Chapter 61: Exposed
Outer Sect, Alchemy Peak.
Lordi Payne stood in the plaza outside the Punishment Crypt, popping a Spirit Restore Pill into his mouth. The pill dissolved almost instantly, a cool, refreshing wave of spiritual energy flooding his meridians and replenishing his reserves. With a deep breath, he straightened his robes and made his way to the grand market, his mind already calculating the materials he needed for his next attempt.
The shopkeeper spotted him immediately. A wide grin spread across his face as he called out, "Junior Brother Payne! Back so soon? Have you already used up the raw materials I sold you last time?"
Lordi Payne sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping in a perfect imitation of a downtrodden rookie. He clasped his fists in a respectful salute, his expression a mix of frustration and humility. "Senior Brother, you were right—alchemy is extremely difficult. When I saw Mentor Shifu Yearn Goul crafting pills with such ease, I thought it would be simple. But as soon as I started, I failed miserably. I lost all my investment in one go."
He shook his head, his voice tinged with theatrical despair, before perking up slightly. "But I just sold some items at the Tower of Hundred Treasures and realized how insanely high the profit margins are for elixir pills. I can't give up yet. Senior Brother, please fetch me ten more sets of raw materials. I'm determined to try again."
The shopkeeper chuckled, his tone both amused and encouraging. "Don't sweat it, Junior Brother. Every alchemist has walked this path. How can you expect to craft a successful elixir pill without dozens—or even hundreds—of failures? It's all part of the process."
Lordi Payne nodded earnestly, echoing the shopkeeper's words with a practiced humility. He then launched into a round of bargaining, skilfully negotiating a discount on the grounds that he had just suffered a significant loss. After some back-and-forth, the shopkeeper relented, rounding off the total amount. Lordi Payne accepted the neatly packed raw materials with a grateful smile and made his way straight to the alchemy lab hotel.
This time, he rented the lab for a full day and night, determined to make the most of his time. After checking in, he meticulously inspected the room as usual, ensuring everything was in order. He then instructed the system to begin crafting the elixir pill.
To be on the safe side, Lordi Payne placed the remaining Spirit Restore Pills within arm's reach, just in case his spiritual energy ran low during the process.
~ Ding! *System Notification Chime*
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