Chapter 002: Hope

Upon entering the interior of the room, the furnishings appear extraordinarily luxurious. The floor, crafted from golden silk wood, subtly emanates a golden hue. A large desk, an exquisite coffee table, and a sofa are arranged in a well-proportioned manner throughout the space

Without any unnecessary delay, the assistant led Xiao Hong directly into the office building, ascending the stairs straight to the top floor, and stopped in front of a magnificent wooden door

On the other side of the room, beside the desk, stood a man nearing fifty, dressed in an extremely luxurious golden silk robe. With short, deep gray hair, he stood upright and spirited. Between his finely shaped brows, there was a hint of arrogance, and he emanated an overwhelming aura that made it almost difficult to breathe.

Even Xiao Hong would not dare to attempt it lightly, for once one goes, it can undoubtedly be described as a matter of life and death, and many believe that going to the fifth level is akin to going to one's death

"Who wants to see me?" Xiao Hong asked warily. Although his heart felt like ashes at the moment, being in constant danger for many years had made vigilance seem like a second nature to him

Additionally, there is Sang Hongyun's profession—pharmacist. This profession can be said to be quite esteemed, as everyone falls ill at some point, and soldiers often sustain injuries. At such times, the status of the pharmacist becomes particularly prominent. Moreover, with the assistance of a pharmacist providing various types of elixirs and magical inscriptions, the efficiency of cultivation and mastery is undoubtedly greatly enhanced.

And this person, Xiao Hong naturally recognized, can be said to be well-known in Taiwu City, even half-grown children are aware of him; he is indeed the master pharmacist of the Yushi level—Sang Hongyun

In the distance, Li Le and several young miners were hiding under a pillar adorned with glowing magical runes, blinking their eyes and gazing intently at the luxurious rune-car. Their expressions reflected envy, but more prominently, there was a sense of awe, and they occasionally whispered to each other.

Xiao Hong himself is familiar with this renowned magic-patterned carriage, which costs as much as 1,000 gold coins. Even in Taiwu City, there are very few individuals of status, position, and wealth who can afford to ride in such a carriage.

At this moment, he is standing in front of the round window with his hands slightly behind his back, casually gazing at the scattered patterns of light outside the window

Moreover, during this year, Xiao Hong had the time to continue searching for other methods to cure the ailments within his body, and the allure of this for Xiao Hong was self-evident

However, at the very moment Xu Qing's words left her lips, Sang Hongyun slightly directed her gaze towards Xu Qing, a hint of dissatisfaction flickering in her eyes, as if to convey to Xu Qing, "Is this a matter for you to interject in?"

Xiao Hong's expression shifted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. It is not surprising that a master-level pharmacist could discern his current physical condition at a glance

"Compensation." Xiao Hong similarly spoke in a very concise tone, fully aware of the dangers present on the fifth level of the mine. A venture there could be described as a near-death experience. In the non-artificially excavated tunnels, there is always the possibility of lava surging in at any moment. One moment, the tunnel may only be at a temperature of a few degrees, and the next, it could soar to several hundred or even a thousand degrees. More importantly, there is no pattern to this; danger is ever-present.

Could it be him? That seems impossible. Xiao Hong kept pondering in his heart

He respectfully tapped on the door a few times and then led Xiao Hong inside

This is Sakurai Stone, a high-quality raw material for crafting Master-level magic runes, which is extremely rare. It is said to exist on the fifth level of the mine. I need a piece, and I require your assistance in obtaining it. Sang Hongyun's intention was conveyed very simply, with a tone that left no room for negotiation, only demands and instructions, giving a sense of an unrefusable request

"Boldly, Master Sang Hongyun has given you a task; it is your honor. Is there room for you to bargain here?" The person in charge, Xu Qing, suddenly wore a sullen expression as he reprimanded Xiao Hong.

Following closely behind the assistant, Xiao Hong turned several corners within the complex and soon arrived at a building near the quarry. Compared to the other structures, this three-story building appeared much more tidy and clean, and the magical patterns nearby were also somewhat brighter.

