The next day, Su Ming and Zhang Yong walked toward their shop to begin their event.
But when they arrived, old man Qi was facing troubles.
A group of alchemists walked out from his shop's door, leaving. Even though old man Qi urged them to return, they refused and kept walking away.
"I can't believe it, I feel a little bad for that man," Su Ming couldn't help but pity him.
Zhang Yong shrugged indifferently. "No need for that. That's the point of trade—so long as there's a winner, there will be a loser."
Zhang Yong walked toward their shop, and after preparations were finished, a stage had been set in the middle of the city. At this moment, Su Ming was the one standing on it.
Because of Zhang Yong's facial condition, it wouldn't be good for him to appear on the platform.
At that moment, Su Ming's presence on the stage caught the attention of the passersby.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" he said with a powerful voice that filled the square. "We understand that because of some unexpected incidents, some of you may think we deceived people by selling poisonous pills. But to prove our quality, I present to you our esteemed guest from the Alchemy Association—Ku Linan!" He announced, gesturing toward Ku Linan, who wore the robes of an alchemist and the badge of a fourth-rank alchemist. This alone enhanced the credibility of every word he said, for this was a sacred profession in the empire—who would dare commit fraud so openly?
Whispers began to spread quietly in the crowd.
Ku Linan stepped forward and spoke before everyone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as a fourth-rank alchemist, I testify here to the pills of Yong Ming's shop. And to ensure lasting quality, I announce that I have joined as a member of the shop."
His words struck the crowd like thunder.
The whispers grew louder, people exchanging astonished looks.
"A fourth-rank alchemist officially joining Yong Ming's shop?"
"And he's a fourth-rank alchemist at such a young age—doesn't that mean this shop could house a potential fifth-rank alchemist in the future?"
"Does this mean the pills sold by Yong Ming's shop are under the direct supervision of an alchemist of this rank?"
When the crowd heard this declaration, their shock turned into fiery excitement. A sudden rush surged toward the shop's entrance, and customers began to gather at its doors.
At that time, Zhang Yong was in the shop's second floor, calmly watching from above. Behind him, a large water tank had been placed.
"Well, one could say old man Qi is officially finished. But something bothers me—those who left weren't all his alchemists. Some still remain at his side. He must be completely destroyed. That can wait, though."
Zhang Yong turned toward the tank and extended his hand. From within, a mermaid emerged unconscious and dropped into the water.
His gaze focused on the pale mermaid. White scales covered part of her body, and her silver hair drifted softly in the water.
He held a healing pill and gently placed it into her mouth.
She slowly began to regain consciousness. Her eyes opened little by little, and panic filled them when she realized her surroundings. She tried to retreat, but the tank was still too small.
"Calm down, girl," Zhang Yong spoke in a steady tone, though firmness laced his voice. "I won't hurt you."
The mermaid trembled, covering her body with both arms. "Human!"
Zhang Yong paused for a moment, staring at the shivering mermaid, then exhaled deeply. "I won't harm you."
He stepped back, giving her some space, showing he had no intent to threaten her.
The mermaid still looked at him with fearful and confused eyes, but when she saw he didn't approach again, a bit of ease settled over her. Her hands still covered her body, yet her trembling gradually subsided.
"Calmer now?" Zhang Yong asked quietly.
He remained still, watching as the mermaid's breathing grew steadier.
Though his current face looked a little frightening, she was beginning to calm down, because until now, he had done nothing to hurt her. She nodded slightly. "Y-yes."
Zhang Yong closed his eyes briefly. "Good. I don't know what Fu Liang was trying to do with you, but I assure you—it won't happen again while I'm here."
The mermaid stared blankly at Zhang Yong for a moment, then asked softly, "Ah, then… what do you want from me?"
Zhang Yong leaned his back against the wall. "Well, I only want some answers. For example, who are you, where did you come from, and how and why did Fu Liang capture you?"
The mermaid nodded quietly. "My name is Jia Nolan. I am a princess of the Mermaid Kingdom in the Tian Xu Continent. While leaving my kingdom, a sea storm swept me away. When I awoke, I found myself in a different place. That's when that human found me and…" She paused, trembling, tears welling in her eyes.
Zhang Yong stepped closer and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Calm down. You can stop now—I already understand the situation."
He had grasped it well. The mermaid was a new existence with no known records. And if he knew Fu Liang, the man would have wanted to dissect her and experiment on her. He had already noticed old scars on her body earlier, though they were now healed thanks to the pill.
Zhang Yong looked at Jia Nolan calmly, then stepped back. "Don't worry. Fu Liang no longer exists in this world."
Jia Nolan's eyes widened in shock, her tears halting. "He's… dead?"
Zhang Yong nodded. "Yes, it's over."
Relief slowly spread across her face, a heavy burden lifting from her shoulders. "I can't believe it… I thought I'd never escape him."
Zhang Yong smiled faintly and nodded. "I have a question. What is this Tian Xu Continent?"
Jia Nolan steadied her breathing, regaining her courage. "I discovered it when I first came here. There is another continent—one is this, and the other is mine."
Zhang Yong's eyes widened briefly. Another, undiscovered continent—of course, this would be shocking news to the people of this land. He asked, "Do the people of your continent know about ours?"
Jia Nolan shook her head. "No. No one knows of its existence."
Zhang Yong exhaled in relief. If either side discovered the other, it could spark bloodshed and war between continents. That would bring no good. If discovered, this secret could change the entire continent.
He thought for a moment before turning away. For now, this information must remain hidden. "So, what do you plan to do?"
Jia Nolan's eyes widened, her pupils clearly dilating. "Eh?"
