Technological Advantage

Relying on key technologies to establish high barriers to entry and achieve a technical monopoly.

In Gao Xian's previous life, this was the most common business tactic.

With his Grandmaster-level Deer Antler Powder, who in the tiny Flying Horse Market could compare to him!

In this regard, he was fully capable of achieving a technical monopoly.

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

Whether it was Zhou Ye or Old Wang, Grandmaster-level Deer Antler Powder was extremely important to both of them.

Just like how Zhou Ye easily earned ten Low-grade Spirit Stone from him using a Three Yang Talisman, wasn't that also relying on a technical monopoly?

Zhou Ye had lived for over seventy years and possessed a wealth of experience; one look at Gao Xian's demeanor told him this kid was a shrewd one.

He clicked his tongue in admiration: "I really couldn't tell, your alchemy skills are so high. Young and promising, impressive, truly impressive..."

Kind words didn't cost anything, so Zhou Ye didn't skimp on the praise; besides, Gao Xian's alchemy level was genuinely high.

To be able to refine such a low-tier pill as Deer Antler Powder to this level, he was truly a great talent!

"Sir, you flatter me; I am unworthy of such praise, truly unworthy."

Gao Xian offered a few humble words before shifting the topic: "However, I have poured a great deal of effort into this Deer Antler Powder, improving the formula and adding high-grade ingredients to refine away all the medicinal toxins."

"This medicine can be taken regularly to strengthen one's foundation and essence without worrying about the accumulation of medicinal toxins."

He then sighed: "Refining this pill is exceptionally complex and prone to failure. Even I don't have many on hand."

"These few pills here are a gift for you, Sir."

Gao Xian said with a sincere expression: "Sir, you have suffered a depletion of blood and energy from drawing talismans, and this pill is exactly what you need."

"Sir, you can try them for a few days first, and if the effect is good, you can come find me again."

Zhou Ye glanced at the box of blue pills; there were nine left. He was a bit surprised; this kid was actually quite generous.

Generosity was a very rare quality in Flying Horse Market.

Cultivators required too many resources for their cultivation; ignoring mundane items, everything related to cultivation, spells, and so on, had to be fought for with all one's might.

Every cultivator kept their hands clenched tight, grasping at every bit and piece so they could accumulate wealth and seize every opportunity.

This was even more true for those doing business; if a pill seller were always giving away pills for free, what would they rely on to make money?

Even if it were bait to catch a fish, this bait was a bit too generous!

Zhou Ye smiled: "Very well, this old man will accept your kindness."

Gao Xian said happily: "It is my honor that you would grace me with your acceptance..."

Taking someone's gift makes one's hands soft; having received a box of Deer Antler Powder for nothing, Zhou Ye's attitude toward Gao Xian became much closer.

"This old man's secret technique is called the True Yang Spear. It takes a man's supreme Yang energy as its root, condensing divine intent into a spear, specifically designed to break through yin evils and filth..."

Zhou Ye explained his True Yang method, and it sounded quite good to Gao Xian.

Gao Xian also knew that such advertising shouldn't be taken too seriously. But given his current poor situation, he had no choice but to tentatively believe it.

It was just that discussing these things now would be too disadvantageous; they would have to wait until the old man understood the value of the Deer Antler Powder before they could sit down and negotiate properly.

"Sir, my house was burned down by someone, and I was hoping to borrow a place from you to stay for the night."

Gao Xian wanted to stay at Zhou Ye's place mainly out of fear of evil spirits, and it had absolutely nothing to do with the old man's beautiful daughter.

Seeing how pitiful Gao Xian looked, and having just accepted the Deer Antler Powder—plus they were now acquaintances—Zhou Ye found it hard to refuse.

Besides, he still wanted to sell the True Yang Spear to Gao Xian, so he had to offer the other party some benefits.

"Fine, there is 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 entered the main courtyard.

The moonlight was like water, illuminating the courtyard brightly.

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

The front row of rooms served as the storefront, passing through which led to a courtyard, with three main rooms and wing rooms on the east and west sides.

They were all blue-brick, tile-roofed houses with blue bricks paved on the ground, looking very orderly. There was still light in the room to the west of the main house, which was likely the beauty's boudoir.

