The Lord of Heaven: A Road to Eternity

Chapter 11: Maybe I’m Extremely Handsome

Zhang Wei took a breath and began explaining calmly. “In Fragrant Pandan City, there are several major powers you should know about.”

“First, the Alchemist Association. They control almost the entire trade of pills and medicinal herbs. The highest-ranking alchemist here is a Five-Star Alchemist. Their status is highly respected—even the Four Great Clans do not dare to offend them.”

“Second, the Treasure Pavilion. It is the largest marketplace for treasures and the biggest auction house. If any rare item appears, it usually passes through them.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“And the most influential forces are the Four Great Clans.”

“The eastern district is controlled by the Lei Clan. The west by the Lin Clan. The north by the Zhou Clan. The south by the Ji Clan.”

Zhang Wei then handed over a fairly detailed leather map. “This is a map of the city districts. Keep it.”

Han Nian accepted the map and cupped his hands. “Thank you, Uncle Zhang.”

Zhang Wei smiled. “Be careful. The city may look peaceful, but its undercurrents run deep.”

After bidding farewell, Han Nian left Kaganangan Restaurant and found a modest inn.

Night in Fragrant Pandan City was far quieter than during the day.

Lantern lights swayed gently in the wind.

Inside his rented room, Han Nian sat cross-legged on the wooden bed. He spread his divine consciousness to ensure no one was spying, then began cultivating.

The energy of heaven and earth in this city was indeed denser than in Arumanis City.

But for him, it was still insufficient.

He was currently at Two-Star Golden Rank. To break through to Three-Star, he required an enormous amount of energy. The higher the cultivation level, the greater the resources needed.

Han Nian slowly opened his eyes. “If I rely only on natural absorption… it’s too slow.”

He recalled a particular type of pill.

Blood Pearl Pill.

A pill specifically for Golden Rank cultivators. Its effect accelerated energy accumulation and strengthened one’s foundation before breaking through.

However, its ingredients were extremely expensive.

And to refine it required at least a Five-Star Alchemist.

Han Nian exhaled softly.

He possessed 2.5 million gold coins. A considerable amount.

But in the world of high-level cultivation… it could disappear in an instant.

His gaze grew calm and deep. “Tomorrow… I’ll go to the Alchemist Association.”

If he had to purchase Blood Pearl Pills, he would ensure the highest quality.

Morning sunlight illuminated the rooftops of Fragrant Pandan City.

Han Nian had already risen before dawn.

He knew that to break through to Three-Star Golden Rank, he could not rely on ordinary cultivation alone. He needed Blood Pearl Pills.

The main ingredients were clear:

500-year Ginseng.

500-year Dragon Grass.

500-year Moon Mushroom.

The older their age, the better the pill’s quality.

After bathing and tidying his simple clothing, he left the inn and headed toward the city’s trade center.

It didn’t take long before he arrived at a massive four-story building with magnificent architecture. Its signboard was large and eye-catching.

It was the largest store selling various spiritual herbs.

As soon as he entered, the aroma of herbs filled his nose.

The first floor was crowded with Bronze Rank cultivators. They busily selected herbs aged from dozens to a hundred years.

Han Nian swept the entire floor with his divine consciousness.

Several 100-year ginseng.

80-year spirit grass.

150-year flame root.

He shook his head slightly. “Not enough.”

Without drawing attention, he walked to the stairs and ascended to the second floor.

The atmosphere was different.

The energy was far denser than on the first floor.

Security was also tighter.

Here gathered young Silver Rank cultivators, averaging around eighteen years old. Their clothes were luxurious, embroidered with gold or silver threads, bearing their respective clan emblems.

“It seems the noble-born geniuses gather here,” Han Nian thought calmly.

His gaze showed neither admiration nor envy.

He simply ignored them and began browsing the glass displays containing herbs aged between 200 and 400 years.

Some nearly met the requirements.

But none were sufficient.

Meanwhile, several youths in the room began glancing at him.

His simple clothing.

No clan emblem.

No visible aura.

In their eyes, Han Nian looked like an ordinary person who had wandered into a place beyond his status.

One youth with his hair tied high smirked faintly and said, “The second floor isn’t a place for just anyone.”

Several others chuckled softly.

The second floor was indeed different.

Not only were the spiritual herbs far more expensive, but the area was specifically designated for Silver Rank cultivators.

The auras of the young men and women in the room were generally stable, their foundations solid—clearly from prominent families.

Seeing Han Nian, who appeared to be fifteen or sixteen and dressed simply, they immediately formed their own conclusions.

“Probably Eight-Star Bronze Rank at most.”

“Maybe hasn’t even reached Silver.”

Because they couldn’t see his cultivation level, they assumed the opposite—that he must be using an aura-hiding technique to avoid embarrassment.

To them, it was impossible for someone his age to surpass them without a powerful background.

Meanwhile, Han Nian paid no attention to the gazes.

He had already stepped up to the counter, where a middle-aged man oversaw transactions.

“I’m looking for 500-year Ginseng, 500-year Dragon Grass, and 500-year Moon Mushroom or older. Are they available here?”

The second floor, which had been filled with murmurs, suddenly fell silent for a brief moment.

Then laughter erupted.

“Hahaha!”

A youth in a blue robe slapped the table. “Did you hear that? He’s looking for 500-year herbs?” he said while pointing.

A girl dressed in red sneered. “Maybe he thinks the prices here are too expensive, so he’s pretending to ask for herbs that aren’t even displayed.”

“He probably thinks asking like that makes him look classy.”

“Hahaha, when he hears the price later, his face will turn pale!”

Several others joined in laughter.

To them, 500-year herbs were rare items. They were usually traded on the third floor or through special orders.

And certainly not something just anyone could afford.

The laughter and ridicule continued when suddenly a clear voice cut through the atmosphere.

“Enough. Mind your own business. Don’t interfere in matters that don’t concern you.”

All heads turned.

A girl stood not far from a display shelf.

Her face was exceedingly beautiful, her skin fair, her brows like a painting. She appeared around sixteen or seventeen, yet her aura was stable and elegant.

Several young men immediately fell silent.

“Yu’er…” one of them spoke, displeasure in his tone.

The blue-robed youth who had laughed the loudest looked at the girl with dissatisfaction. “Yu’er, why are you defending him?” His voice clearly carried undisguised jealousy.

The girl did not even look at him.

“I’m not defending anyone. I just don’t like seeing people mock others for no reason.”

The atmosphere grew slightly awkward.

Han Nian, who had been calm all this time… suddenly chuckled softly.

All eyes turned back to him.

Han Nian glanced lightly at the jealous youth. “Maybe it’s because I’m extremely handsome.”