The barrier trembled and cracked, yet it could not hold back the intruder who strode forward with unshaken resolve. The crimson light of his blood technique had carved a clear path, and the illusions meant to confuse him fell apart like fragile glass. For Mokuru of the Suin tribe and Fahrenhof the elf, the sight was beyond belief. What had been designed to trap even the mightiest hunters for hours had been undone in less than ten minutes.
This barrier had not been ordinary—it had been crafted by Zazan, one of the five greatest magicians on Earth. His skill was so renowned that even rulers of nations had entrusted their palaces to his formations, paying with wealth enough to rival kingdoms. And yet, a single man had dismantled it as though it were nothing. That man was Lee Seong-jun.
To the two craftsmen waiting inside, this was more than intrusion—it was revelation. Such a warrior was not merely another customer; he was the one worthy of their most precious creations. For an alchemist, there was no greater fortune than to meet someone who could fully absorb their painstakingly crafted elixirs, treasures refined over years and sometimes decades.
The air grew tense as Seong-jun's gaze passed over them, searching the room beyond. There, lined carefully in display, were elixirs of a purity unlike the fakes outside. The very aura they exuded carried weight, rich with condensed life force and rare ingredients. At last, he had found what he had been searching for.
Mokuru, chest swelling with pride, introduced himself as a master alchemist of the Suin tribe. His rival, Fahrenhof, offered his own greeting as a craftsman of the elves. Both radiated enthusiasm, yet their eyes betrayed something more than simple courtesy—there was rivalry sharpened by centuries of cultural pride. The Suin and the elves had competed for ages, and now, with a warrior like Seong-jun standing between them, their rivalry found its battleground.
Fahrenhof struck first, eager to claim the moment. With a flash of confidence, he presented an elixir made with the blessing of spirits, one that promised to increase energy and refine inner strength. Its fragrance was pure and cool, carrying the refreshing breath of ancient forests. The Blessing of the Forest, he called it—an elixir born from the leaves of the World Tree itself.
Not to be outdone, Mokuru's eyes glimmered as he revealed his masterpiece. From his hands came a brown sphere, heavy with an earthy aura, rich and solid. Its scent was thick and grounding, as though it carried the weight of mountains within it. This was the Earth Dragon Pill, refined with the inner energy of a fifty-year-old spirit beast. Unlike most elixirs that targeted only the body or only the inner ki, this one was designed to strengthen both together, forging balance and harmony. To an alchemist, such a creation bordered on the realm of semi-divine treasures.
Seong-jun examined both with sharp eyes. Each was authentic, far beyond the diluted fakes he had encountered outside. Both bore the unmistakable signs of true craftsmanship, carrying the essence of spirit and earth. Either one could aid his cultivation greatly.
But then came the spark that set the fire.
Mokuru and Fahrenhof's pride as artisans refused to bow. Prices began high, worthy of their treasures—nineteen billion won for one, eighteen for the other. Yet soon, their voices sharpened into challenge. Seventeen billion. Sixteen. Fifteen. Each sought to undercut the other, not for profit, but for honor. Their rivalry spiraled downward until what began as treasures worth fortunes were being offered at mere cost.
For Lee Seong-jun, this clash of pride was a gift. He had come seeking one true elixir, and now found himself standing before two masterworks, their value unchallenged yet their price slashed by the craftsmen's battle of wills. The corner of his lips curled upward. What began as a simple search for medicine had turned into a competition that left him with a bounty far greater than he expected.
The moment of decision had come.