Fury Immortal Doctor

Chapter 1824 -

"We must not allow Shen Qiang to sell any Elixir Pills at the Pill Refinement Conference!"In the villa area next to the Medicine King Inn, an old Daoist with an immortal allure sat proudly at the head of the table. He looked at the living room illuminated by the morning sun, now crowded with numerous distinguished cultivators, and spoke arrogantly.

"In the alchemy world of cultivation, the Medicine King Valley undoubtedly stands at the pinnacle, and below that pinnacle is our Thirty-two Skillful Hands, who dominate the realm. But now, Shen Qiang of Heshenghe dares to compete with us. If he receives orders from the cultivation world at this Pill Refinement Conference, it will be an insult to us."

Upon hearing this, the cultivators, who seemed to be leaders of various sects and schools, exchanged glances, their eyes filled with understanding.

Yet, a middle-aged man sitting in a corner hesitated for a moment and said, "We are all alchemists, refining and selling pills; it's not too different from ordinary goods. If we sell and don't allow Shen Qiang to sell, it might not look good for us if word gets out."

Hearing this, another elder agreed, "The Thirty-two Skillful Hands have been renowned for a long time, a pillar among the many medicinal families in the cultivation world, revered by thousands and respected for their virtues. If we unite against Shen Qiang, it might not be well-received."

"Yes, even if we win, it might still be a loss of face, too petty."

The old Daoist sitting at the head sneered, "Acting noble while doing ignoble deeds, thinking oneself a righteous elder with high virtues? Don't forget how many of the Thirty-two Skillful Hands survive on the legacy of their ancestors, barely hanging on. You all know this in your hearts."

"If not for the unity of the Thirty-two Skillful Hands, you might not even exist." The elder raised his eyebrows sharply and said solemnly, "Moreover, this isn't the first time we've done such a thing. As for alchemy and refining, the Four Minor Elixirs might even surpass the majority of the families here."

"But precisely because of our joint suppression and exclusion, their reputation pales compared to ours. Otherwise, by now, someone might have already been driven out of the Thirty-two Skillful Hands, and Yu Xinghuo's name would bear the title 'of the Thirty-two Skillful Hands, Yu Xinghuo!'"

Instantly, the previous speaker fell silent.

The ones sitting at the front, a slight mocking smile appeared at the corners of their mouths.

"Survival of the fittest!" The old Daoist raised an eyebrow indifferently, "This never changes, neither in the cultivation world nor among alchemists. There are only so many cultivators, requiring only so many basic medicines, and the Thirty-two Skillful Hands, famous and reputable, have coordinated to control nearly half of the pill transactions in the cultivation world."

"Medicine King Valley is a mountain we cannot challenge, everyone knows this, but what about Shen Qiang?" The old Daoist raised his eyebrow seriously, "I've seen his Elixir Pills, the quality is perfect, the price is low, the output is large. If we let him expand without restraint, before long, Shen Qiang will at least be an alchemist on par with us."

"Do you know what that means?" The old Daoist raised his eyebrows and said coldly, "It means those cultivators who plead with us every day for alchemy will have another option. Our orders will shrink; suppose we earn a billion annually, after Shen Qiang gains fame, our income might become eight hundred million."

Sweeping his gaze across everyone present, the elder said seriously, "The Four Minor Elixirs are already enough of a bother, if we also have Shen Qiang, that would be five mice causing a ruckus in Tokyo. Once they team up and start a price war with us, nobody would profit."

"Therefore, after serious discussion, regarding how to handle Shen Qiang, we have formulated a complete alliance agreement." The old Daoist waved his hand.

Immediately, someone distributed printed copies.

As everyone read the content, the old Daoist said earnestly, "Facing the enemy, any mercy is cruelty to ourselves. The Thirty-two Skillful Hands are united; we cannot allow anyone to seize our market or our rightful honor."

"So this alliance is simple; everyone must do their utmost to prevent Shen Qiang from dealing with any customers of the Thirty-two Skillful Hands. If necessary, inform the customers that choosing Shen Qiang would damage our friendship."

A beardless cultivator laughed, "Exactly, if those customers buy Shen Qiang's Elixir Pills, that means they are against us, right?"

The old Daoist smiled, "That's the meaning, but it shouldn't be phrased that way."

Hearing this, an elder frowned, "If that's the case, Shen Qiang might be forced into a dead end, isn't that too much? After all, we are all alchemists; even if we want to exclude him, we should give him a glimmer of hope."

The leading old Daoist chuckled, "Foolish kindness, with us, the Thirty-two Skillful Hands, the world is sufficient. Shen Qiang? Just a mad dog coming to snatch food; better to kill him off. If not, poison him, and if that doesn't work, then starve him."

"Only when the enemy is weak can we appear strong, so everyone read the agreement and sign it. Then return it; for anyone who doesn't sign and plans to sit on the fence, don't blame me for being ruthless."

After a brief hesitation, the cultivators present all picked up pens and signed the alliance agreement.

Satisfied that everyone had signed, the elder sitting at the head smiled contentedly, and after collecting the signed agreements, he said with a smile, "Now that our objectives are aligned, no more foolish kindness. Except for Medicine King Valley, no alchemist shall surpass the Thirty-two Skillful Hands!"

"Understood!"

"Good, then everyone prepare and let Shen Qiang recognize the reality that in the world of alchemists, he's nothing!"

"Alright!" The numerous cultivators responded and left.

When everyone had left, only the leading old Daoist and another elder remained.

"Leader, I'm a bit puzzled. Although alchemy methods in the cultivation world are often trade secrets, new alchemists crop up annually, yet we never cared before. Why this year …"

The leading old Daoist stared out the window with a grave expression, paused in silence, then turned to look at the elder beside him and said solemnly, "I lied. Shen Qiang's Elixir Pills aren't just high quality; they're Divine Grade. Once he rises, the Thirty-two Skillful Hands will be trampled beneath him, never to rise again!"