Akashic_Tales Originals
God-Tier Shop System: I Sell Everything But Mercy
[Author – SYTTROX]
[Editor – MiT7]
Chapter 3: Guild Pressure
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The warehouse district of Azurecrest City reeked of salt, spices, and opportunity. Lin Tian arrived as the morning fog still clung to the cobblestones, his father's jade token cool against his palm. Workers scurried about like ants, hauling crates from a caravan that had arrived before dawn.
"Young Master Lin?" A stooped man with ink-stained fingers approached, surprise evident in his rheumy eyes. "Your father mentioned you'd be overseeing inventory, but I didn't expect you so early."
Lin Tian pocketed the token. "Show me the alchemical supplies first, Manager Zhou."
The old warehouse manager blinked twice before leading him through narrow aisles stacked with goods from across the continent. They stopped before a section where crates of glass vials, dried herbs, and mineral compounds awaited processing.
"Monthly shipment from the Southern Isles," Zhou explained, unrolling a manifest. "Mostly standard stock, bluemist, redroot, crystal salt. There's a crate of premium sunburst pollen, but that's earmarked for the Feng Family's standing order."
Lin Tian scanned the manifest, his mind calculating possibilities. "Cancel the Feng order."
Zhou's jaw slackened. "Young master, the Feng Family has purchased our sunburst pollen for fifteen years. Your father—"
"Will understand when profits triple." Lin Tian initialed the manifest. "Redirect all premium alchemical supplies to my personal inventory. Standard stock proceeds as usual."
"But the standing contracts—"
"Will be honored with the next shipment." Lin Tian fixed the manager with his mismatched gaze. "Consider this a temporary market test."
Zhou wrung his hands, decades of routine disrupted by this strange new version of the young master. "The Feng Family won't be pleased. Nor will the other regular clients."
"Their displeasure is not my concern." Lin Tian moved between the crates, inspecting their contents. "Have these delivered to my chambers by midday. And Zhou, " he turned, his voice softening marginally, "this stays between us for now."
The old manager nodded reluctantly. "As you wish, young master."
Lin Tian left the warehouse with a lightness in his step. The premium ingredients would allow him to create higher-grade products, D-rank repellents, enhanced healing salves, perhaps even basic cultivation aids. The system's crafting capabilities combined with Earth chemistry knowledge gave him an edge no traditional alchemist could match.
A shadow detached itself from an alley as he passed. "Quite the haul you're commandeering."
Lin Tian didn't break stride as Kiera fell into step beside him. "Eavesdropping now?"
"Information gathering," she corrected, matching his pace. "Independent hunters survive on knowing things others don't."
Morning sunlight caught in her auburn hair, revealing strands of copper and gold usually hidden in shadow. Lin Tian noted the fresh scratches on her leather armor, the faint scent of forest clinging to her skin.
"You've been hunting," he observed.
"Gathering," she corrected again, patting a bulging satchel. "Bluemist grows wild in the city outskirts. Not as potent as cultivated stock, but serviceable. I also found these." She produced a handful of luminescent mushrooms. "Moonglow caps. Rare this time of year."
Lin Tian took one, examining its phosphorescent gills. "Perfect for night vision tonics."
"My thoughts exactly." She grinned. "The independents are buzzing about your prices. I've lined up fifteen potential customers for today."
"Good. I'll have new stock ready by midafternoon." He pocketed the mushroom. "Meet me at the Hunter's Rest at the fourth bell."
Kiera's expression sobered. "Crimson Hawk's been asking questions. That officer from yesterday, Zhao, he's been pressuring tavern owners not to serve independents who carry 'unauthorized supplies.'"
"Expected." Lin Tian turned down a side street, avoiding the main thoroughfare. "They'll escalate to intimidation next, then sabotage, then direct confrontation."
"You sound like you've done this before."
Lin Tian's lips quirked. In another life, another world, he'd navigated corporate takeovers and market disruptions with the same calculated precision. "Let's just say I understand how monopolies respond to threats."
They parted at the edge of the merchant district, Kiera slipping into the crowd with practiced ease. Lin Tian continued toward his family's estate, mind racing with formulations and market strategies.
He didn't notice the hooded figure watching from a rooftop, or the messenger bird that took flight moments after he passed.
