Chapter 418: Exchange Meeting

Chapter 418: Exchange Meeting

To onlookers, Zheng Yichen’s process of crafting the magic potion wasn’t flawlessly perfect. While it appeared smooth as flowing water without a hint of unfamiliarity, this was merely a basic requirement in potion-making. Familiarity is crucial; one must be thoroughly acquainted with a potion’s specifics to craft it well. This required immense practice and mastery of fundamentals.

Therefore, his performance couldn’t be called outstanding, merely solidly grounded in the basics. Yet, what baffled people was Zheng Yichen’s unbelievably high success rate!

Most believed the first Dark Drain potion was very hard to succeed with. Even though it was just a mid-tier potion, crafting it demanded thorough preparation – something Zheng Yichen clearly didn’t have much time for here. Furthermore, the first person who stepped forward presenting the Dark Drain potion material offered a reason no one could easily refute.

Admittedly, within the Containment Barrier, the Dark Drain potion was usable. Its effect surpassed many potions commonly used inside the barrier. However, its cost severely limited its popularity. Other cheaper potions also offered protection against the barrier’s environmental effects. Costing merely a quarter or even a fifth of the Dark Drain potion’s price, why would anyone choose one that was less than twenty percent more effective, yet cost four or five times as much, when they could get more of the cheaper kind for the same money?

But since someone had presented the necessary materials without issue, and based on Zheng Yichen’s earlier statement, he was indeed going to accept this challenge. Regarding the recipe, the Dark Drain potion formula wasn’t top-secret; generally, competent Magic Pharmacists had the chance to learn it.

Zheng Yichen, however, stated he’d never worked with this troublesome potion before. Both the recipe and the steps were being freshly learned by his main body, akin to cooking a dish for the first time while reading a cookbook. Under normal circumstances, the success rate of such an approach wouldn’t exceed one in ten. But for Zheng Yichen, even something labeled as having zero success rate could be forcibly wrangled into yielding some results for him. Success rate simply wasn’t an issue.

Any unstable fluctuations during the crafting process were completely suppressed by Zheng Yichen. Even if the material proportions were slightly off due to their influence, it didn’t matter. A successfully completed magic potion wouldn’t be nitpicked afterwards anyway. There was little to find fault with; a successful potion was achievement enough to silence critics. As long as the effect matched the expectation, the process didn’t truly matter. If there was some special method involved, that was Zheng Yichen’s own affair. Others, if they found out, would only covet it and try to obtain it. If it was a matter of innate gift, then they could only envy him.

“Correct, it is the Dark Drain potion. The quality is upper-mid-grade,” announced the Magic Pharmacist responsible for appraisal. Generally, once a potion was successfully made, it was deemed acceptable. Quality mainly influenced potency, and even the highest grade’s effect wouldn’t surpass the standard potency by more than half. Every ten percent increase roughly signified a higher tier. A ‘low-grade’ potion wasn’t substandard; its effect simply sat at the acceptable minimum. Moving upward meant exceeding that baseline. A potion exceeding the benchmark by fifty percent was considered perfect.

Such potions were rare and didn’t offer a qualitative leap. Even pushing fifty percent beyond standard, how much higher could it realistically go? Double? Triple? If such a potion existed, it could only mean unique cultivation methods were used, forcibly enhancing the base materials – turning low-grade ingredients into mid or even high-grade – to produce a magic potion whose effect might be several times or even dozens of times stronger than its peers. These were extremely rare. Unless caused by additional changes in the materials themselves, they were basically unique collector’s items with limited shelf life.

Therefore, Zheng Yichen’s upper-mid-grade potion was already astounding to the spectators. This quality typically meant an effect surpassing the standard by about a third. While this didn’t bring about a qualitative change, the extra edge allowed it to perform its function much more effectively. Some mid-tier magic potions, reaching upper or upper-mid-grade, could rival the minimum effectiveness standard of lower-grade high-tier potions. Yet, their price could never reach the level of true high-tier potions. Thus, the first person to step forward truly hit the jackpot.

After this great start, other adventurers and mercenaries gradually stepped forward. The difficulty of the potions they presented varied; some were less challenging than Dark Drain, while others surpassed it. All were potions effective within the Containment Barrier, but without exception, they were obscure and specialized. The onlookers felt like they were having their horizons expanded; they weren’t Magic Pharmacists and hadn’t realized magic potions could be so diverse. Zheng Yichen’s creations were consistently mid-grade or upper-mid-grade. While there were no perfect grades, even this was felt as immensely impressive.

