บท 33: Tian Yuan Tea
Bai Zian felt considerably more at ease after blocking all the entries for low-level material exploration.
Subsequently, only resource prompts at the silver level and above would appear before Bai Zian, a move that significantly conserved his energy.
In light of this, Bai Zian led Fatty Yuan and leisurely strolled down Market Street. As one of the primary markets in Bailin City, Bai Zian discovered a multitude of valuable items. He unearthed hundreds of silver crystal nuclei and dozens of gold-level resources.
However, Bai Zian found his interest waning. On one hand, the Bai family possessed a surplus of materials at this level, making external purchases unnecessary. On the other hand, the lack of water system-related gold-level materials left him indifferent.
Moreover, the transparency in the market made it easy for Bai Zian to identify various resources, eliminating any chance of overlooking potential finds.
For these reasons, Bai Zian only made a few purchases of gold-grade materials and paid little attention afterward. As for the two diamond materials Bai Zian sought and suitable cubs, they remained elusive.
Nonetheless, Bai Zian remained unperturbed. The market in Bailin City was not limited to their current location. In addition to this market, there were two other bright markets and two underground black markets, offering further opportunities.
In the ensuing days, Bai Zian embarked on exploring these additional markets.
Fortune favored Bai Zian. Upon entering the first underground black market for investigation, he swiftly discovered something valuable.
"[100 meters to the left, a diamond-grade material, Tian Yuan Tea, was found.]"
As Bai Zian traversed the streets of the underground black market, a hint of heavenly energy caught his attention. Bai Zian's eyes lit up.
"Tian Yuan Tea, one of the three diamond-grade materials used to craft the Awakening Origin Liquid, is actually here?"
Bai Zian felt a surge of excitement. While he wished to capitalize on this opportunity to acquire materials for the Awakening Origin, he knew that obtaining the three primary ingredients was a formidable challenge, given their diamond-grade rarity.
Ordinary beastmasters rarely had access to such precious materials, let alone selling them. Bai Zian couldn't contain his excitement upon receiving this prompt.
After a moment, Bai Zian composed himself and followed the guidance of the [Eye of Apocalypse] to locate Tian Yuan Tea.
Soon, Bai Zian arrived at a dilapidated store with an old counter displaying materials of various levels. Among them, Tian Yuan Tea, resembling a dull pebble, lay in the midst of bronze-grade materials.
Truth be told, without the discerning gaze of Bai Zian's [Eye of Apocalypse], identifying the true essence of this seemingly inconspicuous pebble would be challenging.
Regardless, Bai Zian wasn't deterred. In fact, he found this situation rather opportune. The muted luster of Tian Yuan Tea increased his chances of acquiring it.
With this in mind, Bai Zian decided to purchase the piece of Tian Yuan Tea. He turned his attention to the owner of the worn-out store.
The proprietor, an elderly man with white hair and beard, appeared ordinary but exuded a depth that suggested a life rich in experiences.
This intrigued Bai Zian, prompting him to exercise caution. He couldn't help but recall stories from his previous life, where wise old men played crucial roles in the protagonist's journey.
Considering the possibility, Bai Zian opted to use [Eye of Apocalypse] to investigate the old shopkeeper thoroughly.
Relief washed over him as he discovered that the shopkeeper was a mere silver-level beastmaster, not the hermit master he initially suspected.
Bai Zian proceeded to inquire about the items, picking up various black iron and bronze-level resources along with the much-desired diamond-level material, Tian Yuan Tea.
However, the store owner seemed to recognize Bai Zian's unique status, and without hesitation, quoted an exaggerated price of 10 million Kyushu coins.
Bai Zian found this demand quite exorbitant, reminiscent of his encounter with a greedy vendor in Candlelight Market.
"Boss, reconsider. Are these three black iron-level materials truly worth 10 million Kyushu coins?"
Bai Zian questioned, revealing his Bai family insignia as he opened his pouch slightly.
"Hahaha, young brother, just kidding! I was merely jesting to liven up the atmosphere. How could these bits of scrap be worth 10 million Kyushu coins? If you like them, consider it a gift from a friend."
