Technical Edge

By relying on key technology, raising the barriers to entry, and achieving a technological monopoly.

In Gao Xian's previous life, this had been the most common business strategy.

His master-level Deer Antler Powder—who in tiny Flying Horse Market could compare with him?

In this regard, he could achieve a technological monopoly.

Deer Antler Powder was common, but master-level Deer Antler Powder was absolutely not.

Whether Zhou Ye or Old Wang, master-level Deer Antler Powder was very important to them.

It was just like how Zhou Ye had easily earned ten Low-grade Spirit Stones from him with the Three Yang Talisman. Wasn't that also thanks to a technological monopoly?

Zhou Ye had lived for over seventy years and was well-traveled. With one look at Gao Xian, he could tell the young man was a schemer.

He clicked his tongue in admiration. "I'd never have guessed your alchemy skills were so high. So young and already so accomplished. Impressive, impressive..."

Praise cost nothing, and Zhou Ye didn't begrudge him any. Besides, Gao Xian's alchemy skills really were excellent.

To refine such a low-grade pill as Deer Antler Powder to this level—what a talent!

"You're too kind, sir. I hardly deserve it."

Gao Xian humbly demurred, then changed the subject. "Still, I've poured a lot of effort into Deer Antler Powder. I improved the formula and added high-grade ingredients, refining out all the medicinal toxins.

"This medicine can be taken regularly to strengthen the body and replenish one's vitality, without worrying about toxins building up."

He sighed again. "Refining this pill is exceptionally complicated, and it fails easily. Even I don't have many on hand.

"These few pills are all for you, sir."

Gao Xian said with a sincere expression, "You've depleted your qi and blood making talismans. This pill is just what you need.

"You can try it for a few days. If it works well, come find me again."

Zhou Ye glanced at the box of blue pills. There were nine left. He was a little surprised. The kid was rather generous.

Generosity was a rare quality in Flying Horse Market.

Cultivators needed far too many resources to practice. Leaving aside ordinary goods, anything related to cultivation—items, spells, and so on—had to be fought for with everything they had.

Every cultivator was used to keeping a tight grip on things, holding on to every last bit. Only by slowly accumulating could they seize every opportunity.

Merchants were even more so. If someone selling pills kept giving them away, how could they make money?

Even if he was baiting a fish, this was a bit too much bait!

Zhou Ye smiled. "Very well. I'll accept your kindness."

Gao Xian said happily, "It's my honor that you'd accept, sir..."

Having accepted a gift, Zhou Ye felt indebted. After receiving a box of Deer Antler Powder for free, he also felt much closer to Gao Xian.

"This secret art of mine is called the True Yang Spear. It takes a man's utmost yang energy as its foundation and condenses spiritual intent into a spear. It's especially effective at breaking through yin evils and filth..."

Zhou Ye explained his True Yang method, and Gao Xian found it quite impressive.

Gao Xian also knew that such sales pitches couldn't be taken too seriously. But his situation was poor right now, so he could only take it on faith for the time being.

It was just too disadvantageous to discuss this now. They would have to wait until the old man understood the value of Deer Antler Powder before they could sit down and talk properly.

"Sir, my house was burned down. Could I borrow a place to stay for the night?"

Gao Xian mainly wanted to stay at Zhou Ye's place because he was worried about Evil Spirits. It had nothing at all to do with the old man's pretty daughter.

Seeing how pitifully Gao Xian put it, having just received his Deer Antler Powder, and considering they were acquaintances, Zhou Ye found it hard to refuse.

Besides, he still wanted to sell Gao Xian the True Yang Spear. He had to offer him some benefit.

"All right. There's an empty room in the East Wing Room. You can stay there for the night."

Zhou Ye led Gao Xian around to the back door and into the main courtyard.

The moonlight flowed like water, illuminating the entire courtyard.

Only then did Gao Xian realize that Zhou Ye's home was a quadrangle courtyard.

The Inverted Room at the front served as a shop. Beyond it was an open courtyard, then three main rooms, with side rooms on both the east and west sides.

Everything was built of gray brick and large roof tiles, with gray bricks paving the ground. It all looked neat and proper. A light shone in the western room of the main house. It was probably the beautiful girl's bedroom.

