109: An exclusive gathering for alchemists!

After leaving the Branch Pagoda of the Pill Tower, the three followed the main street of Holy Pill City back to their temporary residence.

Holy Pill City was already enveloped in the atmosphere of the Pill Gathering; Alchemists carrying medicine baskets and discussing Pill Formulas could be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys. Even the roadside stalls had increased, selling rare medicinal ingredients and Pill Furnace accessories. Occasionally, people could be seen haggling over ancient Pill Formulas, making the area extremely lively.

Ye Zhong pointed to a courtyard ahead with a sign reading "Juxian Inn" and said, "That is our temporary residence. It was arranged by an old friend I knew years ago. The environment is quiet, and it's convenient for us to come and go."

The courtyard was small but elegant. Several stalks of "Soul Condensation Grass" that emitted a medicinal fragrance were planted inside, and the main house and side rooms were arranged orderly.

Jiang Luo didn't have many demands regarding the residence. After briefly tidying up, he discussed the next day's Alchemist Trade Fair with Ye Zhong and Ye Xinlan.

"I heard this Trade Fair is the liveliest event just before the Pill Gathering. Not only are there rare medicinal ingredients, but there might also be ancient Pill Formulas circulating. It's perfect for stocking up on supplementary materials needed to refine Eighth Grade Pills."

Ye Xinlan was also full of anticipation. Previously, she had only seen common medicinal ingredients in small pharmacies in Ye City, and she was full of curiosity about a trade fair that gathered treasures from all over Central Province.

After a night of rest, the three set off early the next morning toward the direction of the Trade Fair.

The venue for the Trade Fair was the "Myriad Medicine Tower" located in the center of Holy Pill City. The entire structure was built from blue stone, reaching nine stories high. A gilded plaque hung above the entrance, bearing the five large characters "Alchemist Trade Fair," radiating an ancient and grand aura.

Outside the tower, many Alchemists had already gathered. Everyone wore badges of varying Ranks on their chests, the lowest being Fourth Rank. Occasionally, the figures of Seventh-Rank Alchemists and Grade 8 Alchemists could be seen, drawing glances from those nearby.

"The Trade Fair at the Myriad Medicine Tower places great emphasis on status. Non-Alchemists are not allowed entry, and different floors correspond to Alchemists of different Ranks."

Ye Zhong explained as they walked.

"The first floor is the area for Fourth Rank and Fifth Rank Alchemists, the second floor is for Sixth Rank, and the third floor requires either a Seventh-Rank Alchemist or a Dou Zun Expert to enter—the higher the floor, the rarer the treasures. Let's go straight to the third floor; maybe we can find something good."

Jiang Luo nodded, and the three followed the crowd toward the entrance of the Myriad Medicine Tower.

The guards at the entrance sharply scanned the badges on everyone's chests. When they saw Jiang Luo's Grade 8 badge and Ye Xinlan's Seventh-Rank badge, a hint of respect flashed in their eyes, and they let them pass without any obstruction.

Passing through the spacious foyer, they entered a circular hall. In the first-floor hall, hundreds of stone platforms were set up, each displaying items such as medicinal ingredients, Pill Furnaces, and Pill Formulas. Most of the vendors were Alchemists from small and medium-sized forces, enthusiastically introducing their goods to passersby.

"Most of the items on the first floor are common medicinal ingredients; the truly good stuff is upstairs."

Ye Zhong said, leading the two toward the stairs to the second floor.

The number of people on the second floor was noticeably smaller, and the number of stone platforms was halved, but the quality of the displayed items had clearly improved.

There was "Purple Pill Ginseng" that was over a thousand years old, "Soul Grass" that could aid in cultivating Soul Power, and some rare Pill Furnace accessories.

Jiang Luo glanced around but didn't linger, walking straight toward the third floor.

The atmosphere on the third floor was completely different from downstairs. The entire floor was exceptionally quiet, with fewer than twenty stone platforms, and only a handful of people gathered around each one.

The vendors here were either rich or noble, representing either established aristocratic families from the Pill Domain or Alchemists from top forces in the Central Province. Even the guards were Dou Zong-level Experts.

As soon as Jiang Luo stepped onto the third floor, he felt several gazes sweeping over him. When they saw the Grade 8 badge on his chest, many people's eyes flashed with surprise.

A Grade 8 Alchemist so young was extremely rare in the entire Central Province.