I have seen dragons

Chapter 25 Old Fans
"Goodbye." Yue Wen said, then turned and left.

I almost forgot where I was. How could I have talked to someone who could kill without breaking the law for so long? It was all so pointless.

It's not like there aren't normal people in the world who know how to make medicine.

"Stop right there!" Old Bai suddenly shouted from behind. "You think this place is where you can come and go as you please?!"

Yue Wen was taken aback by his sudden aura. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Isn't this a mental hospital? I'm not a patient, so why can't I leave?"

They quickened their pace to leave, afraid of getting infected even if they stayed a second longer.

"Aren't you one? Ha, neither am I!" Old Bai shook his head with a sigh. "Back in the day, I was the most brilliant disciple of the Medicine King Academy. My master, Li Danyang, personally praised me, saying that the spiritual medicines Little Bai concocts should absolutely not be eaten!"

"You call this a reward?" Yue Wen said, speechless. "And why are you telling me all this?"

He naturally knew about the Medicine King Academy; it was one of the world's top immortal sects and the strongest alchemist lineage in the human realm. Any alchemist who emerged from the Medicine King Academy, even if they were just outer disciples who audited classes for two or three years, could stand on their own after graduation.

Li Danyang was a renowned alchemy master of his time, enjoying a reputation that had lasted for over a century.

Is this really Old Bai's master?

“I was indignant. I have studied medical books since childhood and risked my life to venture into the wilderness in search of spiritual plants. I believe that my Taoist medical theories are flawless! The spiritual medicine I refine is far superior to those mediocre people. Why can't I eat it? To spite him, that very night I personally... mixed the spiritual medicine I refined into my roommate's takeout.”

"If you were a normal person, you should eat it yourself!" Yue Wen was speechless.

“After my roommate took it, he became healthy and light, his vital energy flowed smoothly, and his aptitude improved by several levels. From then on, his cultivation became twice as effective with half the effort!” Old Bai continued, “I showed my results to the teachers in the academy, but they were jealous of me and sent me back to my hometown and locked up in this mental hospital!”

"Being resented?" Yue Wen looked doubtful, wondering if his story was true or false. "The reputation of the Medicine King Academy has always been excellent. Master Li Danyang has been mentoring newcomers for many years, and I've never heard of any industry shady dealings. Do you have any evidence for what you're saying?"

"Of course there is!" Lao Bai pointed to the diagonal front of him, in the direction his squinting eye was looking. "My roommate is right here. You can ask him yourself."

Yue Wen looked in that direction, but it was empty.

Actually, he didn't even need to glance at it. The room is only so big; if there had been a third person, he would have noticed them long ago.

Old Bai's serious expression was really intimidating.

“Right?” After a moment of silence, Old Bai nodded as if he had heard something. “Those mediocre alchemists can collude with them, but a genius like me will only arouse their suspicion. Over the years, I’ve let my roommate try all the new medicines I’ve made. Look how well he’s doing now.”

Yue Wen looked over again, but it was still empty.

After a long pause, he turned back and said, "Brother, you're completely mentally ill, not a bit fake."

“Even though I was framed and hospitalized, I still haven’t given up here,” Lao Bai continued.

Yue Wen shook his head: "It wasn't a setup."

"The dean and doctors here discovered my extraordinary alchemy skills, so they granted me a lot of authority, allowing me to refine and sell medicines within the hospital. I shared a large portion of the profits with them, and they provided me with many conveniences in return." Old Bai smiled wickedly. "Taking advantage of this opportunity, I continued to research my own unique spiritual medicines. And this Supreme Blazing Flame Powder is one of the secret formulas I developed."

"If anyone can successfully refine their internal energy using my Supreme Blazing Flame Powder, it will prove my achievement. Those mediocre alchemists in the Medicine King Academy will also know how incompetent they are!"

As he spoke, he became passionate and fervent, and grasped at the air in front of him.

"Our names will surely resound throughout the entire alchemy world!"

"..." Yue Wen looked at him gazing deeply into the air on the other side, and smiled awkwardly, "Then I won't disturb you anymore."

