The detoxification pills previously sold by the Gu family were not crafted by the Gu family head and the elders. They were the handiwork of junior alchemists, lacking even the standards of low-grade pills. However, in the scarce supply of pills and herbs in Yuanyang Town, they were still highly sought after by numerous cultivators.
Unexpectedly, the Tian family emerged as a dark horse, disrupting the Gu family's longstanding reputation in the pill business.
In the Three-Negligence Market, Boss Dong and Steward Fu observed the situation from upstairs, arms crossed.
Boss Dong had also visited the Alchemist's Legacy, not expecting to inherit the alchemist's legacy but hoping to find one or two pills that could help him break through in cultivation. Although he managed to sneak away with a few pills, he also got stung multiple times by the Golden Ring Bees, barely making it back relying on his cultivation. He didn't lack the money to buy detoxification pills from the Gu family and later made a trip to the Tian family.
"Boss, is it true that the Gu family's detoxification pills are so ineffective, unable to completely remove toxins?" Steward Fu asked curiously, hearing the discussions outside.
"Yes," Boss Dong nodded with a serious expression. "I used two of the Gu family's pills and still felt residual toxins. Went to the Tian family, used just one, and the effect was very apparent. Moreover, the detoxification pills from the Tian family are top-grade, while the Gu family claims theirs are low-grade, but they are actually subpar even among low-grade. The Gu family isn't being fair."
Those two detoxification pills from the Gu family were wasted. In fact, using just one from the Tian family would have sufficed. It wasn't about the money; Boss Dong disliked the Gu family's monopoly on the pill business in Yuanyang Town. The alchemists of the Gu family, though not particularly skilled, all acted high and mighty, and he hoped someone would suppress the Gu family's arrogance. He played a role in spreading the rumors.
Steward Fu took a deep breath. "The difference in quality is too significant. Could it be that Senior Tian Ru crafted these pills? Is Senior Tian Ru an alchemist?"
Boss Dong stroked his chin, pondering. "Not necessarily her; it could be someone else. Anyway, let's just watch the show. When they clash, we'll benefit."
For example, if it weren't for the Tian family's sudden rise, he might have lost his life in the Alchemist's Legacy. In that chaos, he managed to grab a pill. Of course, the major share went to the three major families. Having Foundation Establishment cultivators made a difference, and luckily, those pills didn't include Foundation Establishment pills. Otherwise, with more Foundation Establishment cultivators in those families, their situation would be even worse.
Gu Yao was delighted. This time, he unexpectedly made a fortune with detoxification pills. With Tian Ru overseeing, he could push the matter onto her, and it was unlikely anyone would link it back to him.
"Oh, I'm so thirsty!" Tian Feirong ran over, poured a large cup of tea, wiped his mouth, and took out a bag, pushing it in front of Gu Yao. "This is the share for this time. I've exchanged it all for spirit stones and spirit pearls. Gu Yao, you're really amazing. Among people of our generation, how many can earn money like you? Of course, Brother Chi is not inferior to Gu Yao."
Chi Changye smirked. This supplementation wasn't as good as not supplementing at all. But he knew from the beginning that among alchemists, weaponsmiths, and talismansmiths, alchemists were the most popular. However, becoming an alchemist required the greatest investment, and no one could make money as effortlessly as Gu Yao did. This was a unique talent of Gu Yao.
Gu Yao touched the spirit stones and pearls in the bag, eyes squinting in joy. Making money was the most enjoyable. He also lamented, "It's a pity; I can only earn this much. When there's no need for detoxification pills, I won't have such a significant income."
Exporting goods through the Tian family's caravan would definitely not bring in a large quantity.
"The demand for detoxification pills is saturating, and there aren't that many spirit herbs left for alchemy. The Gu and Lu families control all the spirit herbs, and the Gu family released another batch of detoxification pills, slightly better in quality than before. However, they can't compare to yours, Gu Yao. Currently, the Gu family's reputation has been somewhat restored. Most cultivators still prefer buying pills from the Gu family's shop." Tian Feirong complained.
Gu Yao's eyes rolled, saying, "That's for sure. Outsiders think it's Senior Tian Ru who crafted the pills, but Senior Tian Ru can't stay in Yuanyang Town for long. Ultimately, the Gu family monopolizes the pill business here. If we offend the Gu family now, it will be troublesome to buy pills in the future."
The Gu family monopolizing the pill business meant they held the lifeline of many cultivators. As long as a cultivator begged the Gu family, they could stand undefeated.
Facing such a dilemma, it could be tolerated for now. However, thinking about completely breaking this situation was even more challenging.
"That's true. The Gu family has been sending people to inquire if it's my aunt who crafted the pills. Don't worry, not many in our family know that it's Gu Yao who crafted them." Tian Feirong patted Gu Yao's shoulder.
Gu Yao chuckled. "I guess not many would believe it even if you told them."
Tian Feirong thought for a moment. It might actually be the case. People heard that the best detoxification pills the Gu family offered this time were medium-grade at most. Gu Yao, a teenager with only a cultivation of Qi Refinement Fourth Layer, surpassing the Gu family in alchemy that had immersed in the field for decades? People probably thought someone was exaggerating.
At this point, most of the town's residents needing detoxification had already been treated. The demand for detoxification pills wasn't that significant anymore, and with the spirit stones and pearls earned this time, Gu Yao and Chi Changye could focus on cultivation without getting involved in external conflicts.
Lu Family.
