"This spot," she declared, planting her foot on a perfectly ordinary patch of cobblestone.
[THIS IS THE MIDDLE OF A THOROUGHFARE, HOST!]
"Precisely. Maximum traffic flow, optimal visibility, and—" Su Lan Yi paused, a slow smile spreading across her face as she glanced up at the imposing, structure directly across the street. "—a perfect view of the Divine Healing Sect’s Main Medicine Shop."
[YOUR STRATEGIC THINKING IS ADMIRABLE. YOUR SURVIVAL INSTINCTS, HOWEVER, APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN LEFT IN YOUR PREVIOUS INCARNATION. OH, WAIT, YOU DIED THERE TOO-]
Su Lan Yi rolled her eyes, not wanting to hear any more from the System. "Cultivation teaches you that the best defence is making your enemies too embarrassed to admit you bothered them."
Cerulean Abode's most popular medicinal establishment was everything Su Lan Yi's borrowed memories suggested—a sprawling three-story building with azure-glazed roof tiles, elaborately carved pillars depicting medicinal herbs and mythical beasts, and a steady stream of wealthy patrons entering through doors large enough to accommodate a small party. A carved wooden sign above the entrance proclaimed: "CERULEAN ABODE APOTHECARY: PURVEYORS OF PREMIUM MEDICINES FOR SEVEN CENTURIES."
Below, in smaller characters: "Run by the Divine Healing Sect. No haggling. Prices final."
"What's that note at the very bottom of their sign say?" Su Lan Yi asked, squinting.
[YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR IMMORTAL VISION ANYMORE. IT SAYS "NO REFUNDS FOR IMPROPER APPLICATION."]
Su Lan Yi snorted. "How convenient for them. 'Sorry your grandfather died, but you applied our Joint-Ease Powder incorrectly. No refunds, and no lives back!'"
[I DETECT A 78% PROBABILITY THAT IS EXACTLY THEIR BUSINESS MODEL.]
She adjusted the simple but well-made veil she'd purchased with her rapidly dwindling villain points, ensuring it covered her features without appearing suspicious. The lightweight black silk was embroidered with subtle silver threads that formed a pattern just complex enough to draw the eye away from trying to discern the face behind it.
[MYSTIQUE VEIL: RARE-GRADE ITEM. PREVENTS CASUAL RECOGNITION AND ADDS +10 TO THE MYSTERIOUS MEDIC IMPRESSION. IT WILL CONCEAL YOU FROM EVERYONE WHO KNOWS AND HATES SU RUOLAN, BUT WON’T HINDER RECOGNITION WITH FRIENDS. ENEMIES WILL SIMPLY WONDER IF THEY EVER SAW YOUR FACE, AND WILL IGNORE THAT ASPECT OF YOU.]
"I told you to stop with the constant updates," Su Lan Yi muttered, hardly listening, though there was less irritation in her tone than before. She was beginning to suspect the System enjoyed annoying her.
After a millennium of solitary cultivation, having a chatty metaphysical entity in her head was... not entirely unpleasant, on second thoughts, though she would rather face another heavenly tribulation than admit it. At least, not to the System.
[JUST TRYING TO BE HELPFUL. ALSO, THERE'S A 40% SALE ON VILLAIN ACCESSORIES IN THE SYSTEM SHOP. MIGHT I SUGGEST A MENACING LAUGH ENHANCEMENT PACKAGE?]
"I do not need a menacing laugh enhancement package."
[RECORDINGS OF YOUR LAST ATTEMPT SUGGEST OTHERWISE. YOU DO REALISE THAT, RIGHT?]
“Oh, shush, let me focus!” She chastised the System, which promptly buzzed with dissatisfaction.
She turned her attention to the modest cart she'd acquired (through methods that would make any self-respecting villainess proud) during her nighttime adventures (purchasing it in the Villainess' Shop with her newly earned points). It wasn't much—just a sturdy wooden framework with two wheels, a flat top for displaying goods, and storage space underneath. But it would serve her purposes perfectly. It was also only 50 Villainess Points, something she could easily afford after her performance the previous day.
