The tea in the reception room had gone cold.
After Bai He finished speaking, he remained silent for a long time. Bai Qingyin's fingers, gripping the hem of her skirt, turned white at the knuckles. Feng Qingxuan sat beside her, saying nothing, but gently placing his hand on the back of hers.
"Where is my brother Qingchuan?" Bai Qingyin's voice was very soft, as if she was afraid that if she asked too hard, the answer would shatter.
"In the north, there's a place called Bluestone Town," Bai He said. " Qingchuan has been looking for you ever since he escaped. After you got separated, he searched for a long time but couldn't find you."
Later, his leg injury flared up again, and he couldn't hold on any longer, so he settled down in Bluestone Town. Over the years, he asked me to inquire about your whereabouts, and I've been searching for you too, but Qingxuan has hidden you too well."
Bai Qingyin closed her eyes, tears sliding down her cheeks. She didn't cry out loud, but just sat there quietly, letting the tears flow for a while.
For over twenty years, she had believed her brother had died in that chase. Now that she knew he was still alive, a corner of her heart, which had been empty for over twenty years, was suddenly filled.
Feng Qingxuan gently squeezed her hand, and she squeezed it back, then opened her eyes and wiped away the tears on her face with her sleeve.
"Is my brother alright?" Bai Qingyin asked.
"Same as always," Bai He sighed. "The old injury on my leg hasn't fully healed, so I have to use crutches to walk. Everything else is fine, except my temper is more stubborn than before."
Bai Qingyin couldn't help but laugh, and then tears fell again.
Bai He looked at her, remained silent for a while, and then spoke again. This time, his tone was no longer accusatory as when he first entered, but rather carried a sense of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
"Since Qingyin is still alive, I don't need to ask about the source of the elixir anymore." Bai He turned to Feng Qingxuan, "Brother Qingxuan, I was too impulsive with my words before."
The pill formula of the Speed Family originally belonged to you. You used it to save yourselves and then used it to strengthen the Godwind Academy. I, an outsider, have no right to demand any explanation.
"Uncle He, you're not an outsider," Bai Qingyin said.
Feng Qingxuan also shook his head. "The four families originate from the same source; there's no such thing as an outsider."
The Bai He sighed and said nothing more.
Feng Qingxuan pointed to his two sons sitting to one side and introduced them to Bai He, "Brother He, these are my two lads, Xiaotian and Lingtian."
Feng Xiaotian stood up and, together with Feng Lingtian, bowed to Bai He. Feng Xiaotian cupped his hands and said, "Junior Feng Xiaotian greets Elder He." Feng Lingtian followed behind him, bowing respectfully as well, "Junior Feng Lingtian greets Elder He."
Bai He looked the two brothers up and down and nodded slightly. " Qingxuan, you can tell at a glance that your two sons will definitely achieve great things in the future."
Feng Lingtian straightened up, his tone respectful. "Elder He, you flatter me. I've always been in charge of the pills. I have an idea, though I'm not very capable—"
He paused, then looked up at Bai He. Bai He merely raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression showing a hint of curiosity.
Feng Lingtian felt relieved and continued, "This junior would like to invite you to lead the Speed Clan to join the force I am about to establish."
Bai He frowned.
Feng Lingtian's heart tightened, but he saw that Bai He did not stop him, but just frowned and waited for him to continue.
Feng Lingtian steadied himself and spoke out the ideas he had repeatedly refined in his mind.
"The organization I'm about to establish is called the Pill Pavilion, which specializes in refining elixirs."
Those members of the Speed Clan who are interested in alchemy can Pill Pavilion to be responsible for the refining and production of pills. Those who are not interested can form a reconnaissance team by leveraging the speed advantage of their Martial Soul.
"Once the elixirs are sold, some will inevitably become envious and try to sabotage us. We need people in various cities to gather intelligence and provide early warnings. The Speed Clan has a natural advantage in this regard."
"Two paths: one for alchemy, the other for reconnaissance." Bai He's brows hadn't completely relaxed, but his tone was no longer questioning, but rather thoughtful. "You've certainly laid out the Speed Clan's plans perfectly."
Feng Qingxuan put down his teacup and took over the conversation at the opportune moment. "Brother He, there's something you probably don't know yet. After the exchange competition, Godwind Academy has officially formed an alliance with the Skywater Academy and Blazing Fire Academy. Regarding the revenue distribution from the sale of pills, we've agreed on the following—"
He paused for a moment, then explained the plan point by point.
"Common pills like Meridian-Warming Pill and Soul-Fortifying Pill are produced in large quantities and sold at low profit margins. Godwind Academy takes 50% of the monthly sales revenue and is responsible for external sales and platform operation."
"Skywater Academy receives 20%, Blazing Fire Academy receives 10%, this is a benefit of the Three Academy Alliance, allies receive stable preferential treatment. The final 20% goes to the Pill Pavilion as a source of income for refining pills."
"As for high-end pills—such as the Vajra Limit-Expansion Pill, the Ice Muscle Limit-Expansion Pill, and the even higher-grade Nurturing Grace and Supporting Splendor Pill and Origin-Returning Flaw-Mending Pill —their production is limited, their refining is difficult, and their value is far beyond that of the Meridian-Warming Pill."
Of the revenue from the sale of these pills, Pill Pavilion takes 60% as a reward for the core producers, Godwind Academy takes 30% as fees for sales channels and intermediaries.
The final 10% is allocated as alliance benefits, specifically for providing purchasing discounts to allies such as Skywater Academy and Blazing Fire Academy.
Bai He's eyebrows twitched. Two-tenths of the pills were regular ones, and six-tenths were high-end ones— Feng Qingxuan had calculated this perfectly, with each tenth having a clear destination and purpose.
Even before its official establishment, Pill Pavilion already had a stable revenue model. Regular pills provided a basic income, while high-end pills generated additional revenue. This two-pronged approach was both stable and promising.
Bai He remained silent for a while, looked at Feng Qingxuan, then at Feng Lingtian, and suddenly shook his head.
"You two, father and son, you've got me cornered today, haven't you?"
Bai He smiled, with emotion and relief in his laughter. The poverty of the Min clan is no secret in the soul master world. As the clan leader, he has been worried about the livelihood of his clan members in these years. Now that the way out is in front of him, he has nothing to hesitate.
"Alright. I will lead the Speed Clan to the Pill Pavilion."
Feng Qingxuan smiled, stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Brother He, from now on, the affairs of the Pill Pavilion are the affairs of our two families."
Bai Qingyin sat to the side, watching this scene, a faint smile appearing on her lips. Her eyes were still red, but there was already a light in them.
Bai He picked up his teacup to take another sip, only to find the tea had gone cold. He put the cup down, then suddenly remembered something and glanced towards the door.
"By the way, where are Chenxiang and Lingyu? They've been gone for so long, why haven't they come back yet?"
Feng Qingxuan laughed and said, " Godwind Academy is quite large; it'll be plenty for them to explore."
Bai He shook his head helplessly and snorted, "I'm afraid that girl will get into trouble again. She has that temper; she's never quiet, no matter where she goes."