Chapter 14

Bai Chen really wanted to give Yuan Long a good knock on the head for not understanding such an obvious matter.

"Which aspect do you think we have surpassed the Dan Qi Sect in?"

Yuan Long's originally puzzled eyes suddenly lit up: "Oh... you mean..."

"Exactly, bring Ah Dai here!"

Bai Chen returned to the mountain, and half an hour later, Yuan Long returned, carrying Ah Dai.

Indeed, he carried him back.

Yuan Long found Ah Dai's speed too slow; at that pace, they wouldn't make it back to the mountain before dark.

"Bai brother, I heard you were looking for me? Is there another big deal?" Ah Dai looked at Bai Chen with shining eyes. He had just returned from outside and was directly carried up the mountain by Yuan Long.

In the past few days, he had personally experienced what it was like to be on top. People who used to be high and mighty in his eyes now tried their best to win his favor. In the village, he had become a prominent figure. Who didn't know that the Wang family at the village entrance had a smart and capable young man, and even big shots in the martial world would give him some respect?

Even the village girls who used to look down on him now treated him differently. All of this was thanks to Bai Chen. Without Bai Chen, he would still be a poor boy in the village, and no one would give him a second glance.

Ah Dai wasn't without other thoughts, but his information was quite reliable. As soon as the people from the Shan Xing Sect left, the villagers had already passed the news to him. Even the leader of the Shan Xing Sect, a person whose influence could shake the entire Qing Shui Town, had died at Bai Chen's hands.

If he dared to have a second heart, he would surely have money but no life to enjoy it. Ah Dai understood his own capabilities. If he really embezzled a large sum of money, he wouldn't be able to protect his life without a powerful backer.

"Do you know the Dan Qi Sect?"

"Yes, one of the five major sects in Qingzhou, with 1,200 disciples. They mainly focus on refining and selling elixirs. Almost every sect in Qingzhou has business dealings with them..."

It seemed that Ah Dai's trip wasn't in vain. He had gathered quite comprehensive information about various sects. From Ah Dai's account, Bai Chen learned that the Dan Qi Sect mainly focused on low-grade elixirs. First, second, and third-grade elixirs were their main sources of profit.

Especially third-grade elixirs, which had a clear distinction from both higher and lower grades. Higher-grade elixirs were difficult to refine and had low yields. Lower-grade elixirs, on the other hand, had low prices and profits, and only large quantities could slightly make up for the gap with third-grade elixirs. Third-grade elixirs had the largest profit margin and the most stable supply and demand.

For example, the main profit-making elixir of the Dan Qi Sect was the third-grade Huang Qi Pill, which was primarily used to consolidate the cultivation of those below the third grade after each advancement. The main ingredients of the Huang Qi Pill included Ning Shen Flower, Ye Shen Grass, San Ye Grass, and over a dozen other herbs. The cost was around ten taels, but it could be sold for about a hundred taels, making it a highly profitable business.

Most first-grade elixirs cost at least one tael, and some could cost three to five taels, but their price never exceeded twenty taels. Without a significant production advantage over the Huang Qi Pill, the third-grade Huang Qi Pill naturally became their preferred product.

"Since they are not interested in selling low-grade elixirs, should we use first and second-grade elixirs to challenge them?" Yuan Long asked tentatively.

He wasn't cut out for business and had no confidence in his suggestion, especially in front of a shrewd Ah Dai and a madman-like Bai Chen. Yuan Long didn't have the courage to show off his business acumen.

As expected, Ah Dai was the first to oppose. After a long contemplation, he shook his head: "No, although the Dan Qi Sect is not very interested in first and second-grade elixirs, they still hold about 30% of the market. Every month, at least 3,000 first and second-grade elixirs come from their hands. Many low-level alchemists in Qingzhou firmly control this market. If it were just Qing Shui Town, we could have a say, but in Qingzhou, the market is almost saturated. Even if we enter, we might not get much of a share."

Bai Chen remained silent, looking at Ah Dai with some surprise. Compared to their last conversation, Ah Dai's thinking was much clearer, and his business language had improved significantly.

"What about third and fourth-grade elixirs?"

"In Qingzhou, third-grade elixirs are almost entirely the domain of the Dan Qi Sect. We can defeat them, but it won't be easy. It comes down to the quality, cost, and channels of the elixirs. We don't have an advantage in these areas. However, for fourth-grade and above, there is potential for development."

Ah Dai turned to Bai Chen: "Bai brother, I have delivered the elixirs to those sects as you asked. They have shown a strong desire to cooperate and are willing to accept any price if we can provide a large quantity. I haven't agreed yet, partly because I need to discuss the price with you, and partly because I don't know if you can provide a large quantity."

Yuan Long was now completely out of the conversation, only able to watch the two of them discuss back and forth. Eventually, he got bored and said, "I'm going to practice," before rushing out of the room.

