Chapter 171: High-Five as an Oath
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Chen Fei blinked his eyes, perplexed by the strange occurrences within the mystic realm. Despite being harvested every few years, the age of the medicinal herbs present now was unexpectedly advanced.
The herbs Dacca was currently willing to offer were seemingly ordinary, yet he held back more valuable ones in reserve.
The shift in the mystic realm’s dynamics left Chen Fei wondering about the underlying cause. The mystical ingredients underwent mutation, the population of demon beasts surged, and even the age of commonplace medicinal herbs skyrocketed.
Every creature in the entire mystical realm appeared to have consumed a substantial tonic, resulting in rapid growth.
“These medicinal herbs are inadequate?” Dacca inquired, noticing Chen Fei’s lack of response and casting a dubious glance his way.
Though the medicinal herbs were quite ordinary, Dacca seemed skeptical about Chen Fei’s abilities and motives if these were deemed insufficient.
“Sure, 1’11 create two simple recipes for you to try.”
Chen Fei read the intention in Dacca’s eyes and offered a smile. He casually gathered a handful of medicinal herbs from the ground and began grinding them.
If these medicinal ingredients were used for alchemy, following Chen Fei’s plan, there might even be a chance to refine pills with two or even three Pill Veins.
However, without a pill furnace at the moment, and Dacca probably wouldn’t be interested in consuming pills, the herbs could only be used to create a simple medicinal liquid.
From a practical standpoint for martial artists, this approach was undoubtedly wasteful and couldn’t fully extract the medicinal properties from the herbs.
“Do you have any preference?” Chen Fei inquired with a grin.
“Preference?”
Dacca appeared puzzled for a moment before realizing that Chen Fei was asking about taste preferences. He shook his head, indicating no particular aversions.
The taste of raw medicinal herbs was already peculiar enough. Having consumed a variety before, Dacca had grown somewhat weary of them. Thus, he didn’t have strong feelings about avoiding specific flavors.
Dacca simply yearned for fresh and distinct tastes, which was the basis for his arrangement with Chen Fei.
“Alright, give me a moment.”
Chen Fei nodded and began mixing the ground herbs.
Though he lacked the optimal conditions for pill concoction, stimulating the interplay of medicinal properties was still achievable. Absent a fire or a pill furnace, the stimulation of these properties might be milder.
Moments later, a faintly corrosive sound emerged.
A light green medicinal liquid appeared in the stone bowl cradled by Chen Fei. The aroma of the concoction was peculiar, not in accordance with human olfaction.
However, this potion was created with the purpose of leaving a lasting impression on Dacca. It was meant to provide an intense sensory experience.
“Finished?”
Dacca approached curiously, taking in the concoction’s scent. Although there were similarities to the herbs he regularly consumed, there were subtle distinctions.
Dacca’s curiosity took hold, and he stared at the stone bowl held by Chen Fei, eager to taste the result.
“Sure, have a sip.”
Chen Fei subtly tensed as Dacca drew closer. Without confidence in his physical prowess, allowing such a formidable creature to approach him could be dangerous.
Compared to an ordinary peak Tier 1 demonic beast, Dacca’s strength far exceeded Chen Fei’s.
battling an average peak Tier 1 demonic beast was already beyond his capability, let alone facing Dacca.
“Then I’ll give it a try.”
Dacca accepted the stone bowl from Chen Fei cautiously and took a tentative sip.
Chen Fei watched in silence as Dacca appeared simple and honest, yet cautious.
Despite providing the medicinal ingredients, Dacca still refrained from drinking the finished product in one gulp.
Fearful that Chen Fei might have added something unexpected into it, Dacca took measured steps.
“Mmm…”
After consuming a small amount, Dacca’s expression underwent a noticeable change. He smacked his lips, but he didn’t identify any issues. Without hesitation, he drank the entire bowl of medicinal liquid.
Chen Fei observed with a slight smile. The core skill of an alchemist lay in alchemical refinement. To engage in alchemy, the foundational step was understanding the various data about the medicinal ingredients detailed in the alchemical formula.
Aside from the most crucial aspect of medicinal properties, information such as the appearance of the herbs, their growth environment, and taste were all considered. A proficient alchemist could easily blend and match herbs to create the desired flavor.
The challenge lay in balancing the flavors and stimulating interactions between the medicinal properties to generate novel taste experiences.
For other alchemists, this process was indeed difficult and required numerous trials to achieve satisfactory results. However, Chen Fei was familiar with perfected alchemical formulas that left no room for such doubts.
“How is it?” Chen Fei inquired with a smile, seeing Dacca continue to savor the medicinal liquid after drinking.
The question was almost unnecessary, as Dacca’s expression told the story.
Why would he show such a look if he wasn’t thoroughly satisfied?
Though not human, Dacca’s reactions mirrored a human’s in many ways.
“It’s delicious. Completely different from what I’m used to.”
