Chapter 82: Old Man, Do You Sell Fish?

This pill, refined through the secret methods of the ancient Pill Sect and awakened to three apertures, was now incomparable to its previous form. When Lin You swallowed it, it took him a full half hour to dissolve its medicinal power and completely absorb the pill. His true energy and magical power became even more vigorous as a result, and new power began to emerge from within.

Seeing the effects, Lin You did not hesitate further; he proceeded to refine the remaining pills one after another. By the time he reached the eighteenth pill, his cultivation finally broke through the fourth level of the True Energy stage, and his magical power grew ever more robust.

If he were to duel the Six Plagues Daoist again at this moment, he could kill his opponent with his own immense power, even without relying on the force of his Daoist domain. This was the hallmark of an ancient great sect’s true disciple: beneath the Dao Foundation, they could easily defeat opponents of higher realms.

In the True Energy stage, magical power was the very foundation of one’s strength. But in this era, when spiritual energy was nearly extinct, perhaps only Lin You had the confidence to refine his base power to perfection. For most, reaching the peak of True Energy with a hope of breaking into the Dao Foundation was already a stroke of fortune—who would dare squander spiritual energy to polish their magical power further?

Lin You gazed at the two remaining pills in his hand and returned them to the jade vial. Taking more now would yield little benefit; better to save them for the grand gathering in seven days, when he could trade them for spiritual treasures or ancient tomes.

After some contemplation, Lin You decided to refine a few more batches. The pill furnace had been destroyed, but this was an opportunity to try the water refinement method he had just learned from secret arts, using the spiritual spring in the valley for extraction and crafting. He wasn’t making orthodox spiritual pills, only weakened versions of the Nourishing Essence Pill. Even if their potency was less than half the original, they still far surpassed ordinary pills and, in these times, could be called precious elixirs.

...

Outside Jinhua City.

A white-haired old fisherman, dressed in a rustic raincoat, carried a bamboo basket as he approached the city gate. Beside him walked a girl of about fourteen or fifteen, modestly dressed yet possessing an exceptional aura. Her delicate features still bore the innocence of youth.

The old man looked at the bustling city gate and sighed, “I never expected, after ten years away, that Jinhua Prefecture would remain as prosperous as ever.”

His voice was tinged with sorrow, as if lamenting the fleeting years or recalling memories he would rather not revisit.

His family had been fishermen for generations, making their living on the Golden River. Though their days were humble, they were filled with contentment. But ten years ago, a band of river bandits suddenly appeared, shattering their peace.

The bandits usually targeted large merchant vessels, ignoring small fishing boats like theirs, so things remained calm for a while. Then fate turned: one day, while fishing, they stumbled upon the bandits murdering and robbing on the river. Among them was a figure in official robes, standing at the prow, seemingly commanding the scene.

When the old man met the official’s gaze from afar, he knew trouble was brewing. Sure enough, the bandits soon caught up, killing his son and daughter-in-law on the spot. The old man, clinging to life, escaped by diving into the water with his granddaughter.

Perhaps Heaven took pity: in the water, he found a stroke of fortune, fled to another province, and went into hiding. While raising his granddaughter, he studied the opportunity he had gained.

Now, with the strength to seek revenge, he returned to this land. Ten years east, ten years west—the bandits surely never imagined the old fisherman would come looking for them.

At this thought, the old man’s heart grew cold with laughter. Seeing his granddaughter’s curiosity as she gazed around, he said earnestly, “Yu, this journey is to teach you the dangers of human nature. When your grandfather is gone, you’ll be able to live on your own.”

“No, Grandpa! You’ll definitely exchange for a miraculous elixir and heal your wounds!” the girl replied, shaking her head, her words full of concern.

The old man forced a bitter smile. Such elixirs were not so easily obtained. Yet, he had heard that a grand gathering was soon to be held in Jinhua Prefecture, attended by immortal pill masters from the Pill Cauldron Sect. He came with hope, seeking luck.

Surely, with the spiritual fish he carried, he could exchange it for a pill to heal his injuries.

He glanced at the fish basket. Inside lay a golden carp, its scales gleaming like gold and a red mark on its brow. Its lively eyes were filled with fear.

...

The girl felt pity, but she knew what mattered most. Her grandfather’s wounds couldn’t wait; without spiritual medicine, he had only months to live. The spiritual fish was their sole bargaining chip for medicine.

As they spoke, they reached the city gate. Their attire and the fish basket soon attracted a crowd’s attention.

The old man noticed the people staring at his basket, then arguing among themselves. He was startled, then a cold smile appeared on his face.

He said to his granddaughter, “Yu, do you see? The world is dangerous—even carrying a fish draws greedy eyes. I’ve dealt with plenty of such scoundrels in my day.”

He readied his energy, preparing to teach the would-be thieves a lesson.

The girl nodded eagerly, excitement stirring in her heart. She had trained for so long but never fought anyone. Today, these bullies would find themselves outmatched.

Just as they were both prepared, the crowd’s quarrel at the gate reached its conclusion. A burly man with a broad chest and a face full of fierce lines patted the others’ shoulders and strode over with a cheerful grin, looking every bit the villain about to seize a maiden.

The old man handed the basket to his granddaughter, ready to strike, but the burly man suddenly put on a kindly smile.

He asked, “Old sir, is there anything you need help with? If you want to sell your fish, come to me—I’ll pay double the market price!”

“What?” The old man was stunned, thinking he misheard.

“What’s wrong? Not enough? Are you struggling with poverty or being oppressed? Just tell me—I’ll stand up for you!” The burly man thumped his chest, speaking generously.

Thank you, fellow cultivators, for your votes and generous support!