Snowveil Commerce.

Caishen sat at the head seat.

Flanking her were numerous key members of the commerce group.

"Caishen, this year's pill production has only reached half of previous years' output."

Caishen's face darkened. "Tell the remaining alchemists to speed up production. Snowveil Commerce won't mistreat them."

The first person on Caishen's left spoke up, "This is just a temporary solution. The remaining alchemists lack sufficient skill. Even if they work day and night, the pills produced will have serious quality issues."

"Indeed, we mustn't damage Snowveil Commerce's reputation." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on Novᴇl_Fire(.)net

Since the old Caishen passed away half a year ago and the new Caishen took over, various factions had been watching like hungry tigers. Three months ago, over twenty senior alchemists were poached at once.

Snowveil Commerce's business scope was extensive, including pill sales. Their self-production and self-distribution model brought considerable profits. Now with over twenty alchemists gone, along with many pre-made pills, the commerce group suffered a severe blow to its prestige.

After a long silence, Caishen left the conference hall. Though she had gradually taken control of the business, the current situation seemed beyond her expectations.

As soon as Caishen reached the doorway, discussions erupted behind her:

"Our current Caishen is too young."

"The old Caishen died too soon."

"I don't understand why his son didn't inherit the position instead of this young girl."

"Well, ancient heroes often emerged from youth. Didn't our Caishen recently return from the Frigid Secret Realm with many treasures?"

"Just childish bravado..."

"............"

Caishen wandered in her courtyard, gazing at the lotus flowers in the pond, lost in thought. "Grandfather, can I really do this well?" she murmured.

Just then, a servant came with news. Upon hearing the visitor's description, Caishen's face lit up with joy. Rushing to the gate, she unconsciously smoothed her hair, suppressing her excitement.

Three people stood outside - Li Xuanxiao and two strangers. One wore a black robe with their face hidden beneath the hood.

"In the end, I still have to trouble you, Caishen," Li Xuanxiao said.

Meeting his gaze, Caishen replied, "We've faced life and death together. Without you, I wouldn't have returned alive. No need for formalities."

After brief pleasantries, Caishen arranged accommodations for the three. "Whatever you need, just tell me," she offered, knowing Li Xuanxiao hadn't come merely to stay awhile.

Li Xuanxiao wasn't overly reserved either - he'd prepared a list of requirements for Caishen. As she examined the items, ripples of concern stirred within her. These demands were indeed substantial!

Her eyes moved slowly down the list. The most crucial item stood out starkly - earth fire. Moreover, Li Xuanxiao required earth fire of exceptional quality, possessing heavenly fire-level temperatures and immense energy. Such earth fire was not only rare but extremely difficult to obtain.

Caishen's brow furrowed. "This won't be easy..."

"Can you manage it?" Li Xuanxiao asked.

Without hesitation, she nodded. "Don't worry."

"I won't impose on you without compensation," Li Xuanxiao added.

Caishen waved it aside. "You saved my life. No need for such talk."

At that moment, Di Nü Feng extended a jade-white arm from beneath her robe to tug at Li Xuanxiao's sleeve. He casually produced some pastries from his pocket and handed them over. Di Nü Feng lowered her head to nibble delicately.

A gentle breeze lifted the robe's hood slightly. Caishen, observing discreetly, noticed the bluish-purple veins on the woman's neck and arms. So this was the friend Li Xuanxiao had vowed to save at all costs.

Hmm?

Di Nü Feng's eyes lifted suddenly, meeting Caishen's gaze directly. Caishen started slightly, realizing she was looking at an extraordinarily beautiful woman - the kind of beauty that could astonish even herself.

Flustered, Caishen made a hasty departure, her emotions in turmoil.

Cao Changjing glanced around the room's furnishings and gave a slight nod of approval.

".........."

That evening, Caishen's father Miao Zhishun prepared a lavish banquet.

Miao Zhishun had deliberately arranged an exceptionally extravagant event. His steward asked, "Master, these are just the young mistress's friends. Why such grandeur?"

Miao Zhishun smiled faintly. "A young girl's heart stirs with spring feelings. Children grow beyond control. Since they saved her life, we must repay them properly. But we should also make them recognize their place and understand the gap between us. Besides, if the setting were modest, people would say Snowveil Commerce is stingy with its hospitality."

"Master is wise."

"............"

Twelve colorfully dressed maids stood on either side holding exquisite palace lanterns. The wicks contained sealed embers of departing fire spirits, their amber-orange glow bathing the hall in warm light.

Li Xuanxiao, Di Nü Feng, and Cao Changjing entered. Miao Zhishun welcomed them with a smile.

Just then, twelve green luan birds with fiery red tail feathers streaked across the hall's ceiling like burning arrows across the sky. The luan birds carried golden glass threads in their beaks, weaving them midair into an elaborate tapestry that formed a floating carpet among the clouds.

Countless twinkling stars appeared, creating a breathtaking celestial display. Several towering jade-carved glass trees adorned the hall...

Such magnificence would awe even seasoned cultivators, inspiring reverence.

Lavish wealth - Miao Zhishun had the means to display it.

Miao Zhishun watched Li Xuanxiao closely, hoping to catch a glimpse of impressed satisfaction. But the young man's reaction disappointed him - Li Xuanxiao merely glanced around calmly before smiling politely. "Thank you for your generous hospitality, Uncle Miao."

Miao Zhishun's smile stiffened. Turning to Cao Changjing and Di Nü Feng, he found their responses equally disappointing.

Cao Changjing surveyed the scene with detached indifference. Di Nü Feng didn't even look - noticing the absence of food on the tables, she immediately lost interest.