Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
Ji Yuan’s face was etched with fatigue, but the sight of the three jade boxes before him made his joy irrepressible.
He had to admit, his luck in alchemy this time was exceptionally good. Just when he was about to fail, he unexpectedly overcame the obstacles.
Otherwise, the three sets of ingredients he had prepared would not have been enough, and he wouldn’t have succeeded in refining even one of the three Rank 1 elixirs.
Moreover, the number of elixirs successfully formed for each type far exceeded his expectations. He had initially thought that getting one would be good, but now each type had yielded an extra one or two.
Suppressing his delight, Ji Yuan took a deep breath. He then picked up an elixir between his two fingers and brought it close to examine it carefully.
This elixir was called the Foundation Establishment and Meridian Condensing Pill, the most crucial of the three elixirs he had refined this time. As its name suggested, it possessed the power to build foundations and condense meridians.
The meridian-condensing effect was exactly what Ji Yuan needed urgently. It could reshape his completely destroyed meridians and make them wider and tougher than before, capable of carrying more and stronger power.
Once his meridians were successfully reshaped, not only could he immediately ascend to the Spirit Condensation realm, but his cultivation would at least recover to its peak, and breaking through would only be a matter of time.
As for the foundation-building effect of this elixir, it lay in the immense primal energy it contained, which could strengthen the user’s physical foundation, laying a solid groundwork.
This foundation would play an unimaginably significant role in the Spirit Condensation realm, contributing to cultivation advancement and realm stability no less than specialized elixirs for those purposes.
A moment later, Ji Yuan dropped the elixir from his fingers into his mouth. After chewing it, he swallowed it in one gulp.
Almost as soon as it entered his stomach, a surge of potent spiritual energy spread outwards, enveloping astonishing medicinal power and spiritual essence, rapidly circulating to his limbs and bones.
Without him even needing to guide it, this medicinal power and spiritual essence converged on the locations of his former meridians. Within mere blinks of an eye, he felt a tingling sensation throughout his body.
However, this tingling soon turned into a piercing itch, as if countless ants were crawling within him. This was the unusual sensation caused by his destroyed meridians regenerating.
Ji Yuan quickly circulated the core cultivation technique of the Profound Heaven Dao Scripture, immediately immersing his mind into a state of emptiness. This helped him suppress the urge to scratch, preventing him from tearing his skin and flesh.
Under the influence of the Profound Heaven Dao Scripture's technique, he gradually forgot the strange sensations in his body, fully immersing himself in contemplation.
Unknowingly, several days passed.
A full month had passed since the incident in Qianyu City. Although the situation in the city had improved somewhat, it still presented a desolate scene of suffering.
It was as if the officials of the Prefecture Administration and the various powers in the prefectural city had not played any significant role, at best preventing the city’s residents from starving to death for the time being.
Furthermore, the lockdown of the county town had not been lifted. Otherwise, the residents would likely have already become refugees, spreading to the surrounding counties and townships.
However, the powerful figures who had come from the prefectural city seemed to be blind to the plight of these commoners.
One day, the county yamen became unusually lively. In a reception hall in the back courtyard, over a dozen dignitaries from various forces in the prefectural city had gathered.
Although it was not yet dinnertime, several tables had already been set up for a banquet. The group clinked their cups, and their laughter even carried beyond the yamen’s walls.
In stark contrast to the liveliness in the county yamen, the Mingxin Pavilion was now shrouded in gloom, the atmosphere extremely tense.
"Mingxin Pavilion is one of the two largest business associations in Luoxia Prefecture, and these people want to exclude us!"
Liu Ruyan’s face was gloomy, no longer able to maintain her usual calm elegance.
The thought of those people in the county yamen made her blood boil. Mingxin Pavilion had done so much, and the situation was on the verge of turning around.
Yet, these people wanted to snatch the fruits of their labor halfway!
Without a doubt, some of them had been influenced by the other two major shareholders, intentionally trying to make Qian Nishang fail her breakthrough, causing her to lose a large sum of money for nothing.
As for the others, they were likely trying to take advantage of the situation, waiting for the Qian family to offer enough benefits before pleading with them to "show mercy."
However, the Qian family was already in a difficult position. Planning this operation had consumed most of their wealth, all in the hope that Qian Nishang could accumulate enough merit and successfully break through to the third realm.
