The hall was brightly lit, yet the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive. On the central table stood a small green jade bottle, releasing a faint medicinal aroma. Numerous guests sat throughout the hall, dressed in the attire of the Galle family's senior members, and among them was Galle Kuo, the one present today. At the foremost position, to the left, a young man in white robes lounged lazily against the back of his chair. He was strikingly handsome, yet the lingering, suggestive glances that occasionally flashed in his eyes undermined his grace. At this moment, one of his hands was slowly slipping beneath the folds of the elegant serving maid standing beside him, fully unabashed, showing no restraint despite the crowd. The maid, though, grew slightly pale, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, her body trembling gently, yet she remained silent, unable to utter a single word. "This is exactly the 'Coagulating Powder' that the Xiao family has suddenly introduced—our market's popularity is already beginning to drop sharply." Unperturbed by the young white-clad man's impolite behavior, Gallebi gazed at the small green bottle on the table, his expression darkening. "How could the Xiao family possibly have a healing medicine? Have they even hired a pharmaceutical artisan?" Gallebi, who had a significant history of disputes with Xiao Yan, glanced at the white-clad man beside him and furrowed his brow. His old eyes narrowed, his face looking increasingly troubled. "Do you remember that enigmatic pharmaceutical artisan we met at the auction last time? He seemed particularly favorably inclined toward the Xiao family. If this 'Coagulating Powder' is indeed his creation, then we're in serious trouble—after all, he might very well be a third-rank pharmaceutical artisan." Hearing the title of a third-rank alchemist, the young man in white finally paused the hand that had been gliding over the serving maid's body, gently withdrawing it with a touch of reluctance. He stepped forward, picked up the small green bottle, lightly sniffed it beneath his nose, then poured out a small amount and gently rubbed it between his fingers. With a cold laugh, he said, "What a joke—third-rank alchemist! This blood-stopping powder does indeed have a stronger effect than the Revitalizing Powder, but judging by its appearance, the skill level of the alchemist who prepared it is clearly inferior to mine. His ability to achieve such potency is likely due to some special prescription he's inherited from somewhere." Upon hearing this, everyone present quietly breathed a sigh of relief. If the Xiao family truly had a third-rank alchemist on their side, the Jiale family would have little chance of recovery. "Based on my experience," the young man added, "the alchemist hired by the Xiao family might merely be a novice, only recently entering the field, who managed to produce this blood-stopping powder thanks to a prescription he obtained from somewhere." A faint disdain lingered on his face. "Hehe, Master Liu has already been able to discern the patient's bottom line just from a simple pill—his eye for detail is truly sharp," said Galleo, smiling with a hint of warmth and politeness. "That's merely the fundamental skill of a pharmacist," the young white-clad man known as Liu said modestly, though the subtle pride on his face was clearly visible to the seasoned elders present. "While the healing power of the Revival Powder is indeed slightly inferior to that of the Blood-Clotting Powder, the two are quite comparable. The current decline in market popularity is primarily due to our recent sharp price increases. Once we adjust the prices downward, the market share should gradually recover. However, returning to the previous level of popularity may prove difficult, as the Blood-Clotting Powder will attract many customers away. In the future, the healing medicine market in Wutan will see increased competition from the Xiao family as well." Galleo paused thoughtfully before adding, "Shall we adjust the prices?" "Heard this, Liu Xi furrowed his brow, clearly reluctant—having long been accustomed to selling at premium prices, this sudden price reduction truly felt uncomfortable. Seeing Liu Xi's demeanor, Gallebi muttered under his breath, 'Not very bright,' before smiling and explaining, 'Mr. Liu Xi, the market situation now is quite different from earlier. Previously, we could monopolize the healing medicine market in Wutan City, but now that's no longer the case. Therefore, we must reduce prices to regain market momentum.' With a resigned shake of his head, Liu Xi sneered, 'Whatever you do, just keep your promise regarding the share—no matter how much you reduce the price, you'll still have to pay me three times the original amount.' Gallebi's eyes twitched with growing irritation; he took a deep breath, maintaining a warm, yet now somewhat reserved, smile—his smile, though sincere, seemed a little cold. 'Of course, Mr. Liu Xi, we will fully honor our agreement and pay you your share as promised.' 'Agreed.'" Nodding in satisfaction, Liu Xi settled back into his chair and more freely embraced the graceful attendant beside him, running his hands up and down. "Mr. Liu Xi, our Spring-Revival Powder is now running low. I've already dispatched someone to the Mitel Auction to procure herbs. At that point, I'll likely have to trouble you again." Galib smiled and added, "Also, yesterday we fortunately acquired a pair of rare Serpent-Women from the Togor Desert. I've already had them delivered to your room." Hearing once again that he'd have to prepare the medicine, Liu Xi's face clearly showed some impatience. Yet as soon as the words 'Serpent-Women' reached his ears, that impatience instantly transformed into lust, his eyes gleaming as he nodded enthusiastically and confidently declared, "As long as the herbs are sufficient, the quantity of the Spring-Revival Powder need not concern the Chief." Seeing how easily Liu Xi agreed, Galib smiled with a touch of pride and condescension, inwardly chuckling, "A mere wastrel, consumed by lust—besides being able to prepare medicine, he has no other talents." Chuckles and shakes his head, Galib takes a sip of tea before smiling warmly and chatting with Liu Xi about the matters he is most passionate about—romantic, poetic, and delicate. After a while of further conversation, a member of the clan bursts into the hall hurriedly, quickly approaching Galib and leaning close to whisper a series of urgent words into his ear. Listening with a serene expression, Galib gradually sees his smile grow stiff. Then, with a crisp sound, his teacup shatters into powder, which blends with the tea and drips steadily down his palm. "By the gods, the Mitel auction hall—how dare they play this game with me!" Rising with a stern expression, Galib roars in fury, his intense energy surging violently from within, creating a strong gust of wind that whistles softly through the air. The closest member, Galio, is pressed by this powerful presence, struggling to catch his breath and retreating several steps, urgently calling out, "Father!" "Galio's voice restored some clarity to De Galio, whose face twitched slightly before he settled into a cold, composed seat, stating, 'The Mitel Auction House now refuses to sell us medicinal herbs!' The announcement sent shockwaves through the hall, everyone staring at one another in stunned disbelief and alarm. 'How is this possible? Hasn't Mitel Auction House always maintained neutrality? Why would they now specifically target our Galio family?' Upon hearing this, De Galio's face paled, and he stammered in disbelief. 'When sufficient interests are at stake, who can remain indifferent?' He exhaled slowly, giving a sharp sniff, then glanced at Liu Xi, who looked somewhat disheveled under the weight of his presence, and said coldly, 'I suspect this matter is closely tied to the Xiao family.' 'They wouldn't have the strength to compel Mitel Auction House to refuse us medicinal herbs, would they?' De Galio murmured. 'Hmph. Who knows what conditions they've used to persuade Mitel Auction House.' Galebi ran a hand over his weathered face, feeling an unexpected unease settle in his heart. "Now what? With insufficient herbs, our Revitalizing Powder will soon be sold out. Then, when the market is empty of customers, it will be our turn." Galekui said, sounding anxious. With a firm grip on his jaw, Galebi spoke coldly, "There are still several herb shops standing by us. First, dispatch people to gather their stocks and hold off for as long as possible. If that fails, we'll go to other cities and purchase herbs at a premium. I simply don't believe he, the Xiao family, can extend their influence beyond these cities!"