The taxi rumbled along the rough mountain path, tossing me against the worn leather seat. Outside the window, the breathtaking scenery of Divine Alchemist Valley unfolded – lush forests and jagged peaks shrouded in mist.
"Are we there yet?" Eamon Greene asked for the fifth time, his voice tinged with excitement and impatience.
I glanced at my companion with mild amusement. As the most talented physician in my employ at Jade Moon Villa, Eamon had practically begged to accompany me to the Celestial Apothecary Guild. His enthusiasm was understandable – the Guild represented the pinnacle of alchemy and medicine in our world.
"Soon," I replied, turning my attention back to the view.
This journey had a dual purpose. First, to develop my cultivation in an environment rich with spiritual energy. Second, to find a medicine-refining artifact that could accelerate my progress. With seven months until my confrontation with Dashiell Blackthorne, I needed every advantage.
