bdsm-fiction 354. Cliff Gang Pharmacy
354. Cliff Gang Pharmacy
"Steward Tao, there is still one thing I don't understand. Why does the Cliff Gang have such a great influence in Lushan City?" The medicinal herbs would take some time to arrive from the other two pharmacies, so Xiao Yan took the initiative to inquire about the Cliff Gang since he had nothing else to do.
Upon hearing this, Steward Tao truthfully replied, "Although the leader of the Cliff Gang is a young man, he is highly regarded by Elder Qin Qiong of Yin Valley. Although the Cliff Gang has only been established for a few years, its development speed is extremely fast."
Xiao Yan nodded in agreement. The influence of the Sound Valley naturally extended to many cities under its control. It was not surprising that the leader of the Cliff Gang could thrive with the support of the Sound Valley elders.
However, Xiao Yan's doubts remained: "Then why does the Cliff Gang monopolize high-grade herbs? You seem to have no objections?"
The market for herbs and elixirs has always been one of the most vital lifelines of a city. Xiao Yan still vividly remembers how, back in Wutan City, he refined a large quantity of healing medicine for the Xiao family, ultimately enabling them to decisively defeat their rival, the Jia Lie family, in the competition. Countless pharmacies in various cities engage in fierce competition, all vying for a monopoly on the city's elixir and herb trade—after all, it's a huge pie!
Deacon Tao quickly added, "Mr. Xiao is mistaken. Although the Cliff Gang controls high-grade medicinal herbs in the three nearby cities, we always share profits and sell herbs in a unified manner with transparent pricing across all vendors."
"I see." Xiao Yan now understood why the herbs that the Spirit Medicine Pavilion didn't have were directly sourced from the other two pharmacies. There must be a vested interest between them and the Cliff Gang. It seemed the Cliff Gang indeed wielded considerable power. Transparent pricing in pharmacies avoided many unnecessary disputes. All the pharmacies moved in tandem, benefiting from the situation. As buyers, ordinary customers also suffered less loss.
Judging from what Xiao Yan just bought, the price of the medicine was quite reasonable. Considering the current prosperity of Lushan City, the Cliff Gang's ability to maintain the price of herbs at this level is truly commendable!
Today, a large order from Xiao Yan was completed, and Steward Tao's performance soared, so he was in an exceptionally good mood. Seeing that Xiao Yan was interested in the Cliff Gang, he added, "The leader of the Cliff Gang is named Lin Xiuyai, and he is also a man of considerable ambition."
"Initially, he didn't choose any of the cities under Yin Gu's control. Instead, he chose Lushan City, where the three major powers of Yin Gu, Fen Yan Valley, and Dan Tower meet. Moreover, in just a few years, all three powers have expressed considerable admiration for him. The Cliff Gang's influence extends to three major cities, which is truly remarkable!"
Xiao Yan nodded in agreement. Lin Xiuya's abilities were indeed remarkable, and the Cliff Gang's collection of high-grade medicinal herbs from three major cities was certainly worth Xiao Yan's trip!
After waiting for half an hour, the medicinal herbs from the other two major pharmacies arrived together. The massive amount of herbs was enough for Xiao Yan to refine a considerable batch of pills. Of course, the price was also astronomical, but fortunately, Xiao Yan had searched the storage rings of Lei Zun and Huang Quan Zun, so he didn't hesitate to pay the bill.
Finally, Xiao Yan and his group, carrying the storage ring, left the Spirit Medicine Pavilion under the most respectful gazes of Steward Tao and others.
The Cliff Gang wasn't too far from the Spirit Medicine Pavilion, and Xiao Yan and his companions found it without much trouble. The Cliff Gang was located in a vast manor. The overall style of the manor was quite grand and magnificent, befitting the Cliff Gang's enormous influence in this mountain city.
Upon entering the manor, Xiao Yan saw a group of five or six people ahead. Looking closer, he realized that the Cliff Gang seemed to require their qualifications to be verified before allowing entry. Fortunately, the verification process was quick, and it wasn't long before it was Xiao Yan's turn.
When the inspector saw Xiao Yan, he professionally gave a polite smile: "Esteemed guest, due to the importance of medicinal herbs, Cliff Gang Pharmacy currently only serves fifth-grade alchemists or Dou Huang level or above. If you do not meet this requirement, there are several good pharmacies in Lu Bei City that we can show you the way."
The middle-aged man conducting the inspection spoke very politely. Xiao Yan had no objection to the requirement of qualification verification for entering the herb garden, since it would be quite inconvenient for him to find things if just anyone could enter. Moreover, the person arranged by the Cliff Gang was quite courteous and did not offend him in any way.
Just as Xiao Yan was about to take out his alchemist badge as proof, a commotion arose behind him. A woman, surrounded by admirers, had entered the Cliff Gang manor. She possessed a fiery, alluring figure, a seductive, fox-like face, and eyes like peach blossoms. Every move she made seemed to exude a strange charm, unconsciously stirring the heartstrings of those around her.
Five men accompanied the woman, each looking at her with fervent eyes, though their adoration bordered on irrational fanaticism. Surrounded by the five, the woman's pale pink eyes held a hint of smugness. The group then brazenly pushed their way through the ranks, directly behind Xiao Yan.
The middle-aged man frowned slightly upon seeing this: "According to the rules of the Cliff Gang's medicine shop, those who wish to enter must have their qualifications checked in order."
The alluring woman chuckled softly, her sweet voice slowly ringing out: "Of course, qualifications will be checked, but I don't think it's necessary to follow the order."
As the woman spoke, she gazed at the middle-aged man with tender eyes. The man's face was slightly flushed and he struggled to speak, saying, "It must be... done according to the rules!"
"Hehe." The woman suddenly turned her beautiful peach blossom eyes to look at Xiao Yan, a slight pink light flashing in them, and said to Xiao Yan in a coquettish tone, "My dear brother, you would definitely be willing to give up your position to Li'er, right?"
Xiao Yan sensed an aura emanating from the woman that could influence people's minds, causing those around her to appear somewhat unwell. However, the woman's strength was only at the six-star Dou Zong level, so this ability had little effect on Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan snorted coldly and said sharply, "If you won't allow it, get out!"
Xiao Yan let out a cold snort, startling the woman, who cried out in shock. The pink glow in her eyes vanished, returning to normal. The middle-aged man from the Cliff Gang also regained his senses, shaking his head and looking at Xiao Yan with gratitude. The woman who had arrived was no ordinary person; he had been unknowingly affected by her charm.
The five people accompanying the woman were also stunned for a moment, but when the woman came to her senses, she pretended to be frightened and said in a coquettish voice, "Li'er was wrong, I'm sorry~"
Seeing the woman's behavior, one of her protectors couldn't hold back any longer and immediately glared at Xiao Yan, saying, "Boy, who do you think you are? Quickly apologize to Sister Hua Li!"