even more courtesy, welcoming him and sending him off with great respect.

The only pity was that these Demon Suppression martial masters only had "evil demonic energy" on them, and no small demonic heads like "demonic thoughts."

Qiu Zhen was not disappointed. The Demon Suppression Division dealt with demons and evil spirits every day, and they would always encounter them.

He just needed to be patient.

For several days in a row, Qiu Zhen practiced martial arts at the An residence in the morning and went to the Demon Suppression Division to exorcise evil in the afternoon, until all the hundreds of martial masters in the Demon Suppression Division had been exorcised.

He and the Demon Suppression Division agreed to exorcise evil once a month. The task of exorcising evil was completed in just a few days, and fifty taels of silver were in hand.

This made Qiu Zhen feel very good.

In the future, plus the monthly money from Medicine King Valley, he would have a guaranteed sixty taels of silver every month.

With no more errands at the Demon Suppression Division, he spent his days practicing martial arts, learning the art of refining pills and making medicine, and reading books at the An residence, leading a very fulfilling life.

Five days later, in the evening.

Qiu Zhen and An Huayu agreed to go out together to the suburbs.

According to An Huayu, there was a black market in the mountains in the suburbs, and the two had agreed a few days ago to go and stroll around together.

Speaking of which, Qiu Zhen, as a "local," did not know that Qingmu Town had a long-term black market, but An Kang and An Huayu knew about it.

The "information cocoon" is particularly evident in this world.

“Junior Brother Qiu, I've realized something. You're not my lucky star, but a jinx.”

An Huayu walked shoulder to shoulder with Qiu Zhen, a worried look on his face:

“You've ruined me. My old man was already doubting his teaching abilities and completely disappointed in me. After you came, he was like a shot of adrenaline, feeling like he taught well again, and became even stricter with me. These past few days, I've been scolded relentlessly.”

Qiu Zhen listened, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Just a few days ago, he was thanking me, and now he's already changed his tune.

“I'm starting to suspect you're my dad's illegitimate son. He's so patient with you, even personally teaching you basic saber techniques, sword techniques, and spear techniques. We don't have that privilege.”

“Hahahaha~”

Qiu Zhen smiled, letting An Huayu complain.

The fact that he said these words in front of him proved that An Huayu was an open and easy-going person.

In fact, when Apothecary An taught him basic saber techniques and the like, it was less about teaching basic techniques and more about expounding his martial arts philosophy, which was very profound and mysterious.

If he hadn't activated his Primordial Spirit Dharma Body, he would have struggled to learn it.

It was precisely because of this that he had been so diligent in going to the library these days, constantly accumulating knowledge.

The "innate wisdom" of the Primordial Spirit Dharma Body relied on accumulation. Once enough was accumulated, he would easily be able to have epiphanies in the future, leading to endless creation.

“Huayu, if the teacher heard you, he would definitely give you a good scolding.”

“Am I afraid of him? He teaches poorly himself, but stubbornly refuses to admit it. Only you, Junior Brother Qiu, have such outstanding comprehension, making him look good.”

As the sun set, the two of them left the city gate, bathed in the evening glow, heading straight for the hills on the outskirts of the city.

The Qingmu Black Market was located in a remote area. They didn't ride horses, relying solely on their legs to traverse mountains and rivers, arriving at a hidden mountain depression, where a small market appeared before them.

An Huayu was clearly experienced. He and Qiu Zhen put on tiger face masks and presented a wooden token, easily entering the Qingmu Black Market.

The black market's layout was similar to ordinary markets, with stalls lined up in rows, the entire market bustling and noisy.

The only difference was that the things sold in the black market were quite special.

From everyday necessities like illegally traded salt to weapons strictly prohibited by the court, such as heavy armor and heavy crossbows, all kinds of things that couldn't be bought in legitimate markets were available here.

An Huayu seemed to know a lot about these kinds of black markets, directly leading Qiu Zhen to a large stall, and asked a middle-aged man wearing a bronze mask in a hoarse voice:

“Shopkeeper, do you have a twenty-stone heavy bow?”

“Of course!”

The middle-aged man gave an order.

Soon, a shop assistant struggled to carry a large bow with both hands and placed it on the counter.

The bronze-masked shopkeeper's eyes wandered over the two of them, somewhat surprised:

“This bow is called the Dragon-Slaying Heavy Bow. Only those with extraordinary strength can draw it. Twenty stones, two thousand jins of force. Brothers, do you really want it?”

“Of course!”

An Huayu's tone was arrogant:

“This young master is from the Prefectural City. Give me a good price. I'm here to do business sincerely, so don't be greedy.”

