How Much? Name Your Price!

The team Wang Jianguo sent over was astonishingly efficient. Early the next morning, the Wansheng Real Estate director who called himself "Little Wang" personally drove a modest-looking business car with an extraordinarily luxurious interior to a relatively secluded spot outside the Residential Complex, successfully avoiding the crowds still waiting at the main entrances.

Lin Fan got into the car with Taishang Laojun. Yuanshi and Nüwa had chosen to stay behind, while Tong Tian continued keeping watch over Gong Gong. The car drove smoothly toward "Jingxin Garden" in the western part of the city. Along the way, Director Wang was so deferential he was almost obsequious. He kept introducing Jingxin Garden's history and surroundings, as well as Wansheng Group's renovation plans, from reinforcing the foundations and updating the water, electricity, and heating networks to adding an independent security system and an ecological garden. Everything had been considered in meticulous detail; they had clearly invested tremendous resources and effort.

Laojun listened with a pleasant smile the entire way, occasionally nodding without committing himself. This kept Director Wang on tenterhooks, sweat constantly beading on his forehead.

When the car entered the sanatorium nestled in the valley, even Lin Fan, who was accustomed to the extraordinary presence of the Sages, couldn't help praising it silently. This really was a treasure of a place!

The sanatorium covered a vast area. A lush little mountain rose behind it, and a clear stream wound past the front. The air was so fresh it carried the sweet fragrance of plants and trees. Several Soviet-style main buildings, steeped in history, were somewhat dilapidated, but their structures remained sturdy. Green vines covered the red-brick walls, giving them a charm all their own. Most remarkable of all, the entire compound was enclosed by tall walls and connected to the outside world by just one road, making it exceptionally private. The place also seemed to naturally contain a faint trace of spiritual energy—perhaps because it was close to the mountains and water. It was nowhere near the Primordial Era, but compared to the polluted city, it was a world apart.

With his hands behind his back, Laojun strolled through the grounds, surveying the landscape and terrain before giving a slight nod. "The layout is acceptable. It shelters the wind and gathers qi. Though the spiritual leyline has withered, its foundation remains intact. With a little adjustment, this could become a place for quiet cultivation."

At this, Director Wang looked as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. A radiant smile instantly spread across his face. "I'm glad Divine Doctor Li likes it! We're already fast-tracking all the paperwork. The transfer of ownership will be complete by tomorrow at the latest! We've also contacted the best teams for the renovation. We'll guarantee the highest standards and finish as quickly as possible, without delaying your move or that of the other gentlemen and ladies!"

Laojun gave a noncommittal "Mm," which counted as approval.

On the way back to the city, Director Wang took a call, then addressed Laojun and Lin Fan with even greater deference. "Divine Doctor Li, Mr. Lin, our chairman hopes to thank you in person for saving his life. He's arranged a private banquet at Penglai Pavilion. Would you two be willing to honor us with your presence?"

Lin Fan looked to Laojun. The old man narrowed his eyes, as if sensing something. A moment later, he smiled faintly. "Certainly. As it happens, this old man has a few things he needs to make clear to Mr. Wang."

Penglai Pavilion was the city's most exclusive private club. Situated beside a scenic lake, it enforced a strict membership policy, and even ordinary wealthy people found it difficult to get in. When Lin Fan and Laojun entered the exquisitely luxurious private room, decorated in a classical style, under Director Wang's guidance, Wang Jianguo, who had been waiting for them, immediately came forward.

He looked nothing like the man who had been on the verge of death in his sickbed. Wang Jianguo now had a ruddy complexion and a vigorous bearing, his eyes sharp and his whole presence radiating the authority of someone long accustomed to being in charge. Seeing Laojun, he showed no trace of arrogance. Instead, he bowed deeply and spoke with utter sincerity. "Old Mr. Li! I'll never forget that you saved my life! Please accept this bow from me!"

Laojun accepted his bow calmly before raising a hand to gently help him up. "There's no need for such formalities, Mr. Wang. It was simply a physician's duty."

"To you, it may have been a duty. To me, it was a second chance at life!" Wang Jianguo was visibly moved as he ushered the two men to their seats. A huge round table was already laden with delicacies, many of which Lin Fan had never even seen before. The air was filled with the mingled aromas of food and precious spices.

