I Tame Beasts by Feeding

’Yu Changsheng... It’s inconvenient for me to make a move on you within the sect, but if you were to have an "accident" during the Inner Sect trials, then no one could complain.’

’With your Cultivation, I’m sure you won’t miss the Inner Sect trials. But it doesn’t matter if you do. If you don’t participate this year, I can wait. Next year will be just the same.’

As these thoughts crossed his mind, a flicker of cold indifference flashed through Huang Suyu’s eyes, and he gave a faint smile.

He chose to participate in the Inner Sect trials for two reasons. Firstly, because of Yu Changsheng. Secondly, he was confident that with his Foundation Establishment Cultivation, passing the trials would be no problem.

Moreover, if he performed well in the trials, he might attract the attention of some Elders. It wasn’t impossible to be accepted as a Direct Disciple; after all, such things happened every few years.

He was also very certain of his own talent.

「......」

Back at the Odd Demon Pavilion, Yu Changsheng had been spending most of his time here recently when he had nothing else to do. While nurturing Spirit Beasts to supply his inventory, he was also focused on his Cultivation.

The Odd Demon Pavilion had settled into a routine. Barring any surprises, it would hold an auction every quarter, while also selling some mutated Spirit Beasts in the shop on a regular basis.

Business was booming, yet no one dared to cause trouble out of jealousy. Everything was developing in an orderly fashion.

One month later, Yu Changsheng opened his eyes, ending his Cultivation session. He took a moment to feel the progress in his Cultivation.

’I can probably attempt Foundation Establishment now...’ Yu Changsheng mused. ’But to be safe, it’s better to wait until my Qi Refining has completely reached its Peak before trying. The success rate will be highest then.’

’For now, I can start preparing. I have more than enough resources. I’ll go buy the supplementary materials for the Foundation Establishment Pill, then exchange them for some new Techniques. The Magic I’ve mastered so far is still too basic. This way, I’ll have the best possible chance at the Inner Sect trials a month from now.’

Having made up his mind, Yu Changsheng didn’t dawdle. After giving Yu Dahai some advance instructions, he got up and headed for the First-Grade Medicine Hall.

When Shopkeeper Xi saw who it was, he immediately rose with a smile to greet him. "Well, if it isn’t a rare guest! Master Luo, it’s been a long time. It’s truly a rare occasion to have you visit."

"Hehe, I’ve been busy improving my Cultivation in seclusion, so I haven’t been out and about as much," Yu Changsheng said with a smile, cupping his fist.

"I see." Shopkeeper Xi nodded. "What can I do for you today, Master Luo? Are you here to buy materials or to take on an Alchemy commission?"

"I am in need of something, actually. I’m here to buy materials. Take a look—how much are the items on this list, and do you have them in stock?"

With that, Yu Changsheng took out a prepared list of medicinal ingredients and handed it to Shopkeeper Xi.

Shopkeeper Xi unfolded the list and read it, glancing at Yu Changsheng in thought, slightly surprised. "We just received a new shipment, so I can fulfill most of this. It’s just... the value of these ingredients is not insignificant."

"As long as you have them in stock," Yu Changsheng said with a smile. "As for the price, Shopkeeper Xi, just be straight with me. A reasonable price is all I ask."

"Alright," Shopkeeper Xi nodded. "Then I won’t beat around the bush. These ingredients of yours are all quite valuable and rather rare."

"All told, even with my best discount, it will probably cost ten-thousand-odd Spirit Stones."

After speaking, Shopkeeper Xi took a sip of tea and was about to continue, "I can try to arrange for..."

But before Shopkeeper Xi could finish, Yu Changsheng’s next words made him swallow what he was about to say.

"No problem," Yu Changsheng agreed immediately.

"..." Shopkeeper Xi’s face flushed red. He stared at Yu Changsheng in shock, finally managing to choke out, "Are you sure?"

"Mm," Yu Changsheng affirmed with a firm nod.

