Chapter 853: Recruitment

China Pharmaceuticals' prices matched those of other pill towers. Ye Mo wished to offer lower prices, but lacked the influence to do so. Lowering prices without sufficient power was a significant risk; offending established pill businesses was unwise.

China Pharmaceuticals lacked a grand façade, but its advertising was effective. It clearly stated that a Foundation Establishment Pill would be sold to the 300th customer for 100,000 spirit stones; if that customer declined, it would be offered to the next. The Face Preserving Pill would not be sold.

Selling the Foundation Establishment Pill for 100,000 spirit stones was not exorbitant—it was quite cheap. However, Ye Mo sought not profit, but to establish China Pharmaceuticals' reputation; he would even sell it for 1,000 spirit stones.

Many cultivators, particularly those at the Chi Gathering Peak, who had long sought Foundation Establishment, eagerly awaited the sale, having saved considerable spirit stones.

"It's opening!" The doors of China Pharmaceuticals swung open, and cultivators surged inside, fearing they'd miss the opportunity.

Ye Ling and Song Yangzhu were astonished by the throng. They finally understood the frenzy—a single Foundation Establishment Pill caused such chaos! The previously empty storefront was now teeming with people.

Song Yangzhu sighed. Wherever Ye Mo was, commotion inevitably followed.

Ye Mo stood at the entrance, his Foundation Establishment-level aura radiating outwards. His abundant cultivation essence and keen spiritual sense projected an aura comparable to a tertiary-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

This display calmed the crowd. Offending a tertiary-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator held dire consequences. Even if immediate retribution wasn't possible within city limits, one couldn't remain indefinitely. Moreover, the existence of a pill shop implied a pill master's backing; a powerful force even Golden Core cultivators would hesitate to antagonize.

"Everyone!" Ye Mo waited for relative quiet, then cupped his fist in greeting. "Today marks the opening of China Pharmaceuticals. My master entrusted me with two Foundation Establishment Pills; I've used one, and this remaining pill will be sold to a fortunate customer. The 300th person to purchase something from my shop will have the right to buy it, though they may decline."

A voice from the crowd asked, "Qianbei, will your master obtain more Foundation Establishment Pills?"

Ye Mo chuckled. "An excellent question! While our current foundation is unsteady, my master possesses considerable influence. I cannot guarantee more Foundation Establishment Pills, but I assure you my master will visit this city within a year. If more are available, we will sell them."

Ye Mo reasoned that within a year, he'd likely reach at least the mid-stage, perhaps even the tertiary stage, of Foundation Establishment. At the tertiary stage, he could contend with an ordinary Golden Core cultivator. To maintain China Pharmaceuticals' popularity, he wouldn't reveal any shortage.

"Now, let the sales commence! Maintain order; those cutting in line will be asked to leave," Ye Mo announced, waving his hand.

Despite the single Foundation Establishment Pill, many were interested in the other pills. The Great Essence Increasing Pill was highly valuable to Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The crowd remained orderly. Ye Ling and Song Yangzhu worked diligently; some customers bought single bottles, others multiple. Ye Mo's initial supply quickly diminished.

As sales increased, joyful murmurs arose. Customers discovered China Pharmaceuticals' pills were superior to those from other pill towers—fewer impurities, stronger effects—yet at the same price. This discovery accelerated sales.

Soon, the 300th customer arrived: a stage 7 Chi Gathering cultivator who intended to purchase a Great Essence Increasing Pill. He was quite surprised by his unexpected fortune.

Observing the cultivator's hesitation, Ye Mo realized he lacked the means or desire to purchase the Foundation Establishment Pill.

The cultivator behind him, a man in his sixties, noticed this. He had joined the line hoping for a lucky break.

The older cultivator quietly offered the younger one a Great Essence Increasing Pill, asking him to step aside. The younger cultivator readily agreed—a mutually beneficial exchange.

Ye Mo watched as the older cultivator purchased the Foundation Establishment Pill. "Everyone, the lucky purchaser of the Foundation Establishment Pill has been chosen! Let us wish him success in his Foundation Establishment!"

Many disappointed customers departed, but Ye Mo remained unfazed; his goal was achieved.

"That's Sun Zhicai, a pill master himself! Why's he buying pills here?" someone exclaimed.

"Pfft—Just a mortal-level pill master."

This sparked an idea in Ye Mo. He'd seen Sun Zhicai's overwhelming joy at obtaining the pill. He approached immediately.

"Friend, greetings. I'm Ye Mo, owner of China Pharmaceuticals. Congratulations on acquiring the Foundation Establishment Pill. I wish you success in your Foundation Establishment," Ye Mo said.

Sun Zhicai, clutching the pill, bowed deeply. "Ye-Qianbei, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to purchase this pill."

Ye Mo smiled. "It was purely your good fortune. I understand you're a pill master?"

Sun Zhicai nodded eagerly. "Yes, I hail from a family of pill makers. However, my family has passed, and I'm now a solitary cultivator, capable of crafting only mortal-level pills."

Ye Mo waved his hand. "That's perfectly acceptable. We're currently short-staffed. If you're still interested in pill making after achieving Foundation Establishment, consider joining China Pharmaceuticals. Although newly opened, we will treat you well. You'll have access to the pills you need for Foundation Establishment."

Sun Zhicai, astounded, exclaimed, "Qianbei, I only make mortal-level pills..."

Ye Mo smiled. "At China Pharmaceuticals, you won't be limited to mortal-level pills. Moreover, as a Spirit-level pill master, I can offer you some guidance."

Sun Zhicai was overwhelmed. Such fortune was unbelievable! To be instructed by a Spirit-level pill master was almost as difficult as achieving Foundation Establishment, and he had seemingly received both.

"Master, I accept!" Sun Zhicai knelt.

Ye Mo, taken aback, helped him up. "You are not my disciple; I merely offer guidance."