The store owner swiftly changed his tune upon glimpsing Bai Zian's City Lord's Mansion insignia, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His demeanor shifted from exaggerated friendliness to a more careful politeness.
In all of Bailin City, who wouldn't recognize the emblem of the Bai family? Bai Zian could effortlessly produce the emblem, signifying his affiliation with the main mansion of the Bai family in the city.
Under such circumstances, how could a mere silver-level beastmaster dare to deceive Bai Zian? The store owner's attitude underwent a complete 180-degree shift.
"No need to haggle, I'll gladly accept 10 million Kyushu coins."
"However, based on market prices, this is worth at most one million."
Bai Zian shook his head slightly, though tempted to negotiate further. However, the store owner, being an ordinary individual and not a sworn adversary, made Bai Zian reluctant to exploit him. Bai Zian opted to purchase the items at the stated price instead.
The store owner breathed a sigh of relief, pleased with the agreement. Bai Zian's willingness to pay according to market rates was already a favorable outcome for him.
With that, the transaction concluded. Tian Yuan Tea, a diamond-grade material, now rested in Bai Zian's possession. No interference or rivalry from scoundrels or rival beastmasters occurred in Candlelight City. This was expected; after all, not many were familiar with him in Candlelight City. However, Bailin City was his domain!
Walking away, Bai Zian stored Tian Yuan Tea and departed from the dilapidated storefront.
"The three primary materials for refining the Awakening Origin Liquid are Nixia Secret Leaf, Qingyunlu, and Tianyuan Tears."
"I've now acquired two, with only Qingyunlu remaining."
"If luck favors me, I may refine the Awakening Origin Liquid and attempt to awaken the talent for my second Imperial Beast."
Bai Zian's eyes glowed with concealed joy as he contemplated the unexpected progress in gathering Awakening Origin Fluid materials.
In just a few days, he had gathered most of the materials, with only one piece remaining. If luck continued to be on his side, his wish to awaken the talent of the second beastmaster might become a reality.
Moreover, Bai Zian had yet to explore the bright market and black market due to their remote locations. Perhaps, he could find what he sought in these markets.
With these thoughts, Bai Zian embarked on further exploration. Over the next two days, he visited the remaining two large markets.
However, luck did not favor him this time. Despite visiting all markets, Bai Zian failed to locate the diamond-grade material, Qingyunlu, that he needed.
"It's a bit disappointing. I had hoped to collect all the materials for refining the Awakening Origin Liquid in one go."
Bai Zian sighed inwardly but remained undeterred. He had mentally prepared himself for such challenges.
"If diamond-grade materials were that easy to find, they wouldn't be considered diamond-grade."
Moreover, Bai Zian had an alternative plan: leveraging the Bai family's influence. Earlier, he had enlisted Bai Jingchong to help him collect these materials. After several days, Bai Jingchong might have gathered more information.
Thus, Bai Zian wasn't disheartened.
"Although I didn't find Qingyunlu, it's not a total loss."
Bai Zian mused as he retrieved three special crystals—the nucleus of a spiritual beast known as the Rubber-Bone Ape.
The Rubber-Bone Ape, a gold-level spirit beast, possessed tendons resembling rubber and bones like glue, allowing it to stretch its body. Bai Zian found this special skill, Big Ruyi, appealing. It could alter the size of the beast at will, a feature perfect for the White Shadow Giant Fish.
For this reason, Bai Zian purchased the nuclei of the Rubber-Bone Ape when he found them in the market.
As for the second pet Bai Zian desired, he had been attentive to spirit beast cubs and eggs during his market investigations. Although he encountered some promising options, none met his criteria.
Either the growth potential was too low, reaching only gold level, or they overlapped with the attributes of the White Shadow Giant Fish.
After several considerations, Bai Zian refrained from making a purchase. Instead, he decided to consult the Bai family for better sources of spirit beasts.
With this in mind, Bai Zian left the market and returned directly to the City Lord's Mansion.
Spotting his grandfather, Bai Jingchong, upon his return, Bai Zian joined him for a chat. Afterward, he broached the topic on his mind.
"Grandpa, I've successfully reached the black iron level and can contract a second beast. Do you have any good recommendations?"
Bai Zian spoke candidly, directly seeking Bai Jingchong's advice.
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