Chapter 42: Purification

Leaving Qianchuan Market, Lin Shilu released the Purple Gold Eagle from the spirit beast bag and threw a Spirit Yuan Pill towards it.

The eagle snapped it up eagerly and looked satisfied.

Mounting the eagle's back, they soared into the sky, climbing to hundreds of feet before streaking southward, disappearing into the clouds within seconds.

Inside the secluded room of the cave dwelling, Lin Tianming sat cross-legged, preparing to consume the six Marrow Cleansing Pills he had refined earlier.

Taking out a pill, he swallowed it without hesitation.

After half an hour, a series of crackling sounds emanated from his body, lasting a full thirty minutes.

Intense pain radiated through every part of his body, making him sweat profusely as he endured it. It felt as if he had been drenched by rain.

After half an hour, the pain subsided, and he gradually returned to normal.

A layer of black grime exuded from his body, emitting an unpleasant odor far worse than the previous breakthrough, the filth was ten times more abundant, as if he had been buried in a mud pit for days.

Lin Tianming got up, performed a rain-controlling technique, and enjoyed a refreshing shower before donning a clean blue robe from his storage bag.

Examining his body, he noticed that his skin was now jade-white and smooth, and his muscles and bones had strengthened significantly.

Throwing a punch, he could feel the air vibrate with the force, estimating his strength to have increased to around 1,200 pounds.

His meridians had also become more robust and efficient, enhancing his spiritual power's flow. Although the improvement seemed small, it would accumulate over time to become substantial.

Lin Tianming was pleased with the effects of the Marrow Cleansing Pill, though he regretted that its benefits were limited to one usage per person.

"It's still quite good," he sighed, feeling grateful.

Five pills remained, which he planned to give to close relatives or sell for a good price.

Casting fire spells to dry the floor, he tidied up the slightly messy room and decided to explore the market again, ensuring he stayed within its safe confines.

Soon, a burly man appeared on the wide stone road, none other than Lin Tianming in disguise.

"I've seen most of the shops in the West District. Let's check out the South District's market," he thought and headed towards the bustling area.

A large square was filled with over a hundred stalls and hundreds of cultivators haggling, creating a lively atmosphere. Most were at the Qi Refining stage, with some so powerful that Lin Tianming couldn't discern their cultivation levels, likely using special artifacts or techniques.

Renting a stall cost only five spirit stones per day, making it an attractive option due to the heavy foot traffic and active trade.

Lin Tianming walked through the market, observing the various items on display. Most were common herbs, monster beast cores, and body parts, with a few talismans and low-grade artifacts.

Seeing little of interest initially, Lin Tianming's spirits lifted upon encountering a middle-aged man in a blue robe, who had a different demeanor.

This cultivator, about sixty years old, had laid out over twenty items, mostly Qi Refining stage pills and herbs, along with several jade slips.

Sitting cross-legged with closed eyes, he appeared indifferent to potential customers, unlike the other stall owners eagerly calling out.

Lin Tianming picked up a jade slip and reviewed its contents, finding it contained various pill recipes with detailed descriptions but no complete instructions.

"There's actually a Beast Yuan Pill recipe," Lin Tianming thought, excited by the discovery. The pill, meant for monster beasts, was similar to Spirit Yuan Pills for humans but unsuitable for the latter due to the risk of severe adverse effects.

This was exactly what he needed for the Purple Gold Eagle and any future beast companions.

"How much for this Beast Yuan Pill recipe?" he asked.

The blue-robed man opened his eyes, his expression unchanged. "Ninety spirit stones," he replied calmly.

"And this 'Record of Heaven and Earth Wonders'?" Lin Tianming asked, pointing to a beast hide book.

"Ten spirit stones."

Surprised by the reasonable prices, Lin Tianming decided to buy both but tried to negotiate. "I'll trade three bottles of Spirit Yuan Pills for the recipe and book as a bonus. How about that?"

The man considered for a few moments before agreeing to the exchange.

Lin Tianming handed over the pills and, after verifying the contents, received the recipe and book, adding them to his storage bag before continuing to browse the market.

By evening, he had purchased a few herbs for the Strength God Pill and Body Refining Pill, trading more Spirit Yuan Pills.

Satisfied with his acquisitions, Lin Tianming left the South District, intending to return to the cave dwelling to rest and plan his next steps.