Chapter 375: Entering the Inner City District?

The next morning.

Jiang Cheng felt that today's Gu Zhangkong was off.

He lacked his usual sharpness, as if he had aged ten or more years overnight.

"Gu Dage, what's wrong?"

Gu Zhangkong gave a bitter laugh, "Let's talk on the way."

Jiang Cheng nodded, a vague bad premonition stirring in his heart.

Soon, the two left the house, not heading straight for the alchemy room, but instead walking slowly along the park path.

"Jiang Lao Di, today might be your last day staying here."

"Why, why?"

Jiang Cheng's mouth opened slightly.

"Just last night, my older brother called me; he already knows that the one who attacked you a few days ago was Huang Xing, that is, a person close to my fifth brother..."

Gu Zhangkong recounted the whole matter.

Jiang Cheng's expression also gradually grew solemn.

"So, if you, Gu Dage, don't agree, that matter might soon reach the ears of Gu Zhangjun's mother?"

"Yes."

Gu Zhangkong sighed.

"The Bai family's power is not weaker than our Gu family; that woman in the Bai family also holds a considerable position—at least enough to deal with both me and you. My older brother seems to have given me a choice, but in fact he hasn't, so I can only side with him and also tell him about you."

"So he will take me into the Inner City District?"

"Mm."

Gu Zhangkong nodded, squeezing out a smile.

"You've always wanted to refine high-grade pills, right? Following my older brother, you definitely have a chance—not just third-grade, but even fourth-grade pills are possible for you."

"Moreover, once there, even if Gu Zhangjun wanted to do something to you, it would be difficult; my older brother will also send experts to protect you."

Jiang Cheng's face remained solemn.

On one hand, naturally, this matter is too sudden.

On the other hand, will Gu Zhangkong really be this good? At least from his previous words, one can tell that Gu Zhanglin is not someone easy to talk to.

That's right; he wants to refine fourth-grade pills, which would earn more per furnace. The problem is, even before asking whether Gu Zhanglin would be willing to invest so much at the start, even if successful, could he still get half the profit like here? Hearing Jiang Cheng's question, Gu Zhangkong hesitated, then finally told the truth.

"It's a bit difficult; the alchemists under my older brother usually get one or two tenths of the profit, the more capable ones two or three tenths, but for you it might be a bit higher—maybe. After he arrives, I'll also help you strive for more."

Jiang Cheng nodded.

From Gu Zhangkong's meaning, it's unlikely to reach fifty percent; maybe forty percent would be cause for gratitude.

In other words, following him into the Inner City might not be better than staying here...

"Junior brother, I understand what you mean."

Gu Zhangkong saw Jiang Cheng's thought, sighed, and said: "I also want you to keep staying here, but circumstances are stronger than us; if one day the truth comes out, your situation would be bad. Following my older brother, although you'll earn less, it's very safe—and isn't being alive the prerequisite for spending money?"

Jiang Cheng nodded.

That makes sense.

Moreover, Gu Zhangkong was indeed thinking of him.

In that case, he'll go to the Inner City District to have a look.

If Gu Zhanglin is decent, they can continue cooperating—just as his strength has leapt forward during this time in the Outer City District, in the Inner City District he might progress even faster.

If not...

"Junior brother, after he comes, perform well; following him will definitely be better than following me."

Gu Zhangkong's voice sounded.

"Gu Dage, what about you?"

Jiang Cheng asked.

"Me?"

Gu Zhangkong gave a self‑mocking laugh.

"Entering the Inner City District is certainly no problem, but afterward it will depend on others' faces."

When he first came to the Outer City District, he also had grand ambitions, wanting to show his prowess. Only later did he discover that ideals are beautiful, reality is skeletal.

After finally catching a glimpse of hope, it was instantly extinguished by someone.

But that's reality.

After about half an hour, two flying vessels descended before the Experiment Building.

One was relatively small, apparently able to seat only two people.

The other was much larger—more than three times the size of the first—able to seat seven or eight people, with plenty to spare.

Four men stepped out of the flying vessels; the three behind were likely bodyguards, dressed uniformly in black suits, while the leader was a man in a white suit with a faint smile on his face.

That was Gu Zhanglin.

In front of the Experiment Building, Gu Zhangkong and Jiang Cheng had been waiting for a while.

"Big brother!"

Gu Zhangkong opened his arms and walked up.

"Hahaha, Lao San! Long time no see."

Gu Zhanglin also opened his arms; the two embraced, only separating after several seconds—if Jiang Cheng didn't know better, he would really think they were on good terms.

"Big brother, this is Jiang Cheng, brother Jiang."

Gu Zhangkong reached out and introduced Jiang Cheng.

He's far younger than I imagined; indeed, heroes come from youth.

Gu Zhanglin sighed, his gaze falling on Jiang Cheng, and after a careful look, he stretched out his hand and smiled: "Jiang brother, I'm Gu Zhanglin, the elder brother of Gu Zhangkong; just call me Elder Brother Zhanglin."

"Elder Brother Zhanglin."

Jiang Cheng spoke up.

"Hmm."

Gu Zhanglin nodded satisfactorily: "I imagine Lao San already told you the purpose of my visit."

Jiang Cheng nodded.

"We shouldn't delay that; take me inside to have a look."

Gu Zhanglin laughed.

If it weren't to recruit Jiang Cheng, he wouldn't want to come to this Outer City District that resembles a poor area.

Several people entered the alchemy room, and Jiang Cheng began refining pills.

Despite many people present, he remained focused; after about three hours, a batch of top-grade Awakening Pills was freshly made.

Gu Zhangkong beside him let out a slight sigh of relief.

He really had been worried that Jiang Cheng would perform poorly, but fortunately, he didn't.

"Not bad, not bad."

Gu Zhanglin's gaze toward Jiang Cheng grew kinder.

"I heard from Lao San that in just a few days you raised the efficacy of the Awakening Pill to mastery level—is that correct?"

Jiang Cheng nodded.

"Do you have confidence in raising your alchemy skill further? If so, how much more time would you need?" Gu Zhanglin's eyes showed anticipation.

The cost of ten batches of medicinal ingredients is still high.

If it could be lower, that would be better.

"I naturally have confidence; if I aim for great completion, I think one month is enough, but if it's perfection, I can't say for sure yet."

Jiang Cheng also didn't foolishly speak the truth.

"Good."

Gu Zhanglin then said: "Pack up and come with me."

"Elder Brother Zhanglin, before I follow you, I still have some questions."

Jiang Cheng said.

"Oh?"

Gu Zhanglin smiled slightly: "Sure, go ahead." (End of chapter)