Lu Minbai was carried back by others. After taking the detoxification pill, as people outside said, the toxins weren't completely cleared. When cultivating, his spiritual energy flow wasn't as smooth as before, experiencing a sense of stagnation. Originally, the Lu family considered seeking a top-grade detoxification pill from the Tian family. However, the Gu family delivered a middle-grade pill to their door, easing the Lu family's concerns.
After taking the middle-grade pill, Lu Minbai's sense of stagnation during cultivation finally disappeared, making him sigh in relief. If it hindered his cultivation, he wouldn't be able to catch up with Gu Yan. Did he have to be left behind by Tian Feiyang? Absolutely not!
"Mother, I'm completely fine now. It won't affect my future cultivation," Lu Minbai happily informed his mother.
His mother nodded gently and asked, "Who brought the pill?"
Lu Minbai's joyous expression immediately subsided quite a bit, and he uncomfortably replied, "It was Gu Yan, my cousin."
"Humph, what kind of cousin is he? I can't stop you anymore. You've grown up and have your own opinions now. Look at Gu Yan, eager to climb up the ranks. Can't wait to latch onto success." Lu's mother was filled with anger whenever Gu Yan was mentioned, especially with her family's indifferent attitude toward the matter, making her even more infuriated. She even blamed her son.
"Mother..." Lu Minbai's face turned red. He always considered himself protective of his sister, but in this matter, he truly couldn't help her get justice. He had to shift the topic, "What about Minzhu? Should I take her out for a stroll to relax?"
"Let it be. Your sister is wholeheartedly focused on cultivation in her room. Don't disturb her," Lu's mother said, giving her son a stern look.
Lu Minbai could only mumble a few words before leaving.
Lu's mother sighed, looking towards her daughter's room. She knew very well why her daughter was so dedicated to cultivation. It made her resent the men of the Gu family and their own Lu family even more. In the eyes of Lu's men, only prospects mattered, and her daughter's well-being could be sacrificed at any time.
As the turmoil related to the pills gradually subsided over time, new cultivators quickly filled the gap left by the deceased ones.
Tian Ru had never left the Tian family. With her presence, the atmosphere in Yuanyang Town seemed particularly peaceful, as if the previous conflicts and the involvement of the three major families had never happened.
Soon after, the Immortal Ascension Conference became the new topic among cultivators in the market.
Held every ten years, the conference provided an opportunity for cultivators to be selected by influential sects. This could lead to further advancement and possibly propel the entire family to prosperity. However, the journey to the conference was not only distant but also fraught with various dangers. Thus, even if they knew there was a chance to improve their circumstances, cultivators were cautious about venturing forth. However, those with the means were still striving for this excellent opportunity. Missing it meant waiting for another ten years, especially for eligible children. If they missed the next event, they would exceed the age limit. Therefore, they were making every effort to join the teams heading to the Immortal Ascension Conference, catching a favorable wind.
The three major families in Yuanyang Town spread the news that they would attend the conference, causing many cultivators to seek to join their ranks. Currently, it seemed that the Tian family's team was the safest. It was rumored that Senior Tian Ru would personally escort the younger generation from the Tian family, and with a Foundation Establishment cultivator present, the safety along the way would significantly increase. As a result, people flocked to the Tian family to present gifts, hoping to join their convoy.
The departure time arrived soon, and because the journey would take a considerable amount of time, they had to set out more than a month in advance.
Gu Yao and Chi Changye had already agreed with Tian Feirong that they would participate in the Immortal Ascension Conference. Even if they couldn't join a sect, they wanted to broaden their horizons on such an occasion. Therefore, when the departure time arrived, the two of them were already dressed and ready, and the small courtyard was about to return to Tian Feirong's hands.
After staying for a few months, Gu Yao looked at the small courtyard with some reluctance. This was the first place he settled in after coming to this world, and he couldn't help but feel a bit attached. However, the temptation to explore the outside world was even greater for him.
Outside the door, Chi Changye called out, "Little Yao, it's time to depart!"
"Here you are!" Gu Yao cheerfully responded, closed the courtyard gate, climbed onto the carriage prepared by Chi Changye, and said with great spirit, "Let's go!"
Chi Changye pulled the reins, and the two scaled horses started running. This had been prepared in advance for their journey. During this time, the two of them had made a fortune in silence, earning quite a bit of wealth.
Not to mention Gu Yao's alchemy and elixirs, Chi Changye's intermediate spirit charms were also popular. With Tian Ru overseeing things, even if the Lu family had any ideas, they had reservations.
During this period, people from the Gu family came two or three times, but Gu Yao ruthlessly turned them away each time.
As the carriage arrived at the meeting point outside the town, Tian Feirong saw them from afar and waved and shouted. Chi Changye drove the carriage over to meet the Tian family.
Other teams were also present, and seeing the appearance of these two inevitably led to discussions. Unless they encountered Gu Yao, who rarely appeared in the market, it was hard to see him in town. The people, especially those from the Gu family, showed an incredulous expression when they saw Gu Yao sitting in the front of the carriage. Was this really the Gu Yao they knew from the Gu family?
Not even half a year had passed, but the Gu Yao who left the family seemed to have undergone a complete transformation. Radiating confidence, his whole demeanor was no less than the younger generation the family had focused on cultivating.
As they approached, someone gasped, "When Gu Yao left home, what was his cultivation? Now he's at Qi Refinement Fifth Layer!"
"Impossible, right? Must have mistaken him. How could a cultivation waste like him reach the Fifth Layer at this age? What did he rely on to improve his cultivation after leaving the Gu family?"
"Even in the Gu family, he wouldn't have access to those cultivation resources, would he?"