Blood Surge Pill Goes on Sale

The sun was high in the sky. Once Wu Tan City's gates opened, more and more people entered the city, and its streets and alleys gradually grew lively.

Groups of mercenaries headed toward the markets within the city.

The Jia Lie Clan's and Xiao Clan's markets had become places mercenaries always visited.

Both sold healing medicines refined by alchemists. Compared to medicinal powders prepared by physicians, alchemists' products were more expensive, but their effects were remarkably good.

For mercenaries, keeping a dose on hand could save their lives at a critical moment.

When these people reached a street, they gradually came to a stop.

Ahead, on opposite sides, stood the entrances to the Jia Lie Clan Market and Xiao Clan Market. At that moment, huge stones and rolling logs had been set up before the Jia Lie Clan Market.

"What's going on?"

"What is the Jia Lie Clan up to?"

"Hehe, looks like there's another show to watch."

The mercenaries were utterly baffled by the sight. None of them hurried to buy anything; instead, they stood where they were with the air of spectators.

As word spread, more and more people in Wu Tan City learned of it and all headed toward the Jia Lie Clan Market.

After all, it was no secret in Wu Tan City that the two clans had been fighting over business for some time.

Some time ago, word had spread that the Jia Lie Clan had suffered a misfortune. Not only had it lost a large quantity of medicinal herbs, but one of its elders had also died.

Oba Clan.

Clan Leader Ao Ba Pa was leisurely enjoying his breakfast.

A few days ago, the Jia Lie Clan had mortgaged two markets worth over two hundred thousand gold coins to him for one hundred and fifty thousand gold coins in order to borrow money.

The two sides had agreed that the Jia Lie Clan could redeem them for two hundred thousand gold coins within one month. For every month of delay afterward, another fifty thousand gold coins would be added.

"Earn two hundred thousand gold coins within a month? With the Jia Lie Clan as it is now?"

Whenever Ao Ba Pa recalled the deal, he could not help but laugh.

Jia Lie Bi really had gone senile. Did he think money was that easy to make?

Back when he had seen both the Jia Lie Clan and Xiao Clan hire alchemists, he had entertained the idea as well.

But after calculating the price he would have to pay, he chose to give up.

It was not worth it. Wu Tan City's market was only so large. Hiring alchemists cost money, and buying medicinal herbs cost money.

With all three clans competing and trying to crush one another, a price war would be unavoidable. In the end, all three would only lose.

Rather than lose together, it was better to sit back and watch the tigers fight.

Now, without spending a single coin, I've gotten two markets for free.

"Xiao Clan, do your best." Ao Ba Pa glanced in the direction of the Xiao Clan and said expectantly.

At that moment, someone rushed in. "Clan Leader, something terrible has happened!"

"Why are you panicking?" Ao Ba Pa said unhappily. Under my brilliant leadership, the clan is about to gain two mountains of gold.

"All the customers at our markets have left," the servant replied.

Ao Ba Pa froze for a moment, then asked in astonishment, "Say that again."

"The Jia Lie Clan Market has made a huge display. Everyone in Wu Tan City has gone over to watch," the servant said.

So that was what this was about.

Ao Ba Pa laughed and snorted. "Just a petty trick. Look how badly it scared you."

No wonder I get to sit here eating while you can only stand there like an idiot.

"Enough, I understand. Inform the clan members not to panic. The customers will return later," Ao Ba Pa said with a wave of his hand.

The servant withdrew.

After taking two bites, Ao Ba Pa suddenly lost his appetite. He wiped his hands, stood up, and headed outside.

"Jia Lie Bi mortgaged the markets to raise money. He was probably waiting for today. I'll go see what this is all about too." Ao Ba Pa clasped his hands behind his back and walked with light steps.

Elsewhere.

When the guards at the Xiao Clan Market saw the Jia Lie Clan Market's actions, they raced back to report to the Xiao Clan.

