CHAPTER 14: Making Alchemy Pills

Ray celebrated internally, satisfied with meeting all future needs at the first stop of his journey.

The old chief also celebrated with his son for purchasing the spirit fruits at a minimal cost.

After celebrating for a few seconds, the old man returned to his seat and asked Ray about his plans after this.

Ray: "Could you please lend me some money? I need to buy groceries and find a hotel to stay in for the night. I will leave tomorrow morning," asked, feeling embarrassed.

Village chief: "There is no need to feel embarrassed. Take my youngest son with you, purchase whatever you need in the village, and instruct villagers to collect money from me in the morning," assured the chief.

Chief: "Regarding your accommodation, there are no hotels in the village. I will arrange a room for you to stay in my house tonight. Please adjust with us, and tomorrow you can leave after having breakfast." suggested the chief.

Ray who got his accommodation settled left the chief house with his youngest son leading the way. 

After a few casual chats with him, Ray got to know his name was Ryan.

As his age is similar to his, Ray asked him to call him by his name.

Ryan: "Ray, where are you from really, your attire suggests you are not from here." asked Ryan.

Ray learned from his conversation with the old man that there were still many human settlements in the wilderness. Consequently, he responded that he was from a small town in the wilderness and had gotten lost while attempting to open a passage to the outside world when bandits attacked his caravan.

Ryan: "Then what are your for acquiring coins from different countries?"

"I don't think the money will be enough for any trade or to start a decent business," asked Ryan doubtfully.

Ray: "Nothing much, I intended to demonstrate to the elders that numerous human settlements are prosperous enough to migrate or open trade caravan by presenting the coins I have collected during my journey."

Ray fabricated a simple answer and dismissed the question.

While they were conversing and walking along the road, they reached the market. Ray promptly evaded Ryan's incessant questioning by entering the shops to select the groceries.

Ray purchased supplies sufficient for a month and selected a few vegetable seeds and rice seeds to sow in the back garden of his house.

Ray and Ryan carried the supplies with both hands and went back the way came and reached the chief house.

As soon as they unloaded their supplies in the corner of the hall area the chief came to Ray's side and informed him that his room was on the other side of the hall and its ready to move in.

Ray picked up his items followed the chief direction and reached the room.

The room has a window right opposite the door and a single bed was placed right next to it.

The bathroom is opposite to this room.

After showing the room to Ray, the old chief politely closed the door and left him alone.

While Ray was checking the room he was allocated, the chief called his youngest son to his study.

Chief:" So Ryan, what did you find out about him." asked the chief

Ryan: "Father all I heard from him is that he is from a small town in the wilderness, and he asked for the coins so he could show them to his family."

"However, I do not believe he was a merchant because he purchased only a few seeds to grow crops and no other commercial items that he could have acquired to sell to the outside world."

"Nevertheless, I do believe he is a good person, and I consider Ray to be quite strong; otherwise, he wouldn't have survived the monster fish in the lake and made it this far."

While they were conversing, two perspiring men abruptly entered the room and began inquiring about the spirit fruits.

The youngest son immediately cowered in the corner as the chief flared upon seeing his eldest and second sons barging into the room without manners.

Chief: "Thomas and Troy, where are your manners? First, go and wash up, then meet me in the hall. I will explain the details. Do not behave rudely in front of the guest who resides in the guest room."

Thomas replied, "Yes, father," and then he pulled Troy with him and left.

By the time they arrived in the hall area after refreshing themselves, Ray was seated with the chief and engaging in a cheerful conversation.

After seeing Ray, they were stunned and recalled their morning conversation with him.

Thomas: "We apologize for the inconvenience. We were unaware that you were a guest at the house, so we had to stop your boat and inquire about you in the morning."

Thomas hastily apologized to Ray, while Troy scrambled to follow suit.

Ray stood up hastily and shook their hands while accepting the apology.

Chief: "Now that you have had your introductions please come and sit down. Let us have supper, and I will give you some instructions after we finish our dinner."

Ray and the others hastily took their seats and started having dinner.

After their dinner, the chief coughed loudly to gather their attention and started speaking to them.

Due to the sudden acquisition of the spirit fruit, I intended to open the alchemy furnace and create qi pills for you to take after a few days. However, since the entire village is aware of the purchase, I will make the pills tonight and distribute them according to each individual's contribution to the village tomorrow.

Therefore, I request that you guard the alchemy room today, while the rest of you remain in your rooms.

Ray understood that the first instruction was intended for the chief's son, while the next one was meant for him.

Ray promptly stood up and assured them that he would remain in his room for the entire night and would not interfere with their activities. He then returned to his temporary quarters.