The Heart of Medicine Valley
The vastness of Azure Continent stretched beyond imagination. Desolate wastelands, devoid of spiritual energy, existed alongside fertile lands teeming with it.
Amidst one such blessed land stood a towering mountain suffused with spiritual energy. Its slopes were dotted with countless caves, each radiating the aura of cultivation and refinement.
A strange, fragrant aroma of medicine lingered in the air, a telltale sign of the countless alchemists at work. Practitioners clad in pristine white robes moved gracefully, their steps almost ethereal. Occasionally, the mountain would echo with the sound of explosions, accompanied by flashes of fire. Yet, no one seemed perturbed—this was routine in Medicine Valley.
At the base of the mountain lay a grand valley. At its entrance, a monumental stone gate, a hundred feet high, stood guard. Carved atop the gate, in bold, majestic script, were the words:
Medicine Valley.
Before the gate, countless cultivators waited patiently, their expressions filled with reverence. They were here for one reason: to seek medicine. But entry into Medicine Valley wasn't granted lightly—not everyone could simply walk in.
Deeper within the valley, in a secluded cavern, intricate formations were etched onto the ground and walls. The air shimmered faintly as the formations suddenly flared to life.
A disciple stationed nearby quickly stepped forward, skillfully retrieving a jade slip that had materialized within the formation. As he examined it, surprise flickered across his face.
"It's a message from Senior Brother Wei," the disciple announced, holding the jade slip with care.
Another disciple nodded. "Deliver it to the elder immediately."
"Understood!"
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In the heart of Medicine Valley, within a grand bronze hall, several elders were gathered. They sat in silence, their expressions serious as they listened to a report.
At the head of the table sat an old man with a long white beard. Though his appearance seemed ordinary, his eyes shimmered like a galaxy, as if stars danced within them.
This was Yao Huichen, the head of Medicine Valley. Renowned for his unparalleled alchemy, he was also a cultivator of extraordinary power, having shattered the barrier of Pathseeker a century ago. His current strength was immeasurable.
"Elders, what do you make of the message from Wei Yi?" Yao Huichen asked calmly.
The room fell silent as the elders pondered.
One of them finally spoke. "Wei Yi is currently in Nine Stars City, investigating the ancient ruins in the Nine Stars Mountain Range. For him to send such urgent news… it warrants deeper thought."
Another elder chimed in, frowning. "The products he described—though unfamiliar to us—have effects rivaling high-grade pills. And the cost? A mere hundred spirit crystals! If such items become widely available, it could devastate the medicinal market in Azure Continent—and Medicine Valley would bear the brunt of it."
The murmurs among the elders grew louder, their unease evident.
The mention of Origin Mall stirred discomfort. Its mysterious owner, unknown origins, and revolutionary products—such as the vitality-replenishing Jade Nectar Dew, space formations, and the cultivation-enhancing VR game—were beyond their understanding and control.
"This situation," one elder muttered, "is unsettling. It's as if we're facing an enigma beyond our grasp."
Yao Huichen raised a hand, signaling for silence. The room fell still as all eyes turned to him.
"That mysterious shopkeeper," he began, his voice steady, "may be connected to the ancient ruins soon to open in the Nine Stars Mountain Range. Regardless, we must not ignore this. If necessary, we should invite him to Medicine Valley."
He turned to a black-robed elder seated nearby. "Third Elder, I would like you to lead a team to Nine Stars City."
The Third Elder, an imposing figure with an aura of authority, inclined his head. He was Wei Yi's master, a renowned alchemist, and one of Medicine Valley's strongest. His cultivation was at the threshold of Eminence, and the upcoming trip could very well push him over that barrier.
"I understand," the Third Elder replied, his voice calm but resolute.
Yao Huichen nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Your expertise in alchemy and your strength make you the ideal candidate. If this venture offers opportunities within the ancient ruins, I trust you will seize them for Medicine Valley."
With that, the decision was made. The elders departed the hall, each bearing a mix of curiosity and apprehension about the mysterious Origin Mall and its enigmatic owner.
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