19. Breakthrough

It is the middle of the night and Clay is staring a pale brown pill inside a bottle.

Earlier this afternoon, he thought he could easily refine Body Enhancement Pills but to his surprise, he had to put twice the effort. The process is exactly the same when he concocted a Qi Enhancement Pill but the time it takes to extract the Essences from the ingredients literally doubled and for an entire day, he only managed to concoct three pills.

It was physically and mentally exhausting he had to meditate for the next eight hours.

Now that he is fully rested, it was time to breakthrough.

After a deep breath, Clay took out the pill and placed it into his mouth.

Right after e swallowed the pill, a warm wave of energy started radiating from his stomach and spread throughout his body. At the same time, Clay began circulating his Qi.

Given his prior experience with Qi Deviation, he slowly laid the foundation of the circulation pattern, however as soon as the all Major Qi Nodes connected, he felt the same tingling pain.

“I knew it.”

Clay immediately terminated the circulation and opened his eyes then laid on his bed.

As he stares the ceiling, he took a deep breath to clear his mind. He does not lament the gold coins he spent nor the pill he just wasted but what really frustrates him is the fact that there is none to guide him. And the fact that he clueless as to what Elder Ulvar is planning for him creates this inexplicable anxiety about his future.

Clay got to his feet and after a long sigh, he went back to his Alchemy room.

The pill is still in effect and he can feel slight increase in his physical strength but he has not time to dwell on its effects. Since he could not use it to break through, he could at least use the energy it contains to refine more pills.

The plan now is to concoct pills and trade them for either more resources or knowledge. If Elder Ulvar happens to hear of his abilities, then he will be a golden goose for the Elves if he has to. There is a possibility he will be worked to death but if they are smart, he should be able to come to an agreement benefits him as well.

Four days later, Deacon Sar Aran is combing his hair in front of a mirror. Since his last transaction with Clay, he had not gone home and even ordered the guild to be opened and manned during evenings.

He had been a deacon for years and it has become instinctive to him if a customer will conduct business with them again and judging from Clay’s behavior, he was a hundred percent there is a next time. As to when, he estimated around three to six days but since the other party is special, he does not mind staying in the office for days in case there will be surprises.

As always, his prediction was correct. Half an hour ago, he received a message that Clay is on his way.

Having groomed himself, he then prepared tea and after a few more minutes, he felt someone walking towards his office.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"I am grateful that you have chosen our lowly guild again to conduct business. Please make yourselves comfortable.” Sar Aran greeted as he poured tea.

At the same time, Clay took his eat and unlike their previous meeting, his maid stood near the door.

"I have something to consult your expertise regarding cultivation and I am willing to compensate with High Quality Pills this time." Like man who went shopping, he directly stated his objective.

Deacon Sar Aran maintained a warm and friendly façade on his face but inwardly, he was celebrating. Clay is the type of customer he likes best, straight to the point. Unfortunately, he is dealing with a messenger and a kid at that but it is not a reason not to be courteous.

“We would gladly help if we can and if it’s beyond our abilities, things can be arranged.” Sar Aran acted like he is dealing with an adult and poured tea for his guest. However, the moment he lifted the small teapot, he saw Clay took out two bottles of pills and purposely removed the lid causing a strong medicinal fragrance to escape.

Sar Aran almost threw out the teapot so he could cover the bottle but he stopped the urge to reach out to those pills. Four days ago, they have tested the pill sold to them and the efficacy was two times more effective than a normal mid-quality pill. He is already expecting great news when he Clay said High Quality but when the aroma of the new pill reached his nose, he could instantly tell how potent they are.

"Even with High-Tier Body Reinforcement Pills, I am unable to break the barrier of Mid Qi Condensation Realm. I was wondering if you could help me understand what I’m doing wrong." Clay humbly asked. Unaware of how this new world works, he treated it like he was back on earth. To ask someone for their professional opinion means a certain fee to be paid and he just hopes he had not taken too little of a payment. As to how much professional fee actually is, he will base everything on how Deacon Sar Aran’s response today.

"Cultivation is all about resources. While everyone can technically cultivate, the lesser the elemental affinity a person has, the more and rarer resources it requires to advance. Either you have a treasure that hides your constitution but based on the aura you exude, you have an almost imperceptible Spiritual Elemental Affinity."

After a slight pause, Sar Aran deviated the subject. “Those pills you have there may lose their quality if not properly sealed. May I ask Young Master Clay to protect his goods?”

Clay forced a smile as he sealed the bottle then pushed it forward towards Sar Aran.

“I am but an inexperience rookie when it comes to cultivation.”

Sar Aran ignored Clay’s actions then replied, “As I was saying, the problem is your body. There are technically spiritual herbs and medicines you could take to improve your body constitution but it is not something that can be bought through normal means. Even us as a guild can only dream of having it as powerful sects tend to monopolize them. As a third rate organization, we don’t have means of directly recommending you to a Power House but we do have means of letting you participate in their trials.”

“Has there been any records of someone with no Elemental Affinity having reached Foundation level?”

This time, Sar Aran was taken aback and looked towards his tea.

Clay meanwhile noticed Sar Aran’s reaction so he said, “I appreciate honest answers more than false hope.”

Sar Aran is beginning to be impressed. He is treating Clay as an adult and who would have thought a kid can catch his act.

“Quite honestly, it is already a miracle you have reached the peak of Early Qi Condensation. Usually, you see them on their twenties and barely called a cultivator. My opinion to avoid wasting too much pills, be patient and allow your body to develop and with the assistance of High-Tier Body Reinforcement Pill, you’ll certainly be able to advance.

How about this, you will let us purchase these pills and in return, I will use our connections and maybe relay news of any medicine that may be of help of you.” Sar Aran did not know if he was being played when Clay said he will give out the pills as payment for consultation but avoid offending Clay, he will proactively make an offer.

“It would be too shameful that you purchase these pills when you are utilizing your guild’s manpower….”

“Let us worry about expenses. Consider it a mark of our partnership.” Sar Aran is aware that he should not curry any favors but the fact that treasures that improves one’s body constitution does not exists in the market and he is positive the Alchemist behind Clay should be aware of it.

Unbeknownst to Sar Aran, there is no master at all.

“How about this. You can buy the first bottle but the second will be a token for our friendship.”

“Good enough!”