For other Magic Pharmacists, producing a low or lower-mid-grade potion was commendable. Continuous success with mid or upper-mid-grade potions was almost unimaginable. Yet, Zheng Yichen achieved it. This meant he possessed the solid prowess to slap all the doubters right in the face.

“Whew,” he said, truly exhausted.

After completing the tenth potion, Zheng Yichen looked at the crowd whose attitude had completely reversed. He found a spot to ‘rest’. His fatigue wasn’t from crafting the potions, but from the mental strain of simultaneously controlling both his main body and his avatar. Despite this, why were his potions consistently high-quality? Well, that was purely a matter of material ratios. His ability guaranteed success, so he didn’t need to intentionally reduce quantities to lower the chance of instability during crafting – that was a step he could skip. Therefore, material proportions were generous, even exceeding requirements. As long as the excess didn’t cause the entire batch to destabilize and fail during the process, the surplus translated directly into enhanced potency. With ample ingredients, the potion’s quality naturally wouldn’t be low.

Watching the resting Zheng Yichen, the crowd had no grounds for criticism left. Many had initially been swayed by others, but now Zheng Yichen had unequivocally proven his capability. These people naturally wouldn’t say anything anymore; some even regretted getting involved. They wished they had just stayed silent observers from the start. Why had they joined in the commotion? If Zheng Yi had been thoroughly debunked, they might have felt pleased. Now, the tables were turned; they were collectively embarrassed and might even be marked for it. How could they feel good about that?

More complex emotions churned in the hearts of the Magic Pharmacists who had earlier instigated the trouble through proxies. This young man genuinely possessed real skill! Their malicious hopes had been utterly dashed. The significant gap between expectation and reality left them feeling complicated. Moreover, Zheng Yichen’s utterly conventional crafting methods had thwarted their other plans. Finally, there were the attitudes of various factions regarding this whole affair.

Previously, Zheng Yichen was seen purely as a Magic Pharmacist with a talent for innovation. Now, he had also demonstrated an exceptionally high success rate and high-quality results. Innovation, success rate, and quality – excelling in any one area was impressive. But he showcased comprehensive mastery across all three.

“…!” The Vice President of the Potion Masters Association, monitoring events, felt his heart twitch again. ‘Hah! How could you possibly be this damned freakishly talented?’ he silently groaned. Fine, pulling this young man into their fold was now significantly harder. He should have shown more decisiveness earlier, perhaps even sending that young lady from the Association immediately after him. No, they should have done it even before. Now that he’d demonstrated even greater prowess, previous plans were once again thrown into disarray. Many things needed to be reconsidered, and there was no guarantee of success. His new worry was whether Zheng Yichen would reveal even more astonishing traits later, completely eliminating any feasible plan they could devise.

“Alright!” Jenna stepped forward while Zheng Yichen rested, addressing those who hadn’t yet dispersed with a cold tone. “Regardless of your past doubts, this farce is over. The Border Great Wall is not a place for your squabbles and schemes. I hope there won’t be a repeat of this.” Before anyone could voice objections, she signaled the staff to dismantle the temporary ‘Workshop’ set up outside. Magic Pharmacists typically crafted in enclosed spaces. Not all enjoyed being watched; many possessed unique techniques easily stolen by observers. Why should their hard-earned knowledge be taken for free? That Zheng Yichen volunteered to craft publicly was already a significant concession. Fortunately, every step he demonstrated was utterly conventional. Onlookers couldn’t glean any unique technique exclusive to Zheng Yichen. Zheng Yichen also refrained from demonstrating his method of creating separate Base Potions before blending them into the final product. That technique… might be introduced later, but now wasn’t the appropriate time. At least not before it was thoroughly matured and securely ahead of others.

Order was swiftly restored under the direction of the Border Great Wall garrison stationed there. Yet, news of what transpired spread rapidly, boosting Zheng Yichen’s reputation significantly. With normality returned, Zheng Yichen’s tasks became much easier. At dinnertime, Jenna found him.

“The Potion Department is hosting an exchange meeting among Magic Pharmacists tonight. Feel free to join if you’re interested.” The meeting wasn’t specifically arranged for Zheng Yichen; it was a long-standing tradition. Magic Pharmacists weren’t like Warriors or Spellcasters who fought directly on the front lines. Their role was providing logistical support through potions. During critical periods, many independent Magic Pharmacists or those from other factions came to the Border Great Wall. Mutual exchange was a vital avenue for Magic Pharmacists to improve. Through discussion, they often complemented each other’s techniques, strengthening their own abilities.

