While it sounds a bit far-fetched, it's about 70% true.
Xiong Zhan's true form is that of an ancient dragon bear, inheriting some of the dragon's bloodline and corresponding instincts.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have hoarded so many medicinal herbs, leaving them lying around in the square when his ring wasn't in use.
"Thank you, King Bear. Don't worry, I, Chen Guan, am not greedy. We'll only take the few we need. My claim to be an eighth-grade alchemist wasn't false. When King Bear leaves the Alchemy Realm, come find me if you need to refine an elixir."
Chen Guan smiled and nodded in response, reassuring the other party.
With so many rare herbs, any alchemist would be tempted, and Chen Guan was no exception.
However, he preferred others to offer them to him rather than shamelessly taking them.
Xiong Zhan's eyes lit up at Chen Guan's reply, his delight barely concealed.
"Hahaha, I'll remember that. I'll definitely come visit you when the time comes,"
he said, bowing, his previous vow forgotten.
Chen Guan nodded in agreement, then led Cao Ying and Dan Chen to search for the herbs needed for their respective tasks.
"Chen Guan, whatever you're looking for, I'll help you."
Zi Yan leaped to the top of the herb 'mountain,' hands on her hips, oblivious to the value of the herbs beneath her feet.
Personal feelings aside, in some ways, the dragon clan is truly infuriating, quite deserving of a beating...
"Lift your foot."
With a stern tap on the girl's toes, Chen Guan plucked a section of brown vine from beneath her feet. It was the last herb on his to-do list.
Millennium Jujube Jade Vine!
"Hey, why do you all want this?"
Zi Yan laughed playfully, covering her embarrassment.
Following her gaze, Cao Ying and Dan Chen also found their own herbs:
Fire Mica Vine, Ghost Spirit Vine, Iron Pomegranate!
From the outside, the herbs the three men had collected didn't look particularly impressive.
After taking what they needed, Cao Ying and Dan Chen simultaneously retreated to the edge, bowing and thanking Xiong Zhan.
Regardless of Xiong Zhan's affable demeanor, he was still a genuine Dou Zun. Getting the herbs he needed without paying was already a stroke of luck; taking anything more would have been excessive.
Xiong Zhan simply nodded.
Chen Guan didn't say much; he was simply using the little dragon man's favor.
After circling the herb hill, Chen Guan soon discovered something intriguing.
Zi Yan, like a little follower, had been watching his expression closely. Seeing his smile, she glanced over curiously.
Her sight was a pool of emerald green, viscous liquid on a stone tray, with a unique, refreshing aroma that made her want to try it.
"Chen Guan, do you want this sweet syrup? It's delicious. The big guy had a black water tiger dragon bring it to me the day before yesterday. I drink a lot every day, but it makes me bloat."
"..."
Chen Guan's mouth twitched at this, and the long-lost heartache returned.
"This is a very rare Danling syrup, a valuable ingredient used to neutralize those overbearing spiritual fluids. Taking it directly won't fully unleash its effectiveness, and drinking too much at once can even have the opposite effect. It's impressive that you didn't writhe on the ground in pain." "
No wonder! I told you it wouldn't have much of an effect, but it tastes really good." Zi Yan nodded in realization.
She understood, but she had no regrets.
It was worth it because it was delicious!
Speechless, Chen Guan pulled out several fine mutton-fat jade bottles and carefully filled them with the contents.
In Zi Yan's hands, this thing was just a drink, but in his, it could be used to its full potential.
With it, combined with the remaining Earth Core Soul Essence, and a few more not-so-rare ingredients, Chen Guan could elevate the souls of those around him to the Spirit Realm in a short period of time!
For people like Yun Yun and Medusa, whose soul strength wasn't very high, this was undoubtedly a huge improvement.
While the Earth's Core Soul Essence was undoubtedly a valuable resource, it couldn't normally be consumed directly. Chen Guan's willingness to take it was due to his soul strength.
After collecting the Elixir of Life, Chen Guan felt the trip was worthwhile.
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However, the surprises weren't over yet.
An unassuming piece of bluestone in the corner quickly caught his attention.
Tianma Jadeite Essence!
It's also a crucial ingredient in blending the Earth's Soul Essence.
Furthermore, it can be used to refine several eighth-grade elixirs, and the Diamond Glazed Pill Chen Guan obtained from the Sound Valley also requires it.
"I'll take these. Thank you, Bear King."
Putting away the Tianma Jadeite Essence, Chen Guan bowed slightly to Xiong Zhan. "What are your plans next, Bear King?"
Hearing this, Xiong Zhan scratched his head and looked at Zi Yan. His innocent expression was so deceptive that anyone who didn't know could mistake him for someone easily fooled.
Zi Yan responded with action, leaping onto Chen Guan like a tree slug.
"Are we leaving the Dan Realm now? If we leave now, I'll take Big Guy with us. If we're staying for a few more days, Big Guy can wait here for us. I'll come back and take him when the time is up."
Well, after all the detours, he still had to make his own decision.
Chen Guan pondered for a moment, then glanced at Cao Ying and Dan Chen, who were not far away.
"Senior Sister, you and Danchen should head to the exit of the Dan Realm and leave first."
All the herbs on the mission list had been found. Handing them in at the exit would allow them to pass this second stage. Generally speaking, those with more time stayed behind simply to collect more herbs.
Chen Guan's direct offer to leave wasn't a big deal. Danchen was puzzled as to why he didn't go with him.
Cao Ying, on the other hand, was more aware of the situation. Her brows furrowed slightly, and for the first time, she felt the urge to quickly improve her Dou Qi.
Gnashing her teeth, Cao Ying nodded in agreement.
"Okay, Junior Brother, be careful. Do what you can."
She knew Chen Guan's reason for staying was simply to fulfill his teacher's request and do his best to protect the participating alchemists from persecution by the Soul Palace.
As a disciple and a member of the Dan Tower, this was his duty. Cao Ying saw no reason to dissuade him, and she would have made the same choice if she were in his shoes.
"Don't worry, Senior Sister, I'm very afraid of death,"
Chen Guan jokingly replied, putting Cao Ying at ease.
"Junior brother, see you at the third level."
"Chen Guan, take...take care."
With each greeting, Cao Ying and Dan Chen flew off, heading for the Dan Realm exit first.
Watching them go, Chen Guan felt a sense of relief.
Of all the contestants this time, only this senior sister was truly close to him.
As for the others, to be honest, he really didn't care. Staying was just fulfilling his duty.
"Zi Yan, let's go too."
"Well, big guy, don't run around here. I'll be back to pick you up in a few days."
Xiong Zhan wanted to say, "Actually, I can come with you."
But seeing that the young woman clearly didn't want him to come, he could only nod and accept the arrangement.
...
Outskirts of the Wanyao Mountains.
Two men stood on the left and right branches of a large tree.
One was a middle-aged man dressed in black, his face stern and stiff, devoid of any emotion.
The other was a young man in white, handsome except for his narrow eyes. He held a purple iron fan, handsome yet with an indescribable strangeness.
Behind them, a dozen masked servants, dignified and solemn, stood on the trees. From their auras, it was clear that none of them were below the level of Dou Huang, and some were even Dou Zong powerhouses!
Furthermore, to be here, they must be fifth-grade alchemists or above. It was certain that this was the elite of the elite!
(End of Chapter)