After receiving the news, Xiao Zhan informed the three elders.

The three elders had just gone to rest when they were disturbed. After hearing the report, they were equally puzzled and had no idea what the Jia Lie Clan was planning.

After discussing it, the four decided to inspect the scene first.

Thus, they set off for the market. Worried about possible retaliation, the three elders also brought a large number of guards.

At the same time, a luxurious convoy passed through the city gate and entered Wu Tan City.

A crest adorned the convoy's carriages, depicting a medicinal herb. Some knowledgeable mercenaries nearby recognized it as the emblem of a medicinal herb merchant from Telan City.

"Stop for a moment." Hearing movement from within the carriage, the coachman hurriedly pulled tight on the reins.

A middle-aged steward at the side ran to the carriage window and saw his master lift the curtain.

"Li Dafu, ask where those people are going," the man said, pointing at the crowded stream of people.

The man was Li Hu, the second elder of the Li Clan, a medicinal herb family from Telan City.

Not long ago, the Jia Lie Clan had purchased medicinal herbs from the Li Clan. The goods were worth a total of four hundred thousand gold coins, but the Jia Lie Clan had paid only one hundred thousand, leaving a debt of three hundred thousand gold coins.

Only a few days after the shipment had been sent, rumors began circulating in Telan City that the Jia Lie Clan's business could no longer continue and that it was about to go bankrupt.

Worried that it would be unable to recover payment for the goods, the Li Clan had sent Li Hu personally to investigate. They had even arranged for two Da Dou Shi to accompany him.

Li Dafu returned quickly and said respectfully, "Master, they're all heading to the Jia Lie Clan Market to watch the excitement."

"Watch the excitement?" Li Hu was taken aback.

Li Dafu nodded and explained, "This morning, the Jia Lie Clan placed a batch of huge stones and rolling logs outside its market. They haven't said what they're for."

"Interesting." Li Hu lowered the curtain, stepped out of the carriage, stood up, gazed into the distance for two seconds, then jumped down to the ground.

Li Dafu came forward and asked with a smile, "Master, do you want to go take a look?"

"Yes. Take the convoy to the Jia Lie Clan first. I'll come later," Li Hu instructed.

He squeezed into the crowd with the two Da Dou Shi and soon disappeared into the tide of people.

Li Dafu withdrew his eager gaze and sighed regretfully. He actually wanted to go see it too.

Outside the Jia Lie Clan Market, the crowd grew larger and larger, and the noise was deafening.

Many gazes repeatedly swept over the hourglass placed atop a tall wooden pole. The sand inside was nearly finished running out.

At that very moment, a plump figure appeared on the third floor of a small building beside the market, his face beaming with a smile.

"Jia Lie Ku!"

Many people present recognized this fat man who often appeared around the market. Some cursed him as a profiteer, while others called him a beast.

Jia Lie Ku acted as though he had not heard them and said with a smile, "Good morning, everyone. I'm sure you're all gathered here because you're curious about why there are so many huge stones and rolling logs at the market entrance?"

Without waiting for anyone else to speak, he answered his own question. "It's actually very simple. They are related to a new medicinal pill we are about to sell."

The mercenaries who heard this became extremely excited.

In the past, Wu Tan City's markets had not carried alchemists' products. If people wanted to buy them, they either had to rely on luck, go to the Mittel Auction House, or travel farther to Telan City.

"Fatso, what kind of pill is it?" someone shouted, drowning out everyone else.

The fat on Jia Lie Ku's face trembled twice, but he maintained his smile. "It is still a first-grade medicinal pill, called the Blood Surge Pill. Its effect is to stimulate one's blood and vitality, allowing a Dou Zhe to raise their strength by one realm for a short period."

"Blood Surge Pill? Never heard of it."

"Raise a realm for a short time? Is that real?"

"It can't be cheap, right?"

After hearing the introduction, the mercenaries immediately began chattering and discussing it with those around them.