https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-77-The-Art-of-Exorbitant-Demands-and-Grounded-Bargains/12831551/
Chapter 78: The Alchemy Hall Master — Louis Chen
Chapter 78: The Alchemy Hall Master — Louis Chen
Once upon a time, there was a man named Ice Tiger, an oddity within the Broken Mountain Gang.
He held the esteemed position of Hall Master but never bothered with the gang's affairs.
Due to an injury from his early days, his path to cultivation was cut short, and he spent most of his time chasing pleasure and indulging in the company of beauties.
Whenever he needed spirit stones, he would go hunting in the mountains alone.
He rarely formed alliances with anyone, living a solitary life.
If not for his exceptional performance on the Dao Discussion Platform and the deaths of three other Hall Masters, he would never have returned to the Broken Mountain Gang to serve as one of the three combat Hall Masters.
Now, facing the inquiry of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he shrugged nonchalantly.
"Do you want to hear a lie or the truth?"
Michelle Flower's face darkened.
"What difference does it make whether it's a lie or the truth?"
"A lie? I had a blast, my legs and mouth were weak, and I almost couldn't crawl out of the building today."
"And the truth?"
"The truth is that there's been a change in management at the Heavenly Fragrance Tower. The beauties I liked either returned to the Joyful Union Sect or retired. The new female cultivators don't know their place, using the Joyful Union Sect's seduction techniques on me without any spiritual power. My old bones can't take that kind of torment. I almost didn't make it out today."
So, whether it was a lie or the truth, he almost didn't make it out!
Michelle Flower took a deep breath. "The gang is setting up an Alchemy Hall, which will benefit everyone. As a Hall Master, I need your opinion."
Zeng Wen sprawled in his chair, spreading his hands wide.
"You want my opinion? Of course, I'll say it's a good idea!"
"Uh?"
"Little Louis is my dear brother. If he's going to refine elixirs for us, we definitely need to give him more spirit stones!"
With that, he winked at Louis Chen. "When will you refine the Superior Wonders Pill? I've been tormented by the beauties at the Heavenly Fragrance Tower for too long!"
Louis Chen clasped his hands together, looking righteous.
"I will spare no effort to help my fellow cultivator break through the Joyful Union Sect's seduction techniques!"
Seeing this exchange, Michelle Flower couldn't help but laugh in frustration.
"Fine, it's two percent. It's just a few dozen spirit stones. Being so petty makes us seem too worldly."
Ha, it's not like you're not being petty!
This thought flashed through everyone's mind.
Then, under everyone's eager gaze, Louis Chen sat down again.
From that day on, the Broken Mountain Gang had its ninth hall — the Alchemy Hall!
The major decisions were made, and now it was time to address the details.
The location for the Alchemy Hall was already chosen, and the construction was nearly complete. Michelle Flower had even contributed a set of first-tier medium-sized array formations to protect the hall from beast and enemy attacks.
Sikong Shoujia also detailed the personnel who would be assigned to the Alchemy Hall.
As for why this uninvolved elder was informing Louis Chen, it was because he would also be moving into the Alchemy Hall, serving as an executive officer.
Louis Chen could only chuckle at this.
Another elder, another executive, what are you up to?
He didn't delay and immediately proposed that Gu Caiyi join the gang.
Qin Liangchen and his wife vouched for her, confirming her background and integrity.
This proposal was passed without any objections.
However, when it came to assigning Gu Caiyi to the Alchemy Hall, Mi Junping frowned and refused.
Once again, Zeng Wen spoke up for Louis Chen.
"Gu Caiyi is a renowned dancer, famous throughout the Great River Market."
"Her joining the Broken Mountain Gang and the Alchemy Hall will be a golden signboard. Are you a fool, Xiaoping, to push her away?"
Mi Junping was furious and started to hold Zeng Wen accountable.
This month, due to his neglect, how many people had died or been injured in his hall, and how many spirit stones had the gang lost?
Zeng Wen laughed it off, saying he would deal with it next month.
This was the reward promised by the old man for participating in the death match. As his daughter, you can't question it!
As the meeting was about to adjourn, Louis Chen, who had been quiet for a long time, spoke up again.
"Boss, are you really going to give me two magical artifacts?"
Michelle Flower was taken aback. "Wasn't it just one?"
"I thought it was one or two. Can you still give me a discount?"
Louis Chen looked innocent, his clear eyes full of anticipation.
"An intermediate-grade magical robe with a self-cleaning array, ensuring it remains dust-free. It also has a water shield array that can withstand one attack from a late-stage Qi Condensation cultivator."
"An upper-grade magical cloud-stepping boots, each with three arrays, but they're all the same. You know the Wind Riding Technique, right?"
Qin Liangchen inspected the artifacts and returned them to Louis Chen.
