Xiao clan quickly constructed a distillery and surrounded it with many more low grade defensive and illusion arrays than the soap workshop. It was guarded as well as the inner sanctums of some of the lowest tier sects. They didn’t even consider the cost and dipped into their savings that were tucked away for a truly bad day. This was something that must absolutely be done if they wished to preserve their monopoly, after all their Great Ancestor had bestowed these gifts upon them and them alone, so it was their right to keep that knowledge a secret, but the others might not see it that way.
When the elders had learned how to make this pure alcohol from Xiao Yun, they were utterly dumbfounded. The process was so simple, yet the end product was something so pure and concentrated it was unbelievable that something like that was created without the painstaking labor of a high tier pill refiner.
The pill refiners/alchemists also used a different method, they put ingredients into a cauldron and burned away the impurities and mixed the resulting purer essences of various herbs and ingredients, which had different properties and required a deep understanding of the interactions of various essences. What remained in the cauldron was the precious pills used for cultivation, healing and the like. Making distilled alcohol was different, the process was entirely backwards compared to pill making.
The low-grade alcohol mixed with impurities was poured into a large pot or a cauldron and sealed tight so that the steam could only rise through the thin pipe coming out of the said pot. Then it was heated until it boiled, and since alcohol had a lower boiling point, the steam that was mixed with alcohol would evaporate first, leaving behind the useless dregs in the original pot. The steam would then be cooled inside the winding snake like long pipe and condense back into a mix of pure water and alcohol, making moonshine.
If you tried to make distilled alcohol the same way you made spiritual pills, all you would have left with would be a pot of boiled water mixed with foul-smelling dregs. This might have been the reason why they hadn’t discovered the method for distilling alcohol in this world yet, or at least this is what Xiao Yun surmised. It wasn’t for lack of ability; it was simply a matter of perspective really. Their method boiled/burned away the impurities leaving behind useful essence to condense into pills. Making distilled alcohol on the other hand did the opposite, boiling away the useful essence, then capturing it and recondensing it back into pure alcohol, leaving impurities behind.
The method was simple yet fascinating to the Elders who had never even considered such a thing. A simple change in perspective was a powerful thing sometimes. Best part of this whole deal was the fact that it didn’t require any fine control over spiritual energy, any rare materials or rare types of flames. It was extremely low cost, which was lifesaving to the struggling Xiao clan.
After setting everything up and starting the distillation properly within ten days, the elders discreetly invited Wang Shu to Xiao Estate, he was the only merchant they could trust with the sale of this heavenly wine. He was keeping the secret regarding the Mystic Cleansing Jade’s origins already, what would it matter if he had another secret of theirs to keep?
Although the reason they trusted him was not just because Xiao Yun was friends with his son. The best way to make sure someone was on your side and wanted your well-being was to make sure that your well-being benefited them. Xiao Yun was also deeply aware of that, spending a certain length of time in a corporate environment filled with snakes and sycophants would teach these lessons to anyone with a shred of sense.
When making the soap deal with Wang Shu he still kept the method a secret but also let Wang Shu be the only retailer of their product and divided the profit down the middle. Wang Shu being a sensible businessman was happy with the deal. It was his luck that his son was also friends with the person who invented the Mystic Cleansing Jade, who everyone else deemed useless trash. It was a bit of a nepotism situation and a bit of a cost benefit analysis by Xiao Yun. He could have found other merchants, who would be willing to take much lower percentage of the profits but there was the matter of trustworthiness.
Wang Shu was also a choice of convenience. He was an experienced merchant and a shrewd businessman, who happened to be his best friend’s father. He was much less likely to stab them in the back or try to unravel the secret of how the Mystic Cleansing Jade was produced.
As Wang Shu arrived at main gates of the Xiao estate, Xu Ming went to greet him and discreetly and unceremoniously ushered him into the Ancestral Hall. When Wang Shu entered the hall, he was met with the sharp gazes of all seven Elders and the casual looking Xiao Yun standing by the side. The atmosphere felt quite solemn.
As Wang Shu approached and greeted them, he had his own ideas as to why he was invited into the clan.
