Chapter 385: As expected of you

385. Chapter 385: As expected of you

A few more days passed.

Jiang Cheng's life remained as calm as ever.

He spent the whole daytime soaking in the Lian Dan Shi, and at night he absorbed and refined primal energy.

Chen Sao and the others gradually got used to life here; after meals they would go downstairs for a walk and chat with the neighborhood residents.

That day, Ding Lei sent a message inviting him to an evening dinner gathering.

Jiang Cheng naturally accepted at once; a few days earlier, Ding Lei had given him five Light Brains and said he wouldn't take any money, so Jiang Cheng wouldn't take advantage of that.

Therefore, even on account of that, he wouldn't refuse, and besides, maintaining good relations with those around him was necessary; at least gathering some information would be convenient.

Before long, it was evening.

Gao Ling, as usual, came to inventory the pills.

Seeing that the number of pills was still exactly forty, he looked up with a smiling eye at Jiang Cheng and, as if casually, asked, "Brother Jiang, are you still refining four furnaces a day? Not added one or two more?"

After all, they had given Jiang Cheng a six‑grade refining furnace.

Jiang Cheng gave a wry smile.

"Brother Gao, this isn't as simple as you think. The refining furnace is indeed a good tool; it can save 30% of the ingredients, but since the potency is the same, the time and effort required are about the same as before."

Moreover, I am a Level 3 Spirit Mind Practitioner; even when refining four furnaces of pills a day, I still need to take one or two Awakening Pills midway, otherwise I can't keep going.

"I see, no problem—haha, I was just asking casually."

Hearing that, Gao Ling laughed heartily and didn't doubt further.

Because a few days earlier, Jiang Cheng had raised this point, hoping to take two pills from the daily output for refining consumption.

He naturally agreed.

Of course, the corresponding amount would be deducted from Jiang Cheng's share.

"Brother Jiang, keep it up. Changlin and I both highly value your potential; your alchemy skill will certainly not stop here."

Saying that, he patted Jiang Cheng's shoulder.

"I will, but I'm currently hitting a bottleneck; to raise the craft of the Awakening Pill by another level may take a month or two."

Jiang Cheng thought for a moment and said.

After all, his talent had been so astonishing before, yet after arriving here it had stalled; anyone else would be doubting.

So, the time is nearly right to improve, for example, now refining four furnaces daily, after a while, add another furnace.

And by then his alchemy technique will be complete, yielding a slight advantage without causing any major issue.

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Gao Ling's eyes lit up.

"Brother Jiang, are you serious? In another month or two, your level can rise again?"

"At least a 70% certainty."

Jiang Cheng gave a slight smile, "By then not only will each furnace consume slightly fewer ingredients, but the daily output of pills will also increase by one furnace."

"Good, as expected of you."

Gao Ling was delighted to hear that.

Even by current cost calculations, each furnace yields a profit of six million; adding one furnace to make five brings it to thirty million!

According to the agreed split, they take 60%, which is eighteen million! Over a month that nears six hundred million! Six hundred million could buy a four‑grade high‑quality treasure, and in two or three months one could afford a five‑grade treasure.

This earning power even outpaces the Refining Equipment Department and the Talisman Crafting Department.

"If it were a 73‑30 split, that would be even better."

He thought that silently.

But such matters, as he had previously told Gu Zhanglin over the phone, "haste makes waste"; wait a while before proceeding.

"Brother Jiang, I know nothing about alchemy and can't help you there, but if you have any other problems, feel free to tell me. I'll do my utmost to help you!"

"There's nothing for now, but if something arises I'll consult you, Brother Gao, immediately."

"Alright, no problem." The two smiled at each other like old friends who hadn't met in years.

After taking two pills from a bottle and handing them to Jiang Cheng, Gao Ling left with his men.

Watching the departing back, Jiang Cheng shook his head silently.

After waiting a while in the Lian Dan Shi, a knock sounded from the half‑ajar door.

"Jiang Lao Di, are you ready?"

Ding Lei stood at the doorway and smiled at Jiang Cheng.

"Ready, Brother Ding, let's go."

Jiang Cheng returned a smile.

"Alright."

The two walked out of the building; not far ahead was a restaurant, brightly lit even at night.

"Jiang Lao Di, when we get there, remember not to say anything you shouldn't."

With no one around, Ding Lei whispered.

"What do you mean, Brother Ding?" Jiang Cheng asked quietly.

"Illness comes from the mouth, disaster follows the mouth. Previously someone, during a private conversation, complained a couple of lines and was kicked out—clearly someone reported them."

"This time, the few of us are old acquaintances, so such a situation shouldn't arise, but it's better to be safe than sorry. So, Brother Jiang, remember to speak cautiously."

"Thanks for the reminder, elder brother."

Jiang Cheng expressed his gratitude solemnly.

"It's nothing, it's nothing."

Ding Lei smiled and waved his hand.

He knew that even if he didn't say these words, others would speak to Jiang Cheng.

But because he was the first to speak, the latter would feel obliged, and whenever he later had any Refining Alchemy problems, he would ask Jiang Cheng, who would not refuse.

Jiang Cheng naturally understood the other party's meaning as well.

Their words were shallow, their meaning deep.

He naturally would not commit such a major taboo, let alone here.

Under Ding Lei's lead, Jiang Cheng entered the restaurant, went up to the third floor, and arrived at a private room in the southeast corner.

He pushed the door open and saw that there were already two people in the private room.

One man and one woman.

The man looked about forty, with an ordinary appearance, even a bit ugly.

The woman appeared much younger, in her early thirties, with fair skin and delicate features, but a few crow's‑feet at the corners of her eyes hinted that her age might not be as young as she seemed.

The moment Jiang Cheng stepped in, both gazes instantly fell on him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, both of you."

Ding Lei extended his hand, pointing at Jiang Cheng, "This is Jiang Cheng, Jiang little brother."

"Not at all, we just arrived as well."

The woman covered her mouth with a smile, glanced at Ding Lei, then fixed her gaze on Jiang Cheng, "Jiang little brother, I've heard of your great name for a long time; finally I get to meet you today, indeed you are a remarkable talent."

"Jiang Lao Di, this is He Hong; you can call her Sister He."

After introducing the woman, Ding Lei also introduced the middle‑aged man beside her, "This is Old Liu, Liu Honghui; you can call him Brother Liu."

Jiang Cheng greeted each of them in turn.

"There's another person, should be on the way now."

Ding Lei glanced at the wall clock, "Jiang Lao Di, let's find a seat first." (End of chapter)