Inside an elegant study in the Exquisite Pavilion.
The Exquisite Pavilion's steward, a portly middle-aged man.
And an elderly man in a long blue robe, with a graying beard and a faint medicinal fragrance emanating from him.
Both bowed to a handsome young man leafing through an account book before the desk.
"Greetings, young master!"
"Steward Chen, Alchemist Huang."
The refined young man, dressed in robes as white as snow, nodded slightly.
He casually set the account book back on the desk.
Huangfu Yun turned his gaze toward the middle-aged man.
"Steward Chen, the Exquisite Pavilion's turnover has indeed increased considerably lately.
But it still seems far short of the figure you promised me."
At these words, cold sweat immediately broke out on the potbellied Steward Chen's forehead.
Though he was an old servant who had loyally served the Huangfu Lineage for years, he still felt immense awe toward this young master.
He knew full well the bloody, thunderous methods beneath that refined exterior.
"Please forgive me, young master!
I originally thought that once Alchemist Huang left the Myriad Treasures House, its pill customers would quickly flock to our Exquisite Pavilion.
I never expected the Myriad Treasures House to hire another Alchemist.
That person actually refined a large batch of high-quality first-grade pills, greatly reducing the negative impact."
Steward Chen hurriedly added, "But please rest assured, young master.
We have already investigated that Alchemist. He is merely a first-grade Alchemist.
We have now introduced Essence Pills of the same quality, as well as an additional type of spirit-related pill.
With Alchemist Huang's reputation serving as our 'living signboard' in the Imperial Capital, the Myriad Treasures House will surely lose customers faster and faster."
"Good, then."
Huangfu Yun nodded slightly, his brow creasing almost imperceptibly.
A rare trace of agitation stirred