“Ahem” he cleared his throat. “Esteemed Elders, forgive me for being so upfront but I have an inkling as to why I was called here. There is no need for theatrics, I know you must be dissatisfied with the 50/50 profit distribution of the Mystic Cleansing Jade.” Saying so he adjusted his collar that felt unusually tight under the intense gazes of so many powerful cultivators. The Xiao Clan Elders had such serious and intense looks that one would think they were preparing to enter into a life-or-death battle against a rival family.
“I understand that your clan is the only source of this wonderous medicine, although it does not aid in cultivation it has become a sort of luxury many of the rich and affluent people are unwilling to go without.” He quickly surveyed the elders expressions yet found that there was not an iota of change. Taking another breath, he continued.
“Therefore, I think it’s appropriate that we change the profit distribution to 65/35 in Xiao Clan’s favor. Additionally, I can help with the materials and-”
“There is no need for that.” Elder Xiao Chong’s ancient voice cut him off. Wang Shu had given them an extra five percent more than what he was comfortable with, but it seemed it was not enough.
“But Elders, that’s the best I can offer right now, I still have to make deals with other merchants and pay the employees extra for their discretion.” A panicked Wang Shu sputtered. Were they going to sell their miraculous product through another merchant? This couldn’t be allowed! He had the monopoly in the market, and it brought him much more than pure profits. All the merchants were clamoring to get a meeting with him, the upper echelons of the city were all trying to curry favor with him just because of a single product that had nothing to do with cultivation. It was hard to believe.
Mystic Cleansing Jade had brought him immense prestige, profit and connections and now all of it was about to be stripped away?
“Elders, please understand-”
“I said there is no need for that Fellow Daoist Wang. Today’s matter has nothing to do with the Cleansing Jade. We can keep the profit distribution as is. We called you here today to discuss another matter. A new item to be specific.” Xiao Chong cut him off again.
Wang Shu let out a quiet sigh of relief. But his fear was quickly replaced with curiosity.
“What item would that be? Could it that Nephew Yun has come up with a new idea?” He looked at Xiao Yun expectantly. Idea of a new product similar to the Mystic Cleansing Jade made Wang Shu giddy. Imagine how much profit and status he would earn with not one but TWO unique products that his shops had a monopoly over!
Xiao Yun smiled calmly at his inquiry. “Indeed, uncle Wang. I’ve received a new revelation from the Great Ancestor. He has shown me how to brew wine worthy of celestial beings! And we wish for you to sell the wine in a similar manner with the Cleansing Jade.”
Hearing Xiao Yun’s words, Wang Shu’s enthusiasm was dampened. ‘Wine? There is such a large variety of quality wines in Fallen Star City alone that it’s almost impossible to make sizable profit from any new kinds of wine let alone export it elsewhere. People have their preferences after all. Some prefer the Dragon’s Breath, others like Peach Blossom wine, and some people just like ordinary plum wine.’
But he was still curious, his experience with Mystic Cleansing Jade told him not to judge things too quickly. Maybe the Xiao clan’s ancestor had shown them how to make a truly special kind of wine. It must have been so, for the Elders to be looking so deathly serious.
Xiao Yun could read Wang Shu’s doubts from small changes in his expression. He nodded to Xu Ming, who was waiting patiently by the entrance. Xu Ming left the hall with a grim expression.
“Before you say anything Uncle Wang, please have a taste of the wine itself. Experiencing something firsthand is far better than having it described to you a thousand times over, after all.” Xiao Yun sounded unusually wise for his age. Was that also the influence of the Xiao ancestor?
Wang Shu lamented internally. Why couldn’t his useless son be chosen by one of the Wang clan’s ancestors and gifted wisdom from the upper realm? Not that Wang Shu knew if such an ancestor even existed in their family line or not.
His lament didn’t last long however as Xu Ming returned with an unassuming jar and a small jade cup. He opened the jar and poured out the smooth golden liquid into the cup, before reluctantly giving it Wang Shu to taste. The pleasant aroma of the wine was already permeating the surrounding, it’s aroma more pronounced for a Foundation Building stage cultivator like Wang Shu with improved senses. If Xu Ming was someone with less will power he might have drunk the wine himself instead, yet he persevered.