Throughout the meal, Wang Jianguo said nothing about business. He simply kept expressing his gratitude and subtly mentioned that he had deep connections in both government and business. If Divine Doctor Li or Lin Fan ever needed anything, he and Wansheng Group would certainly do everything in their power to help.

After several rounds of drinks and a few courses, Wang Jianguo sent all the staff away. Only he, Laojun, and Lin Fan remained in the private room. The atmosphere grew somewhat delicate.

Wang Jianguo personally poured Laojun a cup of tea, adopting an exceedingly deferential posture. After a moment's hesitation, he finally got to the point. "Old Mr. Li, I'm a businessman, and I like to be direct. You saved my life. A place like Jingxin Garden is nowhere near enough to express even a fraction of my gratitude."

He paused, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Laojun. His voice dropped, carrying an unmistakable yearning. "I know that an otherworldly master like you considers money beneath notice. But I'd still like to venture a question... Could you possibly grant me a few more of those 'Qingre Pills'? Or... sell me the formula? Rest assured, I'll make you an offer you can't refuse! One billion? Two billion? Name your price! Or tell me what you want. Just ask! If it exists in this world, I, Wang Jianguo, will find a way to get it for you!"

At last, he had revealed his true intentions! He wasn't just trying to repay a kindness. What he really wanted was the Qingre Pill itself—or, more accurately, the ability to make it! One pill had dragged him back from the gates of death. The value of such a miracle drug couldn't be measured in money. Possessing it was tantamount to having a second life, along with unimaginable power and wealth!

Lin Fan's heart leapt into his throat as he looked nervously at Laojun. He knew this was the real test.

Faced with Wang Jianguo's almost feverish longing, Laojun still wore his unhurried smile. He leisurely raised his teacup, took a sip, and only then spoke slowly. "Mr. Wang, I appreciate your kindness. But this Qingre Pill..."

He deliberately drew out the words. Only after seeing Wang Jianguo's body tense and his eyes fill with anticipation did he continue. "...is difficult to refine. Though the ingredients aren't rare, they must be gathered at the right time and place. It also requires a unique method and considerable effort before the pill can be formed. The supply is limited, so it can't be mass-produced. I keep a small amount on hand only to help those in need, not to make a profit."

His words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing some of the fire in Wang Jianguo's eyes, but the man still refused to give up. "It doesn't matter if it can't be mass-produced! I'll take whatever you have. I'm willing to pay double! Or do you need any rare medicinal ingredients? I'll mobilize resources around the world to find them! I'm only asking Old Mr. Li to spare me a few pills, so I'll have them in case of an emergency. You know how it is with people like us. We may seem to have everything, but who among us doesn't have some ailment? Who isn't afraid of dying?"

There was a shrewdness in his words, along with the unmistakable forcefulness of a business magnate. He wasn't asking only for himself. He had also recognized the enormous demand for the Qingre Pill among the highest circles and its vast potential value. One pill meant one more life. A steady supply would be an invisible bargaining chip so powerful it could make countless influential figures bow to him!

Laojun looked at Wang Jianguo, his smile unchanged, though his eyes grew a little deeper. "Mr. Wang, remember that every medicine has some toxicity. The Qingre Pill is beneficial, but it isn't omnipotent, nor is it an elixir of immortality. Rely too heavily on external remedies, and you may damage your own foundation. Besides, this pill contains the life-giving rhythm of the Dao. Those without the right affinity, or with impure intentions, may bring disaster upon themselves by pursuing it."

His words carried a note of admonition, as well as a hidden implication.

Wang Jianguo was no fool. He immediately understood the unspoken message: the pills could be given, but not too many, and only depending on the person and the circumstances. He promptly adopted an even more earnest expression. "Old Mr. Li is right to admonish me! I was being presumptuous! I won't be greedy. I only ask that, out of consideration for my sincerity, you grant me one more... No, two more pills, just in case! As for the compensation, in addition to Jingxin Garden, I'm willing to donate another one billion to establish a charitable foundation in your name, dedicated to helping impoverished patients. What do you think?"

He had settled for less. No longer demanding the formula or a large supply of pills, he was offering the vast sum under the banner of "charity" in exchange for a few life-saving pills. That would also earn him a good reputation and help him build closer ties with Laojun.