Gao Xian felt a pang of envy. A home in the bustling city with a storefront, plus a courtyard in the back—peaceful amid the noise. What a wonderful life.

By comparison, his earthen hut was like a pigsty.

Making talismans really made money!

"I need to make more money too, buy a big house, then get two beauties—one to cook and do the laundry, the other to tend the fire and refine pills..."

Gao Xian had thought his life was pretty good, much better than Old Wang and the likes.

The problem was, he shouldn't compare. Seeing Zhou Ye's mansion had instantly ruined his mood.

The eastern side room had two chambers. One was piled high with all kinds of tanned leather, and the rank smell of hides was overpowering.

The other was much cleaner. It had a wooden bed, along with a table and chairs.

It had probably been a long time since anyone stayed there. The moment Gao Xian went in, he smelled dust.

Swallowing his pride, Gao Xian asked for a bucket and rag and wiped the room down twice. At last, he got it clean.

There were no quilts on the wooden bed, only a hard bedboard.

Zhou Ye didn't mention it, so Gao Xian didn't feel comfortable bringing it up.

Summer had already begun, so he wouldn't be cold without a quilt. It just wouldn't be very comfortable. Since he was staying in someone else's home, he'd better keep quiet and not make a fuss.

Gao Xian reminded himself of that, then lay down on the bed fully clothed. There was no pillow, and no matter how he lay, it didn't feel right.

After lying there for a while, he still couldn't sleep. He began thinking about the Little Black Cat again. Who knows where that little rascal ran off to. I wonder if it's found anything to eat. From the look of it, it probably wouldn't even dare catch a mouse!

That sweet, pretty Ling'er really does look a bit like the Little Black Cat. I wonder what kind of relationship she and I have...

After a long while of turning thoughts over in his head, Gao Xian still wasn't sleepy. He sat up and circulated the Five Elements Technique for thirty-six cycles.

Then he went to find Sister Lan and practice the Great Idol Spirit Method.

Gao Xian had tried many times. Practicing the Great Idol Spirit Method was like entering a meditative trance; his body didn't move at all.

Practicing here wouldn't make anyone notice anything strange or catch him behaving improperly.

After cultivating in dual harmony with Sister Lan, Gao Xian felt refreshed and clearheaded, and his mind settled down.

After tossing and turning all night, he was truly exhausted. He closed his eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.

In a hazy half-sleep, Gao Xian sensed someone opening the door and coming inside.

He jolted awake, all traces of sleep gone, then cautiously opened his eyes and looked out.

The window was faintly bright. It should have been around five in the morning, just before sunrise.

The bedroom door was gently pulled open, and a lithe figure slipped inside.

The window was covered with thick mulberry-bark paper, which let in very little light. The room was extremely dim.

From the other person's graceful, slender figure alone, he knew it was Zhou Ye's pretty, winsome daughter.

Gao Xian couldn't make out the subtle expressions on her face, but he could sense her joy in her sparkling eyes and feel her excitement in her light steps.

Gao Xian hurriedly closed his eyes. He didn't remember her and had no idea how to respond. It was best to pretend to be asleep for now.

Ling'er came to the bed and quietly gazed at Gao Xian. The fragrance on her body began to fill the room.

It had the fresh scent of plants, with the lively purity of flowing spring water. Gao Xian felt the faint fragrance pass straight through his nose and into his heart and lungs.

Then Gao Xian's face grew slightly cool. He knew Ling'er was gently stroking his cheek. He didn't dare move, but his heart itched even more.

Seeing Gao Xian still hadn't woken, Ling'er leaned close to his ear and breathed out warmly. "You rascal, still pretending to sleep..."

Her sweet, tender voice sent Gao Xian's blood rushing hot. Somehow, his hand had wound around her slender waist.

Ling'er giggled and brought her red lips close to his.

Gao Xian obligingly opened his mouth. His thinking was simple: only a fool passed up an advantage. Besides, with such a beautiful young lady, he couldn't go against a woman's wishes.

Ling'er suddenly lifted her head and slapped Gao Xian hard on the chest, scolding coquettishly, "Don't stick out your tongue!"

The young lady was beautiful, but her delicate, fair hand carried considerable force.

The blow left Gao Xian's chest tight, and he nearly spat blood. His mind shook, and suddenly, a flood of memories about Ling'er surged into his head...

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