Wang Shu looked at the wine and then at Xu Ming who was staring at his cup with a longing look. ‘It must really be something special’. He thought internally. As soon as he brought the cup close, the pleasant fragrance of the wine intensified many times. Although Wang Shu wasn’t specifically fond of wine as much as he was fond of profit, even he could tell that this wine must be something else entirely compared to stuff he’s had before. He lifted the cup to his lips and took a small sip.
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As soon as the wine made contact with his tongue, it was an explosion of sensations, the smooth warmth, sweet notes of honey and the pleasant scent of mountain herbs with a little bit of spiritual qi mixed in. Additionally, there was no unpleasant aftertaste as the pleasant fragrance lingered in his breath.
“Well uncle Wang, what do you think?” asked Xiao Yun, but he could already tell the answer from Wang Shu’s intoxicated expression.
“What do I think Nephew Yun?! I think we’re going to be rich enough to buy a mid-sized sect ahahaha!” Wang Shu let out a laugh filled with vigor and genuine joy at expected profits. He had hit yet another jackpot. His wastrel son’s friendship with Xiao Yun was turning out to be the bird of fortune landing on Wang Shu’s shoulder. How could a merchant like him not know the true value of such wine? There were many cultivators, rich nobles and powerful members of sects who enjoyed wine. Cultivation was a long and arduous journey, and any novelty that could take away the everyday boredom would fetch a decent price.
Hearing Wang Shu’s hopeful exclamation the Elders expressions finally relaxed, and they too agreed. After all, in their long lives they had tasted nothing like this wine.
“Ah but Nephew Yun, what do you call this wine? We can’t sell this like some ordinary rice wine after all.”
Xiao Yun gave it some thought. He could call it many different names. Heavenly Dew? Fallen Immortal Wine? Phoenix Blood? Suddenly he remembered the nickname, the mysterious alchemist persona Wang Shu had created for him. He was called ‘Master Mountain’, the creator of Mystic Cleansing Jade.
‘Maybe I should call it ‘Mountain Dew’ haha.’ He almost burst out laughing. ‘Nope. I’m not looking to get sued for copyright infringement.’ Some of the large corporations on Earth had such a strict policy over their naming and brand that he wouldn’t be surprised if they turned out to be employing lawyers capable of suing someone in a different dimension. He needed another name, something attention grabbing.
“I think we should call it ‘Sunfire Divine Brew’, a divine elixir that fuses mortal and celestial flames and cleanses all impurities!” He purposefully gave it an extravagant name to catch attention, the people of this world seemed drawn to such things and it was an advertisement of sorts. The 'Sunfire' part he added because the distilled alcohol had a lot of intensity to it that fermented wines didn't have. He thought it a fitting name.
“What a great name Nephew Yun!” Nodded Wang Shu jovially. Even the Elders agreed. After tasting the wine they could feel the warmth spreading through their bodies. It felt like an apt name.
Naming and testing the wine were done, now it was time to discuss the other details. Xiao Yun wove together lies and the truth, lamenting as to how difficult a process it was to make the wine and eventually convinced Wang Shu to split the profits 70/30 in Xiao Clan’s favor. The split from the soap would remain the same. Even with the 30 percent, Wang Shu would still be making money hand over fist.
Listening Xiao Yun describe such a simple process as something arduous and keeping the details purposefully vague, the Elders had peculiar expressions. It was a mix of pride, appreciation, awe and another indescribable emotion that they were feeling.
‘Ancestors bless us, this unruly brat has truly changed,’ - they thought, their hearts finally feeling true hope in a long time. The once drunken degenerate was acting like a wily old fox. Though he was unable to cultivate, he could still help steer the family in a good direction in the future, which eased some of the Elders worries.
The market introduction was handled with shrewd caution. Instead of mass-producing, Xiao Yun dictated that the first batches be sold in small, exquisite jade flasks at an astronomical price, ten times that of the finest fermented wine available in the city.
