Are All The People Of Yaowang Valley So Brave?

As its name suggests, Yaowang Valley is a sacred place known for refining elixirs. At the same time, it is a powerful and independent force within the Dongzhou Continent. Though located within the territory of Dazhou, Yaowang Valley operates autonomously, with no formal allegiance to the empire.

In fact, the valley's influence is so immense that Dazhou does not dare to challenge it. Not only is the Valley Master a Martial Saint—a formidable warrior—but the connections Yaowang Valley has accumulated over the years make it even more powerful.

Cultivators of all levels rely on elixirs for their journey of cultivation, and Yaowang Valley holds a natural monopoly in this field. As a result, many forces seek alliances with the valley for access to its precious elixirs. No one can predict when they might urgently need an elixir, and this soft power, in some ways, surpasses hard power.

"In that case, let's head to Yaowang Valley first," Orion said. "We need to restore Luo Yi's strength."

Orion's plan was simple: they would temporarily hold off on their Emperor-level lottery and instead acquire high-quality elixirs from Yaowang Valley to help Luo Yi and others recover quickly. Without this, not only would they struggle to face the challenges of Chang'an, but they might not even make it past the six martial saints standing in their way.

Yaowang Valley was in Yizhou, and with the speed of the Dragoon Army, they arrived quickly. When they reached the entrance, Orion was taken aback by the sheer number of people queuing up outside. The reputation of Yaowang Valley was certainly well-deserved. The line stretched endlessly, with two disciples at a registration table managing the crowd.

"Five hundred spirit stones and your own materials!" one of the disciples called out to a customer. "Come back in three months for your elixir."

"But Master Dan, the last time I had a fourth-grade elixir refined, it only cost me four hundred spirit stones," the customer protested.

"Prices have gone up. Take it or leave it," the disciple replied coldly. "If you don't like it, find somewhere else to refine your elixir."

The customer, a mere Martial King, paled. The elixir was crucial to his livelihood, and there were no alternatives to Yaowang Valley. Gritting his teeth, he gave in.

"Fine, five hundred it is," he muttered, handing over the spirit stones.

As the disciples accepted the stones, one pocketed two hundred for himself, though the act did not go unnoticed by some onlookers. However, no one dared to challenge them. In a place like Yaowang Valley, offending a low-level disciple could mean the end of any hope of obtaining an elixir.

Orion watched the scene unfold with interest, recognizing the disciples' behavior as a classic display of abusing power. "Lord, should I drive them away?" Xu Chu asked, glaring at the long line.

Orion shook his head, stopping him. He retrieved a thousand spirit stones from his space ring and handed them to Xu Chu. "Pay this as our queue-jumping fee. It's better to avoid unnecessary conflict."

Xu Chu hesitated, then nodded. "My lord is wise," he said, realizing that force wasn't always the best solution.

As Xu Chu approached the two disciples to pay the fee, those in the queue noticed the arrival of the Dragoon Army. Fear rippled through the crowd, and people quickly scattered.

"Go call your Valley Master," Xu Chu ordered the disciples. "Tell him a guest of importance wishes to see him."

Frightened by the sheer power of the Dragoon Army, the disciples hurried back into the valley to summon their master. In the meantime, Orion observed the lush landscape of Yaowang Valley. Hundreds of spiritual flowers and grasses lined the entrance, their golden light sparkling in the sun. Each plant was worth a fortune, yet here they were, casually used as decoration—an undeniable display of wealth and arrogance.

Before long, a middle-aged man with a powerful aura arrived, followed by a group of disciples in Taoist robes. He visibly tensed upon seeing the Dragoon Army but quickly composed himself. He was, after all, from Yaowang Valley, and they were not easily intimidated.

"Who are you?" the man demanded. "What business do you have with Yaowang Valley? With such a grand army, are you here to cause trouble?"

Orion smiled calmly. "I am Orion. I've come to request elixirs."

The man's eyes narrowed. "You've come to request elixirs with such an imposing force? You must be joking. Go away! With an attitude like yours, do you really think we'll make elixirs for you?"

The middle-aged man's arrogance grew, emboldened by his belief in Yaowang Valley's untouchable status. Alchemists were revered across Dongzhou Continent, and almost every cultivator relied on their elixirs. The valley's ten-thousand-year history had given it deep, powerful connections, including saint-level beings as patrons. To him, Orion's 100,000-strong army was insignificant.

Orion's expression darkened. Was everyone in Yaowang Valley this arrogant?