After three days, Su Ming was able to refine the pills, and Zhang Yong managed to craft five types of talismans.
Once they had achieved this, it was time to start working.
Zhang Yong stepped out of the shop's door and threw the gates wide open.
"This is how we begin our little shop."
Despite saying that, Zhang Yong wasn't very confident in their success. In truth, quick success in this field without experience was nothing but nonsense.
But this was the only way to earn money fast—well, not the only way, but the most feasible for them. Zhang Yong had already thought of several ideas to quickly develop their shop.
Some of them were of the bloody and brutal kind, while others were ordinary.
The first was robbery and murder—but that wasn't suitable, and it would surely draw a great deal of attention, especially from the imperial palace. Well, not the palace directly, but from the Star Sect. The cities all belonged to a vast province, and within the empire there were twelve provinces, each with its own governor. Killing too many people would definitely draw their attention.
The second option was publicity. But what did publicity mean when there was already a massive competitor right across from them?
Therefore, he needed to get rid of his competitor.
Of course, there was another option—something only Zhang Yong knew about—the Children of Fortune. He remembered that there were many characters who possessed extraordinary artifacts that allowed them to advance rapidly. But he wasn't sure if they even existed here. He might run into them, but he couldn't deliberately seek them out. After all, in this world one couldn't simply expect to find what one wanted.
Zhang Yong himself had a little of the fortune left by Jian Yi, but that wasn't enough to rely on a dead will . There was also another fortune—Heavenly Devil. But that was an ancient beast with far more life experience than him—at least twenty times older. At present, he had no cards in his hand. If she tried to directly attack him, he wasn't sure he could win.
After just one day, the two of them hadn't managed to sell a single thing.
Su Ming slammed the counter in frustration.
"How did it end up that we didn't sell a single item all day?!"
Zhang Yong sighed calmly.
"Be patient. It's not as though we'll succeed on the first day. After all, we're newcomers. People will trust those they're already used to, rather than amateurs like us."
Su Ming crossed his arms and grumbled.
"Then we have no choice but to wait."
"Ah… not exactly. No. You made me promise not to do anything ugly, right? I'm just keeping our long-term partnership in mind. Otherwise, I'd have already destroyed the opposing shop."
Su Ming's eyes widened.
"Do you mean literally destroy it?"
Zhang Yong glared at him in annoyance.
"Are you insane? Of course I meant psychologically."
Su Ming gave him a blank stare with a twisted smile 'Yeah, I can easily imagine you slicing that shop in half' he mocked internally
Zhang Yong suddenly flipped his hand, and the black insignia he had obtained in the shrine competition appeared.
"Su Ming, do you know what this is?"
Su Ming's pupils widened, and his expression turned serious.
"This?! Wait a second—"
He quickly grabbed the insignia from Zhang Yong's hand.
"Without a doubt, this is the Heart Seal. Only five were ever made. Once activated, it will have the enemy's heart devoured by their inner demons. But activation is extremely difficult. If the user doesn't meet the conditions, even if a revered expert pours all his strength into it, it won't work."
Zhang Yong stroked his chin, thinking, then asked:
"How much would it sell for?"
Su Ming gestured with his hand.
"Five thousand spirit stones. Experts will know this piece is useless without the activation conditions, but it's still rare and valuable. If you plan to sell it, there's a place called the Treasure Hall. I heard about it from disciples in the sect."
Zhang Yong had already been considering selling the item if it had no use to him, and it seemed this could be a major deal.
But he decided to postpone the matter until the next day before making a move.
The following morning, Zhang Yong left the shop in Su Ming's care.
"Uni, do you have any information about this world?"
(That depends on what the host means—general information or special information.)
"If I wanted information about every herb and treasure in this world, would you give it to me?"
(Of course… for twenty billion points.)
Zhang Yong froze.
"What…?!"
(This is a mixed world, remember? So asking for such information would be the same as gathering knowledge from more than five worlds—or who knows how many. That's why it costs so much. Herbs, treasures, and such fall under the category of special information.)
Zhang Yong asked directly:
"What about general information then?"
(That's world information, but more like rumors—things anyone born here would know…)
"Just tell me the price."
(Compared to the first option, this one is only one hundred thousand points.)
"Feels like a scam… never mind. Just take the points."
(Injecting information…)
Data appeared in Zhang Yong's mind, but unexpectedly, there was no pain, which made him suspicious. Yet when he tried recalling the information, it came naturally.
"Strange… whatever."
Upon arrival, Zhang Yong hesitated for a moment at the entrance of the Treasure Hall. The brightly lit hall was spacious enough to accommodate dozens without feeling crowded. A reception desk stretched unusually long, made of high-quality wood, with attendants in red uniforms stationed around.
He glanced at the interior, then at his own clothes—they looked rather old. Thankfully, he didn't smell bad, otherwise he might be mistaken for a beggar.
At that moment, a round-faced, slightly chubby man with a friendly look approached.
"Honored guest, may I know if you require anything? I am certain our hall can satisfy you."
Zhang Yong smiled calmly. Indeed, customer service was an important part of business. He cleared his throat slightly.
"I wish to sell an item."
The man's smile faded a little, but he nodded.
"Of course, you may. May I know what item you wish to sell?"
Zhang Yong flipped his palm, and the black insignia appeared in his hand.
"I want to sell this."
The man's eyes widened as though they would pop out of their sockets. Clearly, he recognized it immediately.
"May I inspect this item?"
