Chapter 572: Section 359: Zi Di vs Bu Quan
The shop acquired by the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps through a transaction with the City Lord of Snowbird Port had opened for two days now.
The shop was bustling, and at the counter, it was even more crowded as people jostled each other.
“Give me two doses of Dragon Strength Mount Potions.”
“I’ll take ten—here’s the money! Hurry up and give me the potions.”
Those purchasing the potions were generally excited because everyone could see that the shelves behind the counter were already empty.
At a glance, there were less than 30 doses of Dragon Strength Mount Potions left.
One step behind, and they’d miss out.
It was only the morning—in fact, it hadn’t even reached mid-morning yet.
The stock prepared by the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps was almost sold out.
After being validated by the market, the sale of Dragon Strength Mount Potions had become extremely popular.
At that moment, at the back door of the shop, two figures were sneaking about.
“Xiao Fan, I’m here.”
“Uncle, come quick, this way, and don’t let anyone else notice.”
With the proactive guidance of a shop assistant, they made their way to the warehouse at the back of the shop.
There were another 50 doses of Dragon Strength Mount Potions in the warehouse.
A transaction was quickly completed, and the Uncle took away all 50 doses.
The latter was quite happy, patting the shoulder of the shop assistant Xiao Fan before leaving, “Well done. If any new stock arrives, notify me in time.”
The assistant was very nervous, urging the Uncle to leave quickly and comforting himself by thinking, “This is also considered a normal sale; Uncle didn’t shortchange a single penny!”
The two who snuck through the back door thought they were undetected, but in reality, their entire transaction was observed by Zi Di and Bu Quan.
In another room of the shop, Zi Di said to Bu Quan, “You see, this is the actual situation; I didn’t lie to you.”
“We need more Dragon Strength Mount Potions.”
“You need to put aside your research and focus on potion-making.”
Bu Quan didn’t respond directly but expressed some surprise, “I didn’t expect that a potion like this could be so popular.”
“I’ve also created many alchemy tools and put them on sale, but I’ve never encountered such a situation.”
“I already know the formula for the Dragon Strength Mount Potion; it is indeed very sophisticated. But some of the alchemy tools I’ve made are even more intricate and of higher quality. Why haven’t they ever been so popular?”
“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would find it hard to believe that the reality really is like this.”
Zi Di replied with a smile, “The reason is very simple; the emergence of Dragon Strength Mount Potion has filled a gap in the potion market.”
“Magic potions can’t be used casually.”
“Once a Transcendent uses one kind of potion, there are many restrictions on using another kind.”
“At such times, giving a Mount Potion to a mount can solve many problems in urgent combat situations.”
Bu Quan got the hint and realized something, “Now that I think about it, there really isn’t a potion suitable for mounts. The vast majority of potions on the market are for Transcendents themselves.”
“If I had known about this situation earlier, perhaps I would have also produced and sold such potions.”
Which Mage wouldn’t mind having more money?
But up until now, Bu Quan, the Mage, had never paid much attention to making money.
Her life’s focus was on taking revenge against the Saber Gang. Besides that, it was the pursuit of knowledge and exploring more in the field of alchemy.
Basically, Bu Quan had never studied the market.
The various alchemy tools she made were mainly aimed at alchemy practice. Selling them was merely to recoup funds for the next alchemy experiment.
“Who would have thought that just as the shop started operating, corruption and embezzlement would occur within? Such members are intolerable and should be rectified,” suggested Bu Quan again.
Yet Zi Di shook her head, revealing a faint, subtle smile.
“There’s no need for a harsh crackdown; a warning should suffice.”
“In fact, this is exactly what we wanted to see.”
“What do you mean?” Bu Quan was puzzled.
Zi Di looked into her eyes and said: “We, the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, are outsiders, not locals of Snowbird Port. Thus, we’ve hired a large number of locals to act as peripheral members of our Mercenary Corps. Almost all the workers in this shop are such peripheral members. We hope they form a nexus of interests with the customers so that it will be more beneficial for the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps to establish a firm foothold here.”
Bu Quan didn’t understand: “After Long Fu, the leader, publicly executed Teng Donglang of the Golden Level, the Mercenary Corps became famous throughout the entire Ice Sculpture Kingdom. Isn’t that considered establishing a firm foothold?”
Zi Di sighed: “Indeed, our reputation has spread, but that’s just for the Mercenary Corps. From now on, we won’t lack for mercenary tasks.”
“But in terms of commercial operations, we’ve just started. We need to be down-to-earth and integrate with the local forces. Only then can our business prosper in the long run.”
Bu Quan suddenly understood, having a realization: “So, you didn’t intervene in that private transaction just now because a power capable of purchasing 50 doses of Dragon Strength Mount Potions in one go must be substantial.”
“Such transactions, if sustained over the long term, would also cultivate your network.”
Zi Di immediately corrected her, “Not ‘your’ network, but ‘our’ network.”
Bu Quan smiled awkwardly.
She had just recently joined the Dragon Lion Mercenary Group and some of her ways of thinking had not yet shifted, requiring time to adjust.
