Chapter 52: Chapter 52 - Strategic Alliance
I gazed at the crowd of businessmen gathered below the stage, their faces a mix of skepticism and intrigue. After Jaheim Damon had led everyone in ridiculing me, I decided to make my move.
"I don’t have the formula," I announced slowly, watching their reactions, "but I can give you all the agency rights, and I’ll only take ten percent."
The crowd erupted in excitement immediately. Taking only ten percent was practically giving it away for free! Their murmurs filled the hall as they calculated potential profits.
"However, I have a condition," I continued, my voice cutting through their chatter. I turned my cold gaze toward Xavier Hill. "No one can cooperate with the Hill family, and all prices must be unified."
"Otherwise, their agency rights will be revoked."
My approach was clearly targeting the Hill family. With unified prices, Carter Hill wouldn’t be able to buy from others. I watched as Carter’s face darkened with anger.
Carter glared at me, suddenly slamming his fist against the table. "Mason Raymond, do you think you can fight against me with this shitty Soul Nourishment Pill? I’m telling you, it’s impossible!"
"Possible or not, it’s not up to you," I replied coldly, meeting his furious stare with calm resolve.
Carter continued glaring, his voice fierce. "We’ll see!"
With those final words hanging in the air, he turned and stormed out of the room. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Jaheim Damon shifting uncomfortably. He approached me with a forced smile plastered across his face.
"Mr. Raymond, I... I was just joking earlier," he said, his embarrassment evident. "You don’t mind, do you?"
I gave him a dismissive glance and waved my hand. "Woods Walters, throw him out for me!"
"Yes! Mr. Raymond!" Woods responded eagerly, quickly summoning a few men who grabbed Jaheim and escorted him forcefully out the door.
Lyla Lucas and Harvey Brown took the hint and hastily made their exit from No. 1 Grand Mansion without another word.
Once outside, Lyla muttered softly, "When did this trash learn traditional medicine..."
She had lived with Mason for three full years, during which he’d done nothing but laundry and cooking. Harvey’s face remained ashen as he walked silently beside her.
After the presentation concluded, I joined Mr. Drake backstage.
"Elder Drake, this is the formula for the Soul Nourishment Pill," I said, generously handing over the document containing the precious formula.
"In my life, I never thought I could see such a mysterious formula... I’m content to die!" Elder Drake clutched the formula with trembling hands, tears of excitement streaming down his weathered face.
He suddenly looked up at me, his eyes bright with purpose. "Young man, if you’re willing, I can refine the Soul Nourishment Pill for you!"
I stood stunned for a moment before joy spread across my face. "Elder Drake, are you serious?"
"Absolutely! As long as you trust me!" he replied earnestly.
"That’s great!" I couldn’t contain my excitement. With Elder Drake’s help, I would save countless hours of work. Plus, his many apprentices could later assist in producing the Soul Nourishment Pill.
We conversed enthusiastically, and through our exchange, I sensed that Elder Drake was truly a medicine fanatic who had dedicated his entire life to refining pills.
"It’s just a pity that my talent is lacking, and I can only live in River City for my entire life," he sighed softly.
Then, changing the subject, he looked at me intently. "Young man, with your talent, you shouldn’t stay in River City. At least you should go to the Traditional Medicine Conference and get a ranking to prove yourself!"
"Traditional Medicine Conference?" I frowned, unfamiliar with the term. "What is that?"
Elder Drake appeared surprised. "You don’t know?"
I scratched my head sheepishly. "Elder Drake, I rarely go out, so I don’t know much about these things..."
Hearing this, he immediately launched into an explanation. "The Traditional Medicine Conference is a competition held in our country for traditional medicine practitioners. It happens about twice a year. If you can get a ranking, you receive a medicinal herb as reward."
"Last year, the first prize in Chuzzle was said to be a hundred-year-old King of Medicine."
Upon hearing this, I jumped to my feet.
"Elder Drake, are you telling the truth?" I couldn’t hide my excitement. A hundred-year-old King of Medicine would provide enough material for me to refine ten Qi Gathering Pills! My strength would soar with such a prize.
Elder Drake nodded firmly. "Of course it’s true."
He continued with a hint of regret in his voice, "I’ve participated a few times, but I haven’t been able to win a ranking for River City."
"I thought there was no hope for our River City," he added, his eyes gleaming with new possibility, "but if you participate, you will definitely bring glory to our traditional medicine community!"
