170: Sunset Barrier

Luoxia Town was more prosperous and tiered than imagined. Qin Feng and the other three split up, quickly gaining a deeper understanding of this gateway to Medicine King Valley.

They discovered that in the seemingly ordinary inns and restaurants of the town, figures with steady Auras and extraordinary bearings could often be seen. Some wore luxurious robes with obvious Family emblems; others wore uniform attire representing different merchant groups or factions; there were even some dressed as monks or Daoists with ethereal Auras. The cultivation of these people was at least that of a Grand Martial Master, and no fewer than ten Martial King Auras were detected!

While having lunch at a well-known restaurant, the casual conversation of several merchants at a neighboring table reached Qin Feng's ears.

"I brought three carts of 'Warm Sun Jade' this time, hoping to exchange them for two bottles of 'Heart-Clearing Bone-Cleansing Pills.' Several juniors in my Family have been stuck at a Bottleneck for a long time."

"Be content, Old Li. I'll be thanking heaven and earth if my batch of 'Star-Pattern Iron' can be exchanged for ten 'Hundred Herbs Heart-Protecting Pills.' Medicine King Valley's Medicinal Pills are priceless and rare outside; this is the only place where they can be obtained steadily."

"I heard that three of this month's king breaking pill quotas have already been reserved? Is it people from the Imperial Capital's Wang Family?"

"Exactly. That manager from the Wang Family checked in half a month early, determined to get them. However, it's said that one will be released next month; people will be fighting tooth and nail for it then..."

king breaking pills! A king breaking pill that could cause a bloodbath outside could actually be 'bought every month' here! Although it certainly required a huge price and fierce competition, such a stable distribution channel already demonstrated Medicine King Valley's transcendent status and profound foundation.

Qin Feng exchanged a look with Ji Ruxue, who sat opposite him. Ji Ruxue nodded imperceptibly and sent a voice transmission: "The third table to the east, that old man drinking alone has a subtle Aura; he might be a Martial Emperor from the Imperial Capital's Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. The table by the west window has the markings of the East Sea Chamber of Commerce, led by a Mid-stage Martial King. This small restaurant is truly a place of crouching dragons and hidden tigers."

Medicine King Valley was like a towering ancient tree rooted in a source of Spiritual Qi, and Luoxia Town was the lush grass beneath the tree, attracting all kinds of 'insects and birds' to come and forage or depend on it. No one would easily shake this great tree, not only because of its own great strength but also because it maintained a vast and stable network of interests; a single move would affect the whole body.

"Perhaps... the various factions maintain restraint not only out of fear of Medicine King Valley's own strength and that Xuantian Turtle, but also because this 'symbiotic' relationship is beneficial to them," Qin Feng thought to himself. "Whoever breaks the balance might become the target of public criticism."

After the meal, Qin Feng tried to ask the innkeeper how he could meet someone in charge at Medicine King Valley, even if it was just to pass a word. The innkeeper was a local and had seen many such inquiries; he just smiled politely and distantly: "Guest, Medicine King Valley has its own rules. Except for their own people and guests holding specific tokens or keepsakes, outsiders are not allowed to enter the valley. If you want to seek medicine to save someone or conduct a trade, you can only register and wait at the 'Hundred Herbs Hall' in town. A valley deacon will come out periodically to handle it. Whether it succeeds and when it happens depends entirely on Opportunity and the price you pay."

The rules were strict, and the barriers were clear.

Qin Feng's heart sank slightly as he led everyone to the 'Hundred Herbs Hall' in the center of town. It was a magnificent three-story stone and wood building with a constant flow of people at the door, yet in perfect order. Inside, it was divided into several areas: some for receiving those seeking medicine and consultations, some for handling large-scale medicinal herb and pill transactions, and even a bulletin board for posting gathering or escort missions.

Qin Feng found the deacon responsible for reception and registration, a middle-aged pharmacist with a plain face, and stated his identity: "I am Qin Feng, an Elder of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion and the imperial loyal and courageous gentleman. I have important matters and wish to see the person in charge of your valley. Could you please pass word?"