Dacca’s eyes widened, revealing his astonishment as he regarded Chen Fei.
Initially, when he saw Chen Fei grinding the herbs and blending them, Dacca felt somewhat let down. Wasn’t it akin to consuming various herbs simultaneously?
Dacca often experimented with various combinations of medicinal herbs in pursuit of distinct flavors. However, the results were far from satisfying. Sometimes, the concoctions were even more unappetizing, leaving a lasting impression on Dacca.
Yet, just a moment ago, after consuming the medicinal liquid blended by Chen Fei, a completely new world seemed to unfold before Dacca’s eyes.
The taste of that medicinal liquid was peculiar, defying precise description. Dacca didn’t feel the need to articulate it; all it knew was that it thoroughly enjoyed the concoction and was highly content with the experience.
“As long as you enjoy it, try this one.”
Chen Fei presented another concoction to Dacca, who took it with caution. He still refrained from downing it all at once, recalling the importance of vigilance despite the pleasing taste.
Within the mystical realm, negligence could result in being devoured by other mystical entities or demon beasts, ultimately reduced to waste.
“All…”
After taking a sip, Dacca sensed a sensation akin to flames ascending from his mouth.
The sensation wasn’t painful; instead, it offered an intense taste buds experience that burst forth.
Though the previous concoction resembled a gentle trickle that lingered, this batch of medicinal liquid felt like a blazing inferno. It induced a powerful urge to dive into its intense flavors. Dacca’s excitement was palpable as he guzzled down the medicinal liquid, altering his perception of Chen Fei.
Chen Fei observed with a smile, the result of leveraging his alchemical knowledge to subdue the formidable demon. The methods employed were indeed unconventional.
“Seems like you enjoy this flavor as well.”
A grin curved Chen Fei’s lips. He needed to pique Dacca’s interest to achieve his objective.
Dacca was immensely powerful, and a forceful approach wouldn’t suffice.
Hence, Chen Fei utilized his alchemical expertise to establish a connection.
Being able to do so was indeed something noteworthy too.
“1 like both flavors very much. Make more.”
Dacca returned the stone bowl to Chen Fei impatiently. Having tasted these two unique flavors, he was reluctant to revert to chewing raw herbs.
Transitioning from scarcity to abundance is easy, but reversing the process can be challenging. Although Dacca wasn’t human, he recognized the inherent challenge.
“1 can provide you with these medicinal liquids. Just ensure an ample supply of medicinal herbs, and 1’11 deliver as many bowls as you need.”
Chen Fei chuckled, “Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll find that the allure of a wonderful life is irresistible.”
Indeed, when it came to delicacies, once experienced, they left an indelible memory that was hard to forget.
“But, as we agreed before, 1’11 prepare the dishes you enjoy, but you’ll need to offer something else in exchange, like that jade token.”
Chen Fei’s tone shifted as he brought up the details of the transaction.
Dacca’s excitement momentarily faltered as he recalled that the human before him was initially there for an exchange. The two bowls of medicinal liquid from earlier seemed like a test before the transaction.
However, the outcome of this test had left Dacca so satisfied that he nearly forgot Chen Fei’s original purpose.
Once 1 get the jade token, will you keep making such delectable treats for me?” Dacca asked eagerly.
Chen Fei shook his head, “No, but I can provide you with ten bowls of the two types of medicinal liquid you just tried. That’s five bowls of each, enough for you to enjoy.”
Dacca’s expression appeared disappointed. He understood the impracticality of expecting such a continuous arrangement. No one would agree to such a transaction.
The jade token was with the Strange Locust Tree, making retrieval somewhat challenging and potentially dangerous. Dacca recognized the reality of the situation yet still held on to a glimmer of hope for an easy solution.
“Five bowls of each isn’t enough. 1 require at least ten bowls of each before 1 can accept this deal.”
After brief consideration, Dacca made use of the memory fragment from the human he had absorbed. The ability to negotiate mentally allowed him to propose double the price, believing he wouldn’t lose out.
“Alright, ten bowls it is! While it’s a bit excessive, 1 believe we shouldn’t let trivial matters come between friends. Let’s seal the deal with a high-five and a pledge!”
Chen Fei enthusiastically slapped Dacca’s hand, sealing the agreement.
Dacca seemed perplexed, glancing between Chen Fei and his own palm. Despite doubling the offer, Chen Fei agreed straightforwardly.
Although Dacca felt he had been slighted, he had secured numerous bowls of medicinal liquid. With the quantity obtained, it was difficult to consider himself at a disadvantage.
Ultimately, Dacca chose to trust the human’s recollection. Having made a successful negotiation, he had no reason to doubt.
“Very well, begin the preparation. I’ll retrieve the iron plate.”
Dacca smacked his lips, unsatisfied with the two bowls he had just consumed.
He craved more and wasn’t prepared to settle for just these two..