Chapter 49: Suffer Losses First and Get Rich Later

Ignorance is no excuse for lack of culture; a single good line can conquer the world. Mermaids, you see, have an origin similar to that of the sea witches. They're quite open in their nature.

Of course, there are differences. Mermaids care about the process of enchantment, not the result, whereas sea witches... they're like juicers, the nightmares of coastal residents and pirates alike.

Soraka, standing nearby, almost didn't react at first. She was stunned for a moment before her face suddenly darkened.

"Outrageous!"

She was about to call for guards when Clara burst into laughter. Her melodious voice rang like a bell, yes, mermaids' voices are just as alluring as those of their sea witch relatives.

Lazily leaning against the sofa, the smile on her face intensified her innocent yet seductive charm: "You're quite bold. Is it your teacher who gave you the courage to challenge me?"

Old Wang wasn't the least bit polite, his gaze roving over her body without restraint, yet his eyes weren't lecherous. It was as if he were admiring a rare treasure: "You're thinking too much. I'm a straightforward person. In this world, there are only two types of beings: outwardly flirtatious and inwardly flirtatious. Everyone's the same, really. You're the outwardly flirtatious type."

Old Wang certainly wouldn't try to explain himself to a woman; they don't want to hear it. He only understood this after turning thirty.

"So, you're the inwardly flirtatious type?" Clara couldn't help but laugh.

"No," Old Wang said with a grin: "I'm both outwardly and inwardly flirtatious. If you're interested, we can discuss it further."

"Let's skip that." Clara put down the crystal tube in her hand, her expression gradually becoming serious. "Few people's responses interest me. I hope the business you want to discuss won't disappoint me either."

"Of course," Old Wang smiled: "Soraka should have told you. I want to sell a magic potion formula that would be very useful for your merfolk."

"Everyone says their product is what our merfolk need most," Clara said coolly: "But I only want to know its rank."

"First-class."

"That's truly unfortunate," Clara's lazy demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold expression that made one feel like looking up at a lofty mountain: "I don't think any first-class potion could interest me. Perhaps you overestimate yourself and the trash you're trying to sell. Our merfolk don't deal in junk."

The speed at which she changed her demeanor was astonishing. Even Old Wang, who was used to fast-paced interactions, was impressed by how quickly Clara switched from being lazy and sexy to an icy beauty.

"You misunderstand the value of potions. Higher ranks don't necessarily mean better. The higher the rank, the fewer people can use it, and side effects are also a concern. First-class potions, especially excellent ones, are suitable for widespread use, allowing for thin margins but high volume. I believe you understand this better than I do. Besides, Teacher Karida never lets me sell junk. We can't afford to lose face." Old Wang smiled, "The formula is my exclusive creation, certified as first-class by the Magic Potion Guild. As for its efficacy..."

Soraka had clearly already informed Clara about Wang Feng's 'claimed' identity, but Clara showed no surprise or change in expression.

"Whether you're really Karida's disciple remains to be seen," she sneered: "Even if you are, there's no need to keep mentioning your teacher's name. This is merfolk territory. If not for her sake, you wouldn't even have the right to speak with me. I've given you face, but that's where it ends."

Old Wang laughed heartily, looking at Clara, a young mermaid who seemed no more than twenty, putting on an act.

"What are you laughing at!" Clara said coldly.

Wang Feng didn't explain. He took out a bottle of Eagle Eye from his pocket. "I'm a straightforward person. Here's the finished product. It's called 'A Unique Feeling.' To see its effect, just let him drink it." Clara glanced at Suokala, who took the potion without hesitation. The master's orders were absolute, whether it was a potion or poison, she had to drink it.

As for the certification from the Magic Potion Center, that wasn't important to the merfolk.

Suokala drank it and waited for the effect. Old Wang remained calm. This potion was actually more suitable for the merfolk, enhancing soul power in water and improving insight on land, particularly beneficial for most merfolk who lost strength on land due to the "curse" placed by the Supreme Saint.

Gradually, Suokala's eyes showed a remarkable change. The effect was incredible. Most merfolk, except for the royal family, lost significant power on land. This potion might not restore their full strength, but it could enhance it by a small percentage.

