Chapter 988 - 461: The Pill Business, Mao Family’s Return (Part 2)

Chen Ye walked alone under the moonlight, arriving at the central node of Divine Mist Valley’s formation.

Seeing the Array Plate shining brightly, he frowned slightly.

The formation now seemed stable, but it was merely a temporary measure.

Earlier, he had made time to visit Heart Slaughter Cave, momentarily placing his Heart Slaughter Sword back at the formation’s eye.

The reason this grand array of Divine Mist Valley was renowned at Moon Rhinoceros Lake District, able to protect the Mao Family, was not due to the exquisite expertise of the Array Plate itself but rather because the formation relied on the Sword Intent within Heart Slaughter Cave to sustain its operation.

During the peak of Heart Slaughter Cave,

there were eight Spiritual Artifacts and hundreds of Magical Treasures.

Even after the Gourd Sword fell to Tier Two Top Grade, the abundance of Magical Treasures was sufficient to make the Divine Mist Grand Array impregnable.

Yet.

As the Mao Family continually sold off the Magical Treasures from Heart Slaughter Cave, Chen Ye and Zhiwei, having taken away the critical Heart Slaughter Sword and three Gourd Swords, caused the instability of the Divine Mist Grand Array’s base.

"Troublesome..."

Chen Ye rubbed his brow, feeling a bit perplexed.

In reality, even without his intervention, the decline of this Divine Mist Grand Array was inevitable.

Over the years, the Mao Family, to maintain the family’s operations, had been consistently selling the Magical Treasures from Heart Slaughter Cave.

This was akin to killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. Coupled with the Flying Sword’s grade dropping, the power of Heart Slaughter Cave was already depleting day by day, and the array’s eventual failure was a foregone conclusion.

"In the past, the Mao Family claimed to be reclusive and rarely interacted with other forces, only privately conducting businesses in Magical Artifact trade. This Divine Mist Grand Array was their survival shell."

Chen Ye stood with hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the rolling dense mist before him, with a gleam in his eyes.

But now, the situation has changed. Playing the turtle requires Duqing Sect’s consent, as well as the assent of the Ruins Country’s people...

As for the Magical Artifact trade.

Chen Ye’s alchemy skills now were incomparable to before.

The high-tier pills he refined could no longer be casually sold at some market stall like before.

High-tier pills hold significant value, making it challenging to find suitable buyers quickly.

Yet, his high pill refinement rate and large production necessitated a stable channel to offload these pills.

The Mao Family precisely possessed a mature sales system and widespread commercial routes.

"In that case, why cling to this survival shell?"

Chen Ye immediately made up his mind.

Rather than letting the Mao Family continue hiding in secrecy and fearfully conducting business, it would be better to cooperate with them openly in the future.

Let the Mao Family sell high-tier pills for him and completely come into the open.

Why not take advantage of this calamity to directly incorporate the Mao Family into the Lingyin Sect’s system!

With him as the Peak Master of Baopu Peak as a guarantor and the Lingyin Sect as a formidable backing, they would, most of the time, not fear external interference.

However.

If targeted by a force of the Myriad Puppets Sect’s tier, there would be no escape. It’s not just the Mao Family; even the Lingyin Sect can’t avoid being affected.

Coming to this realization, Chen Ye felt suddenly enlightened.

"If we switch to selling high-tier pills, the Mao Family won’t need to risk maintaining the underground channels in Qi Kingdom anymore."

"Furthermore, with my high-tier pills aiding them, the development speed of the Mao Family will double, potentially expanding this business throughout the entire Lingxu Realm in the future!"

When that day comes, how could the Mao Family remain confined to Divine Mist Valley?

"For me personally, the benefits are numerous... Raising three disciples, plus my own cultivation, consume too many resources."

Chen Ye sighed.

Unexpectedly, even in the Cultivation Realm, raising children is a significant challenge!

But as long as he could persuade the Mao Family, with their mature family assisting in selling pills, not to mention raising only three children, even rearing another three would be feasible!

Of course.

If he were to raise six children, Chen Ye might find himself refining pills day and night...

...

The spirit lamp in the inner chamber was still lit.

Late at night, the three disciples were either deeply asleep or engrossed in their cultivation.

Mao Qingzhu was sitting at the desk, under the gentle light, furrowing her brows as she reviewed the loss ledger after today’s caravan attack.

Upon hearing footsteps, she looked up and asked with concern:

"Did you check the formation? How much longer can it hold?"

"Barely maintaining a semblance of order."

Chen Ye walked over, sat on the bamboo chair opposite her, and casually poured himself a cup of Spirit Tea. Then, he straightened up, looking at Mao Qingzhu,

"Sister Qingzhu, I have something I want to discuss with you. It’s about the Divine Mist Grand Array and... the future path for the Mao Family."

Mao Qingzhu set down the brush in her hand and said seriously, "Go ahead."

Chen Ye put down his tea cup and slowly elaborated on his well-thought-out plans outside the formation.

As he spoke,

Chen Ye unfolded a grand blueprint destined to reshape the future of the Mao Family before Mao Qingzhu.

Listening to his scheme, Mao Qingzhu’s grip on the ledger tightened, and her breathing became a bit more rapid.

She was a wise woman, having managed family affairs for years. Naturally, she could immediately see the terrifying benefits and prospects contained within this plan!

She had long witnessed Brother Ye’s alchemy capabilities.

The pills he casually refined were rare treasures worthy of auction.

Even if Brother Ye’s personal pill production was limited, the quality of these pills completely offset the disadvantage in quantity.

Furthermore,

they could use high-tier pills as a selling point, enhancing the Mao Family’s brand reputation while further expanding into other industries.

Realizing this, Mao Qingzhu’s eyes shone with anticipation.

Regarding this proposal, Mao Qingzhu was naturally fully in agreement!

On a personal level, this would bond her and Chen Ye, and her family with Chen Ye, sharing both fortunes and troubles—this was what she earnestly desired;