In the following days, Xiao Yan almost spent all his time by the medicine cauldron. Although the days were extremely arduous, the full storage ring of healing potions made him feel quite relieved when he rested. Of course, it was worth mentioning that during the nearly five continuous days of alchemy, the Dou Qi within Xiao Yan’s body had unknowingly grown much more robust. By now, he had probably reached the level of a one-star Dou Zhe. With this double encouragement, Xiao Yan finally gritted his teeth and endured.
While Xiao Yan was holed up in the cave, tirelessly concocting potions, the atmosphere between the Xiao Family and the Jia Lie Family in Wu Tan City grew increasingly tense. Two days ago, the Jia Lie Family had seized the opportunity and offered various conditions that were extremely favorable to merchants. Instantly, most of the merchants who were still on the fence began to switch their allegiance to the Jia Lie Family’s markets.
For this measure by the Jia Lie Family, which aimed to fundamentally shake the foundation of the Xiao Family, the high-ranking members of the Xiao Family, in addition to their fury, almost began to harbor murderous intentions.
“Damn it, we can’t tolerate this any longer! In just five days, our Xiao Family has lost at least 50-60% of its profits. If this continues, all of our markets will be bankrupt!” In the discussion hall, the Third Elder, with a ferocious expression, roared angrily.
In the great hall, all the family members of high status were seated, their grim faces revealing the anger in their hearts.
“Indeed, we cannot delay any further…” The First Elder slowly exhaled, “Although Master Gunny from the Mi Teer Auction House has refined over a hundred bottles of healing potions for us, the quantity is too small to compare with the massive amounts of the Jia Lie Family. For a short period, we can hold our ground, but once the time is too long and the healing potions are sold out, we will be back in the same awkward situation as before.”
Sighing, the First Elder said bitterly, “Though if Gunny is willing to go all out, he could definitely outlast the first-grade alchemist of the Jia Lie Family, but after all, he is from the Mi Teer Auction House, and they rarely get involved in family disputes. It’s already quite surprising that they have done so much for us.”
Xiao Zhan, sitting at the head, nodded gloomily. The healing potions sold by the Jia Lie Family were of low grade, but they won in quantity and cheap prices, making them very popular among mercenaries who often risked their lives.
“If we could hire a first-grade alchemist, we could compete with them…” someone whispered in the hall.
Hearing this, Xiao Zhan shook his head helplessly. There were few alchemists in Wu Tan City, and it was not easy to invite those self-important individuals. The Jia Lie Family had somehow managed to get an alchemist to help them.
In the corner of the hall, Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning, along with other young members of the family, were also seated. Seeing the grim expressions of their elders, they did not dare to speak up, and the atmosphere was silent and oppressive.
“Sis, is that first-grade alchemist really that strong? How could he cause our Xiao Family to be in such a state?” Unable to bear the stifling atmosphere, Xiao Ning quietly asked Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu sighed softly and said with a bitter smile, “Alchemists indeed have a unique and advantageous profession… A first-grade alchemist’s strength is at most at the Dou Zhe level. If there is a direct confrontation, any elder in the family could easily kill him. However, the terrifying aspect of alchemists is not in direct combat. They can refine magical potions that people would go crazy for, and with these potions, they have unparalleled appeal. Many strong warriors are willing to serve as pawns for alchemists to obtain these potions.”
“In the Dou Qi Continent, many people liken alchemists to a wasp’s nest. As soon as you provoke them, they can immediately find countless fighters. Imagine being attacked by over a hundred strong warriors. Even if you don’t die from the beatings, you might be exhausted to death.”
Thinking of the scene of being beaten by a group, Xiao Ning shivered and then looked envious.
“Don’t dream. You know how stringent the conditions to become an alchemist are. The chances are even slimmer than winning the lottery.”
Glaring at Xiao Ning, Xiao Yu coldly threw him a bucket of cold water. Deflated by her words, Xiao Ning muttered, “I doubt our entire Xiao Family has the fortune to produce an alchemist.”
Xiao Yu was about to nod, but suddenly, an image of a black-robed teenager popped into her mind. The teenager seemed to be Xiao Yan…
Shaking her head fiercely, Xiao Yu muttered to herself, “Why am I thinking of that little rascal? Humph, if that guy could become an alchemist, the value of alchemists in the world would plummet.”
After cursing Xiao Yan in her heart, Xiao Yu turned her gaze to the corner by the window where a girl in green clothes was quietly holding a thick, ancient book. Her slender fingers occasionally flipped through the pages, and her calm and elegant demeanor attracted many furtive glances from the young people nearby.
“What a fine girl, but why does she favor that little rascal so much?” Shaking her head helplessly, Xiao Yu remained silent.
Seated by the window, though engrossed in the book, Xun’er could sense the oppressive atmosphere in the hall. Frowning slightly, she thought, no matter what, she had been in the Xiao Family for over a decade. And even if not for the sake of the monks, for the Buddha, she wouldn’t let the Xiao Family be driven to a point of no return because of Xiao Yan.
“Sigh, I hope those guys don’t go too far…” Sighing lightly, Xun’er returned her gaze to the book. Without Xiao Yan by her side, she almost didn’t want to speak.
As the discussion in the hall continued, a family guard rushed in, respectfully reporting, “Clan Leader, there is a person in a black robe outside, saying they have some cooperative matters to discuss with the Clan Leader.”
Hearing this, Xiao Zhan and the Elders were stunned. Exchanging glances, their somber faces suddenly lit up with joy. They stood up abruptly and shouted, “Quickly, bring him in!”
Seeing the reactions of Xiao Zhan and the three Elders, everyone in the hall was shocked and exchanged puzzled looks.
“Haha, no need to bring me in. Is the Clan Leader doing well? This old man has come uninvited,” a hoarse laugh came from the door as soon as Xiao Zhan’s voice fell.
As the sound entered, a figure cloaked in a black mantle leisurely walked into the hall under everyone’s watchful eyes.
The moment the black-robed figure entered, Xun’er, who had been immersed in the book, suddenly raised her eyebrows, lifting her face slowly, her autumn-like eyes fixed on the black-robed figure.
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