Stronghold, within a certain temporary cave mansion.

"Greetings, Daoist Zhao!" Zhou Xun smiled and cupped his hands in salute.

Before him stood an old man with graying hair, looking over fifty.

"So it's Alchemist Zhou, please come in!"

Upon seeing Zhou Xun's face, the old man's indifferent expression instantly changed to a welcoming smile.

This person was Zhao Youdao, an Early-Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator, the very treasure-seeking cultivator Hu Zhencai mentioned, who had obtained a High-Grade Bloodline Demon Beast cub.

"What brings Alchemist Zhou to this old man's place?"

The old man showed a curious expression. Both were Foundation Establishment cultivators from White Cloud Immortal City and had met once or twice, but they were not familiar, nor did they interact regularly.

Seeing the old man's inquiry, Zhou Xun didn't bother with pleasantries and got straight to the point:

"Daoist Zhao, you had quite the harvest in the Golden Cloud Valley. Do you happen to have picked the Spiritual Medicine Golden Spirit Grass?"

"I'm short of this spirit medicine for my alchemy; if you have collected it, please sell it to me. Of course, if you know where to find Golden Spirit Grass, I'd be immensely grateful if you'd let me know!"

Upon hearing that Zhou Xun came seeking information on a spirit medicine, he relaxed with a sigh of relief.

He was truly afraid that Zhou Xun had come to acquire his demon beast cub.

A High-Grade Bloodline Demon Beast cub, one that would almost certainly grow into Tier Two, comparable to a human Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

Since he had returned, numerous people had inquired, including Lv Jingwu, the son of Master Hongyu.

However, he had rejected the offer, already having upset this person considerably.

If Zhou Xun was also here to purchase it and he refused again, he would offend two major factions in White Cloud Immortal City at once.

Given his status, it would be quite troublesome.

"Zhao Mou truly doesn't have Golden Spirit Grass!" the old man shook his head.

"However..." he hesitated, then continued.

"But this old man did see this spirit medicine within the valley. Unfortunately, there were many contending for it, and considering my means were average, I retreated!"

"Among those competing for the spirit medicine was Daoist Jin Zhiren from our White Cloud Immortal City. Given Daoist Jin's Middle-Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivation, there's a high chance he got it!"

"You should inquire with Daoist Jin!"

"Thank you, Daoist Zhao, this is a great help to me!" Zhou Xun was overjoyed upon hearing this, not expecting to get news of the Golden Spirit Grass so quickly.

He knew that Daoist Jin had just returned to the stronghold this morning and could ask him directly.

Taking out a Yuan Condensing Pill for Early-Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators, he handed it to the old man named Zhao.

The old man took the elixir, thought for a moment, and gave a piece of advice:

"If Alchemist Zhou wants this Golden Spirit Grass, please go purchase it quickly. Daoist Lv Jingwu is also buying it; his Tier One Peak Vajra Rat is at a breakthrough point and needs this Golden Spirit Grass!"

"Thank you for the warning, Daoist. Time is pressing, so I won't stay long. I'll visit again next time!"

Zhou Xun cupped his hands, then stood and took his leave.

...

After leaving, Zhou Xun headed straight to Jin Zhiren's residence.

He sent a Sound Transmission Talisman into Jin Zhiren's cave mansion, and moments later, the door opened from within.

A round-faced old man in a blue robe emerged.

"Daoist Jin!"

"Ah, it's Alchemist Zhou! What a rare visitor!" The old man brightened upon seeing Zhou Xun and quickly invited him inside.

In the living room sat a middle-aged man in a martial outfit, none other than Lv Jingwu.

Upon seeing this person, Zhou Xun's heart sank.

'I hope I wasn't too late and that this person hasn't already bought the Golden Spirit Grass!'

While Zhou Xun pondered, Lv Jinwu's voice spoke up.

"Oh, isn't this Alchemist Zhou Xun? What a coincidence to meet you here with Daoist Jin!"

"Daoist Lv!" Zhou Xun greeted indifferently and then sat down under Jin Zhiren's guidance.

Jin Zhiren seemed to notice some tension between Lv Jingwu and Zhou Xun.

Recalling the rumors about Zhou Xun in the stronghold, he immediately understood the issue between the two and felt troubled.

Despite his Middle-Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivation, he wasn't afraid of offending the two.

But neither seemed easy to get along with, and if they started a ruckus, it would be difficult for him to handle.

So he quickly poured a cup of Spirit Tea for Zhou Xun:

"It's rare for Daoist Zhou to visit; have a taste of this Clear Cloud Spirit Tea!"

Zhou Xun accepted, sipping lightly, finding the fragrant taste lingering on his lips.

"Good tea!"

Zhou Xun praised and then continued directly, unhesitatingly stating his purpose:

"I've come to purchase Golden Spirit Grass. I wonder if Daoist Jin has collected this Spirit Grass and if so, I would be grateful if you'd sell it to me!"

At this moment, he was betting that Lv Jingwu hadn't spoken yet, so seizing the initiative might give him a chance to buy it.

However, Lv Jingwu's next words dashed his hopes.

"Golden Spirit Grass, so Alchemist Zhou is also here for this spirit medicine. Unfortunately, I've already bought it!"

Lv Jingwu showed pride, his tone full of unabashed glee.

Zhou Xun didn't speak, casting his gaze toward Jin Zhiren.

Seeing this, Jin Zhiren looked embarrassed and spoke:

"Just now, Daoist Lv indeed said he wanted to buy Golden Spirit Grass, and I've already agreed!"

Zhou Xun sighed inwardly:

"I arrived too late!"

Nonetheless, he wasn't too concerned. Golden Cloud Valley produced many Gold Attribute Spiritual Objects, and Golden Spirit Grass was abundant whenever it opened. With diligence, he could buy it eventually; it was just a matter of time.

"Alchemist Zhou seeks Golden Spirit Grass, I assume, to refine a Golden Spirit Pill!"

"If you truly need it, after I return to White Cloud Immortal City, you can come to my White Cloud Pill Workshop, and I'll sell you a pill!"

Lv Jingwu looked at Zhou Xun, his eyes filled with mockery.

"Is Brother Lv serious? In that case, I'll bother you then!" Zhou Xun smiled slightly.

"Uh..." Lv Jingwu was slightly taken aback, expecting Zhou Xun to righteously refuse, giving him a chance to mock him again.

But Zhou Xun wasn't playing by the usual script.

At this point, Jin Zhiren clapped and praised:

"People mentioned some discord between the two Daoists, but today it seems unfounded. Daoist Lv is clearly generous, and I admire that!"

Lv Jingwu was momentarily stunned, awkwardly nodding.

"Alchemist Zhou, no... no problem at all. Just come find me then!"

Though he said that, he had already decided in his heart that if Zhou Xun came to the White Cloud Pill Workshop, he would definitely not give him a Golden Spirit Pill.

"Certainly!" Zhou Xun nodded.

But he had no intention of going; if he really did, it would only be inviting humiliation.

The three of them chatted like old friends, only parting ways in the evening, with Zhou Xun leaving.

The next day, Zhou Xun continued visiting other treasure-seeking cultivators to see if they had any Golden Spirit Grass.

After visiting over ten people, he still hadn't acquired any.

Meanwhile, the official treasure-seeking teams from White Cloud Immortal City had also returned.

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