“So you're distinguished guests from the Prefectural City.”

The bronze-masked shopkeeper probably saw that An Huayu's clothes were extraordinary, and his tone became enthusiastic, saying:

“I won't beat around the bush with you. Two thousand taels, what do you think?”

“The price is about right, but Qingmu is a small place, and the risk you're taking isn't that great, so this price is a bit expensive. Fifteen hundred taels, and I'll take it.”

“This…”

The bronze-masked shopkeeper smiled bitterly:

“Young master is indeed knowledgeable. Very well.”

With those words, the subsequent transaction went smoothly.

An Huayu paid the money and quickly received the "Dragon-Slaying Heavy Bow", along with a quiver and twenty sharp arrows.

“Why did you think of buying a bow and arrows?”

Qiu Zhen was a little surprised.

However, what surprised him even more was that An Huayu handed the "Dragon-Slaying Heavy Bow" to Qiu Zhen.

“Of course, it's for you. I'm not good at archery.”

Seeing Qiu Zhen become even more astonished, An Huayu smiled and explained:

“My dad knew that I was going to the black market with you, so he specifically asked Uncle Kang to give me more pocket money. What do you think that's for? It's to let me help you pick a good bow. A twenty-stone heavy bow is something controlled by the court and can't be bought outside. It can only be bought in the black market.”

“The price is a bit more expensive, but the power is great. With this twenty-stone heavy bow, you can walk sideways in the Houtian realm, and even threaten martial artists and demon beasts who have just entered the Xiantian realm.”

Qiu Zhen was somewhat surprised.

In fact, during these few days of learning martial arts at the An residence, Apothecary An had gifted him a high-quality hundred-refined saber, which was worth a lot.

Now, there was another twenty-stone heavy bow.

The value of the gifts given had clearly exceeded the two [Solid Essence Pills] from the Myriad Gods Alliance.

“Junior Brother, accept it. My dad asked me to give it to you, probably wanting me to form a good relationship with you and leave some goodwill.”

An Huayu smiled freely:

“If I don't amount to anything in the future, I can still have another place to freeload.”

Qiu Zhen chuckled in amazement, ignoring An Huayu's self-deprecation, and looked down to examine the precious bow.

This kind of "Dragon-Slaying Heavy Bow" was extremely heavy to hold. The bow body was made of some kind of metal, and the bowstring was made of top-grade ferocious beast tendons. He pulled it slightly, and it became heavier and heavier, with astonishing strength.

“This bow is very good, then I will thank Senior Brother.”

He wasn't at all disgusted by An Huayu's straightforward words, but instead felt closer to him.

This time, An Huayu's purpose in coming to the market was clearly to buy a twenty-stone heavy bow for Qiu Zhen, and he wasn't very interested in other things in the market.

“Junior Brother, the black market isn't very interesting right now. When Qingmu is officially upgraded to a county and becomes lively, this black market will be interesting. Right now, most of it is ordinary stuff, mostly fake and counterfeit goods, not very interesting.”

Qiu Zhen was visiting the black market for the first time, and his sense of novelty was strong, so he didn't feel it was uninteresting.

He observed each stall, enjoying himself.

The reason why Qiu Zhen was so interested was mainly because he possessed the [Mirror Palace] and wanted to try his luck to see if he could encounter any immortal opportunities.

An Huayu knew that Qiu Zhen was visiting for the first time and had a strong sense of novelty. Although he himself wasn't interested, he didn't say much afterward, accompanying Qiu Zhen as he wandered around.

Just as the two of them were wandering around, An Huayu, who was following Qiu Zhen step by step, paused. Seeing Qiu Zhen stop, he was a little surprised, and followed Qiu Zhen's gaze.

The bustling crowd had nothing particularly surprising.

“Junior Brother, what's wrong?”

“It's nothing.”

Qiu Zhen shook his head, retracted his gaze, and said with a smile:

“Senior Brother, this place is indeed not very interesting, why don't we go back earlier.”

An Huayu had wanted to go back for a long time, and was very happy to hear this.

“Let's go, let's go, let's go.”

Qiu Zhen nodded slightly, his expression normal as he left the black market with An Huayu, but his heart was filled with waves.

Just now, in a fleeting glance in the crowd, he saw a familiar figure.

It was none other than the woman who had come to the pharmacy with the old man "Yuan Hua" that day to seek medical treatment.

Although this woman was disguised and restrained her aura, he possessed the Primordial Spirit Dharma Body and had a kind of intuition in the dark.

It's her!

PS: It's almost time to put it on the shelves, adapt to the rhythm of the big chapters in advance, and the back will be two chapters in one.