---
By midafternoon, Lin Tian's chambers had transformed into an alchemist's dream. Herbs hung from drying racks, mortars of ground minerals lined his desk, and rows of completed products gleamed in the sunlight streaming through his windows. The system interface hovered before him, displaying his latest creation.
[New Item Created: Moonglow Vision Tonic]
[Quality: Rare]
[Effect: Enhanced Night Vision (6 Hours)]
[Market Value: 120 Spirit Stones per Bottle]
He'd produced only five bottles, the mushrooms were too rare for mass production, but they'd serve as premium offerings to establish his brand's quality. The bulk of his inventory consisted of improved beast repellents, basic healing salves, and bowstring enhancers.
[Quest Progress: Establish Market Presence]
[Transactions Completed: 8/10]
[Time Remaining: 5 Days]
[New Quest Progress: Survive Guild Pressure]
[Guild Interference Level: Low]
[Time Remaining: Ongoing]
A servant knocked, announcing the arrival of the alchemical supplies. Lin Tian directed the workers to stack the crates against the wall, ignoring their curious glances at his makeshift workshop. When they departed, he immediately began sorting through the premium ingredients.
Sunburst pollen, phoenix tears, crystallized mana, the Feng Family had expensive taste. These ingredients could produce cultivation aids for early-stage practitioners, potentially expanding his customer base beyond hunters.
The system chimed as he cataloged the supplies.
[New Recipe Available: Foundation Stabilizer]
[Ingredients Required: Sunburst Pollen, Crystal Salt, Phoenix Tears]
[Effect: Stabilizes Cultivation Foundation, Reduces Breakthrough Failure Rate]
[Crafting Difficulty: Moderate]
[Market Value: 300+ Spirit Stones per Dose]
Lin Tian whistled softly. Three hundred spirit stones per dose would accelerate his capital accumulation significantly. But it also meant entering a new market segment, one dominated by established sects and alchemist guilds, not just Crimson Hawk.
One battle at a time.
He set aside ingredients for a small batch of Foundation Stabilizers, then focused on completing his hunter supplies. By the time the fourth bell echoed across the city, he'd packed everything into a spatial storage pouch, another luxury the original Lin Tian had squandered money on, now repurposed for business.
---
The Hunter's Rest tavern hummed with activity when Lin Tian arrived. Word had spread, drawing independents from across the city. Kiera had claimed a corner table, surrounded by hunters of various specializations, archers, trappers, scouts, and blade-users.
"The merchant arrives," she announced as he approached. "Show them what you've brought."
Lin Tian placed his products on the table, vials of blue repellent, jars of healing salve, coils of treated bowstring, and the five precious bottles of Moonglow Vision Tonic. The hunters leaned forward, eyes widening at the array.
"Same deal as yesterday," Lin Tian stated. "Twenty percent below guild rates for standard items. The night vision tonics are limited stock, one hundred stones each."
"Highway robbery," muttered a grizzled trapper, even as he reached for his coin pouch.
"Quality costs," Lin Tian replied. "But unlike the guild, I offer guarantees. Any product that fails to perform as described gets replaced, no questions asked."
That raised eyebrows. Guilds rarely offered guarantees, especially to independents.
Transactions proceeded rapidly. Hunters haggled out of habit, but Lin Tian held firm on pricing. Each sale registered in the system, pushing his quest counter higher. The night vision tonics sold first, followed by healing salves and repellents.
As the last hunter completed his purchase, the tavern door slammed open. Six men entered, crimson armbands gleaming in the tavern's dim light. Officer Zhao led them, his face thunderous.
"Inspection!" he barked, striding toward the bar. "By authority of the City Charter, Crimson Hawk Guild is conducting a safety inspection of all hunter supplies on these premises."
The tavern owner, a retired hunter with a limp, emerged from the back room. "On what grounds, Officer Zhao?"
"Reports of substandard merchandise endangering hunters." Zhao's eyes locked on Lin Tian. "Specifically, unauthorized alchemical products being sold without proper certification."
Lin Tian rose slowly, facing the guild officer. "Interesting timing, Officer Zhao. Almost as if you knew exactly when to arrive."
"Coincidence," Zhao replied with a cold smile. "Now, all hunters present will submit their supplies for inspection. Any products lacking guild certification will be confiscated as potentially hazardous."
Murmurs of protest rippled through the tavern. Many independents had just spent significant sums on Lin Tian's products.
