"Brother Tang, how do you intend to cooperate?" Master Ge asked, choosing his words carefully.

"Profit-sharing cooperation," Tang Yan succinctly proposed.

After a brief moment of thought, Master Ge responded, "From what I know, pills that can improve meridians are at least tier-three in grade. My authority doesn’t allow me to negotiate profit-sharing for high-grade pills.

I’ll send a message to headquarters and have them send someone to talk to you."

Tang Yan smiled, "You're overthinking it. As you said, my master will certainly consider the specifics, but the Essence Pulse Powder is a first-tier top-grade pill. I’m confident that with your expertise, Master Ge, making this pill is no trouble. Other alchemists can make it as well."

"What? First-tier Essence Pulse Pill?" Master Ge stood up in shock.

Tang Yan remained composed, taking a sip of tea and watching Master Ge with a smile. "Master Ge, can we sit down and have a proper discussion now?"

"Of course, of course," Master Ge quickly sat down. As an alchemist, he understood the immense value of such a pill. He eagerly asked, "Brother Tang, don’t keep me in suspense. How can we get this pill formula?"

"The rights to the formula can be sold for one million taels of silver to Miao Dan Pavilion. As for the profits, we’ll do a 30-70 split, with Miao Dan Pavilion getting 70%," Tang Yan said, calculating the offer.

One million taels might seem like a lot, but compared to the value of the Essence Pulse Powder, it was just a small sum—Miao Dan Pavilion wouldn’t mind paying it.

"The profit split seems a bit high," Master Ge frowned.

"For an ordinary formula, a 10% share would be high. But the Essence Pulse formula is extremely rare. You know as well as I do how precious meridian-improving pills are. Besides, Miao Dan Pavilion isn't the only alchemy faction in Tianxiang Kingdom. We can find other buyers outside of Cloud City. The profit split can definitely be negotiated to 50-50, 60-40, or even 70-30 in your favor. But I’ve given you a generous offer of 30-70, partly to thank you for your help with the cauldron and because I trust Miao Dan Pavilion’s credibility. If it were anywhere else, such a low split would be impossible," Tang Yan explained seriously.

Master Ge knew that Tang Yan was right, so he nodded in agreement. "How exactly does the Essence Pulse Powder work?"

"Here it is. Take a look for yourself," Tang Yan said, handing over a porcelain bottle.

Master Ge uncorked the bottle and used his spiritual sense to probe the contents. A soothing, refreshing fragrance immediately filled the air, and he felt his own meridians, previously sluggish, being invigorated by a burst of fresh energy.

From just the aroma, Master Ge could tell the quality was impeccable. He apologized quickly and hurried to the appraisal room.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

In about fifteen minutes, Master Ge returned, his face glowing with excitement.

"Brother Tang, this really is a meridian-improving pill!" Master Ge was overjoyed. The Essence Pulse Powder had exactly the effect he’d expected.

"Would I joke about something like this?" Tang Yan chuckled.

"I was too hasty," Master Ge quickly said. "When can we sign the contract? When can you give me the formula?"

"We can sign now. Once the contract is signed, I’ll hand over the formula," Tang Yan said, making a decision.

"Great! Let’s get to it!" Master Ge replied eagerly. This was a guaranteed profitable deal, and he wasted no time.

Using paper and ink, Tang Yan wrote down the formula for the Essence Pulse Powder and the detailed refining process.

It wasn’t long before Master Ge presented the drafted contract. Tang Yan read it carefully, ensuring every clause, including the monthly settlements, was clear. Satisfied, he signed the contract and stamped it with his seal.

Master Ge did the same with Miao Dan Pavilion's seal, and the deal was finalized. He then handed over a thick stack of gold notes to Tang Yan. The business was officially concluded.

"Excellent! Truly excellent! Your master must be a genius!" Master Ge exclaimed, inspecting the formula. Though it was only a first-tier pill, the refining process was complex and involved many steps.

This method, which broke the rumor that no meridian-improving pills existed below third-tier, was impressive.

"You're too kind. Since we’ve finalized this, I look forward to our future cooperation," Tang Yan replied with a smile, both parties pleased.

"Brother Tang, whenever you have more formulas, feel free to bring them to Miao Dan Pavilion. I’ll ensure we maximize your profits," Master Ge added warmly.

"Such formulas are rare, and my master took a long time to develop this one. If we have any more in the future, we’ll definitely cooperate with you. For now, I’ll take my leave. I’ll come by again when I have time," Tang Yan said, cupping his fists.

Master Ge quickly saw him out.

As they exited, the atmosphere in the hall, which had previously been noisy, suddenly became quiet.

"Greetings, Master Ge!" Everyone in the hall greeted him respectfully.

"No need for formalities, go ahead with your work. I’ll see Brother Tang out," Master Ge nodded, dismissing everyone before leading Tang Yan out.

To Tang Yan's surprise, the woman in white who had caught his attention earlier had not yet left. She immediately approached Master Ge and coldly asked, "Are you Master Ge?"

"Yes. May I ask who you are?" Master Ge asked coolly, having been blocked.

"Can you refine a third-tier top-grade pill?" The woman’s voice was as cold as ice.

"Sorry, I’m only a second-tier alchemist and cannot refine such a pill," Master Ge replied, growing increasingly irritated. "Third-tier top-grade pills are nearly impossible to find. You might want to try in Dongzhou."

"Sorry for the disturbance," the woman said curtly before turning and leaving Miao Dan Pavilion.

"Ha, sorry for making you laugh, Brother Tang," Master Ge sighed, watching the woman leave.

"It’s no problem, Master Ge. You’re welcome to visit my Tang family anytime," Tang Yan offered.

"Of course, I’ll visit in a few days," Master Ge responded enthusiastically.

The mention of Tang Family caught the attention of some people in the hall. "Tang Family?" they wondered. "What’s the connection between Miao Dan Pavilion and Tang Family? That young man... Could he be the young master of Tang Family?"

Tang Yan, holding a stack of gold notes, originally planned to head straight home. However, noticing the woman in white still walking ahead, curiosity got the better of him, and he quietly followed.

Tang Yan, having mastered many tracking techniques, stealthily followed the woman through the crowded streets, without her noticing.

After half an hour, the woman only bought some herbs before heading out of the city. Once outside, her pace quickened dramatically. Tang Yan kept up, using his true qi to maintain a safe distance while continuing to observe.