Journey to the West: Starting from the Imperial Horse Stable

There are several small taverns on the outskirts of Xuanzhu Village, catering specifically to these low-ranking celestial officials.

Wang Chen led Han Ji into a small shop that looked the most inconspicuous but was still quite clean. Although the tavern was a bit run-down, Wang Chen had prepared the food and wine on the table very well.

He didn't say anything, just kept Han Ji company while he drank. Although he was an immortal, he no longer needed to fill his stomach like a mortal.

But seeing such a divine brew, Han Ji secretly swallowed hard.

After a few cups of warm wine, Han Ji started talking non-stop.

Perhaps it was because he had been suppressing his feelings for too long, or perhaps it was because this unexpected big deal had made him too excited, he started chatting about all sorts of things, from his experiences as a rogue cultivator in a minor world in the lower realm, to his various experiences after his lucky ascension, and then to the trivial rumors about the various departments of the Heavenly Court.

Wang Chen listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a few words to steer the conversation.

He discovered that Han Ji mentioned many names: a pageboy under a certain star lord, a steward in a certain celestial official's mansion, a handyman in a certain alchemy workshop...

The names all seem to be related, but upon closer examination, Han Ji's relationship with them mostly ended with "knowing each other," "having met," or "having asked someone to send gifts."

He's the kind of person who remembers others, but they might not remember him—just casual acquaintances.

Wang Chen understood; this was quite common in the lower levels of the Heavenly Court.

Unfortunately, Han Ji didn't mention any connection with Laozi. Come to think of it, if Han Ji really had connections with the Tushita Palace, would he only sell that kind of pill that doesn't make much profit?

Wang Chen sighed, realizing that he had been pushed too far by Supervisor Sun, who was eager to establish some kind of connection with him.

At this moment, Han Ji, slightly tipsy, brought up another person: "If we're talking about someone I'm truly close to, it's still Old Qian, Qian Rong, who ascended from that small world with me back then. Hey, we ascended together, but he's doing much better than me now. He works in the Ceremonial Department next to the Carriage and Chariot Department, and a few years ago he finally earned enough seniority to fill the vacancy of the Registrar."

He took a sip of wine, a hint of genuine emotion and envy on his face: "Of those of us who came up together, he's the one who's made it big now. The Department of Ceremonial Affairs is a prestigious and respectable place. Old Qian is a sentimental man; during holidays, he'll occasionally bring me some leftover incense cakes from his department, saying it's for me to scent the house and refresh myself."

Wang Chen's heart skipped a beat. This time, Han Ji mentioned this Qian Gongcao with significantly more detail. Wang Chen's face revealed just the right amount of respect:

"So it's Qian Gongcao! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner. It's truly enviable that Old Man Han has such a deep friendship with the Celestial Official Qian Gongcao."

Han Ji, flattered by the compliment, felt the effects of the wine and became even more pleased. He waved his hand and said, "Heh, what friendship? We're just old brothers. He's an official now, very busy, and I can't keep bothering him."

Wang Chen raised his wine glass, toasted Han Ji, and said sincerely:

"Uncle Han, to be honest, I'm new to the Heavenly Court and work in the Imperial Horse Stables. I'm completely clueless and worried about not having any connections. I'd love to hear more of your teachings and make more friends. I wonder... if there's an opportunity in the future, could you please introduce me to Qian Gongcao? Even just a brief meeting and a few words of advice would be very beneficial."

Han Ji's hand, which was holding a glass, froze in mid-air. The effects of the alcohol instantly wore off. Looking into Wang Chen's sincere yet expectant eyes, he felt a bitter taste in his mouth and a sense of unease.

Should he agree? He and Lao Qian do have a good relationship. If he asks, Lao Qian will most likely give him face and let him meet this young man named Wang Chen.

But now that Lao Qian is a high-ranking official, he's very busy with official duties. Is it appropriate for a down-on-his-luck old clerk like myself to use this connection for a young man I've just met? Won't it cause Lao Qian trouble?

But should he refuse? He had just boasted that he had a close relationship with Lao Qian, and that Wang Chen had just given him a huge order that solved his immediate predicament.

He hesitated, inwardly telling himself that this young man had a keen eye and astonishing courage; he might very well achieve great things in the future. Making a good connection now might bring unexpected benefits later…

After a moment's hesitation, Han Ji downed his drink in one gulp, as if he had made up his mind, and a smile returned to his face: "Easy, easy! Young friend Wang is promising, and Old Qian will certainly be willing to meet him. So, once I've arranged things properly in the next few days, I'll go talk to Old Qian. I can't guarantee whether it will work out or not, but at least I'll give you a chance to pass on a message."

Wang Chen immediately raised his glass: "Thank you for your kindness, Elder Han. I await good news."

The two drank a few more cups and chatted idly before parting ways. Han Ji, clutching the deposit, felt both excited and burdened, thinking he needed to immediately contact the alchemy apprentice and the independent cultivator who supplied the goods. Wang Chen, meanwhile, strolled through the deepening night, pondering his next move.

......

At the same moment, at the other end of Xuanzhu Market, the sallow-faced medicine-selling celestial official, finally managing to support his almost exhausted body, carefully packed the last batch of five hundred bottles of freshly made wound medicine into his storage bag.

His eyes were dark-rimmed, his lips were chapped, and his immortal aura had dimmed considerably. The continuous high-intensity refining and mental strain were too much for even a celestial body to bear.

But his eyes were frighteningly bright, bloodshot and filled with an almost fanatical anticipation.

"Eighty spirit stones... no, maybe even eighty-five, or even ninety!" He licked his chapped lips and muttered to himself.

He had just finished producing a batch of wound medicine, thinking he could sell it for a high price, but the price disappointed him.

He had inquired and found that the price of wound medicine on the market had stabilized at fifty-five or fifty-six spirit stones, not continuing its expected surge. He also knew the reason: that guy named Wang Chen had released all four thousand bottles of his stock this evening.

"Fool, short-sighted!" the medicine-selling official sneered in a low voice, his face full of disdain.

"This is nothing! Li Tianwang's army has just set off, and that demon monkey was able to injure Zengzhang Tianwang and break through the Southern Heavenly Gate. He's no pushover! This battle is far from over! Let's sell off our goods now. In a few days, when the battle is at a stalemate and news of the wounded soldiers arrives, the price will skyrocket. He'll be kicking himself!"

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he was that his judgment was correct. Wang Chen was just lucky to have stumbled upon the price increase of wound medicine, but he had no idea how long this upward trend would last or how high it would go.

Although I started late, I can keep producing wound medicine. As long as I seize the mid-to-late stage of this market trend, my profits may not be less than his.

"Raw materials are expensive? We still have to stock up! Spend more spirit stones to buy raw materials now, and we can earn double the money back in the future!"

He clenched his fist tightly. "Keep going, I'll give it my all! Once the price rises above eighty spirit stones, I'll slowly release the goods!"

Exhausted but incredibly excited, he dragged himself back into the smoke-filled alchemy room.

The fire in the stove was reignited.