Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 561 War of Alchemy and Wealth

Soon, the news regarding the grand celebration spread like wildfire, engulfing the entire Desolate Heaven Empire and even its neighboring territories within a single day. Everywhere, discussions erupted about the astonishing revelations. People were astounded, asking themselves, "A pill that surpasses the efficacy of the Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill?" "Grade-7 pills? And they managed to sell over five distinct types?" "Furthermore, the prices for those pills… each one fetched millions!" Shock, disbelief, and a surge of jealousy rippled through the populace. For smaller clans, a sum of four million gold coins represented a complete transformation of their destiny, sufficient to elevate an obscure clan to the paramount position within their city, or even propel a few of their prodigious talents to the Nascent Soul Realm. Yet, the Mu Clan amassed such wealth with the sale of a single pill, a feat that undeniably engendered a profound sense of imbalance among countless other forces.

Concurrently, another piece of news sent shockwaves through the region: Bai Zihan's ascension as the new Clan Leader of the Bai Clan. Questions arose, "The Bai Clan… has leadership been entrusted to an eighteen-year-old?" "Is he truly competent? Isn't he far too young?" "While his strength is undeniable, managing a clan demands different skills than combat." Debates ignited across the empire, some voices filled with doubt, others with support. However, no one could dismiss the significance of the event. Regardless of individual opinions, Bai Zihan now held the reins of the most powerful clan in the region, and that fact alone carried immense weight. It became clear to all that the Desolate Heaven Empire stood on the precipice of significant change, and these shifts began to manifest swiftly.

Within mere days, the gates of the Mu Clan became a bustling hub as clans, sects, and merchants arrived in droves, bearing rare treasures and precious herbs, all seeking to forge relationships with the Mu Clan. The Mu Clan extended a warm welcome to all, particularly the merchants, recognizing them as vital partners for acquiring ingredients in substantial quantities. This included not only the rare components for Grade-7 and Grade-8 pills but also a consistent supply of Grade-6 materials. To dominate the pill market, scaled production was paramount, necessitating an enormous influx of resources, with a clear priority placed on high-grade materials. The merchants, fully understanding this, harbored ambitions of their own. If they could establish a dependable supply route and furnish the Mu Clan with superior materials, they might gain access to coveted Grade-7 pills. This prospect ignited their eyes with ambition, as it represented more than just profit; it signified an advancement in reputation and status.

Should a merchant house become an official supplier for the Mu Clan, their name would echo across regions, their influence would soar, and even formidable powers would treat them with deference, having forged a connection with the ascendant heart of the alchemy world. Consequently, one after another, proposals were put forth, and partnerships were discussed, each hoping to secure even a modest foothold.

***

While the Mu Clan navigated this burgeoning era, Bai Zihan was equally engrossed in his new responsibilities. His father had already entered seclusion to pursue a breakthrough, and he was not alone. Several elders, long stalled at the Peak Great Ascension Realm due to insufficient preparation, particularly the lack of the Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill, now stepped forward. With the pill in hand, they commenced their attempts at advancement. Although the temporary absence of these key figures would inevitably impact the clan’s daily operations, the bolstering of their overall strength was deemed far more critical at this juncture. Bai Zihan himself encouraged their pursuit of seclusion, confident that given the Bai Clan's current standing, no force would dare to challenge them. Thus, without apprehension, they entered their respective states of cultivation. Naturally, their responsibilities did not vanish with their absence; they devolved upon Bai Zihan. However, he did not shoulder this burden alone, as Kong Zhanhong remained by his side, offering invaluable assistance. The management of clan affairs proved far more manageable with Kong Zhanhong's experienced support, who, having handled such matters for years, could be considered an expert. In situations where his own capabilities fell short, his extensive network ensured that someone capable was always available. It could be argued that despite Kong Zhanhong’s weaker cultivation base, his administrative acumen made him an exceptional candidate for leadership in any clan or sect.

Simultaneously, both the Bai Clan and the Mu Clan jointly announced a call for materials. Their focus was on ingredients required for Grade-8 pills, offering prices significantly above market value. Notably, monetary compensation was not the only option; in exchange for these rare ingredients, individuals could request cultivation techniques of equivalent worth, artifacts, or even pills of their choosing.

As long as the bounty of the offered materials proved sufficient-

The Bai Clan was agreeable to fair trade.

This singular action reverberated anew throughout the Desolate Heaven Empire.

It became evident to all that the Bai Clan and the Mu Clan were orchestrating

preparations for a scheme far grander than anyone had initially surmised.

Yet, would such a grand plan unfold without encountering obstacles?

The swiftness of the response clarified this question.

Within a mere handful of days, the Vermillion Pill Empire initiated their counter-offensive.

Their aggressive procurement of materials began,

offering prices on par with, if not exceeding, those put forth by the Mu Clan.

Anyone possessing even a modicum of foresight could discern their underlying motive.

Should the vital materials never reach the coffers of the Mu Clan...

Then the Mu Clan would be rendered incapable of refining pills.

Their intent was to sever the Mu Clan's supply at its very origin. The market reeled from this strategic maneuver.

It was apparent that this action would not solely impact the Mu Clan; its effects would ripple outwards, affecting all others.

Other Alchemists, too, would face substantial challenges in acquiring necessary ingredients, or if successful, would be compelled to pay exorbitant sums. This included the Vermillion Pill Empire itself, which was currently expending vast sums to acquire all available herbs.

The true financial might of the Vermillion Pill Empire was starkly revealed.

They purchased everything.

Any conceivable ingredient.

Any willing seller.

Provided it bore even a faint connection to the art of high-grade pill refinement,

their acquisition was immediate and without hesitation.

'Profitability is irrelevant. Secure the materials!'

This appeared to be their sole, unwavering directive.

It seemed they were unconcerned with self-inflicted harm as long as their primary objective of thwarting the Mu Clan could be achieved.

Gold was lavished like water.

No-More akin to a torrential flood.

For a brief period, it appeared as though the entirety of the ingredient market had been completely subsumed by the Vermillion Pill Empire.

Naturally, this development exerted immense pressure upon the Mu Clan.

Supply chains tightened considerably.

Availability plummeted.

Prices ascended even further.

It was a tactic designed to utterly suffocate their rivals.

However - the Mu Clan maintained their composure, for they were not caught unawares.

Long before this strategic confrontation had commenced, their preparations were already in motion.

A significant portion of the critical ingredients were cultivated internally. Other vital resources had been meticulously stockpiled throughout the preceding years.

Even those elusive Grade-7 materials, which they had previously lacked the means to utilize effectively, had been amassed in substantial quantities.

And crucially, during the two months preceding this escalation, they had discreetly begun acquiring materials on a massive scale, ensuring their actions remained undetected. This was in direct anticipation of precisely such a scenario.

Therefore, in the immediate short term - there was no cause for alarm.

The Mu Clan could seamlessly continue their pill refinement operations without significant disruption.

However, the long-term outlook presented a different challenge entirely. This was because the Vermillion Pill Empire's strategy was not geared towards achieving immediate victory.

It was fundamentally a protracted war of attrition.

A contest decided by sheer financial solvency.

A trial of endurance, determining who could sustain their efforts the longest.

And if the Vermillion Pill Empire possessed the capacity to maintain this level of unrestrained expenditure...

Then, inevitably...

Even the formidable Mu Clan would eventually begin to feel the strain.

Nevertheless, whether the Mu Clan would capitulate first or the Vermillion Pill Empire would ultimately falter remained a question for time alone to answer.