Gao Xian felt a surge of envy; living in a bustling market with a storefront, and a main courtyard in the back, finding tranquility amidst the noise—it was truly a good life.

By comparison, the earthen house he lived in was like a pigsty.

Making talismans was truly profitable!

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

Gao Xian had originally felt he was doing quite well, much better than the likes of Old Wang.

The problem was that one shouldn't compare; seeing Zhou Ye's mansion, he suddenly felt terrible.

The east wing had two rooms; one was piled high with various tanned leathers, and the pungent, gamey smell was very strong.

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

It must not have been lived in for a long time; as soon as Gao Xian entered, he smelled a scent of dust.

Gao Xian shamelessly asked for a bucket and a rag, scrubbing the room twice until it was finally clean.

There was no bedding on the wooden bed, only the hard, unyielding boards.

Since Zhou Ye didn't mention it, Gao Xian felt too embarrassed to say anything further.

Summer had already arrived, so it wasn't cold without bedding, just uncomfortable. Living under someone else's roof, it was best to keep quiet and not cause trouble.

Gao Xian reminded himself, lying down on the bed fully clothed. Without a pillow, no matter how he lay, it didn't feel right.

After lying there for a while and still unable to sleep, he thought of Little Black Cat again: "I wonder where that little brat ran off to, and if it's managed to find food. Looking at its pathetic state, I'm afraid it wouldn't even dare to catch a mouse!"

"That Ling'er has a dainty, charming look that really resembles Little Black Cat. I wonder what kind of relationship she has with me..."

After letting his mind wander for a long time, Gao Xian still felt no drowsiness, so he sat up and cycled the Five Elements Technique for thirty-six revolutions.

Afterward, he went to find Sister Lan to practice the Great Idol Spirit Method.

Gao Xian had tried many times; his practice of the Great Idol Spirit Method was a form of deep meditation, and his body would not make any movements.

Practicing here, no one would notice anything amiss or see him acting out of character.

After practicing dual cultivation of qi with Sister Lan, Gao Xian felt refreshed and his mind calmed down.

Having tossed and turned all night, he was truly exhausted, and as soon as he closed his eyes, he quickly fell into a deep sleep.

In a daze, Gao Xian felt someone open the bedroom door and enter.

He was startled, his sleepiness vanishing instantly, and he carefully opened his eyes to look toward the door.

Outside the window, a faint light was filtering in; it must have been around five in the morning, the moment just before the sun rises.

The bedroom door was gently pulled open, and a figure walked in with a light step.

The window was covered with thick mulberry paper, which had very poor light transmission, leaving the room quite dim.

Just by looking at her slender and graceful figure, he knew the visitor was Zhou Ye's beautiful and charming daughter.

Gao Xian couldn't see the subtle expressions on her face, but he could feel the joy in her sparkling eyes and the cheerfulness in her light footsteps.

Gao Xian hurriedly closed his eyes. He didn't remember her and didn't know how to react, so it was better to pretend to be asleep.

Ling'er came to the bedside and watched Gao Xian quietly, her fragrance beginning to permeate the air.

The scent had a grassy freshness, combined with the lively purity of flowing spring water; Gao Xian felt the faint aroma penetrate straight into his heart and soul.

Following that, Gao Xian felt a slight coolness on his face; he knew it was Ling'er gently stroking his cheek. He didn't dare move, but his heart felt even more restless.

Seeing that Gao Xian hadn't woken up yet, Ling'er leaned close to his ear and breathed out a puff of warm air: "Bad guy, still pretending to be asleep..."

Her sweet, charming voice made Gao Xian's blood heat up instantly, and his hand somehow wrapped around her slender waist.

Ling'er let out a dainty laugh and proactively leaned her red lips toward him.

Gao Xian opened his mouth in cooperation. His thinking was simple: only a fool wouldn't take advantage of such an opportunity. Besides, with such a beautiful young lady, he couldn't go against her will.

Ling'er suddenly pulled her head back, slapped Gao Xian hard on the chest, and pouted, "Don't stick your tongue out!"

The young woman was beautiful, but her delicate hands packed quite a punch.

Gao Xian felt his chest tighten, nearly spitting blood from the impact. His brain jolted, and suddenly, a flood of memories regarding Ling'er surged forth...