Chapter 359: Zi Di vs Bu Quan

The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps had been operating the shop they acquired through a deal with the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord for two days.

The shop was bustling with people, and the counter was crowded with customers.

“Give me two doses of dragon rider potion.”

"I want ten doses. Here's the money! Hurry up and give me the potions."

Those purchasing the potions were visibly agitated. Because anyone could see that the shelves behind the counter were already empty.

Estimating roughly, there were less than 30 dragon rider potions remaining.

If you were a step too late, you wouldn't be able to buy any.

This was only in the morning, or more accurately, not even the entire morning had passed.

The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps’ inventory was almost completely sold out.

The sales of dragon rider potions, after being validated by the market, had become extremely popular.

At that moment, two figures were sneaking around near the back door of the shop.

“Xiao Fan, I'm here.”

“Uncle, hurry up, come this way, don't let others notice us.”

Under the shop clerk's guidance, they entered the warehouse behind the shop.

There were still 50 doses of dragon rider potions in the warehouse.

The transaction was quickly completed, and the uncle took the 50 doses of dragon rider potion.

He was very pleased and patted the shop clerk Xiao Fan on the shoulder before leaving: "Good job. If any new stock arrives, let me know promptly."

The shop clerk was nervous and urged the uncle to leave quickly, comforting himself in his heart: "This is just normal sales; Uncle didn't shortchange me a single coin!" 

The two who took the back door thought no one had noticed, but in fact, the entire transaction had been observed by Zi Di and Bu Quan. 

In another room of the shop, Zi Di said to Bu Quan, “You saw it, right? That's how it really is; I didn't lie to you.” 

“We need more dragon rider potions.”

“You need to put your research aside and focus on pharmaceutical production.”

Bu Quan didn't respond directly, but her tone betrayed a hint of surprise: “I never expected such a potion to be so popular.”

“I've also crafted many alchemy tools and sold them, but I've never encountered such a situation.”

"I already know the formula for the dragon rider potion, and it is indeed ingenious. But some of the alchemy items I’ve made are even more ingenious and of higher quality.   Why haven’t they ever been this popular?” 

“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I’d find it hard to believe that reality is really like this.” 

Zi Di smiled and replied, “The reason is simple. The dragon rider potion fills a gap in the potion market.” 

“Magic potions can’t be taken casually.”

“When a transcendent uses one potion, using another potion afterward comes with many restrictions.” 

“In such situations, administering potions to mounts can resolve many issues in urgent battles.” 

Bu Quan, upon being reminded, understood: "Thinking about it carefully, there truly are no potions suitable for mounts. Most potions on the market are designed for transcendents themselves."

“If I had known about this situation earlier, perhaps I would have also created and sold such potions.”

Which magician would complain about having too much money?

However, Magician Bu Quan had never paid much attention to making money.

Her life's focus was taking revenge on the Bayonet Gang. Beyond that, she pursued knowledge and explored further in the field of alchemy.

Basically, Bu Quan hadn't studied the market.

The alchemy tools she created were primarily for alchemy research. Selling them was merely to recoup funds for the next experiment.

"I didn't expect corruption to arise within the shop so soon after it opened. Such members cannot be tolerated; they must be dealt with." Bu Quan suggested again.

Zi Di shook her head, revealing a subtle smile.

“Just give him a good scolding; there's no need for a major crackdown.”

“In fact, this is exactly what we want to see.”

“What do you mean?” Bu Quan was puzzled.

Zi Di stared into her eyes and said, "We, the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, are outsiders; we're not locals of Snow Bird Harbor. Therefore, we have hired a large number of locals to serve as peripheral members of our mercenary group. Almost all the people working in this shop are such peripheral members. We hope they can form a collusive relationship with customers, which will be more advantageous for our Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps to establish a foothold here.”

Bu Quan didn't understand: "Commander Long Fu publicly executed the gold level Teng Dong Lang, and the mercenary group has already gained fame throughout the Ice Sculpture Kingdom. Doesn't that count as establishing a foothold?" 

Zi Di sighed: "The reputation has indeed spread, but only within the mercenary group. From now on, we won't lack mercenary missions."

"But in terms of commercial operations, we've only just begun. What we need is to stay grounded and integrate with local powers. Only then can our business thrive in the long term." 

Bu Quan grasped something and nodded in realization: “So, you didn't intervene to stop this private transaction because a faction capable of purchasing 50 doses of dragon rider potion must be quite powerful.”

“Such transactions, if continued over the long term, will also cultivate your network of connections.”

Zi Di immediately corrected her: “Not ‘your’ network, but our network.”

Bu Quan smiled awkwardly.

She had only recently joined the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, and some of her thinking habits had not yet shifted; she needed time to adjust.