From Su Ruolan’s qiankun* pouch—fortunately transferred along with the woman’s other possessions—she withdrew a folded square of fabric and snapped it open with a flourish. The bright crimson banner unfurled under her palms, revealing bold calligraphy that proclaimed:
"IMMORTAL REMEDIES: TWICE THE EFFECTIVENESS AT HALF THE PRICE!"
"Subtle," Su Lan Yi remarked dryly as she attached the banner to her cart. "I was aiming for eye-catching, not 'please send assassins immediately.'"
[THE BANNER WAS PART OF THE CART PACKAGE DEAL. BLAME THE DESIGNERS AND DEVS. BESIDES, SUBTLE VILLAINY EARNS 50% FEWER VILLAIN POINTS THAN FLAGRANT PROVOCATION.]
Su Lan Yi shuddered at the thought of the hideous olive-green villainous dress the System had tried to sell her the previous day (for striking terror in the hearts of onlookers, it had said). The mental image of Su Ruolan in the dress horrified her so much that she promptly began arranging her wares on the cart's surface. Despite her abundance of cultivation experience, none of her profound spiritual knowledge had transferred to this world.
Thankfully, Su Ruolan's body retained muscle memory for the complex art of medicine and poison-making—skills that had earned the original owner her villainous reputation, even when she wasn't actively killing anyone. All that woman had ever wanted was to save people and to marry Wei Chenglin.
"While she was unlucky in love, at least she was competent at something useful," Su Lan Yi muttered as her hands automatically measured, mixed, and packaged various medicinal powders with surprising dexterity. Surviving 24 hours without getting caught had kicked off the Basic Potions Cultivation reward. Memory fragments from Su Ruolan bubbled up as she worked, providing recipes and techniques without conscious efforts which helped immensely, too.
[ACCESSING HOST BODY KNOWLEDGE: 97% COMPLETE. WARNING: SOME MOTOR SKILLS MAY RESULT IN UNEXPECTED DANCE MOVES. PREVIOUS HOST APPARENTLY ENJOYED "BREAKING A LEG" WHILE MIXING MEDICINES.]
Su Lan Yi nearly dropped a packet of powdered ginseng. "She what? Wasn’t she a proper medic?"
[JUST KIDDING. WANTED TO SEE IF YOU WERE LISTENING.]
"Your sense of humour needs medicine," Su Lan Yi grumbled, though her lips twitched upward.
Soon, neat rows of paper packets filled the cart's surface, each labelled in elegant calligraphy with names like "Joint-Ease Powder," "Clarity Tonic," and "Longevity Tea." Su Lan Yi had specifically chosen remedies for common ailments that required little to no cultivation ability to produce—yet even these mundane medicines showcased Su Ruolan's exceptional skill. They were genuinely effective, even if they lacked the spiritual properties of high-level cultivator remedies.
"Now for the finishing touch," Su Lan Yi said, withdrawing a small wooden sign that proclaimed in neat, elegant script: "NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL: BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE."
She placed it prominently at the front of her cart and stepped back to admire her handiwork.
[YOUR PRICING STRATEGY IS 53% BELOW MARKET VALUE AND YOUR PROMOTIONAL OFFER PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL 50% DISCOUNT. THIS IS ECONOMICALLY UNSUSTAINABLE.]
"It's not meant to be sustainable," Su Lan Yi replied calmly. "It's meant to be infuriating."
[AH, THE RARE 'BANKRUPTCY AS REVENGE' STRATEGY. ENLIGHTEN THIS OLD SYSTEM.]
"Not bankruptcy, idiot. Strategic market disruption." She smiled beneath her veil. "I have no intention of going bankrupt."
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
[CALCULATING PROBABILITY OF FINANCIAL SOLVENCY... ERROR. CANNOT COMPUTE WITH SUCH RECKLESS VARIABLES AND SUCH A STRANGE CONSTANT.]
