C9 A Master of the Dao of Alchemy!!

"However, this isn't a Green Forest Pill with a 55% medicinal effect; it's one with a 60% medicinal effect!" Lu Ming exclaimed, his voice low but unable to hide his astonishment.

A pill with a 60% medicinal effect!

Even he couldn't achieve such a feat!

In theory, this was still classified as a third-grade pill. Yet, the precision required in the refining process and the meticulous control needed were challenging even for a fourth-grade alchemist.

His shock was understandable. As a standout third-grade alchemist, he had managed to refine third-grade pills with a 40% medicinal effect. Just one more step, refining a fourth-grade pill with a 40% medicinal effect, and he would ascend to the ranks of a fourth-grade alchemist in Traessey! He would join the elite circle of high-ranking alchemists within the Purple Wind Empire and enjoy even greater benefits.

He had never imagined he would witness someone capable of refining a pill with a 60% medicinal effect!

"Sixty percent medicinal effect?" Chen Xing was momentarily taken aback. He hastily searched his backpack, produced another bottle, and swiftly pocketed the one that had been on the table.

"My apologies, I grabbed the wrong one. This is the Green Forest Pill with a 55% medicinal effect."

Lu Ming and Qin Fei were dumbfounded.

What in the world? There were two?

Having two was one thing, but taking them back after revealing them? Such pills could significantly boost the Golden Ruyi Auction House's appeal and draw in Traessey's noble circles!

Their rivalry with the Lee family was intensifying. They had to outdo each other not only in the showcase items but also in the smaller lots. Last time, the Lee family had introduced a third-grade Fire Pill with a 50% medicinal effect, crafted by the Alchemist Workshop, and lured away many customers. They couldn't afford to lose out this time!

"Actually, if the Master wouldn't mind, we would be honored to auction both pills. We'll feature them in separate sessions and ensure you receive a price that meets your satisfaction. Additionally, we'll present you with a purple card. The purple card is the most prestigious membership at our Golden Ruyi Auction House, offering the ability to preview certain auction items in advance, priority in selecting seats, and a reduced auction tax rate to 3%. Plus, wherever you go within Golden Ruyi, you'll enjoy a 20% discount and complimentary refreshments."

"Really?" Chen Xing nodded as he passed over the pill. "I appreciate your help, but these pills need to be auctioned off quickly. I'm in need of the funds."

"Quickly?" Lu Ming's face twisted with indecision. "But rushing it could compromise the promotional impact. The auction price might fall short of expectations. With proper marketing, these two pills could fetch at least 1.3 times their value."

1.3 times?

Chen Xing was impressed; the boss was surprisingly straightforward.

"It's not necessary. This isn't a big deal. If things go well, I'll collaborate with you again. The next items might be even trickier to handle, so you might want to start planning your promotion early."

Chen Xing spoke with a hint of awkwardness. "If a 55% and 65% efficacy have already amazed you, what would a 75% do? Make you leap for joy? I dare not even bring out a pill with 80% efficacy."

Upon hearing this, Lu Ming bowed deeply. "Then I bid you farewell, Master!"

Nothing was more crucial than cultivating a relationship with an alchemist! From the sound of it, the next partnership could bring even more impressive items. As an alchemist himself, Lu Ming was eager with anticipation.

"When did Traessey City gain such a distinguished alchemist?"

"Master, Master?" Wood's voice quivered.

Lu Ming turned, fixing him with a stern look. He had been briefed on the earlier incident. With a swift motion, he swept his sleeve!

"Smack!"

A resounding slap sent Wood flying! An alchemist's palm, toughened by constant exposure to fire and calluses, delivered a painful blow.

"Take this to heart! Next time, show proper respect to our guests! Or the consequences will be far more severe!"

...

Chen Xing glanced around, confirming he wasn't being followed, before making his way back to the Chen family home.

He had left with a large bag and returned with it still full, which gave Chen Xing quite the headache.

There was no other way. Who could have predicted that pills with a mere fifty percent efficacy would become so valuable? Releasing them all at once could potentially lead to undesirable consequences. The only option was to gradually get to know the pills and foster trust.

At the entrance, Chen Lingran was maneuvering his wheelchair, orchestrating the Chen family's affairs.

He had been on the move since the previous evening, tirelessly working without a wink of sleep.

Now, drenched in sweat and visibly fatigued, he persisted in his efforts.

The Chen family's predicament had worsened after falling out with the Alchemist Union. Chen Xing, still young, bore the weight of these challenges.

"Uncle, you look exhausted. Have something to ease your fatigue," Chen Xing offered, pulling a pill from his pocket.

Chen Lingran nodded, accepting the pill while his attention remained on his tasks.

Suddenly, he felt a surge of energy course through his body, as if he could stand up from his wheelchair with the slightest effort!

Naturally, this was just a figment of his imagination.