"The City Charter grants inspection rights for public safety," Lin Tian said loudly, drawing all eyes. "But it also requires probable cause and the presence of a certified alchemist to make determinations. I don't see an alchemist among your men, Officer."
Zhao's smile faltered. "The guild's authority—"
"Is not absolute," Lin Tian interrupted. "Unless you'd like to explain to the Magistrate why you're conducting illegal seizures? I'm sure my father, Elder Lin of the Merchant Council, would be fascinated by such overreach."
The mention of the Merchant Council caused Zhao to hesitate. The Lin Family might not be cultivators, but they wielded significant political influence.
"This isn't over," Zhao growled. "Independents, consider yourselves warned. Uncertified products can cause permanent damage or death. When accidents happen, the guild won't provide assistance."
He turned to leave, then paused beside Lin Tian. "Your father built his reputation over decades," he whispered. "You'll destroy it in days if you continue this foolishness."
After the guild members departed, the tavern erupted in conversation. Lin Tian found himself surrounded by grateful independents, many offering information or future business.
"That was impressive," Kiera said when they finally had a moment alone. "But they'll be back with an alchemist next time."
"I'm counting on it." Lin Tian sipped his drink. "Their certified alchemist will have to test my products. When they prove superior to guild offerings, it'll only increase demand."
Kiera shook her head, a reluctant smile playing at her lips. "You're either brilliant or suicidal."
"Why choose?" Lin Tian raised his cup in mock toast. "The system chimed as the final transaction registered.
[Quest Completed: Establish Market Presence]
[Transactions Completed: 23/10]
[Reward: Shop Expansion (5 Additional Square Meters)]
[New Quest Progress: Survive Guild Pressure]
[Guild Interference Level: Moderate]
[Time Remaining: Ongoing]
---
Lin Tian returned to his chambers after nightfall, satisfaction warming his veins more effectively than the tavern's cheap wine. He'd made over two thousand spirit stones in a single afternoon, enough to fund expanded operations for weeks.
He materialized his shop space, eager to claim his reward. The pocket dimension shimmered into existence, noticeably larger than before. The plain white walls now featured display shelves and a more substantial counter. A small workbench had appeared in one corner, equipped with basic alchemical tools.
[Shop Expansion Complete]
[Current Size: 15 Square Meters]
[New Feature Unlocked: Basic Display Configuration]
[New Feature Unlocked: Customer Tracking]
[Daily Operating Cost: 8 Spirit Stones]
Lin Tian explored the expanded space, already planning how to utilize the additional features. Customer tracking would allow him to tailor offerings to specific hunters, while the display configuration would enhance presentation.
A knock interrupted his planning. He dismissed the shop space with a thought before opening the door.
A servant bowed. "Young Master, your father requests your presence in his study immediately."
Lin Tian followed the servant through the estate's winding corridors. His father's study occupied the building's eastern wing, its windows offering views of the city's central district. The elder Lin stood at those windows, hands clasped behind his back, when his son entered.
"Officer Zhao of Crimson Hawk paid me a visit this evening," he said without turning. "He claims you're selling uncertified alchemical products to independents, undercutting guild prices, and citing my name to avoid consequences."
Lin Tian remained silent, waiting.
His father turned, expression unreadable in the room's dim lamplight. "I should be furious. You've risked our family's standing, diverted premium supplies from established contracts, and antagonized a powerful guild."
"But?" Lin Tian prompted.
"But our profits from today's sales exceeded the last three months of the Feng contract." A reluctant smile cracked his father's stern facade. "Manager Zhou showed me the numbers. Two thousand spirit stones in a single afternoon, from a market segment we've never even considered."
Lin Tian relaxed slightly. "The independent hunter market is underserved and overcharged. I'm simply filling a gap."
"With uncertified products," his father noted.
"Superior products," Lin Tian corrected. "I'll submit samples for official certification tomorrow. They'll pass every test."
His father studied him, confusion and curiosity warring in his gaze. "A month ago, you couldn't tell bluemist from redroot. Now you're creating alchemical products that compete with guild offerings. What changed, son?"
Lin Tian considered his answer carefully. "Let's just say I've discovered hidden talents."
"Hidden indeed." His father sighed. "The Crimson Hawk won't stop with intimidation. Their guild master, Varro, is not known for tolerance of competition."
