Token of Gratitude

Chapter 7: A Token of Gratitude

The Crimson Moon Region basked in the early morning light, with the market streets starting to come alive with vendors setting up their stalls and shoppers beginning to trickle in. The air was filled with the mingling scents of fresh produce, exotic spices, and medicinal herbs. It was a new day full of possibilities and challenges.

After sharing his cultivation techniques with Li Wei the day before, Yin Zhao felt a sense of accomplishment. Li Wei, being from a wealthy family with a prominent business in medicinal herbs and pills, was immensely grateful. As a token of appreciation, he had given Yin Zhao a token that granted access to the Crimson Moon Medicine Hall, the most prestigious in the region.

Yin Zhao woke up early, as usual, starting his day with a session of cultivation. Seated in the courtyard of his family estate, he focused on his breathing and allowed his Qi to flow through his body. His cultivation level was at the **Immortal Ascension Realm, 1st Stage**, and his alchemy skill had advanced to **Alchemy Apprentice, 2nd Stage**. He was determined to master both his martial arts and alchemy.

As he completed his morning cultivation, Yin Zhao felt a sense of clarity and readiness. He decided to visit the Crimson Moon Medicine Hall to procure more alchemical ingredients. He found Xiao Tang practicing her martial arts techniques in the courtyard, her movements graceful and precise. Her cultivation had reached the **Immortal Ascension Realm, 1st Stage Peak**, making her a formidable ally.

"Xiao Tang, would you like to join me on a trip to the Crimson Moon Medicine Hall?" Yin Zhao asked, hoping she would accept.

Xiao Tang looked up from her practice, a hint of regret in her eyes. "I wish I could, Yin Zhao, but I have some important errands to run today. Maybe next time?"

Yin Zhao nodded, hiding his disappointment. "Of course, I understand. I'll see you later then."

With that, Yin Zhao set off alone for the market. The Crimson Moon Region was known for its vibrant marketplace, filled with vendors selling a wide array of goods, including medicinal and cultivation herbs. As he walked through the bustling streets, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.

Upon arriving at the Crimson Moon Medicine Hall, Yin Zhao was greeted by the head pharmacist, a wise-looking man named Master Li. Master Li's eyes widened with interest as Yin Zhao presented the token given to him by Li Wei.

"Welcome, young man," Master Li said, his voice warm. "This token grants you access to our finest selection of herbs and medicinal ingredients. How may I assist you today?"

Yin Zhao smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Master Li. I need some high-end herbs and alchemical ingredients for refining medicinal pills."

Master Li nodded and gestured for Yin Zhao to follow him. They walked through the aisles of the medicine hall, where shelves were lined with jars and containers filled with rare and precious herbs. Yin Zhao's eyes lit up as he recognized some of the ingredients he needed.

"Dragon Blood Grass, Nine Yin Dew, Purple Spirit Flower, and Flame Orchid," Yin Zhao listed, selecting the herbs carefully. "These will be perfect for my refining process."

As he gathered the ingredients, Yin Zhao's thoughts wandered to his friends and allies. He knew that the pills he refined would not only enhance his own cultivation but also benefit Xiao Tang, Mei Ling, and even Li Wei.

Just as Yin Zhao finished his selections, he heard a familiar voice call out to him. It was Li Wei, who had come to the medicine hall to check on his family's business.

"Yin Zhao!" Li Wei exclaimed, his face lighting up with a smile. "I'm glad to see you here. How are the techniques working out for you?"

Yin Zhao returned the smile. "They're working wonderfully, Li Wei. Thank you again for the token. It's been incredibly helpful."

Li Wei's eyes gleamed with pride. "I'm glad to hear that. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask. Our family business is at your service."

As Yin Zhao and Li Wei chatted, Master Li observed the interaction with a sense of curiosity. He could see the camaraderie between the two young men and sensed that Yin Zhao was someone special.

Before leaving the medicine hall, Li Wei handed Yin Zhao a small pouch filled with additional herbs. "Consider this a gift, Yin Zhao. I believe these herbs will be beneficial for your refining process."

Yin Zhao accepted the pouch with gratitude. "Thank you, Li Wei. Your generosity is greatly appreciated."

