The days flew by amidst cultivation, drug use, and getting beaten up (by Ye Meier).
Zhang Shaozhong could clearly feel that he was improving every day, his chaotic energy was becoming more and more refined, and his control over his power was becoming more and more precise.
But at the same time, he also clearly felt the arrival of a bottleneck.
The effects of "Pressure Cooker Nourishing Paste 2.0" have begun to diminish significantly. It's not a problem with the formula, but rather that the medicinal herbs themselves have reached their limits.
The ordinary ginseng and astragalus available on the market are of average age and quality. The small amount of herbal essence they contain is insufficient for him, who has officially entered the Qi Refining stage. It's like trying to fill a large pool with a small pipe – too inefficient.
"This won't do. At this rate, when will we ever reach the mid-stage of Qi Refining? Not to mention the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core stages... that Siamese Ghost King might come knocking on our door any day!"
Zhang Shaozhong looked at the newly brewed Peiyuan Paste in the pot, which showed negligible improvement in efficacy, and felt somewhat worried.
Ye Meier crossed her legs and said while manicuring her nails, "I told you before, ordinary medicinal herbs are the limit. If you want to continue to improve quickly, you have to find real 'spiritual objects' or similar things. For example, jade containing pure energy, real old medicines that have been around for many years, or even some strange but useful gadgets."
“I understand the logic,” Zhang Shaozhong said with a wry smile, “but where can we find these things? Pharmacies? Antique markets? That would be like looking for a needle in a haystack, and it would be hard to tell if they’re real or fake, plus they’re ridiculously expensive!”
Ling Qingxue put down the book in her hand and said, "Just because they are hard to find in the mortal world doesn't mean they don't exist. Such items mostly circulate through special channels unknown to ordinary people. They may be found in secret exchange meetings or underground black markets."
Zhang Shaozhong's eyes lit up: "An underground black market? Like the ones in novels? Using spirit stones or barter?"
"Spirit stones?"
Ye Meier scoffed, "This lousy place doesn't have that kind of thing! They probably use gold, jewelry, or... helping people solve their problems as bargaining chips. Anyway, this kind of place is a mixed bag, with its own set of rules, and the threshold for entry is not low."
"threshold?"
"Nonsense!" Ye Meier rolled her eyes at him. "Do you think it's a vegetable market? Anyone can just walk in. In a place like this, you either need a reliable introducer to vouch for you, or you need to demonstrate certain strength or capital to prove that you are qualified to participate, instead of causing trouble or courting death."
Zhang Shaozhong seemed to be deep in thought.
Perhaps Mr. Mo Huaiyuan, the introducer, is a breakthrough?
He has extensive connections and knows their extraordinary nature, so he might know some inside information.
To prove my strength... I wonder if my early stage Qi Refining cultivation is enough?
If all else fails, could we "borrow" the power of the fairy or the eldest sister?
He told the two bigwigs about his idea of trying his luck at the underground trade fair.
Ye Meier was the first to raise her hand in agreement: "Great! I've been wanting to go out for a while now! This kind of black market is definitely interesting, and maybe I'll even run into some idiots, which will give me a chance to stretch my muscles!"
Ling Qingxue, however, was more cautious: "Such places are bound to be entangled in cause and effect, and are places of right and wrong. If you want to go there, you must be fully prepared, hide your whereabouts, not flaunt your wealth, and not easily make enemies. However, if you can really find what you need, it is indeed a shortcut."
Having obtained the two bigwigs' consent in principle, Zhang Shaozhong immediately contacted Mo Huaiyuan.
Over the phone, he subtly indicated that he needed to find some "special" medicinal herbs or materials to aid his cultivation, and asked Mr. Mo if he knew of any "unconventional" channels.
Mo Huaiyuan was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone before lowering his voice and saying, "Brother Zhang, what you asked about... does exist. I know a place that holds a small-scale 'exchange meeting' every month, with participants from all walks of life, and occasionally some things... that are hard to explain by common sense will happen. But..."
His tone turned serious: "It's extremely dangerous there! There are no rules, or rather, the only rules are 'strength and discernment.' Murder, robbery, and double-crossing are common occurrences. Moreover, getting in requires an introduction or passing their 'screening.' I've only been there once before with an elder, so I'm barely familiar with the place. Are you sure you want to go?"
Zhang Shaozhong took a deep breath and said firmly, "Mr. Mo, I need to improve my strength as soon as possible. The trouble I've encountered... may be quite significant. The conventional methods are too slow, so I can only try my luck. I would appreciate it if you could help me with an introduction. I will remember this favor."
Mo Huaiyuan sensed the determination in his tone and sighed, "Alright. The next exchange meeting is in three days, in an abandoned factory area in a neighboring city. I can help you get in, but I can only guarantee you'll be able to get in. Once you're in, be careful! Remember, don't trust anyone, don't flaunt your wealth, and especially protect Teacher Ling and Ms. Ye!" He gave this special instruction, clearly understanding how conspicuous those two would be in such a place.
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Shaozhong felt both excited and nervous.
Underground trade fair!
It sounds like it's full of unknowns and dangers!
He looked at Ling Qingxue and Ye Meier, and waved his phone: "It's all settled. Three days from now, at the abandoned factory in the neighboring city. Mr. Mo will help us with the introductions."
Night Enchantress licked her lips excitedly: "An abandoned factory? That sounds amazing! I'm already looking forward to it!"
Ling Qingxue then casually reminded him, "There are still three days left. In this time, you can try to refine some simple healing, detoxifying, or short-term bursting pills, just in case. Mei'er, you are responsible for preparing some easy-to-hide 'little gadgets' with decent power."
Zhang Shaozhong nodded repeatedly, "The fairy's consideration is indeed thorough!"
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