Chapter 652, Worth It
The sudden incident caught everyone off guard.
The black-purple veins and the look of pain—these were clear signs of poisoning.
For such a strong reaction to happen immediately to a Professional, it definitely wasn't an ordinary toxin.
"I told you there was something wrong with the potion."
"Exactly, like that kid could've created something like this."
"Those certificates from the Guild and Consortium? Probably fake too."
"What are you looking at? Hurry and help him! If it spreads, we won't be able to save him!"
The whole room was in chaos.
Some urged for help, while others shouted about going to the Island Lord's residence for answers.
The island was small—no way the guy could escape.
Amid the yelling, the alchemists standing by moved forward to investigate.
But the steward nearby stopped them with an outstretched hand, "Wait."
Everyone frowned and looked at him suspiciously.
"Wait for what? If we keep waiting, he'll be dead!"
"How dare you block us from saving him?"
One of the old man's longtime friends shouted angrily.
The steward bowed and explained, "Please wait. The auctioneer already mentioned the potion's side effects when the sale was completed. Just grit your teeth and bear through it. Try not to use any other potions during the process, or it might dilute the effect."
Side effects?
Dilute the effect?
With such a violent reaction, are you sure it won't just kill him outright?
While everyone was still wondering if this was real or not—
The old man's bulging veins began to fade, and his trembling body slowly calmed.
All the negative symptoms started to disappear.
He was helped into a chair.
And at that moment, when everyone looked at him again, they noticed something different.
His physical condition had clearly improved—even the wrinkles on his face had visibly lessened. He looked several years younger.
Someone couldn't wait and asked, "Well? Do you feel any discomfort?"
The old man twisted his neck, then under everyone's expectant gaze, casually sipped his tea.
"Damn it, say something already. Still drinking tea."
"If you like tea so much, I've got some leaves I can send you. Just tell us how it feels first."
"Does the potion actually work or not?"
Seeing everyone urging him, the old man finally smiled and said softly, "All I can say is—it's worth every coin."
Wow~!
The room erupted again.
It really worked.
"I've got stuff to do—leaving first."
"Me too. I'll come back another time to congratulate Mr. Otema."
Guests quickly took their leave, all rushing out.
They went to spread the word that the potion was indeed effective.
...
Similar scenes played out in other mansions.
Under the watchful eyes of rich merchants and nobles, those who bought the potion popped the corks and drank.
The harsh side effects made everyone think they'd bought a fake.
Some even suspected the whole thing was a scam.
But once the side effects faded, and the users confirmed the effects—
Doubt turned into awe and praise.
Now, it was confirmed the potion had the effects advertised.
He really had developed such a thing.
A potion that increases attributes without leveling up.
The nobles who came to investigate left one after another, and the news of the potion's legitimacy spread quickly.
...
Island Lord's Mansion.
Wu Heng sat in the study, looking over some blueprints.
Soon after, Xiaoxiao flew back first.
Xiaoxiao said, "They took the potion. When the side effects kicked in, people around them freaked out—some even said they were coming for you."
"And then?" Wu Heng asked.
"Then it got better. That old noble said it worked, and now they're calling you a genius or something." Xiaoxiao crossed her arms, hovering beside him.
"As long as it's fine," Wu Heng said.
He knew the potion worked—he'd used it himself. His maids from another world and the other women around him had taken it too.
No doubt about its effectiveness.
But there was always the fear of an accident—maybe the user was too old, or had a heart condition.
The side effects might trigger something fatal.
That would be seriously unlucky.
As they spoke, Glenda and Beni also flew in.
Glenda said, "The two I was watching took the potion just fine—no problems."
Beni added, "The one I followed drank it too. The merchants observing the results wrote letters about the potion's effectiveness and sent them off on their carriages."
It seemed many were still on the fence.
They didn't fully believe the potion could be this effective.
Now that everyone who bought it had taken it, the results were basically confirmed.
"Looks like it went pretty well," Wu Heng said with a smile.
Glenda floated over to the desk. "Credit also goes to your wood elf. She handled the whole event very well."
Wu Heng said, "She is the president of Starflower. She's got experience."
"Exactly why you should treat her well. She'll keep helping you in the future," Glenda said gently.
Wu Heng gave her a look, "You make it sound like I'm using Shanaila."
"Of course not, but sometimes it seems like your brain doesn't catch up. Not your fault—men and women think differently."
Wu Heng thought for a moment, "You've got a point. I'll be more mindful."
Xiaoxiao couldn't take it anymore. She flew over and lay on Wu Heng's shoulder. "Who says? Everyone really likes Uncle."
Glenda chuckled, "You are good in some areas."
"Not just with women—Wu Heng's progress has been crazy since leaving Blackstone Town," Beni added.
"I know," Xiaoxiao raised her hand. "The Kingdom of Ekow rejected necromancers. The steward from Blackstone Town even tried to take Uncle's body. Total villains."
"That's true," Beni agreed after thinking about it.
The environment in Blackstone Town wasn't right for his growth. But once he left Ekow's domain—
Wu Heng found his path and shot upward like a rocket.
Knock knock knock~!
As they spoke, the door was knocked.
Minnie's voice came through, "Master, are you in?"
Wu Heng told the ghosts to go do their thing and opened the door. "What is it?"
"A man named 'Virgil' has come to visit. Says he's with the Guild's Hongwen Society," Minnie said.
Virgil was the mage who came last time to invite him to join the Hongwen Society.
Didn't feel like it had been that long, and here he was again on Gold-Silver Island.
"Take him to the parlor."
Wu Heng followed Minnie downstairs.
After a short wait in the parlor, Minnie brought the guest in.
The mage entered first, followed by two attendants who remained by the door.
...
"Lord Wu Heng!" The man, dressed in a mage robe, walked in with a rosy complexion.
Wu Heng stood up with a smile, "Mr. Virgil, it's been a while."
Virgil also smiled, "Didn't expect Gold-Silver Island to become so exciting the moment I left. Had I known, I wouldn't have gone."
"It's not too late to stay now." Wu Heng gestured. "Please, have a seat."
The two of them sat in the parlor, while the maids brought in tea and pastries.
Then, led by Minnie, they stood politely off to the side, like well-trained noble house maids.
Virgil complimented, "Compared to my last visit, Gold-Silver Island has changed again. I've been to many Kingdom capitals, but few are as lively and prosperous as this."
Wu Heng responded modestly, "Once the exhibition and auction are over, it'll go back to normal."
Virgil continued, "You're too modest. I know many rich merchants bought mansions here. As long as the exhibitions continue and the potions keep getting auctioned, the island's popularity won't fade—it'll only grow."
"Let's hope so. I do hope it only gets better." Wu Heng smiled.
Virgil nodded, then grew serious. "I won't beat around the bush—did you make that potion?"