With a determined glint in his eyes, Xiao Wei reached into the corner of his room and retrieved a small leather pouch. Over the course of four years, he had diligently saved the monthly stipend provided by the Xiao Clan - 250 Spirit coins per month, amounting to a total of 12,000 Spirit coins.
"I hope this should be sufficient for purchasing the materials needed to begin my journey as an Alchemist"Xiao Wei calculated.
He set the pouch aside, mentally preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead. With renewed purpose, Xiao Wei stood up and strode towards the door, ready to embark on his path towards becoming a great Alchemist and ultimately, a formidable Cultivator.
Xiao Wei exited the Xiao Clan's residential compound, stepping out onto the bustling streets of Mo City. The vibrant marketplace stretched before him, teeming with activity as merchants hawked their wares and shoppers haggled over prices.
As Xiao Wei navigated through the crowded stalls, he noticed that the majority of the businesses belonged to the Mo Clan, their clan colorful banners and signs proclaiming their allegiance. However, interspersed among these were establishments operated by the Hu Clan and the Xiao Clan, as well as independent vendors catering to a diverse clientele.
As Xiao Wei navigated the crowded aisles, his gaze meticulously scanned the wide array of products on display. The vibrant marketplace was filled with an eclectic mix of exotic herbs, precious metals, intricately designed crafts, and a multitude of other intriguing items. Each stall offered a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of culture and commerce, inviting him to explore further the treasures that lay within.
After that Xiao Wei wasted no more time and start looking for a good cauldron, knowing that a high-quality vessel was essential for any aspiring Alchemist. He made his way through the market, his eyes scanning the various stalls displaying metalwork.
Initially, he came across a selection of Tier 1 Cauldrons, each crafted by a Tier 1 Blacksmith. While these vessels were sturdy, Xiao Wei recognized instantly that they lacked the refinement and durability because they were all Low Grade Tier 1 Cauldrons. Disregarding them, he pressed onward, determined to find a superior cauldron.
In the world of Cultivation, there are diverse array of professions which requires distinct skills and specialized knowledge. Notably, Alchemists, Blacksmiths, Talisman Masters, Array Masters and more. They may be not strong as Martial Artist but they have higher value in Cultivation World. Like an Alchemist which can make varieties of pills such as pills that can increase there power, heal there injuries and more. Blacksmith who can make weapon for Martial Artist which can increase there combat power and more on.
These professions are categorized based on their levels of expertise, which ranged from Tier 1 to Tier 10. Each tier represented a significant progression in skill and mastery, with individuals occupying higher tiers enjoying greater levels of respect, wealth, and influence within the community.
Some Tier 1 professions were regarded as novices, having demonstrated basic competence in their chosen crafts. They typically engaged in training under the mentorship of more experienced masters, honing their skills through rigorous practice and apprenticeship. This foundational stage was crucial for their development, as it laid the groundwork for future advancements in their respective professions.
As Xiao Wei continued his search, he encountered a few Tier 2 Cauldrons, their craftsmanship noticeably improved compared to the earlier finds. He knew that a true alchemist's cauldron should be able to withstand extreme temperatures and maintain its integrity throughout prolonged use. However, they were too costly and he can't afford them.
Xiao Wei walked past several stalls, his eyes constantly scanning the assortment of goods on display. The cacophony of voices and the enticing aromas wafting through the air served as a constant reminder of the bustling energy surrounding him.
As he turned a corner, his gaze fell upon a middle-aged man sitting outside a wine shop, sipping from a cup. The vendor's attire appeared worn and mismatched, suggesting he might not be affiliated with any particular clan or guild. Next to him sat a peculiar collection of items, including a massive cauldron that towered over a foot in height.
After few moments, Xiao Wei attention was drawn to a middle-aged man sitting outside a wine shop, drinking wine from a bottle. The middle aged man, whose weathered features hinted at a life spent outdoors, had an assortment of goods spread out before him. Amidst the trinkets and curiosities, Xiao Wei's eyes landed on an imposing cauldron that towered over 5 foot in height.
