Akashic_Tales Originals
God-Tier Shop System: I Sell Everything But Mercy
[Author – SYTTROX]
[Editor – MiT7]
Chapter 12: Expansion Strategy (2)
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"Necessity drives adaptation," Lin Tian replied, carefully infusing the mixture with controlled amounts of void energy. "Conventional methods proved insufficient for bloodline integration."
The mixture shifted from emerald green to deep crimson as his energy catalyzed the transformation, stabilizing at precisely the right moment to prevent overconsumption of the base materials. The system confirmed successful completion of the first experimental batch.
[Product Development Progress]
[Formula 1: Rapid Recovery Elixir (Tier 2)]
[Status: Prototype Complete]
[Efficacy Estimate: 78% Above Standard Equivalents]
[Stability: Excellent]
[Production Scaling: Feasible]
"Remarkable efficiency," Bai Yuelin observed, genuine admiration in her voice. "The energy-to-material ratio you've achieved exceeds theoretical limits described in our texts."
"Theory often lags behind practical innovation," Lin Tian noted, carefully bottling the completed elixir. "Particularly when unique variables enter the equation."
"Like the Abyssal Phoenix bloodline," she agreed. "Its consumption properties create alchemical possibilities impossible with standard fire aspects."
Their discussion continued as Lin Tian began the second experimental batch, a temporary enhancement formula designed for Core Formation cultivators. Bai Yuelin asked increasingly technical questions, revealing substantial alchemical knowledge alongside her bloodline research expertise.
"Your understanding crosses multiple disciplines," Lin Tian observed during a pause in their exchange. "Unusual for sect specialists, who typically focus narrowly."
Something like satisfaction flickered across her features. "The Vermillion Sect values depth over breadth, it's true. My approach is... somewhat unorthodox."
"Yet they assigned you to this liaison position," Lin Tian noted. "Suggesting your unorthodox methods have produced results."
"Or that I was considered expendable for a potentially uncomfortable assignment," she countered with surprising candor. "Monitoring a merchant with unprecedented bloodline manifestation isn't a prestigious posting by sect standards."
The admission revealed more about Vermillion Sect politics than perhaps intended. Lin Tian filed this insight away while maintaining conversational flow.
"Their underestimation creates opportunity," he suggested. "For both of us."
Bai Yuelin's crimson eyes met his, something calculating yet not entirely cold in her gaze. "An interesting perspective. What opportunity do you envision?"
"Knowledge exchange beyond formal parameters," Lin Tian replied honestly. "Your technical understanding complements my practical experience. Both benefit from the interaction, regardless of official objectives."
She considered this proposition carefully before responding. "A reasonable arrangement, provided certain boundaries remain respected."
"Of course," Lin Tian agreed. "Sect secrets remain yours, business proprietary knowledge remains mine. The exchange occurs in the substantial territory between these domains."
Their understanding established, they continued working through the afternoon, Lin Tian completing four experimental batches while Bai Yuelin observed and occasionally offered technical insights that proved genuinely valuable. The interaction established a functional working relationship that served both their interests while maintaining necessary boundaries.
As evening approached, Lin Tian felt another communication through his bond with Kiera, this one carrying fatigue alongside satisfaction. He responded with supportive acknowledgment, encouraging rest after her productive day.
"You're communicating with her," Bai Yuelin observed suddenly, her perception sharper than Lin Tian had anticipated. "Through the bond."
He saw no benefit in denial. "Yes. The connection allows basic emotional exchange across distance."
"Fascinating," she murmured, watching him with renewed interest. "The practical applications of such communication would be significant for coordinated operations."
"One of many benefits," Lin Tian acknowledged. "Though the capability develops gradually through practice."
Bai Yuelin seemed about to ask another question when a staff member appeared at the workshop entrance, bowing apologetically for the interruption.
"Master Lin, a messenger from Crimson Hawk Guild has arrived with tournament registration data," the young man reported. "He awaits in your office."
"Thank you, Wei. I'll attend to it immediately." Lin Tian turned to Bai Yuelin. "If you'll excuse me, this information is essential for tomorrow's production planning."
She nodded, stepping back from the workbench. "Of course. I should report today's observations to Elder Mei regardless."