The initial target was the "Golden Crane Inn," one of the most exclusive restaurants in Fallen Star City, frequented by true high society.
Wang Shu ventured out to handle negotiations personally. The manager of the Pavilion, a portly man named Proprietor Ming scoffed at the price. "Wang Shu Are you mad? This tiny flask for twenty low grade spirit stones?"
Wang Shu simply displayed the flask and offered smugly. "One sip. If you are not satisfied, the price is waived."
Proprietor Ming snorted with contempt and took the dare. He tasted the wine, sputtered and immediately ordered twenty flasks at the designated price. Similar scenes took place in each high end establishment Wang Shui visited.
Within a week, the whispers about the new wine became a roar. This reclusive Master Mountain had done it yet again. On top of the already highly demanded Mystic Cleansing Jade that had become a staple of the richer households in Fallen Star City, the secretive alchemist Master Mountain had produced wine so pure and delightful that it was fit for Immortals!
"Have you tried the new Sunfire Divine Brew? It burns, but it rouses the spirit!" Chimed a customer at a high-end restaurant.
"It is unlike anything I have encountered. The clarity is heavenly; it leaves no residual murkiness in the senses!"
“Yeah, but the price is ‘divine’ as well, I got curious and could barely afford a cup.” Lamented another one.
“But it was worth the cost, was it not?” asked someone from the neighboring table.
“It was indeed.” Replied the lamenting customer absentmindedly, seemingly still savoring the taste of the cup of wine he’d purchased a few days ago.
“They say that the Sunfire Divine Brew was made by the same alchemist who created the Mystic Cleansing Jade.” Whispered a man with a long mustache to his companion on another table.
“If the rumors are true, Master Mountain must be a high tiered alchemist, sixth tier or above at least. Otherwise, he couldn’t have created such things. Cleansing Jade is one thing, but to be able to brew such wine, it seems this master is a person of many talents.” Answered his companion.
Rumors about the wine as well as its fictional maker spread rapidly. Many people had not even heard his name before it was mentioned by Wang Shu in the Mystic Cleansing Jade frenzy. They speculated that he must be a reclusive and eccentric master alchemist with a high cultivation, who must have withdrawn from the public eye many years ago. They assumed that he was an old coot who had an unconventional way of looking at the world. Instead of coming up with new pill formulas to aid in cultivation, he spent his time making such novelties. The rumors got wilder and wilder.
His reputation became a wise old master who chased no fame or recognition and only focused on advancing his Dao of alchemy through making such strange and marvelous items. Wang Shu quietly became known as the lucky/sneaky merchant who took advantage of his acquaintance with this old master to sell the products on his behalf, presumably so the master could use the income of spirit stones in his cultivation and experiments...
Restaurants had begun competing fiercely to stock the Sunfire Divine Brew. Its high price wasn't a deterrent but a status symbol. It meant that only the rich and the powerful could afford such a luxury item.
Soon, the clientele shifted from wealthy merchants to the true power brokers of the region. Some of the more well-to-do cultivation clans had started competing for the wine. Small scale auctions were held, where fights almost broke out over who got to buy more and who deliberately raised the price to sabotage the competition. Even Xiao clan’s old rivals, the Hu and Ling clans started contending for the wine, unknowingly putting money in the pockets of their rival, who owed them money. The price was quickly spiraling out of control, it had reached forty five low grade spiritual stones for a single small flask.
Fallen Star City was a waypoint for powerful sects exploring the surrounding regions. Cultivators from the Soaring Sword Sect and the revered Flowing Shadow Temple, recognizing something of quality when they encountered it, quickly sought out the source. They stocked up, realizing that the Sunfire Divine Brew was a perfectly acceptable (and highly impressive) gift to bring back to their Elders, to curry favor or ask for forgiveness for past transgressions.
Eventually the distilled liquor reached the hands of more powerful and influential people. Few Master Pill Refiners, who received the wine as a gift and a way to earn favor from various people, discovered that the Sunfire Divine Brew, essentially being a purified spirit, made for a great solvent for certain delicate pill formulas, dramatically increasing the yield and quality of low-tier medicinal pellets. As the days passed the demand only increased.
