Chapter 761, For the Future of Alchemy
Thought about it carefully.
Actually, whether Lilith comes or not doesn't matter much.
As long as the message gets through and they stay in close contact, that's enough.
Just like when they first arrived on Gold-Silver Island and discovered that members of the Secret Cult were capturing girls to hold a blood feast.
He had written her a letter back then, using the excuse of tarnishing the reputation of the Blood Clan.
She hadn't replied or sent any message back, but soon after, news spread from all over about investigations and arrests of the Secret Cult.
This time is probably similar.
The cold and aloof Blood Clan leader.
While thinking, he casually pulled a book of magic scrolls from his space ring and started flipping through it again.
Better get prepared. Once Li Yared lends him the talisman book, he'll try drawing some himself.
Whether it works or not, might as well give it a try.
While reading intently, Xiaoxiao and Benny flew back together.
"How was the expo?" Wu Heng put the book away.
Xiaoxiao said, "It went great! There were tons of people crowding the expo. They said, Uncle, you're a good person—not like other rich folks."
"Why'd they say that?" Wu Heng was a bit puzzled.
Xiaoxiao thought for a moment, sounding unsure, "I think it's because they said these medicines are actually useful to them."
Benny chimed in, "They believe the pills you're producing now are designed and improved for them. After all, the rich and powerful all have space rings. Only ordinary people feel the importance of these pills."
That actually makes sense.
His focus on the pills was indeed for those without space rings.
"Exactly! I'm a real good guy." Wu Heng gave a thumbs-up.
"Uncle, you're so silly!"
"Totally silly."
The two spirits nodded in agreement.
Wu Heng was speechless, "What kind of comment is that?"
While they chatted, Glenda flew back, glanced at the one-man-two-spirits scene, and asked, "What are you talking about?"
"Uncle said he's a good person."
Glenda nodded with clear agreement, "That part really doesn't fit his profession. He'd be better off as a priest blessing people."
Xiaoxiao widened her eyes, "Auntie, you don't really think that, right?"
"Of course," Glenda said with a smile.
Wu Heng smiled too and didn't let Xiaoxiao continue. He cut in and asked, "Glenda, how's it going on your side?"
Glenda looked over and said, "The island's lively. Lots of rich people on the streets."
Seeing Wu Heng and Glenda getting serious, Xiaoxiao and Benny flew off to the side.
They pulled out a tablet, turned down the volume, and started watching a movie.
Wu Heng took a sip of tea and said, "Oh right, I just got back from the Guild. The head of the Hongwen Society sent a deputy over. Judging by Sheila Grey's attitude toward him, he's probably an 18th-level Professional."
"That deputy must be someone trusted then. He seemed to be looking out for you," Glenda said as she floated over to the desk and asked, "What about the other leaders? Didn't you send out three letters?"
"The Justice Sword wrote back, said they couldn't leave headquarters, encouraged me a bit. Lilith didn't send anyone or reply."
"Lilith didn't send anyone? Looks like your charm's fading," Glenda teased with a grin.
Wu Heng gave her an annoyed look.
He hadn't even met the woman—what charm was she talking about?
"Did you check out the expo?"
Glenda said, "I passed by and had a look. Quite a few alchemists were inspecting the pills—looking, sniffing, all that."
"The pills shouldn't be hard to make. Once they hit the market, others will develop them too. Then it'll be a war of quantity and price. We've got big machines, which gives us the edge."
Glenda casually summoned a book, flipped it open, and said, "You also said the pen wasn't hard, yet no one's managed to copy it. Instead, the demand keeps rising."
"Yeah, not hard at all. Who knows why they gave up on researching it."
Of course, being the sole producer is great—better sales and a monopoly.
But pills changed the form of potions. Every alchemy group will need to adapt.
If they don't, the market will eventually eliminate them.
So, unlike pens and watches, the market will force them to change.
Wu Heng's advantage is the large-scale pharmaceutical machines. Maybe in the future, even alchemists won't be needed—just machines churning them out.
Less labor means lower costs.
Knock knock knock~!
The door knocked, followed by the catgirl Robe's voice, "Master, a few alchemists are outside. They brought an invitation from Shanaila and want to meet you."
Alchemists? Invitation?
Probably for the auction.
They're bringing that to visit the island lord's mansion?
Wu Heng opened the door and walked out. "Bring them to the parlor."
"Yes, Master," Robe replied, leaping onto the stair railing and sliding down.
Wu Heng followed her downstairs and waited in one of the parlors.
Soon, noise rose.
Through the window, three figures followed Robe—two humans and a gnome, all in alchemical robes. Classic alchemist attire.
As they crossed the courtyard, they eyed the skeletal guards cautiously.
They entered the hall.
Robe said, "Master, the guests have arrived."
The three looked at Wu Heng and bowed slightly, "Lord of the Island."
"Sit, no need to be formal," Wu Heng said with a smile.
They sat. Robe brought tea and snacks.
Wu Heng looked at them with curiosity and asked, "What brings you here?"
One middle-aged alchemist introduced with a smile, "Lord of the Island, this is Mr. Stede, Vice President of the 'Fumoli' Alchemy Association. He's here for the auction and was impressed by the displayed pills. Said it's a major innovation."
The one he introduced was the elderly human in the middle.
Looked to be in his fifties.
"Thank you," Wu Heng responded politely, then asked, "Vice President Stede, what brings you here today?"
The old man glanced around, then said, "Turning potions into pill form is indeed innovative, but since you're not part of a formal alchemy organization, there must be flaws. We could work together to refine and mass-produce them."
