Chapter 60

“The Dan Sect is currently using the Imperial Capital as a pilot site, setting up multiple warehouses and establishing its own delivery system.” (Dear readers, you can think of it as something like JD.com’s warehouse and express delivery speed.)

“Once the warehouses are in place, as long as customers on Imperial Star place an order through our website, we can guarantee delivery within two hours. Our goal is to ensure faster service than nearby physical pharmacies or, at the very least, not be significantly slower.”

“Setting up warehouses and building your own delivery system? Are you planning to compete directly with brick-and-mortar pharmacies?” Zheng Yuan suddenly realized that the Dan Sect’s ambitions were far greater than he had imagined.

“Yes,” Xia Ye admitted without hesitation.

“The pilot project on Imperial Star is just the first step. Next, we will expand outward, using Imperial Star as a starting point to gradually cover surrounding cities and eventually extend to other planets.”

“This— The cost of that would be astronomical, wouldn’t it?”

More warehouses meant more inventory.

And high-grade medicinal pills were incredibly valuable. Stockpiling them in large quantities would push costs through the roof.

Not to mention building an independent logistics system. That might sound simple, but the costs involved were staggering.

Did the Dan Sect have the strength to support such ambitions?

“Yes, which is why we can only take it one step at a time, starting with Imperial Star.”

“The Dan Sect could also become a supplier of medicinal pills for the military. And in the future, we might even become your largest supplier.”

Zheng Yuan was taken aback.

“Right now, in the bundled sales of our online store, the most frequently added items are those surplus medicinal pills from your military. By selling us Pills, you’re actually boosting the sales of other slow-moving pills in your inventory as well.”

“Moreover, as the Dan Sect grows, we will need more personnel. Some positions could be open to disabled and retired soldiers.”

“Great!” Zheng Yuan could no longer sit still and immediately agreed.

A faint smile appeared on Xia Ye’s lips.

“Let’s talk about the second part of our collaboration.”

“I hope the military will terminate its contract with Lady Wen Lan and instead have her sign with the Dan Sect.”

Zheng Yuan’s eyes widened.

“No way!” He stood up abruptly.

Wen Lan was the star of the military’s Medicinal Pill Department—its most valuable alchemist. While she couldn’t advance to S-rank and become a senior alchemist, her spiritual aptitude had already reached the peak of A-rank. Her actual skills far surpassed most mid-level alchemists, making her an indispensable asset.

Xia Ye gave Zheng Yuan a disdainful look.

“Listen to me before you refuse.”

Zheng Yuan hesitated, looking slightly embarrassed.

“No matter what you say, it won’t change anything. You should know Wen Lan’s situation. Even if the military ends her contract, she would never agree to a lifetime contract with the Dan Sect.”

No mid-level alchemist would willingly sign a lifelong contract with any institution.

Xia Ye’s smile deepened.

“That’s not for you to worry about. You just need to agree to release her from the contract—I can convince her to sign with us.”

“I refuse!” Zheng Yuan snapped immediately.

His gaze toward Xia Ye was filled with caution.

This ninth prince was cunning—perhaps he really could persuade Wen Lan.

But as long as he refused to let go, Wen Lan would remain under military employment.

Xia Ye sighed, looking helpless.

“Then how about this—I trade you a future senior alchemist in exchange for Wen Lan?”

Zheng Yuan, who had been firm in his rejection just moments ago, suddenly widened his eyes.

“What did you say?!”

The words had barely left his mouth when he snapped back to his senses, his guard up once again as he stared at Xia Ye.

Trading a senior alchemist for Wen Lan? Impossible.

Even within the royal family, there were only two senior alchemists, and they were all extraordinary individuals. Not even the Emperor himself could command them. How could this ninth prince possibly decide their fate?

Xia Ye sighed again.

“I have a method to enhance an A-rank female’s spiritual potential—and the success rate is very high.”

After Wen Lan became an alchemist, her spiritual power grew rapidly. However, because her spiritual potential was limited to A-rank, she was forever stuck at that level.

That was precisely why Zheng Yuan had been able to sign her in the first place.

After all, if her spiritual potential had been S-rank, far too many people would have fought for her. He never would have stood a chance.

“Are you serious?” Zheng Yuan was skeptical.

If this ninth prince really had a way to elevate an A-rank female to S-rank, then why did the royal family only have two senior alchemists?

And yet… Xia Ye didn’t look like he was lying.

“I’m serious,” Xia Ye affirmed.

“I can sign a tripartite agreement with you and Wen Lan. As long as I can elevate her spiritual potential to S-rank, the military will automatically terminate her contract, and her lifelong contract with the Dan Sect will take effect.”

Hearing this, Zheng Yuan finally realized that Xia Ye might actually be telling the truth.

“Then… I have one more condition. You must also help one of our military alchemists raise their spiritual potential to S-rank. No, two!” Zheng Yuan demanded.

Xia Ye’s expression was one of helplessness.

“Director Zheng—”

“Alright, alright, just one!” Zheng Yuan relented. Even getting one was a massive win!

The thought of finally having a senior alchemist in the military left Zheng Yuan feeling incredibly excited. He could hardly contain himself.

Xia Ye glanced at Zheng Yuan, then tapped on his light-brain to send over a contract and an agreement.

“I’ve already sent you the tripartite agreement and Wen Lan’s lifelong contract. Talk to her as soon as possible.”

“The sooner she signs, the sooner I can arrange for her spiritual potential enhancement.” Xia Ye deliberately added that last sentence.

Sure enough, upon hearing it, Zheng Yuan became even more eager.

“I’ll go find Wen Lan right away!” he declared.

Xia Ye gave a satisfied nod and ended the call.

He still had plenty of Marrow Cleansing Pills left from his wife, which should be enough to help Wen Lan enhance her spiritual potential.

The Dan Sect needed to expand, but his wife was too busy to assist—so he had no choice but to find outside help.

At least Wen Lan was from the military. He could trust her.

That night, Xia Ye received a call from Zheng Yuan.

Zheng Yuan had brought Wen Lan with him, clearly regarding the agreement.

As Xia Ye had expected, Wen Lan agreed to sign the tripartite agreement.

After some discussion to finalize the details, they all signed the documents.

“Lady Wen Lan, come to the Marshal’s Residence tomorrow. I’ll make the necessary arrangements,” Xia Ye instructed.

“Alright,” Wen Lan agreed, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Becoming a senior alchemist was the dream of every female alchemist.

But for most, it was just that—a dream.

After all, spiritual potential was largely determined by innate talent. While it was easy to lower it through poor diet and unhealthy living before the age of twenty, raising it was almost impossible.

Even carefully nurtured females didn’t always see improvements.

Wen Lan had been fortunate enough to test at A-rank when she was twenty, but not lucky enough to reach S-rank.

And without S-rank spiritual potential, she would never become a senior alchemist. Her dream had become an impossible fantasy.

But now, it was suddenly within reach again.

How could she not look forward to it?