Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 237: Upper-Level Pressure? I'll Handle It! Redefining the Medicine Hall and Establishing the - Novel Cool

Chapter 237: Upper-Level Pressure? I'll Handle It! Redefining the Medicine Hall and Establishing the

Chapter 237: Upper-Level Pressure? I'll Handle It! Redefining the Medicine Hall and Establishing the Outer Gate

Thick pillars and neatly arranged stone bricks adorned the new grand hall, exuding a minimalist aesthetic. Named the Luo Tian Grand Hall, it was built with the intention of conserving spirit stones, devoid of any extravagance or opulence. Luo Chen had no desire for lavishness or a heavenly aura.

"Starting something new is always challenging, so simplicity is key for now," he thought as he arrived at the Luo Tian Grand Hall, where Sima Huiniang, Gu Caiyi, Duan Feng, and Qu Lingjun had been waiting for some time.

Without any small talk, Luo Chen got straight to the point, addressing the issue that concerned him the most—the market situation of the Jade Marrow Pill.

"Caiyi, why don't you tell us about it?"

Gu Caiyi nodded and proceeded to share the findings from her year-long investigation. "First of all, let's talk about Washed Jade. There are at least ten shops in Tian Lan Immortal City that can supply large quantities of Washed Jade, the main ingredient for the Jade Marrow Pill. This means that when we refine the pill, we won't be held back by a shortage of raw materials."

"The problem lies in the fact that the price of Washed Jade has increased due to the war, and we must take note of this in terms of cost."

As she spoke, Luo Chen raised his eyebrows, impressed by the effort she had put into her investigation. Not only had she gathered information about the market for the Jade Marrow Pill, but she had also collected intelligence on its raw materials.

"Secondly, let's talk about our competitors. There are fifteen types of cultivation pills suitable for low-level cultivators available in Tian Lan Immortal City. Among these, the Nourishing Qi Pill from the Spirit Herb Pavilion and the Yellow Dragon Pill from Qingdan Valley are the most prominent. Their prices remain high, with one bottle costing 120 and 110 spirit stones, respectively. This is due to the war, which has caused a premium on these pills."

"The other thirteen types of pills are produced by the Hundred Flowers Palace, Falling Cloud Sect, and some cultivation families. The pills from the major sects are generally of good quality and priced around 100 spirit stones. However, the pills sold by smaller factions often have issues, similar to the early side effects of our Jade Marrow Pill. As a result, their prices, even with the impact of the war, hover around 90 spirit stones."

"Moreover, their market share is not significant!"

After speaking at length, even Gu Caiyi, a ninth-layer Qi Condensation cultivator, felt a sense of exhaustion, not from physical tiredness but from the sheer amount of information she had to convey. She had to memorize the origins, effects, and prices of each pill and provide evaluations based on her personal experience to give Luo Chen a clear understanding of the market.

Seeing Luo Chen nod thoughtfully, Gu Caiyi finally breathed a sigh of relief. She added, "In my opinion, the market for low-level cultivation pills in Tian Lan Immortal City is already highly saturated."

"If we want to break into this market, we'll face numerous challenges."

Qu Lingjun, now a young man, asked curiously, "What kind of challenges?"

"Price wars, competition from peers, and even..." Gu Caiyi hesitated, biting her lip.

Luo Chen, standing above them, spoke calmly, "And the permission or lack thereof from higher-ups?"

Gu Caiyi nodded. "Yes, I've heard that three cultivation families pay an additional amount of spirit stones to the major sects they are affiliated with when selling their pills."

She finished with a bitter smile. "I won't hide it from you. The batch of Jade Marrow Pills the Chairman gave me would have been sold within one or two months in the past. But this time, I had to put in a lot of effort and use the black market, individual sales, and the market square. It took me a whole year to barely sell them all."

Qu Lingjun, now grown into a young man, felt overwhelmed after hearing about these challenges. He thought making pills was difficult enough, but selling them seemed even harder!

Sima Huiniang, on the other hand, frowned deeply after listening to Gu Caiyi's report. She knew the value of the batch of Jade Marrow Pills the Chairman had given out—around 50,000 spirit stones. It was a significant amount, but when spread out over a year's earnings, it became meager. If they continued to operate this way, how could Luo Tian Hui grow and develop? Even supplying the cultivation resources for just the Chairman would be a challenge.

To her surprise, Luo Chen remained calm and unperturbed. "Having many competitors is not a problem. It indicates that the market is vast and far from saturated."