Work together?
It had already been tested and met potion standards—why assume it's flawed?
"Vice President, the potion has no flaws. The Guild's alchemists are very professional," Wu Heng said.
The man leaned forward, eyes serious, "Every potion is the result of generations of alchemists refining and innovating. Your method is fresh, yes, but it could disrupt the entire industry."
He sighed and pleaded, "If you share the improved method, you'd be remembered in alchemy history as a great contributor."
At that, Wu Heng's eyes widened.
So it turns out, he just wants the formula.
This is faster than robbery—straight up asking for it.
Looking at the man's righteous face, Wu Heng couldn't help but find it funny.
Wu Heng said, "Of course, we'll invite accomplished and respected masters to research together."
The man's eyes lit up. He cleared his throat, "I've made some progress and earned some prestige in alchemy myself."
Wu Heng smiled, "I'll report this to the Hongwen Society's leader Claudio. With Vice President Stede's achievements, I'm sure you'll make the list."
The three visitors' eyes widened.
The Guild leader?
So the Guild is involved?
Make the list? Stede's name wouldn't even ring a bell with Claudio.
"Since you've already made arrangements, we have nothing more to say. Still, consider our offer—for the future of alchemy and the benefit of many."
"Sure, I'll consider it," Wu Heng nodded with a smile. Then to the side, "Robe, see our guests out."
Robe was fuming a bit, her tone unfriendly, "This way, gentlemen."
The three got up and followed the maid out.
When Robe returned, Wu Heng said, "Tell Minnie—if anyone else comes, say I'm not here. Especially alchemists, don't let them in."
"Yes, Master," Robe replied.
Wu Heng nodded, got up, and headed back upstairs.
Thought they had serious business—turns out they just wanted the formula for free.
As for the nomination thing—just an excuse, a polite way to end the conversation.
Their unheard-of alchemy association wouldn't have ties with Claudio anyway.
He stayed upstairs until afternoon.
Wu Heng put on his mask again and headed out to check the auction venue's setup.
Since Shanaila was still in Netale City, he had to keep an eye on things.
Of course, Shanaila arranged everything—Wu Heng was just looking for areas that might need tweaking.
...…
Evening approached.
A few staff from headquarters waited at the gate.
Someone said, "I checked with the locals—street lamps are magical lighting tools, rare among ordinary people."
"You can't say that. Lighting up the whole island means they can mass-produce them. That's already better than light stones."
"We'll see soon enough."
As they chatted, the sky gradually darkened.
Clack clack clack~!
One by one, the street lamps lit up, instantly illuminating the whole area.
Then, whoosh—
A crowd suddenly flooded in from all sides.
Bards carrying crates stood under the lights, cleared their throats, and began telling detective stories.
Vendors with goods cheerfully peddled their wares.
Kids ran around, residents gathered and chatted.
Even the out-of-towners looked surprised, watching the city suddenly come alive.
"Really is different from other places."
"The people here seem even happier than during the day."
...…
Church.
Inside the bishop's room.
At a round wooden table sat the local bishop, 'Dek Gavin', and a burly man.
Street lamps lit up outside, and the noise drifted in.
Dek Gavin took a sip of water and said, "Come with me tomorrow to the island lord's mansion. Let's meet the young lord."
"What's wrong? Can't handle a 15th-level kid?" the burly man asked calmly.
Dek Gavin stayed flat-toned, "We're on Gold-Silver Island. Some things I shouldn't do myself."
"Want me to kill him?"
"He issued an edict limiting stationed forces. Let's go talk, let him know what he can and can't do."
"Alright," the burly man nodded.
...…
The next day, at Golden Sail Tavern.
The tavern's first floor was packed.
Unlike usual days with only locals, today it was full of well-dressed guests.
The bard performed even more passionately.
It was buzzing with excitement.
Upstairs, in a private room—
Knock knock. A sharply dressed elder entered, bowed, and said, "Miss, I found out—the auction is tomorrow. Today's big event is the expo. They say there's a new medicine—round pill-shaped but with the same effects as regular potions."
At the table sat a stunning brunette in a purple gown, her expression icy cold. She calmly asked, "Also Wu Heng's work?"
"Locals say so, but whether it's truly the island lord's creation, we can't be sure," the elder replied.
"Let's go check out the expo," she said, standing and donning a hood.
At the door, her body shrank slightly, and she looked even younger.
Now she appeared to be a young girl.
At the tavern door, the elder also put on a hood and opened a black parasol for her. Then they headed out.
They hailed a carriage by the roadside.
Off to the expo.
...…
At the expo entrance.
A few figures sat in a circle.
Someone said, "Boss, nothing good today. Too many patrols to make a move."
"Wait a bit. We'll switch ports—plenty of rich folks there too."
"Check carefully before acting. If they have a space ring, don't bother—too risky."
"Got it. We're not idiots."
Hissss~!
Suddenly, one of them signaled toward a distance.
They turned to see an elder escorting a young girl from a carriage.
Fancy dress, parasol—definitely wealthy.
"Must be some noble lady."
"Looks promising."
"Be careful. That old guy might be a high-tier Professional. If anything goes wrong, dive into the crowd."
"Got it, boss," the speaker replied confidently.
This kind of young lady with an old servant is the best target.
If weak, they're easy to scare and fleece.
If strong, they'll avoid escalation since they're dragging baggage—things usually blow over.
"Go!" the boss nodded.
Two men leapt off the wall and followed them, using the crowd to sneak up toward the girl's waist.