Chapter 20: Profiting Immensely

Hu Gongfeng held the exquisite healing elixir crafted by Wu Tian in utter disbelief. Though healing elixirs were only of yellow grade, producing premium ones was a formidable feat. Crafting exquisite healing elixirs was even more exceptional. Without significant opportunities or unparalleled alchemical skills, it was virtually impossible to create such elixirs. Even in the entire Kuanwu Empire, finding alchemists capable of casually crafting exquisite healing elixirs was a rarity.

"Esteemed young sir, please have a seat!" Hu Gongfeng hastily gestured towards a nearby chair.

Wu Tian, without hesitation, sat down.

"How may I address you, sir?"

"I go by Wu."

"Wu, young sir, are these elixirs truly the result of your overnight efforts?" Hu Gongfeng inquired.

"I've reiterated countless times; it's absolutely true. Yesterday, I even told him that I would use these crafted elixirs to knock him out. If you doubt it, you can ask him." Wu Tian pointed at the assistant from the medicine shop, speaking bluntly.

The assistant, with an awkward smile, waved his hand. "Hu Gongfeng, he did say that yesterday."

"Hiss! Young Master Wu, crafting this many premium and exquisite healing elixirs overnight is unheard of. The quality and luster of these elixirs are exceptional. Can our medicine shop purchase these healing elixirs?" Hu Gongfeng inquired.

"Of course, I'm in need of money now. Yesterday, you mentioned buying a premium healing elixir for 2,000 taels. I won't sell them for less than that price. As for these exquisite healing elixirs, Hu Gongfeng, name your price." Wu Tian wasn't one to willingly incur losses. Since he needed money at the moment, selling these elixirs was opportune.

"Purchase the premium healing elixirs at 2,000 taels each. As for the exquisite healing elixirs, may I discuss this with the person in charge inside the shop?" Hu Gongfeng was somewhat indecisive.

Wu Tian glanced at Hu Gongfeng and said, "Feel free to discuss."

This 'Ji Min Medicine Shop' was a large pharmacy in Pingyang City, under the 'Shun Feng Trading Company.' Shun Feng Trading Company was a prominent business in the Kuanwu Empire, with shops scattered throughout the empire, and even in the Shenlong Continent. Wu Tian believed such a sizable company wouldn't take advantage of him regarding these elixirs.

"Wu Master, please wait a moment. I'll be right out! Wang San, quickly prepare tea for Wu Master!"

Saying this, Hu Gongfeng took one exquisite healing elixir and entered the inner room. Wang San, the assistant in the medicine shop, hurriedly prepared tea for Wu Tian.

"Wu Master, yesterday I was blind to the facts. Please forgive me and have some tea." Hu Gongfeng was courteous to Wu Tian. As for Wang San, the shop assistant, he didn't dare to be negligent.

Wu Tian, not wanting to argue with a mere shop assistant, took the tea cup handed by Wang San and took a sip.

After the tea entered Wu Tian's stomach, he unexpectedly gained 1 point of qi. This surprised him.

"It can increase qi. What kind of tea is this?" Wu Tian curiously asked.

"This is our exclusive 'Gathering Spirit Tea' from Ji Min Medicine Shop. The tea leaves contain abundant spiritual energy, drinking it can enhance a warrior's qi." Wang San proudly explained.

"Excellent! Since my qi was depleted from alchemy, and my supply of qi-replenishing elixirs is exhausted, young man, bring me a large pot!" 

"This... "

"Hmm? Is it that a renowned Ji Min Medicine Shop is reluctant to offer a pot of tea to its esteemed guest?"

"Alright, you are an esteemed guest. I'll prepare tea for you!"

So, Wu Tian continuously drank tea, and the number +1 for qi kept appearing above his head. Wu Tian had reached level 20, the level of a ten-level martial master, and his total qi had reached 1000. Drinking this tea, he replenished his qi, and after finishing a large pot, his total qi was nearly restored.

"Young Master, a little more. Is there any left?" Wu Tian asked, not entirely satisfied.

Wang San's face turned bitter. He felt the pain because this was the finest Gathering Spirit Tea, reserved only for distinguished guests. Today, it was squandered by a young man. 

"Sorry, all the Gathering Spirit Tea has been consumed by you. There's none left!" Wang San shook his head desperately.

Wu Tian belched and sneered, "Quite stingy. Unwilling to part with a bit of tea, even for a large-scale pharmacy under the Shun Feng Trading Company. No sense of grandeur!"

At this moment, Hu Gongfeng finally walked out from the inner room. At this point, his gaze towards Wu Tian became even more courteous.

"Wu Master, my sincere apologies for making you wait!" Hu Gongfeng apologized.

"No worries, it wasn't a long wait. Take your time." With his qi replenished, Wu Tian was in a good mood.

The assistant had a pained expression on his face. While Wu Tian was fine, the exclusive Gathering Spirit Tea from Ji Min Medicine Shop had been depleted today. He thought, 'This kid drank enough tea to cover a month's worth of consumption. What a waste!'

"Wu Master, I've just discussed with the shop manager. We would like to purchase your premium healing elixirs at 2,000 taels each. As for the exquisite healing elixirs, we propose buying them at 8,000 taels each. What do you think?" Hu Gongfeng inquired.

"Only 8,000 taels for an exquisite healing elixir? Hu Gongfeng, are you intentionally lowballing the price?" Wu Tian squinted at Hu Gongfeng. "10,000 taels per elixir, or we can't negotiate!"

Initially, Wu Tian thought Hu Gongfeng would haggle, but to his surprise, Hu Gongfeng smiled and said, "Deal!"

Wu Tian's eyes widened, "Damn it, Hu Gongfeng, you did that on purpose!"

Hu Gongfeng shook his head and said, "Wu Master, you misunderstood. In reality, a healing elixir is only a yellow-grade elixir. 8,000 taels for one exquisite healing elixir is already the limit. Offering 10,000 taels is in the hope of establishing a long-term partnership with you."

"Long-term partnership? Explain." Wu Tian looked puzzled.

"We, Ji Min Medicine Shop, would like to hire you as our dedicated alchemist, Wu Master. How do you feel about that?" 

Wu Tian suddenly realized and shook his head without hesitation, "Sorry, but I'm not interested in becoming a dedicated alchemist. I only dabble in alchemy casually and have no great interest in a full-time role."

"Casual alchemy?" Hu Gongfeng was speechless. He had dedicated his life to alchemy, and overnight, this young

 man crafted numerous premium and exquisite healing elixirs as if it were nothing extraordinary.

"Wu Master, actually..."

"Hu Gongfeng, instead of persuading me to become a dedicated alchemist, it's better to give me the silver coins now. Yes, that's what I want."

Helpless, Hu Gongfeng could see that this young man was determined not to become a dedicated alchemist. He could only propose, "Wu Master, how about this? While you won't become our dedicated alchemist, we can establish a deeper collaboration. In the future, any elixirs you craft, we will have the first right to purchase, and you can buy products under the Shun Feng Trading Company at an 80% discount. How does that sound?"

Upon hearing Hu Gongfeng's proposal, Wu Tian became interested. The Shun Feng Trading Company had a vast array of products—spiritual flowers, spiritual herbs, spiritual medicines, weapons, and artifacts. An 80% discount on their products was indeed enticing.

In the future, for alchemy, crafting artifacts, and other auxiliary skills, he would need materials. These materials required a substantial amount of funds. With an 80% discount, it meant he could make immense profits, while for them, it was just a matter of buying some elixirs. It was indeed a lucrative deal for him.