Xiao Hong naturally understood what this meant. After a brief moment of contemplation, he locked the door, followed behind, and maintained a calm expression

In response to Sang Hongyun's derogatory remarks, Xiao Hong did not become angry. In other words, given his own situation, did he still have the luxury to be angry?

Upon seeing Sang Hongyun take out such an item, those around him were immediately captivated. Judging by the patterns of the magical runes, it was evident that this was crafted by Sang Hongyun himself. Although it was merely a low-level magical rune, its market value would multiply by at least a hundred times simply due to Sang Hongyun's name.

Xiao Hong did not say anything further, casting a deep glance at the magic pattern of the Zhi Tong medicine on the desk, before turning and leaving the room

It has been previously mentioned that the driving magic patterns rely on the power of control. In the entire Tera universe, the power of control is divided into seven major realms: Control Apprentice, Control Practitioner, Control Master, Great Control Master, Control Soul, Control Void, and Control Deity. The Control Apprentice is further divided into ten levels, while each of the other realms is divided into five levels.

On one side of the room stood seven or eight people, all standing neatly to the side. Even Xu Qing, the overseer of the Dongcheng Quarry, who usually held a high position, had his hands crossed over his abdomen and did not dare to make a sound.

In the depths of Sang Hongyun's eyes, a glimmer of cold light flashed, causing Xu Qing to shiver instantly. Following that, she strangely closed her mouth, slightly lowered her head, and dared not to breathe.

"Come with me, and you will know." A voice came again from outside the door, its tone leaving no room for refusal

In Taiwu City, being able to reach the level of Master Trainer can be considered a rare occurrence, with only three individuals among a population of millions. Moreover, it has recently been reported that Sang Hongyun has successfully advanced to the third level of Master Trainer.

The Shaojiang Group owes its rise as one of the leading powers in Taiwu City to the support of the great pharmacist Sang Hongyun. Not to mention other forces, even the mayor of Taiwu City must show a degree of respect.

Cautiously, Xiao Hong took an old knife from the drawer and placed it inside his boot. He then slowly stood up and opened the door a crack

What exactly do you want to do by bringing yourself here? Xiao Hong thought to himself, vaguely sensing that the situation was not as simple as he had imagined

Understood, the deal is settled. I will set off tomorrow, exchanging one hand for stone and the other for pattern. Xiao Hong responded very readily.

Continuing under the dim light of the magical runes, a well-dressed man with a handsome appearance stood outside the door. He had short hair and was slightly clasping his hands behind his back, gazing at Xiao Hong

Seeing your pale complexion, purple lips, and flushed cheeks, it seems you are in the early stages of internal bleeding. If nothing unexpected occurs, it appears you have only three days left to live.

A soft sound was heard, and upon looking again, Sang Hongyun had slowly placed a talisman made of white cloud stone on the desk. Although the entire talisman was crafted from the lowest grade of white jade, the magical patterns on it shimmered brilliantly, with smooth, free-flowing, and intricate lines. Particularly striking was the tiny pill, no larger than a bean, at the very center, resembling a gem embedded within.

Regarding such a request, Xiao Hong felt a sense of vigilance in his heart. However, upon calm reflection, he realized that the Shaojiang Group was one of the leading powers in the nearby Taiwu City. As for himself, he was merely a small miner whose life was hanging by a thread. If he were to refuse, the other party had countless ways to compel him to comply.

It is a stone emitting a green fluorescence, the image is vivid and lifelike, and it is several hundred times clearer than ordinary magical patterns.

"Lord Sang, someone has brought this to you," the assistant said respectfully to Sang Hongyun, then slightly bent forward and respectfully positioned himself to one side of the room, not daring to say more

"Not the only one, but those who dared to descend to the fourth level before... all died." Xiao Hong responded truthfully, though his heart was filled with apprehension, his tone remained relatively calm

Sang Hongyun did not respond, did not go to see the assistant, and did not go to check on Xiao Hong. Instead, he simply gazed calmly out the window at the scenery.

