Chapter 11: I Have Someone Above Me

It's just a few minor breakthroughs.

Ji Ming curled the corner of his mouth, leaned back in his chair and shrugged his shoulders, seeming quite pleased with Leinuo's reaction.

Leinuo pondered for a long while, then handed the menu in his hand to the server beside him.

"Hurry and get ready; don't let our guest wait impatiently."

Only after sending the bystander away did he helplessly spread his palms.

"As I just said, lately the escort team under my command has indeed been under considerable pressure."

"I'll take this bottle; name your price."

Because life is tight, the Ji Ming of this setting occasionally brews extra Rejuvenation Elixir to sell and supplement his household expenses.

But being new here, and in a place as grimy as Sunlight City, business isn't that easy.

After swallowing several losses with his teeth clenched, he finally got to know the relatively reliable Leinuo.

Although this goblin is equally greedy and equally detestable, he is at least a rule‑abiding, forward‑thinking merchant who wouldn't do any short‑sighted, chicken‑and‑egg stunts.

Ji Ming went out this time for a meal, and also to ensure that this trading channel remains open.

So he simply shook his head and said calmly.

"I'm not here to sell medicine; this bottle is a gift for you."

"A gift?"

Having scraped his way through the Black Forest Territory for years, Leinuo knows exactly what the most expensive thing in the world is.

"What do you want to get from me?"

He squinted his eyes; not a hint of pleasure appeared on his face, but his vigilance rose instantly.

Ji Ming laughed heartily and pulled back the white robe hidden beneath his black coat.

"Mr. Leinuo, do you think I now count as one of Sunlight City's renowned divine doctors?"

Under the wall lamp's glow, a row of beautiful red glints shone from the lining of his pocket, looking like expensive red wine or fresh plasma.

Leinuo's gaze was instantly fixed, and he almost forgot to breathe.

As a greedy goblin who likes to keep everything in his own hands, he had actually discussed buying the formula with Ji Ming before.

Surprisingly, even though he offered a high price of dozens of gold coins, dissecting the grand principle and repeatedly persuading.

That masked bandit‑raiding, gaunt‑looking, cowardly doctor never gave in, refusing steadfastly time after time.

And now?

He even came alone with several bottles of premium Rejuvenation Elixir, boldly marching into Leinuo's tavern, intent on negotiating with him!

It was afternoon, and the little tavern was nearly empty.

Leinuo's small hand, tipped with sharp nails, couldn't help but clench, a thought of seizing rising in his mind.

But what brought Leinuo to today wasn't hot‑blooded zeal.

He quickly calmed himself again, regaining his ability to think.

Thinking carefully, today's Ji Ming differed far more from his impression than he expected.

Where does such confident courage and assurance come from for a rootless, weak apothecary?

Leinuo glanced quietly outside the tavern, vaguely smelling a hint of conspiracy.

Who taught him, or rather, who is backing him up?

All of this, in the end, can only lead to one conclusion

—He has someone above him.

With his mind settled, Leinuo, unwilling to act rashly, decided to make a soft sell first.

"Ah, my Dr. Ji, how long have we been old friends?"

The goblin merchant calmly opened his palm, breaking into his most enthusiastic smile.

"Stop playing dumb; quickly state your terms, and we can talk!"

"What terms, Mr. Leinuo?"

Ji Ming subtly moved his left hand, which had been hidden in his sleeve and aimed at Leinuo's neck, away without a trace, lowered his coat, and asked with a baffled expression.

"I said, this bottle is yours, as a commemoration of our great friendship."

Damn, why is this kid even greedier than me!?

Leinuo restrained his fury, grinning as if his teeth ached.

"Dr. Ji, I thought you had already seen my sincerity..."

But halfway through his sentence, his eyes lit up, understanding Ji Ming's meaning.

Seizing the moment, he stuck out his thumb and praised loudly.

"You are certainly one of Sunlight City's finest doctors; that's what I say when I meet other friends."

"Indeed, I keep saying my reputation has been growing lately."

Ji Ming's smile deepened as he raised his glass to signal him.

"Mr. Leinuo, you flatter me; this cup is my toast to you!"

Having said that, he tipped his head back and drank it in one gulp, and the atmosphere between them eased instantly.

Leinuo quietly exhaled, licking his lips and rubbing his hands.

"Give me a firm price: for this grade, I'll pay four silver coins per bottle, okay?"

Ji Ming frowned.

"That's far too little; do you think I'm selling candy to children?"

The conversation box opened, and then the bargaining proceeded methodically, the atmosphere lively and amicable.

"Ten silver coins for a premium bottle is too pricey; I can only accept five!"

"Come on, make an exception; I'm just a small‑time trader, I can't compare with the big shots of Inner City."

"Six coins, that's my bottom line; at worst I'll treat you to this meal, okay?"

"Fine, even for the sake of our friendship… seven coins is seven coins, deal!"

In the end, Ji Ming sold his surplus—a bottle of premium goods, two bottles of standard goods, and five bottles of inferior goods—bringing in a full sixteen silver coins.

Pocketing them safely, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Perhaps that's just the difference in personal ability.

Some people are so powerful they can reshape their surroundings; others, even when standing in a gust, still stumble a few times.

Earning a bit of money is as easy as drinking water, yet the Ji Ming of the setting has to fret over a mere fifty‑silver‑coin debt.

"Dr. Ji, take a look at this treasure of mine."

After the deal, the still‑curious Lei Nuo, with a mysterious expression, pulled something out of his pocket.

"A magic scroll! I got this through a contact over in the Hui Guang Kingdom."

It was a small scroll bound with a thin red string; the pale‑yellow smooth paper looked rather extraordinary.

Its texture felt like sheepskin; Ji Ming, after taking it, slowly unfurled it.

Several intricate and arcane patterns covered the center of the parchment, the special blue ink reflecting a faint glimmer.

I don't understand it, but I'm totally blown away. jpg

Ji Ming, as if nothing, nudged his glasses.

【Item: Flame Burst Scroll】

【Records a single 'Second Ring Magic: Flame Burst' on a magical scroll; upon activation it automatically prepares and releases the corresponding spell】

Second Ring? That must be a high‑level magic only formal wizards above twenty levels can learn.

As long as you have this scroll, even a non‑professional can unleash a one‑time spell.

Whether for a sneak attack or for self‑preservation, it's very useful; the materials are costly, the price steep, making it quite a valuable gift.

"Dr. Ji, this is the gift I intend to give you."

Lei Nuo's words were sincere.

"I just hope that when you have extra potions in the future, you'll sell them to me first."

Yet Ji Ming, as if he hadn't heard, remained silent, staring at the scroll in his hand.

Because he had just realized a very important issue.