I am a Tycoon!

After the chaotic yet successful weeks in the Eastern Market, Lee-oh and Daey-ib had made a name for themselves. Word had spread of the two strange newcomers who sold high-quality potions and supplies, made from animals and herbs that most cultivators considered beneath them. The combination of Lee-oh's systematic crafting and Daey-ib's strange but effective intuition created a unique synergy that baffled the locals.

Lee-oh's system had finally reached Level 2. The changes were immense. He could now store up to 100 items, craft more advanced materials such as potions, food, and leather, and even begin cultivating. He was now recognized by the system as a Novice III Cultivator, the first official stage of the cultivation path.

He marveled at the list of cultivation stages:

Grand Ascendant

Ascended

Grand Master III

Grand Master II

Grand Master I

Master III

Master II

Master I

Apprentice V to I

Beginner III to I

Novice III to I

It made him realize just how far he had to go.

"So I'm basically still trash," Lee-oh muttered, looking at his rank.

But trash with potential.

With his newfound crafting ability, Lee-oh decided to begin producing basic health potions and stamina-restoring foods. He collected herbs from the Eastern Jungles and hunted low-level beasts, storing their carcasses in his inventory for leather crafting and essence extraction. Daey-ib had unknowingly stepped into the Beginner I rank, mostly through experience and exposure.

As the days passed, they continued building their small business. The market began to recognize their goods not only for their quality but also their effectiveness. One day, while returning from a herb run, Lee-oh noticed the same figure tailing them again—the alchemist.

This time, the man didn't turn away. Instead, he walked directly to their stall.

"I am Cho Gun-Ryong, a mid-level alchemist from the North. I've been watching your growth," the man said, eyes scanning their goods. "And I want in."

Lee-oh narrowed his eyes. "Why? You're an alchemist already. Why bother with low-level guys like us?"

Cho Gun-Ryong smirked. "Because you're different. You're producing results—fast. That kind of efficiency can make gold rain from the sky."

Daey-ib was skeptical, but Lee-oh was intrigued. He needed someone who could help him understand the cultivation world faster.

"Fine," Lee-oh said. "But you don't control us. You help us, we help you."

"Deal."

From that day on, Cho Gun-Ryong began teaching them the fundamentals of potion blending, spiritual resonance, and beast harvesting techniques. Lee-oh's potion success rate increased. He started combining different herbs to produce second-tier potions, and Cho ensured that each product passed a quality test before being sold.

A month passed. The three had turned their small stall into a corner hub at the Eastern Market. Cultivators from nearby villages started visiting to purchase their goods. Lee-oh's wealth rose to over $7,500, and his cultivation level advanced to Beginner II.

Meanwhile, the system notified him that the Shop was now eligible for an upgrade. Lee-oh clicked the button.

[Shop Lv.2 Unlocked]

New craftables unlocked: Advanced Food, Tier II Potions, Animal Leather Gear

Shop Level 3 Upgrade Cost: 15,000 pts

System Level 3 Upgrade Cost: 15,000 pts

And with that, Lee-oh set his sights on even greater goals.

Back in their lodging, Lee-oh gathered Daey-ib and Cho.

"We're not just selling potions anymore," Lee-oh said. "We're building an empire. I want to monopolize potion and weapon crafting. And to do that, we need to move fast."

He handed them a rough plan:

Increase herb and beast resource gathering by 50%.

Expand potion crafting to include buffs and temporary stat boosters.

Begin designing beginner-tier weapons using leather, bones, and scrap metals.

Cho was impressed. "You think like a merchant-general."

Daey-ib grinned. "As long as I don't have to talk to customers, I'm in."

Over the next two months, the three worked tirelessly. Lee-oh's wealth rose to $10,000, and his system point total hit 15,000. The moment it did, Lee-oh initiated the next upgrade.

[System Lv.3 Activated]

Storage: 0/300

Shop Upgrade Option Unlocked (Next Upgrade: 30,000 pts)

Weapon Crafting Unlocked

Profession Selection Unlocked: A. Blacksmith B. Merchant C. Alchemist D. Crafter

Lee-oh was stunned by the options, but he knew what he needed: power and versatility.

"I choose Alchemist," he said.

Immediately, he felt a change in his core. Energy flowed more smoothly. Crafting no longer drained him as much. Recipes appeared more clearly in his system window, and potion quality increased by 15%.

He was now an Alchemist by profession, and this meant he could produce potions that even low-tier cultivators from the main sects would want.

And with this, Lee-oh made his biggest move yet. He began buying massive amounts of ingredients, hiring gatherers from nearby villages and even a couple of apprentice hunters. With Cho handling quality, Daey-ib managing inventory and Lee-oh overseeing everything, they created the Golden Cauldron Union—their unofficial group name in the market.

The ripple effects reached even the central capital.

But not everyone was happy with their rise.

Kang Joon-Oh, from the Southern Sector, began to hear of the rising star named Lee-oh. The same weakling he once bullied. Now selling elixirs more potent than what his clan provided.

Kang's eyes narrowed. "It's time I reminded him of his place."