Chapter 16 - Finding the Pharmacist
Gu Zhixiao, the three brothers, and the elders of the Gu family were all silent, their brows furrowed. This situation was truly unexpected.
After a while, one of the elders spoke up, “In the end, it’s just some low-grade medicine. I don’t know what methods the Tian family used to make it, but they can’t shake our Gu family’s position in the pill business. I don’t think the Tian family has that kind of capability.”
“That’s true, but the reputation of our Gu family has still been affected among the lower-tier cultivators,” another elder said. “Not only is the medicine more effective than the pills we sell, but it’s also much cheaper. If it weren’t for the Gu family’s ability to refine higher-tier pills, our reputation would be in even worse shape.”
The pill business was under the control of Gu Zhixiao, and his failure to keep track of this situation was considered neglect. Gu Zhicheng, with a sarcastic tone, said, “This matter should be brought up to Big Brother. He doesn’t pay attention to what he should, but spends all his time on matters he shouldn’t.”
Third son Gu, Gu Zhicheng, then took out three porcelain bottles and pushed them in front of his father. “Father, these are the three types of medicine I had someone buy from the Tian family. You can take a look. Although these medicines aren’t of much value, it’s better to find out who’s behind the manufacturing of these medicines in the Tian family.”
“Yes, the third brother is right,” an elder agreed.
The family head of the Gu family opened the porcelain bottles one by one to inspect them. Originally, he was angry because the Gu family’s reputation in the pill business had been damaged, but now his brows furrowed even more. “Look here, the impurities in these medicines are even fewer than in the pills we refine. No wonder they are praised by the lower-tier cultivators. I think this matter should be left to the third brother. Have him investigate where the Tian family found their pharmacist.”
The other elders nodded in agreement. The low impurities in the medicines were indeed noticeable, and if some special method had been used, it could potentially be of great help to the Gu family’s pill refining skills.
“Understood, Father,” Gu Zhicheng said, secretly pleased. The more the older brothers fought, the more advantageous it would be for him. As long as the token didn’t end up in their hands, it would be best to gain the greatest benefit for himself. When Gu Yan really made a move, he couldn’t possibly ignore their third branch.
Gu Zhixiao did not try to show off. After the meeting, he returned to the main house and finally smiled in front of his son. “Your grandfather and the elders are taking this matter too seriously. Yan’er, don’t waste time on these small issues. Focus on your cultivation instead. As for the resources you need for cultivation, your father will find a way. If we don’t have them in Yuanyang Town, your grandfather and I will help you get them from other places. They, on the other hand, only see small gains. Don’t think about it. Once you enter the Changxian Sect, you’ll be able to get whatever pills you need.”
Gu Yan also smiled proudly. “Father’s words are right. This is exactly what I think. I will definitely not disappoint you and grandfather.”
“By the way, there’s another matter. In addition to the three types of medicine, the Tian family has also produced quite a few low-level talismans, and their quality is much better than the Lu family’s. The Tian family seems to be determined to challenge both of us.”
Gu Yan sneered. “The Tian family won’t last long.”
As long as he was around, there would be no room for the Tian family to rise, especially not the once-famous Tian Feiyang. From now on, they would only be able to look up to him.
Tian Feirong brought a large quantity of spiritual herbs to Gu Yao’s residence. Some of the herbs were to be used for making the three medicines, while the rest were collected for Gu Yao. The cost was deducted from the medicine account.
After some time, the small courtyard was filled with many items. At least now Tian Feirong didn’t have to sit idly by when visiting; instead, she could drink spiritual tea and nibble on spiritual fruit. With the two skills they had, Gu Yao and Chi Changye’s living quality had greatly improved, progressing from just scraping by to living comfortably.
Leaving the herbs for the three medicines aside, Gu Yao began to inspect the newly collected herbs. To others, his talent might seem poor, but he was quite satisfied with his progress. With his main spiritual roots being wood and fire, and the combination of his spiritual power, he understood the herbs better than in his previous life, and making medicines became much easier.
He had also found three types of herbs he wanted to collect. He would gather the rest and test other medicines. Gu Yao was pleased with his current progress; he was not far from being able to refine medicines that could enhance his talents and potential.
Tian Feirong watched curiously and couldn’t help but ask, “Gu Yao, where did you learn your alchemy skills? You can completely understand the herbs as soon as you handle them?”
Chi Changye glanced at Tian Feirong faintly. He had already noticed Gu Yao’s special abilities. He thought it was just a unique talent of Gu Yao. Alchemists at the beginning stages could never achieve this level. Many of the medicines were also developed by Gu Yao himself based on his understanding of the spiritual herbs’ various properties. This was something other alchemists couldn’t even compare to. Modifying a pill formula required countless trials and adjustments before any changes could be made.
Gu Yao, in a good mood, was happy to explain to Tian Feirong, “This is my special skill, unrelated to the Gu family. Do you want to learn it? Don’t waste your effort, though—you won’t be able to learn it.”
Tian Feirong’s face darkened. Was this really necessary? He then added, “Your medicines and Brother Chi’s talismans have already gained some fame in our market. My eldest brother asked me to tell you both that the Gu family and the Lu family are trying to find the alchemist and talisman master behind this. They might even trace it back to you. But don’t worry, the Tian family can still protect you.”