Chapter 9: Hidden Code: Wo Nen Die

"Pharmacology, pharmacology..."

Chen Shu returned home and began exploring the new functions of the system.

After the previous selection, the system had activated the basic level of pharmacology.

A new panel appeared before his eyes, resembling a tree.

The branches of the tree represented various potions:

Potent Potion, Flame Potion, Ice Potion, Enlargement Potion, and many more.

However, only the Potent Potion was illuminated, while the rest remained dim.

The lower the position on the potion tree, the rarer and more precious the potions became.

With a thought, he looked at the Potent Potion at the top.

Potent Potion: Permanently enhances the contract spirit's power.

Proficiency: Mastery Level (30% reduction in materials required for potion refining)

Insufficient current materials, unable to refine!

Note: Each refinement increases proficiency. Proficiency levels include Novice, Mastery, Grandmaster, and Grandmaster.

Another note: Different proficiency levels provide additional effects.

Chen Shu's face brimmed with excitement as he continued to study the functionality.

As a major discipline among humans, the significance of pharmacology was self-evident.

If he could master it proficiently, it would be like discovering a treasure trove.

"It seems that I still need refining materials; I can't create something out of nothing."

Chen Shu eventually reached a conclusion.

Other people who refined potions needed to concentrate and avoid any mistakes.

Even then, there could still be failures.

Although pharmacology had developed for hundreds of years, it had not been industrialized, and instruments could not be used for refining.

Each bottle of potion was personally refined by a pharmacist, which explained why they were so expensive.

But Chen Shu was different; he had the system. He only needed to add the materials, and the corresponding potions would be automatically refined.

"I need the Potent Flower..."

Chen Shu murmured while lying on his bed.

The materials required for the Potent Potion were quite ordinary and easy to obtain, except for the main ingredient called the Potent Flower, which came from a different dimension.

It was certain that the major stores in the city center would sell it, but he lacked the qualification to purchase it without the identity of a pharmacist.

"I'll have to visit the black market."

Chen Shu muttered to himself. He wanted to earn money as soon as possible.

Besides advancing the contract spirit, the strength of the medicinal potions played a significant role.

Contract spirits from prominent families always had a steady supply of potions and could even engage in battles beyond their level.

"Zhang Dali seems to know the location of the black market."

Chen Shu opened the Hyper-Message and found Zhang Dali.

His profile picture was that of a grassland wolf, and his name was "Lonely Wolf."

"Dali?"

"Hey, Api, what's up? Why did you suddenly contact me? Since you left, only I have been left in the regular class to hold the fort. It's so lonely, so lonely."

"Your uncle just beat up the captain of the Beast Control Class Three today. It was quite a scene."

"Tell me more."

"Next time, I'll tell you. Do you know the location of the black market?"

"Why? Do you want to buy something?"

"I want to experience it."

"Great, I skipped evening self-study today. Let's go together."

"Oh, by the way, lend me some money."

"..."

"Dali?"

"..."

"What the hell, pretending to be dead when it comes to borrowing money?"

Chen Shu couldn't stand the silence and continued to harass Zhang Dali with messages.

"We're the same age, and if you don't have money, how can I have any?"

Zhang Dali finally couldn't tolerate the harassment and replied.

"By the way, why don't you use 'Huanbei'? Don't you have a monthly quota for that?"

"No, I can't use that. I have to repay what I borrow."

Lonely Wolf: "???"

Zhang Dali decisively closed the Hyper-Message.

Living in the same neighborhood, Zhang Dali soon visited Chen Shu in person.

"I say, Chen Pi, you really have no money?"

"I really don't. I'm broke right now."

"Forget it, let's go check out the black market."

Although Chen Shu had no money, there was a chance he could trigger a system option.

As long as he could get some potions and sell them on the spot, wouldn't he have money then?

The two of them rode their bikes leisurely towards the outskirts.

"Speaking of the black market, I've had the privilege of going a few times with my parents. It's a chaotic place, so we should be low-key."

Zhang Dali's parents were both Black Iron-level Beast Masters, coming from a wealthy family.

However, since he didn't possess the talent for Beast Mastery, he could only be an ordinary person.

As the saying goes, a strong dragon shouldn't oppress the local snake, and I understand this reasoning."

Chen Shu nodded in agreement.

The two of them looked like they were about to stir up the black market.

But when they arrived at the entrance of the black market, they were dumbfounded.

"Apologies, without a Tier 5 or higher Beast Master accompanying you, you are not allowed to enter."

"Brother, please make an exception. We both have identities."

"May I ask, besides an identification card, what other identity do you have?"

The staff member at the black market entrance crossed his arms and seemed indifferent.

As a Beast Master himself, he could sense their aura, one being a mere ordinary person and the other at most Level 3.

The two of them didn't expect the guard to be so disrespectful.

Zhang Dali coughed, realizing that he needed to introduce himself properly.

"I am Zhang Dali, from Nanjiang City Second Middle School, Class 3, and I once served as the class representative for the Materials class..."

"Get lost!"

"Fine!"

Zhang Dali turned around and walked away without a moment's hesitation, pulling Chen Shu along.

"Chen Pi, it seems we can't get in. Next time, let my father bring you."

However, Chen Shu remained in place, and three options appeared in his eyes.

[Option One: Use the Golden Slime to forcefully enter the black market and show off. Reward upon completion: Beast Master level +1]

[Option Two: Reluctantly leave and look for another opportunity. Reward upon completion: Slime power doubles for three days]

[Option Three: Extreme provocation. Get close to the security guard and whisper, "Womendie." Reward upon completion: Skill amplification +1]

Chen Shu fell into contemplation, only to be awakened by Zhang Dali's urging.

"Dali, are you familiar with the terrain here?"

"It's okay. Why?"

"Get ready to run, and whatever happens, don't look back... Take a picture!"

Before Zhang Dali could react, he saw Chen Shu approaching the guard.

Chen Shu spoke softly.

"Brother, I know the secret phrase. Can we go in?"

"Huh? What?" The security guard looked puzzled.

At that moment, Chen Shu slowly approached and gently whispered in his ear.

"Womendie..."

In the next instant, Chen Shu turned around abruptly and ran as fast as he could.

The guard was stunned for a moment before realizing what happened, but by then, the two had vanished.

Their speed was truly unprecedented. The guard could only curse and grumble a few words before returning to his post.

"Chen Pi, what the hell did you say?"

"Nothing much, just tried the secret phrase."

Chen Pi panted heavily. The feeling of pulling off something sneaky was truly exhilarating.

Indeed, the skill amplification of the Golden Slime increased by one level.

Skill Amplification: Temporarily increases body size fourfold, with a slight decrease in speed.

"It seems we need to think of a way to enter the black market."

"Let's discuss it next time. How about having some noodles?"

As they looked up, they happened to be in front of a noodle shop called "La Da Mian."

"The name feels a bit disgusting, don't you think?"

Chen Shu raised an eyebrow, finding the pronunciation resembling "La Da Bian" (big feces).

"It's unique, and besides, I haven't had dinner yet."

Zhang Dali didn't mind at all and went straight into the shop.

"Boss, two bowls of noodles, please."

"Do you want a large portion?"

"Yes, definitely a large portion!"

"We'll serve it to you soon. Enjoy while it's hot."

"..."