Laojun pondered for a moment. His gaze seemed to drift casually toward the shimmering lake outside the private-room window, while his fingers tapped lightly on the rim of his teacup, as though calculating something. After a long while, he finally spoke. "Very well. Since Mr. Wang has such good intentions, I'll give you two more Qingre Pills. But remember: these pills are no ordinary medicine. Don't use them lightly, and never show them to anyone with ill intentions. Otherwise, you'll bring trouble upon yourself."

As he spoke, he once again took the jade bottle from the pocket of his miraculous gray jacket. He poured out two blue-green Qingre Pills, placed them in a plain wooden box that had already been prepared, and handed it to Wang Jianguo.

Wang Jianguo's hands trembled as he accepted the seemingly ordinary wooden box, as if he were holding a priceless treasure. His face flushed with excitement, and his voice even choked up. "Thank you, Old Mr. Li! Thank you! Rest assured, I'll heed your advice! I'll make the arrangements for the charitable foundation as soon as I get back, and I'll make sure it's properly established!"

At that moment, what did it matter if he was a business magnate or worth tens of billions? All such things seemed insignificant beside a miraculous drug that could determine life or death. Wang Jianguo was filled with reverence and gratitude toward Laojun. At the same time, he was even more resolved to do whatever it took to maintain this "lifeline."

Lin Fan watched, his emotions surging. Two pills had secured them a top-tier property, a ten-billion charitable foundation—which, despite the charitable label, would be controlled by Wang Jianguo and amount to resources given to Laojun—and the unwavering loyalty of a top tycoon... This deal completely overturned Lin Fan's understanding of the world!

What Lin Fan didn't know, however, was that Laojun had agreed to give him the pills not only because of Wang Jianguo's demonstrated "sincerity" and "good intentions." More importantly, when Laojun had used his own Dao rhythm to make his deductions, he had sensed that Wang Jianguo possessed enduring good fortune and was connected by karma to certain future events. Forming a good relationship with him now might prove helpful later.

Just as Wang Jianguo was thanking them profusely and preparing to personally escort Laojun and Lin Fan out, Laojun suddenly stopped. He turned his gaze toward the window again, and his brows twitched almost imperceptibly.

"Mr. Wang," Laojun said suddenly, his tone carrying a subtle note of curiosity. "Who is the old man fishing beneath that willow tree by the lake?"

Wang Jianguo followed his gaze. Beneath an enormous weeping willow by the lake, an old man in a plain undershirt and a bamboo hat was indeed sitting with a fishing rod in his hands. His back exuded a languid, solitary air that seemed utterly at odds with the luxurious club.

Wang Jianguo glanced over, his expression shifting slightly. He lowered his voice. "Old Mr. Li, that man... has quite an unusual background. He's a former senior official from the capital. His surname is Han, and he's a bit... eccentric. He usually keeps to himself and rarely receives visitors. Even I can hardly get a word in with him."

A glimmer of understanding flashed through Laojun's eyes. He nodded and asked no more before turning to leave.

But Lin Fan noticed that, at the very moment Laojun turned around, his fingertips seemed to flicker ever so slightly. A faint glimmer of light, almost too subtle to detect, drifted silently toward the old man fishing by the lake, like a dandelion seed carried off by the wind.

On the drive back, Lin Fan couldn't help asking, "Senior Laojun, was there anything special about that old man fishing?"

Laojun leaned back in his seat with his eyes closed, as if resting. At Lin Fan's question, he merely smiled faintly and replied with profound meaning, "The mortal world is vast, and hidden dragons and crouching tigers abound. The waters of this realm are... deeper than you imagine."

He paused, then added, "Tell Yuanshi and Nüwa that Jingxin Garden is settled and they can start preparing to move. It's not wise for us to stay here much longer."

Lin Fan's heart tightened. He knew Laojun must have noticed something. He glanced at the still-prosperous city outside the car window. That sense of an approaching storm grew ever stronger.

At the same time, in the distant rented apartment, Gong Gong, who had been asleep all this time, suddenly opened his eyes! They were no longer clouded by confusion and madness. Instead, they were bloodshot and filled with a clear, bone-deep hatred!

He clenched the fragment of the Soul-Devouring Axe in his arms, and a low growl rose from his throat, as though it had come from the deepest pits of the underworld:

"'They'... are the Void Cult!!! The ones who tricked me into knocking down Mount Buzhou... were 'them'!!! The destruction of the Primordial Era... was connected to 'them' too!!! I can feel it... 'their' presence... They're in this world!!!"