Si Ji Huang was determined to secure this deal for one primary reason, an independent alchemists were a rare breed. In this world, the Alchemist Guild held a suffocating monopoly on the profession. Not everyone possessed the innate talent required to handle spiritual fire and medicinal properties, and those who did almost always flocked to the Guild for protection and resources. Consequently, the Alchemist Guild controlled nearly every high-quality pill in circulation.
Si Ji Huang had deduced that this young man was not bound by the Guild's strict regulations. If he were a member, he would have simply used the Guild's private archives to locate his ingredients. The fact that he was seeking information at the Shanghai House proved he was an outsider, a valuable, independent asset.
"I will have to consider your proposal carefully." Bai Xifeng replied, keeping her voice steady despite her growing interest. "I also need to consult with my master before making any official commitments. But for now, regarding the information on those herbs... Can you provide it?"
"We currently possess the exact locations for several herbs on your list." Si Ji Huang said, tapping the paper. "However, there are a few others that even our network has yet to track down."
"I see. And what is the price for the information you do have?" Bai Xifeng asked.
While she was desperate for the data, she had to be practical. If the price exceeded her current savings, she would be forced to prioritize only the most essential ingredients for her immediate survival.
Si Ji Huang calmly quoted a figure. As the numbers left his mouth, Bai Xifeng's hand instinctively went to the back of her neck, her fingers tightening as her breath hitched.
'What the hell?! Is he serious?! That's not a price, that's a highway robbery! Ouch... my head... my poor wallet...' Bai Xifeng's face turned a ghostly shade of pale as she realized just how much of her limited gold was about to vanish.
"Sir Long, are you quite alright? You look a bit faint." Si Ji Huang asked, though his eyes remained sharp and observant.
"Yes... please forgive my momentary lapse." Bai Xifeng managed to say, forcing herself to maintain her composure.
She leaned over the table, pointing a shaky finger at the list. "Which specific herbs from this list do you have information on? I need to select the ones that are most critical for my current work."
Si Ji Huang pointed out ten different names. Bai Xifeng stared at them, her mind racing as she calculated the "value" of each herb against the cost of the information.
While she pondered, Si Ji Huang continued his silent observation. He noted that the boy seemed to be around eleven or twelve years old, with a notably small and slender build for his age. 'He must be exceptionally talented to have been scouted by a master who values secrecy so much.' He mused.
Finally, Bai Xifeng looked up, having made her difficult decision.
"Sir Si, I have decided. I will purchase the information for these two herbs." Bai Xifeng said, pointing to the two most vital ingredients for the first stage of her detoxification.
Si Ji Huang glanced at her selection and gave a professional nod. "A wise choice, Sir Long. However, per our policy, I must ask you to make the payment first."
Bai Xifeng reached into her pouch, carefully counting out the the money and placing them on the table with a slight sense of heartbreak. Si Ji Huang gathered the money and calculated the amount with practiced ease. Once the payment was confirmed, a satisfied smile spread across his face. He leaned in and began to whisper the precise locations where those two rare herbs could be found.
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