"As long as you're willing to use my Blazing Flame Powder to break through, I can give you a discount!" Old Bai quickly added, "Three ounces of Blazing Flame Powder will only cost you 520,000."

“It’s 500,000 without the discount!” Yue Wen covered his forehead and shook his head. “I really don’t have time to argue with you.”

He felt he had to leave; listening to this man talk for too long was making his brain feel exhausted. "Five hundred and twenty thousand, that's the price including this!" Old Bai suddenly pulled out a plastic box containing five sandwich cookies, each with two white layers of crust and a black filling in the middle.

"What's this again?" Yue Wen asked, puzzled. "Leolis?"

"Traditional Qi-restoring pills and Blood-restoring pills are separate; one restores true qi, and the other heals injuries. Taking them together can even cause their effects to clash," Old Bai explained. "But my uniquely crafted Qi-Blood Unifying Pill combines restoration and healing, with qi within blood and blood within qi. Taking one during a fierce battle will instantly restore you to full health and mana, making you instantly regain your vigor and yang energy, leaving your enemies begging for mercy!"

“This isn’t a pill,” Yue Wen said, looking at it. “We usually call this a biscuit.”

"You may not like it, but please don't insult it!" Old Bai said emphatically. "This box of Qi and Blood Pills costs 20,000, but now I'm going to give it to you for free."

"Given away for free?" Yue Wen caught the key phrase.

“Not bad.” Old Bai smiled confidently. “Take it back and try it, experience the effects. Once you realize just how powerful the pills I refine are, you’ll naturally change your mind. When you come back to buy Blazing Flame Powder, just pay me the 520,000.”

"Although...but..." Yue Wen accepted the box of "Qi and Blood Harmony Pills," then looked up and said, "There's absolutely no discount here, not even a penny off!"

“Heh, old friend.” Old Bai looked at the air diagonally in front of him. “I have a feeling that our hope of leaving this place may lie in this talented young man.”

"You should stay here a little longer," Yue Wen waved his hand. "And remember to take your medicine on time."

……

"call--"

Yue Wen finally breathed a sigh of relief after getting on the bus back home.

Talking to this old white man was exhausting; he felt like his cerebral cortex was being stepped on and pulled.

But thinking about it carefully, although I didn't get the Blazing Flame Powder I wanted this time, I did get a box of Qi and Blood Biscuits without spending a penny, so it can be considered a small gain.

But we need to carefully check whether this thing is edible.

He wasn't in a hurry to get the Blazing Flame Powder; he was just here to inspect the goods. Even if it passed inspection, he would have to wait a while before he had enough money to pay.

So there's nothing to be too disappointed about.

Moreover, strictly speaking, this trip couldn't be considered a failure. Old Bai's Blazing Flame Powder was indeed extremely powerful, but its power was somewhat unorthodox, which caused my concerns. However, since he was so confident that he could impress me with his alchemy skills, he must have his reasons.

Try this Qi and Blood biscuit later, and then consider whether or not to use his Blazing Flame Powder.

Qi-restoring pills and blood-restoring pills are common medicinal pills, but Yue Wen had never bought them before, because these expensive recovery pills are usually only used by people venturing into the wilderness. In the city, any injuries can be treated by going directly to the hospital.

The car hadn't gone far when Xiu Liao received a message from "Old Bai".

[“Old Bai”: When taking Qi and Blood Harmony Pills, it’s best to mix them with milk. Twist them, lick them, and soak them for the best flavor.]

You're still saying this isn't a cookie?!
Yue Wen couldn't help but wonder if this guy was really trying to trick him with a box of sandwich cookies. Although a normal person would never do such a thing, he couldn't be defined as a normal person from any perspective.

Despite thinking this way, Yue Wen's reply remained polite.

[“Helpful Netizen 00772”: Thank you, Pharmacist Bai.]

This helpful netizen is Yue Wen's ID in the chat room. He did not reveal his real information, so a string of numbers was added as a suffix to avoid duplication.

[“Old Bai”: I’m not Pharmacist Bai, he’s concocting medicine. I’m his roommate. I didn’t introduce myself earlier, you can call me Old Fan.]

　Good morning.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)