Leaving the Tong’an Inn, Yu Changsheng sighed.

Lending out twenty Spirit Stones stung a little, but compared to his other troublesome clan brothers, his uncle at least hadn’t gone too far. If he had taken every last one, Yu Changsheng probably would have lost his temper on the spot.

’Whatever. It’s only twenty Spirit Stones. I can earn them back just by selling one more Spirit Chicken King.’

Yu Changsheng thought to himself that he should try to bother the clan less in the future. Otherwise, it would put his father in a difficult position. As the Clan Leader, his father had to consider all sides.

’Since I’m already out, I might as well sell this Spirit Chicken I have on me. Four or five days have passed. No one should be able to connect it back to a lowly servant from the Spirit Chicken Garden.’

With that thought, Yu Changsheng walked into a deserted alley and summoned the Spirit Chicken from his Spirit Beast Pouch.

This Spirit Chicken was smaller than the others, not even half a meter tall, and its two pairs of small wings looked quite adorable.

It landed on the ground, its eyes wide and round, clearly observing the outside world, unaware of its impending fate of being sold.

"Here, have one last meal of Spirit Rice."

Life had been more prosperous for him lately. Unlike the other poor servants who ate ordinary grains without Spiritual Qi or took Grain Avoidance Pills, Yu Changsheng had Spirit Rice for every meal.

This Spirit Rice cost one Lower Grade Spirit Stone per jin. At his current Realm, he only needed a hundred grains per meal. Eating it consistently for a month could significantly increase his Magical Power, making it a cost-effective supplement for Qi Refining Cultivators.

After finishing the Spirit Rice, the Spirit Chicken happily nuzzled Yu Changsheng’s palm.

[Spirit Beast Transformation]

[Spirit Chicken → Spirit Chicken King]

[Essence Required: 445]

"Transform!"

With a thought from Yu Changsheng, the essence was instantly deducted.

When the Spirit Chicken’s feathers turned fiery red, the transformation succeeded. It let out an excited crow and circled him a few times.

"Alright, back you go."

Yu Changsheng smiled as he returned it to the Spirit Beast Pouch. He then put on his hood and mask and activated the Disguise Hanging Pearl. His Cultivation instantly shot up to the Qi Refining Peak.

’I hope I can sell it for a few more Spirit Stones.’

His expression hardened, and he soon arrived at the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower.

The layout of the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower was simple, much like a pet shop. Every meter or so, a wooden railing enclosed a space containing an iron cage with a Demon Beast inside. Each was labeled with the Demon Beast’s species, Realm, and price.

"Immortal Master, do you see any Demon Beasts you like?"

Just as he entered the shop, a Female Cultivator with delicate features, a sweet smile, and a long blue dress noticed him and approached.

Yu Changsheng glanced at her and said, "I am here to sell a beast. I was wondering if your tower buys Spirit Chicken Kings?"

The blue-skirted Female Cultivator was stunned for a moment, then replied joyfully, "We do. This way, Immortal Master."

Spirit Chickens were common, but Spirit Chicken Kings were not. They were not only popular among Qi Refining Cultivators, but even Foundation Establishment Great Powers enjoyed such a delicacy.

She led him to a room where a professional Spirit Beast Breeder was present.

After Yu Changsheng released the Spirit Chicken King, the man observed and evaluated its feathers and comb without reaching out to touch it.

It was common knowledge that Spirit Beasts like the Spirit Chicken were picky eaters and had foul tempers. A strange Cultivator who tried to touch one upon first meeting would inevitably get pecked.

"Fellow Daoist, this Spirit Chicken King of yours is very well-raised. It’s young, and its meat quality should be excellent. However, judging by its appearance, it must have transformed just recently."

The Breeder tentatively offered a price, "Forty-six Lower Grade Spirit Stones. What do you think, Fellow Daoist?"

"Too low. You should know that the younger a Spirit Chicken King is, the rarer it is," Yu Changsheng said, shaking his head.

"But the Spiritual Qi contained in its flesh is also lower," the Breeder argued reasonably.

"Fifty-five Lower Grade Spirit Stones. Any less than that, and I’ll go set up a stall outside to sell it myself. Someone will eventually take a liking to it," Yu Changsheng stated calmly.

