A so-called Fire-Vein Ground is a place ideal for pill refining and medicine making. Compared to ordinary areas, the fire spirits here are far more active, and the temperature is much higher than elsewhere.
On the Immortal Martial Continent, all the major alchemy sects occupy rare and precious Fire-Vein Grounds. Evan Lin himself once controlled a Divine Fire Ground, where pill refining was twice as efficient, and the resulting pills were much more potent than those made elsewhere.
"A little farther ahead and we've arrived. Later, you all better behave yourselves!"
Dr. Wen Jr. looked completely arrogant.
It had been more than five hours since they entered the mountains.
Most of the group were already exhausted, but after hearing his words, they all forced themselves to perk up, faces full of excitement.
"Every time the Jinnan Alchemy Conference is held, it's both a stage for pill-masters to compete in refining skills and a marketplace for regular folks like us to buy pills."
"In the outermost layer, plenty of people sell finished pills. Some are good for your health, while others help with martial arts training and cultivation."
Liu Bai, worried Evan Lin might not get it, quietly explained at his side.
Up ahead, they could already see rows of mud-brick houses. In front of each stood elderly villagers with relaxed faces, making the place look like a tiny rural settlement.
The whole settlement was ringed by a dilapidated wooden fence. At the center stood a wooden archway, with a sign overhead bearing three big characters: "Hillview Gully."
Beneath the gate, a rocking chair was set up, occupied by a man of about forty. At his waist hung a Miracle Hand Sect token, and his badge also showed a pill icon.
At that moment, Dr. Wen Jr. waved his hand, making everyone behind him stop instinctively. He quickly put on a fawning smile, walked up to the gatekeeper, exchanged a few words, and handed over several bank cards.
Only then did the gatekeeper wave them inside, letting them enter Hillview Gully.
"It's late today—find somewhere to sleep on your own! Tomorrow morning at six, assemble here! And don't cause trouble tonight, or you'll be kicked out!" Dr. Wen Jr. turned and addressed the crowd behind him, once again showing off his superior attitude.
After saying his piece, he left on his own without another word.
Soon enough, the local villagers of Hillview Gully started hawking their business.
All the rooms were tiny, shabby mud houses, but a single night's stay cost ten thousand yuan—more expensive than some five-star hotels. Yet not a single person present objected to the price.
"Let's go find a place to stay first. Tomorrow, we should be able to head over to the pill shops and try our luck. If we happen to score something good, we'll hit the jackpot." Liu Bai grinned at Evan Lin.
The reason he brought Evan Lin here was simple—he figured someone like Evan probably needed pills to help with cultivation. After all, Evan had saved his life at the Charity Mortuary, so this was just repaying a favor.
"Hey kid, it's nice that Liu Bai brought you along, but how much money did you actually prepare? If Liu Bai wants to cover your entry fee, that's his business, but you don't expect him to pay for your pills too, right?" Byron Liu strolled over, arms folded and one eyebrow raised.
"Anyone qualified to be here either owns a company or has a family backing them. No one without serious money ever comes to this kind of place. You might as well forget about buying pills—just bragging to your friends about being here is already a big win." Richard Si walked over, grinning.
Chen Junying was right by Richard's side, clinging to his arm and cooing, "Jiacan, ignore them. Let's just go find a place to stay."
Their words made Liu Bai look a little embarrassed. He really had no idea how much money Evan Lin had, or if he had any at all. The pills sold here were definitely not cheap.
"I didn't bring any money, but I do have a pill of my own. I can sell it for cash when the time comes, so you don't need to worry about me." Evan Lin replied calmly.
"Huh? You want to sell a pill for money? You? You actually have a pill?" Richard Si, halfway turned to leave, suddenly stopped in his tracks, staring at Evan Lin like he was an idiot, then burst out laughing. "Liu Bai, the kid you brought really has a sense of humor. Does he even know what a pill is?"
"Forget selling pills—you'd be better off hawking some folk plasters!" Chen Junying rolled her eyes.
Byron Liu, hearing this, just shook his head slightly. He was already starting to regret letting Liu Bai bring this guy along for the ride.
Back then, Liu Bai had sworn up and down that Evan was some hidden expert, but now he just looked like a clueless loudmouth who didn't know his own limits.
Sell a pill? Trying to sell your own pill at the Miracle Hand Sect's Jinnan Alchemy Conference? That's like trying to show off your sword skills in front of Guan Yu!
While they were talking, a group of people walked by not far away.
Leading them was a young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight. At his waist hung a Miracle Hand Sect token with the character 'Liu' on it, and beneath that, two pill icons—one more than the badge Dr. Wen Jr. wore.
Trailing behind him were a few others: a cold-faced but strikingly beautiful and tall girl, and a tall, sunny, handsome young man.
The three of them immediately drew the attention of the crowd.
Especially the girl—she was so eye-catching that several wealthy bosses in the crowd couldn't help but get restless, all drawn to her fresh, innocent vibe. But the moment their eyes landed on the leader's Miracle Hand token, every hint of excitement instantly turned into awe.
Some even considered stepping forward to build a connection right then and there.
"Miracle Hand Little Doctors come in three grades: first-grade wears one pill, second-grade two pills, third-grade three pills. After reaching three pills, you can take the internal exam and be promoted to Doctor."
"Doctors are marked by a cauldron symbol."
"Leo, five years ago I left home and was lucky enough to join the Miracle Hand Sect. It took me three years to become a first-grade Little Doctor, and now I'm second-grade. Maybe after this conference, I'll reach third grade, and soon I'll be 'Doctor Liu' of the Miracle Hand Sect. If you ever run into trouble, just come to me!"
"No matter what, I'm still your real brother, got it?" Gary Liu grinned at Leo Liu.
Gary Liu smiled widely at Leo Liu, his lips curving up.
His gaze casually drifted to the girl beside Leo Liu—none other than Ivy Liang from Capitalview First High!