"Don't just say 'Eh.' What will you do? Live in this continent, or try to return?" Zhang Yong asked coldly.
Jia Nolan hesitated. "I want to return to my continent. As long as I reach the sea, I can go back using my bloodline skill, 'Call of the Sea Creatures,' and find my way home."
Zhang Yong gazed at her deeply, then said, "If it's only about taking you to the sea, that's not a problem."
Jia Nolan was startled by his words, her voice hesitant. "Y-you'll really help me?"
Zhang Yong raised his hands helplessly. "I don't mind doing something that minor. But I don't know when I'll head there. Do you mind?"
Jia Nolan shook her head. "No, I don't mind. Thank you."
(Loyalty increased by 12%)
With a wave of his hand, Zhang Yong returned Jia Nolan into the pet space. He looked at his hand and smirked. "Heh, foolish girl. If you had no value, I would've discarded you. You're not useful for much right now, but you could be a good card if I ever decide to seek that continent."
He walked calmly and looked out the window, raising his head toward the sky. "Another continent… I wonder about it deeply."
When Zhang Yong lowered his head again, he noticed old man Qi staring at him from a distance.
Zhang Yong descended from the second floor calmly, heading toward Qi. The old man's eyes flickered with caution and defeat, but he showed no direct hostility—making Zhang Yong sneer inwardly.
He approached slowly, then bowed his head slightly in greeting. "Mr. Qi, it has been a while since our last meeting."
Old man Qi chuckled quietly. "Yes, it has been some time, young hero Zhang. Why don't you come inside, let me host you in my shop?" He gestured with his hand.
Zhang Yong stepped forward. He had no reason to refuse.
They sat in a small back room. Though abandoned, the place was tidy.
"I know your business is going well, young hero," old Qi said, waving his hand. "But I have an offer for you."
Zhang Yong raised a brow slightly, showing mild surprise. "I'm listening."
Qi smiled mysteriously. "Boy, you're smart and strong. Yet you lack experience. I can cover that."
At once, Zhang Yong's expression turned suspicious. "What are you implying?"
Qi continued with a sly smile. "Instead of competing, wouldn't cooperation be better? If we combine our strength, we could dominate the entire market. Not just that—we could expand to other cities, even other provinces. What do you think?"
Zhang Yong looked at Qi coldly. "Cooperation? Why should I accept your offer now, when the tables have turned against you? Clearly, you've lost most of your alchemists already."
Qi smiled calmly. "You're right, my situation isn't what it used to be. But you're smart, and I'm sure you're very ambitious. Still, you're young, and I have experience you need. This is your best option."
Zhang Yong leaned forward, taking a moment to think 'This old man… when he can't defeat me, he tries another way. He can't steal the formula, nor bribe the alchemists, nor accuse my pills—he'd insult the Alchemy Association if he did. His best option is to enter by my invitation. That way, he can linger, gain trust, and then devour me from within'
Zhang Yong paused, then relaxed back in his seat. "Your offer is very tempting, but I'll refuse. Why would I rely on you when my business is thriving?"
After his refusal, Zhang Yong noticed a slight change in Old Qi's expression, though he didn't show open displeasure. Qi smiled falsely. "I understand your stance, young hero. Since you're here, why not share a cup of tea? It's a rare tea I own—I prepared it in case you accepted my offer. But since it's already brewed, we shouldn't let it go to waste."
Zhang Yong considered briefly, then decided there was no harm. "Very well, that's fine."
Old Qi poured the tea into cups. "This tea is from spiritual leaves. It is said to bring serenity and calm to those who drink it."
Zhang Yong took his cup, looked at the fragrant liquid, then raised his eyes to Qi with a faint smile. "I thank you for your hospitality."
Old Qi returned the smile. "You're welcome, young friend. I wish you a prosperous future."
Zhang Yong sipped the tea, noticing its unique taste. But moments later, a faint prickling ran through his body.
(Poison Resistance Activated)
Zhang Yong's pupils narrowed instantly, his lips curling into a smile.
Old Qi watched him with anticipation. "Do you like the tea?"
Zhang Yong nodded slowly, still smiling faintly. Inside, however, he had decided 'This old man… those I hate most are the ones who use poison on me, and those who boast of nothing. He's succeeded in angering me.
"A truly special tea," Zhang Yong said calmly, tilting his head slightly. "Its flavor is indeed unique."
He rose and walked toward the door. "Then, old man Qi, let's make it a fair competition." He smiled faintly and left the shop.
When Zhang Yong returned, Su Ming noticed his expression and asked, "You—what's wrong? You look like you're about to kill someone."
Zhang Yong chuckled quietly. "You're not wrong. Old man Qi tried to poison me. I don't suppose you'd mind if I dispose of him now?"
Su Ming's eyes widened. Once again, Zhang Yong revealed to him the cruelty of human nature. But—
"Zhang Yong, he's just an ordinary man. I'm not telling you not to seek revenge, but…" Su Ming stopped. He wasn't naive—just kindhearted to the point of foolishness.
Zhang Yong sighed mockingly 'This silly boy, what am I supposed to do with him?'
Still, his sense of taste told him the poison wasn't lethal—it would only put its victim into a deep coma lasting up to ten years. From that, he could deduce Old Qi had only wanted to remove him temporarily. Perhaps He didn't want to harm someone so young, or perhaps his conscience stopped him, or maybe he had other reasons.
But that didn't change the fact that if he could use a paralysis poison, he could also use a deadly one.
Now the choice of whether Old Qi would live or die rested in Zhang Yong's hands.
The next day, Zhang Yong sat in a chair, one leg crossed over the other. Before him stood old man Qi.