Suokala controlled her emotions and communicated with Clara using gestures only the merfolk understood. Clara was momentarily stunned.

"Enough with the gestures. This is a good thing, genuine and effective, perfect for your merfolk!" Wang Feng said.

'First-class Insight Potion, enhances vision by about 800 feet, expands field of view by 90 degrees.'

And the crucial line below: 'Special effects, enhances soul perception by 2% to 5%, works across all races.' The document bore the seal of the Magic Potion Center.

Clara looked at Wang Feng and said coolly: "Name your price."

It was done. This was the advantage of dealing directly with the boss, no need for roundabout negotiations.

"This is our first deal, so let's consider it a friendship." Old Wang pulled out a list: "Here's what I need."

Soraka immediately presented the list.

Thirty-six α-4 grade soul crystals, ten kilograms of secret silver, hundreds of grams of dragon bone powder, one philosopher's stone, several pieces of void stones, golden ridge sand, and other materials.

Clara quickly calculated the total cost and said coldly: "You want a million lire?"

"If sold on the black market, gathering these materials would cost eighty to ninety million lire. But in Clara's hands, the cost would be around fifty million lire." Old Wang smiled: "Has the Jinbeibei Trading Company started following the black market prices?"

"Just a first-class potion. Once it hits the market, it'll be replicated within a month," Clara said dismissively: "No monopoly, no confidentiality. No one would pay a high price for such a thing. Ten million lire might be reasonable, but fifty million... I'd rather wait for it to hit the market and then replicate it."

"I'm Karida's disciple. My wealth is hers too." Old Wang laughed: "Using replicas to steal Karida's wealth might work elsewhere, but the Jinbeibei Trading Company would find it hard to continue operating in Aurora City."

"Besides, your merfolk are dominant in the seas. Even if you can't control the entire ocean, you can manage the market for a first-class potion in a considerable area."

"Even ignoring all this, replicating takes time. With the extensive market channels of the Jinbeibei Trading Company, launching a month earlier would easily recoup the fifty million lire, perhaps even tenfold or a hundredfold. Wouldn't it be better to spend a little money for legitimacy?"

Clara nodded, understanding the potential profits. Even if replicated later, she could control some channels, selling openly while replicas would be limited to the black market.

Seeing this, Old Wang knew it was done. "Respected Lady Clara, I'm sincere. I prefer to start by taking a loss. This is our first deal, and I hope to become friends with Lady Clara."

The hall was quiet for about four or five seconds. Clara's expression shifted from cold to calm, finally softening.

"You're an interesting human. I like you. Let's make this deal." Clara smiled, returning to her initial relaxed demeanor, not bothering to haggle.

Soraka walked to Wang Feng's side. "Mr. Wang Feng, please follow me to the VIP room. I'll report to my mistress and then sign the contract. Our Jinbeibei Trading Company offers top-notch service."

Wang Feng nodded, led by a servant. Mission accomplished, he was now a wealthy man.

The hall quickly fell silent again as Wang Feng's back disappeared outside. Clara's eyes lost their casualness, gaining excitement: "Are you sure you didn't mistake him? Humans all look alike."

"Yes, I confirmed repeatedly. Although he used a different name last time, it's definitely the same person. Last time, he bought many potion materials, suggesting he was working on a stimulation potion. Recently, the Holy Sanctuary has been hunting Nine Gods' assassins." Soraka stood respectfully below: "Just this time, his demeanor and speech were different."

"A member of the Nine Gods." Clara smiled: "What was he like when you met him last time?"

Soraka hesitated for a moment: "Silent, cautious, with strong vigilance and wariness. He doesn't talk much, not much different from the other brainwashed zealots of the Nine Gods."

"I've already reviewed the intelligence department's latest report. It shows that although the previous alchemy scandal failed, it happened right under our noses. Karida clearly knew about it. Given her methods, she must have guessed Wang Feng's status as a zealot. But why did she keep him in the academy and even make him her disciple? It's perplexing."

The stark contrast in demeanor before and after, Karida's illogical reaction afterward.

Clara narrowed her eyes. Could this guy have been turned by Karida?