"Alright, come in and sit. Please wait a moment." Shopkeeper Xi’s expression turned serious. He led Yu Changsheng into the private room to sit, personally brewed him a cup of tea, and then went to gather the ingredients himself.

Although he was shocked by Yu Changsheng’s wealth—ten-thousand-odd Spirit Stones was no small sum—he didn’t doubt his words. There was truly no need to.

After all, under the identity of Master Luo, Yu Changsheng would occasionally refine some Elixirs to sell, and the quality was always high—Tier One and Tier Two, with several Pill Patterns.

Alchemists were always wealthy Cultivators.

In just a few moments, Shopkeeper Xi returned with a Storage Pouch.

"These are the ingredients you need. Please take a look," Shopkeeper Xi said.

"Okay." Yu Changsheng took the Storage Pouch and scanned its contents with his Divine Sense, nodding in satisfaction.

Whether it was the age or the quality of the ingredients, they all met his requirements. He had even included a few extra portions of some items, which was enough to show Shopkeeper Xi’s sincerity.

Without dawdling, he took out Spirit Tickets equivalent to ten thousand Lower Grade Spirit Stones and gave them to Shopkeeper Xi.

Spirit Tickets were similar to the checks from Yu Changsheng’s previous life. They bore special markings and could be exchanged for Spirit Stones at certain designated places in this world.

"If you’ve confirmed there are no issues, I’ll be heading back."

Shopkeeper Xi took the Spirit Tickets and examined them meticulously. After confirming they were authentic and correct, he looked at Yu Changsheng with an apologetic expression and said:

"It’s just business, I can’t afford to be careless. Please excuse my caution."

"It’s fine. It’s to be expected," Yu Changsheng said with a wave of his hand, not minding at all.

After all, he had suddenly produced such a high-value Spirit Ticket, so it was only natural for Shopkeeper Xi to be suspicious. Most Cultivators with a net worth of tens of thousands would use Spirit Stones, not Spirit Tickets. Only when dealing with an exceptionally large amount of Spirit Stones would one consider using them.

"Alright. In that case, I’ll be heading back. I’ll come by to catch up with you another day, Shopkeeper Xi." Yu Changsheng took the ingredients, ready to leave.

Seeing Yu Changsheng turn to leave, Shopkeeper Xi bit his lip. A hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

"Wait!" Shopkeeper Xi took a deep breath. Seeing the other’s confused gaze, he paused as if considering how to phrase his words.

"Is there something else, Shopkeeper Xi?" Yu Changsheng asked.

"It’s like this... I remember that Master Luo has a disciple in the Yu Family, a Beast Master, correct?" Shopkeeper Xi mused, then unnaturally tapped his own forehead.

"Yes, that is correct."

It wasn’t much of a secret. Yu Changsheng had previously revealed a little of this to get the Xi Family to help the Yu Family against the Chen Family.

"I... have a Pill Formula here that I came across by chance. Young friend, see if it might be of any help to you." Facing Yu Changsheng’s curious gaze, Shopkeeper Xi took out a Scroll and handed it to him.

The Scroll was simple and ancient, exuding a grand aura. Curious, Yu Changsheng opened it.

"Beast-Storage Pill?"

The time it takes for an incense stick to burn later, Yu Changsheng closed the Scroll, his gaze focused.

According to the description, this was an Elixir specifically designed for Beast Taming, and it was especially helpful for a Spirit Beast’s breakthrough to a major new Realm. For Yu Changsheng, its importance was self-evident.

"This... how much is it?" Yu Changsheng asked with some hesitation.

"It’s not for sale! Let’s just be friends!" Shopkeeper Xi put on a magnanimous air, waving his hand grandly.

"Be friends?" Yu Changsheng was taken aback. He glanced at Shopkeeper Xi in surprise. The value of this Beast-Storage Pill was by no means low; it was probably comparable to a Tier Three Elixir. He couldn’t believe Shopkeeper Xi was willing to part with it so easily.

After a moment of thought, Yu Changsheng gave Shopkeeper Xi a deep look and nodded. "In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony with you, Shopkeeper Xi. Thank you for your generous gift."