Guide him well

When someone takes the lead in purchasing, the effect is immediate.

In addition, there was the unusual dark golden color of the Golden Marrow Pill that I saw with my own eyes, and the more mellow and enticing fragrance that wafted out when the pill bottle was opened.

After a brief period of deliberation, most of the loyal customers of Number Nine Pill Shop, who had accumulated over several months, decided to trust their own eyes and Zhang Ying's introduction and took out Spirit Stone to repurchase.

Of course, some customers adopted a cautious wait-and-see attitude, not making a purchase immediately, but staying in the store to observe the reactions of other buyers.

When they saw that the first batch of dozens of bottles of Golden Marrow Pill had been sold out in less than half an hour, and that every customer who bought the Pill had a satisfied or even surprised expression on their face.

As they whispered among themselves praising the effects of the new pill, these onlookers couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

"Tsk, looks like it's really good stuff..."

I should have bought a bottle to try earlier!

"Manager Zhang is right. This quality looks exceptional. If sixty Spirit Stone can bring better cultivation results and less Pill Toxin, it's definitely worth it!"

Regretting their decision, the more proactive customers immediately stopped hesitating and began asking Zhang Ying or the shop assistants when the next batch of Pill would be ready.

Some people even found a spot in a corner of the shop, standing or sitting, patiently waiting, afraid of missing out again.

This has created a unique scene of waiting for the elixir to be produced within the Number Nine Pill Shop.

In the days that followed, similar scenes played out every day in front of the Number Nine Pill Shop.

At the market's opening time in the early morning, the newly refined dark Golden Marrow Pill were put on the shelves and were quickly snapped up by regular customers who had been waiting early or new customers who had come after hearing the news.

Then came a "downtime," with a slight decrease in customer traffic, but some customers would stay and wait, or wander around the neighborhood, estimating when they would return.

When Su Bai produced his second batch of Pill that day, another small buying frenzy ensued.

This situation lasted for nearly a month.

After all, once Cultivator purchases a bottle of Golden Marrow Pill, they usually need a considerable amount of time to consume Refinement before making the next purchase.

A month is enough time for most of the old customers of Number Nine Pill Shop to make at least one repeat purchase and personally experience the excellence of the new version of Golden Marrow Pill.

The power of word of mouth is immense.

As more and more Cultivator confirmed that the Golden Marrow Pill Number Nine Pill Shop for sixty Spirit Stone per bottle were indeed far superior in terms of purity and actual benefits to cultivation compared to similar products on the market, and even surpassed the signature Golden Marrow Pill of the Golden Pavilion.

The initial complaints about the price increase completely vanished.

Instead, there was a general recognition of Alchemist Lu Jiu's exceptional skills at the Number Nine Pill Shop, and the quiet spread of his title as the best Golden Marrow Pill maker on the Alchemy Street among customers.

Thanks to its excellent product quality, Number Nine Pill Shop successfully navigated the initial adjustment period after the price increase.

As a result, brand image and customer loyalty have actually improved.

The consistent daily sales volume and higher unit price brought Su Bai a more substantial and stable income.

Star Luo Pill Pavilion.

A quiet and elegant stargazing room.

Pavilion Master True Man He stood by the railing, gazing at the bustling night view of Heavenly Star City.

He was slender, with white hair and a youthful face, a ruddy complexion, and a pair of eyes that shone with a sharp, clear light.

In his hand, he held a dark Golden Marrow Pill, examining it closely in the soft glow of the pearl in the room, occasionally stroking the pill with his fingertips to feel its texture.

Director Fang Yuan stood respectfully at the lower seat, and upon seeing this, he softly reported, "Pavilion Master, this pill is the Golden Marrow Pill refined by the Alchemist Lu Jiu, who has recently gained fame in the Alchemy Street."

"I personally inspected and had someone try it out. The quality... is indeed excellent. The medicinal power is pure, and the Pill Toxin is extremely low. It can be considered a top-quality pill among Qi Refining Stage Pill."