Bai Chen thought for a moment: "I can provide unlimited quantities of elixirs below the sixth grade, but the materials are currently insufficient. You need to contact the herb merchants. I'm not sure about the cost yet, so we'll discuss it later. As for seventh to ninth-grade elixirs, we won't accept cash sales for now. However, for interested buyers, we can provide finished products at the price of the formula and ten sets of materials. For tenth-grade elixirs, we need twenty sets of materials."

Bai Chen paused and continued: "This time, you'll have to work hard. Besides contacting the herb merchants, you also need to gather information on the conflicts between the sects, especially the grudges between the Dan Qi Sect and other sects."

Ah Dai nodded seriously and smiled: "Bai brother, that's not right. In the past, I lived a muddled life. If it weren't for Bai brother, I would never have achieved what I have now. If possible, let me work even harder."

Bai Chen's real concern was the materials. The medicinal fields were limited, and the land behind the mountain was large, but there weren't enough people to work it. Moreover, the spiritual flowers and herbs had to compete with weeds, so the yield was quite limited. However, once the Wu Liang Sect started recruiting disciples, these problems could be solved.

Of course, this couldn't be resolved in the short term. First, the disciples couldn't all be sent to farm, and the spiritual flowers and herbs took time to grow.

Finally, Bai Chen remembered something and called out to Yuan Long, who was lifting a stone mill outside: "Yuan Long, come in."

Boom—

"What's up?" Yuan Long asked as he ran in, putting down the stone mill.

"We agreed that once we defeated the Shan Xing Sect, we would start officially recruiting disciples."

"You finally remembered."

"Although we have defeated the Shan Xing Sect, it's not enough to establish a solid foothold here. We need a significant reputation!"

"Isn't defeating the Shan Xing Sect enough?"

"That's just a reputation in the martial world. To recruit disciples, we need to attract ordinary people. Only when they recognize us will they send their children to our Wu Liang Sect." Bai Chen rolled his eyes at Yuan Long: "If you don't believe me, ask the young people in the village below who would be willing to join our Wu Liang Sect."

"I'm willing, I'm willing." Ah Dai was the first to respond, knowing this was a test of loyalty. If he hesitated, he might be seen as uncooperative.

"I'll keep your position for you. Since you are out, the name of the Wu Liang Sect isn't strong enough yet, so don't use it for now." Bai Chen was considering Ah Dai's safety. Without enough strength, having a large quantity of elixirs would make anyone envious.

"Your task now is to clear all the bandits and marauders around Qing Shui Town. Eliminate them all!"

Bai Chen's eyes glinted coldly: "When the common people feel that the Wu Liang Sect can bring them peace and protect their lives and property, they will send their children to us."

"Why don't you go?"

"Damn it, are you the leader or am I?"

"Isn't it you?" Yuan Long was surprised, always thinking Bai Chen was the obvious choice for the leader.

"When I want to be, you can step down. For now, I don't have that intention."

"Right, Yuan Long, in the martial world, a good name is crucial. As the leader of the Wu Liang Sect, your name must be strong."

"Right, right, Bai Chen, help me think of a cool name!"

"Supreme Heaven and Earth, First in the World, Unique and Unparalleled. Choose one you like."

Yuan Long's face darkened. He wasn't slow, and he could tell that Bai Chen was teasing him.

"A name you give yourself is weak. A name given by others is truly powerful. Understand?"

"What should I do then?"

Bai Chen was speechless. Ignoring the fool, he realized that intelligence was indeed a hard injury.

With Ah Dai and Yuan Long leaving, Bai Chen finally had some peace. However, his mind couldn't settle. Initially, he just wanted a place to stay, so he chose the Wu Liang Sect.

Later, because of the Wu Liang Sect's decline, Bai Chen wanted to live a more comfortable life. But when the Shan Xing Sect bullied them, he wanted to make the Wu Liang Sect strong to avoid being bullied.

He realized this was a path with no return!

Strengthening the Wu Liang Sect?

What the previous generations of the Wu Liang Sect couldn't achieve, could he do it so easily?

Human and material resources were limited. With just him and Yuan Long, it wasn't easy to solve these problems.

In his previous life, the highest position Bai Chen held was a group leader. Now, he was practically the grand steward, but he was still alone.

He had to manage everything, making him a model worker.

Of course, whenever he saw Alang's innocent and lovely smile, Bai Chen felt that everything was worth it.

Ah Dai was now the financial director, but he was still a lone figure. For now, Bai Chen didn't plan to let Ah Dai recruit people, as the foundation was too weak, and even finding an outsider was risky.

Yuan Long was the supreme leader and defense minister. Unless necessary, Bai Chen didn't plan to act himself.

Of course, many things didn't require Bai Chen to act, but it didn't mean he had nothing to do.