Chapter 375: Entering the Inner City?
Chapter 375: Entering the Inner City?
The next morning, Jiang Cheng felt that something was amiss with Gu Changkong. The usual vigor was gone, as if he had aged a decade overnight.
"Brother Gu, what's wrong?"
Gu Changkong gave a bitter smile, "Let's talk about it on the way."
Jiang Cheng nodded, a sense of unease creeping into his heart.
Soon, the two left the house, not heading directly to the alchemy chamber but instead strolling along the park path.
"Little Brother Jiang, today might be your last day here."
"Why?" Jiang Cheng asked, his mouth slightly agape.
"Last night, my elder brother called me. He already knows that the one who attacked you a few days ago was Huang Xing, a man close to my fifth brother..."
Gu Changkong recounted the events.
Jiang Cheng's face gradually grew solemn.
"So, if you don't agree, that matter might quickly reach the ears of my mother, Gu Changlin's mother?"
"Yes."
Gu Changkong sighed.
"The Bai family's influence is no weaker than ours, the Gu family. That woman holds a significant position in the Bai family, and she's more than capable of dealing with you and me. My elder brother seems to have given me a choice, but in reality, he hasn't. So, I had no choice but to side with him and tell him about you."
"So, he will take me into the Inner City?"
"Mhm."
Gu Changkong nodded, a faint smile on his face.
"You've always wanted to refine higher-grade pills, right? Following my elder brother will definitely give you that chance. Not just third-rank, but even fourth-rank pills will be within your reach."
"Moreover, once there, even if Gu Changlin wants to do something to you, it will be difficult. My elder brother will also send experts to protect you."
Jiang Cheng's face remained grave.
On one hand, the suddenness of the situation was overwhelming.
On the other hand, could things really be as good as Gu Changkong made them seem? At least from Gu Changkong's previous words, it was clear that Gu Changlin wasn't the most accommodating person.
Indeed, Jiang Cheng wanted to refine fourth-rank pills, which would bring in more profits per furnace. However, the question was, even if Gu Changlin agreed to such a deal, would Jiang Cheng still get half the profits as he did here?
Hearing Jiang Cheng's inquiry, Gu Changkong's expression became serious, and he decided to be honest.
"It might be a bit difficult. The alchemists under my brother usually get one or two percent, and the more capable ones can get two or three percent of the profits. But if it's you, you might get a slightly higher percentage. I'll also negotiate for you when he arrives."
Jiang Cheng nodded.
From Gu Changkong's words, it seemed unlikely to reach five percent, and four percent would be a blessing.
In other words, following Gu Changkong into the Inner City might not be as profitable as staying here...
"Brother, I understand your thoughts."
Gu Changkong could read Jiang Cheng's mind and sighed, "I want you to stay here too, but circumstances are beyond our control. If this matter is exposed one day, your situation will become dire. Following my elder brother will mean less money, but it's safer. Isn't staying alive the prerequisite for earning money?"
Jiang Cheng nodded in agreement.
That made sense.
Moreover, Gu Changkong was genuinely considering his well-being.
Since that was the case, Jiang Cheng decided to go to the Inner City and see for himself.
If Gu Changlin turned out to be a decent person, they could continue their cooperation. Perhaps, just like his rapid progress in the Outer City, his strength might advance even faster in the Inner City.
If not...
"Little brother, after he arrives, show him your capabilities. Following him will definitely be better than following me."
Gu Changkong's voice rang out.
"Big Brother Gu, what about you?"
Jiang Cheng asked.
"Me?"
Gu Changkong gave a self-deprecating laugh.
"Entering the Inner District won't be a problem, but after that, we'll have to rely on others."
When he first arrived in the Outer District, he had grand ambitions and wanted to make a name for himself.
But he soon realized that reality was starkly different from his ideals.
Just as he caught a glimpse of hope, it was snuffed out in an instant.
Such is reality.
After about half an hour, two flying vehicles descended in front of the experimental building.
One was smaller and could only seat two people.
The other was much larger, at least three times the size of the first, comfortably seating seven or eight people.
Four men exited the vehicles, and the three behind were likely bodyguards, dressed in black suits. The leader was a man in a white suit with a faint smile on his face.
It was Gu Changlin.
In front of the experimental building, Gu Changkong and Jiang Cheng had been waiting for some time.
"Big Brother!"
Gu Changkong spread his arms and walked forward.
"Hahaha, Little Three! It's been a while."
Gu Changlin spread his arms, and the two embraced for several seconds before separating. If it weren't for Jiang Cheng's understanding, one might have thought they were very close.
"Big Brother, this is Jiang Cheng, my brother."
Gu Changkong introduced Jiang Cheng.
"You're much younger than I imagined. Truly, heroes are born young."
Gu Changlin exclaimed, his gaze falling on Jiang Cheng as he carefully examined him. Jiang Cheng extended his hand and smiled, "Brother Jiang, I'm Gu Changlin, Changkong's elder brother. You can just call me Elder Brother Changlin."
"Elder Brother Changlin."
Jiang Cheng acknowledged.
"Mhm."
Gu Changlin nodded in satisfaction, "I'm sure Little Three has already told you why I'm here."
Jiang Cheng nodded.
"Then let's not waste time. Lead the way."
Gu Changlin smiled.
If it weren't for recruiting Jiang Cheng, he wouldn't have wanted to come to this place that resembled a slum.
The group entered the alchemy chamber, and Jiang Cheng began to refine alchemical pills.
Despite the presence of many people, he remained focused, and after about three hours, a furnace of Ultimate Awakening Spirit Pills was freshly produced.
Standing by, Gu Changkong heaved a slight sigh of relief.
He had been a bit worried that Jiang Cheng might not perform well, but thankfully, that wasn't the case.
"Not bad, not bad at all."
Gu Changlin's gaze towards Jiang Cheng grew kinder.
"I heard from Little Three that you only needed a few days to raise the efficiency of the Awakening Spirit Pills to the Mastery Level? Is that so?"
Jiang Cheng nodded.
"Then, do you have the confidence to further improve your alchemy skills? If so, how long will it take?" Gu Changlin's eyes shone with anticipation.
The cost of ten portions of herbs was still high.
If it could be reduced further, that would be even better.
"Of course, I have the confidence. To reach the Great Success Level, I believe a month is sufficient. As for Perfection, it's hard to say for now."
Jiang Cheng wasn't foolish enough to tell the whole truth.
"Good."
Gu Changlin immediately said, "Pack up and come with me."
"Elder Brother Changlin, before I go with you, I have some questions."
Jiang Cheng spoke up.
"Oh?"
Gu Changlin smiled slightly, "Go ahead, ask."
(End of Chapter)
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