Primordial Draconic Incubus With A Gourmet Chef System

Chapter 173 The Alchemists Worry

After a moment, Peng Ting nodded his head, with a small, embarrassed blush on his aged face as he replied, "Yes. While I was stuck in the Tendon Tempering Ream, I commissioned Alchemist Han Tiayi for Grade 3 Tendon Tempering Potions. Only after consuming and absorbing the potions was I able to advance, or else I would have been stuck in the Tendon Tempering Realm forever.

Also, just last week, I bought a bottle of Grade 4 Bone Tempering Potion. I plan to use it in a few days. Hopefully, I can advance to Mid Tier Bone Tempering Realm."

"And how was the taste of the potions?" Yoshiko continued questioning him.

As Peng Ting recalled the bitter memories, his face twisted in disgust. Just the mere unconscious thought brought a sour taste to his mouth, but knowing he had no choice in the matter, he forced himself to answer, "The potions… they were effective. But the taste… it was utterly repulsive, like drinking acid.

Every time I have to drink a potion, it takes all my willpower not to retch, constantly having to remind myself that every single drop is priceless. If only blocking my senses didn't decrease the potion's efficacy, It wouldn't be a problem.

Hearing this, most of the guests, who were subordinates, low Ranked Alchemists, Blacksmiths, and Artisans, and even the young masters and young mistresses in the venue, who were talentless compared to their siblings, understood what Peng Ting meant.

They had consumed plenty of potions to reach their current Mage Rank.

Even Yoshiko had a disgusted expression on her face as if she had experienced the same as them. The expression was so perfect that no one on the first floor even doubted her, one bit.

'Heh, this woman isn't so bad. With a bit of guidance, she could become an excellent merchant.' James chuckled at his ridiculous thought but kept it stored in his memory

After a moment, Yoshiko continued, "And yet, you… no, we endured it, knowing the benefits outweighed the unpleasant smell and taste. But imagine, Butler Peng Ting, if those same benefits can be obtained from a dish so delicious, so expertly crafted, that every bite brings you pleasure. A dish that not only advances your Mage Rank, but delights your senses."

*Gulp*

A thunderous sound echoed through the venue as almost everyone gulped simultaneously.

"Is there such a thing?" Just as Peng Ting asked, he suddenly recalled what occurred that afternoon, causing his eyes to widen, "The vendor! His Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn increased my Mana Pool!"

As the words left his lips, Peng Ting was trembling as he realized the implication of Lucian's food. He took Alchemy to the next level, making it palatable.

At first, one might think it was a luxury few could afford; however, that was far from the truth. If Lucian's food worked for all Mage Ranks, the Mana Stones paid for potions could be used for his food instead.

"Did that really really happen?"

"Why can't I remember?"

"Butler Peng Ting, you aren't lying, are you?"

A few of the Mages, who tasted Lucian's Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn, asked with frowns on their faces. If there was such a wondrous effect, why did they not experience it? What was different between them?

"Tch. How could you idiots remember when you all looked like you were dominated by the popcorn?" Peng Ting snorted derisively, as he remembered their lovestruck expressions and continued, "Check your Mana, if you don't believe me."

Of course, they did not believe his words one bit. After grumbling under their breaths, they reluctantly used their Mana Sense to check their bodies for any changes.

Instantly after, their eyes widened as they saw a subtle, yet undeniable expansion of their Mana Pools.

"My Mana Pool! It's bigger!"

"Mine too!"

"Butler Peng Ting was right."

"Humph! Of course, this Kin… Butler was telling the truth." Peng Ting laughed arrogantly, while secretly sighing in relief that Yu Wei did not hear his slip-up. Although he was the seventh Young Master Yu's butler, if Yu Wei told his brother, he would be done for.

At that moment, Yoshiko was smiling broadly as she saw the realization dawning upon everyone's faces. While the iron was still hot, she struck, "5 Low-Grade Mana Stones may seem steep at first, but take a moment to consider what you are truly buying. A chance to advance your Mage Rank with the same efficacy as a Mana Enhancing Potion, but with none of the unpleasant drawbacks.

