Mu Lan lit the alchemy station, then pulled a glass vial from his inventory and filled it with water. He placed it on the burner and waited for it to boil.
Once the water bubbled, he added the Yellowlung Herb, then gently swirled the vial 30 times—right, left, right, left—until the liquid turned a deep golden yellow and cooled on its own.
Satisfied, he reheated the mixture. As it boiled again, he dropped in the Pinklung Herb and repeated the swirling motion—30 more times. The color shifted slowly: from dark orange to a bright, luminous amber.
[Ding!]
You have successfully crafted: Beginner's Boss Protection Potion.
Beng Zeng peered at the glowing vial in Mu Lan's hand.
"Mu… what does this potion even do?"
"Curious, huh?" Mu Lan grinned. "Here—take a look. And remember, this is just the beginner version."
"Alright, let's see."
[Item: Beginner's Boss Protection Potion]
Reduces damage taken from boss monsters by 5%.Duration: 1 minuteCrafted by: T*********
Beng's eyes widened. "Hey, Mu—if you could make this, why did we take so much damage from the boss earlier?!"
"Hahaha!" Mu Lan laughed. "Because we didn't have the materials—or the money! You think I wouldn't have brewed these if I could? But gathering herbs would've wasted time. Anyway… this is our first step toward wealth. What do you think?"
"I'm calling it amazing—what else is there to say?" Beng said, shaking his head. "How much are we selling these for? You've got a plan, right? You did say we'd make 1 Gold today…"
"Of course," Mu Lan said confidently. "We'll sell each Beginner Potion for 50 Copper. But that's just the start. Once I unlock Intermediate and Advanced recipes, the real money begins. And with my robe and title, there's a chance I'll craft two potions at once—maybe even Advanced-tier on the first try."
As they spoke, Mu Lan was already preparing his next batch.
"What's the difference between the tiers?" Beng asked. "And how much will those sell for?"
"Intermediate reduces boss damage by 10% for 1.5 minutes—we'll sell it for 2 Silver. Advanced gives 20% reduction for 2 full minutes… and that? That goes for 5 Silver."
"Whoa…" Beng exhaled. "50 Copper… 2 Silver… 5 Silver… My hands are shaking just adding it up! I haven't even earned my first Silver properly yet. But fine—let's get that 1 Gold, then I want to see that legendary mace you promised!"
"Don't worry," Mu Lan said with a smirk. "I'll get you a mace so grand, people will stop and stare. They'll say, 'Look at that weapon—massive, radiant, majestic! I wish I had one like that!' And it'll shine just like I always imagined."
[Ding!]
You have successfully crafted: Beginner's Boss Protection Potion x2.
"See?" Mu Lan held up two vials. "Even I get lucky sometimes. Though… I wish I'd gotten an Advanced batch."
"Hey," Beng said, suddenly serious, "watching you work is boring! You're doing everything. I'm just standing here eating snacks. Give me a job! Let's make this Gold faster."
"Hah! Of course," Mu Lan said. "Take these potions to the Player Market and list them at the prices I told you. Use the profits to buy more herbs and vials. That way, we scale faster—and you'll learn the trade too. Soon, you'll be brewing potions or crafting gear right beside me."
[Ding!]
You have successfully crafted: Advanced Boss Protection Potion x2.
"Hahahaha!" Mu Lan threw his head back laughing. "The Gods of Luck are smiling on me today! From two vials, I got four potions—and two of them are Advanced! What do you say to that?!"
"I say… thank you, Luck Gods," Beng grinned. "Maybe they'll show up for me next!"
"Here—take all four," Mu Lan said, handing them over. "List them immediately. Buy more materials, then come back. I'll keep brewing."
Beng grabbed the potions and dashed out of the room, excitement in his step.
Downstairs, the inn's patrons barely noticed him leave.
Two came in… now only one remains?
They shrugged and returned to their drinks and meals.
Not their business. In this world, everyone did as they pleased.
But upstairs, in a modest rented room, the foundation of an empire was being brewed—one potion at a time.