Number One was somewhat reluctant at first. After all, it had lived here for so long and had never left this small patch of land. It was largely unfamiliar with the outside world.
However, under Li Chonglou's strong insistence, it finally nodded its huge head.
"Don't worry, I've already cleared out the异兽 (yì shòu - exotic beasts) nearby. As long as you're careful, there shouldn't be any problems."
The only problem now was that it didn't know where the entrance to the underground world was located. However, judging by the distance, it was still quite far from the entrance on the East District side. The two worlds were not alternate dimensions, so the general direction could be roughly determined on the ground.
On the other hand, its family looked reluctant and saw them off for a long distance before they were willing to turn back.
"Just head northwest."
The man and the beast began their journey. As expected of a coward, Number One was even more cautious than Li Chonglou along the way. If Li Chonglou hadn't urged it on, it would have been constantly looking back.
A kilometer of road felt like ten kilometers to it. However, Li Chonglou couldn't bring himself to rush it. After all, this was also a matter of his own life, and being cautious was never wrong.
Two days later, after experiencing four crises, the man and the beast finally arrived near Number One's camp.
To be precise, it was outside the safety zone.
"Finally, we're back."
Looking at the familiar scenery ahead, Li Chonglou couldn't help but sigh.
Squeak squeak.
Number One let out a few wronged whimpers. Li Chonglou couldn't help but pat its head and comfort it, "Then wait for me here. If things go smoothly, I'll personally send you back."
Number One didn't know what "smoothly" meant, but with Li Chonglou's promise, its mood improved a lot.
Then, Li Chonglou had it find a safe place to hide. It was an abandoned mountain cave, which seemed to be one of the treasures, but it had already been developed by someone.
It was empty inside, which was suitable as a hiding place.
After settling Number One, Li Chonglou then hurried towards the safety zone.
The advantage of the safety zone was that its entrances and exits were not guarded by soldiers. Only between the major camps were there patrolling guards.
This also created a sense of "luring the tiger into the house." They weren't afraid of the "black ones" coming; they were afraid they wouldn't!
Under normal circumstances, as long as the "black ones" stepped into the safety zone, there was basically no chance of them getting out alive! If it weren't for the outbreak of the Black Spirit Storm last time, they wouldn't have dared to come in!
The words "safety zone" were not just for show.
And now, this special characteristic also facilitated Li Chonglou's entry. It was only when he reached outside Number One's camp that soldiers stepped forward to check his identity.
Li Chonglou knew that his identity couldn't be hidden, so he had to use the name of Master Jianwen.
"Brother, help me tell the Master that I have something to discuss and will wait for him outside."
At first, the guard was unwilling. Although this wasn't the first time something like this had happened, their job was to guard the camp's entrances and exits. Why would they do such a errand!
Only when Li Chonglou offered ten blood crystals as a reward did the guard show a bright smile.
"Brother, don't blame me for not warning you. If you're lying to me, I have the right to arrest you directly!"
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. When Master Jianwen comes out, I will definitely present it."
The guard nodded with satisfaction and turned to leave.
Because he was afraid of running into old acquaintances, Li Chonglou had to find a hidden spot to hide first.
About ten minutes later, Master Jianwen hurried after the guard, his gaze constantly scanning his surroundings.
Li Chonglou's message to the guard was to directly discuss the pills. Although he didn't mention his name, how could Master Jianwen not know who was looking for him?
He had also received news about Li Chonglou's affairs. Jianwen had even thought that these pills might be stuck with him for a lifetime.
Out of professional integrity, unless the other party was confirmed dead, he would not handle the pills privately, even if their spiritual power was exhausted and they became scrap!
These were the highest quality and theoretically most effective pills he had ever made in his life. It would be disingenuous to say he wouldn't feel heartache if they really turned into scrap.
As for Li Chonglou offending higher powers, he didn't care at all. He didn't care who Li Chonglou's enemies were; he only knew that Li Chonglou was his client!
When the two met again, Master Jianwen was clearly a little excited.
"You're finally here!"
He immediately grasped Li Chonglou's hand, making the guard who hadn't left yet raise his eyebrows.
Damn, could Master Jianwen have such a hobby? This was big news!
Li Chonglou quickly withdrew his hand and said a little embarrassed, "Uh, Master Jianwen, could you help me get ten blood crystals first?"
After a simple explanation, Jianwen understood. While taking out the blood crystals, he explained to the guard, "Thank you, brother. This is my client. We've cooperated for many years, but due to some issues, we haven't been able to cooperate again."
So that's how it was. The guard took the blood crystals, and a flicker of excitement and relief flashed across his face.
"Then I won't disturb you."
With the blood crystals in hand, the guard識趣 (shí qù - tactful/sensible) turned and left.
Master Jianwen held some status in Number One's camp. As long as the people he knew didn't have any "black one" aura, they could enter the camp freely.
Jianwen couldn't help but ask, "Shall we go to my place first? I'll bring the things to you."
Li Chonglou thought about it and nodded. This was not a place to talk. It would be safer to go to his place first.
About ten minutes later, in Master Jianwen's studio, Li Chonglou sat at a wooden table. In front of him was a small blue bottle containing six green pills.
"Are these the finished products?"
Jianwen said with pride, "That's right, and they are currently the highest quality self-made pills known to our human race!"
"Originally, theoretically, producing just one would have been considered completing your commission. But this time, due to my whim, not only has the quality improved, but the quantity has also increased severalfold!"
Li Chonglou couldn't help but give him a thumbs-up, exclaiming, "As expected of Master Jianwen, I really didn't misjudge."
Jianwen's mood immediately improved, and he sat opposite Li Chonglou, chuckling heartily.
Li Chonglou picked up the bottle, but in his mind, he was communicating with Elder An.
"I wonder if my soul damage has completely recovered? Should I take one?"
"Take one first. The soul is man's greatest secret. It's hard to say if there will be any hidden dangers we don't know about. Anyway, you have six."
Li Chonglou nodded. It was just that things were different now. He was no longer at a point where he could recover to his peak level with just this one pill.
However, before he could speak, Jianwen suddenly asked, "Um, can I take one of yours to the association for grading?"
Just as warriors had their associations, so did alchemists, and this was also the source of their status.