https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-44-Breakthrough-to-the-Eighth-Layer-of-Qi-Cultivation/13509906/
Chapter 45: You Brought Incense Too? Agarwood Aloes!
Chapter 45: You Brought Incense Too? Agarwood Aloes!
Chen Zhiquan’s gift box sat open on the table.
Relatives and friends of the Chen family nearby couldn’t resist craning their necks to peek.
Shun Shu, sitting at the same table, turned to An Ge. “Anzi, you’ve seen the world—how much do you think this sandalwood incense costs? Spirit stones?”
An Ge replied enviously, “Look at the inscription—Hezhou Xiong Clan. This is top-grade sandalwood incense, the finest of its kind. A single stick is worth one spirit stone.”
Pingzi nearly choked, “So this one box costs ten spirit stones? That’s outrageous!”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. “Last time at the Treasure Pavilion, custom-made incense sold for just one spirit stone per box. Zhiquan’s generosity is unmatched.”
“Tell me about it! Using incense this expensive—how much would you earn to break even? Only a pill forging master could afford such extravagance.”
Chen Zhiquan basked in the envious chatter, exactly the effect he’d hoped for. Xiao Chen must’ve heard the value too, he thought. He’ll want it but feel guilty about accepting something so costly.
Perfect. This would prove how much he valued Xiao Chen.
Next, Xiao Chen would surely refuse, and he’d insist—letting his “generosity” shine.
But in this case, Chen Zhiquan’s assumption was… slightly off.
Xiao Chen did glance at the gift, then began to decline, “Zhiquan-ge, to be honest, I used to burn incense, but lately—”
Here we go, Chen Zhiquan thought, straightening.
Xiao Chen continued, “I’ve found it unnecessary for pill forging. I don’t really need it anymore.”
Chen Zhiquan interjected, righteous and firm, “Xiao Chen, that’s too formal! We’re both pill forging apprentices. I’ve been where you are—how could you not need it?”
“Even if you don’t need it now, keep it for later. When you learn new pill formulas, you’ll find a use. Trust me.”
Xiao Chen hesitated, “Zhiquan-ge, this sandalwood incense is just too expensive—”
“Stop!” Chen Zhiquan cut in. “Tools for learning a craft—what’s expensive about that? You use what you must.”
With that, Xiao Chen relented, though inwardly smirking. Fine, I’ll take your gift… but I’ve got something to return.
He picked up the gift box, “Alright, I’ll accept it then. Thank you, Zhiquan-ge.”
Chen Zhiquan smiled, ready to add more—until Xiao Chen reached into his robe and placed a bundle of incense on the table.
“I brought some incense too. A small token of my appreciation.”
You brought incense too?!
Chen Zhiquan’s eyes widened. The unique shape caught his attention immediately.
Agarwood Aloes, richer in oils than ordinary incense, gleamed with a deep, lustrous blackness.
In short—pricey.
A breeze wafted through, carrying its rich aroma: a sweet, cool fragrance with a calming undertone.
And this was before lighting it.
“This is Agarwood Aloes from the Extreme East Land!” Chen Zhiquan blurted.
The surrounding Chen family members exchanged puzzled glances. Though they shared the same surname, many branch members had never even heard of such a luxury.
An Ge and Pingzi, frequent bazaar-goers, stared blankly.
Shun Shu suddenly recalled, “I’ve heard of this. Twenty years ago, when the Jiang family head visited, Agarwood Aloes was listed on the gift registry.”
Another elder nodded, “Yes! That bundle was tied with a golden silk ribbon, displayed alongside Five-Color Heyuan Pills.”
An Ge’s eyes widened, “Five-Color Heyuan Pills sell for ten spirit stones each. At that rate, a single stick of this incense would be worth five!”
Chen Zhiquan’s mind reeled. Five spirit stones per stick?!
He stared at Xiao Chen, itching to ask the same question others would: How much would you need to earn to break even using this?
But he was a professional—a trained pill forging apprentice.
Every first-tier pill’s profit margin couldn’t cover five spirit stones. This incense wasn’t just burning money—it was cremating it.
Chen Zhiquan hesitated, glancing at the precious bundle. “Disciple-brother… this is too valuable. I can’t accept it.”
Xiao Chen fired back, “But tools for learning a craft—what’s expensive about that? You use what you must.”
Chen Zhiquan sputtered, “No, no, I haven’t used incense in years. I don’t need—”
“Zhiquan-ge!” Xiao Chen interrupted. “You’ll find a use. Keep it for later. Trust me.”
“I… I…” Chen Zhiquan’s mouth moved soundlessly, like a fish gasping before a storm.
Silence fell.
Finally, Chen Zhiquan shook his head, “No, I can’t take this. This Agarwood Aloes is too precious.”
“But I didn’t bring anything else,” Xiao Chen said, patting his Flying Sword. “Unless… you’ve got your eye on my Flying Sword?”
Chen Zhiquan waved him off, “No, I just—”
Before he could finish, Elder Chen’s voice boomed, “Zhiquan! Xiao Chen! Stop lingering there. Come sit down and eat.”
Chen Zhiquan quickly explained the situation to Elder Chen, who listened in stunned silence.
Elder Chen frowned, “I’ve never used such luxurious incense for pill forging. Accepting it feels… excessive.”
But Alchemy Hall Elder Chen Tianyuan’s eyes gleamed with admiration.
He knew Xiao Chen’s background—no connections, no resources, just sheer grit. Acquiring such a gift, navigating purchase channels and saving spirit stones, must’ve been grueling.
Exactly the kind of resolve our family needs.
“Since Xiao Chen offered it sincerely, Zhiquan, accept it.”
He placed a bottle of Five-Color Heyuan Pills on the table, “And as a return gift, this is for you.”
“Time’s up. Let’s eat.”
With that, the matter was settled.
Chen Zhiquan took the Agarwood Aloes, Xiao Chen accepted the pills.
As Xiao Chen turned to sit, Elder Chen called, “Don’t sit there—come join my table!”
Before Xiao Chen could protest, Chen Zongguan grabbed his arm, dragging him over.
“Sorry, Xiao Chen,” Zongguan whispered. “I meant to warn you earlier, but I knew you’d handle it.”
Xiao Chen rolled his eyes. You’ve got some nerve.
If Zhiquan hadn’t brought incense first, he’d have been the one embarrassed.
But fate had twisted in his favor—earning him a bottle of Five-Color Heyuan Pills.
(End of Chapter)
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