Upon hearing this, True Man He did not turn around, but merely smiled slightly, "More than just remarkable? Fang Yuan, you're in charge of external affairs; your judgment still needs further refinement."

He held the Pill up to his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through its body. "To refine First-Tier Superior-Grade Golden Marrow Pill to such a degree—the pill is dark gold, with hidden precious patterns, the medicinal power is almost perfectly integrated, and impurities have been removed so cleanly..."

"It's not just a matter of skill level."

"Lu Jiu's talent Talent in alchemy, his almost instinctive and keen grasp of the heat and the properties of the medicine, are unparalleled in our entire Alchemy Street. There are very few who can surpass him in terms of cultivation level and the grade of the Pill."

He turned around, gently placed the Golden Marrow Pill into a Jade Box, looked at Fang Yuan with admiration in his eyes. "Such a talented and virtuous person is exactly the kind of fresh blood that our Star Luo Pill Pavilion should pay close attention to and ultimately absorb."

"The future of the Pill Pavilion cannot rely solely on a few old guys like us; it needs young people with potential and drive like us even more."

Fang Yuan's face showed sudden realization. He hadn't expected the Pavilion Master to have such a high opinion of Lu Jiu: "Pavilion Master has discerning eyes! This subordinate indeed only felt that this pill was excellent, but hadn't deeply considered the Talent Dao of Alchemy represented."

"So... when our Pill Pavilion intervened to mediate his previous conflict with Wei Chun, should we have... taken a clearer stance and offered more support?"

He recalled that when he intervened, his main goal was to calm the situation and maintain stability on the streets, without taking a particular side.

True Man He waved his hand, indicating it was alright, and then asked, "Wei Chun? What exactly is the conflict between them? Please tell me in detail."

Fang Yuan then briefly recounted how Wei Chun, along with several Pill Shop, attempted to lower prices and restrict Lu Jiu's development, how negotiations between the two sides broke down at Star Tower, how Tao Jian was subsequently killed, how Lu Jiu allegedly used his connections to retaliate, and how Pill Pavilion ultimately intervened to mediate, leading to a temporary truce between the two sides.

He added, "Recently, the quality of Golden Marrow Pills at Lu Jiu Dan Shop has improved, and the price has risen to sixty spirit stones, yet business remains booming."

"As for Wei Chun's Golden Pavilion, it seems that it has shifted its business focus to a Second-tier Low-grade ' Jade Congealing Pill,' and there is currently no direct conflict between the two."

Unexpectedly, after hearing this, True Man He was not displeased by Su Bai's potential killing intent; instead, a hint of even greater interest flashed in his eyes.

He even said with a hint of delight, "Qian Lu's Personal Disciple, A Lan, has extremely high Alchemy Talent, but unfortunately, he is too soft-hearted and mild-mannered, focusing only on the Pill Furnace and lacking courage and decisiveness."

"I cannot possibly feel at ease entrusting the future of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion to such people."

He paced back and forth, looking out at the myriad lights of the Alchemy Street, his tone carrying a sense of satisfaction as if he had found a talented individual. "This Lu Jiu is quite interesting."

"Talent talented, yet sharp in action, knowing when to advance and when to retreat, and daring to draw his sword."

"He can remain patient Pill Shop skills when necessary, and he can also be decisive and ruthless when it's time to counterattack."

"Although Alchemist are based on the Dao of Alchemy, without a bit of daring and resourcefulness, how can they maintain their foundation and lead an organization forward in this dog-eat-dog Cultivation World? My Star Luo Pill Pavilion needs precisely this kind of Talent, determined, and courageous individual!"

He had already developed a great interest in Lu Jiu and was determined to investigate and cultivate him.

If this child's character and conduct can withstand the test, and his Talent in Dao of Alchemy continues to improve, it would not be unreasonable to accept him as Personal Disciple and cultivate him as a core member of the future Pill Pavilion.

"Fang Yuan," True Man He withdrew his gaze, his tone turning serious, "you shall make another trip to Number Nine Pill Shop."

"We formally invited Lu Jiu to the Pill Pavilion Star Luo Pill Pavilion as an ordinary member, directly in the name of the Elders' Council."

