To avoid chaotic life-and-death battles, the dynasty had set rules: the Tower Duel.
Cities without a tower could challenge cities with a tower once per year. If victorious for three consecutive years, they would gain control of the tower.
Yan City had already been challenged by Tianhuo City for two years, with Tianhuo winning both times. This third year was decisive....if Yan City lost, it would lose the tower.
Among the cities under Tiandu Prefecture, Tianhuo City was more developed than Yan City.
This year, a large number of Tianhuo symbolists flooded into Yan City, presenting a business opportunity for the Wan Jin Chamber.
Xuán Sù wanted to take advantage and hold an auction, which was an excellent idea.
"No problem, with this batch of elixirs, we can refine many pills," Lin Xuan replied decisively.
He reviewed the newly acquired inventory. For herbs of grade three and above, there were over a thousand, enough to produce many pills of grade four and above.
"Your pills alone will raise the auction's quality considerably," Xuán Sù said, smiling.
...
That day!
The herbs, Yangyuan Stones, and two martial arts manuals were delivered to Lin Xuan's courtyard.
"Chì Líng, start refining!"
Lin Xuan placed the Yangyuan Stones and herbs into the alchemy furnace, then filled Chì Líng to capacity.
Next, he began studying the two martial arts manuals.
Chóng Yǐng Spear was grade four, insufficient for Lin Xuan's current stage.
But with the Spirit Treasure Blood Soul Spear, its effectiveness could match a grade-five martial art.
As for the Mountain Fist, it was the core martial art of the Blood Wolf Gang.
Grade-five martial arts were rare in Yan City, usually only possessed by the three major powers. The Blood Wolf Gang had only this one.
Now Lin Xuan had maxed out his martial arts. Without higher-grade arts to study, he focused on these two to enhance his aptitude for similar arts in the future.
[Task: Practice Mountain Fist 6 times. Reward: Mountain Fist proficiency—beginner level.]
[Task: Practice Chóng Yǐng Spear 8 times. Reward: Chóng Yǐng Spear proficiency—beginner level.]
While Chì Líng refined pills, Lin Xuan also practiced, improving martial arts proficiency.
With his good comprehension and bone structure, plus intermediate fist aptitude and basic spear aptitude, he could learn after only a few demonstrations.
Two days later!
Wan Jin Chamber.
Lin Xuan brought the refined Yangyuan Pills and other finished pills to the auction.
Seeing him, Xuán Sù immediately came to greet him.
She was busy preparing the next day's auction, overseeing many tasks and personnel.
"Xuán Sister, a word in private," Lin Xuan said, steering her into a room due to the crowd.
Many glanced curiously as they entered.
By now, Lin Xuan was a celebrity in Yan City, comparable to Summer Wan Jin and even the city lord's notable figures. Walking with Xuán Sù naturally drew attention.
Xuán Sù was the most beautiful woman in the Wan Jin Chamber, wealthy, and highly desired by many.
Nearly every member had fantasized about winning her favor.
Who wouldn't want such a catch!
Yet for years, she remained single. Outwardly warm to everyone, she never got close to any man.
"Lin Xuan, what pills have you made this time?"
Her eyes locked on him.
"These are Yangyuan Pills for the Chamber....over twenty thousand," Lin Xuan said, handing her a Qian Kun pouch.
"Already finished?!" Xuán Sù examined the pouch and saw the high-quality pills inside.
"These are for the auction: grade four, five, six—one hundred sixty in total, just like last time."
Lin Xuan then produced a few more labeled bottles.
"One hundred sixty!" Xuán Sù covered her mouth.
She personally used Lin Xuan's pills to break through to Small Completion of Yuan Dan, so she knew their quality.
"And this one is for you!"
He handed her a delicate small bottle.
"For me?" Xuán Sù blinked, surprised.
Curious, she opened it. "What pill?"
"Beauty Pill," Lin Xuan said, smiling. "It maintains appearance.
I refined some using the current herbs, thinking of your beauty, Xuán Sister....take care of it."
Since he had begun his "conquer Xuán Sù" task, he needed to pay attention. She had beauty, figure, and character fitting his aesthetic.
Such an understanding elder sister was rare.
"Lin Xuan, you made this for me…" Xuán Sù was delighted, showing a soft, girl-like side.
Women were not all strong.....when adored by someone they liked, they revealed a gentle side.
Lin Xuan's careful preparation clearly touched her heart.
Yet the system gave no task completion notice.
Clearly, Xuán Sù had not been fully captured.
She was no naive girl. Accepting his pill didn't mean she'd fall completely for him.