Having worked here for three years, Xiao Hong naturally knew the purpose of this building; it served as the office for the quarry manager in this area and was also the reception area for distinguished guests

"I heard Xu Qing say that you are the only miner brave enough to work in the fourth level of the mine?" After a long pause, Sang Hongyun finally spoke softly. His words carried no disdain, no arrogance; they were very calm, yet imbued with a sense of authority.

In fact, at this moment, Xiao Hong is very eager for Sang Hongyun to help him examine his illness. However, upon reflection, who is Sang Hongyun? Would he possibly take the time to treat such a humble little miner like himself?

"This is the pain-relieving and internal bleeding-stopping magic rune I created, which can be used fifty times, sufficient for your use over a year. Go to the fifth level of the mine and bring me a piece of cherry blossom stone; it will belong to you," Sang Hongyun said calmly.

However, at this moment, Xiao Hong was still not completely overwhelmed by the immense temptation and cautiously asked: "Hearing that Master Sang Hongyun has dozens of elite apprentices, why do you not seek them out, but instead choose me?"

Without speaking, Xiao Hong merely nodded slightly, indicating his acquiescence

"Assistant of the Shaojiang Group, someone wishes to see you." The voice from outside came again, sounding calm and devoid of any impatience.

Suddenly, Xiao Hong, whose gaze had been scanning the surroundings, had a change in expression. In front of the office building, there was a luxurious magic-patterned vehicle parked. The golden body was adorned with intricate and magnificent magic patterns, the emblem crafted from titanium alloy, the seats made from the fur of a toothy beast, and the windows polished from a solid piece of purple jade, all showcasing the opulence of this golden magic-patterned vehicle

Such a scene made Xiao Hong faintly sense that the situation was unusual, but what exactly could it be? This painted a large question mark in Xiao Hong's mind

A gap opened in the dilapidated wooden door, revealing half of Xiao Hong's face. The man who claimed to be an assistant said nothing more, turned around, and walked away into the distance

Although Xiao Hong could only see the profile of the man, just a glance caused his expression to change dramatically, revealing both shock and a hint of involuntary reverence in his gaze

"Because their lives are worth more than yours." Sang Hongyun provided a very simple yet realistic reason for this, and it is not incorrect. The more than ten elite apprentices under Sang Hongyun have all been meticulously trained by him, most of whom are at the third or fourth level of their abilities. They can utilize their powers to control battle patterns, engage in combat, slay spirit beasts, and gather herbs in dangerous areas.

Because among the same rank, regardless of the profession, the identity of a pharmacist is the most noble

Gazing at the magical rune of the Zhitong medicine on the desk, a glimmer of light involuntarily flashed before Xiao Hong's eyes. Undoubtedly, for Xiao Hong, who was in a desperate situation, this represented a ray of hope. In other words, this item could allow him to live like a normal person for one year, which equates to a lifespan of one year.

Shaojiang Group? Someone wants to see me?" Xiao Hong murmured to himself, a flicker of confusion passing over his ashen face. The Shaojiang Group was the owner of the East City Quarry, and in the eyes of the East City Quarry, the Shaojiang Group was undoubtedly a lofty superior. For someone from the Shaojiang Group to come looking for him, claiming that someone wanted to meet him, seemed rather strange. After all, he was merely a pitifully small miner; how could he possibly attract the attention of the Shaojiang Group?

Bang

Sang Hongyun did not say anything further, merely pointing to the door, indicating that Xiao Hong could leave.

Compared to Xiao Hongyu's disciples, who are almost indistinguishable from ordinary people at level one, their lives are naturally invaluable. However, one cannot overlook another point: in the fifth level of the mine, where dangers abound, facing lava, his elite apprentices are hardly different from ordinary individuals. When the lava erupts, death is certain. At this moment, Xiao Hong's extensive experience reveals its advantages

Upon hearing this, Sang Hongyun did not show much reaction. She simply extended a slender and delicate hand towards Xiao Hong, opening it to reveal a dark purple magic rune with red patterns. Then, the dark purple magic rune suddenly dissipated in Sang Hongyun's hand, as if melting into the void. In the blink of an eye, a three-dimensional image formed in the palm of her hand.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Xiao Hong replied, his tone as lifeless as a pile of ashes, as he casually closed the book stained with blood.