Chapter 148: Chapter 145: Dan City, Pill King Hall

Riding atop the Ice Python’s head was several times faster than traveling by boat.

However, their journey caused a stir among the many boats on the Qingjiang River. Traveling by commanding an Ice Python was simply too ostentatious.

"Am I seeing things?"

Along the way, Martial Artists on numerous boats gasped in disbelief. Countless of them thought their eyes were playing tricks on them.

But the Ice Python was too fast. Within a few breaths, it had vanished from the Martial Artists’ sight.

And so, the two of them journeyed toward Pill King Valley.

"At this speed, we should be able to reach Dan City before dusk," Li Shiyu said. Originally, if they had taken a boat, the trip to Dan City was estimated to take about three days.

But with the Ice Python as their transport, the time was drastically reduced.

Pill King Valley was located near a place called Dan City. This ancient city was home to the most Alchemists in Cyan Cloud Country. The renowned Pill King Lu Changsheng himself had also been born in Dan City.

The sun gradually sank in the west.

Just as Li Shiyu had predicted, a city appeared in Ning Jiang’s line of sight at dusk.

"Stop," Ning Jiang said, standing up to have the Ice Python halt. They were still more than ten li from Dan City, and if he rode the Ice Python directly there, he would probably attract a crowd.

He didn’t want to be the center of attention, so he decided to have the Ice Python stop before anyone could see them.

"Cultivate the Demon Technique I taught you well. I will come looking for you again one day," Ning Jiang said faintly.

While they were traveling, he had casually taught the Ice Python a Demonic Cultivation Technique.

After receiving this Demon Technique, the Ice Python became truly and utterly devoted to Ning Jiang.

At first, it had feared Ning Jiang’s strength. Now, it was completely convinced of his superiority.

’A human who can understand the demon tongue and possesses Demon Techniques... If I follow him, perhaps I can achieve Transformation into human form in the future.’

"ROAR."

The Ice Python let out a low roar, its eyes glinting with intelligence. It nuzzled its head against Ning Jiang, then plunged into the water and disappeared.

"Let’s go."

Ning Jiang gave the order. A quarter of an hour later, the two of them entered Dan City.

As a city dominated by Alchemists, Ning Jiang immediately noticed its differences from other cities upon entering.

The shops lining both sides of the street mostly sold various Treasure Medicines and Elixirs. In addition, he saw shops selling Pill Cauldrons and Pill Formulas.

"Since ancient times, Dan City has been a gathering place for Alchemists. This became especially true after Pill King Lu Changsheng emerged from here, which doubled the city’s appeal to Alchemists across the country. Every day, Alchemists come to Dan City to study Alchemy."

Li Shiyu explained. Although she wasn’t born in Dan City, she had come here a few times with members of the Li Family, so she was very familiar with the local affairs.

"Where is Pill King Valley?"

Ning Jiang asked. He had no interest in the history of Dan City; he just wanted to find Pill King Valley as quickly as possible.

"Before we can find Pill King Valley, we first need to find someone from the Pill King Hall to guide us. Only then can we find its location," Li Shiyu said.

"Oh? How so?"

"Pill King Valley is actually located within the Hundred Thousand Mountains. After all, with Pill King Valley’s reputation, if its location weren’t hidden, the people coming to beg for Elixirs every day would probably break down its gates."

Li Shiyu knew a great deal. She continued, "So, to prevent this, Pill King Valley built the Pill King Hall here in Dan City. The Pill King Hall is normally used to receive people who come seeking medicine. As for the truly important figures, like the Pill King and his peers, they usually stay in Pill King Valley within the Hundred Thousand Mountains, living in seclusion and rarely coming out."

"I see," Ning Jiang nodded.

The location of the Pill King Hall was no secret; it was situated in the center of Dan City.

An hour later, the Pill King Hall appeared before Ning Jiang’s eyes.

The Pill King Hall was built quite lavishly. It occupied a vast area and contained numerous grand halls and tall towers, exuding a stern and imposing atmosphere.

"Who are you?"

At the main entrance of the Pill King Hall, even a simple Guard had the Cultivation of the Innate Realm.

One must understand that an Innate Realm expert could establish a third-rate small family and be a local hegemon in some small towns, commanding respect. Yet, one was willing to be a mere Guard here. This alone showed the formidable power of Pill King Valley.

"We’re looking for a guide to take us to Pill King Valley."

Li Shiyu went forward to smooth things over, offering ten thousand Primordial Stones.

"Heh, easy enough."

After receiving the Primordial Stones, a smile appeared on the Guard’s face. No matter the occasion, Primordial Stones were essential for Martial Artists.

Moreover, ten thousand Primordial Stones was comparable to the entire net worth of an Ordinary Innate Realm expert. Such a generous gesture made the Guard realize that Ning Jiang and his companion were not ordinary people; they were likely from a major family.

"Come with me. You’re in luck; Miss Liang happens to be here. However, I can’t guarantee whether she’ll be willing to take you to Pill King Valley."

The Guard led the two of them into the Pill King Hall.

"Miss Liang?" Li Shiyu seemed to recall something. "You mean Liang Xiyue?" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Oh, you know her. That’s right, Miss Liang is in the top ten of the Famous Family List, after all. It’s not strange that you would know of her."

The Guard said, "Miss Liang is currently receiving an honored guest and will be taking that guest to Pill King Valley shortly."

Liang Xiyue was ranked fourth on the Famous Family List, only one spot below Li Shiyu.

At the same time, she was also a disciple of Pill King Lu Changsheng, holding a noble status.

Just as they were passing through a few corridors and approaching a great hall, a young man walked toward them.

"Greetings, Young Master Nie."

Upon seeing the young man, the Guard hastily bowed.

This "Young Master Nie," whose full name was Nie Tao, had an extraordinary status. He was the son of the Pill King Hall’s Hall Master.

The Hall Master of the Pill King Hall was a person appointed by Pill King Lu Changsheng and was an Innate Limit Strong Person.

It was said that the Hall Master had rendered great service to Lu Changsheng back in the day, serving him faithfully, which was how he earned such an important position managing the Pill King Hall.

"Hm? What are these two doing in here?"

"Reporting to Young Master Nie, they wish to go to Pill King Valley. I was taking them to see Miss Liang."

"Liang Xiyue is receiving Grandmaster Tan Jinglin. Do you think you can just interrupt them?"

Nie Tao snorted coldly. Just then, his gaze lifted, and he noticed Li Shiyu’s stunning beauty, his heart jolting in surprise.

He came from an extraordinary background and had seen countless beauties, but in his memory, a woman who possessed both beauty and elegance like Li Shiyu could only be matched by Liang Xiyue.

However, Liang Xiyue was the Pill King’s Direct Disciple. Although he secretly coveted her, he knew the gap between them was too wide. It was basically impossible.

"This young lady wishes to go to Pill King Valley? Could it be that you’re feeling unwell? Why don’t I take a look for you?"

Nie Tao laughed heartily and actually reached out to grab Li Shiyu’s ivory wrist.

The Guard watched from the side, frowning and shaking his head. He was well aware of his young master’s lecherous nature. With Li Shiyu’s beauty, it was inevitable that she would be subjected to Nie Tao’s unwanted advances.