The cauldron's exterior gleamed with a rich, dark patina, suggesting it had been crafted from high-quality iron ore and it also had intricate engravings adorned the sides. Its size alone implied a robust build, capable of withstanding intense heat and pressure.
Curiosity piqued, Xiao Wei approached the middle man who was fully drunk.
Xiao Wei curiously approached the middle aged man, taking note of the peculiar circumstances surrounding him. The man sat outside the prestigious Mo Clan wine shop, yet the clan members seemed to deliberately avoid him. This unusual behavior piqued Xiao Wei's curiosity, leading him to suspect that the middle aged man is not ordinary.
As Xiao Wei drew nearer, his attention focused intently on the impressive cauldron displayed before him. The vessel's sheer size, exceeding five feet in height, immediately caught his eye. Its dark, glossy patina suggested a high-quality construction, likely crafted from premium iron. Intricate engravings adorned the sides, adding an air of elegance to the rugged form.
With a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement, Xiao Wei addressed the intoxicated man.
"Are you selling this cauldron?"Xiao Wei inquired, his voice steady despite the enormity of the potential purchase.
The middle-aged man, turned his head lazily towards Xiao Wei but struggled to focus on Xiao Wei because of excessive alcohol consumption
"Y-yeah, sure thing! It only cost 1,000,000,000 Spirit coins..."the middle aged man slurred, his words punctuated by a loud belch. He gestured vaguely at the massive cauldron, clearly indicating it was for sale.
Xiao Wei's eyes widened at the staggering sum, his initial excitement tempered by the daunting financial burden.
"I don't have that much money"Xiao Wei stated, preparing to depart.
"Hold on... please don't leave just yet. Why not purchase me a bottle of wine? And the cauldron is yours"the man implored, seizing Xiao Chen's arm with a firm grip.
Xiao Wei, who had been on the verge of leaving, abruptly halted, his foot frozen in place as he struggled to extricate his arm from the man's grasp. Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead, a clear indication of his rising anxiety. He was acutely aware that the drunken individual before him was not just any ordinary person; he was a formidable Cultivator, capable of ending his life in an instant.
"I apologize, sir, but the price is simply too steep for me. Even if I managed to acquire the cauldron, transporting such a massive and heavy item would be impossible for me"Xiao Wei explained, attempting to reason with the increasingly agitated man.
His words fell on deaf ears, however, as the middle-aged individual's countenance darkened, his anger palpable.
"You brat! I'm offering you a rare opportunity, and you reject it outright?"the middle aged man said and drink another mouthful of wine from his gourd founding the wine in his gourd is finished.
In that instant, Xiao Wei experienced a wave of apprehension, firmly believing that the man's escalating anger could potentially lead to an act of violence against him.
But to his great surprise, the man didn't attack him and took out a ring from beneath his clothing.
"I will give you this ring, with it, you will be able to transport that cauldron. In exchange, however, you must purchase two bottles of wine for me now"the man said as he show the ring to Xiao Wei's.
Xiao Wei was astonished by this unexpected gift, coming to the realization that the ring given to him by the middle aged man possessed an extraordinary capability, it could store items within. This was no ordinary piece of jewelry; it was a Storage Ring, a rare and valuable artifact that, even with a limited internal capacity, had a minimum worth of 500,000 Spirit coins. The true value of a Storage Ring could not be precisely determined in Spirit coins if it had a larger storage capacity, as its worth would fluctuate significantly depending on its specific features and capabilities.
The Spiritual Ring is not only very expensive but also hard to made that's why very few people can have it. Even in Xiao Clan, it is exclusively possessed by a select few individuals, namely the head of the Xiao Clan, the esteemed Elders, and Xiao Yen.
"What? Are you still dissatisfied even after I gave you a Storage ring?"the man asked.
"No, no, I am actually very pleased with it."Xiao Wei replied with a smile and in a reassuring manner.