Bu Quan thought for a moment and added, “Since the dragon rider potion is in such high demand and supply is insufficient, perhaps we should raise the selling price of the potion.” 

Zi Di shook her head again. 

“The current price is already the most appropriate; there’s no need to adjust it further.” 

“Any potion is a consumable item; the price cannot be too high.”

"Of course, if we raise the price, we can indeed ensure profits and prevent some of the current private transactions. However, in the long run, doing so would actually result in losses." 

“How so?” Bu Quan asked for clarification. 

Zi Di replied, “The strong sales of the dragon rider potion will undoubtedly inspire many powerful individuals.”

“I believe that soon, similar potions to the dragon rider potion will appear on the market.” 

“In fact, our biggest competitor is not someone else, but the Alchemy Guild of the Ice Sculpture Kingdom.” 

“The Alchemy Guild has long dominated the majority of the kingdom's alchemy market. Once this colossus sees the business opportunities in the dragon rider potion, they will definitely enter the market.”

“Once competitors emerge, we will have to lower prices, even sell at a loss.” 

“The primary purpose of this is to capture the market.” 

"If we capture the market and successfully secure the majority share in the mount potion sector, we will have established our reputation, truly built our own brand, and left a deep impression on customers throughout the Ice Sculpture Kingdom."

"Once we reach this stage, we will have a voice that cannot be ignored in the kingdom's business circles. When collaborating with others in the future, we will have the qualifications for equal dialogue." 

“Therefore, the current period is extremely critical.” 

“If we fail to seize this opportunity and secure the market, we will inevitably face bitter consequences in the future and encounter fierce competition. Countless others will see the opportunity and rush into this market, becoming our competitors." 

"Let alone the great nobles, merchants, or renowned alchemists, even the Alchemy Guild. In terms of productivity, connections, and other aspects, the guild is far superior to us." 

“Our current advantages are only twofold.” 

"The first is that Commander Long Fu slew Teng Dong Lang. Riding this wave, we can seize the market faster. Because many people will feel curious and have a slight preference for the dragon rider potion sold by the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps before their first purchase, making them more willing to try buying it." 

"The second advantage is time. Our competitors need time to develop premium products, and they also need time to produce sufficient quantities to compete in the market."

“I've made a preliminary estimate that we need to secure at least 30% of the market share to successfully establish a foothold in the commercial landscape.” 

“With 48% of the market share, it's like establishing a forward base camp.” 

“Securing 65% of the market share is what truly establishes a moat.” 

"The dragon rider potion has been very well received in the market, but over time, its popularity will decline sharply. Because the potion itself doesn't have much competitive advantage."

“We are currently using it as our flagship product to capture the market and establish our influence.”

“In the future, we will develop unique alchemy tools and leverage our influence to expand our market share and establish our stronghold in the Ice Sculpture Kingdom market.”

Zi Di explained her business plan to Bu Quan.

She continued, "So, you should understand that pharmaceuticals are crucial to us! This is the core focus of the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps. Of course, if there are any shortcomings in this business plan, please do not hesitate to offer your guidance, Magician Bu Quan."

Zi Di smiled at Bu Quan. 

When it came to alchemy talent, Zi Di acknowledged Bu Quan’s superiority. However, in terms of business, she was the expert, while Bu Quan was as inexperienced as a novice. 

Bu Quan fell silent, her gaze toward Zi Di now carrying a new sense of appraisal. 

She couldn’t help but think of the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps’ background as arms dealers.

She realized for the first time that the female magician before her, Yao Ma, possessed business acumen beyond that of ordinary people. 

Bu Quan couldn't help but exclaim, “No wonder your family sent you here to assist Commander Long Fu.” 

“It seems like your collaboration is very harmonious. How long have you known each other?” 

Bu Quan forced herself to sound casual, as if she were merely asking out of curiosity.

From the day the contract was signed, Bu Quan had observed the exchange of glances between Zi Di and Long Fu, keeping it in her mind. 

She wasn't actually concerned about the dragon rider potion or Zi Di's business plans. 

She was concerned about other matters. 

A sharp gleam flashed briefly in Zi Di's eyes. 

As the president of the Wisteria Merchant Alliance, she had been exposed to such matters from a young age. Such probing from Bu Quan was obvious to her.

Zi Di paused for a moment before deciding to speak honestly.

“The time I’ve known Commander Long Fu hasn’t been very long.”

“At most, it’s only been two or three months.”

“But how to put it… we hit it off immediately and work together seamlessly. We've solved many problems together, and our relationship is indeed very close!"

As she spoke these words, Zi Di's lips curled slightly, revealing a happy, sweet smile.

If possible, Zi Di would have liked to announce her romantic relationship with the dragonman youngster directly.

This relationship was known to all the survivors.

But what could she do? Her current identity was Yao Ma.

She had to conceal it and couldn't tell Bu Quan directly.