If he weren’t afraid of the trouble, he could have earned even more Spirit Stones by selling it at a stall.

As expected, upon hearing this, the other party hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

The exchange was made—Spirit Stones for the chicken.

The Spirit Chicken King struggled as it was locked in the iron cage, a look of disbelief in its eyes.

"If you have more Spirit Chicken Kings to sell in the future, Fellow Daoist, please come again," the Breeder said with a cheerful laugh.

Yu Changsheng nodded without looking at the Spirit Chicken King and turned to leave the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower.

He had raised it for over a month and had grown somewhat attached, but for the sake of Spirit Stones, he couldn’t afford to consider its feelings.

’Over three hundred and seventy Lower Grade Spirit Stones. This should be enough!’

Yu Changsheng returned to his wooden cabin. After counting his Spirit Stones, he headed to the Alchemy Hall with a broad smile.

The Alchemy Hall was located on the sect’s main peak and was the primary hub of activity for Outer Sect Disciples outside of the five Inheritance Peaks.

This area hosted not only the four halls for teaching the Four Skills of Cultivation, but also a Mission Pavilion for receiving tasks, a library that housed various Magic techniques, an arena where Sect Disciples usually dueled and gambled, and a Puppet Combat Tower for testing one’s abilities, among many other places.

Dressed in the gray robes of a servant, Yu Changsheng stood out as he walked through the area. Some curious Outer Disciples would occasionally glance his way.

After all, servants held a low status on the main peak and were easily bullied by Outer Disciples. They usually stayed on the Outer Peaks to do their work and had neither the time nor the energy to come here.

The Alchemy Hall was divided into two main sections: an outer hall for ordinary disciples to learn Alchemy and store Spiritual Medicines, and an inner hall where Pill Master Elders could exchange knowledge, conduct research, and teach their personal disciples.

When Yu Changsheng arrived at the outer Alchemy Hall and stated his purpose, the Blue-robed Steward in charge was clearly taken aback.

"Alchemy? You?"

His expression all but screamed, ’You’re a servant! Do you have any Spirit Stones? Do you even know how much Alchemy costs?’

But when Yu Changsheng took out his Spirit Stones, the Blue-robed Steward shut his mouth.

"These few Spirit Stones are a small token from this disciple. I’d be grateful if the Steward could help me choose a good Pill Master," Yu Changsheng said with a gentle smile.

The Blue-robed Steward saw him forcefully stuffing the Spirit Stones into his pocket, cleared his throat, and smoothly pocketed them, his face lighting up with a smile as he spoke.

"Do you have any specific requirements?"

Yu Changsheng thought for a moment and replied, "This disciple knows nothing of the Alchemy Dao. I will leave it entirely to the Steward’s discretion."

"Hmm, let me think... Gongsun Alchemist next door specializes in refining Elixirs with Sanwen Fire. He doesn’t have many disciples, and he just recently broke through to Tier Three. His lectures last a full day."

"However, studying under him requires patience. He’s getting on in years and sometimes dozes off mid-lecture. As for the Spirit Stones, it’s three hundred and thirty-three a month. How much you learn depends on your talent. What do you think?" the Blue-robed Steward said with a smile.

Yu Changsheng figured that since the man had accepted his Spirit Stones, he probably wouldn’t try to swindle him, so he nodded in agreement.

He followed the Blue-robed Steward deeper inside.

He came to an elegant room thick with the scent of herbs. A white-haired, hollow-cheeked, drowsy-eyed old man was sitting on a cattail cushion in the center, lecturing a few young disciples who looked to be seventeen or eighteen years old.

Yu Changsheng looked at him but didn’t dare to approach rashly.

When the old man saw the Blue-robed Steward enter with a servant, he shot upright as if startled, trying to hide the fact that he was slacking off. He blew out his beard, glared, and barked angrily.

"I am in the middle of a lecture! Get out, now."

"Gongsun Alchemist, please calm down. This is Yu Changsheng, a new disciple joining the hall. He will be under your guidance from now on," the Blue-robed Steward quickly explained.

"Oh? Has he paid the Spirit Stones?"

"He has."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yang’s spirits lifted instantly. He adopted the air of a grandmaster, pointed to a seat below, and declared, "Since you’ve paid, then sit down and experience the wonders of the Alchemy Dao with me!"