Chapter 14: Guan Sheng's Request
What Han Yi did not know was:
After he left the market, a figure had been following him secretly, waited until he entered the Mysterious Fire Alchemy Store, and then returned to the market after waiting for a moment.
"As I guessed, this kid should be the alchemist from the Mysterious Fire Alchemy Store."
"But it's a bit strange, how can an alchemist who can refine the Exorcise Evil Spirits Pills close to standard quality appear in the Mysterious Fire Alchemy Store?"
"From the information I have, an alchemist with such alchemy skills who's also so young would usually reside within the Xuandan Sect and rarely descend the mountain."
The elderly shopkeeper who had just completed the transaction with Han Yi a quarter of an hour ago sat in the tranquil room filled with sandalwood, feeling quite puzzled.
"Forget it, you can go. Since this kid is with the Mysterious Fire Alchemy Store, don't act recklessly."
With a wave of his hand, a figure dressed in a black cloak and standing in front of him, so quiet and breathless as if it didn't exist, bowed slightly and then vanished from the room in a flash, leaving no trace.
"The most likely possibility is that he's a disciple who came down the mountain to gain experience."
"The Xuandan Sect is not to be trifled with. Let it be."
The elderly shopkeeper stood up and abandoned some of his thoughts about Han Yi.
If Han Yi were a loose cultivator, there would be many ways for the shopkeeper to make use of him, or at least secretly take all his pills and treasures for himself.
However, it's a pity that Han Yi had a bigger backer, so the Lei family didn't dare to act recklessly.
Han Yi didn't know that he had inadvertently avoided the Lei family's "side business."
When he stepped into the Mysterious Fire Alchemy Store, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
On the way, the killing intent that had appeared more than four months ago did not show up.
At the counter, Guan Sheng saw Han Yi appear and his eyes flashed with an indescribable expression.
"Congratulations, junior brother Han Yi on breaking through to the third layer of the Qi Cultivation stage. Such a joyous occasion."
Guan Sheng immediately detected the fluctuations of the unstable third layer of Qi Cultivation on Han Yi's body.
Han Yi humbly expressed his thanks and then got to the point.
"I apologize, elder brother Guan. According to our agreement, I should have reported here earlier, but I was suddenly inspired to break through my realm, which delayed your business. It's my fault."
Since Han Yi was being humble, Guan Sheng didn't pursue the matter further.
Next, Han Yi took out the pills and Exorcise Evil Spirits Pills for the transaction. As before, he sold the Nurturing Qi Pills for spirit stones, and the Exorcise Evil Spirits Pills according to the 20/80 split, which also yielded about ten spirit stones.
This time, Han Yi received a total of 167 spirit stones.
He only used 50 spirit stones to buy materials for Nurturing Qi Pills because the Mysterious Fire Alchemy Store only had this much available, not because he didn't want to buy more.
As for other pills, he didn't want to deal with them for the time being.
It's better to focus on one aspect for optimal results.
"Junior brother Han Yi, your alchemy skill is becoming more and more refined, and your success rate is maintained at a certain level. With your current level, you'll definitely pass the sect assessment in half a year."
"I, as your elder brother, would like to congratulate you in advance."
Guan Sheng said with a smile while Han Yi thanked him with a bow.
Then, Guan Sheng gave Han Yi the materials for 20 Exorcise Evil Spirits Pills as usual.
This time, Guan Sheng didn't stop there but hesitated and said, "Junior brother Han Yi, to be honest, I need your help with something."
"Oh? What's the matter? Please give me your instructions, elder brother Guan." Han Yi asked, puzzled.
What could it be that Guan Sheng couldn't handle, and how could he help?
If he really could help, of course, he wouldn't refuse this favor considering how Guan Sheng had been taking care of him.
Seeing Han Yi not refusing, Guan Sheng's face brightened, and he continued, "This thing doesn't need to be done now."
"According to the usual practice, in three months, someone from the sect's internal affairs will come to inspect the store. At that time, I happen to have an important matter and need to go out for a while.
I don't trust other people. At that time, I hope you can help me and stay in the store for half a month.
Junior brother, don't worry. By then, I'll arrange everything properly to ensure a smooth transition for you.
Besides, I'll provide spirit stone compensation for the half-month delay, so you won't be helping in vain."
Upon hearing this, Han Yi laughed bitterly.
"Elder brother Guan, the Mysterious Fire Alchemy Store is so big, with so many pill businesses involved."
"The responsibility is too great. I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it at that time."
"Moreover, with sect matters coming up, I don't know how to properly receive them."
Han Yi spread his hands.
To be honest, he just wanted to lay low, practice diligently, and enjoy the feeling of getting stronger every day.
He had even thought about doing this after returning to the Xuandan Sect in the future.
As for being in charge of the pill shop, he hadn't considered it at all.
Guan Sheng sighed softly and said helplessly, "It's precisely because the responsibility is so great that I can't trust anyone else."
"This year's sect inspection is crucial to my assessment, and there can't be the slightest mistake."
"And it just so happens that I have something very important to take care of and can't stay."
"So, I considered asking Junior Brother Han for help."
"Through our interactions, I've found Junior Brother Han to be steady and reliable. I trust you and my own judgment."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't make such a request rashly."
"As for receiving the sect's administration, it's not a problem. There's an established process, and I'll prepare accordingly, so you don't have to worry too much."
Upon hearing this, Han Yi thought for a moment before nodding.
"Alright then."
"Since Senior Brother Guan values me so highly, it would be disrespectful for me to refuse any further."
Han Yi finally agreed, and Guan Sheng's face lit up with joy.
"Great, with Junior Brother Han's help, the inspection this time will be flawless."
Next, Han Yi asked more questions regarding the details of this matter, and Guan Sheng explained each point.
Half an hour later.
Han Yi left the Xuanhuo Pill Shop.
Inside the shop, the smile on Guan Sheng's face remained.
"The final piece of the puzzle is in place; my long-planned scheme is not in vain."
"With the chick in the cage, great things can be expected."
Guan Sheng's smile suddenly disappeared, as a tall and thin young man came down from the second floor.
The thin young man was Jiang De.
Jiang De shifted his gaze from Han Yi's retreating figure to Guan Sheng's face and spoke in a deep voice.
"Elder Guan, do you plan to have the boy take the fall during the sect's inspection?"
"Such a plan is full of holes, and if something happens, we'll all die."
"My advice remains the same: get rid of him as soon as possible and forge evidence."
"Besides, the kid just broke through to the third realm of Qi cultivation, providing a perfect excuse for accusing him of embezzlement."
Jiang De wanted to continue persuading but was interrupted by Guan Sheng.
"Jiang De, my plan does not require your intervention."
"I warn you, don't cause trouble during this time, or you'll regret it."
Guan Sheng's expression was unusually gloomy.
Jiang De stared at him for a moment, stopped talking, turned around, and went back up to the second floor. A moment later, he came back down and walked outside the shop.
"Where are you going?" Guan Sheng asked without looking up.
"Collecting goods." Jiang De waved the bill in his hand, expressionless, as he left the pill shop.
Guan Sheng lowered his head and ignored him.
Today was the day to collect spiritual medicine and herbs.
...
On the other hand, after leaving the Xuanhuo Pill Shop, Han Yi didn't think much about it.
He took it as a regular request from Senior Brother Guan. Since he had no ulterior motives, he could explain it if there were any issues.
He decided to accept it as owing someone a favor.