Chapter 37: Jia Lie Ao: We Have an Alchemist Too!
One week later.
In the Xiao family's marketplace, a new hemostatic medicine called Coagulation Powder began to appear. Not only was it reasonably priced, but it was also sold in large quantities.
More importantly, the hemostatic effect of this Coagulation Powder was exceptional. After applying it to a wound, bleeding would stop and scabbing would occur shortly after.
After word spread—no one knew from where—that this medicine was made by an alchemist, the popularity of Coagulation Powder surged even more.
Initially, the product was distributed only through the Xiao family's high-grade marketplace, the one Xiao Yuan had once managed.
In the following days, the Xiao family expanded distribution to all its mid- and high-grade markets. Even some lower-tier markets with high foot traffic began selling limited quantities.
Thanks to proven results and a marketing campaign orchestrated by Xiao Yuan behind the scenes, all daily shipments of Coagulation Powder were sold out. Demand far exceeded supply.
But as a result, Xiao Yan was absolutely exhausted.
These days, he was practically cheaper than a college intern—eating, sleeping, and refining medicine all day long.
At first, he thought he'd get a break due to a shortage of herbs, but then Xiao Yuan kindly brought him what looked like an endless supply.
Yao Lao only chuckled and said that the best way to learn alchemy was through repeated practice.
So Xiao Yan, with a bitter face, continued refining for another week before finally finishing all the herbs.
The good part was, he produced several thousand vials of Coagulation Powder.
With Xiao Yuan carefully controlling how much stock each marketplace received, this supply was enough for a full month.
The success of Coagulation Powder struck a direct blow to all of Wutan City's marketplaces. Within just half a month, Jia Lie family's marketplace revenue dropped by 50%.
This was a massive blow to the Jia Lie family, who relied heavily on marketplace income. A threat to their financial survival.
On the other hand, the Xiao family's income skyrocketed, bringing constant joy to Xiao Zhan and the three elders.
They hadn't experienced such satisfaction in years.
For Xiao Yan, it was the first time he truly understood how important the alchemist profession was on the Dou Qi Continent.
Even a low-tier, non-pill medicinal powder that didn't even qualify as a Grade-1 pill—something Yao Lao didn't even bother refining—was able to inflict such a devastating impact on enemy families. If they launched something like Qi Gathering Powder…
But that thought was immediately snuffed out by Xiao Yuan.
Just that simple Coagulation Powder had the Jia Lie family in panic.
If it were Qi Gathering Powder, they might go all in and start a life-or-death fight with the Xiao family.
That would only benefit the Aoba family.
Of course, for every family rejoicing, another was suffering.
While the Xiao family was celebrating, the Jia Lie family was both anxious and furious—and had no idea what to do.
Jia Lie Family, Council Hall.
"Damn it! That bastard Xiao Zhan is going too far—how dare he rob us so blatantly!"
Jia Lie Bi's face was dark as he smashed the table, shattering the teacup and spilling tea all over himself.
"Damn!"
Feeling the hot wetness on his hands, then noticing his clothes soaked in tea, Jia Lie Bi's anger only worsened.
A surge of Dou Qi from his body destroyed the entire table.
"Our marketplaces have seen a sharp drop in foot traffic. Many vendors are panicking. Quite a few have already defected to the Xiao family. If this keeps up, our marketplaces will go bankrupt in half a month!"
Sitting nearby, the fat and heavy-jowled Jia Lie Ku clenched his teeth as he spoke with a dark expression.
"What if I take some elite fighters and secretly assassinate Xiao Yuan? The Coagulation Powder first appeared in the high-grade market he managed. He must be involved!"
Jia Lie Nu, the second elder of the family, spoke coldly, eyes filled with murderous intent.
"That boy is Xiao family's prized genius. You think you can assassinate him so easily? Not to mention, Xiao Zhan is stronger than you, and their three elders aren't to be underestimated either."
Jia Lie Bi was tempted but quickly shook his head and restrained himself.
"But if this continues, Wutan City's entire marketplace economy will fall under the Xiao name! Last year, we spent everything the family had saved just to buy that Wind Swirl Art at auction. If the Xiao family gains the upper hand, the Jia Lie family might never recover!"
Jia Lie Ku's fat rippled with emotion as he shouted.
Jia Lie Bi's temples throbbed with rage. Though Jia Lie Ku wasn't blaming him directly, every word was true. Their family's remaining liquidity was almost gone.
If things continued like this, they'd have to sell off marketplaces just to stay afloat.
But that was no different from drinking poison to quench thirst.
"Damn it, let's think of another way! If we could just get an alchemist on our side, there might still be hope!"
Jia Lie Bi took a deep breath and suppressed his fury, his face dark.
As for asking the Aoba family to unite against the Xiao family? That wasn't even on his mind.
After all, this was a business conflict between their two families. The Aoba family, who ran casinos, wasn't directly affected. They wouldn't get involved over something like this.
It wasn't yet a life-or-death situation.
In fact, Aoba Pa was probably waiting eagerly for them to come crawling—so he could ruthlessly extort them.
Relying on Aoba Pa? Better to hope the Xiao family suddenly grew a conscience and backed off.
Damn it!
Just thinking of the current crisis made Jia Lie Bi feel a splitting headache.
"Father!"
Suddenly, Jia Lie Ao's voice came from the doorway.
"I've found a Grade-1 alchemist!"
Jia Lie Bi's face immediately lit up with surprise. He rushed toward the door and asked excitedly, "Where is he?"
Jia Lie Ao, wearing a smug expression, made a welcoming gesture and gave a flattering smile toward the white-robed youth beside him.
"Brother Liu Xi, please!"
Following his words, the white-robed young man strutted in with a haughty expression.
As Jia Lie Bi looked at the youth's handsome face and familiar white robes, he suddenly thought of Xiao Yuan.
Goddamn it—he's just as annoying!
"You, an alchemist?"
Jia Lie Bi frowned, clearly skeptical.
Jia Lie Nu and Jia Lie Ku also watched with critical eyes.
(END CHAPTER)
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