Kai sat across from Lin Yue, the silence between them broken only by the gentle clink of teacups. After what felt like an eternity, Kai decided to break the silence. He set his cup down with a soft tap and looked directly at Lin Yue.

"So, Lin Yue," Kai began. "What brings you to see me today?"

Lin Yue's lips curved into a polite smile. "Two reasons, actually. First, I wanted to personally apologize for the trouble my associates caused Chen Wei in Greenleaf Village. It was... unfortunate."

Kai nodded. "I appreciate that. Chen Wei mentioned there were some issues."

"Indeed," Lin Yue said, his brow furrowing slightly. "Rest assured, those responsible have been dealt with. It won't happen again."

"Good to hear," Kai replied. He took another sip of tea. "And the second reason?"

Lin Yue's eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and something sharper. "Ah, yes. I've heard about your... situation with Su Fang. It seems many disciples are hoping for some fireworks between you two."

Kai couldn't help but chuckle, though there was little humor in it. "Is that so? Well, they might be disappointed. I've read the sect rules. Disciples can't just fight unofficially. If there's a problem, it has to be settled in the arena."

He leaned back. "Besides, I doubt a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Su Fang would challenge a mere Qi Refining cultivator like myself to a battle. It would be embarrassing for him, don't you think?"

Lin Yue nodded slowly, his expression growing more serious. "You're not wrong, Kai. But there are more ways to come to blows than just physical combat."

The Inner Disciple leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Su Fang isn't to be trusted. He didn't become the prime seller of Qi Gathering pills by playing nice. Rules were bent, competitors were... dealt with."

Kai's eyes narrowed slightly. Not exactly shocking news in the cultivation world, he mused. Even in a supposedly righteous sect like Azure Sky, business could be cutthroat.

"I see," Kai said aloud. "And what would you suggest I do about that?"

"Well, from what I've observed of your personality, you're not the type to want to spend all your time as an alchemist making pills. Especially not for someone else. Am I right?"

Kai nodded, curious where this was going.

"So, why don't we enter into a partnership?" Lin Yue proposed. "You've already purchased Qi Gathering materials from me. Why not make it an official, long-term arrangement?"

Kai's eyes narrowed slightly. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you already have someone you supply to? Su Fang, perhaps?"

Lin Yue's smile faltered, replaced by a grimace. "Ah, well... since it's not exactly a secret, I'll be honest. I used to supply Su Fang, yes. But due to certain... difficulties and disagreements, we've gone our separate ways."

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Sounds like Lin Yue got replaced, Kai thought, studying the Inner Disciple's face.

Lin Yue seemed to read Kai's thoughts. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes, I suppose you could say I was replaced. But it was because I refused to go along with Su Fang's bullying tactics. There are lines I won't cross, even in business."

Kai remained silent, turning the situation over in his mind. If he partnered with Su Fang, who already had an established business, Kai would be relegated to the role of just another alchemist. He'd have no real ownership or control. Both scenarios went against his reasons for starting his own venture.

On the other hand, not partnering with Su Fang meant they'd be direct competitors. And Su Fang, with his mature business, would likely try to crush Kai's fledgling operation.

No, partnering with Su Fang is out of the question, Kai decided. It goes against everything I'm trying to build here.

As for Lin Yue's offer... Kai already needed a long-term supplier. Working with Lin Yue couldn't hurt, at least for now. If things didn't pan out, he could always terminate the relationship.

"Alright," Kai said, breaking the silence that had fallen between them. "Let's talk specifics. The main ingredients for Qi Gathering pills are Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals, correct?"

Lin Yue nodded, sitting up straighter. "That's right."

"Now, if bought separately, these materials cost about 15 spirit stones total per pill," Kai continued. "But I'm planning to buy in bulk. So, let's negotiate."

Lin Yue's eyes lit up with interest. "I'm listening."

"How about 9 spirit stones per bundle?" Kai proposed, knowing he was starting too low.

Lin Yue shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "Come now, Senior Brother. You know I can't go that low. How about 14 spirit stones?"

Kai leaned forward, his voice firm but not aggressive. "14 is barely a discount. Remember, I'm offering you a long-term, stable business relationship. That's worth something. How about 11 spirit stones?"

Lin Yue stroked his chin, considering. "You drive a hard bargain. But 11 is too low for me to make a profit. Let's meet in the middle – 12.5 spirit stones per bundle."

Kai shook his head. "Close, but not quite there. 12 spirit stones, and I guarantee you'll be my exclusive supplier for these materials."

Lin Yue's eyebrows rose at that. He paused, clearly weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he nodded. “With that exclusivity guarantee, I’ll settle for 12 spirit stones."

They sealed their agreement with a small bow of their heads.

"Now," Kai said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Tell me about Su Fang's operation. How many alchemists does he have working for him? What's their daily output?"

Lin Yue leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Su Fang has three Novice Alchemists under him. Each produces about 10 pills per day, which he sells for 30 spirit stones apiece."

Kai's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Only three alchemists? I would have expected more."

Lin Yue chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, you'd think so. But alchemists are a prideful bunch. They don't like working under others, especially someone like Su Fang who's not an alchemist himself."

Kai nodded slowly. I have Xie Li and myself, though Xie Li is just on a trial basis. And I don't want to spend all my time making pills. But as an alchemist myself, it might be easier for me to hire others...

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Chen Wei's voice called out, "Senior Brother Kai? A servant is here to take you to the Sect Master for your next lesson."

Kai looked at Lin Yue apologetically. "It seems our time is up."

Lin Yue stood, smoothing out his robes. "No worries. We've accomplished much today. My men will be in contact with you regarding the specifics."

With that, he left, leaving Kai alone with his thoughts.

Alright, time to plan my next move. My 1000 low-grade spirit stone stipend comes tomorrow. That should be enough to hire two or three alchemists of my own as well as buy a substantial amount of materials. I doubt he’ll make any moves before our meeting so if I play this right, I could be a real threat to Su Fang's business before then…