The Jade Bi glowed faintly. Carl stopped his actions, observing the Magic Model that appeared on its surface.
Or rather, fragments of a Magic Model!
To fully analyze the Transmute Snake, a complete specimen is required, along with various experiments. What I'm doing now is merely accumulating experience, so I can quickly get the hang of it when the time comes.
Carl murmured softly.
Even with potions aiding cultivation, reaching Advanced Wizard Apprentice will take one or two years, let alone achieving Perfection in the realm. It's simply not possible without three to five years, or even ten years. During this period, I'll first accumulate experience and save up Divine Grace Coins. When my spiritual power is sufficient and I have enough money... I'll break through in one go!
Carl, bare-chested, gripped a massive hammer, swinging his arm and slamming it down hard onto the iron plate before him.
Sparks flew in all directions.
The red-hot steel plunged into the water, instantly releasing thick white steam that obscured Carl's flushed skin.
「An unknown amount of time passed.」
Carl tossed the sword blank, hammered to a certain point, at his feet, then grabbed the nearby water jug and gulped it down.
An entire jug of water vanished down his throat in the blink of an eye.
He walked out of the Divine Domain Fragment and went downstairs, where Hibell was leisurely sipping tea with her legs crossed.
Seeing the bare-chested Carl, the sculpted contours of his muscles made her eyes light up, and she licked her lips. "Knights do have their uses, it seems. At least their physiques are good."
"Did you bring the items?" Carl asked, ignoring her teasing as he donned a robe.
"I did." Hibell pointed to the basket beside her, filled with various potions, and asked curiously, "What do you need these potions for?"
These were all ordinary potions, of little use to Wizard Apprentices.
"I have my uses for them." Carl picked up the basket, checking each bottle with a satisfied expression. "Good, they all meet my requirements."
He had been too busy lately with his Breathing Method, Meditation Method, Artifact Refining, and analyzing the Transmute Snake; he didn't have much time to refine potions. So he'd decided to outsource it to her.
"Of course," Hibell said confidently. "My talent for potions has even been praised by my tutor. If you want to sell potions to commoners, you could find an agent."
"Old Harry would be a good choice!"
Wizards possessed all sorts of mystical techniques and could concoct many things that would seem unbelievable to ordinary people. Such trades required corresponding merchants. Wizards typically didn't appear in person. Firstly, their time was precious. Secondly, they considered such dealings demeaning. Agents, therefore, came into being.
"I'll consider it," Carl nodded. "Just a moment."
Turning around, he returned to his room, retrieved an item, and handed it to Hibell. "Here! This is a Fossil Ring. It can emit a petrifying light, with power comparable to an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice. However, it can only be used ten times, after which it will be useless. This is one month's payment for the potions."
Hibell accepted it with a look of surprise, gently stroking the ring on her hand. "I never expected... You've actually become an Alchemy Wizard!"
An Alchemy Wizard—a Wizard skilled in refining various Demonized Items.
Previously, when Carl was studying Artifact Refining, Hibell had criticized him for being too distracted. She hadn't expected him to now be capable of refining Demonized Items.
"That..." Licking her lips, Hibell spoke slowly, "I heard you've been using Magic Stones to buy potions?"
"Yes," Carl sighed. "Potions are too expensive. Without their aid, my cultivation is too slow, and there isn't much left of the inheritance from my tutor."
"Actually, buying potions with Magic Stones isn't very cost-effective," Hibell said. "I have points. It's much better to exchange potions using points. Give me your Magic Stones, and I'll help you exchange them for potions."
"If you don't have enough Magic Stones, Demonized Items will also work!"
With an Alchemy Wizard right beside her, she didn't mind acting as a middleman to earn a bit on the price difference.
"In that case..." Carl stroked his chin. "I'll consider it. It's not out of the question!"
However, some of the things he possessed couldn't stand up to scrutiny. After sending Hibell off, he would still have to make the trip himself.