As if on cue, the doors of the Cerulean Abode Clan's medicine hall swung open, and a portly man in expensive azure robes emerged. He took one look at Su Lan Yi's cart, did a comical double-take, and turned an interesting shade of puce that clashed magnificently with his robes.
[ENEMY SPOTTED: ZHAO MING, THIRD ELDER OF THE WEI CLAN AND MANAGER OF THIS APOTHECARY. CURRENT EMOTIONAL STATE: SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 'APOPLECTIC' AND 'MIGHT ACTUALLY EXPLODE.']
"What is the meaning of this?" he sputtered, gesturing wildly at her cart as he marched his stocky body towards her. "You can't set up shop here! This is... this is outrageous!"
Su Lan Yi smiled behind her veil. "Good morning, honoured customer! Would you like to try our new spring tonic? Excellent for high blood pressure, which, if you don't mind my saying, appears to be your concern at the moment."
The man's face darkened further, achieving a shade of scarlet that Su Lan Yi hadn't seen since she'd encountered a Flame Demon in the Western Mountains. "I am Zhao Ming, Manager of the Cerulean Abode Medical Shop, not some common customer! You are illegally selling unregulated medicines directly outside of our establishment!"
"Unregulated?" Su Lan Yi asked innocently, holding up one of her packets. "I assure you, each remedy is precisely measured and prepared according to classical formulations. Would you care to inspect them yourself? I welcome the professional assessment of such a... distinguished elder."
A small crowd had begun to gather, watching the confrontation with undisguised interest. Several passersby slowed their pace, eyes darting between the imposing medicine hall and the modest cart with its tempting offers and pretty, veiled owner.
[AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT INCREASING. CURRENT CROWD ENTERTAINMENT LEVEL: RIVETED. THEY'RE ONE DRAMATIC FACE SLAP AWAY FROM APPLAUDING.]
Zhao Ming noticed the attention and lowered his voice, speaking only to Su Lan Yi. "You will remove this cart immediately, or I will be forced to call the city guards."
"On what grounds?" Su Lan Yi asked pleasantly. "I've purchased a proper merchant permit." Strictly speaking, she hadn't, because she didn't have the funds (the original host's funds were stolen by the Clan's crooks under the guise of 'confiscation'), but she knew the elder wouldn't risk publicly admitting he hadn't checked.
Besides, she had something better, she wasn’t about to waste it on Extra #172 or whatever. "And, I'm standing on public property." She tapped the cobblestone with her foot. "Unless the Cerulean Abode’s Ruling Clan has secretly purchased the city streets while no one was looking?"
Several onlookers chuckled at this, further darkening the elder's complexion.
[CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'VE UNLOCKED THE 'PUBLIC HUMILIATION' ACHIEVEMENT. +25 VILLAIN POINTS FOR STYLE!]
Ugh, right. Achievements were announced separately from regular point raises. This System… had no sense of timing!
"This is your final warning," Zhao hissed, leaning closer. "The Clan does not tolerate competitors."
"How fascinating," Su Lan Yi replied, her voice carrying just enough to reach the growing audience. "I was under the impression that the Imperial Edict of Commerce specifically protects fair trade. But perhaps the laws have changed since I last checked?"
A murmur ran through the crowd. The Wei Clan's monopolistic practices were well-known but rarely challenged.
Zhao Ming's eyes narrowed to slits. "You'll regret this," he whispered before turning on his heel and storming back into the medicine hall.
"Don't forget to try our calming tea!" Su Lan Yi called after him cheerfully. "Works wonders for uncontrollable rage!"
[ENEMY THREAT LEVEL: INCREASING. CHANCE OF RETALIATION: 98.7%. SUGGESTED COURSE OF ACTION: PERHAPS NOT ANTAGONIZING HIM FURTHER?!]
"Where's the fun in that?" Su Lan Yi murmured under her breath as several curious customers approached her cart.
"Are your medicines really as effective as theirs?" asked an elderly woman, eyeing the packets sceptically.