"Observing his words and actions, and understanding his interests, this young man... deserves close attention."

"Understood! I will certainly do it!" Fang Yuan's spirits lifted, and he quickly bowed to accept the order.

He sensed the importance in the Pavilion Master's tone and knew that this young Alchemist Lu Jiu, was likely about to enter the core focus of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion.

Mid-August, tea room on the second floor of Number Nine Pill Shop.

"Alchemist Lu Jiu, your shop has been making waves lately! I've heard people talking about 'the best Golden Marrow Pill maker on Alchemy Street ' for several blocks away."

Lu Ming, Heavenly Punishment Platform Punishment Officer, sat imposingly in the guest seat, watching Su Bai effortlessly brew Spirit Tea. His eyes held a familiar smile, but his words were tinged with a probing intent.

Su Bai smiled slightly upon hearing this, his tone calm. "It is truly an honor for my humble establishment that Punishment Officer Lu has taken the time to grace us with his presence today."

"A little bit of empty praise, just the guests' kind words, nothing to take seriously." With that, he pushed a cup of clear, green Spirit Tea in front of Lu Ming.

Lu Ming didn't stand on ceremony. He picked up the teacup, first taking a delighted sniff of the aroma, then downing it in one gulp. He smacked his lips, sighing with lingering satisfaction, "Excellent tea! Every time I come to Alchemist Lu's place, I crave this."

"I owe you a favor, Alchemist Lu, which is why the case was able to be resolved smoothly."

Lu Ming put down his teacup, his expression becoming more serious. "Although I am a rough man, I still know how to repay kindness."

"I promised you then that I would come and talk to you, a newcomer to Alchemy Street, about some of the tricks and intelligence on the streets when I had some free time."

"I just managed to sort out a few tricky cases at hand, and then I rushed over."

Su Bai understood that Lu Ming's visit was definitely not just for casual conversation.

His face showed just the right amount of expectation, and he poured Lu Ming another cup of tea. "Punishment Officer Lu is a man of his word, and I am extremely grateful."

"There are many things I don't understand. It would be a great honor to have the Punishment Officer's guidance! I am all ears."

This time, Lu Ming only took a small sip to moisten his throat before starting to speak, his tone carrying the deep composure characteristic of an official from the Heavenly Punishment Platform: "Star Luo Pill Pavilion, you must have already made contact with Alchemist Lu, and Alchemist Lu should have left an impression on you."

Su Bai nodded. "Director Fang is fair and just, and has mediated some disputes before."

"Hmm." Lu Ming continued, "With your current reputation as the 'Number One Golden Marrow Pill ' and the genuine quality of your Pill, I reckon it won't be long before the Star Luo Pill Pavilion's official invitation arrives in your hands."

Upon hearing this, Su Bai showed a suitable hint of curiosity and followed up by asking, "This Star Luo Pill Pavilion... is joining it absolutely necessary? I'm used to being carefree, and I'm afraid I can't stand too much restraint."

Lu Ming glanced at Su Bai, his expression turning serious, and leaned forward slightly. "Alchemist Lu, if all you want is to open a shop on Alchemy Street and earn some Spirit Stone, then whether you join or not might not matter much."

"But if you want to truly gain a foothold in this Alchemy Street, have a voice, not be hampered by those tangled relationships, and even go further in the Dao of Alchemy in the future, gaining more resources and guidance... then joining the Star Luo Pill Pavilion is almost the only way."

He paused, lowered his voice, and revealed more details. "Behind the Star Luo Pill Pavilion stands the true pillar of the Alchemy Street —three Alchemy Grandmaster at the Golden Core Stage!"

"Qian Lu, True Man He, and Tong Liu —these three are the true titans of the alchemy world in Alchemy Street and even Heavenly Star City."

"Of these three, True Man He is the leader."

"He is not only Late Golden Core Cultivator, but also the current Pavilion Master of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion."

"Although he has not officially joined the Heavenly Star Alliance, his status is extraordinary. Even the higher-ups in our alliance treat him with utmost respect and courtesy."