"Our Jade Marrow Pill has an exceptionally low cost, and I've improved the side effects of the pill. Its medicinal power is no less than that of a regular Nourishing Qi Pill. In this situation, we can rely on our price advantage to forcefully break into the market!"

"As for the pressure from the higher-ups..."

The four of them looked at Luo Chen with curiosity. Could he even solve this problem? After all, the upper echelons of Tian Lan Immortal City were dominated by the powerful Jade Cauldron Seven Sects and even the Transcendent Realm Beyond the Domain.

Despite Luo Chen's remarkable achievements, could he find a solution at this level?

Facing their curious, anxious, and expectant gazes, Luo Chen spoke softly, "Don't worry. I will handle the pressure from the upper echelons."

He could indeed solve it!

The four of them exchanged glances, shocked and even more admiring of Luo Chen.

Luo Chen's gaze shifted to Qu Lingjun. "Have the Earthfire Caverns been organized?"

Qu Lingjun nodded immediately. "Below Crimson Peak, there's a first-rank Earthfire Vein, and the Divine Craft Sect and the Geng Family initially opened up twenty Earthfire Caverns, which they rent out."

"After we reorganized them, we connected several small caverns to form the large pill refining chambers that Master is familiar with."

"Currently, only the Artifact Hall and I are using these twenty Earthfire Caverns, and most of them remain vacant."

It was common knowledge that the Jade Cauldron Domain was rich in Earthfire Veins.

As Luo Chen traveled, he encountered numerous Earthfire Veins.

In Da He Fang, there was one in the Wanbao Tower of the Inner City, and another in the Duan family of Xiao Huan Mountain.

In Taishan Fang, there was one in the Huo family of Chizhan Mountain, and another in the Kang family of Taishan.

Upon arriving at Tian Lan Immortal City, there were even more Earthfire Veins.

At Crimson Peak, Wutong Mountain, Divine Craft Sect, and Wanbao Tower, there were at least a dozen or more lower-grade Earthfire Veins.

Even though they were all low-grade, they couldn't form a significant climate.

Nonetheless, they undoubtedly provided a solid foundation for industries like alchemy and artifact forging.

Qu Lingjun's arrangement was undoubtedly reasonable.

He separated the Earthfire Grottoes needed by the Pill Hall and Artifact Hall.

He also specially arranged the pill chamber layout that Luo Chen was most familiar with.

Once he started alchemy, these trivial matters wouldn't cause any trouble.

Regarding the disciple he had accepted, if not for his cultivation, Luo Chen was extremely satisfied.

Especially since he could now steadily refine Inferior Grade Jasper Pills and was following Luo Chen's refining notes to explore refining Middle Grade Jasper Pills.

This greatly relieved Luo Chen!

"Since everything is ready, let's start preparing for large-scale Jasper Pill refinement!"

"Huiwang, how many Spirit Stones are left in Luo Tianhui's account?"

The topic shifted to Sima Huiwang.

Sima Huiwang was well-versed in these matters.

She immediately replied, "There were only two hundred thousand Spirit Stones left, but then Gu Tangzhu gradually replenished it with five hundred thousand, making it a total of seven hundred thousand."

"After the Green Mist Valley was put into operation, Duan Feng sold many repaired Magical Tools, adding another three hundred thousand Spirit Stones."

"At one point, it reached around one million!"

"However, over the past year, after expenses for personnel salaries, material purchases, and daily expenditures, five hundred thousand Spirit Stones have been spent. There's no choice; the initial period at Crimson Peak is the most expensive."

"So, there are only five hundred thousand Spirit Stones in the account as working capital."

Five hundred thousand!

For any solitary cultivator, this was an astronomical and unattainable figure.

However, for Sima Huiwang, Gu Caiyi, and Duan Feng, who had been handling large amounts of funds for years, this number was no longer surprising.

One could even say that for the current Luo Tianhui, this amount of Spirit Stones was still too little.

"Take out one hundred thousand and purchase a large quantity of Jasper Pill raw materials."

One hundred thousand Spirit Stones was enough to purchase three to four months' worth of Jasper Pill refining materials.

Luo Chen didn't withdraw all the Spirit Stones from the account.

He knew that any force needed sufficient working capital to operate.

Moreover, a portion of it was Medium-grade Spirit Stones.

These were strategic resources and couldn't be touched lightly!

Just like the Langqi Flying Boat.

Under normal circumstances, it could be driven solely by Luo Chen's Spirit Energy.

But once it needed to operate in large-scale flying vessel mode, it required a large amount of Medium-grade Spirit Stones to sustain its operation.

