"Can one really consume demon rat meat? Aren't you afraid of consuming something harmful? No, I must go back and expose him!"
Weng Ling, after placing the handcart down, intended to return, but Night San Geng intercepted her.
"What are you doing?"
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Night San Geng gave her a disdainful look.
"The demon race was pushed back into the Abyssal Eye Abyss many years ago. The demonic energy on these semi-demons has long dissipated. They are just new species now. Besides, if there were real issues with eating them, could Old Jiang's meat shop have operated for so many years?"
Weng Ling paused. Indeed, these semi-demons now only had the word "demon" remaining, with almost no lingering demonic energy. Relying only on strong bodies, they were not much different from regular beasts.
"But selling rat meat under the guise of pig meat is a bit..."
"I actually think he's quite clever and ethical," Night San Geng shook his head, pointing to the smoked demon rat meat on the cart. "The quality of demon rat meat depends on what they eat. Since Old Jiang's meat is accepted by the locals, oh, it seems you quite like it too..."
Seeing Weng Ling's face turn pale, Night San Geng continued, "So, Old Jiang must be feeding the demon rats with cheap grains. This means he has a demon rat breeding farm!"
"A breeding farm?"
"Yes, otherwise, how could he possibly supply so much wild boar meat? Can he afford to hire a whole adventuring party or specialized hunters to help him hunt boars?" Night San Geng shrugged.
Baiyan Village alone had two to three hundred people, and considering Old Jiang mentioned having orders in Tianshi City and surrounding villages, how could a small meat shop like his handle such volume?
"That makes sense," Weng Ling nodded. "But, breeding demon rats, isn't he afraid of trouble?"
Creatures like demons had a significant impact on the ecosystem, comparable to undead disasters or even larger. Their superior physical qualities allowed them to easily become the top of the food chain, causing immense damage to the local ecosystem. They were like more terrifying locusts, seizing the survival resources of other creatures.
Because of this, most adventuring parties were tasked with eliminating demons across various regions. Yet, this small meat shop owner dared to risk it all by actively breeding demon rats. His audacity was astounding.
"So, how about we pay a visit to his breeding farm tonight?" Night San Geng suddenly grinned.
"Visit?"
"Us?"
Weng Ling frowned. "But this is the territory of Tianshi City, and Old Jiang is a citizen of Tianshi City. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for us to cause trouble on his turf?"
"What's inappropriate about it? We are doing it for justice, to expose a deceitful merchant, to maintain regional peace. Does the pursuit of justice depend on whose territory it is?" Night San Geng said with a serious face.
"Pursuit of justice?" Weng Ling, recalling unknowingly consuming demon rat meat, immediately nodded heavily.
"But it's not convenient right now. Shouldn't we go back to your childhood friend's house first to discuss?" Night San Geng suddenly suggested.
"Huh? Why go there?"
"Come on, we still have many things to buy, but after what just happened, do you think we can shop properly? It's better to ask that girl named Xiao Qu to help us, right?" Night San Geng rolled his eyes.
And so, the two who had just left not long ago pushed the cart back to Xiao Qu's grain shop, creaking along the way.
"Ah, Xiao Ling'er, why are you back?" Xiao Qu, holding a child, asked in surprise.
"Oh, we had a little trouble and wanted to ask for your help."
Weng Ling briefly explained what had happened, then handed Xiao Qu a shopping list.
"These are the things we need. Can you help us with this favor?"
"Ah, yes, of course, it's a small matter."
After placing the sleeping child in the backyard's room, Xiao Qu was about to leave, but Weng Ling grabbed her, handing her 30 silver coins.
"Ah, there's no need for so much!" Xiao Qu waved her hands in fear.
For an ordinary family, a monthly income was around 30 silver coins. If it was just to buy some daily necessities, they wouldn't need so much.
"The extra money is for you to help us inquire about something—where is Old Jiang's workshop? When does he usually close, how many people are there in his family, and if he has any apprentices or not," Night San Geng approached and said.
"Ah, this matter... what are you planning to do?" Xiao Qu suddenly looked frightened.
They wouldn't be up to no good, would they?
"Don't overthink it... I just want to return his single-wheel cart a bit later and maybe learn from him how to make such delicious smoked meat," Night San Geng pointed outside at the cart, speaking earnestly.
Meanwhile, Weng Ling gave Night San Geng a disdainful look. How was he so proficient in telling lies? And why did that expression seem so familiar?
After sending Xiao Qu, who went out for shopping, away, Night San Geng and Weng Ling sat in the shop, contemplating.
"By the way, how did you know there was an issue with the smoked meat? I couldn't see any difference, and it tasted..." Weng Ling's face turned pale again.
"Oh, I just guessed," Night San Geng shrugged.
In fact, before seeing the so-called smoked wild boar meat, Weng Ling had thoroughly praised the shop. However, Night San Geng found it strange.
If Old Jiang's meat was so popular, why didn't he simply raise prices and take the high road? Why sell at the same price as other meat shops or even cheaper?
Was he not afraid of getting exhausted, or was it for the sake of benefiting the villagers?
Night San Geng didn't believe that the hefty, meaty guy could be so kind-hearted. So, there had to be a problem. It wasn't until he used the system's item identification to reveal the true nature of the smoked meat that he felt relieved.
So that's it!
Firstly, Old Jiang's demon rat breeding farm must be very close, perhaps all in one place with the breeding farm, slaughterhouse, and smoked meat workshop. Otherwise, Old Jiang would tire himself out with daily deliveries, making it impossible for him to sell at such low prices.
Secondly, demon rats must have strong reproductive capabilities. Old Jiang needed to quickly handle the excess demon rats, and low-cost processing for money would undoubtedly be his first choice. Hence, Old Jiang's pricing advantage was so significant.
While others sold for 70 copper coins per pound, he sold for 60 copper coins, with good taste and ample quantity. People couldn't help but support him.
Listening to Night San Geng's analysis of the demon rat breeding farm, Weng Ling widened her eyes in amazement. "You thought of all that just from an unusual price?"
"Actually, it's mainly because I heard Old Gu mention before that some people use demon rats to pass off as wild boar meat. Add to that the human nature of pursuing profit, and
no one would be kind to others for no reason..."
Saying this, Night San Geng glanced at Weng Ling.
Well, this girl seems to be an exception.
"So, what's our plan?" Weng Ling rubbed her hands.
Night San Geng pointed to the sky outside.
"We wait until tonight..."