Chapter 14: Potential Increasing Pills
In a quiet, dimly lit room, an old man with grey hair sat sipping tea in peaceful silence. His calm demeanor was soon interrupted by hurried footsteps.
"Grandmaster, someone wants to sell a pill," the shopkeeper announced.
"Then why are you here? Go buy it," the old man replied without much interest.
"Grandmaster, it's a Potential Increasing Pill," the shopkeeper added.
The old man nearly choked on his tea. "A Potential Increasing Pill?" he repeated in disbelief. He quickly followed the shopkeeper downstairs, where business transactions usually took place.
"Grandmaster, this is the young lady selling the pill," the shopkeeper said, gesturing towards Huang Nian.
"A mere girl?" the old man muttered, stepping closer to examine her. "Young Miss, may I inspect the pill?" he asked politely.
"Of course," Huang Nian replied, opening the box.
The old man's eyes widened as he carefully examined the pill. "This is indeed a Potential Increasing Pill. How much are you asking for it?" he inquired.
"Two hundred gold coins," Huang Nian answered calmly.
The old man nodded approvingly. "Luo Yunxi, give her three hundred gold coins," he ordered.
The shopkeeper hurriedly fetched the coins and handed them to Huang Nian. The Potential Increasing Pill was ranked second in the entire Longyuan Dynasty—a rarity that even many skilled alchemists and Imperial Physicians struggled to produce. It was astonishing that such a young girl could make one.
"Goodbye, Young Miss. Feel free to bring more of your pills to my store in the future," the old man said with a respectful smile.
"Thank you. I will," Huang Nian replied before heading back to the Huang Mansion.
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Dilapidated Courtyard
"Young Miss, you're back," Ye Xiwu greeted.
"Ye Xiwu, I want you to renovate my courtyard. How much will it cost?" Huang Nian asked.
"It'll be around two hundred gold coins," Ye Xiwu estimated.
"Here, take it," Huang Nian said, handing her the coins.
"Thank you, Miss. I'll get started right away," Ye Xiwu said, beaming with excitement.
After Ye Xiwu left, Huang Nian took out a green pill and fed it to Little White.
"It's too bitter!" the cat's thoughts echoed in Huang Nian's mind.
"You need to take it if you want to get stronger," Huang Nian insisted.
"But I'm already strong enough," the cat protested.
"If you want to continue being my spiritual beast, you have to keep growing stronger," Huang Nian declared firmly. She picked up Little White and headed to the garden.
At the Garden
Huang Nian admired the blooming sunflowers, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, when a familiar voice called out.
"Sister Nian, are you here to admire the flowers too?" Huang Ning asked sweetly.
"What exactly do you want from me?" Huang Nian responded coldly.
"Wow, Elder Sister, your cat is so adorable!" Huang Ning cooed, reaching out to pet Little White.
"You're not allowed to touch my things," Huang Nian snapped.
"Shouldn't you be grateful that I'm even willing to touch your filthy cat?" Huang Ning shot back, dropping her pretense. "I've had enough of pretending. You're just a worthless trash."
Huang Nian's eyes narrowed. "And you're a disgrace, flaunting yourself after sleeping with the crown prince. Do you think you're still pure? At least he's busy entertaining more than three other women in his courtyard."
Before the tension could escalate further, a deep, commanding voice cut through the air. "What's going on here?"