Rise in Douluo Continent with the help of bean buns

Morning light streamed through the window and into the study in the backyard of Qinghetang.

Lin Chen sat at the desk, with several yellowed medical books spread out in front of him and several small portions of ground medicine powder next to him.

It's been half a month since I returned to Blackrock Town.

In the past two weeks, Qinghetang's business has been booming. Thanks to the prestige brought by its Soul Master status, orders from surrounding villages and towns have been pouring in, and its monthly net profit has steadily reached 300 gold.

But Lin Chen was not satisfied.

Blackrock Town is only so big, with a limited population and limited spending power. Digging any deeper won't yield much more profit.

To reach the next level, you either need to upgrade your products or expand your market.

Lin Chen chose to do both.

"Doubao, deduce the third-tier formula for the Concentration Powder one more time," Lin Chen said to himself.

"[Received. Developing an optimized solution for the third-order Concentration Powder... Develop complete.]"

"[Solution: Based on the original formula, three new auxiliary ingredients are added, and the proportions are adjusted, resulting in a 42% increase in concentration effect, a 50% increase in duration, and a 60% reduction in side effects.]"

"【Cost: Approximately 8 Silver Soul Coins per set; Suggested retail price: 25 Silver Soul Coins.】"

"[The second-stage solution for the body-tempering medicine pack has been successfully developed: medicine penetration is increased by 35%, body-tempering effect is enhanced by 30%, it is gentle and non-irritating, and suitable for long-term use.]"

"【Cost: Approximately 15 Silver Soul Coins per pack; suggested retail price: 50 Silver Soul Coins.】"

Doubao's deduction results clearly came to mind.

Lin Chen nodded slightly.

The results are significantly improved, the cost increase is minimal, and the profit margin is substantial.

These two high-end products are Qinghetang's next breakthrough point.

He picked up a pen and wrote down the adjusted recipe and production process on the paper, his handwriting neat and his thoughts clear.

"Zhou Lei," Lin Chen called out.

"Hey, boss!" Zhou Lei strode in. "You called me?"

"Take this to the workshop and have Master Wu make three batches of samples according to this formula." Lin Chen handed over the paper. "Be careful to keep it confidential. Don't let anyone else touch the formula except Master Wu."

"Alright!" Zhou Lei took the paper, carefully folded it, and said, "Boss, this is... the new formula?"

  

"Hmm." Lin Chen nodded lightly. "Third-tier Concentration Powder and second-tier Body Tempering Medicine Pack. The effects are much better than what's currently being sold."

Zhou Lei's eyes lit up: "Really? Then our Qinghetang is going to be a hit again!"

"Make a sample first, and see how it goes," Lin Chen said calmly. "Also, have Lao Chen and the other two keep a close eye on the workshop, make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Don't worry, boss!" Zhou Lei patted his chest confidently. "With Brother Chen and the others around, not even a fly can get in!"

Lin Chen nodded and said nothing more.

Zhou Lei ran out excitedly.

Three days later, the sample was produced.

Lin Chen personally inspected the goods and then had Doubao analyze the ingredients and effects.

The quality meets the standards, and the effect is exactly as predicted.

"It's ready to go online," Lin Chen concluded.

Qinghetang immediately sprang into action.

Master Wu and his trusted assistants worked overtime to rush the production, while Old Chen and his two companions took turns guarding the workshop entrance to prevent the formula from being leaked. Zhou Lei, on the other hand, led his team to find distribution channels, supplying the products to the surrounding cooperative pharmacies and giving them advance notice.

Five days later, the Tier 3 Concentration Powder and Tier 2 Body Tempering Medicine Pack were officially put on the shelves.

The pricing isn't cheap—a third-tier Concentration Powder costs twenty-five silver coins per dose, and a second-tier Body Tempering Medicine Pack costs fifty silver coins per pack, making them nearly 30% more expensive than similar products on the market.

But the results speak for themselves.

On the very day the first batch of goods was sold, repeat customers came to the store.

"Boss, your Concentration Powder is amazing! My son used one dose while cultivating, and he didn't feel sleepy all afternoon, and his soul power circulation was much smoother! Give me ten more doses!"

"The body-tempering herbal packs are truly amazing! After just one soak, all my aches and pains have lessened considerably, and I even feel stronger! Give me five packs!"

Word of mouth spread very quickly.

Good things are never afraid of being expensive.

Especially for cultivation-related items, Soul Masters and noble children have no shortage of money; their only concern is whether the product will be effective.

Qinghetang's high-end products are far more effective than similar products on the market. Although they are more expensive, they offer better value for money.