Only then could they secure at least ten years of breathing room, preventing the Qian family from being completely ousted from Mingxin Pavilion in the coming years and being devoured by the surrounding covetous forces.
Under these circumstances, how could they possibly have anything to satisfy those people's appetites?
"These people have gathered in the county town. If we cannot come up with a suitable solution before the banquet ends, all our efforts will be in vain."
Qian Nishang leaned back in her chair, her beautiful eyes tightly furrowed, filled with contemplation.
Yet, no matter how hard she racked her brains, she couldn't think of a way to break free from the predicament, and a sense of anxiety inevitably arose.
On the other side, Wu Shan and his junior sister, Feng Xiaoxiao, also wore solemn expressions. The two had always been on very good terms with Qian Nishang and naturally felt anxious for her.
In contrast, Cui Long showed no discernible expression on his face. He simply leaned back in his chair, pretending to doze, seemingly unconcerned about the current situation.
"Could we ask Lord Xu for help?"
Feng Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment, then asked tentatively.
Upon hearing this, Qian Nishang shook her head without a second thought. On the surface, Xu Lin was her junior, but this relationship was worlds apart. Moreover, the Qian family had indeed done something to offend Xu Lin's ancestors in the past.
Maintaining even a slight semblance of a relationship now was already difficult; asking for his help was simply impossible.
Otherwise, even if the Qian family’s ancestor were to pass away, the other two families would not dare to harbor any intentions, and they would not have been targeted and manipulated by various forces.
Even disregarding Xu Lin’s innate talent and what heights he might reach in the future, his status as a second-class blade holder of the Mingjian Division alone was enough to deter all petty individuals.
"Today is not particularly busy. It seems you all have the leisure to gather and chat."
Just as everyone was deep in thought, a faint chuckle came from the side.
Qian Nishang was the first to look and saw a young Daoist priest, carrying a long sword on his back, hands tucked into his sleeves, walking towards them.
He sat down on an empty chair, and Dong'er behind him quickly poured him a cup of hot tea.
"The mistress seems worried. Did something happen?"
Ji Yuan blew on the hot tea, asking casually.
However, before coming here, he had already learned of their predicament from Dong'er. After much deliberation, he had decided to intervene.
After all, he had accepted the position of special honored guest, and this mistress had indeed been generous. Most importantly, there were still many benefits he had not yet received, and he couldn't stand by and watch her suffer heavy losses.
Otherwise, given his nature, unless his life were at stake, he would not carelessly get involved in trouble and invite karma upon himself.
Qian Nishang gave a bitter smile. Perhaps Ji Yuan’s talent was astonishing, and his future achievements might indeed be as high as Xu Lin had said, but she didn’t believe he could offer much help in the current situation.
A genius who had not yet matured, apart from inspiring hope, offered no substantial benefit.
At least, that was the case for her at the moment, as if she couldn't overcome the current difficulty, she wouldn't have the time to wait for a genius to fully mature.
However, after a slight pause, she still meticulously explained the current situation to the young Daoist priest before her.
A long time later, after listening to her words, Ji Yuan glanced at the sky outside the window, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"I heard the mistress is acquainted with Xu Lin, a second-class blade holder of the Mingjian Division. I happen to have a transaction with him, and the time should be nearing. Could you please introduce us?"
He said slowly.
Qian Nishang’s eyes lit up immediately. She had heard Xu Lin mention their transaction before, and he had even sold a considerable amount of his belongings to her.
Ji Yuan's words, with their implied meaning, were to use this opportunity to make those in the county yamen mistakenly believe that they had a very deep connection.
While this approach might not immediately solve their current predicament, it could at least make them hesitate, buying them considerable time.
"Naturally, there is no problem with that."
She squinted and smiled, her joy irrepressible.
Even the junior brother and sister, Wu Shan and Feng Xiaoxiao, looked on with great surprise. They hadn't expected this alchemist, who was younger than them, to have connections with Lord Xu of the Mingjian Division.
Only Cui Long’s expression was erratic, with a hint of anger flashing in his eyes. He was clearly displeased that this young man had come to disrupt the situation.
