Chapter - 15

Repeat customers were something Gu Shengtian valued deeply.

Rather than relying on Chen Laodao's established clientele, he had been working diligently to cultivate his own customer base.

However, mass-market pills like Bigu Dan—even if he had successfully refined some mid-grade versions—would never be enough to secure long-term buyers. He was also constrained by his production capacity.

That was why Zhongmiao Pills represented a golden opportunity.

After a few casual conversations, Gu Shengtian quickly arranged his stock of pills.

Chen Laodao took another glance at the inventory. Everything was clearly labeled and accounted for, and he couldn't help but think to himself: Has Gu Shengtian's alchemy truly advanced?

With each passing market day, the size of Gu Shengtian's stall had been growing.

Of course, part of this was thanks to his creative use of "Lingshi loans."

As the sun climbed higher, more and more cultivators arrived at the market. Soon, both Gu Shengtian and Chen Laodao were fully engaged in business.

A familiar voice called out.

"Daoist Gu, what a coincidence!"

"Indeed, what a coincidence!" Gu Shengtian responded warmly, recognizing Zeng Wen. He gestured toward the rows of pill bottles lined up in front of him. "Stocking up?"

"Stocking up," Zeng Wen confirmed, picking up five bottles of Bigu Dan and rolling them in his palm with a satisfied expression. "Your skills are impressive. The Bigu Dan I tried last time had the quality of a high-grade pill—far better than the usual stuff on the market."

"As long as it serves its purpose," Gu Shengtian replied humbly. "Here, take two bottles of Zhongmiao Pills as well."

Without another word, he discreetly slipped two bottles of Zhongmiao Pills into Zeng Wen's hand. Their eyes met, and an unspoken understanding passed between them.

Nearby, another cultivator who had been browsing talisman seals took notice.

"Brother Zeng, was that flower-spotted tiger butchered by Li yesterday one of your trophies? You really made a killing on this last trip to the mountains!"

Zeng Wen gave a dismissive wave. "Just doing my part to rid the world of demon beasts. Nothing worth mentioning."

The cultivator chuckled. "Not worth mentioning? You're too modest. What are you buying?"

Zeng Wen slipped the Zhongmiao Pills into his storage bag and held up a bottle of Bigu Dan.

"Just stocking up. It'll make my next expedition easier." Then, with a nod, he excused himself. "Brother Duan, I have urgent business to attend to. I'll take my leave."

As Zeng Wen left in a hurry, the other cultivator frowned, suddenly noticing the two exquisite jade bottles Gu Shengtian had just placed on the stall.

"Wait... what kind of elixir is that?"

Gu Shengtian's eyes gleamed. "Interested in learning more about Zhongmiao Pills?"

The market buzzed with activity as customers came and went. The cycle was always the same—questions, negotiations, praises, haggling, and ultimately, deals being struck.

Unlike some aloof cultivators who silently meditated at their stalls, the bluestone market was alive with energy. Old and young vendors alike were sharp-tongued and thick-skinned, each pushing their wares with enthusiasm.

Whenever he had a moment, Gu Shengtian would also help Chen Laodao advertise his talisman seals, occasionally exaggerating their effects just enough to entice buyers.

By noon, his own stock was nearly wiped out.

30 bottles of Bigu Dan—sold, earning six low-grade spirit stones.

20 bottles of Zhongmiao Pills—sold, earning 100 low-grade spirit stones.

The stark difference in revenue was clear, but in terms of actual profit? Zhongmiao Pills brought in zero income—just capital preservation.

On the other hand, Bigu Dan—refined with his Grandmaster-level skill—netted him a profit of three spirit stones after deducting costs.

Theoretically, if he focused solely on Bigu Dan, he could produce more and increase his earnings.

But there was a limit to market demand. There was also a limit to how much buyers could afford. Chasing only a handful of extra spirit stones wouldn't change much.

Instead, Gu Shengtian was making a strategic investment—using this time to raise his proficiency in Zhongmiao Pills. Once his skill improved, large-scale profits would follow.

Industrial transformation required short-term sacrifices. He could endure that.

Chen Laodao, of course, kept pestering him to repay his debts. With a resigned sigh, Gu Shengtian handed over fifty spirit stones—only to sweet-talk and bargain his way into borrowing them back immediately.

"Trust me, I'll pay it back. You've seen my recent profits! Support a struggling monk in his cultivation, and when I rise to greatness, I'll repay you a hundredfold!"

Chen Laodao scoffed.

Gu Shengtian grinned. "Fine, how about this? My pills are sold out. I'll work for you this afternoon—help you sell talisman seals!"

"Trust me, I'll get them sold in no time. You can draw two more later and make back whatever I sell."

After much haggling, Gu Shengtian pocketed his 106 spirit stones.

The cost? Working as a temporary assistant for the afternoon.

---

An Unexpected Encounter

While hawking talismans, Gu Shengtian's attention was suddenly drawn to a commotion nearby.

"Brother Wang?"

He looked up and saw Wang Yuan's stall, now surrounded by a crowd.

Instinctively, he wanted to go over and watch the drama unfold.

But Chen Laodao grabbed his sleeve. "Don't."

"Why?"

"Have you already forgotten what happened last time?"

Gu Shengtian frowned. Then, a memory surfaced—one from two years ago, from the original owner's past.

That scene… that tension… it was eerily similar to this moment.

"Someone seeking revenge?"

Chen Laodao let out a sigh. "Most wandering cultivators have no real support, but some still have relatives or friends."

"Die, and it's over. But if your magic weapons and robes get resold… well, some people won't take that lightly."

Gu Shengtian glanced at the heated exchange.

There was a distinct tension in the air—a fight could break out at any moment.

Wang Yuan was in the seventh stage of Qi Refining. Anyone daring to confront him directly wouldn't be much weaker.

If a battle erupted, watching from too close could easily get him caught in the crossfire.

Chen Laodao shook his head. "They won't fight. Combat is strictly prohibited inside the inner city."

Sure enough, after exchanging a few harsh words, the three furious cultivators stormed out of the market.

Wang Yuan remained seated, cross-legged in front of his stall, eyes half-closed in an indifferent expression.

Gu Shengtian muttered, "Selling a bloodstained magic weapon is risky… why not just sell it to Wanbao Tower?"

Chen Laodao sneered. "Because Wanbao Tower only buys at half price. They refine it back down, reforge it, and sell it for even more than the original!"

"Setting up a stall? That's how you maximize profit."

It made sense now. Sanxiu market goods were a gamble. Prices were low, but authenticity was uncertain. It all depended on the buyer's eye for value.

And if a weapon was too distinct? There was always the risk of recognition.

Gu Shengtian sighed. "Right now, I only have a rusty low-grade sword."

"In the future, should I buy from the market… or play it safe with Wanbao Tower?"

He rubbed his chin. It was almost like choosing between a luxury brand or a second-hand deal.

---

Nightfall—A Sudden Crisis

By evening, Gu Shengtian had spent every single spirit stone on raw materials.

He walked back home, a large snakeskin bag slung over his shoulder, humming a tune.

But then—his steps halted.

In the moonlight, four figures blocked his path.

A dark night. A chilling wind. Murder and robbery.

Had his turn finally come?

A weight sank in his chest.