Some fresh, earthy plant roots and stems were carefully placed in vine baskets covered with damp cloth; the air seemed to carry a fine layer of dust—that inevitable debris from various dried materials.

An elder, hair streaked with grey, wearing thick crystal glasses, stood behind the counter. He delicately scooped shimmering blue powder from an open clay jar using a petite silver spoon, dividing it into smaller crystal bottles.

Upon hearing the door open, he didn't lift his head but instead said slowly, "Feel free to look around, let old Ed know if you need anything."

Duke nodded and didn't head to the counter; instead, he leisurely strolled inside the shop.

His gaze was sharp and focused, scanning shelf after shelf, flicking over fresh materials in vine baskets. His nostrils subtly flared to capture slight deviations in the air's scent.

He stopped in front of a vine basket containing fresh plants. The leaves were slender and deep purple. The roots were uniquely purple-black, damp with soil, exuding a cool, slightly decayed scent.

He extended his fingers, gently pinching a leaf, feeling the texture and thickness with his fingertips. He then leaned closer to smell the faint fragrance of the sap seeping from the incision.

The basket bore the words "Shadow Grass" written in Bristol Language, essentially the same plant found in the Wizard Plane known as Shadow Moss.

Then Duke continued examining other Magic Potion Materials, many of which he recognized, just under different names here.

He memorized them all; given his current capability, retaining such a large volume of information in a short time was no problem.

Next, Duke reached a shelf housing dried specimens of various small animal organs.

His gaze swept over them, quickly locking onto several shriveled, dark red small heart specimens, placed beside jars of same-colored dried, ground powder labeled as Red Ridge Fire Lizard Heart Powder.

He picked up one heart specimen, examining the size, structure, and remaining markings closely.

No doubt this was an ordinary Fire Lizard heart and not the more precious Molten Giant Lizard.

While these materials were recognizable, many were processed to a point where identifying their original form was challenging.

Upon reaching an area filled with various colors of Crystal Stone Powder, his gaze roved among several shades of yellow.

One type was honey-yellow, fine and uniform in texture; the other was earth yellow, with slightly coarser granules.

Duke pointed at the honey-yellow powder and casually asked towards the counter, "Mr. Ed, this Yellow Crystal Stone Powder seems energetically stable; what uses does it generally have?"

The elder Ed raised his head, a flicker of surprise flashing behind thick lenses.

He set the spoon down, looking at the jar of powder Duke was pointing to, "Indeed, Yellow Crystal Stone from the Western Mine, pure Earth Vein Energy—ideal for stabilizers or crafting Earth Attribute Potions."

He gestured at the lesser one beside it, "That earth yellow one is from the southern pit, not quite as good."

He then examined Duke carefully, noting that although Duke didn't recognize Yellow Crystal Stone, his keen Perception Ability sensed its stable energy.

This ability was no ordinary feat, indicating Duke had an exceptional eye.

Thus, Duke wandered the shop, chatting occasionally with old Ed. For materials he was unfamiliar with, he gained rough insights, forming some ideas in his mind.

He purchased many unfamiliar materials, planning to conduct tests later, likely utilizing them for future Magic Potion refining.

Duke paid with Magic Crystal Stones; within Azure Vault City, materials related to Extraordinary Power mostly used Magic Crystal Stone for transactions.

This was why he had obtained Magic Crystal Stone from the Light Sect, having long foreseen this point.

Outside a few Planes in the Endless Plane, precious metals and Energy Crystal Stone were high-end currencies, largely universal.

He spent over a thousand Magic Crystal Stones in total—a quite considerable purchase.

He picked up a thick book titled "Magic Potion Manual" beside the counter, casually asking, "Is this manual for sale? I'd like to study it."

Old Ed smiled, "At my age, I often need to reference and record some things. If you're from Azure Vault City, you can borrow it to read, then return it when done."

"But if you're just a passing traveler, then..."

"I'm new here, opened a small shop on the next street called Star Embers, usually selling some Magic Potions," Duke said.

Old Ed nodded, "I see. Then we're neighbors; take it and read. You can come ask if there's anything unclear."

At this point, Ed only assumed Duke was a Magic Pharmacist Apprentice. Otherwise, he wouldn't be interested in the Magic Potion Manual.

Duke said no more, simply smiled, "Thank you, Mr. Ed; I noticed your Spirit state isn't optimal. This is my Calming Potion to stabilize your Spiritual Power, reduce mental fatigue, with a fine sleep aid effect."

Old Ed adjusted his thick crystal glasses, curiously picking up the Calming Potion, a potion he'd never seen before.

His grasp of Magic Potion was profound, instantly discerning the potion's extraordinary qualities.

"Seems Mr. Duke is indeed a skilled Alchemist," Ed offered his assessment.

Duke replied with a smile, "Not really skilled; I enjoy traveling, searching for novel materials. I'll likely be staying in Azure Vault City for a while."

"I see," Ed slightly understood Duke's interest in the Magic Potion Manual.

Since Duke hailed from elsewhere, it's normal not to be familiar with local materials; no one can know everything.

Duke's Calming Potion was much adored by Ed, giving him serene sleep with just a few drops.

Such sleep quality was a bliss for one of Ed's age.

As for whether the Calming Potion was poisonous, Ed's basic identification methods assured it wasn't.

...

When Duke returned to his shop, he delved into the Magic Potion Manual, mastering all its content within just a day.

He categorized the contents, some aligning directly with previously known materials, others belonging to new materials, noting their corresponding features and characteristics.

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