After all the pills were taken out, the cooperation between the Xiao family and Yao Lao was officially established.
During the subsequent profit distribution negotiations, Xiao Zhan, adhering to his cautious nature, proposed a split of 90% to 95% for Yao Lao and the Xiao family, with Yao Lao receiving 10%. This demonstrated Xiao Zhan's strong qualifications as a patriarch; despite the temptation, he remained true to his principles and did not overstep the bounds.
However, Yao Lao, representing Xiao Yan, had no intention of taking advantage of the Xiao family. If not for the risk of arousing suspicion, he would have gladly given all the profits to the Xiao family.
After negotiations, both sides agreed to a 50-50 profit split, which pleased everyone in the Xiao family.
With Yao Lao's and Mo Yu's support, the Xiao family not only resolved its crisis but also enhanced its influence in Wutan City.
After receiving thousands of bottles of healing medicine from Yao Lao, the Xiao family did not immediately celebrate. Instead, they waited until Mo Yu finished refining the Thunder Fire Pearls before preparing to counterattack the Gale family.
Over the next three days, the Xiao family quietly collected 500 pieces of materials for refining Thunder Fire Pearls, while Mo Yu worked tirelessly day and night on weapon refining. Despite the fatigue, Mo Yu, with his five-star fighter strength, found the work manageable. His proficiency in refining techniques improved significantly through continuous practice.
Meanwhile, the Gale family became increasingly arrogant. They used various unscrupulous means to attempt to monopolize all remaining merchants in the Xiao family's market. Although they noticed the Xiao family's secret material purchases, they dismissed it, underestimating the Xiao family's potential.
During these three silent days, the Gale family's market continued to thrive. The streets were crowded, and the demand for "Rejuvenation Powder" was high, leading to a dramatic increase in its price from 100 gold coins per box to 300 gold coins. Despite initial dissatisfaction, mercenaries had no choice but to accept the higher prices due to the lack of alternatives.
However, today the situation changed abruptly. As mercenaries scrambled for the Rejuvenation Powder, a sudden shout rang out:
"Xiao family market also has healing medicine for sale!"
"Not only that, but they also have Thunder Fire Pearls. The Xiao family has Thunder Fire Pearls for sale!"
These shouts came from spies sent by the Xiao family to spread the news, signaling the start of the Xiao family's counterattack.
As the spies' announcements spread through the crowd, the bustling Gale family market fell silent. The Thunder Fire Pearls, which had gained considerable fame, were highly sought after by mercenaries who had relied on them to escape danger.
Seeing the spies' claims, many mercenaries were initially skeptical. After all, the Xiao family had been weak recently, and it was hard to believe they could offer such valuable items.
One of the Xiao family spies, noticing the mixed reactions, quickly climbed onto a large rock, drew a large knife, and made a shallow cut on his arm. He then applied a deep red viscous liquid from a green bottle to the wound. The blood quickly coagulated, forming a thin layer over the scar.
Witnessing this effective hemostatic action, the mercenaries' interest was piqued. The spy then produced a black bead with intricate patterns—The Thunder Fire Pearl. Seeing this, the mercenaries became even more enthusiastic.
"This is the latest product from Xiao's market: 'Blood Coagulation Powder'! It is not only more potent but also priced at less than half of 'Rejuvenation Powder'! And the Thunder Fire Pearls are also available! Don't miss out—get them before they're gone!" the spy shouted, holding up the jade bottle and the Thunder Fire Pearls.
The crowd fell silent for a moment. A mercenary who had just entered the market stared at the items, then abruptly turned and fled.
The market, once bustling, emptied almost instantly as people rushed out in a panic. The streets were deserted except for a few stunned merchants.
"The Xiao family... has begun to fight back."
Merchants exchanged bewildered glances, then looked anxiously toward the Gale family's pavilion. The revelation of a superior healing medicine and Thunder Fire Pearls posed a serious threat to the Gale family.
Simultaneously, similar scenes unfolded in all other markets controlled by the Gale family.