Carson Flores was slightly taken aback, not expecting Killian Jaramillo to respond with such a remark.
He had certainly heard about Killian’s dislike for Francisco Smith, but he hadn’t expected Killian to express that dislike to him in such a way.
The tone was like complaining to a close and intimate friend, slightly affectionate.
Killian seemed to snap back to reality as well, realizing the intimacy of his own words, his fair face flashing a moment of awkwardness.
"He always finds excuses to come to me, though I’ve made it clear to him; he just doesn’t listen," he said.
Killian sat still, speaking in a gentle tone.
Carson blinked, "Don’t you just ignore him?"
Killian shook his head, "I am an Alchemist, committed to Alchemy, which mustn’t be interrupted, isn’t that normal?"
A sly twinkle appeared in Killian’s eyes, adding a lively girlish charm to her fairy-like face, making her look much more vivid.
Carson hadn’t expected Killian to have such a side and couldn’t help but laugh.
"Speaking of Alchemy, I’ve gathered quite a few Spiritual Medicines this time and I need to find someone to refine them into elixirs..."
Killian took the initiative, "Tell me what kind of Spiritual Medicine you have. I’ll see what elixirs I can make. The elixirs used differ at each level of cultivation, and choosing the right ones can double the efficacy."
Without explaining further, Carson pulled out the boxes containing various Spiritual Medicines, and in an instant, there was a pile of boxes before his eyes.
Killian’s gaze went from indifferent to surprised, and then to disbelief.
Have you been to a wholesale market or what?
Killian picked up a box and opened it, delight in his eyes, "Golden Marrow Fruit! It can be used to refine the Golden Marrow Elixir, which purifies impurities accumulated within the body. This is great stuff."
"Dragon Snake Grass, can be used as an ingredient to refine Spirit Gathering Elixirs."
"Black Gold Wood is less commonly used for Alchemy, but if there’s a lot of it, it’s excellent for Artifact Refining."
"Nine-leaf Ginseng!! You’re incredibly lucky to have come across Nine-leaf Ginseng. It needs nearly a thousand years to grow ; it’s a rare and superior item. With Nine-leaf Ginseng as the main ingredient, one can refine Nine Ginseng Pills that help with cultivation and greatly enhance one’s strength."
As Killian opened each box and either commented or marveled, his serious demeanor showed his profound skill in Alchemy. Handling a Spiritual Medicine, he could immediately identify it and think of the elixirs it could be refined into.
The calls from Francisco Smith, which came from outside the door, sounded a few times before disappearing.
Killian acted as if he’d heard nothing, set down the last box, and looked up to ask, "What elixir are you planning to refine?"
Carson laughed, "Naturally, the main focus is on those that assist with cultivation and enhance strength."
Killian picked out some boxes, "Then, I’ll refine a furnace of Nine Ginseng Pills for you, and one of Golden Marrow Elixir. Take them together, and your cultivation will be even more effective. Although these other Spiritual Medicines could be used to refine other elixirs, they won’t be as useful for your cultivation."
Carson nodded in agreement, "Okay, about the cost of Alchemy..."
Killian pursed her lips and chuckled lightly, "That would be rather estranged of you to mention. My life was saved by you. Helping you refine a couple of batches of elixirs is just a small effort. Besides, charging a fee would invite mockery, wouldn’t it?"
Carson waved his hand with a chuckle, "Let’s not talk about the life-saving incident."
Killian laughed softly, "I might not mention it, but don’t you act formal with me. If you do, I’ll have no choice but to bring it up."
Carson was amused by Killian’s words, "Okay... You mentioned the ones that are useful to me, so from these Spiritual Medicines, take whatever is useful to you. This is not payment; it’s a gift between friends."
After considering for a moment, Killian reached out and took two boxes, "Then I won’t stand on ceremony with you. I’ll take two kinds. I’ve also been planning to refine some elixirs for myself, and these two are very important ingredients. Having them will save me a lot of trouble."
"Great, if you ever need any specific Spiritual Medicine, let me know. If I happen to find them in a Secret Realm or somewhere else, I’ll collect them for you."
Carson wasn’t bragging. For Alchemy, many medicines were required to be of a certain age; the same medicine could be an excellent Spiritual Medicine at three hundred years, but might be worthless and ubiquitous at just a few decades old.
If that was the case, it wouldn’t be a problem for Carson, right?
Killian nodded in agreement, "Alright."
Carson pointed to the remaining boxes, "Since these Spiritual Medicines won’t be used, I should find a way to sell them. I still need to work hard to earn money to buy Dark Iron Raven Essence."
Killian suggested, "If you really want to sell them, you can go to Jaramillo Family’s Elixir Shop at Flying Waterfall Mountain Peak. It’s a store run by our Jaramillo Family, and the prices are absolutely fair. Dark Iron Raven Essence is very rare, and since you’re following Cameron Hunter, the Peak Master, and learning her Three-foot Sword Veil, you’re probably going to need to earn a lot of Spirit Stones."
Curious, Carson asked, "I only know that Dark Iron Raven Essence is very valuable, but how expensive is it exactly? If I sell all these Spiritual Medicines, could I buy a piece of Dark Iron Raven Essence?"