Cooperation

The efficacy of this improved Blood Nourishing Powder was at least thirty percent stronger than the original version.

As for the cost, due to his precise utilization and selection of medicinal herbs, it was even lower than the original, with the cost per dose controlled at around one tael of silver.

He had successfully brewed twelve doses of the improved Blood Nourishing Powder.

Carrying these twelve doses, Lin Qing returned to the martial hall and requested a direct audience with Master Hong.

"Master, this is some Blood Nourishing Powder that my family has improved and refined based on an ancient formula."

Lin Qing presented a dose: "This powder has a mild medicinal nature, excels at nourishing qi and blood, and strengthens the tendons and bones. It may be of benefit to disciples like us who are tempering our qi and blood."

"This humble one dares to ask Master to appraise it."

Master Hong looked at Lin Qing with some surprise; Lin Qing's words clearly implied that he thought the martial hall's own medicinal formula was insufficient.

However, the secret medicinal formula of the Hong Family Martial Hall had always been passed down through generations, so he remained half-skeptical of Lin Qing's claims.

Still, since the lad dared to offer this treasure, he might as well take a look.

"Let this old man see."

Master Hong took the powder, first observing its color and luster, then leaning in to smell its scent, a trace of surprise appearing in his eyes.

As a martial artist who had reached the Organ Cleansing realm, he had his own judgment regarding medicinal properties; this powder was of excellent quality, and the medicinal fragrance was pure.

It was clear that top-tier herbs and exquisite processing techniques had been used.

It was much like how different chefs prepared the same dish with varying results; even a simple mapo tofu could have a thousand different flavor profiles.

Not to mention that this powder involved the blending of over a dozen herbs, where even the slightest deviation would lead to failure.

Master Hong pondered for a moment, then had someone bring a cup of clear water, dissolved a pinch of the powder, and tasted it carefully.

A moment later, after drinking a few mouthfuls, he felt a warm current gently surging within him. A sharp light flashed in his eyes, and his gaze toward Lin Qing held a deeper meaning.

"Hmm, the medicinal power is mellow and mild, and the nourishing effect is significant."

"What is even rarer is that you seem to have added a few herbs for strengthening tendons and bones. The combination is ingenious, and the balance between the sovereign, minister, assistant, and envoy herbs is excellent. It is indeed a cut above the common powders found on the market."

Master Hong said slowly, his tone carrying approval.

Having run a martial hall in Qingping County for many years, he had tried almost all the Blood Nourishing Powders in the city, with the secret formula from the Zhang Family Pharmacy being the best among them.

Yet, Lin Qing's formula was actually several times more effective.

"Lin Qing, I didn't expect you to have such talent in pharmacology. How many doses of this powder have you refined?"

"Replying to Master, I have only successfully refined twelve doses so far," Lin Qing said respectfully.

"What is the cost?" Master Hong asked directly.

Lin Qing's mind raced, knowing this was the crucial point, and he said candidly: "The herbs are hard to come by and the process is complex; the cost per dose is about two taels of silver."

He deliberately inflated the cost.

Master Hong nodded; this cost was within his expectations, even lower than he had imagined.

He pondered: "How about this, I will take all twelve doses. How does five taels of silver per dose sound?"

Lin Qing's heart stirred. The cost per dose was barely over one tael, so he would be making a profit of nearly four taels per dose.

Twelve doses meant a profit of nearly forty taels.

This was almost equivalent to the profits of the Benevolent World Hall over several months!

If he could maintain a monthly supply, hire some assistants, and expand the business, he might eventually become one of the prominent figures in Qingping County!

Lin Qing was ecstatic inside, but he kept his expression calm and bowed: "I leave the decision to you, Master."

Master Hong took out sixty taels of silver and handed them to Lin Qing, then his expression turned stern, and he said in a low voice: "Lin Qing, the effect of this powder is extraordinary. If you can provide a stable supply, it will be of great benefit to the training of the martial hall disciples. I can enter into a long-term partnership with you and purchase them at this price."

"But you must remember, this matter is strictly between you and me. Before you have grown strong enough, this formula must never be leaked, nor should you supply it to other martial halls or factions at will."

"Otherwise, do not blame this master for being heartless!"

There was a slight warning in his tone.

Lin Qing felt a chill in his heart, knowing this was the boundary Master Hong had set, as well as a form of protection for him.

From now on, if he ran into trouble, this master would likely offer some assistance.

In the end, this was still a bond tied by mutual interests.

Lin Qing hurriedly and solemnly agreed: "This disciple understands and would never dare to leak it!"

The transaction complete, Lin Qing returned home with sixty taels of silver in his pocket, feeling wealthy for the first time.

However, something even more astonishing was yet to come.

A few days later, he heard that those disciples in the martial hall from wealthy backgrounds who were eager for quick success could purchase the highly effective, secret-recipe Blood Nourishing Powder from Master Hong for eight taels of silver per dose.

The quantity was limited, and it was first come, first served.

"Eight taels, and you turned a three-tael profit just like that?"

Upon learning this, Lin Qing was speechless for a long moment, left only to click his tongue in secret.

Ginger really is spicier when it's old!

By leveraging his own reputation and channels, Hong Yuan had easily inflated the price, earning nearly as much as Lin Qing himself.

However, Lin Qing also understood that without Hong Yuan's signboard, it would have been difficult for him to sell it for even three taels, let alone five.

The distribution of profit in this matter was, by nature, the result of a contest between strength and resources.

Yet, amidst his joy, Lin Qing also felt a heavy sense of pressure.

Wealth stirs the hearts of men, and without the corresponding strength to protect it, this path of earning money would sooner or later become a death warrant.

Whether it was the martial path or his means of making money, both required more resources and strength to sustain.

The afterglow of the setting sun dyed Yongning Street in a warm orange hue, and the curling smoke from cooking fires brought with it the faint fragrance of a meal.

Lin Qing finished his day of training at the martial arts hall and returned to the street corner where Benevolent World Hall was located.

Just as he approached his shop, a nearby courtyard gate creaked open, and He Xiaoya stepped out carrying a wooden basin, seemingly about to hang up some laundry.

Seeing Lin Qing, she paused, a flush of red instantly rising to her delicate face as she lowered her eyes in a flustered manner.

"Brother Lin Qing, you're back?"

Her voice was soft and thin, carrying the crispness unique to a young girl.

"Mm, I'm back."

Lin Qing stopped in his tracks and offered a gentle smile.

Xiaoya placed the basin at her feet and wiped her hands on her faded apron. Suddenly, as if having made up her mind, she looked up at Lin Qing and said softly, "Brother Lin Qing, wait a moment."

Before Lin Qing could respond, she turned and scurried back into her courtyard like a startled fawn.

Lin Qing was a bit puzzled, but he didn't rush to leave.

Before long, Xiaoya ran back out, carefully holding two white porcelain bowls containing tender, snow-white tofu pudding that was still emitting a faint heat.

"Brother Lin Qing, this is the tofu pudding my mother just made. You and Sister Lin Wan should have a taste..."

Xiaoya held the bowls out, her voice growing quieter and her cheeks turning as red as a ripe apple, yet her eyes held a hint of earnestness.

Lin Qing was stunned.

In this day and age, tofu wasn't exactly a luxury, but for an ordinary family like Xiaoya's, it was a rare source of protein.

He instinctively wanted to decline: "Xiaoya, I couldn't possibly, you should keep it for yourselves..."

Before he could finish, Xiaoya pouted slightly, a flicker of grievance crossing her eyes as she pushed the bowls forward again: "It's homemade, it's not worth much."

"Who—who said anything about your money?"