In just ten days, the Tier 3 Concentration Powder and Tier 2 Body Tempering Medicine Pack became bestsellers.

Not only did it sell well in Blackstone Town, but pharmacies in several surrounding towns also placed additional orders and urged for more stock.

The workshop had to expand its scale and hire more than a dozen workers to work in two shifts day and night in order to barely keep up with sales.

When it came time to settle the accounts at the end of the month, Zhou Lei's hands were trembling as he held the ledger.

"Boss... Boss, guess how much net profit we'll make this month?" His voice trembled with excitement.

Lin Chen sat behind his desk, turning the pages of his book without looking up: "How much?"

"Four hundred and twenty-seven gold coins!" Zhou Lei raised his voice. "Four hundred and twenty-seven gold coins, boss! That's almost double what it was last month!"

He'd never seen so much money in all his life.

Back when I first started following Lin Chen, Qinghetang only had a monthly turnover of a few dozen gold coins.

How long has it been?

My monthly income jumped straight to over 400 gold coins!

"What about your savings?" Lin Chen asked casually.

"Including this month's savings, our total savings have reached over 1,600 gold coins!" Zhou Lei exclaimed excitedly. "1,600 gold coins, boss! We're now a millionaire!"

Lin Chen closed the book and tapped the table lightly with his fingertips.

A monthly net profit of over 400 gold, and savings of 1,600 gold.

This figure, in a remote town like Blackstone, already qualifies one as a top-tier wealthy businessman.

But for Lin Chen, that wasn't enough.

Or rather, this is where the ceiling of Blackrock Town ends.

It's very difficult to go any further.

With such a limited population and a limited number of high-end consumers, even the best products will have a limited market size.

As the workshop expands further, raw material supply and labor costs will increase, and marginal benefits will decrease.

Blackrock Town is too small.

It's time to go to bigger places.

"Zhou Lei," Lin Chen looked up, his tone calm, "Do you think Blackstone Town can double in value again?"

Zhou Lei paused for a moment, then scratched his head: "This... I'm afraid it's difficult. We've already pretty much taken over all the business in the surrounding area. If we want to increase our sales further, we'd have to expand to more distant places, but that's too far and the costs are too high, so it's not worth it."

Although he was honest and simple, he had learned a lot about business after following Lin Chen for a long time.

"Okay." Lin Chen nodded. "So, it's time to go."

"Go?" Zhou Lei's eyes lit up. "Boss, you mean... to Tiandou City?"

"Hmm." Lin Chen replied calmly, "Tian Dou City has a large market and abundant resources, making it suitable for Qing He Tang's development. It's also suitable for my cultivation."

Blackrock Town doesn't even have a decent Soul Master Guild, cultivation resources are scarce, and information is limited.

Staying here for an extended period is not beneficial for cultivation.

Tian Dou City is different.

As the former capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, it has now split into the Heaven Soul Empire. Soul Masters gather here, merchant guilds are everywhere, and all kinds of resources are readily available.

Whether it's business development or personal cultivation, it's far superior to Blackrock Town.

"That's great!" Zhou Lei rubbed his hands excitedly. "I've been wanting to go to Heaven Dou City for ages! I heard it's incredibly bustling there, with Soul Masters everywhere on the streets!"

Despite his initial excitement, he quickly calmed down: "But boss, what about Blackstone Town? If we leave, who will take care of Qinghe Hall?"

"Find someone to manage it on our behalf," Lin Chen said calmly. "Find a reliable agent, and we can control it remotely."

This is something he has been considering for some time now.

The foundation of Blackstone Town cannot be lost.

This is where Qinghetang started, and it's also a stable source of cash flow. Even if they go to Tiandou City, they can still receive continuous financial support from here.

Just find a reliable person to oversee things and have them reconcile accounts and report regularly.

"Then who should we ask?" Zhou Lei frowned. "The guys in our shop are loyal, but I'm afraid they're not capable enough."

Lin Chen paused for a moment, then said, "Old Wu, I guess."

"Master Wu?" Zhou Lei was taken aback. "Isn't he in charge of the workshop?"

"Old Wu has been with us for almost a year now," Lin Chen said slowly. "He's highly skilled, steady, and tight-lipped. He knows the recipes and production processes well, and he also knows a lot of channels in town. Letting him manage things is the most suitable thing for us."

Old Wu was one of the earliest employees at Qinghetang, having been there since the workshop was first established. He was responsible for processing medicinal herbs and implementing the prescriptions.

He is honest and hardworking, and never talks too much.

Over the past year, Lin Chen has seen that he is a reliable person.

"It seems... quite suitable." Zhou Lei thought for a moment and nodded. "Master Wu is indeed reliable and has excellent skills. I just don't know if he can manage the whole business."

