Chapter 857: Hiring Pill Master
Ye Mo nodded, understanding Yan Zheng's intent. "Yes, I'm not a Spirit Grade Level 1 pill master," he admitted. He sensed Yan Zheng's sincerity and saw no conflict of interest with the Immortal Treasure Tower; there was no reason for Yan Zheng to harm him.
"It is so!" Yan Zheng exclaimed, rising excitedly. "What's the highest-level pill Brother Ye can create?" His expectations seemed high.
Ye Mo, unsure of Yan Zheng's meaning, replied, "Currently, I can create over 90% of pills below Spirit Grade Level 6, given the recipe." He could confidently produce all Spirit Grade pills with the recipe, but chose to be humble.
"What? You're a Spirit Grade Level 6 pill master?" Yan Zheng gasped, shaking with excitement. Such masters were rare, even in North Far State. The All Pill Tower in their city had only one, and the entire franchise likely fewer than five.
Ye Mo nodded. He believed he could eventually create Heaven Grade pills.
Yan Zheng urgently grasped Ye Mo's hand. "Brother Ye, what's your success rate for Spirit Grade Level 6 pills?"
"70%," Ye Mo replied calmly. His new pill concoction system, born from the Three Birth Chant, boasted a 99% success rate, but 70% was still remarkably high.
"70%! Excellent!" Yan Zheng declared. "Brother Ye, my instincts were right. I formally invite you to join the Immortal Treasure Tower. Don't worry, I'm not asking you to abandon China Pharmaceuticals, only to create pills for us in your spare time, under your own name. We'd be hiring you as our pill master."
Ye Mo considered this. "Brother Yan, China Pharmaceuticals also sells pills. Wouldn't that create a conflict of interest?"
Yan Zheng chuckled. "Brother Ye, the Immortal Treasure Tower spans North Far State. A small shop in River State City is insignificant. Furthermore, we deal in magic artifacts, not just pills."
Seeing Ye Mo's interest, Yan Zheng added, "Brother Ye, you can rebuild China Pharmaceuticals and bring your wife and sister to stay with us for now."
Ye Mo had mentally agreed, but hesitated about salary, especially considering the recently gifted 10,000 square meters of land. Requesting a salary now might seem impolite, and he still needed their help against the All Pill Tower.
Yan Zheng, perceptive, proposed, "Brother Ye, regarding payment, the usual outside arrangement is a 50/50 split. We're willing to give you 70% of the pills, meaning you only need to provide us with 30%."
Ye Mo recognized this as a generous offer. Outside, even with a 60% success rate, pill masters often gave half their yield. This extra 10% was significant.
However, Ye Mo stated, "Brother Yan, I can't accept this."
Yan Zheng was stunned. It was a favorable deal; they weren't splitting profits equally, as they provided all the materials.
Ye Mo explained, "My success rate is 70%. I'll give you 70%, keeping nothing extra. If you approve, Brother Yan, agree to these terms." He had a 100% success rate for Spirit Grade Level 6 pills, leaving him a 30% profit, sufficient for China Pharmaceuticals.
Yan Zheng, understanding Ye Mo's intent, regarded him with even greater respect.
"Agreed," Yan Zheng said. "I'll arrange your pill master badge."
Ye Mo understood the badge's significance. Like East Black State, North Far State had a pill association. Masters whose mortal-grade pills were approved received a badge. Those who crafted Heaven Grade pills were called Pill Kings, the highest title on Luo Yue Continent.
Ye Mo didn't particularly care about the title, but he wouldn't refuse Yan Zheng's assistance in gaining recognition as a Spirit Grade Level 6 pill master. The title would simplify interactions with the association, allowing access to restricted herbs and discounts.
Following the announcement of the Foundation Establishment Pill and the Face Preserving Pill, China Pharmaceuticals released another bombshell: They would expand, building a China Pharmaceuticals Tower. Simultaneously, Ye Mo, their head pill master, was hired by the Immortal Treasure Tower.
While constructing the tower, Ye Mo brought Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling to the Immortal Treasure Tower headquarters. He encouraged their cultivation while he concocted pills.
He discovered he could cultivate and concoct pills simultaneously, a welcome discovery that prevented him from wasting cultivation time. It wasn't ideal, but better than nothing.
Peng Shiping, upon hearing the news, was stunned, watching Ye Mo's ascent. Zhang Chengfeng, recalling Ye Mo's use of the Face Preserving Pill, smiled wryly. Yan Zheng was clever but inexperienced; Ye Mo had masterfully maneuvered his hiring.
Within a week, the tower was complete. Ye Mo returned with Song Yangzhu (Stage 4 Chi Gathering) and Ye Ling (Stage 5).
Ye Mo's superior speed in pill creation greatly eased the Immortal Treasure Tower's demand, enhancing his status. With ample cultivation resources and Spirit Chi, he reached Foundation Establishment State Level 3, Tertiary Stage.
Most of his earnings were invested in materials—ostensibly forgery materials, but actually formation materials. Ye Mo believed his true talent lay not in pill concoction, but in formation setting.