"Why don't you be the judge?" Su Lan Yi replied, selecting a small packet. "This is for joint pain. If it doesn't provide relief by tomorrow morning, come back for a full refund."
"Divine Healing Sect's Hall doesn't offer refunds," remarked a middle-aged man in the crowd, who crinkled his nose. His friend, standing next to him, nodded enthusiastically, before looking at Su Lan Yi for her stance on the matter.
"Yes, I noticed their sign," Su Lan Yi said dryly. "Fortunately, I stand by my products. Only those who can’t trust what they sell would have such dubious policies."
The elderly woman hesitated, then nodded. "I'll try it. How much?"
"Thirty copper coins," Su Lan Yi answered promptly, extending her hand towards the lade with a smile that reached her eyes. The veil made expressions harder for her, but she could, at least, be genuine with her clients.
Several people gasped. The same remedy at the Divine Healing Sect’s Medicine Shop would cost at least eighty.
[MARKET DISRUPTION LEVEL: CRITICAL. WEI CLAN’S PROFIT MARGIN SENSORS ARE PROBABLY SCREAMING. HA! THIS IS WHY BEING VILLAINOUS IS FUN.]
"And," Su Lan Yi added with a meaningful glance at her promotional sign, "your second purchase is free. Perhaps something for your grandson's cough? I couldn't help but notice his breathing when I walked past your stall before."
The elderly woman blinked in surprise, then smiled and pointed to another packet. "That one, then?"
As Su Lan Yi completed the transaction, more customers began to line up. Word spread quickly in the merchant district, and soon she had a small crowd gathered around her cart.
[COMMERCIAL DISRUPTION ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: CAUSING ECONOMIC DISTRESS TO A MAJOR FACTION. +50 VILLAIN POINTS!]
[BONUS ACHIEVEMENT: CREATING A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS FRONT WHILE PLOTTING REVENGE. +20 VILLAIN POINTS FOR MULTITASKING!]
Su Lan Yi kept her face impassive but inwardly smiled. This was just the beginning. Su Ruolan's memories told her the Divine Healing Sect was untouchable—a powerful medical dynasty with connections reaching to the highest levels of the imperial court. They'd been instrumental in supplying evidence against Su Ruolan during her trial, their testimony weighed heavily due to their pristine reputation.
But Su Lan Yi hadn't spent a millennium of her life cultivating without learning a thing or two about bringing down powerful opponents. The first rule was simple: never attack strength directly. Find the weakness, exploit it methodically, and watch the mighty crumble from within.
Divine Healing Sect's weakness? Pure, unbridled greed.
Her plan would require time, patience, and—most importantly—funds and a good reputation. Lots of it. Hence her current commercial venture.
By midday, Su Lan Yi had sold nearly half her inventory and accumulated a respectable pile of coins. The steady stream of customers showed no signs of abating. Every few hours, a different member of the Cerulean Abode Clan would emerge to glare at her, only to retreat when they realized they couldn't intimidate her in front of witnesses.
"Afternoon business looks promising," she murmured, counting coins during a brief lull. "At this speed, we'll have enough seed money for phase two within a week."
[PHASE TWO FINANCING: 22% COMPLETE. AT THE CURRENT SALES RATE, YOU WILL ACHIEVE TARGET FUNDS IN APPROXIMATELY 4.7 DAYS, ASSUMING YOU AREN'T MURDERED FIRST.]
"Your confidence in me is truly inspiring," Su Lan Yi muttered.
"What's phase two?" asked a deep voice from behind her.
Su Lan Yi didn't flinch, though she hadn't heard anyone approach—an impressive feat of courage, considering her currently limited cultivation base. She turned slowly, unsurprised to find Hei Wuya standing there, looking incredibly out of place among the ordinary shoppers in his dramatic black and crimson robes.
[ENEMY DETECTED! BLACK MOON CLAN ELITE CULTIVATOR! THREAT LEVEL: EXCESSIVE! WAIT... IS HE HERE TO SHOP? AND HOW DID HE RECOGNISE YOU WITH THE VEIL?]
