Chapter 556 - 235: Danxia 4
Elder Zhang sighed, his gaze returning to the Elixir in his hand. His tone was tinged with exasperation. "Such a clumsy, foolish girl. Her aptitude for Alchemy is mediocre, and her temperament isn’t steady enough. I only took her in because I owed her family’s elder a favor back in the day."
"I thought she might be able to apply herself to the Alchemy Path, but who knew... She has no talent for martial arts, so she comes to study Alchemy? Does Alchemy not require talent? Alchemy requires *even more* talent! Meticulous attention to detail, keen perception, and precise control of one’s energy—not a single one can be lacking!"
As he spoke, his voice grew louder, clearly showing the high standards he held for his disciples and his frustration over the matter.
Qu River smiled and changed the subject. "My junior, Chen Qing, possesses both excellent talent and temperament. He will surely have a place within our True Martial Lineage in the future. I hope Elder Zhang will look after him."
Upon hearing this, Elder Zhang glanced again in the direction Chen Qing had gone and nodded. "Rest assured. I am a man who values integrity. Since you, Nephew Qu, brought him here personally, I will naturally ensure he is treated fairly."
Meanwhile, He Zhi led Chen Qing to a counter in one of the side halls.
The counter was lined with numerous Jade Bottles and boxes, each affixed with a label stating the Elixir’s name and grade.
He Zhi deftly retrieved four Jade Bottles. Two were labeled "High-quality Quenching Gang Pills," and the other two, "Dragon Tiger Bone Tempering Pill." Each bottle contained twenty plump, round pills that exuded a rich medicinal fragrance.
"Brother Chen, both the High-quality Quenching Gang Pills and the Dragon Tiger Bone Tempering Pills can be exchanged here for two hundred Contribution Points per bottle. So, two bottles of Quenching Gang Pills and two bottles of Dragon Tiger Bone Tempering Pills will be a total of eight hundred Contribution Points," He Zhi said softly, handing the Elixirs to Chen Qing for inspection.
Chen Qing took the Jade Bottles, opened one, and briefly sensed its contents. He confirmed they were undoubtedly high-quality, Upper Grade pills, and a thought stirred in his mind.
After all, in Wanxiang Hall, a single High-quality Quenching Gang Pill or Dragon Tiger Bone Tempering Pill was priced at twenty Contribution Points. A bottle of twenty pills would therefore cost four hundred Contribution Points.
Yet here, the same bottle cost only two hundred Contribution Points—fully half the price!
’It’s this cheap?’ Although Chen Qing’s expression remained neutral, he couldn’t help but feel a little puzzled.
But on second thought, ’Qu River brought me here himself. There’s no reason he would try to cheat me.’
He Zhi seemed to notice Chen Qing’s confusion and explained in a hushed voice, "There’s no need to be surprised, Brother Chen. These Elixirs are all ones my master refines in his personal time. Apart from the monthly quota he has to submit to the Sect, Master has the right to deal with the surplus as he sees fit. Naturally, the prices are more flexible than at Wanxiang Hall."
Hearing this, Chen Qing had a sudden realization.
’So that’s how things work within the Sect!’
’These Alchemy Masters could use their skills to make such a hefty side income, on top of fulfilling their duties to the Sect.’
’From now on, if I need any Elixirs, I can just come directly to this Elder Zhang. It’s a much better deal than exchanging them at Wanxiang Hall.’
’With access to such resources, Elder Zhang must be incredibly wealthy.’
’If Alchemy didn’t require such a huge investment of time and energy, with my Heaven Rewards Diligence Fate Plate, I could probably accomplish great things if I were to devote some attention to this path.’
"I see. Thank you for the explanation, Junior Sister He." Now that he understood, Chen Qing said with a cupped-fist salute.
"You’re welcome, Brother Chen." He Zhi waved her hands hurriedly, a sincere smile on her face.
She felt a surge of gratitude toward Chen Qing and Qu River for their sudden visit. If they hadn’t arrived, who knows how long her master would have kept scolding her.
.....