Bu Quan thought for a moment before saying, “Since the sales of the Dragon Strength Mount Potion are so explosive and supply can’t meet demand, we might as well raise the selling price of the potion.”
Zi Di shook her head again.
“The current price is already quite suitable, there is no need for further adjustments.”
“Every potion is a consumable item, and its price cannot be too high.”
“Of course, if we raise the price, we could indeed ensure profit and prevent some of the current private transactions. However, in the long run, by doing so, we would actually be at a loss.”
“How so?” asked Bu Quan, seeking instruction.
Zi Di answered her, “The good sales situation of the Dragon Strength Mount Potion will surely give a strong inspiration to many capable people.”
“I believe that similar potions will appear on the market not long after.”
“In fact, our greatest enemy opponent is no other than the Alchemy Guild of the Ice Sculpture Kingdom.”
“The Alchemy Guild has long held the majority of the alchemy market shares of the entire kingdom. When this behemoth sees the business opportunity contained in the Dragon Strength Mount Potion, they will definitely enter the scene.”
“After a competitive product appears, we will have to lower our prices, and even sell at a loss if necessary.”
“The main purpose of doing this is to seize market share.”
“If we capture the market and successfully occupy the majority of the market share in the mount potion sector, we can be said to have made a name for ourselves and truly establish our own brand, leaving a profound impression in the minds of customers throughout the Ice Sculpture Kingdom.”
“After reaching this step, we would then have a voice that cannot be ignored in the kingdom’s business community. Only then, in future collaborations with others, will we be entitled to equal communication.”
“So, the current period is extremely critical.”
“If we don’t seize this opportunity to capture the market and we fail, we will surely taste the bitter fruit in the future and face many fierce competitions. Countless people will see the opportunity and flood into this market, becoming our competitors.”
“Let alone the great nobles, great merchants, or the renowned alchemy mages, just take the Alchemy Guild, for example. Whether it’s production capacity or connections and the like, the guild is far superior to us in these aspects.”
“We currently have only two advantages.”
“The first is that the Long Fu squad leader killed Teng Donglang. Riding this favorable wind, we can capture the market more swiftly. Because many people, before making their first purchase, will be curious about the Dragon Strength Mount Potion sold by the Dragon Lion Mercenary Group, feel a faint favor, and be more willing to try and buy.”
“The second advantage is time. It will take time for our opponents to develop fine products and produce enough quantity to squeeze into the market.”
“I have made a preliminary estimate; we need to seize at least 30% of the market share to be considered successful in landing on the commercial front.”
“Holding 48% of the market share is like establishing a frontline camp.”
“Occupying 65% of the market share can be considered as having a defensive moat.”
“The Dragon Strength Mount Potion is very popular in the market now, but in the long term, its popularity will decline sharply because the potion itself doesn’t have that much competitiveness.”
“We are now using it as our main product to capture the market and establish influence.”
“In the future, we will develop unique alchemy tools, and with our influence, we will expand our market share and establish our fortress in the Ice Sculpture Kingdom’s market.”
Zi Di laid out her business plan to Bu Quan.
She continued, “So, you should understand that pharmaceuticals are very important to us! This is the focus of the Dragon Lion Mercenary Group’s work. Of course, if there are any shortcomings in this business plan, I also ask Mage Bu Quan to not hesitate to give advice.”
Zi Di gave Bu Quan a smile.
In terms of alchemy talent, Zi Di admitted inferiority to Bu Quan. But in business, that was her strong point, with Bu Quan being as weak as a novice.
Bu Quan fell silent, looking at Zi Di with a new measure of respect.
Bu Quan’s mind couldn’t help but drift to the background of the Dragon Lion Mercenary Group’s arms dealer.
For the first time, she realized that the woman Mage Yao Ma in front of her had a business acumen that ordinary people did not possess.
Bu Quan couldn’t help but sigh, “No wonder your family sent you here to assist the Long Fu squad leader.”
“It seems your collaboration is very well-coordinated. May I ask how long you have known each other?”
Bu Quan tried hard to disguise her tone, making herself seem just casually inquiring.
Since the day the contract was signed, Bu Quan had taken note of the interplay of glances between Zi Di and Long Fu, keeping it in mind and eye.
Actually, she wasn’t concerned with the Dragon Strength Mount Potion, nor Zi Di’s grand business plans.
What she was interested in was something else.
A sharp glint flashed briefly through Zi Di’s eyes.
She was the Chairman of the Purple Vine Chamber of Commerce, immersed in this from a young age. Such probing from Bu Quan was all too obvious to her.
Zi Di fell silent for a moment, deciding to be truthful.
“The time I have been acquainted with the Long Fu squad leader isn’t actually long.”
“At most, it’s just been two or three months.”
“But how should I put it, we hit it off right away, and we coordinate very well together. We have solved many difficult issues, and indeed, our relationship has become close!”
While she said this, Zi Di’s lips slightly curled up, revealing a happy and sweet smile.
If possible, Zi Di would have loved to directly announce her relationship with the Dragon-man youth.
Those who had survived knew of this relationship.
But who asked her current identity to be Yao Ma?
She had to disguise it, unable to tell Bu Quan outright.