Returning from Master Yun Ku's place, Zhou Xun took out the alchemy technique gifted by Master Yun Ku.

He skimmed through it briefly.

It was actually a Tier Two Low-Grade alchemy technique inheritance.

In an instant, Zhou Xun understood Master Yun Ku's good intentions.

Although they had set a stipulation for a Tier One Middle-Grade Alchemist, this alchemy technique inheritance clearly showed that,

Master Yun Ku had long regarded him as a disciple to be taught.

Otherwise, why would such a Tier Two alchemy technique be given away so casually?

Thinking of this, Zhou Xun couldn't help but feel a tinge of respect for Master Yun Ku.

Since his journey began, he hadn't yet met anyone who treated him so well.

...

That day, Zhou Xun was at home on Luliu Lane, studying the alchemy technique from Master Yun Ku.

Suddenly, a streak of fire flew in from outside.

Zhou Xun reached out, and the fire streak fell into his hand.

It was a Low-Grade Communication Talisman.

The price was about ten Spirit Essence.

Before becoming an alchemist, Zhou Xun would never have been willing to use it.

Infusing mana, a hearty voice came out—it was Hong San.

"Brother Zhou, how are you? Hong San was lucky enough to become the Vice Gang Leader of the Iron Hand Gang. I have arranged a banquet in Room 10 of Yuxiang Tower. Brother Zhou, please do come!"

Yuxiang Tower is the largest restaurant in Red Leaf Square, a cut above the Celestial Fragrance Tower where they previously met.

It seems Hong San truly got promoted.

When he heard that Iron Hand Gang would appoint a new Vice Gang Leader, he was certain Hong San had a high chance of being selected,

as among the thirteen halls of Iron Hand Gang, only Shenshou Hall was thriving.

If the Vice Gang Leader position wasn't given to Hong San, the entire Shenshou Hall staff wouldn't agree.

However, him holding such an elaborate banquet right after his promotion seemed slightly unusual.

After all, Celestial Fragrance Tower was where they had met repeatedly and was more familiar.

Since he personally invited, Zhou Xun didn't intend to refuse and accepted the invitation.

Then he tapped his Storage Bag, took out a Communication Talisman, whispered a few words, and cast it into the sky, letting it turn into a fire streak and fly away.

Afterward, he changed into a new outfit and headed to Yuxiang Tower.

...

Yuxiang Tower, Room 10.

Zhou Xun pushed open the door and walked in boldly.

Upon entering, he saw Hong San at the head of the table, eating Demon Beast Flesh and drinking Spirit Wine.

Zhou Xun felt a slight stir in his heart. Having the banquet before the guest arrives is not the way to treat guests.

It's not that Zhou Xun valued formality.

But such rudeness hinted at a change in Hong San's attitude towards him.

Previously, Hong San was extremely respectful and enthusiastic, always waiting downstairs to greet Zhou Xun personally.

But Zhou Xun didn't show it and was the first to speak:

"Congratulations, Third Brother, on becoming the Vice Gang Leader!"

"Haha, Brother Zhou, come and try it. Yuxiang Tower is truly the number one restaurant in Red Leaf Square. Its banquets are unmatched by Celestial Fragrance Tower!"

Seeing Zhou Xun speak, Hong San stood up enthusiastically, inviting Zhou Xun to sit.

Then he said:

"Being the Vice Gang Leader now makes me understand the wonders of power!"

"I was originally the Hall Master of Shenshou Hall, with some power, but within the thirteen halls of Iron Mountain Gang, I ranked low and was not valued. Those hall masters would just call me 'Little Hong San' when we met,"

"Now, when they see me, it's 'Third Brother' this and 'Third Brother' that, very politely. Even when going out, they don't dare to step forward unless I take the first step. Isn't that interesting?"

Hong San laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the feeling.

"Even when drinking, I used to only frequent Celestial Fragrance Tower, but now I can set up a table in Yuxiang Tower!"

"And those people I could never connect with before, now sit at the same table as me!"

"Just yesterday, I invited a steward from Pill Treasure Pavilion. Before, someone like me, Hong San, would never have had the chance to meet such a person, haha!"

Hong San seemed to speak unintentionally but secretly glanced at Zhou Xun, trying to read his expression.

"Now that Third Brother is the Vice Gang Leader, it's indeed incomparable!" Zhou Xun replied calmly, without changing his expression.

Upon hearing the words "steward of Pill Treasure Pavilion," Zhou Xun knew what Hong San's intention was today.

He's merely secured another line to Pill Treasure Pavilion, trying to bid his time wisely.

Let's see what exactly he's planning.

"However, Third Brother is quite worried about all this!" Hong San's tone suddenly changed, revealing his worries.

"Brothers of the Iron Hand Gang all need Spirit Rice and to cultivate!"

"Originally, I was only responsible for Shenshou Hall, with just sixty or seventy good brothers, which was manageable. But now, as Vice Gang Leader, I'm responsible for hundreds of brothers in Iron Hand Gang!"

"While being Vice Gang Leader looks glorious, I understand that they respect me merely because I bring them benefits,"

"But if one day I can't bring them benefits, they'd resent me tremendously!"

"I'm anxious, Brother!"

"Thus, I sought out the steward from Pill Treasure Pavilion to discuss the procurement of elixirs!"

"Of course, this won't affect our dealings!" Hong San promised firmly.

"It's just... could you possibly lower the purchase price a bit? Otherwise, I really can't account for it!"

Hong San said, testingly watching Zhou Xun's expression.

As soon as Hong San mentioned the steward from Pill Treasure Pavilion, Zhou Xun guessed his intentions.

But he was prepared for this matter from long ago.

Back when he first traded with Hong San, to prevent such an issue, he had secured a line with Hundred Treasures Pavilion.

In the past, to hide his talents, he couldn't sell a large quantity of elixirs to Hundred Treasures Pavilion and had to appease Hong San.

But now he had Master Yun Ku as a formidable backer, he could fully showcase alchemy skills that exceeded current talents.

After all, someone valued by Master Yun Ku naturally possessed competence.

Furthermore, as his alchemy skills improved, the benefits Hong San's line could bring became increasingly insignificant.

Ultimately, Hong San could only deal in Low-Tier Elixirs.

Once he advanced to a Middle-Grade Alchemist, crafting Middle-Grade Elixirs was beyond Hong San's reach.

With this thought, Zhou Xun resolved to distance himself from Hong San, and thus he said:

"I understand Third Brother's difficulties, of course!"

Seeing Zhou Xun appear to give in and agree to lower the price, Hong San was about to respond with joy when Zhou Xun's voice continued.

"However... the elixirs I have are also procured, with thin profit margins. It was only because Third Brother needed them that I continued,"

"Fortunately, Third Brother now has the steward from Pill Treasure Pavilion to assist, which puts my mind at ease about dropping this matter!"

Then, with Hong San stupefied, he picked up the Spirit Wine.

"Come, let me toast to Third Brother's flourishing elixir business!"

He lifted his cup, signaling to Hong San.

Seeing this, Hong San could only lift his Spirit Wine, clink glasses with Zhou Xun, and then drink it muddle-headed.

"Brother Zhou, I..."

"It's alright, Third Brother, no need to say more. I understand. I have someone waiting at my pavilion today, so I won't stay long. We can drink again another time!"

With that, he turned and left.

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