"Hei Wuya," she said by way of greeting, "has anyone ever mentioned that your current attire screams 'I am suspicious and most certainly plotting something nefarious'? In a merchant district, no less."
Hei Wuya's crimson eyes narrowed. Despite his imposing height and the dangerous aura that caused nearby pedestrians to unconsciously give him a wide berth, he somehow managed to look like a scolded, scorned puppy as he looked at his clothing, trying to find faults with it.
"I am NOT dressed suspiciously," he replied stiffly. "These are traditional Blood Moon Clan formal robes."
"Yes, yes, because nothing says 'casual shopping trip' like formal sect attire in a rival’s territory," Su Lan Yi remarked. "The scarlet-red embroidery is a particularly subtle touch, too."
[HE APPEARS TO BE EXPERIENCING THE RARE EMOTION OF 'OFFENDED CONFUSION.' FASCINATING. OH, AND HE CAN IDENTIFY YOU BECAUSE HE ISN’T HOSTILE. GOOD TO KNOW RIGHT? VILLAINESS SHOP GOODS-]
Su Lan Yi tuned out of what the System was trying to say while a couple passing by quickened their pace upon hearing this exchange.
Hei Wuya glanced around, suddenly aware of the attention he was attracting. He straightened up, before clearing his throat. The scar on his jaw throbbed. Really, what was with that scar and its placement? "I came to ensure you weren’t causing trouble. Here you are, with a disguise on. Suspicious."
"Me? Cause trouble?" Su Lan Yi placed a hand over her heart in mock offence, but mild relief. Good. He wasn’t here for a fight, at least. "I'm a simple medicine vendor providing affordable healthcare to the masses. The veil is for protection against the dust. What could be troublesome about that?"
She gestured to the Divine Healing Sect's medicine hall, where several members and employees could be seen peering through the windows with expressions that could curdle milk. "Though some might disagree with my business model."
Bai City (白城 – Bái Chéng)
A bustling urban center with a thriving merchant district. Su Lan Yi chooses it as the perfect stage for her economically devastating revenge plot.
Divine Healing Sect (神医门 – Shén Yī Mén)
A powerful medical dynasty with imperial connections. Their pristine reputation helped condemn Su Ruolan, making them deserving targets of Su Lan Yi's strategic market disruption.
Cerulean Abode Apothecary (青居药铺 – Qīng Jū Yào Pù)
The monopolistic medicine shop run by the Wei Clan. Their "no refunds" policy perfectly encapsulates their customer service philosophy.
Mystique Veil (神秘面纱 – Shénmì Miànshā)
A rare-grade concealment item that prevents recognition by enemies. Adds +10 to mysterious medic impression and costs fewer villain points than the hideous olive-green dress alternative.
Qiankun Pouch (乾坤袋 – Qián Kūn Dài)
A spatial storage bag that holds items in a pocket dimension. Fortunately transferred with Su Ruolan's possessions, saving Su Lan Yi from having to shoplift basic necessities.
Joint-Ease Powder (舒筋散 – Shū Jīn Sǎn)
A medicinal remedy for arthritis and joint pain. Priced at 30 copper coins from Su Lan Yi versus 80 at the Divine Healing Sect, making it both a healing agent and an economic weapon.
Imperial Edict of Commerce (商业诏令 – Shāng Yè Zhào Lìng)
A law protecting fair trade in the empire. Invoked by Su Lan Yi to publicly embarrass Zhao Ming while technically being within her rights.
Clarity Tonic (明神汤 – Míng Shén Tāng)
A medicine for mental acuity. One of many remedies in Su Lan Yi's arsenal of market-destabilizing products.
Blood Moon Clan (血月宗 – Xuè Yuè Zōng)
Hei Wuya's fearsome demonic cultivation sect. Their formal robes, featuring dramatic colors and embroidery, are perfectly inconspicuous for casual shopping trips.
Flame Demon (火魔 – Huǒ Mó)
A dangerous entity from the Western Mountains whose coloration matches Zhao Ming's face when enraged. Both are likely to explode when provoked.
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