"Also, I have a list here. Please have someone gather the ingredients in the proportions for ten portions and send them to my Cave Mansion later!"

Amid Sima Huiwang's confusion, a piece of paper gently floated into her hand.

Blue Smoke Jade, Lingting Fragrant Grass.

Ten-year-old Cold Ginseng, Angelica, He Shou Wu, Motherwort, and Blue Aloe Vera...

Sima Huiwang's eyelids twitched as she scanned the densely packed names of medicinal ingredients.

Especially since a few of them were familiar to her.

They were the kind of medicinal ingredients that were particularly beneficial to female cultivators, even when consumed raw, they had good effects.

After just a glance, Sima Huiwang couldn't help but wonder.

Was the Chairman planning to refine some pills beneficial to female cultivators?

As she wondered, Luo Chen's voice sounded in her ear.

"Gather the ingredients quickly, but divide the task among people and purchase them separately."

"Remember this!"

Sima Huiwang nodded heavily, sensing Luo Chen's emphasis on this list.

She planned to handle this matter personally.

The arrangement for the Jasper Pill ended here.

The rest would depend on the actual operation.

Luo Chen's focus shifted to Duan Feng.

Looking at him, his Spirit Energy fluctuations were harmonious and smooth, almost overflowing.

Luo Chen praised, "You haven't been slackening off recently; you've already reached Grand Mastery in Qi Condensation."

Duan Feng pursed his lips and nodded silently.

He shouldn't have reached Grand Mastery so quickly; it should have taken at least a few more years.

But the legacy left by Qiankun Duan was enough to push any Qi Condensation cultivator at the ninth layer to Grand Mastery.

His own talent wasn't bad, and he had already been close to the Grand Mastery Realm.

Now, it was just a matter of taking that final step.

However, he was so calm about it.

Sima Huiwang's heart sank.

According to Luo Chen's promise, among this group, whoever reached Grand Mastery in Qi Condensation first could purchase the Foundation Establishment Pill from Luo Chen at the original auction price.

Among them, the closest to Grand Mastery were Sima Huiwang, Mu Ran Qing Lian, Duan Feng, and Bian Zhen.

Although Sima Huiwang was busy with various tasks, she had the best treatment among the four.

Logically, she should have been the first to reach Grand Mastery.

But unexpectedly, Duan Feng had caught up.

So now...

"When do you plan to start Foundation Establishment?"

Duan Feng raised his head and said straightforwardly, "It's better to seize the day than to wait for a better day. Since I've reached Grand Mastery, why wait? In the next few days, I plan to use my savings to rent a Second Rank Low-grade Immortal Cave on Heavenly Wave Peak to break through my realm."

So full of vigor!

He was indeed the Duan Feng from Luo Chen's memory, decisive in his actions, and aiming to slay Foundation Establishment cultivators even during the Qi Condensation stage.

Luo Chen nodded, "Do you need any help?"

Duan Feng shook his head.

"The help you've given me is already more than enough. I've been studying the Foundation Establishment notes you provided for over a year. I'm confident about Foundation Establishment!"

That was true.

Duan Feng's accumulation was decent, and the resources left by Qiankun Duan were specifically prepared for him, undoubtedly more suitable than what Luo Chen could have arranged.

Adding to this, Luo Chen's experience of successfully Foundation Establishing five times, and his accumulated insights on Foundation Establishment.

If he didn't even have this level of assurance and confidence, then it would truly be better not to attempt the breakthrough.

"Right, I vaguely know what's inside those two silver balls."

Duan Feng suddenly spoke up.

Luo Chen's eyebrows rose, but he noticed some hesitation in his companion.

"Is there something wrong?"

"I'm just guessing, the specific situation can only be accurately determined after I break through Foundation Establishment and unlock the restriction formation."

As he spoke, he used his spirit energy to levitate a small booklet in front of Luo Chen.

Luo Chen opened the booklet.

His pupils contracted as he scanned the pages.

He took a deep look at Duan Feng.

"Alright, I'll wait for your successful Foundation Establishment!"

Beside them, Sima Huiwang listened to their back-and-forth.

But throughout, it seemed like they didn't mention the Foundation Establishment Pill at all.

This left her a bit confused.

At some point, Luo Chen had already smiled at her.

"Don't think too much, Duan Feng has another opportunity, and he doesn't need that Foundation Establishment Pill for now."

Sima Huiwang was startled.

Then, her heart filled with joy.

Even though she tried to control her emotions, the slight upturn of her mouth revealed her inner delight.

Luo Chen smiled, not taking it to heart.

