Chapter 714: with translation of chapter title

714. Chapter 712: The Frequently Active Mice

However, as market competition became increasingly fierce, the Blood Moon Sect and the Red Lotus Sect began to secretly interfere with the business of Lei Huo Dan Ge.

They sent their subordinates to spread rumors in the market, slandering the reputation of Lei Huo Dan Ge, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate Lei Huo Dan Ge to obtain trade secrets.

Faced with such a complex situation, Lu Yuan felt immense pressure.

Lu Yuan decided to take action to protect himself and his companions' safety, and to effectively respond to the interference of the cult forces.

He first assigned Su Liyan to the front line, letting her use ice-system immortal arts and the Fobao "Cold Jade Ice Slice" to protect herself and others.

At the same time, Lu Yuan himself used his immortal arts to set up a Detection Technique formation, to sense the movements of the cult forces and respond immediately.

At this critical juncture, Zi Cui Ling, as Zi Xi'er's older sister and clan chief, also gave them selfless support.

She dispatched a batch of family experts, strengthening the protection of Lei Huo Dan Ge and the surrounding area.

Zi Cui Ling personally went to Lei Huo Dan Ge to discuss countermeasures with Lu Yuan, and promised that the family would give them full support.

The atmosphere in the market grew increasingly tense, and the Blood Moon Sect and the Red Lotus Sect's covert activities became ever more frequent.

Lu Yuan realized that the cult forces' strike against Lei Huo Dan Ge was not merely commercial competition; it was likely affecting the pattern of the Xiuzhen Jie.

Therefore, he decided to personally go out and conduct covert investigations between the Blood Moon Sect and the Red Lotus Sect.

He carefully disguised himself, shuttling through the market and gathering intelligence.

Lu Yuan learned that the Black Flame Sect's True Lord Po Tian had recruited a senior alchemist named Hong Lietian, causing quite a stir in the Xiuzhen Jie.

He well understood the importance of Heart-Settling Pill for cultivators, and as a senior alchemist, Hong Lietian's comprehension and mastery of Heart-Settling Pill must be very deep.

This news made Lu Yuan somewhat uneasy, because he had previously imitated True Lord Po Tian's method of making Heart-Settling Pill, and successfully launched it onto the market, becoming one of Lei Huo Dan Ge's best-selling products.

If Hong Lietian could achieve a breakthrough and innovation in Heart-Settling Pill, then Lei Huo Dan Ge would undoubtedly face greater competitive pressure.

Thus, Lu Yuan decided to personally go to the Black Flame Sect to seek an opportunity to communicate with and seek advice from Hong Lietian.

However, when he made the request, he was politely refused by an elder of the Black Flame Sect.

The elder said that in the Xiuzhen Jie there exists both competition and cooperation, and not everyone is willing to share their latest top-tier spiritual pills or alchemical techniques.

Although he was refused, Lu Yuan was not discouraged; on the contrary, he became more determined to strengthen Lei Huo Dan Ge's influence in the market to face the upcoming competition.

After discussing with Su Liyan, they confirmed several important measures.

First, they decided to re-examine Lei Huo Dan Ge's overall business strategy and increase investment in advertising promotion and product development.

Lu Yuan knew that only by continually innovating and meeting customer demands could he maintain competitiveness in the market.

Next, Lu Yuan planned to actively seek opportunities to cooperate with other cultivation organizations or individuals.

Through exchanging experience and resources with other cultivators, they could jointly improve alchemical techniques and achieve a win-win situation.

Besides that, Lu Yuan also decided to increase Lei Huo Dan Ge's presence in the market.

He designed a series of concentrated versions of Heart-Settling Pill, and placed them in test tubes in the display cabinet for customers to sample.

These test-tube Heart-Settling Pills, besides having a rich flavor, also retain their original efficacy and are genuinely reliable.

To let more people become aware of and pay attention to Lei Huo Dan Ge, Lu Yuan also decided to participate in the upcoming Cultivation Assembly.

This is a major event that attracts top cultivators from the entire Xiuzhen Jie and industry giants.

By showcasing Lei Huo Dan Ge's products and technical advantages, Lu Yuan hopes to draw their attention and establish deeper cooperative relations.

On another front of the Black Flame Sect, the Blood Moon Sect and the Red Lotus Sect internally developed a tense atmosphere.

Xueying of the Blood Moon Sect glared angrily at his close subordinates, blaming them for not having discovered early the major news of the Black Flame Sect recruiting a senior alchemist.

"You good-for-nothings who eat for free!"

"How could you not even discover something this important!" Xueying roared angrily.

Everyone's faces turned pale, and they all lowered their heads in silence.

They well knew that Xueying was an extremely strict and cruel person, and he never showed leniency toward subordinates who disappointed him.

"Du Wei!"

Xueying loudly called out to a tall, sturdy and vigorous person.

Du Wei is one of the highest-ranking elders of the Blood Moon Sect, his strength being among the top in the entire Xiuzhen Jie.

He calmly walked up to Xueying.

"Master, please give your orders." Du Wei said respectfully, performing a salute.

"Have you recently investigated the Black Flame Sect?" Xueying asked.

Du Wei answered: "Yes."

"Do you know how deeply this newly arrived senior alchemist Hong Lietian has mastered Heart-Settling Pill?" Xueying asked through gritted teeth.

"According to my investigation, Hong Lietian has indeed made a major breakthrough and innovation in Heart-Settling Pill." Du Wei replied honestly.

Xueying gave a cold chuckle: "In that case, the operation of Lei Huo Dan Ge will face greater difficulties."

Du Wei fell silent for a moment, then said: "However, I must say, this is not entirely without benefit for us."

Xueying furrowed his brows: "What do you mean?"

"My lord, with your keen perception, how could you forget the grudges between the Black Flame Sect and the Blood Moon Sect?" Du Wei reminded.

Xueying's eyes flashed; he indeed had not forgotten.

Many years ago, the Black Flame Sect and the Blood Moon Sect had a massive conflict, both sides paying a heavy price.

Now, as the Black Flame Sect has steadied its footing, for the Blood Moon Sect it is undoubtedly a tight hoop hanging over their heads.

"You mean... Lei Huo Dan Ge could become a weapon for us to contend with the Black Flame Sect?"

A glint of excitement flashed in Xueying's eyes.

Du Wei nodded: "Yes, master."

"Lei Huo Dan Ge, as the foremost alchemist pavilion in Heavenly Wind City, wields influence that cannot be underestimated."

"If we can restrain them, the Black Flame Sect will inevitably have to divert attention to deal with us, which is absolutely a good thing for us."

Xueying pondered for a moment, regained a calm expression: "Go discuss with the other elders how to specifically use Lei Huo Dan Ge to restrain the Black Flame Sect."

Du Wei bowed and replied: "Yes, master."

The members of Lei Huo Dan Ge gathered in a spacious, bright meeting room, discussing the effects of the Heart‑Calming Pill on cultivators' strength increase.

"Zi Xi'er, do you think the Heart‑Calming Pill would be helpful to us?" Lu Yuan asked.

Zi Xi'er thought for a moment, then smiled and said: "Brother Lu, I think we are not yet suited to rely too heavily on the Heart‑Calming Pill at this time."

"Although it can provide an opportunity for a strength breakthrough, it will likewise attract the attention of other forces." (End of chapter)