When the figure of Xiao Yan vanished into the stairwell, the robed elder had not yet spoken. Though he had been internally torn, he understood that in such a transaction, the one who could endure would reap the greatest benefits. In matters of strategic patience, everyone was experienced—those who could truly withstand until the other grew weary would emerge as the true victors. Xiao Yan did not find it surprising that the elder remained silent, and thus his steps did not falter; he continued straight toward the top floor. The two elders stared at Xiao Yan's party, first taken aback, then quickly scanned Xiao Yan's chest. The brilliant seventh-rank insignia there caused a flicker of surprise in their eyes—such young seventh-rank alchemists were indeed rare these days. Their gaze lingered on Xiao Yan before shifting to Ye Zhong, Xiao Yi, and Tian Huo Zun. Especially when their eyes settled on the latter two, their pupils subtly narrowed. Though they couldn't perceive the exact strength of these two, they clearly sensed that both were formidable beings who had ascended to the Battle Sovereign rank. Must the rooftop be reserved for long-time guests?" Xiang Yan arched an eyebrow, saying. "Heh, you're being too serious—my question was merely casual. If you'd like to go to the rooftop, please follow me..." Seeing this, the robed elder quickly shook his head. Though his strength was solid, he knew well that those who reached the rooftop were no ordinary guests; he didn't want to risk offending anyone. As soon as he spoke, he turned and began walking ahead, guiding the group. Xiang Yan and his companions followed at a steady pace. Behind the robed elder, they passed a relatively short staircase—though only about twenty meters long, Xiang Yan noticed no fewer than five subtle glances cast from hidden corners, each one sweeping over them. "It seems the herbalist trade fair truly has some weight behind it," he murmured to himself. Then, with a slow step, he ascended the final flight of stairs, and before him unfolded the most mysterious rooftop. Though the top floor of this famed herbist's trading fair isn't particularly spacious compared to the floors below, its decoration is exceptionally thoughtful. It lacks the dazzling appeal of the second floor, instead featuring a soft, cool jade that stretches seamlessly across the entire space, casting a gentle, pervasive atmosphere. With each step, a subtle coolness radiates into the soles of the feet, bringing an exceptional sense of comfort. The number of people here is sparse—only a few dozen at first glance. Yet Xiao Yan knew that these few dozen, if placed outside, would each be genuine powerhouses or renowned herbist masters capable of generating significant buzz. The arrival of Xiao Yan and his companions naturally drew the attention of several people on the upper level. As their gaze shifted toward Xiao Yan, noting the insignia on his chest and the young physician, Xiao Xin, and others accompanying him, expressions of surprise flickered across their faces. A young seventh-tier mid-level alchemist, along with two Douzun-level warriors—such a combination was truly impressive. It was hard to imagine which powerful faction they belonged to. Of course, while some were curious, they all understood the established customs of this place. To inquire or seek information would be considered awkward, even foolish—something to be avoided. Hearing this, Xiao Yan paused slightly before nodding, saying, "I need two herbs—the Evergreen Spirit Vine of a thousand years, and the Snow-Boned Root." "Evergreen Spirit Vine of a thousand years, Snow-Boned Root..." The elderly man in the yellow robe murmured the names, pausing thoughtfully. "Both are quite rare herbs, likely used in crafting high-grade elixirs. I'm not entirely sure about the Evergreen Spirit Vine, but as for the Snow-Boned Root—let me say, your luck is truly good. Among the items being traded at the top floor today, there happens to be exactly one Snow-Boned Root." "Oh?" Xiao Yan's eyes brightened. He hadn't expected that merely by casually asking would yield such specific information about a Snow-Boned Root. "Ah, please follow me..." The elderly man smiled, then turned and walked toward the northern corner of the top floor. Seeing this, Xiao Yan promptly took the three others and followed him. Xiao Yan and the others followed the robed elder for a while, then stopped at a corner near the northern end of the top floor. There, a jade platform stood, with a gentle mist rising from it and spreading out, gradually lowering the temperature of the area. Scattered on the platform were various herbs, scrolls, and even pills—seeming no ordinary items. A number of people gathered around the platform, clearly interested in what was displayed. Xiao Yan's gaze skipped over the platform and settled on the gray-haired elder seated behind it. This elder appeared disheveled, lounging lazily, his head resting on the platform, completely ignoring the onlookers as he freely poked at his ears. "Heh, Lan Elder, isn't today's business going well?" the robed elder stepped close to the platform and smiled warmly at the untidy, relaxed elder. "Such nonsense! They just look but won't buy, and now they complain it's too expensive. Pah! The lower section is cheaper—go buy there if you're picky about price!" The messy elder rolled his eyes, completely disregarding his appearance, and spat directly onto the ground beside him. Seeing this, several nearby patrons felt somewhat embarrassed, though it wasn't easy to argue in such a setting—so they merely stammered and walked away. Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned by the elder's demeanor, glancing at the seven-rank insignia on the man's chest. It was a high-grade seven-rank insignia, clearly indicating that the man was a senior seven-rank alchemist. "Sir, this is the Snow-Bone Ginseng you're looking for. However, Master Yan tends to charge a premium, so you may want to have some expectations..." The yellow-robed elder pointed to a jade platform, where a jade box rested, containing a ginseng stem that was entirely white, resembling bone, lying quietly within. Xiao Yan stared intently at the white ginseng plant, then slowly nodded after a moment. Based on the rippling light emanating from the ginseng, it truly appeared to be snow-oss ginseng. "Don't look any longer. I have no fake items here. If you'd like to purchase, then what?" The messy elder glanced at Xiao Yan, pausing briefly on the badge at his chest, then smiled. "One seventh-rank premium pill is all it takes for the snow-oss ginseng." Hearing this, Xiao Yan furrowed his brows. A seventh-rank premium pill? Indeed, this old man was quite direct. "Sir, while the snow-oss ginseng is precious, even when used in pill-making, it typically reaches only seventh-rank premium—this, of course, assuming it's combined with other rare herbs. Now, you're asking for just one snow-oss ginseng at this price, which seems a bit high, doesn't it?" Xiao Yan smiled gently. "Hey, you're quite the talker—though what you say makes sense. I'll settle for a seventh-rank mid-level pill, on one condition: I must see the exact batch of pills I'm particularly fond of." The messy elder chuckled, his tone shifting to one of genuine warmth, clearly the seventh-rank high-level designation he'd initially offered had been merely a playful attempt to impress. Hearing this, Xiao Yan nodded slightly—offering a seventh-rank mid-level pill was indeed a condition he could accept. Of course, though he found it acceptable, he didn't immediately commit. Instead, his gaze slowly swept across the jade platform. Though the elder's appearance was far from refined, his offerings were truly high-quality. Several of the rarer herbs, in particular, left Xiao Yan impressed—these herbs were surely priced no lower than the Snow-Bone Root. His gaze moved slowly, and as he was about to withdraw it, it suddenly paused, fixing on a corner of the jade platform. There, a pale yellow copper plate lay, covered with patches of green copper patina. Upon closer inspection, faint, unusual patterns seemed to emerge subtly across its surface. "Xiao Yan, if it's possible, secure this copper plate. I've seen the pattern before— it was unique to the ancient times. Though I'm not certain of its exact purpose, anything linked to antiquity will never be ordinary..." As Xiao Yan expressed his curiosity, a faint, elderly voice suddenly emerged in his ear.