novelraw Chapter 134 A Failed Pitch
Chapter 134 A Failed Pitch
Chapter 134: A Failed Pitch
Chu Xiu’s gaze darted between Jiang Chen and the woman, his expression a mix of shock and suspicion.
Wang Ze looked equally flabbergasted. He had never expected the woman he briefly met yesterday to be an alchemist, let alone one sitting at this table.
Chang Zizai narrowed his eyes. He remained the most composed of the group, his face an unreadable mask.
Directly opposite him, the other male alchemist’s eyes widened, his stare sharpening into something unfriendly.
Sensing the tension her words had caused, Lin Yan waved a hand dismissively. "I'm just joking. We're friends."
Chang Zizai nodded slightly. "Since he is a friend of Zhuer’s, have a seat. Join us for tea."
"Yes, yes... let's have tea," Wang Ze stammered, snapping out of his daze.
As they pulled up chairs, Chu Xiu took the opportunity to make introductions. "This is Chang Zizai, the most senior among us. He is a Senior Alchemist capable of refining Earth-grade [Barrier-Breaking Pills] and [Golden Core Formation Pills]."
"Master Chang!" Jiang Chen and Wang Ze clasped their hands in respectful greeting.
Chang Zizai set down his teacup, his eyes crinkling with a faint smile. "I wouldn't dare to call myself a master. Just call me Old Chang."
Chu Xiu then gestured to the intense-looking man opposite them. "And this is Zhang Qin. He is a Junior Alchemist, but he possesses a mutated Fire Spirit Root."
Jiang Chen and Wang Ze exchanged a glance before bowing again. "Master Zhang."
"Hmph." Zhang Qin snorted coldly, his expression sour. It was unclear if he was acknowledging them or simply clearing his throat in annoyance.
Chu Xiu looked at Lin Yan and opened his mouth to speak, but she cut in. "Since we know each other, there's no need for him to introduce me."
She turned her gaze to Jiang Chen. Although he knew she was an alchemist, he didn't know her rank. "I am also a Junior Alchemist."
With that, the table’s hierarchy was established.
Old Chang was the heavyweight—a Senior Alchemist with years of experience. Zhang Qin was a Junior with high potential due to his mutated root. Lin Yan was a Junior, and Chu Xiu’s status was already known.
Wang Ze, ever the eager middleman, picked up the teapot and refilled everyone’s cups.
"To be honest with you all," Wang Ze began, his tone deferential, "Junior Brother Jiang and I came here looking for partners. Since ancient times, haven't Spirit Farmers always been the ones providing medicinal herbs for alchemists? It’s a natural fit."
The reaction was mixed. Some nodded; others remained impassive.
Zhang Qin spoke up, his voice dripping with disdain. "That may be true, but we don't work with just any Spirit Farmer. Especially Qi Condensation trash. They should stay as far away from us as possible."
On the surface, he was stating a professional standard. But his eyes were fixed on Jiang Chen, his contempt palpable.
Wang Ze knew the rules of the game. He would never have brought a weakling to this table. "Rest assured, everyone. Both Junior Brother Jiang and I are Foundation Establishment cultivators."
Zhang Qin blinked, taken aback. The sneer faltered for a moment before he looked away, clearly displeased that his insult hadn't landed.
The dynamic at the table shifted slightly. While alchemists generally avoided offending Spirit Farmers—their source of food and materials—they still held the higher ground. A good alchemist never struggled to find suppliers.
Chang Zizai, looking to protect the group’s interests, spoke in a solemn tone. "Currently, we all have established contracts with Spirit Farmers. Adding a new supplier rashly brings additional risk and requires extra capital."
It was a polite but firm refusal.
In other words, Chu Xiu didn't have enough influence to sway the group, and Old Chang wasn't going to break protocol for strangers.
Jiang Chen assessed the situation quickly. Chu Xiu was useless. Zhang Qin was hostile. Chang Zizai was conservative.
That left only one option.
Jiang Chen and Wang Ze turned their gazes to Lin Yan.
It was ironic, really. Back at the Spirit Farm, she had personally approached Jiang Chen to offer a partnership, and he had flatly refused her.
Now, as the wheel of fortune turned, he was the one asking for a seat at the table.
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