"Take it slow," Lin Chen said calmly. "We'll set the general direction; he'll just be responsible for execution and daily management. Accounts will be reported monthly, and any problems can be reported immediately."

"Alright then." Zhou Lei nodded. "I'll go talk to Master Wu tomorrow."

"Okay," Lin Chen said. "Raise his salary, five units of cash per month, plus a year-end bonus. He'll be the one in charge here in Blackstone Town."

Monthly salary includes five benefits, plus bonuses.

This salary is absolutely top-tier in Blackrock Town.

Zhou Lei clicked his tongue: "Boss, isn't that too high?"

"It's worth it," Lin Chen said calmly. "Letting him protect this family business, this amount of money is nothing."

If you want a horse to run, you have to feed it grass.

With substantial financial incentives, talent will be more willing to invest.

"That's true." Zhou Lei chuckled. "When Master Wu finds out, he'll be incredibly grateful and work for us wholeheartedly."

Lin Chen didn't say anything more.

The matter of the agent is settled.

The next day, Zhou Lei went to see Lao Wu.

Sure enough, after listening, Lao Wu was both excited and apprehensive.

What excited him was that his employer trusted him so much that he entrusted him with the management of the entire Qinghe Hall in Blackstone Town; what made him uneasy was that he was afraid he was not capable enough and would let his employer down.

"Master Wu, just relax and do your job." Zhou Lei patted him on the shoulder. "The boss said he'll set the general direction, you just handle the daily tasks. If there's anything you're unsure about, just send a message and ask."

"Yes, yes, okay!" Old Wu nodded repeatedly, his face flushed. "Brother Zhou, don't worry, I'll definitely do my job well and won't cause any trouble for the boss! I won't let Qinghetang run into any problems!"

"Work hard, and I'll treat you well," Zhou Lei said with a smile.

Old Wu's matter was settled just like that.

In the days that followed, Lin Chen began to delegate authority in an orderly manner.

Daily operations, personnel management, and purchasing and shipping were gradually handed over to Lao Wu.

He only focuses on the core formula and monthly accounts.

Old Wu lived up to expectations, quickly got the hang of things, and was meticulous in his work, managing Qinghetang in an orderly manner without any problems.

Lin Chen was completely freed from daily affairs.

He devoted more of his time to cultivation and preparations for the Heaven Dou City.

That day, Lin Chen was cultivating in the backyard.

His first spirit ring flickered slightly, and the dark green Blue Silver Grass wrapped and stretched around his fingertips.

He became more and more proficient at using the Soul Skill "Life Force Entanglement".

Whether it's entanglement control, life enhancement, or life suppression, they have all mastered it to perfection.

Soul power is also steadily increasing.

The level 12 realm has been completely stabilized, and it is slowly progressing towards level 13.

At this rate, reaching level 20 in a little over a year shouldn't be a problem.

"Master, there's a caravan outside looking for you. They say they're from the Wan Yao Tang in Tian Dou City," Zhou Lei reported as he approached.

Lin Chen withdrew his martial spirit and opened his eyes: "Wan Yao Tang?"

"Yes, the leader said he's Manager Wan Cheng's deputy, and he came specifically to visit you," Zhou Lei said.

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow.

Wancheng's people?

Just in time.

He was looking to connect with Tiandou City's channels.

"Please come in." Lin Chen stood up and straightened his robes.

A moment later, a middle-aged man wearing a blue silk robe followed Zhou Lei in.

The man was in his thirties, with a capable demeanor. As soon as he entered, he bowed to Lin Chen with his hands clasped in greeting.

"I am Liu He, the deputy manager of Wan Yao Tang. I have met Mr. Lin Xiaodong."

"You're too kind, Manager Liu." Lin Chen nodded slightly. "Please sit."

The two sat down, one as host and the other as guest.

The waiter served tea.

Liu He cut to the chase: "Young Master Lin, I am here on the orders of our Manager Wan to express my gratitude for saving my life."

As he spoke, he had his attendants bring up two boxes.

The box was opened, revealing a dazzling array of jewels.

One box contains gold soul coins, approximately two hundred gold.

The other box contained various rare medicinal herbs and cultivation supplies.

"This is just a small gift, nothing special, but please accept it, young master," Liu He said with a smile.

Lin Chen glanced at it and said indifferently, "It's nothing, Manager Wan, you're too kind."

"Hey, you can't say that," Liu He said seriously. "Our manager said that a life-saving grace cannot be compared to mere money. This little thing is just a token of our appreciation. In the future, if the young master ever needs anything from Wan Yao Tang, just let us know."