No bitter taste and no repeated struggles of having to keep it down. Instead, you'll be treated to the finest culinary experience of your life, while obtaining an increase in your Mana Pool. Now then, what do you all think?"

*Sssss*

Everyone sucked in a breath of air, as her words hit them like a hammer.

For the first time, the outrageous price seemed reasonable.

Those, who were qualified to eat the Siren's Melody Poached Egg, found themselves unconsciously licking their lips.

Seeing their reactions, Lily pumped her fist in the air. "They're finally understanding how amazing my Big Brother Lucian is!"

"They'll be lining up for his food at any moment now. No one in the right mind would give this chance up." Garrett said after sighing to himself regarding Lily's words. It seemed she used every chance to praise Lucian.

"The Branch Leader still has more work to do." James said, then pointed at one of the tables below, "Look over there."

Following his finger, they saw in one of the corners of the venue, sat five old men, whose blood had drained from their faces.

"They're Alchemists," Hervy muttered, then brought his eyes back to the Holy Land.

With pale faces, the Alchemists exchanged horrified glances. Lucian's dishes threatened their livelihood. The hundreds of years they used to increase their knowledge in the field of Alchemy seemed useless.

Why would anyone endure the acrid taste of potions when they could achieve the same, or potentially even better, results that were as pleasurable as it was effective?

Their dominance in the market suddenly felt like it was slipping by like sand through clenched hands.

Not wanting to see a reality where Alchemists were forgotten in the river of time, an old man in white robes with a red five-story tower spoke, "Branch Leader, this old man doesn't want to offend you, but is it safe to consume his food?"

It was only then that everyone on the first floor snapped back to reality.

Seeing this, the other four Alchemists at the same table as him, sighed in relief as they saw everyone's excited faces morphing into worry.

'Heh. We, Alchemists, can never be replaced. You fools need us.' They thought as blood started reappearing on their once-pale faces.

Yoshiko was not offended or taken aback by his question. Still with a small smile on her face, she said, "Of course, it's safe! Or do you not believe in the reputation of our Dragon Phoenix Auction House?"

There was no threat behind her words, but the Alchemist's legs trembled in fright.

Seeing that his fellow Alchemist was no longer in a condition to continue speaking, another Alchemist said, "Branch Leader, of course, we believe in the glorious and long-standing reputation Dragon Phenoix Auction has built over the years. We are merely worried that you've been tricked by a con artist."

"Alchemist Vahn is correct, we're worried about everyone."

'Heh. You all are worried about everyone? How hilarious!' Yoshiko scoffed inwardly, but kept her composure as she continued, "If Chef Lucian was a con artist, wouldn't we have already discovered that? Isn't that right Butler Peng Ting and everyone else who previously ate his Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn?"

Peng Ting nodded his head. "Branch Leader is right. I don't feel any discomfort."

"Me neither."

"I also don't feel any different."

After they spoke, Yoshiko turned her gaze back to the Alchemist's and said, "There you have it. Chef Lucian isn't a con artist but the real deal. Also, if you want further proof, Chef Lucian is Sir James Orchard's personal chef. Could it be you five doubt Sir James Orchard's judgment?"

At the mention of James' name, the five Alchemists felt their blood turned cold, and they quickly shook their heads in denial.

James was one of their biggest clients who bought their potions in large quantities. Losing his patronage would be a disastrous, financial loss.

"I wouldn't dare." They said in unison as they secretly snuck glances up at the VVVIP Room.

[Even if that brat's food enhances Mana, we'll still have Mages running to us for our potions. Mana Enhancing Potion isn't the only potion we can make.]

The other Alchemists were relieved upon hearing that.

As for Yoshiko, she no longer paid them any head and looked at everyone else, making sure she had everyone's attention before she continued, "Esteemed Guests and employees of the Dragon Phoenix Auction House, consider this a rare privilege for those who are qualified."