Chapter 855: Gift Pill

As soon as Ye Mo spoke, a stunned silence fell. His visitors were all influential figures—none that China Pharmaceuticals could afford to alienate. They possessed the power to easily crush the company.

Their interest wasn't in the shop or Ye Mo, a mere Spirit Grade Level 1 pill master; it was the face-preserving pill. Though Ye Mo had initially intended to sell it, he resented their coercive tactics. He lacked power; with power, even possessing the immortal face pill wouldn't invite such pressure.

Noticing their displeasure, Ye Mo quickly explained, “You misunderstand. I didn't plan to sell it, but City Lord Zhang's devotion to his wife deeply moved me. I wish to gift him this pill to fulfill his wishes.”

Ye Mo understood the importance of choosing a side. Hesitation would offend all three men. Having already angered Peng Shiping, aligning with the powerful Zhang Chengfeng seemed the wisest choice. While unsure of Zhang Chengfeng's true character, his initial impression was positive, and Yan Zheng appeared close to him.

Ye Mo's confidence stemmed from Zhang Chengfeng's apparent straightforwardness and lack of condescension. However, he wondered if the city lord's visit was motivated by respect for his wife, not for Ye Mo or the shop. If the latter were true, Zhang Chengfeng might accept the pill without offering aid, deeming China Pharmaceuticals unworthy of his support. Knowing Zhang Chengfeng only briefly, Ye Mo gambled on his assessment.

He wasn't overly concerned about a single face-preserving pill. Other circumstances might have forced his departure from the city, but this was a risk he was willing to take.

The three men were astonished by Ye Mo's generosity. The pill was worth tens of millions of spirit stones; Ye Mo's humble shop location suggested otherwise. His decision demonstrated foresight and shrewdness.

Zhang Chengfeng was the first to react, quickly waving his hand. "Boss Ye, I couldn't accept such a precious gift! Your willingness to even sell it is a tremendous favor." But his face betrayed no such sentiment. Ye Mo's heart sank; his assessment had been wrong. Zhang Chengfeng's handsome, straightforward demeanor masked a ruthless ambition.

Despite this realization, Ye Mo pressed on. "City Lord Zhang, I respect those who value relationships. Your personal visit for your wife speaks volumes. If you disapprove, compensate me in spirit stones."

"Hahaha!" Zhang Chengfeng laughed, rising to his feet. "Brother Ye, I admire your straightforwardness. I accept your goodwill. Let's dispense with formalities; call me Brother Zhang."

Ye Mo chuckled. "Then, Brother Zhang, I won't stand on ceremony."

However, Ye Mo doubted Zhang Chengfeng would assist if the All Pill Tower attacked China Pharmaceuticals. The pill, however, served as a gesture of goodwill, potentially deterring them—gaining time was paramount.

"Congratulations, City Lord Zhang!" Yan Zheng offered his congratulations, followed by a strained congratulation from Peng Shiping; Ye Mo perceived the bitterness concealed beneath.

"Yangzhu, bring the pill," Ye Mo instructed.

Song Yangzhu retrieved the pill. Both she and Yangzhu were shocked, unaware of its true value.

Suddenly, a voice intruded, and an arrogant young man swaggered into the shop. "Manager Peng, did you get the pill?"

Peng Shiping's expression darkened. "Young Master, it belongs to City Lord Zhang."

"What?!" The young man frowned, his gaze shifting to Zhang Chengfeng and Yan Zheng. He could only offer a grudging salute to Zhang Chengfeng. "So Uncle Zhang came personally. Congratulations." He merely nodded to Yan Zheng.

"The boss of China Pharmaceuticals? A Foundation Establishment State Level 3 cultivator? Quite bold, opening a shop here with such limited power," sneered the young master, his frustration evident.

Zhang Chengfeng frowned but remained silent. Peng Shiping coughed, intending to warn the young man against provoking Ye Mo, oblivious to the pill's transfer.

The young master's eyes lit up upon seeing Song Yangzhu approaching with the pill. Her beauty, enhanced by Ye Mo's care, and her slight worry about her daughter, only intensified her allure.

"Hmm, a pretty lady instead of the face-preserving pill. Excellent!" The young master approached Song Yangzhu.

Ye Mo smirked, hoping to provoke the young master into action. The pill hadn't yet changed hands, and he believed that even a reluctant Zhang Chengfeng would intervene.

But before Zhang Chengfeng could speak, Ye Mo acted, delivering a swift kick and two blows to the young master's kneecaps. The young master, a Foundation Establishment State Level 5 cultivator, underestimated Ye Mo. Ye Mo's superior cultivation essence caught him off guard.

Two cracking sounds followed by a thud. The young master was ejected from the shop, landing sprawled on the street.