He paused, then added, "Our manager also mentioned that he heard the young master is in the business of medicinal herbs and powders. If the young master is interested in developing in Tiandou City, our Wanyaotang is willing to provide channels and warehousing to help the young master open up the market."

coming.

Lin Chen's heart stirred slightly.

This is exactly what he wanted.

"To be honest," Lin Chen said calmly, "I do intend to develop my career in Tiandou City. However, I'm not very familiar with the situation there, and I'm worried about not having anyone to guide me."

"Oh my, what a coincidence!" Liu He's eyes lit up. "If the young master trusts us, leave this to us! We know the medicinal herb market, all the major pharmacies, and the industry rules of Tiandou City very well."

He became increasingly enthusiastic as he spoke: "Our Wanyaotang has eight branches in Tiandou City, and we also have our own wholesale channels. The young master's medicine powder is so effective; it's guaranteed to be a hit as soon as it hits the shelves!"

Lin Chen nodded slightly: "Then I'll have to trouble Manager Liu and Manager Wan."

"No trouble at all!" Liu He quickly waved his hand. "It's our honor to cooperate with our young boss!"

The two chatted for a long time.

Liu He gave Lin Chen a detailed introduction to the medicinal herb market in Tiandou City, the main competitors, the approximate rent for a shop, the procedures required, and the rules of the industry.

Everything, big or small, was explained very clearly.

Lin Chen listened silently and took it all to heart.

With Wan Yaotang, a local expert, leading the way, we can save a lot of trouble and avoid many pitfalls.

In the end, the two reached a preliminary agreement on cooperation.

Lin Chen shipped the goods first, and then sold them in Tiandou City through Wanyaotang's channels.

Settle the payment after it's sold.

Wanyaotang only charges a small channel fee.

It's like paving the way for Lin Chen for free.

Before leaving, Liu He repeatedly expressed that Manager Wan was very much looking forward to cooperating with Lin Xiaodong and hoped that Lin Chen would arrive in Tiandou City soon.

After seeing Liu He off, Zhou Lei was extremely excited.

"Master, this is wonderful! With Wan Yao Tang's help, things will be much easier for us going to Tian Dou City!"

"Hmm." Lin Chen nodded lightly, his expression unchanged.

Wan Cheng was so enthusiastic, partly because of the life-saving grace, and partly because he saw the potential of Qinghetang's products.

The effects of the Tier 3 Concentration Powder and the Tier 2 Body Tempering Medicine Pack will definitely open up the market once they arrive in Tiandou City.

Even if Wan Yaotang were to invest in it, it would still be a sure-fire way to make money.

It's simply a matter of mutual benefit.

However, with the help of Wan Yao Tang, the first step into Tian Dou City will be much easier.

For the next two weeks, Lin Chen began making final preparations.

The first batch of goods for trial sale filled three large trucks, including mind-calming powder, body-tempering medicine packs, and some other specialty medicine powders.

They set off for Tiandou City together with the returning caravan of Wanyaotang.

The affairs of Blackstone Town were completely handed over to Lao Wu.

Lin Chen left only Zhou Lei, Lao Chen, Lao Li, and Lao Zhao to accompany him to Tian Dou City.

With three Soul Masters and one Grand Soul Master, this escort lineup is more than enough for the journey.

The savings have also been accounted for.

With 1,800 gold in cash, plus the value of goods and shops, the total assets exceed 3,000 gold.

Take two thousand gold coins as start-up capital, and leave the rest in Blackrock Town for future use.

enough.

Everything is arranged.

That evening, Lin Chen stood at the entrance of Qinghetang, looking at the familiar streets and shops.

He has been in this world for over a year.

From having nothing to now having Qinghe Hall, the first spirit ring, and loyal subordinates.

Blackrock Town was where he began.

But it's not the end.

"Boss, everything is packed. We can leave first thing tomorrow morning," Zhou Lei said in a low voice as he walked over.

"Mm," Lin Chen responded softly.

He withdrew his gaze, turned, and walked into the courtyard.

The night is getting darker.

The courtyard was very quiet.

Lin Chen stood on the steps and looked up at the night sky.

The direction of Tiandou City.

There is a broader market, richer resources, and more opportunities and challenges there.

The period of dormancy in Blackrock Town has come to an end.

Next, the real stage begins.

"Tian Dou City..." Lin Chen murmured softly.

His eyes were calm, yet they held an undeniable firmness.

Step by step, steadily and surely.

He will build an even greater empire there.

There, they will forge their own path as Soul Masters.

As night deepened, the lights of Qinghetang gradually went out.

The entire town of Blackrock fell silent.

Everything is quietly brewing.