Delighted, Louis Chen put them on right away.
He didn't care if they were second-hand.
Now, he was fully equipped with at least intermediate-grade items.
If we add the mid-grade Jade Green Blade and the high-grade Soul-Piercing Spike to his collection, wow!
This wealth is absolutely unparalleled among mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivators!
Qin Liangchen couldn't help but sigh as he watched the scene unfold.
Indeed, Uncle Mi Hua never lacked for a few magical tools.
But after I won the debate platform's life-or-death duel, he only gave me a Golden Needle magical tool, which wasn't even easy to use.
It can't be because I destroyed his top-tier defensive robe that he's unwilling to give me any more tools, right?
Or could it be because I lost a hand and have no future, so he's unwilling to invest in me?
Just like how he ignored Zeng Wen after he was injured.
Speaking of Zeng Wen, he arrived just in time.
His steps were unsteady, and his face was pale.
Seeing this, Murong Qinglian said, "Xiao Zeng, you need to take better care of yourself!"
Zeng Wen was deeply moved. "Murong, you're the only one who cares about me. Your husband lost his hand, so he has no future. Why don't you come with me? I promise—"
"Get the hell out of here!"
Qin Liangchen was furious and kicked him away.
Zeng Wen dragged Luo Chen away, leaving the couple behind, one scolding and the other trying to calm him down.
"Why are you getting so worked up? Weren't you good friends back then?"
"Good friends? He's always thinking about you. Every time I see him, I beat him up."
"You, our son is so big now, and you're still fighting with him."
"Little Brother Luo, I have a secret matter to discuss. Do you have any stock?"
"Yes, the Wondrous Pills, in large bottles, mid-grade!"
"I want the medium bottles."
"Master Zeng, it's not medium bottles, but large bottles, mid-grade."
"Uh, never mind, give me ten bottles. I need to make a comeback!"
Money exchanged hands, and Zeng Wen left with a newfound vigor, his former weakness nowhere to be seen.
Luo Chen looked at the fifty spirit stones in his hand and couldn't help but feel grateful.
Indeed, he's my best customer. I even offered him a discount.
But he insisted on paying full price, saying the Wondrous Pills were better than before and that there was no reason to let a fellow cultivator lose out.
Just as Luo Chen was musing, Wang Yuan appeared ahead, as if he had been waiting for a long time.
He glanced at Luo Chen and then turned and walked away.
Luo Chen immediately followed him.
A short while later, they were in a quiet, secluded chamber.
"I didn't know you could already refine mid-grade elixirs," Wang Yuan said with a mocking laugh.
Luo Chen scratched his head. "Well, I figured you were focused on your path and wouldn't need this stuff. Of course, if you need any, I have plenty!"
"Nonsense!"
Wang Yuan scolded, then suddenly sighed.
"If I had known you could refine mid-grade elixirs, I wouldn't have let you join us back at the Broken Mountain Gang."
Luo Chen's playful smile vanished.
He shook his head. "It's not your fault, Brother Wang. As long as I want to earn spirit stones for cultivation, I'll eventually catch someone's attention. If not the Broken Mountain Gang, it could be the Great River Gang, the Li Family, the Nan Gong Family, the Duan Family, or even the six major Golden Core sects."
The first part made Wang Yuan feel touched.
The second part made him feel a bit uneasy.
You, little brat, being noticed by Golden Core sects and the six major sects?
Still, he gave him a nod of encouragement.
"So, what are your plans now?"
"Since I'm here, I'll make the best of it. If you can reach the Eighth Layer of Qi Condensation in the Broken Mountain Gang, and Brother Qin can gradually cultivate to the Ninth Layer, why can't I?"
His words were filled with a sense of determination and resilience.
Seeing this, Wang Yuan no longer tried to comfort him.
After showcasing his firm resolve, Luo Chen looked at Wang Yuan curiously.
"Did you call me here just to apologize? We're brothers; there's no need for such formality."
Wang Yuan remained silent.
Luo Chen perked up. "You really do have something to say, Brother Wang. You usually help me out. What is it? Just tell me."
Wang Yuan's face was unreadable, whether from his ability to hide his emotions or from the thick skin he had developed through physical cultivation.
Wang Yuan silently took out a piece of animal hide.
Curious, Luo Chen took it and examined it closely.
"Huh, an elixir formula?"
As he read, Luo Chen commented casually, "You're giving me an elixir formula? You're a good friend, no doubt. Wait, something doesn't seem right. Why are all the ingredients the same type? Don't they need to balance the properties?"
He read quickly, almost skimming through the entire formula.
By the time he finished, his brows furrowed. When he reached the end, he blurted out.
"A Second Rank elixir formula?"
(End of Chapter)
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