Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 3: Do You Want It or Not? - Novel Cool

Chapter 3: Do You Want It or Not?

Chapter 3: Do You Want It or Not?

Three male cultivators, dressed in tight-fitting robes, approached and bent down to examine the items on the stone slab.

"Huh, a Concealment Talisman! That's a good one! How much for one?"

"Five spirit stones each. It's perfect for home, travel, and hunting. In a pinch, activate this talisman, and even a Thorned Wolf won't be able to smell you!"

"That expensive? Why don't you just rob us?"

"Do you want it or not?"

"Can you lower the price? We're heading into the mountains and need to buy many types of talismans. If you give us a good deal, we'll buy a stack from you."

"Why don't you check around? My reputation in the Great River Market is well-known for my talisman-making skills! Besides, can you afford to be bitten less by a beast if the talisman is cheaper?"

"Three spirit stones for the Concealment Talisman, plus three Earth Spike Talismans and six Fireball Talismans."

"Four! No less. This Concealment Talisman is my exclusive business, and I only make one a month!"

The three cultivators conferred and decided to buy the Concealment Talisman.

After settling the transaction, they turned their attention to the jade bottles in the corner.

"Hunger Suppressing Pills?"

Luo Chen perked up. "One pill will keep you full, and ten will keep you from feeling hungry for three days and nights. How many bottles do you want?"

"How much are they?"

"Let me tell you, my Hunger Suppressing Pills are made with premium first-grade yellow beef, ginseng, and angelica, and refined with the medicinal honey from the Medicine King Sect. They are truly high-quality and reasonably priced!"

"Are they really that good?"

"Come, smell this aroma. Is it not fragrant? Look at the color; it's absolutely not adulterated with flour. I dare say no one in this area can match the quality of my pills!"

"Brother, it does seem to be more fragrant than the Hunger Suppressing Pills we bought before."

"Exactly, this fellow clearly knows his stuff. You were probably cheated before. Did those pills taste floury? They must have used fake beef!"

"How much?"

"Four bottles for one spirit stone!"

"Why don't you just rob us!"

"Do you want it or not? You won't find a better deal at any other stall. I have many regular customers, and I’ll be selling out soon."

"Can you lower the price?"

"Seeing that you three are genuinely interested, I’ll give you a deal. One spirit stone for five bottles! How about that? Consider it a friendship offer. When I release new pills, I’ll give you a discount!"

"Alright, we'll take ten bottles. We still have some left from before, but we'll try yours this time."

The transaction was completed, and Luo Chen and the old cultivator, Chen, exchanged well-wishes: "Safe travels and a bountiful harvest."

After the customers left, the two shared a knowing smile.

Chen quietly placed another Concealment Talisman on the stall.

What about the one talisman per month?

As the sun rose higher, the southwestern corner of the independent cultivators' area became increasingly bustling.

Vendors selling pills, cultivation techniques, and beast meat were everywhere.

Buyers and bargain hunters flowed in and out, and occasionally, a disciple in the Jade Peak Sword Sect's uniform would appear.

The presence of these sect disciples invigorated the independent cultivators, causing their prices to rise.

Sect members were always big spenders!

However, this didn't concern Luo Chen.

Hunger Suppressing Pills were the most common item, available in any sect.

And the ones he refined were the lowest grade, not even true pills but just Hunger Suppressing Powder formed into pills.

Even if he refined them perfectly, they had no competitive edge.

By noon, Luo Chen had sold most of his stock.

He only had twenty bottles to begin with, which he had accumulated over six or seven days.

It's safe to say that low-rank alchemists have it tough! And it’s even worse for independent low-rank alchemists who aren’t supported by sects or families!

Without much to tidy up, Luo Chen handed a few strips of beef jerky made from scraps to the old Daoist Chen and prepared to leave.

Before he could go, the old Daoist, munching on the jerky with a sip of water, called out to him.

"Are you bringing in a new potion? It’s not that incomplete formula you found last year, is it?"

"Kid, don't aim too high. I’ve seen too many independent alchemists delve into new formulas, only to end up bankrupt and losing everything."

"That spirit stone you’ve saved up is hard-earned. Why don’t you go to the Spirit Herb Pavilion and buy a couple of bottles of Qi Nourishing Pills to boost your cultivation?"

This was a rare moment of genuine concern from the miserly old man who always tried to get a bargain.

Luo Chen could sense the sincerity in his words.

In truth, the original owner had paid a much heavier price for that incomplete formula than what the old Daoist had mentioned.

However, Luo Chen had his own plans and wouldn’t make the same mistake.

"You should take better care of your teeth. My beef jerky can chip them."

The old Daoist grimaced as he bit into the jerky, the meat fibers getting stuck in his teeth. Despite the discomfort, he forced it down and glared at Luo Chen.

"Get out of here!"

Luo Chen chuckled and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

He found himself back in the southwestern corner, the area for independent cultivators, but this time, he headed to the herb trading zone.

Having spent a lot of time here, he was well-versed in the buying and selling of various goods.

"Sister Wang, did your husband just return from the mountains with these? They look like they haven’t even been dried. I doubt anyone knowledgeable would be interested."

"Little brother, I’ll do you a favor and take ten pounds, though it’s a bit of a stretch."

"This Fo-ti root doesn’t look like it’s ten years old. I’ll take it if you lower the price."

"Yam, yes, fifty pounds. I used to buy twenty pounds for one spirit stone, but now the price has doubled. Can you give me a discount?"

"Never mind, I won’t haggle. Throw in a red pine nut, this one, it’s big enough."

Luo Chen spent the afternoon wandering through the herb market, making large purchases of the herbs he needed.

Since these were all independent cultivators selling from stalls, the quality of the goods depended entirely on his discerning eye, and the prices were all up for negotiation.

By the time he was done, his lips were parched from all the haggling, but he had managed to gather most of what he needed.

Next, he had to head to the city center of the inner city.

The Spirit Herb Pavilion, one of the six top-tier shops in the Great River Market, was situated in the most prominent location in the city center.

Five stories tall, with overhanging eaves and intricate carvings, it was a breathtaking sight.

However, this place only dealt in finished potions, which were currently beyond Luo Chen’s means.

His destination was the Hundred Herbs Hall, located next to the Spirit Herb Pavilion.

Legend had it that both the Spirit Herb Pavilion and the Hundred Herbs Hall originated from the Medicine King Sect, but why they had separate storefronts was a mystery.

Compared to the grandeur of the Spirit Herb Pavilion, the Hundred Herbs Hall was much more modest.

A row of simple houses stretched to the back, looking unremarkable.

But as soon as he got close, the strong scent of herbs hit him.

Luo Chen’s spirits lifted, and he gently placed his large bag at the entrance.

The portly shopkeeper’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the bag, his nose twitching. He then shook his head.

Luo Chen didn’t mind and approached the counter.

"Senior, do you have any scallops or fire dog whips?"

At the mention of these two herbs, the portly shopkeeper’s gaze became more curious.

New book release, if you like it, feel free to add it to your collection. Thank you everyone!

(End of Chapter)

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