Seeing Master Tang so agitated, Ge Ming realized what Tang Ling’s question had meant.

He glanced at Tang Yan with a knowing smile. Was this young man always seen as a spendthrift in the eyes of his grandfather?

Before Tang Ling could explode in anger, Ge Ming explained, “Calm down, Patriarch Tang. Young Master Tang doesn’t owe Myriad Elixir Pavilion money—our pavilion is here to deliver your earnings. Young Master Tang, you didn’t explain this to your grandfather?”

Under the intense glare of Master Tang, Tang Yan chuckled awkwardly. “Too many things have been happening lately, and I forgot. My master gave me a pill formula and allowed me to cooperate with Myriad Elixir Pavilion to sell it. We receive a 30% profit share, settled monthly. Today is the settlement date.”

“We earned 3.3 million taels of silver this month?” Master Tang was utterly stunned. Such a huge sum was equivalent to half a year’s revenue for the Tang family!

“Indeed. We have converted it all into silver notes of 50,000 taels each. Please verify.” Ge Ming gestured, and a subordinate stepped forward, presenting a wooden box.

Master Tang opened it, revealing three thick stacks of neatly arranged silver notes. The fine engravings and the seal of Tianxiang Merchant Guild assured him of their authenticity.

Not that Myriad Elixir Pavilion would ever risk its reputation with counterfeit notes. Estimating the amount, Master Tang nodded and was about to thank Ge Ming when Tang Yan suddenly spoke up.

“Ge Lao-ge, why is it so little?”

Tang Ling nearly fainted. Over three million taels in a month, and you think it’s little?!

Glancing at Ge Ming’s expression, Tang Ling was even more dumbfounded. He expected some irritation from the elder, but instead, Ge Ming looked slightly embarrassed!

“Heh, this was just the first month. Myriad Elixir Pavilion had to allocate manpower to familiarize themselves with the refining process and time to promote the pill. That alone took a month.”

Ge Ming smiled. “But rest assured, the Qi Tempering Powder has been received well. From next month onward, your earnings won’t be less than five million taels per month.”

Master Tang felt his mind go blank.

He had always believed there was no such thing as money falling from the sky. Yet today, he was practically being showered with gold!

Five million taels per month. That was almost an entire year's worth of revenue for the Tang family! Normally, after covering the family’s expenses, they could only save a fraction of that annually.

“Then I must thank you, Brother Ge.”

“Haha, no need to be so polite! We both benefit from this. By the way, does your esteemed master have any new pill formulas? We’re open to further profit-sharing collaborations.”

Stolen story; please report.

“This type of high-quality, low-tier pill is quite rare,” Tang Yan replied. “My master only had this one formula. However, he has spent his entire life devoted to alchemy, so there’s a high chance he’ll develop more in the future.”

Hearing this, a flicker of disappointment flashed in Ge Ming’s eyes.

But he understood Tang Yan’s words made sense. After some casual conversation, he took his leave.

Once Myriad Elixir Pavilion’s people had left, Master Tang stared at Tang Yan in disbelief.

“This money… it really belongs to the Tang family?”

“Yes!”

“And we’ll get it every month?”

“Yes!”

After receiving Tang Yan’s confirmation, Master Tang let out a long breath, his gaze filled with relief.

“That jade slip’s martial technique… it requires a certain level of strength to cultivate, doesn’t it?” He suddenly shifted the topic.

“At the very least, one needs to reach the Profound Tier to properly utilize its power.”

“So powerful…” Master Tang’s eyes widened in amazement before he nodded. “Then focus on your training. If you need anything, just ask.”

After a brief pause, he pushed the wooden box toward Tang Yan.

“This money is yours. Tonight, Tianbao Auction House is holding an auction. Go see if there’s anything useful for you.”

AN EXCITING AUCTION AWAITS

Auction? Tang Yan’s eyes brightened. He was in desperate need of a cultivation technique. Without hesitation, he accepted the money.

As night fell, Tang Yan took Ziyun with him and headed toward the auction house.

“How much of your strength has recovered?” he asked Ziyun as they walked.

A playful smile curved her lips. “In two more days, I should reach the Earth Tier.”

“So soon?!” Tang Yan was surprised. Her recovery speed far exceeded his expectations.

“Mhm.” Ziyun hesitated before saying, “I've been away from my family for a long time. I’ll probably have to leave Yun City soon.”

“Good. You’ve been eating and drinking for free at my house all this time, and you never paid a single coin…”

At first, Ziyun had been feeling slightly melancholic. But after hearing Tang Yan’s words, her delicate brows furrowed, and her beautiful eyes burned with fury.

“You… want a beating?”

Tang Yan, caught off guard, suddenly felt a sharp pain on his backside.

BAM!

A swift kick sent him stumbling forward.

“That was ruthless! If you keep being so violent, who would dare marry you? Can’t you be a little gentler?” Tang Yan lamented, rubbing his sore rear.

“You’re still talking?!” Ziyun’s eyes narrowed dangerously. With a whirlwind-like motion, she delivered another kick.

Tang Yan had learned his lesson. He shut his mouth and obediently walked in silence.

Seeing him looking like a scolded puppy, Ziyun chuckled behind him.

Her laughter, soft and melodious, was as fleeting as a breeze.

But Tang Yan was too focused on avoiding more kicks to notice.

Not long after, they arrived at Tianbao Auction House. The place bustled with people heading inside.

Tang Yan’s anticipation grew. With a fortune in hand, let’s hope the auction doesn’t disappoint.

As they stepped into the grand auction hall, they immediately drew attention.

However, most gazes weren’t directed at Tang Yan.

Instead, all eyes were on Ziyun.

Her otherworldly beauty, paired with her cold and aloof demeanor, was like a snow lotus blooming atop a distant peak—unreachable yet mesmerizing.

Some recognized her from the Mid-Autumn Tournament when she had appeared alongside the Tang family.

Rumors swirled—some claimed she was Tang Yan’s fiancée, while others believed she was merely a relative. No one knew the truth.

Ignoring the murmurs, Tang Yan pulled Ziyun along and found the Tang Family’s private seating area.

As they settled in, the auction hall quickly filled to capacity.

Scanning the crowd, Tang Yan noticed representatives from all four major families of Yun City.

He also sensed hostile gazes from some of them.

Heh. This time, I’ll make sure you all leave empty-handed.