“Senior, this pill is at least a sixth-grade mid-tier elixir!” Mo Fuyang exclaimed, his face filled with admiration. “If sold, it would fetch no less than 120 medium-grade spirit stones.”
Though honest by nature, Mo Fuyang couldn’t hide his astonishment. He knew he had gained something extraordinary but chose not to withhold his thoughts. Observing his companions, he began to suspect that these seniors might not be familiar with local norms.
“Oh?” Chen Xun’s eyes flickered with interest. “Tell me, what’s the pricing structure here?”
With a smile that masked his curiosity, he continued, “I’ll admit it—we’ve journeyed far, arriving from the stars. We’re unfamiliar with the ways of this world.”
Sister Crane eagerly prepared her notebook, her keen eyes glimmering with anticipation. For her, every word was a treasure. In contrast, Brother Ox and Xiao Chi appeared indifferent, ready to leave the calculations to others.
<hr>
Sitting cross-legged, Mo Fuyang respectfully began, “Senior, I’ll explain the rules as I understand them.”
In the Taiyi Great World, the cultivation hierarchy is governed by a stringent ranking system known as the Nine-Rank Three-Tier Rule. It applies to elixirs, herbs, and other resources:
Grades: Ninth grade is the lowest, and first grade is the pinnacle.
Tiers: Each grade is divided into low, mid, and high tiers.
Market prices fluctuate within these grades and tiers, determined by the item’s potency and rarity. For example:
Low-grade herbs (1,000 to 3,000 years old) are priced modestly.
Mid-grade herbs (3,000 to 6,000 years old) are significantly more expensive.
High-grade herbs (6,000 to 10,000 years old) are rare treasures with exponential value.
Mo Fuyang explained that the pricing mechanism ensures fairness, with strict standards governing everything. A single batch of pills typically requires ten herbs of equivalent grade. This ensures consistency in quality and price.
“Senior, these prices are dictated by the Great World’s trade laws. They are universally respected. No one dares manipulate them.” <hr>
Chen Xun’s eyebrows furrowed as he listened. “Fifty pills per batch?” he interrupted. “That can’t be right. I’ve never managed more than twenty in a single batch.”
“Senior, I’m no alchemist,” Mo Fuyang admitted. “But even novice cultivators know these are the expected averages.”
Brother Ox nudged Chen Xun reassuringly. “Your techniques are unparalleled. Don’t doubt yourself.”
Chen Xun’s smile returned. He scratched Brother Ox’s head before resuming his calculations:
Low-Tier Sixth Grade: A single herb costs 10 spirit stones, making the total ingredient cost 100 spirit stones. A batch of pills sells for 600, leaving a 500-spirit-stone profit.
Mid-Tier Sixth Grade: Ingredient costs rise to 300 spirit stones, but sales reach 1,800—a net gain of 1,500 spirit stones.
High-Tier Sixth Grade: Costs climb to 900, but revenue skyrockets to 5,400 spirit stones, resulting in a profit of 4,500 spirit stones per batch.
Sister Crane quickly transcribed everything into her notebook, her eyes widening as the profits grew.
“That’s astonishing!” she gasped. “So much wealth from a single batch?”
<hr>
“It’s not that simple,” Mo Fuyang countered. “Refining elixirs carries risks. Each attempt consumes time, effort, and even one’s lifespan. Many alchemists suffer devastating failures.”
“A fair point,” Chen Xun admitted. “Still, the potential is undeniable.”
“Senior, the Taiyi Great World is vast,” Mo Fuyang explained. “Anything can be purchased if you have enough spirit stones. The market is boundless.”
Hearing this, Chen Xun’s group exchanged excited glances. The possibilities seemed endless.
<hr>
“Big Brother, here are my calculations,” Sister Crane announced.
Low-Tier Fifth Grade Elixirs: Cost 1,000 spirit stones; revenue 5,000; profit 4,000.
Mid-Tier Fifth Grade Elixirs: Cost 3,000; revenue 10,000; profit 7,000.
High-Tier Fifth Grade Elixirs: Cost 9,000; revenue 20,000; profit 11,000.
Chen Xun patted her head approvingly. “Impressive work. You’re destined to be the most knowledgeable in our family.”
Brother Ox chuckled, content to leave the numbers to the others. Xiao Chi scratched his mane nervously, muttering something about his limited aptitude for math.
<hr>
For Chen Xun, the explanations had unlocked a deeper understanding of the Great World’s complexity. “We have much to learn,” he said, his tone thoughtful. “This system is far more intricate than I imagined.”
Mo Fuyang bowed humbly. “If you need further guidance, Senior, I’ll do my best to assist.”
With a nod, Chen Xun gestured for everyone to prepare for the next phase of their journey. The Taiyi Great World awaited—a realm of untold challenges and unimaginable opportunities.