At his current height, one or two Foundation Establishment Pills were no longer a big deal.

As long as he was determined!

As long as he was willing to pay the price!

It would be easier to obtain Foundation Establishment Pills than for a solitary cultivator.

Next, Luo Chen and Sima Huiwang discussed some matters related to the conference.

It involved dealing with two factions not too far away.

One of them was the Geng Family, which had been an enemy in the past, but since they had already settled down, it was best to try to maintain a good relationship.

After all, a distant relative is not as good as a close neighbor! It would be unpleasant to have a bad neighbor.

Sima Huiwang suggested inviting them to settle in Green Mist Valley and continue their previous business.

After a brief contact, they didn't seem as insistent as she had imagined.

Interests move the heart!

Although Green Mist Valley was not large, over the past hundred years, the presence of solitary cultivators on Crimson Peak had fostered a commercial atmosphere.

Operating it as a small-scale market town was not a bad idea.

Over the past year, Gu Caiyi's pills and Duan Feng's magical tools had been sold through the channels of Green Mist Valley.

"If we manage it well, we can even hold small-scale auctions in Green Mist Valley in the future."

"Whether it's to build our reputation or earn spirit stones, it's worth the effort."

Luo Chen strongly agreed with Sima Huiwang's proposal.

Forget about Luo Tianhui.

Even the Mountain Break Gang had their own private black market back then.

His Jade Marrow Pill had gained some fame in that black market.

"Granny Yuan has passed away, but the Medicine Hall cannot be without a master for a day."

"I have three candidates in mind: the highly cultivated Bian Zhen, who is very familiar with medicinal herbs, Feng Xa, and Yuan Dongsheng, who has a good understanding of spirit plants."

"Chairman, whom do you favor?"

Luo Chen thought for a moment and said slowly, "The Medicine Hall is very important, as it involves two major lifelines of Luo Tianhui."

The two lifelines were the Pill Hall and the more than four hundred spirit fields.

The former was fine, as Luo Chen personally oversaw it.

But the latter, while not valuable now, would yield significant returns if managed over time.

In fact, many small sects relied on managing spirit fields for self-sufficiency.

"Therefore, it must be guarded by someone of high cultivation."

"Although Bian Zhen joined Luo Tianhui later, his loyalty has been proven throughout our journey."

"He can be the master of the Medicine Hall!"

Sima Huiwang nodded in agreement.

In fact, she had the same idea.

With Bian Zhen's strong strength, it would be a waste to have him serve under Zhou Yuanli.

"However, it's easy for problems to arise when an outsider leads insiders."

"So, Feng Xa and Yuan Dongsheng's tasks should also be increased."

"Appoint the two of them as Medicine Hall's Spirit Plant Elder and Spirit Herb Elder, each managing one aspect. Bian Zhen can oversee the overall situation!"

After hearing this arrangement, Sima Huiwang was sincerely convinced.

"Your wisdom, Chairman!"

Luo Chen smiled, thinking that this was not a wise decision at all.

It was simply that Luo Tianhui had limited talents, and he could easily think of a solution by matching people with suitable positions.

However, the handling of Bian Zhen also raised another issue.

After several major battles, most of the surviving cultivators of Luo Tianhui were elites.

Each of them had gained a lot, and their cultivation levels had improved.

In just one year, three more cultivators had reached the ninth layer of Qi Condensation.

These people couldn't be left idle.

"I heard you set up an outer gate?"

Sima Huiwang was startled, then quickly nodded.

"I imitated the major sects and established an outer gate. But currently, there's only the hired elder Xu Xiaoliu and a few Qi Condensation mid-stage cultivators running errands."

Luo Chen stroked his chin and thought for a moment before saying, "Why don't you come up with a plan to see if we can transfer a group of people from within the sect who don't have special talents but are quite capable, and assign them to the outer gate?"

"This group will be responsible for handling miscellaneous tasks that the various halls don't deal with."

"They will serve as a link both externally and internally, connecting the various halls."

"Appoint an elder for the outer gate, and you can make the arrangements."

Sima Huiwang silently memorized this, planning to implement it later.

With that, the small meeting came to an end.

Luo Chen stayed in Crimson Peak for the night and attended Granny Yuan's funeral the next day. Then, he returned to the Immortal City with Duan Feng.

After returning, Duan Feng went to rent a cave mansion and prepare for Foundation Establishment.

Meanwhile, Luo Chen immersed himself in the bustling Immortal City.

His figure appeared in various shops.

Since he had already determined his main direction of cultivation, a major shopping spree was inevitable!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end

Report