Chapter 44: Main Medicine, Auxiliary Medicine

Chen Mobai found it strange. Were there really people in this world without a surname? However, seeing that Qing Nü had already walked away, he didn't ask and simply followed her.

"The grilled fish at this place is exceptionally delicious. I only treat myself to a meal here once a month, after I get paid."

Chen Mobai followed Qing Nü to a small eatery tucked away in a corner of the city. She skillfully took the menu and was about to order a spicy dish when she remembered that it was her treat today. "You order," she said.

"I haven't eaten here before, so you order. Just don't make it too spicy," Chen Mobai replied.

Hearing his words, Qing Nü said, "Oh," and quickly changed the order to a pot of salt-and-pepper grilled fish. She also added side dishes like lotus root slices, bean sprouts, and vermicelli, and finally ordered two sodas.

"How is it? Tastes good, right?"

Qing Nü ate very happily. Chen Mobai took a bite and felt that the seasonings were indeed delicious, but the fish itself was quite ordinary. After all, he had been eating Azureblood Carp daily for some time. That kind of delicacy was so good that even Nascent Soul cultivators from the Heavenly River Realm would linger over it. Ordinary farmed fish from the Immortal Sect couldn't compare at all.

"It's alright," Chen Mobai could only give a neutral evaluation. Qing Nü, across from him, rolled her eyes, as if to say he lacked social graces, but it didn't stop her from devouring the food. Three-quarters of the large pot went into her small, cherry-like mouth.

"Do you really like grilled fish?" Chen Mobai watched Qing Nü across from him, drinking soda to cut through the richness, and suddenly asked.

"Yes, the first time I ever ate out was here, and at that time, I felt it was the most delicious food in the world."

"If there's a chance next time, I'll personally catch a fish, pair it with this restaurant's seasonings, and I guarantee it will taste even better." In the Azure Cloud Lake where the Water Mansion was located, although he had eaten all the Azureblood Carp, there were still some descendants. Their taste might not be as good as the original, but it was definitely better than this restaurant's.

Hearing this, Qing Nü was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond. The situation instantly became very awkward because the owner was cleaning up at their table. Who would ever tell a restaurant owner their fish isn't good right to their face! Qing Nü confirmed it: the young man in front of her had average emotional intelligence.

"The play is about to start; let's go."

Qing Nü, who had originally wanted to sit for a while and discuss their future cooperation, could only find an excuse to pay immediately and pull Chen Mobai away.

"Do you have a cheaper source for the raw materials for Qi-Replenishing Spirit Water?"

The two could only find a quiet coffee shop to discuss their cooperation.

"No, all the medicinal herbs in our shop are packed and delivered by Baoping Pharmacy. My teacher is responsible for writing the list, and I check it against the delivery upon signing." Qing Nü shook her head.

"I looked at the pill formula, and it mainly consists of three primary ingredients and four secondary ingredients. The primary ingredients are fine; I can find them in online pharmacies. But for the secondary ingredients, there are so many brands, and I don't know which ones are correct." Chen Mobai took out his unopened tube of Qi-Replenishing Spirit Water and handed it to Qing Nü.

The three primary ingredients are Solomon's Seal, Atractylodes, and Ledebouriella. Since it's only for refining Tier 1 Qi-Replenishing Spirit Water, ingredients with ten years of medicinal potency are sufficient. These are common medicinal herbs that can be bought with good deeds points.

The four secondary ingredients are different: Dextrin, Mannitol, Flavoring Agent, and Spirit Sealing Agent. These seem to be industrial raw materials, with countless brands, and it's hard to tell which ones are effective.

"For dextrin, use this brand. Mannitol from this manufacturer is good. The flavoring agent from this factory is sweet. As for the spirit sealing agent, if you're going to use it immediately after refining, you can buy from the cheapest one..." Qing Nü was indeed professional. She had Chen Mobai open the Immortal Gate network and then guided him through which stores to buy from, explaining everything clearly. She had clearly planned for this for a long time.

"I can understand the spirit sealing agent from its literal meaning; it should be for sealing the spirit water to prevent its potency from dissipating. But what are the other three secondary ingredients for?"

"Dextrin blends the medicinal properties of the three primary ingredients. Mannitol, when added, makes it easier for the body to absorb. The flavoring agent is for taste. The concentrated solution is very bitter when prepared; it's difficult to consume without adding this."

"So, does that mean the flavoring agent can be omitted?" Chen Mobai asked another question, causing Qing Nü to choke.

"It's not impossible, you could save 500 good deeds points this way, but are you sure? Don't you dislike the taste of medicine? I've drunk spirit water without the flavoring agent, and it's incredibly bitter." Qing Nü continued to persuade him, and Chen Mobai also hesitated, as he genuinely disliked the taste of medicine.

"Alright then, for the first batch of spirit water, let's use the configuration and quantities you're most familiar with. How about the tools and location?"

"Well, I can borrow my teacher's medicine pond and cold extraction machine for now. If he finds out and disapproves, then you'll have to figure something out."

The two discussed more detailed issues, and Qing Nü also helped Chen Mobai select some stores for primary medicinal ingredients online. Some of the herbs in her teacher's pharmacy were sourced from these very stores, so their quality was trustworthy. Chen Mobai didn't say much and simply placed the order according to her instructions. He filled in Changqing Pharmacy and Qing Nü as the address and recipient, respectively. Anyway, she signed for all the packages at the shop, so there was no fear of her teacher finding out.

After all three primary and four secondary ingredients were purchased, most of Chen Mobai's 10,000 good deeds points, originally for exchanging spirit stones, were gone.

"For this batch, how many tubes do you expect to refine successfully?" Chen Mobai picked up the unopened tube of Qi-Replenishing Spirit Water from the table and asked.

"Between 10 and 20 tubes, I'd say."

"Cough, cough..." Chen Mobai, who was drinking coffee, couldn't help but almost choke. "Doesn't that mean it's bound to be a loss?"

"There will definitely be some initial investment, but don't worry, once I become proficient, you'll make a huge profit." Qing Nü clenched her slender fingers, patted her chest, and showed a face full of confidence.

Chen Mobai, however, could only sigh. But there was nothing he could do. Resources were scarce in the Immortal Sect. If he wanted unlimited access to Qi-Replenishing Spirit Water or even higher-grade elixirs, it would be best to support an alchemist. He only hoped that Qing Nü, standing before him, would prove worth his investment.

"Let's go, let's go. We can already enter the theater." At this point, Qing Nü checked the time and immediately urged Chen Mobai. She was eager to see the Jade Phoenix Troupe's "Moon Treader" performance.

Inside the theater.

Chen Mobai sat in his seat, looking embarrassed. He had overlooked something.

"Brother, is this my sister-in-law?" To his left was Wang Xinying, his cousin, who had taken one of his tickets and planned to watch Jiang Yuhuan today. She widened her eyes, scrutinizing Qing Nü, who was seated to Chen Mobai's right, a young woman of exquisite beauty.

Qing Nü's pretty face flushed slightly. Asked by the innocent little girl, she lowered her head, looking a bit flustered.