Battle Through The Heavens : I Am The Thunder Emperor

Chapter 44: Liu Xi's Killing Intent

The introduction of Coagulation Powder and Thunderfire Beads swept through Wu Tan City like a storm, quickly capturing over 70% of the healing medicine market. Within just two days, the Xiao family's marketplace regained and even surpassed its former popularity. While the Xiao family reaped the benefits, Mo Yu's name spread throughout Wu Tan City once again.

The Xiao family closely guarded the source of Coagulation Powder, revealing nothing to the outside world. However, they openly acknowledged that Thunderfire Beads were crafted by Mo Yu. Since Yao Lao's presence couldn't be disclosed, Mo Yu, being a true member of the Xiao family, deserved to have his achievements recognized. This not only boosted Mo Yu's reputation but also significantly elevated the standing of the entire Xiao family.

Upon learning that Mo Yu was the one behind the Thunderfire Beads, the Xiao family's morale soared. Even the neutral factions swiftly aligned themselves with the Xiao family. By the second day of Coagulation Powder's release, the Jia Lie family had to lower the price of Rejuvenation Powder back to its original level.

However, due to their previous exploitative pricing, which had angered many mercenaries, and the fact that the Xiao family was offering both Thunderfire Beads and Coagulation Powder, the Jia Lie family's market activity never returned to its former glory. Despite lowering their prices, the foot traffic in their marketplace remained lackluster.

The overwhelming demand for the Xiao family's healing medicine and Thunderfire Beads meant that by noon, all products were sold out, leaving latecomers no choice but to buy the inferior Rejuvenation Powder from the Jia Lie family.

Under this relentless demand from mercenaries, the Jia Lie family barely managed to keep their footing. Future developments depended on which side had the greater stockpile of healing medicines.

In Wu Tan City, at the Jia Lie family residence, the atmosphere in the brightly lit hall was tense and oppressive. On the central table sat a small green jade bottle and a dark bead. The hall was filled with Jia Lie family elders, easily identifiable by their attire.

Seated to the left of the main position was a white-clad young man, Liu Xi, the first-tier alchemist hired by the Jia Lie family, who was casually toying with a servant girl.

"This is the 'Coagulation Powder' and Thunderfire Bead that the Xiao family suddenly introduced. Our marketplace's popularity has plummeted because of them," said Jia Lie Bi, the family head, with a grim expression.

"How could the Xiao family have healing medicine? Could it be the mysterious alchemist from the auction house? According to insiders at the Mittel Auction House, that alchemist is at least a third-tier alchemist. And that Mo Yu, he's the one who crafted the Thunderfire Beads?" One of the Jia Lie family elders said incredulously.

Upon hearing this, the Jia Lie family members' faces darkened considerably. The mysterious alchemist represented by Yao Lao was a significant threat.

Liu Xi, stopping his flirtations, examined the green bottle more closely and sneered, "This Coagulation Powder isn't all that impressive. It's slightly better than Rejuvenation Powder, but its quality indicates that the alchemist is less skilled than I am. The effectiveness is likely due to a unique recipe."

Hearing this, everyone in the Jia Lie family breathed a sigh of relief. If the Xiao family truly had the support of a third-tier alchemist, they would be in serious trouble.

"From my experience, the Xiao family's alchemist is probably just a novice who happened upon a special recipe, which is why they could create this Coagulation Powder. As for the Thunderfire Beads, they're nothing special. The so-called refining techniques are unheard of in the Dou Qi Continent. This Mo Yu likely picked up a few tricks from some old hermit. Such things might be popular in a backwater like Wu Tan City, but they're not noteworthy at all," Liu Xi said disdainfully while playing with the bead.

To a formally trained alchemist like Liu Xi, refining techniques were inferior. Of course, if he had seen true refining techniques, he wouldn't be so ignorant.

Then, as if struck by an idea, Liu Xi looked at the Jia Lie family leaders and said, "Though the Xiao family has started their counterattack, my share remains unchanged."

The Jia Lie family elders frowned deeply. Due to the Xiao family's competition, their profits from healing medicine had fallen to a third of what they had been. Liu Xi's share remaining the same meant that the Jia Lie family bore the brunt of the financial loss, making the business not only unprofitable but a liability.

Seeing the displeasure among the family elders, Jia Lie Bi, though equally furious, suppressed his anger and replied warmly, "Of course, of course. Mr. Liu Xi's share will be paid in full as agreed."

Satisfied, Liu Xi nodded. He noticed the family elders' reactions and, despite his disdain for these people, had an idea. "Coagulation Powder can only be contested through resources and finances, but Thunderfire Beads... just find a chance to kill or cripple Mo Yu. Without him, the Xiao family loses their supply, and you can reclaim your market share."

For Liu Xi, who despised those who gained fame through what he considered inferior means, Mo Yu was an eyesore. His suggestion to eliminate Mo Yu was laced with malicious intent.

Hearing this, the Jia Lie family elders' eyes lit up, as if they had found a new path to victory. If they couldn't solve the problem, they could eliminate the person causing it.

(End of Chapter)