How much? You name your price!

The team sent by Wang Jianguo was astonishingly efficient. The very next morning, the director from Wansheng Real Estate, who introduced himself as "Little Wang," personally drove a low-key but luxuriously appointed business vehicle to a relatively secluded spot outside the residential complex, successfully avoiding the crowds still lingering at the main entrances.

Lin Fan, along with Taishang Laojun (Yuanshi and Nüwa had chosen to stay behind, while Tong Tian was still guarding Gong Gong), got into the car. The vehicle smoothly drove towards "Jingxin Garden" on the west side of the city. Along the way, Director Wang was exceptionally deferential, almost to the point of servility, constantly explaining the history and environment of Jingxin Garden, as well as Wansheng Group's planned renovation solutions. These ranged from reinforcing the foundation and updating the water and electricity systems to adding independent security and ecological planting areas. The meticulous planning indicated a significant investment of resources and effort.

Laojun listened with a gentle smile throughout, occasionally nodding without committing, which kept Director Wang on edge, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

As the vehicle entered the sanatorium nestled in the mountain hollow, even Lin Fan, accustomed to the extraordinary presence of Sages, couldn't help but silently praise it in his heart. This was truly a blessed place!

The sanatorium occupied a considerable area, with a lush green mountain behind it and a clear stream meandering in front. The air was fresh, carrying the sweet fragrance of plants. The several main buildings, built in a Soviet style and showing their age, were somewhat dilapidated but structurally sound. Red brick walls were covered in green vines, lending them a unique charm. Most importantly, the entire compound was surrounded by a tall wall, connected to the outside world by only one road, ensuring excellent privacy. Furthermore, the place seemed to naturally contain a faint trace of spiritual energy (perhaps due to its proximity to the mountains and water). While far inferior to the Primordial Era, it was worlds apart from the polluted environment of the city.

Laojun walked slowly through the grounds with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the terrain. He nodded slightly, "The layout here is acceptable. It gathers wind and concentrates qi. Although the spiritual veins are depleted, the foundation is intact. With a little adjustment, it can be a place for pure cultivation."

Hearing this, Director Wang felt as if he had been granted a great pardon. A brilliant smile instantly bloomed on his face, and he repeatedly said, "As long as Divine Doctor Li likes it! As long as he likes it! We are expediting all the paperwork, and the property transfer will be completed by tomorrow at the latest! We've also contacted the best team for the renovation, guaranteeing it will be completed to the highest standards and at the fastest pace, without affecting your and the ladies' and gentlemen's move-in!"

Laojun responded with a noncommittal "Mm," which was taken as an acknowledgment.

On the way back to the city, Director Wang received a phone call. He turned to Laojun and Lin Fan with even greater respect and said, "Divine Doctor Li, Mr. Lin, our Chairman Wang... wishes to personally thank you for saving his life. He has arranged a banquet at 'Penglai Pavilion.' Would you two be so kind as to grace us with your presence?"

Lin Fan looked at Laojun. Laojun narrowed his eyes, as if sensing something. After a moment, he smiled faintly, "Yes. It's a good opportunity, as I also have a few things I need to clarify with Layman Wang."

Penglai Pavilion was the city's premier private club, located by a scenic lake and operating under a strict membership system, making it difficult for even ordinary wealthy individuals to gain entry. As Lin Fan and Laojun were led into the antique and sumptuously decorated private room by Director Wang, Wang Jianguo, who had been waiting there, immediately stepped forward.

He was a stark contrast to his previous frail state on his sickbed. Wang Jianguo now had a ruddy complexion, was full of vigor, and possessed sharp eyes, exuding the powerful aura of someone accustomed to high positions. Upon seeing Laojun, he showed no arrogance. Instead, he bowed deeply and said with utmost sincerity, "Elder Mr. Li! I am eternally grateful for saving my life! Please accept my bow!"

Laojun calmly accepted his bow, then gently supported him, saying lightly, "Layman Wang, there's no need for such formality. It was merely a physician's duty."

"It may be your duty, but for me, Wang, it is a gift of a second life!" Wang Jianguo said, visibly emotional, as he led them to their seats. The enormous round table was already laden with delicacies, many of which Lin Fan had never seen before. The air was filled with the mingled aromas of food and precious spices.

