"Liedao is reliable, an old timer here with plenty of experience. If you have big ambitions, learning from him first is a shortcut."
In Uncle Lang's eyes, Li Zhonglou's personality suited him, and he was sensible, which was why he was willing to help with this small favor.
In the underworld, unless you have a strong background or exceptional strength, relationships are even more important than outside. Just like what Li Zhonglou said earlier, it's better to have one more friend than one more enemy.
Li Zhonglou didn't want to dwell on this matter. He wasn't in a hurry about the contract either. Since he had to leave for a while after dealing with the pills, by the time everyone realized the Little Knife team was in trouble, he could return and unilaterally terminate the contract without much difficulty.
So, Li Zhonglou got straight to the point: "Uncle Lang, you've been here for so long, do you know any master alchemists?"
Alchemy?
Uncle Lang was surprised that Li Zhonglou, a newcomer who had just arrived, would suddenly ask about this. He was momentarily taken aback.
Li Zhonglou said seriously, "Yes, preferably a private one. I have a batch of herbs I want to refine into pills."
He said a batch, not a single herb, because Li Zhonglou knew very well that the fewer people knew about the Heavenly Soul Grass, the better. Someone might find out about the Little Knife team's itinerary and use the Heavenly Soul Grass to deduce his connection to the Little Knife team's disappearance.
As for why he mentioned it to Uncle Lang, it was Li Zhonglou's final test.
If Uncle Lang knew that the real target of the Little Knife team's mission was the Heavenly Soul Grass, he would definitely suspect him. If he showed any unusual behavior because of this, then their accomplice relationship would be all but confirmed.
If not, it would mean that he was truly just a pawn of the Little Knife team.
This point was actually very important for Li Zhonglou. To go to a new place, one first needed to establish their own relationships and then use them to develop their influence.
Just like when he first came to Shangjing, his first priority was to find Zhou Tong, and then he integrated into Shangjing through the Green Gang.
Among the teams in the underworld, Uncle Lang was his target stepping stone. If he could be trusted, Li Zhonglou wouldn't mind developing him into one of his own.
And trust required understanding his character first. He wouldn't cooperate with someone who set a trap for him from the beginning.
Uncle Lang's expression remained unchanged, showing only confusion.
"Little Li, have you considered the cost of alchemy? It's not cheap. If it's just ordinary herbs, it's not worth it."
This was also a reminder out of goodwill. Li Zhonglou smiled and said, "Let's find out first. If it's really not worth it after understanding, then we'll handle it differently."
Uncle Lang said with some unease, "What kind of herbs are they? Perhaps you can show me, and I can help you assess it? I may not know alchemy, but I can analyze it."
Li Zhonglou just smiled and didn't respond.
Uncle Lang then realized, "You little rascal, you don't even trust me."
The words weren't meant with any dissatisfaction, more like teasing. Li Zhonglou changed the subject, "Don't worry, Uncle Lang, I'll give you the due reward. I won't let you introduce me for nothing."
This kid, as expected, is sensible!
Uncle Lang's eyes lit up. In essence, they were just acquaintances. He could help out of goodwill as a newcomer, but if Li Zhonglou bothered him frequently because of this, he would definitely treat it as a separate matter later on.
But if there was a reward, it was different.
Uncle Lang also smoothly skipped the topic of herbs and appeared to be in thought.
After a while, he said, "To be honest, I do know a few master alchemists after so many years in Camp One, but I don't know what type you're looking for."
Li Zhonglou smiled. It was convenient to know an old hand. He didn't even know who could refine pills, but now he could choose the type!
However, he was a bit confused about what type meant.
Uncle Lang explained, "Simply put, there are expensive and cheap ones, private and team ones, those who prioritize results and those who prioritize speed. It depends on which category you're looking for."
Li Zhonglou was astonished. Alchemy could be divided into so many categories, and what's more, Uncle Lang could find people for them. Had he stumbled upon Shangjing's Zhou Tong in the underworld?
Regarding the types he mentioned, Li Zhonglou directly said, "I want a private one. The price doesn't matter, but the results must be good."
Uncle Lang thought for a moment and nodded, "Then there's only one person: Master Jianwen."
Then, Uncle Lang gave Li Zhonglou his contact information, including his temperament, personality, and some rumors.
After everything was explained, Li Zhonglou directly produced three blood crystals.
"You know my current financial situation. I hope the boss doesn't find it too little."
Uncle Lang beamed with a brilliant smile. Getting blood crystals just by moving his lips was a rare stroke of luck. He wished Li Zhonglou would come to him every day!
Then, Li Zhonglou left the market.
Li Zhonglou had no intention of selling the gains he obtained from the Little Knife team and Heizi immediately. Now that he had some blood crystals, it should be enough. Those items could wait until his next return.
Otherwise, if a newcomer could obtain so much right after arriving, anyone would be suspicious.
Li Zhonglou didn't want to attract anyone's suspicion now.
This Master Jianwen was also a person of great background. According to Uncle Lang, he used to work in an official unit but later became tired of such a stable life and came out to work independently.
However, because the market was already monopolized by certain people at that time, a newcomer who suddenly appeared to compete for business was naturally unwelcome. Thus, they united to boycott him.
Remember, this was the underworld, not like the outside world with so many choices. There were only a few people in alchemy. No one was willing to offend the existing bosses for a newcomer.
In anger, Jianwen found an alternative path. He first carved out a reputation for himself in the underworld with his own formidable strength, using relationships forged through life-and-death encounters to build his first batch of loyal customers.
Then, he forged a unique path, not dealing in cheap goods or half-finished products, becoming a master of his own.
Unwilling to admit defeat, possessing strength and ideas, such an independent personality naturally had his quirks. According to Uncle Lang, to seek his help, one first needed to earn his complete trust.
What Uncle Lang had asked him about the herbs earlier could no longer be concealed.
Secondly, one couldn't bargain with him. He set the price, and that was final. Not a single word less would he budge. If you tried to bargain, you might very well be blacklisted as a client!
In fact, the precautions Uncle Lang mentioned were not difficult for Li Zhonglou. The only concern was the matter of the herbs. What should he answer if Master Jianwen questioned the origin of the Heavenly Soul Grass?