Chapter 08

Gao Xian spent a long time studying but couldn't figure out where the sudden increase in Human Dao Spiritual Light had come from.

From Zhu Qiniang? 

It wasn't impossible. Perhaps Sister Qiniang was still savoring the afterglow.

Gao Xian put away the *Wind and Moon Mirror* and picked up the *Mysterious Formulas of Dongxuan* again.

It contained nine formulas, and mastering another one would greatly benefit his alchemy skills.

While alchemy couldn't be upgraded with points, these dual cultivation techniques could be enhanced after comprehension. That was the fundamental difference between the two.

Although the formulas recorded in the *Mysterious Formulas of Dongxuan* were unranked, they were still a form of alchemy.

The refining techniques involved were universal.

"*Mirage Powder*, capable of intoxicating and disorienting people..."

When Gao Xian saw the *Mirage Powder*, his eyes lit up. This was good stuff.

He was an honest man with no intention of doing anything shady, but he thought this would be excellent for self-defense.

Back in the day, the legendary Wei Xiaobao relied on three treasures to navigate the martial world: knockout drugs, a dagger, and inner armor.

Especially the knockout drugs, which helped him take down various martial arts masters and win over several wives.

Looking at the formula for *Mirage Powder*, Gao Xian felt a spark of insight.

Having reached the grandmaster level with *Deer Antler Powder*, his alchemy skills had improved by leaps and bounds. Now, when he looked at the specific formula ratios and refining methods, he could simulate and deduce them in his mind.

He took out the *Wind and Moon Mirror* and, sure enough, a new entry had appeared on the back.

**Mirage Powder**: A strong, intoxicating aroma that can render people unconscious. (Beginner 1/10)

He spent fifty points of Human Dao Spiritual Light, directly upgrading *Mirage Powder* to the master level.

At the master level, the description of *Mirage Powder* had changed.

**Mirage Powder**: Fine as dust, with a faint, elusive fragrance. Those affected will experience mental confusion and physical weakness. (Master 1/50)

With only twenty-something points of Human Dao Spiritual Light left, he couldn't upgrade *Mirage Powder* further.

However, master-level *Mirage Powder* should still be quite potent.

The main ingredient for refining *Mirage Powder* was *Purple Datura*, a relatively uncommon low-grade herb.

Gao Xian remembered clearly that his medicine room didn't have any *Purple Datura*.

This flower was highly resilient and had low environmental requirements, so it could definitely be found in the mountains. If he went for a hike, he might be able to find some.

But Gao Xian quickly dismissed the idea. With his current skills, venturing into the mountains would be suicidal.

It wasn't worth risking his life for a few *Purple Datura* flowers.

Old Wang next door often went into the mountains to hunt. He could just ask him to pick a few.

Thinking of Old Wang, Gao Xian naturally recalled the bottle of *Deer Antler Powder* he had sold him.

Grandmaster-level *Deer Antler Powder* was an irresistible divine elixir for middle-aged and elderly men! 

The old man would definitely come back for more in a few days. Gao Xian was certain of that.

If he could sell all the *Deer Antler Powder* he had, the money could be used to buy medicinal herbs and cover the deficit left by the original host's embezzlement of *White Dew Pills*.

The problem was that Feima Market only had this one medicine shop. If he wanted to buy herbs, he could only do so from Shopkeeper Zhu...

Purchasing large quantities of alchemical herbs would undoubtedly draw Shopkeeper Zhu's attention.

Over the past couple of days, Gao Xian had come to realize that the situation wasn't as dire as he had thought.

Shopkeeper Zhu was after profit. Killing Gao Xian would yield no benefit and would instead result in a significant loss.

It would also offend Gao Xian's master, forcing Shopkeeper Zhu to cough up a large sum of spirit stones as compensation.

If push came to shove, he could just come clean with Shopkeeper Zhu.

Of course, that would be a last resort.

Given Shopkeeper Zhu's personality, if Gao Xian admitted his mistake, Zhu would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to extort him.

Gao Xian sighed. This world was too tough to navigate. He wanted to go home!

He took out the *Wind and Moon Mirror* and looked at Sister Lan's charming smile and alluring eyes. His mood instantly lifted.

At some point, he had entered Sister Lan's boudoir, and everything felt so real.

Although Sister Lan didn't speak, her soft murmurs and seductive voice were intoxicating.

Gao Xian held Sister Lan in his arms and suddenly remembered a line from a wise man: "This place is too amazing. I'm having so much fun, I don't even want to go home!"

---

The next day, while Gao Xian was steaming medicinal herbs, Old Wang from next door climbed over the wall like a thief.