Zhang Yong nodded, placing the insignia in his hands. The man examined it carefully, then quickly returned it with a slight bow.
"Without a doubt, it is genuine. Please, follow me to the VIP room upstairs. As a mere attendant here, this matter is beyond me. The president will see you shortly."
The man led Zhang Yong upstairs, poured him a cup of tea, then excused himself.
Zhang Yong sipped the tea.
"Truly, I must find a way to improve our shop's performance… but that will require time and planning."
He hid a long sigh behind his calm expression.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of wheels against the floor. A young man in a wheelchair was being pushed forward by a maid in red attire.
The man stopped directly in front of Zhang Yong's table, raising his hands politely.
"Forgive me for keeping you waiting, young hero. I hear you wish to sell something in our humble hall."
Zhang Yong cast him a sidelong, cold glance. He hadn't intended to act this way, but he knew merchants were like hungry beasts—if he showed friendliness, they'd try to devour him. Yet, seeing the man's condition, a thought struck him—an ingenious plan, a moral exploitation of sorts.
Zhang Yong nodded quietly.
"That depends on whether you recognize the value of what I possess."
The man's hand trembled slightly as he smiled nervously.
"Of course. As for the item…"
Zhang Yong placed the insignia on the table.
"I want to sell this."
The man inspected it carefully, his gaze deep and knowing.
"Without question, this is the Heart Seal."
A cold smile touched Zhang Yong's lips.
"So you know it? Then how much are you willing to pay?"
The man swallowed hard.
"What do you say to the market price—five thousand spirit stones?"
"Make it four thousand," Zhang Yong replied flatly.
"Huh?" The man blinked in shock.
"Forgive me, but are you serious?"
Zhang Yong's sharp gaze cut through him.
"Do you want me to repeat myself? The extra thousand is just a side price."
A smile formed on the man's face.
"Then, what is it that you truly want?"
Zhang Yong tapped the table rhythmically with his finger, crossing one leg over the other in an overbearing manner.
"Let's see… how about restoring your ability to walk?"
The man's eyes narrowed.
"Forgive me, but that's not a very funny joke. I suggest you take back those words."
Zhang Yong chuckled coldly.
"What, do you think I'm lying?"
He placed a small box on the table.
"Open it."
The man gave him a wary look before opening it. Inside lay a single green pill.
"What is this?" he asked, suspicion lacing his voice.
"Something that will cure your condition, just as I said."
The man slammed the box shut, anger flashing across his face.
"Young sir, I will pay you the market price for your item. Please leave at once."
It was natural that he didn't trust Zhang Yong. What if this was all a scam?
Zhang Yong's tone remained calm.
"I understand. I've heard that pills of the third to sixth grade can treat your injury. With the profits from your hall, acquiring even a fourth-grade pill wouldn't be difficult. That means what you truly need is a fifth-grade pill, doesn't it? Since those are rare, I understand your skepticism. I'll let your words slide this time, but you may be throwing away the chance of a lifetime without realizing it."
He rose to his feet"So, what's your decision?"
The man remained silent, pondering Zhang Yong's words.
Zhang Yong had already taken a few steps toward the stairs when the man called out.
"Wait… are you saying this pill is fifth-grade?" His voice was filled with disbelief and hope.
A wide grin spread across Zhang Yong's face, but he quickly hid it before turning back.
"Believe what you wish. The pill is here. If it doesn't cure you, I'll cut my own neck on the spot."
The man's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Zhang Yong for any hint of deceit. After a moment, he spoke softly.
"What do you want in return for this cure?"
Zhang Yong smiled faintly. He knew that as an experienced merchant, the man knew there's no such a thing like a free meal in this world
If the pill was fake or Poisoned, he wouldn't dare consume it. But Zhang Yong wasn't foolish enough to try such a thing.
"I'll be direct. Don't worry, it won't harm your business. In fact, you'll gain even more than I will if you agree to my proposal. Do you want to hear it?"
The man nodded with a doubtful look.
"What are you getting at?"
A mischievous glint flickered in Zhang Yong's eyes.
"I want you to make a public demonstration. I'll set up a stage, and all you have to do is come up, take the pill, and walk in front of everyone. That way, no one will suspect poison—if it were poison, and you die Infront of them , everyone would know I gave it to you. I would never damage my own reputation. In return, you'll regain your ability to walk, and I'll make you the number one investor in our shop."
The man stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"So you're a merchant too? You seem rather young for that."
Zhang Yong's smile vanished, replaced by a sharp glare.
"I don't recall asking for your opinion of me. What's your decision? It's not as though you stand to lose anything."
A flicker of admiration passed through the man's eyes.
'If we think logically, the most disadvantaged party in this deal is this young man… no, he's deliberately making himself appear disadvantaged while he's actually the one benefiting, forcing me to accept. Bold kid.'
The man nodded.
"Very well, I agree. When do you intend to hold this demonstration?"
Zhang Yong replied with a faint smile.
"Five days from now."
He stood calmly and extended his hand.
"Then let's seal our deal."
The man shook it firmly.
"I am Duan Winly I will assist you in this."
He then pulled out a spatial pouch and placed it on the table.
"This is the item's market price—five thousand spirit stones."
Zhang Yong took the pouch, smiled, and turned to leave.
"Good. If this works, you'll profit greatly as well. Oh, and Mister Duan—don't try digging into my background. The people behind me aren't ones you can afford to provoke"
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So how do you think about this volume so far