"I'm aware of the risks."
"Are you?" His father's voice sharpened. "Varro reached Soul Realm through combat, not cultivation. He's killed seventeen challengers in sanctioned duels. If you become enough of a threat, he won't bother with market tactics, he'll simply eliminate you."
Lin Tian absorbed this information, adding it to his strategic calculations. "Then I'll need to become too valuable to eliminate."
His father barked a laugh. "At least your confidence remains unchanged." He moved to his desk, retrieving a jade slip. "Since you're determined to pursue this madness, you might as well do it properly. This grants you access to the family's secondary warehouse and a line of credit with our suppliers. Don't make me regret this."
Lin Tian accepted the jade slip, genuine surprise flickering across his features. "Thank you, Father."
"Don't thank me yet. If you fail, the losses come from your inheritance." The elder Lin returned to the window. "And son? Get your products certified. I can protect you from market tactics, not from legitimate safety violations."
Lin Tian left his father's study with mixed emotions. The support was unexpected but welcome. Resources would accelerate his plans significantly.
Back in his chambers, he accessed the system interface, reviewing his progress and planning his next moves. The confrontation with Crimson Hawk had gone as expected, but his father's warning about Guild Master Varro added a dangerous dimension.
[New Quest Generated: Obtain Product Certification]
[Objective: Successfully Certify 3 Product Types with City Alchemist Guild]
[Reward: Reputation Increase, Rare Ingredient Access]
[Failure: Reputation Decrease, Potential Business Restriction]
Lin Tian smiled at the new quest. The system seemed to anticipate his needs, generating objectives that aligned with his strategic goals.
A soft chime indicated someone had found his shop. He materialized it with a thought, unsurprised to find Kiera at the entrance. What did surprise him was her appearance, blood stained her leather armor, and a fresh cut marred her cheek.
"Crimson Hawk sends their regards," she said, limping into the shop. "Caught me on my way home. Three of them."
Lin Tian's eyes narrowed. "Are they still breathing?"
"Two are." Kiera winced as she leaned against the counter. "The third won't be using his sword arm anytime soon."
"They'll claim self-defense if you report it."
"I know." She touched her bleeding cheek. "I'm not here to complain. I'm here to warn you. This isn't just business for them anymore, it's personal. They're targeting anyone associated with you."
Lin Tian accessed his inventory, retrieving a healing salve. "Here," he said, offering the jar. "On the house."
Kiera applied the salve to her cheek, sighing as the wound began to close. "This is stronger than what you sold today."
"Personal stock," Lin Tian admitted. "I'm still refining the commercial version."
She studied him with newfound curiosity. "You're not just a merchant with good formulas, are you? There's something else going on."
Lin Tian considered how much to reveal. The system hadn't prohibited sharing its existence, but instinct suggested discretion. "Let's just say I have unique advantages."
"Clearly." Kiera straightened, testing her injured leg. "The independents are with you, for what it's worth. Guild tactics like this only reinforce why we need alternatives."
"Good to know." Lin Tian moved behind the counter. "Because tomorrow, we escalate."
"How?"
"By taking this public." He gestured to his expanded shop space. "I'm submitting products for official certification and opening a physical location in the market district."
Kiera's eyes widened. "That's not escalation, that's declaration of war."
"Precisely." Lin Tian's mismatched eyes gleamed in the shop's ethereal light. "Crimson Hawk wants to play rough? Let's show them what happens when they bleed in the water."
After Kiera left, Lin Tian returned to his alchemy. The guild's attack had crossed a line. He'd planned a gradual market penetration, but circumstances demanded a more aggressive approach.
The system interface glowed as he worked through the night, preparing products for certification and plotting his next move against Crimson Hawk. In his previous life, he'd learned that sometimes the best defense was an overwhelming offense.
[Quest Progress: Survive Guild Pressure]
[Guild Interference Level: High]
[Time Remaining: Ongoing]
[New Quest Progress: Obtain Product Certification]
[Products Prepared: 5/3]
[Time Remaining: Ongoing]
By dawn, Lin Tian had prepared samples of five product types for certification, created inventory for his market stall, and formulated a strategy to turn Crimson Hawk's aggression against them. The guild had resources and manpower, but Lin Tian had something more valuable, a system that evolved with each challenge, and the ruthless determination of a man who'd already lost everything once before.