Chapter 43: Xiao Family's Counterattack
After presenting all the pills, the cooperation between the Xiao family and Yao Lao was formally established.
When discussing profit distribution, Xiao Zhan, being cautious, suggested a 90-10 split, with Yao Lao receiving 90% and the Xiao family 10%. This proposal showcased Xiao Zhan's integrity as a leader, as he remained principled even in the face of temptation. However, Yao Lao, representing Xiao Yan, did not intend to exploit the Xiao family. If it weren't for the potential suspicion, he would have been willing to let the Xiao family keep all the profits.
In the end, they agreed on a 50-50 split, which delighted everyone in the Xiao family. With the support of both Yao Lao and Mo Yu, not only could the Xiao family overcome this crisis, but their influence in Wu Tan City could also grow.
After securing the support of over a thousand bottles of healing medicine from Yao Lao, the Xiao family did not immediately publicize their plans. They waited until Mo Yu completed the crafting of the Thunderfire Beads before preparing to retaliate against the Jia Lie family.
During these three days, the Xiao family quietly collected materials for crafting the Thunderfire Beads, and Mo Yu worked tirelessly day and night. Despite the fatigue, this was not a significant issue for a five-star Dou Zhe like Mo Yu. Additionally, through these three days of continuous crafting, Mo Yu's skills became even more refined.
While the Xiao family remained silent for three days, the Jia Lie family grew increasingly arrogant, using various means to lure away the remaining merchants from the Xiao family's marketplace. Although the Jia Lie family noticed the Xiao family's secret procurement of crafting materials, they did not believe the Xiao family could pose any real threat, dismissing the news.
Despite the Jia Lie family's aggressive actions, the Xiao family maintained their silence. In this tense atmosphere, three days passed quickly.
On another sunny day, the Jia Lie family's marketplace was bustling as usual. The streets were crowded, and the area where the "Rejuvenation Powder" was sold was especially packed. The shouts, curses, and sounds of fighting filled the air, creating a deafening uproar.
Behind the medicine sales counter, members of the Jia Lie family watched the brawling mercenaries with mocking smiles, feeling smug about their advantageous position. The sales volume of the "Rejuvenation Powder" far exceeded their expectations, and in their greed, the Jia Lie family had raised the price from 100 gold coins per box to 300 gold coins.
Although the initial price hike caused discontent among the mercenaries, the "Rejuvenation Powder" was exclusively sold by the Jia Lie family. Therefore, despite their dissatisfaction, most mercenaries reluctantly accepted the exorbitant prices.
However, the situation took a sudden turn. Amidst the chaos, a shout rang out, "The Xiao family marketplace is also selling healing medicine!"
"Not just healing medicine, they're also selling Thunderfire Beads!"
These shouts came from spies planted by the Xiao family to spread the information, signaling the start of the Xiao family's counterattack.
The once noisy marketplace fell silent as the mercenaries processed the news. The reputation of the Thunderfire Beads had spread far and wide, with many mercenaries crediting them for their survival in dangerous situations. Compared to healing medicine, the Thunderfire Beads were highly prized as life-saving tools.
The sudden news was met with skepticism, as the Xiao family had seemed too weakened recently to produce such valuable items. Seeing the doubt in the mercenaries' eyes, one of the Xiao family's spies climbed onto a large rock, drew his sword, and slashed his arm to create a deep cut.
Holding up his bleeding arm, the man poured a thick red liquid from a green bottle over the wound. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the bleeding slowed and then stopped as the liquid formed a thin scab over the cut.
Witnessing this rapid healing effect, the mercenaries' eyes lit up with interest. The spy then pulled out a black bead with intricate patterns, further exciting the crowd. It was the famed Thunderfire Bead!
"This is the Xiao family's latest product, 'Coagulation Powder'! It's more effective than 'Rejuvenation Powder' and costs half as much! Plus, we have Thunderfire Beads for sale too! What are you waiting for? Hurry before they're gone!" The spy shouted.
The marketplace fell silent for a moment before a mercenary turned and bolted out of the market. Seeing this, the crowd quickly followed, stampeding out of the Jia Lie family's marketplace.
Within moments, the bustling marketplace became deserted, leaving only the stunned vendors behind.
"The Xiao family… has started their counterattack."
Seeing the empty streets, the merchants exchanged glances, realizing the significance of this development. If the Xiao family's healing medicine and Thunderfire Beads had sufficient supply, the Jia Lie family's defeat was inevitable.
At the same time, similar scenes played out across all the Jia Lie family's marketplaces.
(End of Chapter)