Half an hour later, a carriage arrived outside the county yamen. Ji Yuan jumped down first, followed by Qian Nishang and her personal maid.
There was no need for an announcement. The gatekeepers were the constables who had fought alongside them. Upon hearing their intentions, one of them enthusiastically led the way.
As for whether this would break any rules, the constable chuckled self-deprecatingly when Ji Yuan expressed his concern, saying that the seven or eight of them had long since stopped wanting to continue.
Even with the merit Ji Yuan had provided, they might be promoted to the prefectural government yamen in a few years, but their experiences over the past month had disheartened them.
Now, some wanted to resign their official positions and, once the situation in the county improved, start small businesses or do odd jobs. A lifetime of marrying and having children was enough for them.
Others wanted to travel, and being wandering swordsmen was also a good option. At least when they encountered injustice, regardless of their martial arts skills, they wouldn't be constantly constrained by their official status.
Ji Yuan didn't know how to comment on their thoughts. Rationally speaking, with the merit from this event, they wouldn't soar to the heavens, but a promotion to the prefectural city would at least bring them a modest fortune.
However, in many situations, one couldn't act purely on reason; people would always do things that others considered incredibly foolish for various reasons.
After a moment of thought, he took out a stack of silver notes from his sleeve. The denominations were small, totaling only thirty taels of silver.
"You can't! You absolutely cannot!"
The constable quickly refused. In his eyes, Ji Yuan and Zhao Yuansong were not only their saviors but also great benefactors to the entire county. How could they possibly accept his silver notes!
"Whether you're traveling the world or starting a small business, you need some money. Besides, you have earned this."
Ji Yuan shook his head and forcefully stuffed the money into the constable's embrace. With his cultivation, it was impossible for the other party to refuse.
And if the constable, as an ordinary martial artist, had not endured most of the hardships with them and faced life and death without fear, he wouldn't have felt genuine admiration and wouldn't have given him money now.
Qian Nishang couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. She saw that while Ji Yuan was resolutely stuffing the silver notes into the constable's embrace, his eyes still held a look of heartache.
Such a contradictory expression couldn't help but bring a smile to people's faces.
The constable eventually accepted the silver notes. If he continued to refuse, he feared that in the struggle, the young Daoist priest before him might "accidentally" twist his arm.
After this small interlude, Ji Yuan and the others, led by this constable, arrived outside Xu Lin's temporary residence.
"Since you are acquainted, you may enter yourselves. If you need anything, I will wait a short distance away."
The constable spoke in a low voice, then turned and ambled a few dozen feet away, leaning against the eaves and humming a tune.
Seeing this, the two exchanged knowing smiles and then walked into the small courtyard before them.
As they stepped into the courtyard, the door directly opposite them opened. A young man in fine clothes, a horizontal saber at his waist, seemed to have been waiting for a long time.
"It's… not entirely unexpected!"
Xu Lin walked into the courtyard, first glancing at Qian Nishang, and then his gaze fell on Ji Yuan.
In his eyes, besides a hint of emotion, there was also a trace of disappointment, as if he didn't wish for the other party to visit today.
"Oh, it seems fellow Daoist Xu has a guess in mind?"
Ji Yuan said with a smile.
Hearing this, Xu Lin shrugged, arms crossed, with no intention of inviting them inside.
He thought for a moment and said listlessly, "I have a guess, so you have only three sentences. After you finish speaking, our relationship will be considered over."
"But don't worry, I will give you everything for the transaction, not a bit less."
Qian Nishang’s expression darkened. Although she knew he was unwilling to get involved, she hadn't expected him to be so unceremonious, his words filled with distance.
However, Ji Yuan seemed unconcerned. He didn't even look at Xu Lin, but instead walked into the house behind him, acting as if he were the master of the place.
Seeing this, Xu Lin’s brow immediately furrowed, and a murderous aura instinctively emanated from him.
It wasn't that he had murderous intent, but rather a habit; he often couldn't control the strong killing aura within him.
"Relax, I'm not here to persuade you to do anything. I want to make another mutually beneficial transaction with you."
Suddenly, Ji Yuan spoke without turning his head. A jade box appeared out of thin air in his hand.
The faint scent of elixir drifting in the air, with just a whiff, caused Xu Lin’s expression to change, and his eyes showed shock.