"The power and connections of a Late Golden Core Alchemy Grandmaster are beyond your imagination."

Su Bai listened quietly, occasionally revealing a solemn and respectful expression.

Alchemist at the Late Golden Core are legendary figures in Qingzhou; they are practically impossible to find.

It is in the Demon Star Sea, where resources are more abundant and competition is more brutal, that such figures can be born.

"Grandmaster Qian Lu and Grandmaster Tong Liu serve as Vice Pavilion Master, assisting True Man He in handling pavilion affairs."

Lu Ming continued, "Next are the Ten Directors, all of whom are experienced and highly skilled Alchemy Grandmaster, each with their own strengths. They are responsible for the daily operation of the Pill Pavilion, member assessments, resource allocation, and so on. Council member Fang is one of them."

"As for ordinary members," Lu Ming pointed to Su Bai, "They are Elite Alchemist like you, recognized and recruited by the Pill Pavilion."

"Don't underestimate the status of this 'ordinary member.' Out of hundreds of shops and hundreds of Alchemist in the entire Alchemy Street, only about a hundred people can receive an invitation, and they are all the best among their peers."

"Wei Chun, whom you've dealt with before, is a member of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion."

Su Bai's heart stirred slightly at the mention of Wei Chun.

As far as he knew, shortly after Wei Chun achieved another breakthrough in the quality of his Golden Marrow Pill at the Number Nine Pill Shop and raised its price to sixty Spirit Stone, he seemed to have completely given up competing in the Golden Marrow Pill market and instead focused all his efforts on developing his newly launched Low-grade Second-tier Spirit Pill "Jade Congealing Pill."

With its years of accumulation and transformation preparations, things seem to be going relatively smoothly so far.

Although the customer flow structure of the Golden Pavilion has changed, its total profit may not have decreased, which can be considered as a successful opening up of a new track.

"Alright, that's all for today."

Lu Ming finished the remaining tea in his cup, stood up, patted off non-existent dust, and his slightly lazy smile returned, "There are still a few files waiting for me to check at the yamen. Sigh, what a tiring life! Alchemist Lu, you can focus on your alchemy and wait for good news."

"If there are any questions about Alchemy Street or other aspects of Heavenly Star City in the future, as long as they do not involve classified information, I, Lu, will answer them to the best of my knowledge."

"Take care, Punishment Officer Lu. Thank you for your guidance today!" Su Bai bowed and saw him off.

Lu Ming waved his hand, his figure nimbly leaping out of the window, disappearing around the street corner in a few bounds.

Su Bai stood by the window, watching him leave.

Just as he was pondering, his gaze inadvertently swept across the street below and he happened to see a familiar figure walking towards the Number Nine Pill Shop.

The newcomer was none other than Fang Yuan, a director of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion!

"We just finished talking about the Star Luo Pill Pavilion, and the main character has arrived... Lu Ming's information network is indeed excellent." Su Bai's lips curled slightly as he turned and went downstairs.

He was almost certain that the timing of Lu Ming's visit today was no coincidence.

This Punishment Officer from the Heavenly Punishment Platform probably chose to "catch up" on his studies before Fang Yuan's arrival, so that he could better handle the upcoming invitation.

Before long, Fang Yuan was respectfully led by Zhang Ying to the tea room on the second floor.

Unlike the gentle yet scrutinizing tone of the previous mediation, Fang Yuan's face this time wore a brighter smile, and his attitude appeared more serious.

"Director Fang, please take a seat." Su Bai greeted him with a cupped hand, already knowing what was going on.

Fang Yuan took his seat and, without much pleasantries, looked at Su Bai with clear eyes and stated his purpose directly. "Alchemist Lu Jiu, there's no need for formalities."

"I have come here on the orders of the Grand Elders' Council of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion."

"Your newly refined Golden Marrow Pill is of exceptional quality and has already received personal approval and high praise from Pavilion Master True Man He."

"After deliberation within the Pavilion, we hereby formally invite you to join the Star Luo Pill Pavilion!"