The Xiao Clan’s dusty courtyard quickly transformed into a small fortress. Additional guards were hired, specialized distillation chambers were built using Xiao Yun’s refined design, and the few capable cultivators in the clan were put on permanent rotation protecting the production process. Xiao Clan Elders, who once worried about clan’s day-to-day expenses, now worried about bandits and spies seeking to steal the distillation secrets, and at least one of them would survey the area with their spiritual sense every hour.
The ultimate validation and the greatest source of fear came in the third week of production.
Fallen Star City was ruled by City Lord Feng Xianxu, a man with a profound cultivation base and fearsome reputation. His household was notoriously selective; their preference for quality materials was unmatched and their interest often spelled either immense fortune or immediate ruin for the supplier.
One morning a procession of armored guards, led by Lord Xianxu’s Chief Steward, arrived at the Wang Shu’s main shop close to the center of the commerce district. As he was walking down the streets, from ordinary people to arrogant young masters, from humble shopkeepers to strong cultivators, all quietly made way for him. He was not just a mere steward, but also a peak foundation building stage cultivator adorned in expensive clothes and many glowing ornaments, most of which gave off spiritual energy fluctuations, signaling that they were artifacts.
As the customers saw the people entering the shop, they quietly put back the products they were interested in and left the shop as if they were running from a dangerous beast. They were, in a sense, as, if someone offended the steward and got crippled or killed for it, who would they go complain to? This man was the one running day to day affairs of the City Lord’s mansion, he was as good as the city lord’s right hand. And Feng Xianxu could do just about anything he wished in Fallen Star City, he was the undisputed overlord appointed by the ruler of the Vermilion Flame Kingdom, which Fallen Star City was a part of. Even without his title, Feng Xianxu was an expert in the Nascent Soul realm, few people could hope to antagonize him and survive. If you got wronged by Feng Xianxu the only people you could complain to were the higher ranked members of the royal family, but could anyone just get an audience with royal bloodline just because they wished?
“W-welcome! Welcome to my humble shop, Chief Steward! Your grace us with your presence.” Hastily greeted Wang Shu. The Chief Steward, a serious man only known as Steward Chu, did not waste words.
"The City Lord has heard much about the ‘Sunfire Divine Brew.' His personal apothecary has tasted a sample procured from the Golden Crane Inn." Steward Chu adjusted his ornate belt. "The Lord finds the merchandise satisfactory."
Wang Shu nearly fainted from relief and terror. "It is an honor, Steward Chu. We can prepare a gift shipment immediately!"
Steward Chu's lips barely moved. "A gift is unnecessary. Lord Xianxu pays for what he desires. He does not take charity, nor is he a corrupt official demanding bribes."
He then handed over a lacquered box filled with mid-grade Spirit Stones, a fortune that far exceeded the Xiao Clan’s entire annual revenue from their previous life, and it was still quite a large sum even for a wealthy merchant like Wang Shu.
"This is the payment for one hundred flasks, delivered monthly. The Lord desires a steady and consistent supply, and he does not wish to compete with the common masses for it." Steward Chu stated coolly. "Furthermore, the Lord requires absolute discretion. He is a fair man. If need be, you will stop selling the wine to anyone else to meet the Lord’s order. Any disruption to supply by outside influences will be dealt with by the City Lord’s Personal Guard. You only need to notify the Lord’s mansion."
Now that Steward Chu had presented the carrot, it was time for the stick. “If you are unable to meet the demand without good reason, try to cheat us with lower quality product or try to renege on the deal, you will be met with a fitting punishment. Wang clan and all of their holdings will disappear overnight. Is that clear?” Stated steward Chu casually, as if he was talking about the weather.
“Ye-yes, yes. It’s understood.” Stammered a heavily sweating Wang Shu.
“Hmm.” Steward Chu nodded casually before calmly departing the store as suddenly as he had arrived, leaving behind a very distressed Wang Shu.