With his herbs and ingredients in hand, Yin Zhao decided to head back to the Alchemist Association to rent a room for refining his pills. The association was abuzz with activity, with alchemists and apprentices bustling about.

As he approached the reception area, he was greeted by Mei Ling, who had heard about his successful refining from the previous day.

"Yin Zhao, welcome back," Mei Ling said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I heard you did an incredible job with the refining yesterday. How can I assist you today?"

Yin Zhao smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mei Ling. I'm here to rent a room again for refining some more pills."

Mei Ling nodded and processed his request. "You're all set. The same room as yesterday is available for you."

Yin Zhao made his way to the room and began setting up his refining equipment. As he worked, he couldn't help but think about the recent confrontation with Yu Chen. The skirmish had showcased his regained strength, and he knew that he had to continue pushing himself to new heights.

As Yin Zhao worked, he felt his skills improving. He managed to refine several batches of pills, including a few using high-end herbs like the Dragon Blood Grass and Nine Yin Dew. To his surprise, he succeeded in creating five out of ten batches—a remarkable feat considering the difficulty. Among the pills he refined were the **Spirit Cleansing Pill**, **Qi Enhancing Pill**, and **Vitality Replenishing Pill**.

While he was deep in concentration, the door to his refining room suddenly opened, and Xiao Tang entered with a determined look on her face.

"Yin Zhao, I need to talk to you," Xiao Tang said, her voice tinged with urgency.

Yin Zhao looked up, surprised by her sudden appearance. "Xiao Tang, what is it? Is something wrong?"

Xiao Tang took a deep breath, her emotions evident. "It's about Mei Ling. I can't help but feel... Oh it's nothing nevermind Yin Zhao.

Yin Zhao's expression softened as he stood up and approached Xiao Tang. "Xiao Tang, you have nothing to worry about. Mei Ling is a great friend and senior, but you are incredibly important to me. Your support means the world to me."

Xiao Tang replied, huh? I didn't ask you anything though "Hides her real thoughts in Yin Zhao."

As they stood there, the door to the refining room opened again, and Mei Ling entered, her expression one of surprise.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt," Mei Ling said, sensing the tension in the air.

Yin Zhao chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "No worries, Mei Ling. Xiao Tang and I were just having a little chat."

Mei Ling smiled, though she couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. "Well, I just wanted to let you know that Elder Han is looking for you. He wants to discuss your progress."

Yin Zhao nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Thank you, Mei Ling. I'll head over to see him now."

As they made their way to Elder Han's office, Xiao Tang and Mei Ling exchanged glances, each feeling a mix of emotions. Yin Zhao, caught in the middle, couldn't help but find the situation amusing.

When they arrived at Elder Han's office, the elder greeted them with a warm smile. "Yin Zhao, Xiao Tang, Mei Ling, welcome. Please, have a seat."

Elder Han's office was filled with ancient scrolls and alchemical equipment, giving it an air of wisdom and knowledge. As they sat down, Elder Han began to speak.

"Yin Zhao, I've been hearing great things about your progress," Elder Han said, his eyes filled with pride. "Your refining skills have improved significantly, and your success rate with high-end herbs is impressive."

Yin Zhao felt a sense of pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Elder Han. Your guidance and support have been invaluable."

Elder Han nodded, pleased with the response. "I believe you have great potential, Yin Zhao. With continued hard work and dedication, you can achieve great things in both cultivation and alchemy."

As they continued to discuss Yin Zhao's progress and future plans, Mei Ling couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her junior brother. She knew that with Elder Han's guidance and Xiao Tang's support, Yin Zhao was destined for greatness.

After their meeting with Elder Han, Yin Zhao and his companions decided to take a walk through the serene gardens of the Alchemist Association. The gardens were a place of tranquility, filled with blooming flowers and gentle streams.

As they strolled through the gardens, Yin Zhao couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. He knew that his journey was far from over, but with the support of his friends and mentors, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the Crimson Moon Region, Yu Chen was plotting his revenge. The recent confrontation with Yin Zhao had only fueled his desire to grow stronger and settle the score. He knew that he needed to elevate his cultivation to stand a chance against Yin Zhao.

"Yin Zhao has humiliated me for the last time," Yu Chen muttered to himself, his eyes filled with determination. "Yin Zhao I'll make sure you end up in yama sooner or later".

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