Zhao Dong continued deeper into the pill market, where the crowds began to thin. The shops here had likely sprung up to serve the market, but in these less-trafficked inner areas, many of their doors were tightly shut.
However, just as Zhao Dong was about to turn back, a dilapidated little shop caught his eye.
Weeds grew wild at the shop's entrance. An old, crooked signboard hung from the door frame, surprisingly bearing not a single word. Looking inside, a Red Iron Elixir Furnace stood in the center of the shop with an old rocking chair beside it. Dust covered the surrounding shelves and the numerous pill bottles lining them.
Zhao Dong walked slowly to the door and peered inside for a closer look. Although the shop was run-down, a pleasant, faint scent of pills wafted out. Within this scent, a subtle and unusual fragrance made his eyes light up.
This smell is a bit strange...
Zhao Dong furrowed his brow, then tentatively called out, "Is anyone there?"