The middle-aged pharmacist looked up at him, then glanced at Ji Ruxue and the others behind him. There wasn't much of a reaction on his face as he said matter-of-factly, "Greetings, Elder Qin. Regardless of identity, anyone wishing to enter the valley or meet with the valley's higher-ups must follow the rules. You can register your reason here and leave a keepsake or a formal visit request. When a valley Elder is free, they will review it. Without a specific invitation or urgent business, it will take anywhere from a few days to several months for a response." His tone was polite but carried an unquestionable formality.

A few days? Several months? Master was still suffering at Self-Reflection Cliff; how could they afford to wait!

Qin Feng's brow furrowed. Just as he was about to say more, a sneer came from nearby.

"Heh, wanting to enter Medicine King Valley? What a joke!"

A young Young Master in luxurious robes with an arrogant expression approached, fanning himself with a folding fan and surrounded by a group of guards. He swept a contemptuous gaze over Qin Feng and his group.

"In this Luoxia Town, are there not princes, nobles, direct descendants of great families, and Sect Elders?" The playboy pointed his fan at the bustling crowd inside and outside the Hundred Herbs Hall. "But do you see any of them getting in? Except for their own Disciples and specifically invited guests, Medicine King Valley allows no outsiders to step inside! This is an iron rule!"

A lackey-like attendant beside him added, "Exactly! Want to buy Medicinal Pills or beg for someone's life? Wait here obediently! If you're lucky and wait for a few months, you might see a manager. Unlucky? Hehe, waiting for several years is common! Did you really think some empty title of 'gentleman' would make Medicine King Valley open its doors? Naive!"

Hearing this, some people queuing or waiting nearby also showed expressions of deep empathy or helplessness; clearly, they were long accustomed to this.

Qin Feng and Xiao Chun's expressions immediately turned somewhat ugly. They had originally thought that with their identities as a Hundred Flowers Pavilion Elder and an imperial title, they would at least get a chance to negotiate. They hadn't expected that here, these identities seemed completely insignificant. Medicine King Valley's transcendence was far more thorough than they had imagined.

Seeing Qin Feng's silence, the playboy grew even more smug, thinking he had intimidated him, and was about to continue his mockery. At that moment, Ji Ruxue's cold gaze swept over like a blade, and at the same time, a fleeting, sharp Aura belonging to a Martial King flashed.

The playboy and his guards were instantly like they'd had ice water poured over their heads. The smugness on their faces froze, cold sweat broke out immediately, and the words at the tips of their tongues were forced back down. They glanced at Ji Ruxue in terror and scurried off to the side, not daring to say another word.

But his words were like a thorn, piercing Qin Feng's heart.

The formal route offered slim hope and would take too long.

It seemed they had to find another way.

Qin Feng took a deep breath and cupped his hands to the middle-aged deacon. He didn't continue to press and turned to lead everyone out of the Hundred Herbs Hall.

Walking on the bustling street, the sun was bright, but a shadow hung over the hearts of the four.

"Brother Qin Feng, what do we do now?" Xiao Chun was full of worry, her voice carrying a sense of helplessness. "We can't even get through the door..."

Xia Ya gripped the handle of her shield and said in a heavy voice, "Rules are dead, but people are alive. There must be other ways to get in; we just don't know them."

Ji Ruxue said coldly, "Forcing our way in is the worst option; it's just suicide. We need to find a loophole, or... internal assistance."

"Let's go back to the inn first," Qin Feng said in a low voice. "We need more detailed intelligence regarding the movements of Medicine King Valley's internal personnel, daily supply transportation, and even... those 'unconventional' entry and exit routes. Sister Xue, I'll need you to put more effort into this."

Ji Ruxue nodded slightly; assassination and intelligence were her original specialties.

The barrier of Medicine King Valley already stood before them.

But to rescue their Master, they had to cross this barrier.