As they parted ways, Lin Tian reflected on their evolving dynamic. Bai Yuelin's intellectual curiosity created opportunities for productive exchange despite her surveillance role. Whether this relationship would ultimately prove advantageous remained uncertain, but the initial interaction suggested potential beyond simple sect monitoring.
The Crimson Hawk messenger delivered a comprehensive data package, cultivation bases, technique specializations, and combat styles for all registered competitors. The information would prove invaluable for tailoring products to specific participant needs, maximizing effectiveness and building reputation.
Late that evening, after reviewing the tournament data and finalizing production plans, Lin Tian retreated to his cultivation chamber for his daily advancement session. The loyalty ritual and subsequent bond maintenance had temporarily slowed his personal cultivation, a worthwhile trade for the strategic advantages gained.
He settled into the lotus position, activating the chamber's protective formations before accessing the system interface.
[Cultivation Status]
[Current: Qi Foundation Stage 3 (Mid)]
[Bloodline Integration: 21% (+3%)]
[Recommended Focus: Energy Density Increase]
[Estimated Advancement Timeline: 45 Days to Foundation Stage 4]
The timeline remained acceptable, if slightly longer than his ambitious preferences. Lin Tian began his cultivation cycle, circulating energy through meridians in the Destruction-Rebirth pattern unique to his bloodline. The familiar warmth built gradually to intense heat, his body adapting to increasingly dense energy concentrations.
As he reached the peak of his session, Lin Tian felt an unexpected resonance through his bond with Kiera. Despite the considerable distance between them, her cultivation activity synchronized momentarily with his own, creating a harmonic pattern that enhanced energy absorption for both.
The system immediately registered this phenomenon.
[Bond Synchronization Detected]
[Effect: Enhanced Cultivation Efficiency (+12%)]
[Distance: 127 Kilometers]
[Note: First Recorded Long-Distance Cultivation Harmony]
The discovery excited Lin Tian despite his meditative state. This unexpected benefit suggested possibilities beyond their current understanding of the bond's capabilities. If they could reliably produce this synchronization effect, both would advance more rapidly than individually possible.
He maintained the harmonic state as long as possible, feeling Kiera doing the same on her end of the connection. When the synchronization eventually faded, both had gained more cultivation progress than a standard session would provide.
Lin Tian completed his cycle, recording detailed notes about the experience for future refinement. The bond continued to evolve in unexpected ways, revealing new applications and benefits that enhanced their partnership across multiple domains.
The following morning brought another development, a message from Guild Master Varro confirming the sponsorship agreement and requesting an initial delivery of tournament products within five days. The timeline was aggressive but achievable with focused production.
Lin Tian organized his staff accordingly, establishing dedicated teams for tournament preparation while maintaining standard product lines. The system provided optimized scheduling and resource allocation, ensuring maximum efficiency despite the additional workload.
[Production Optimization]
[Team 1: Tournament Recovery Elixirs]
[Team 2: Standard Product Maintenance]
[Team 3: Enhancement Formula Development]
[Team 4: Protective Talisman Creation]
[Resource Allocation: Optimized for Parallel Production]
As operations commenced, Lin Tian received another communication through his bond with Kiera, more structured than previous exchanges, conveying specific information rather than general status. The Skyreach City location was secured, initial inventory arranged, and local staff recruitment underway. She had also identified potential sites in two neighboring cities, accelerating their expansion timeline.
Lin Tian sent appreciation and approval in response, impressed with her efficiency. The bond's communication capabilities were developing rapidly, allowing increasingly complex exchanges that supported their distributed operations model.
Bai Yuelin observed the day's activities with professional interest, her presence becoming a familiar element of the operation's rhythm. Staff had adjusted to her monitoring, treating her with polite professionalism while maintaining appropriate discretion regarding sensitive information.
"Your organization adapts quickly to changing priorities," she noted as Lin Tian inspected the first production batch of tournament elixirs. "Most operations would struggle with such rapid reallocation of resources."
"Adaptability determines survival in both commerce and cultivation," Lin Tian replied, approving the batch for packaging. "Rigid systems fracture under pressure; flexible ones bend and strengthen."
"A philosophy at odds with traditional sect approaches," Bai Yuelin observed. "Most emphasize established patterns and proven methods."