Gao Xian despised this behavior. There was a perfectly good door, yet the old man insisted on jumping the wall, sneaking around like a shady character.

Old Wang pressed his ear against the bedroom window, listening for any movement. Hearing nothing, his eyes gleamed with a fierce light. After a moment of hesitation, he whispered, "Little Gao..."

Gao Xian, watching from the side room, saw everything clearly. This old man was definitely up to no good. For a moment, he had looked as fierce as a wolf, but after weighing his options, he hadn't dared to act.

Gao Xian had initially looked down on Old Wang, seeing him as just a lecherous old man.

But now, he felt a chill in his heart. Old Wang was at the fourth or fifth level of Qi Refining, far stronger than him.

Moreover, Old Wang frequently ventured into the mountains to hunt demonic beasts, giving him rich combat experience that Gao Xian, a novice, couldn't match.

While the old man was indeed lustful, he was also a seasoned wolf. If he decided to attack, Gao Xian would have little ability to resist.

Since he couldn't refine *Mirage Powder* yet, he could only rely on the few talismans he had for protection.

Gao Xian tightly gripped the *Golden Body Talisman* and called out irritably, "Over here!"

Old Wang quickly turned around. Despite his age, his body was still agile, and he moved with lightness and speed. One hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

Gao Xian grew even more wary, but he forced a relaxed expression onto his face. "You've already finished the medicine? That was quick..."

At the mention of the medicine, Old Wang's tense expression softened.

He had tried many yang-tonifying drugs, but none were as effective as Gao Xian's *Deer Antler Powder*. Others who had tried it were equally amazed by its potency and were willing to pay a high price for it.

Clearly, Gao Xian's *Deer Antler Powder* was of a completely different quality compared to others on the market.

For now, he couldn't afford to offend Gao Xian.

Old Wang chuckled, "Little Gao, do you have more of that medicine? I'll take twenty pills."

"Do you have the money?"

Before Old Wang could respond, Gao Xian added, "No bargaining."

Old Wang had initially planned to haggle, but seeing Gao Xian's firm stance, he could only frown and mutter, "You're so young, yet all you care about is money. That's not good.

"People should value relationships and loyalty."

"Haha..."

Gao Xian laughed. After all, the old man was a customer, and he needed to maintain a basic relationship.

Twenty pills of *Deer Antler Powder* in exchange for two low-grade spirit stones. A straightforward transaction.

Old Wang weighed the bottle of medicine in his hand and then said, "Little Gao, how much more of this medicine do you have?"

"As much as you have spirit stones."

"To be honest, your medicine is truly effective. How about this? I'll help you sell the *Deer Antler Powder*. We'll split the profits 70-30."

Old Wang tried to entice him, "This way, you'll earn more, and you won't have to take any risks."

"No thanks," Gao Xian flatly refused. The old man was unreliable, and partnering with him would only bring trouble.

Seeing Gao Xian's resolute attitude, Old Wang knew he couldn't persuade him. He then suggested, "How about this? You sell the *Deer Antler Powder* exclusively to me. Deal?"

"Want to be the sole distributor?"

Gao Xian laughed again, "Sure. One spirit stone for eight pills."

"You're raising the price even though I'm helping you sell? You're really something!"

The old man was annoyed. What was wrong with this kid?

"If you want to monopolize and make a profit, you need the capital for it. If you're not willing, forget it."

Gao Xian was done with the old man. All he wanted was to take advantage, with no business acumen or vision.

"You're such an ignorant brat!"

Old Wang had hoped to make a profit by being the exclusive seller of *Deer Antler Powder*. His plan was clever, but Gao Xian wasn't having it. Frustrated, he started cursing.

As Old Wang stomped off in a huff, Gao Xian suddenly called out, "Old Wang, don't be mad. Even if the deal falls through, there's no need for hostility. Cursing is just petty."

He then added, "Selling *Deer Antler Powder* exclusively to you isn't entirely off the table. But first, bring me a few *Purple Datura* flowers to show your sincerity."

"*Purple Datura*?"

Old Wang, who often hunted in the mountains and gathered herbs on the side, recognized most common medicinal plants. He had indeed seen *Purple Datura* before.

It wasn't particularly rare, and harvesting it wasn't difficult.

He turned back and asked, "Do you mean it?"

"Of course."

Gao Xian waved Old Wang off, "Bring the *Purple Datura* first, and then we'll talk."

After sending Old Wang away, Gao Xian took out the *Wind and Moon Mirror* and was surprised to find that his Human Dao Spiritual Light had increased by another nine points...