During the meal, Wang Jianguo avoided any business talk, focusing solely on expressing his gratitude and subtly indicating that he had deep connections in both political and business circles. He assured them that should Divine Doctor Li and Lin Fan ever need anything in the future, he and Wansheng Group would spare no effort.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Wang Jianguo dismissed all the service staff. Only the three of them remained in the private room, and the atmosphere became somewhat delicate.

Wang Jianguo personally poured Laojun a cup of clear tea, his posture extremely humble. After a moment of contemplation, he finally got to the point: "Elder Mr. Li, I am a businessman, and I prefer to be direct. You saved my life, and a mere Jingxin Garden is insufficient to express even a fraction of my gratitude."

He paused, his gaze intensely fixed on Laojun, his voice lowered with an almost uncontrollable longing: "I know that transcendent figures like yourself view wealth as dirt. However, I still wish to boldly ask... could you possibly bestow a few more of your 'Qingre Pills'? Or... transfer the formula to me? Rest assured, the price will absolutely satisfy you! Ten billion? Twenty billion? Name your price! Or, whatever you desire, just say the word! As long as it exists in this world, I, Wang Jianguo, will find a way to get it for you!"

His true intentions were finally revealed! It wasn't just about repaying a debt of gratitude; what he truly desired was the "Qingre Pill" itself, or rather, the ability to produce it! A single pill had brought him back from the brink of death. The value of such a miraculous medicine could not be measured by money alone! Possessing it was equivalent to having a second life, and... unimaginable power and wealth!

Lin Fan's heart tightened, and he looked nervously at Laojun. He knew this was the real test.

Facing Wang Jianguo's almost frenzied gaze, Laojun maintained his usual serene smile. He slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said leisurely, "Layman Wang, I appreciate your intentions. However, this 'Qingre Pill'..."

He deliberately drew out the last syllable, watching Wang Jianguo's body tense and his eyes fill with anticipation, before continuing, "...is not easy to refine. While the required medicinal ingredients are not rare, they must align with the opportune time and favorable conditions, and require a unique technique and considerable effort to form the pill. The quantity is limited and difficult to mass-produce. I keep a small amount only for helping people, not for profit."

His words were like ice water, extinguishing some of the fire in Wang Jianguo's eyes, but he was still unwilling to give up: "It's okay if it can't be mass-produced! I'll take whatever you have! The price can be doubled! Or, what rare medicinal ingredients do you need? I'll mobilize global resources to collect them! I only beg Elder Mr. Li to spare me a few pills for emergencies! You know, people like us, despite our apparent success, we all have our ailments, don't we? Who isn't afraid of death?"

His words carried the shrewdness and uncompromising nature of a business magnate. He wasn't just asking for himself; he saw the immense demand and potential value of the "Qingre Pill" within elite circles. Possessing one meant an extra life; being able to obtain them consistently was an invisible, powerful bargaining chip that could make countless influential figures bow down!

Laojun looked at Wang Jianguo, his smile unchanged, but his eyes deepened slightly: "Layman Wang, remember, all medicine has a degree of toxicity. While the 'Qingre Pill' is potent, it is not a panacea, nor is it a medicine for eternal life. Over-reliance on external substances can harm one's own foundation. Moreover, this medicine contains the vital essence of Dao rhythm. Without destiny, and for those with impure hearts, seeking it forcefully will bring misfortune."

His words carried a hint of admonishment and hidden meaning.

Wang Jianguo, being the astute individual he was, immediately understood the subtext – the medicine could be given, but not in large quantities, and it depended on the person and the circumstances. He immediately adopted a more sincere expression: "Elder Mr. Li, you are right to admonish me! I was rash! I dare not be greedy. I only ask that you, considering my sincerity, bestow upon me one more pill... no, two! For emergencies! As for compensation, in addition to Jingxin Garden, I am willing to donate another billion to establish a charitable foundation in your name, specifically for the relief of impoverished patients! What do you say?"

He settled for less, no longer insisting on the formula or a large quantity of pills. Instead, he used the guise of a grand "charity" to obtain a limited number of life-saving divine medicines, while also gaining a good reputation and establishing a closer connection with Laojun.

