C21 Dark Undercurrents!

If she failed, Jiang Shi would be okay.

But for Mo Huaixi... she might actually have to resort to selling herself.

Chen Hao didn't leave his house for the next several days.

During that time, Jiang Shi called to check on him, but Chen Hao just gave her a noncommittal response.

When Chen Hao finally emerged from the kitchen, holding a wooden box and slumping onto the couch, he wore a contented smile.

"No wonder those who can refine pills are so sought after in a decade or so. It's quite the challenge."

He picked up his phone, opened the box, and snapped a photo of the steaming Marrow Cleansing Pills inside, then posted it to the Celestial Order group chat.

"Freshly crafted Marrow Cleansing Pills. These can rejuvenate your bones and marrow, significantly enhance your physique, grant immunity to numerous diseases, and even extend your life and improve your appearance. Only twelve available—first come, first served. Face-to-face transactions, price negotiable!"

After sending the message, the previously active chat fell silent.

Chen Hao waited patiently, and after nearly three minutes, a new message popped up: "Marrow Cleansing Pills? Sounds like a scam. I've studied pill refining myself, and such a pill simply can't exist."

"Who let this person in? Which sect are they from? I've never seen them before."

"This is an internal Celestial Order group, not some charlatan's gathering. Out you go! The group admin really should vet members better... letting just anyone in."

As the screen filled with skeptical remarks, Chen Hao let out a resigned sigh.

It was indeed too soon to introduce such a pill; no one was ready to believe in it.

Though it was merely a common Marrow Cleansing Pill a decade from now, it seemed too fantastical for the people of this era.

Yet, someone came to his defense: "Please, everyone, hold your judgment. Brother Chen Hao is a dear friend of mine. He is exceptionally skilled and wouldn't make baseless claims. I stand as his guarantor. Let's take a closer look before drawing conclusions."

The speaker was none other than Qing Xu.

Chen Hao offered a slight smile, making a mental note of the favor received.

Qing Xu held a high rank within the Cold Hawks, yet Chen Hao was surprised to find that he also commanded considerable respect within the Celestial Order's group chat.

Whenever Chen Hao had a moment to glance at the group's conversations, he often noticed people commending Qing Xu for his humility and courtesy, as well as his dedication to righteousness, predicting he was destined for great things.

Thus, when Qing Xu spoke up, it caused some to become skeptical.

"With Qing Xu vouching for it, maybe it's worth checking out."

"Where will the exchange take place?"

"Oh? Is Zi Yun considering giving it a try?"

"Hehe, I'm practically one foot in the grave, and without any heirs, what use do I have for worldly possessions? If the pill is as miraculous as claimed, trying it out can't hurt."

Someone had finally taken the bait!

Chen Hao quickly sent out the trading location, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders.

Chapter 13: A Million by Sundown

Having confirmed the location and time in the WhatsApp group, Chen Hao set out early the next day, arriving ahead of time to wait in the private room of the tea house.

It wasn't until eleven in the morning that a guest was escorted in by the server.

"Oh?" The newcomer was none other than Zi Yun from the WhatsApp group.

He wore a simple Taoist robe, his face pale and beardless, betraying his advanced age. Yet, his eyes were clear and piercing.

Upon assessing Chen Hao, he praised, "Indeed, as Qing Xu described, you are a man of talent and integrity."

"Zi Yun, you're too kind. Please, have a seat."

The two settled in, and without further pleasantries, Chen Hao presented the pill, sliding it across to Zi Yun, "Here is the Marrow Cleansing Pill I mentioned. Zi Yun, please examine it."

Zi Yun gave a slight nod, opening the box to reveal the pill, his expression turning serious.

"This is..."

Pills were items whose true quality often remained unknown until consumed. However, connoisseurs had their ways of discerning their worth.

Characteristics like the pill's pattern, scent, and color could reveal much about its nature.

Zi Yun possessed a substantial knowledge of pill refining, allowing him to recognize immediately that the Marrow Cleansing Pill was far from ordinary.

Even if it didn't possess the miraculous properties Chen Hao described, it was certainly a treasure worth having.

Feeling a stir of interest, Zi Yun nevertheless maintained a composed demeanor as he set the pill down, offering a smile. "It's apparent that the methods and tools used for crafting this pill are somewhat rudimentary. That said, I find myself quite intrigued by its composition. Should the price be agreeable, I'd be inclined to purchase one."

It was clear that this seasoned Sage knew his way around a negotiation, deftly highlighting the pill's shortcomings right from the start.