Chapter 38: Kill Them All!
No one could blame Jia Lie Bi for being confused.
This Liu Xi looked to be only in his early twenties. Apart from having a decent appearance, there wasn't anything particularly noteworthy about him.
And of all things, he wore white robes.
In Wutan City, no young man really wore white anymore—because Xiao Yuan was known for it.
Not because Xiao Yuan banned it, but because his appearance and presence were too exceptional. Clad in white, he carried an ethereal, immortal-like air that had already left a deep impression on everyone's mind. In Wutan City, any young man who dared wear white was immediately compared to Xiao Yuan—and instantly lost.
The contrast was too great!
Liu Xi was no exception. If Xiao Yuan didn't exist, then Liu Xi's alchemist status, white outfit, and arrival to "save" the Jia Lie family might've left a good impression.
But now? He looked like a cheap imitator. The first impression he gave was terrible.
And on top of that, he was acting all arrogant, yet his aura suggested he was only a Fighter. A twenty-something-year-old Fighter... really nothing to brag about.
"Hehe, does Patriarch Jia Lie not recognize the emblem issued by the Alchemist Association?"
Liu Xi took a few steps forward and proudly pointed to the badge on his chest.
On the emblem was an ancient pill cauldron with a single silver ripple etched onto its surface, gleaming under the sunlight.
It was indeed a Grade-1 alchemist badge!
Seeing the badge on Liu Xi's chest, Jia Lie Bi was stunned for a moment—then ecstatic.
"Hehe, Master Liu Xi, my apologies for earlier. Please, have a seat!"
Jia Lie Bi quickly put on a warm smile and ushered him in apologetically.
"Hehe, I've heard all about your Jia Lie family's situation. I've examined that Coagulation Powder. Judging by its quality, the alchemist who refined it is clearly of lower rank than me. The effectiveness likely comes from a unique formula, nothing more."
Liu Xi spoke with obvious disdain, and then added:
"In my experience, the Xiao family's alchemist is probably just a rookie who happened to stumble upon a special recipe, hence the Coagulation Powder."
Hearing this, a trace of joy appeared on Jia Lie Bi's face. He didn't care about Liu Xi's need to show off—he went straight to the point:
"Master Liu Xi, would you be willing to lend your assistance to the Jia Lie family? Don't worry about compensation. We will ensure you're well-rewarded!"
Hearing this, greed and lechery flashed in Liu Xi's eyes.
Three days later.
While immersed in cultivation, Xiao Yuan received a report from Pei En.
The Jia Lie family had also begun selling medicine.
Their product was called "Vitality Powder." Though not as effective as the Xiao family's Coagulation Powder and priced similarly, it was enough to help their marketplaces start recovering.
After all, healing medicines were always in demand—no one minded having more, and no one wanted a shorter life.
Many mercenaries in Wutan City often ventured to the Magical Beast Mountain Range. There were physicians there, but no true alchemists. The trauma medicine concocted by physicians couldn't compare to products refined by actual alchemists.
The difference in effectiveness was significant.
Vitality Powder wasn't as good as Coagulation Powder, but it was still a viable second option.
"Vitality Powder, huh?"
Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes and smiled dismissively.
This was only the beginning. For now, the Jia Lie family could compete for some market share—but how would they keep up with the large supply of herbs required for continued production?
The alchemist they hired was a lust-driven fool. His refining efficiency likely caused huge losses of ingredients.
At the moment, the Jia Lie family could still gather herbs from within the city.
But once local supplies dried up… heh.
Xiao Yuan, on the other hand, sourced directly from the Mittel Auction House.
Thanks to his relationship with Ya Fei—and Mittel Teng Shan's confidence in Xiao Yuan—Ya Fei had completely cut off support to the Jia Lie family.
Forget herb supplies—if not for professional ethics, she wouldn't even spare them a smile.
She knew Xiao Yuan well. Now that he had made a move against the Jia Lie family, there was no doubt about their fate.
After tidying his robes, Xiao Yuan left the house and called Xiao Yan to accompany him to the marketplace.
By now, the matter of Xiao Yan having an alchemist master had already been revealed to Xiao Zhan and the three elders.
The four of them were overjoyed.
Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan's cultivation talents already had them thrilled—and now Xiao Yan was being accepted as an alchemist's disciple? The Xiao family's future was radiant!
If things kept progressing like this, the Xiao family would not only have powerful fighters but also an alchemist capable of accelerating the family's growth and attracting other experts.
Heaven truly blessed the Xiao family!
However, the day before, Xiao Zhan and the elders had suddenly instructed Xiao Yuan to take Xiao Yan around the marketplaces to familiarize himself with management—calling it "training."
Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan both found it a little awkward.
Thankfully, the "training" wasn't about handing over actual responsibilities—just getting Xiao Yan familiar with the family's business.
Xiao Zhan's view was: Xiao Yan didn't need to manage everything, but he had to at least understand it.
And since Xiao Yuan had experience managing a marketplace, he was naturally assigned to guide Xiao Yan.
Along the way, Xiao Yuan explained everything fluently, every word enlightening. Xiao Yan listened with admiration.
His Third Brother was truly a genius among geniuses!
"That's the general idea. As for management, you don't need to worry too much—Uncle Tong will handle things. You just need to make appearances, talk with mercenaries now and then, offer small favors to build a good reputation. Word-of-mouth goes a long way, and you never know when it might come in handy."
As they entered through the north gate of the marketplace, Xiao Yuan wrapped up his explanation.
"Got it, Third Brother!"
Xiao Yan replied with a bright smile.
"Mm."
Xiao Yuan nodded, but then his expression darkened as he looked ahead.
A sneaky figure had just emerged from the crowd and walked straight toward Xiao Yuan, bowing slightly with a fawning grin.
"Kru, you're quick to show up. I just arrived, and here you are."
The weaselly man before them was a well-known "Golden Finger" in the marketplace—a thief. And not just any thief, but one of the minor ringleaders.
Xiao Yuan always turned a blind eye to these types. Their intelligence network was incredibly useful. They knew everything going on in Wutan City and served as his information eyes and ears.
"Hehe, Third Master Yuan, I came to give you a heads-up. I just got word from my men—Miss Xiao Yu and Miss Xun'er were harassed by some idiot in mourning robes near the south gate of the marketplace. So I came running to report to you!"
Kru's grin vanished as he delivered the news with a solemn tone.
"Third Master Yuan"—that was what the thieves respectfully called Xiao Yuan.
Those who disrespected him had already been burned out of business.
"Oh, and Jia Lie Ao was there too. Seems like he knew the guy in mourning robes. There were quite a few of them."
Kru added.
Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan's expressions instantly turned grim.
"Pei En, gather everyone above Fighter rank in the marketplace. Head straight to the south gate. Someone dares harass the Xiao family on my turf? I'll kill them all today!"
Xiao Yuan gave the cold order, then grabbed Xiao Yan and leapt onto the nearest rooftop, racing toward the south gate.
(END CHAPTER)
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