Laojun pondered for a moment, his gaze seemingly drifting to the shimmering lake outside the private room's window. He lightly tapped the rim of his teacup, as if deducing something. After a long while, he slowly said, "Very well. Since Layman Wang has such benevolent intentions, I shall give you two more 'Qingre Pills.' However, you must remember that this medicine is not to be trifled with. Do not use it lightly, and certainly do not show it to those with ill intentions. Otherwise, you will bring misfortune upon yourself."

With that, he once again reached into his magical gray jacket pocket, took out the warm jade bottle, poured out two emerald-green "Qingre Pills," placed them in a small, ordinary wooden box he had prepared, and handed it to Wang Jianguo.

Wang Jianguo's hands trembled as he accepted the seemingly ordinary wooden box, as if holding an unparalleled treasure. His face flushed with excitement, and his voice became choked with emotion, "Thank you, Elder Mr. Li! Thank you! Rest assured! I will strictly follow your teachings! Regarding the charitable foundation, I will arrange it immediately upon my return and ensure it is implemented thoroughly!"

At this moment, what was the meaning of being a business magnate or having billions in assets? In the face of a divine medicine that could decide life and death, it all seemed so insignificant. Wang Jianguo was filled with reverence and gratitude towards Laojun, and his resolve to maintain this "lifeline" at all costs only strengthened.

Lin Fan watched from the side, his heart stirred. Two pills exchanged for a top-tier property, a billion-dollar charitable foundation (though nominally charitable, the operational control rested with Wang Jianguo, effectively making it resources gifted to Laojun), and the unwavering loyalty of a top magnate... This transaction completely overturned his understanding!

However, he was unaware that besides Wang Jianguo's displayed "sincerity" and "benevolence," the more important reason Laojun agreed to give the pills was that, while deducing with his own Dao rhythm, he faintly sensed that Wang Jianguo had a long-lasting destiny and was connected to the karma of certain future events. Establishing a good relationship now might be beneficial in the future.

Just as Wang Jianguo was offering profuse thanks and preparing to personally escort Laojun and Lin Fan out, Laojun suddenly stopped, his gaze once again falling on the window, his brow imperceptibly twitching.

"Layman Wang," Laojun suddenly spoke, his tone carrying a subtle anomaly, "The old man fishing under the willow tree by the lake, who is he?"

Wang Jianguo followed Laojun's gaze. Indeed, under a large weeping willow by the lake, sat an old man wearing a bamboo hat and a simple cotton shirt, holding a fishing rod and quietly fishing. His back exuded a sense of leisure and... loneliness that was incongruous with the luxurious club.

Wang Jianguo glanced at him, his expression shifting slightly. He lowered his voice and said, "Elder Mr. Li, that gentleman... has an extraordinary background. He is a retired senior leader from the capital, named Han. He is a bit... eccentric and usually lives in seclusion, rarely seeing guests. Even I find it difficult to speak with him."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of understanding flashed in Laojun's eyes. He nodded and asked no further questions, turning to leave.

But Lin Fan noticed that as Laojun turned, his fingertips seemed to move almost imperceptibly. A faint, almost undetectable ray of pure light, like dandelion seeds scattered by the wind, silently drifted towards the old man fishing by the lake.

On the way back, Lin Fan couldn't help but ask, "Senior Laojun, that old man fishing... is there anything special about him?"

Laojun leaned back against the seat, his eyes closed as if resting. Hearing the question, he merely smiled faintly and said meaningfully, "The mortal world is vast, with hidden dragons and crouching tigers. The waters of this realm are deeper... than imagined."

He paused and added, "Inform Yuanshi and Nüwa that the matter of Jingxin Garden is settled. They can begin preparations for the relocation. This place... is not suitable for staying long."

Lin Fan's heart grew serious, knowing that Laojun must have sensed something. He glanced at the bustling city outside the car window, and the feeling of an impending storm grew stronger in his heart.

Meanwhile, in a distant rented apartment, Gong Gong, who had been in a deep slumber, suddenly opened his eyes! Those eyes were no longer filled with chaos and madness, but with bloodshot intensity and a bone-chilling, clear hatred!

He tightly gripped the fragment of the "Soul-Devouring Axe" in his arms and let out a roar from the depths of hell:

"'They'... are the 'Void Cult'!!! The ones who incited me to knock down Mount Buzhou... were 'them'!!! The shattering of the Primordial Era... is also related to 'them'!!! I can feel it... 'their' presence... is in this world!!!"