“Alright,” Zheng Yichen nodded. An exchange among Magic Pharmacists… He’d been in this field for less than two years. Compared to veterans with a decade or two of research under their belts, his own knowledge base seemed shallow. He simply didn’t possess much profound insight. The only thing he could confidently share was the experience he’d accumulated, aided by his unique abilities that facilitated the crafting process. Well, even if his own offerings were sparse, soaking up wisdom from others sounded good.

The moment Zheng Yichen entered the exchange venue, he became the focal point. Under the intensity of those stares, Zheng Yichen sighed internally. The spotlight he’d grabbed during the day was blinding now. He worried someone might immediately bombard him with questions. Fortunately, the Magic Pharmacists present were relatively restrained; no one launched straight into inquisition. Given the tense times, there wasn’t much room for idle chatter either. After brief greetings, the exchange began. It wasn’t a seated affair but a walking-talking one. Everyone there had some level of renown, avoiding the awkwardness of knowing absolutely no one besides the Magic Pharmacists Association. Magic Pharmacists formed various circles outside the association. Moreover, the existence of the Magic Weapon Summoning Book meant many had met counterparts online. Yet, Zheng Yichen’s problem was specific: here, he truly knew no one!

As he stood there feeling awkward, Jenna saw her opportunity. While the exchange was routine, the Potion Department had its own agenda – namely, Zheng Yichen’s technique of blending Base Potions. If he mingled in the exchange with others tonight, Jenna planned to wait. The meeting spanned several days; there would be ample time later. Rushing him on the very first day seemed abrupt. But seeing him seemingly unconnected? That was perfect timing! Jenna immediately directed some young Magic Pharmacists – those who had assisted him previously – to approach him.

Seeing familiar faces heading his way, Zheng Yichen inwardly relaxed. Someone was finally coming over! At least he wouldn’t be stuck standing there alone, stewing in awkwardness…

Other Magic Pharmacists weren’t indifferent. Younger ones felt intimidated and hesitated to approach immediately. Older Magic Pharmacists harbored other thoughts, and lacking prior acquaintance, they too didn’t move right away. Within a minute or two, someone surely would have come over, but Jenna seized this window to deploy the Potion Department’s own personnel.

“About the Base Potion method?” Zheng Yichen looked at the young female Magic Pharmacist before him. His impression of her was favorable – not because she was pretty (could she compete with his large-scale figurine… cough… his Alchemical Avatar or beauties like Loris?), but because she was the only one to speak up back when he made the Fixation Potion, though interrupted by a companion. Forget taking sides; perhaps the interrupting companion acted for the Potion Department’s sake or other reasons. Regardless, Zheng Yichen appreciated the gesture. Someone considering him felt vastly better than constant attempts to outmaneuver him.

As Zheng Yichen pondered his response, the attention of several Magic Pharmacists subtly shifted towards them. They couldn’t catch everything, but one key word stood out: Base. Base… Potion? What was that? Something novel like a new type of potion, or something else? Given the context of a Magic Pharmacist exchange, it had to be potion-related… Judging by Zheng Yichen’s contemplative expression, this ‘Base Potion’ likely touched upon something significant, causing his hesitation.

Zheng Yichen deliberated. Well, he hadn’t meant to conceal the method when he demonstrated it in front of some young Association pharmacists before. His hesitation stemmed from how to explain it precisely. That process was essentially Zheng Yichen adapting assembly line principles: crafting a complete item alone demanded mastering too many steps, making it difficult. But if multiple people divided the work, each specializing in a part, everything became easier – even the final assembly step involving pre-made components. He’d merely incorporated added steps during creation.

But Base Potions weren’t just made and ignored. Stability was a major issue for unfinished bases. While Zheng Yichen could stabilize them temporarily with his Mana, preventing change for a short while, once the Mana expired, those liquids would mutate unpredictably. That didn’t mean he possessed special stabilized Base Potion recipes ensuring long-term stability and smooth blending! These still required dedicated research. As for Zheng Yichen doing that research himself… he couldn’t be bothered. Oh well. Providing the theoretical foundation was enough. Letting others handle the research seemed easier, right? His immediate task was simply to offer the Potion Department at the Border Great Wall some… guidance, pointing them toward a research direction. The Association wasn’t bad either, but he’d had little direct contact with them.

“Let’s go over here,” Zheng Yichen suggested to the young woman. They moved to a quieter corner – spaces provided precisely for such confidential exchanges. While Jenna anticipated this privacy, the Magic Pharmacists who had been watching couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret as Zheng Yichen walked away. They’d have to inquire more carefully later.