Though it wasn't beyond Chen Xing's abilities to heal Chen Lingran's legs, he lacked the necessary pills and materials. A sixth-grade pill was the minimum requirement for such a treatment. At the moment, Chen Xing was like a cook without ingredients.

"What is this?" Chen Lingran asked, astounded.

"A third-grade Body Refining Pill," Chen Xing replied with a grin.

"Pfft!" Chen Lingran nearly spit it out. A pill! A third-grade pill! Had he just ingested hundreds of gold coins?

"Don't worry, Uncle. This is nothing. Healing you requires more than just a third-grade pill. If I weren't sure of myself, why would I even mention it?" Chen Xing reassured him, patting his shoulder before walking away.

Chen Lingran paused, watching his nephew's retreating figure, and chuckled to himself.

To think that a third-grade pill was dispensed so casually, it seemed the prospects of healing were even greater. His nephew truly had depths that were not easily discerned.

...

Upon reaching the backyard, Chen Xing found Taotao frantically searching for him, her face smeared with dirt and anxiety. She had even rummaged through the kitchen's wine jars!

Chen Xing chuckled and strolled over. "Do you really think I'd be there?"

"Young Master!" Taotao gasped, surprised to see him, and immediately embraced him.

"You've returned! Why didn't you say anything to Taotao? Where have you been?"

Chen Xing paused, then affectionately patted her head. "Must I report to you every time I visit the brothel?"

At his words, Taotao's body shook, and she quickly released her hold on Chen Xing. Her cheeks flushed, she fidgeted silently with her fingers.

She was merely a maid; she couldn't possibly manage all of the young master's affairs.

Besides, it was well-known that Young Master Chen Xing was fond of pleasures of the flesh, a fact she was aware of since her arrival. And she herself was one of the many indulgences provided for the young master's desires.

Yet, for some reason, this lecherous young master had never approached her.

When she heard that Chen Xing had been to the brothel, a peculiar sourness welled up inside her, though she couldn't quite understand why.

Watching the maid's inner turmoil, Chen Xing burst into laughter and handed her a blue pill.

"Look at you, all covered in dirt. Take this pill—it's candy. Go have a bath, then return to your room for a good night's sleep."

"Candy, candy pill?" Taotao marveled at the blue orb. Such a pretty candy pill!

When she looked up again, the young master had already reached his own room.

"Young Master! Next time, even if you're off to the brothel, please inform Taotao."

Taotao spoke out impulsively, then stood there, blinking oddly.

"But, there doesn't seem to be any scent of perfume on the young master's body!"

......

Dawn broke.

Chen Xing entered the classroom, sparking a buzz of whispers among his classmates. All eyes were on him.

With all eyes upon him, Chen Xing confidently made his way to his seat.

There was no helping it; being a dragon meant being the center of attention wherever he went, and he was accustomed to it.

Even Luo Shuining, the class president sitting next to him, set aside her book and gazed at him with a furrowed brow.

"Why aren't you wearing your school uniform?"

"School uniform? Why do I have to wear it?" Chen Xing was taken aback. Could it be that the class monitor had a thing for uniforms?

"Have you forgotten what today is? It's the day Starfall Academy holds its practical combat assessment! Students who perform poorly might face expulsion! The school uniform is one of the best outfits for combat. Considering your lack of strength, not wearing it is a disadvantage. How do you expect to rank in the top hundred?"

Only by ranking in the top hundred could one lower the risk of expulsion.

"Oh, that explains it." Chen Xing nodded in understanding. No wonder all the students around him were donning their school uniforms, shining like stars. They were willing to play second fiddle to stand out in the exam.

However... Chen Xing appraised Luo Shuining from head to toe. Only the class monitor could make the uniform look so stunning, simple yet elegant, and still be a formidable opponent in combat.

"Take this seriously!" Luo Shuining was visibly frustrated with his carefree demeanor. "Last time, you ranked eighteenth from the bottom! And because eight students didn't even show up for the assessment, you, at the second level of Body Tempering, are already on the brink of expulsion. If you can't pass Starfall Academy's exam, what will you do, what will you... Never mind! Just think about it!"

"What will I do?" Chen Xing chuckled, sensing that Luo Shuining had let slip a secret.

"Don't worry, it's just an assessment. It's hardly a big deal," he said with a confident grin.

Luo Shuining huffed, "Hmph, we'll see!"

Shortly thereafter, the homeroom teacher entered the room. She was a somewhat stern woman named Yan Rufeng.

"Alright, everyone, get ready. Follow me to the field for the assessment. This exam is a significant part of your evaluation and will be included in your student records. For some, this may be their last opportunity! Let's see if they can seize it and continue their studies here!"

Yan Rufeng gave Chen Xing a disapproving look when she noticed his attire.

Meanwhile, Lee Qing, standing to the side, balled his fists and flashed a menacing grin.