At the same time, upon hearing his disciple's explanation, Wei Wushuang felt somewhat uncomfortable and secretly communicated via soul consciousness, "Why pick me as an example? Couldn't you choose someone else?"

Lin Qian chuckled softly, also communicating secretly, "Seems there's no one here suitable for my example except you, Master. Please bear with it."

After Lin Qian finished speaking, Wei Ziliang also nodded in agreement. This method was indeed much better than having the fourth-generation disciples rush in and cause chaos directly.

At least, this was the Wei family's own domain, and even if Ming Chun Hall knew it was a setup, what could they do? They could only suffer in silence.

Of course, such tactics could only be used once, as people aren't fools.

Unfortunately, since the Wei family's fourth-generation had already acted, they couldn't repeat such affairs.

Though the fourth-generation's actions were rash and made Wei Ziliang angry, he also felt some relief.

At least, the Wei family's descendants weren't feeble; they had passion and banded together against outsiders.

"Ahem, ahem, now, we are faced with two paths." After coughing into his hand again, Wei Ziliang looked around at the Wei family members in the hall, "Agree to Ming Chun Hall's terms, which would place us under great restriction and humiliation."

"The other option is to refuse their terms, after which they would completely withdraw and stop selling us any pills."

After Wei Ziliang's words, silence fell within the Council Hall. Such matters, bearing great significance, profoundly impacted the Wei family's future.

The Wei family was indeed specialized; they had their own alchemists, and their affiliated forces had alchemical specialists as well. But compared to Ming Chun Hall, they were lacking.

Ming Chun Hall had the most extensive herb fields and the most alchemists within the Thirty-Six Southern Territories, along with advanced techniques.

The quantity and quality of their pills were unmatched by the Wei family's alchemists.

Various forces within the Thirty-Six Southern Territories cooperated with Ming Chun Hall.

Refusing Ming Chun Hall and losing access to their pills would severely hamper the Wei family's growth.

Other forces could develop with access to their pills, widening the gap with the Wei family.

"Your Majesty, it seems Ming Chun Hall intends to swallow the Wei family." At this moment, the figure of Zhuge Ming appeared next to Lin Qian, and only he could see the real-time display of his Prime Minister's image.

Zhuge Ming held an ancient scroll recording matters of the Heroes Gathering.

Lin Qian had come here to connect with Zhuge Ming, allowing him to observe the proceedings.

"Indeed, many forces across the realms prioritize profit, and Ming Chun Hall is no exception. Why else would they trade with other forces of the Thirty-Six Southern Territories?" Sitting silently behind his master, Lin Qian observed the developments.

Inside the Council Hall, Wei family members were quietly discussing how to resolve this issue.

Outside, leaders from affiliated forces residing in Ziliang City were also whispering among themselves.

In the past, when Wei Ziliang was unharmed, he alone could uphold the entire Wei family.

If Ming Chun Hall had thought of annexing the Wei family, it surely would have faced heavy losses and wouldn't have dared such foolish acts or thoughts.

But now things were different, as Wei Ziliang's injuries were severe and irreparable.

By pressuring slightly, there was no harm; Wei Ziliang wouldn't risk aggravating his condition over minor conflict with Ming Chun Hall.

Once Wei Ziliang perishes, annexing the Wei family would be feasible.

When Wei Ziliang was in good health and powerful, cooperating and selling pills to the Wei family brought Ming Chun Hall the maximum benefit.

Now that Wei Ziliang faced grave health issues, he was close to dying. Pushing the issue of annexing the Wei family promised far greater gains than selling pills to a Wei family without Wei Ziliang.

However, Ming Chun Hall didn't know that Wei Ziliang's body had been cured long ago by a potion gifted by Lin Qian, and his power realm had advanced, greatly increasing his combat strength.

"Better agree for now; without purchasing pills from Ming Chun Hall, there's little hope for recovery." Among the Five Elders, Wei Liangshan advised, looking at Wei Ziliang.

Hearing his words, the others smirked subtly, as they were aware of Wu's recovery.

"Old Big Brother has become skillful, cunningly acting harmlessly while scheming secretly," Wei Zhongcai quietly remarked, glancing at Wei Liangshan with a light chuckle.

"Impossible. When did the Wei family ever let others bully us? Aren't they merely some pills? Can we really not refine them ourselves?" Wei Diyi snorted coldly, slapping the table before him until it cracked.

Sitting behind him, Lin Qian took a sip of tea, thinking to himself, "The quality of this table is quite impressive."

"I wonder, is it better to agree or refuse this matter?" Just then, the voice of Wei Ziliang suddenly echoed in Lin Qian's mind, nearly making him spit out his tea.

Such affairs were important to the Wei family, and Wei Ziliang's request for his opinion was baffling.

Remembering how Wei Ziliang had mentioned integrating the Wei family into the Huaxia Empire earlier, Lin Qian felt there was something peculiar about this situation.

"Grandpa Wei, after the Heroes Gathering, will the Wei family inevitably be integrated into the Huaxia Empire regardless of the outcome?" Lin Qian asked, avoiding directly answering Wei Ziliang's question.

By now, the Wei family members in the Council Hall were immersed in discussion, focusing on the consequences of both decisions, not noticing Wei Ziliang's peculiar expression.

Sighing inwardly, Wei Ziliang confirmed to Lin Qian via soul communication, "Indeed, regardless of how the Heroes Gathering ends, the Wei family must join the Huaxia Empire. There's no alternative."

"If the Wei family doesn't integrate into the Huaxia Empire, I would face heart demon backlash and perish."

"Why?"

"I can't say!"

Lin Qian fell silent; there must be a reason behind Wei Ziliang's strange stance. Otherwise, why go to such lengths?

Was it because of the potion he had given?

How could that be? Offering an entire family for a bottle of potion — wishful thinking.

"In that case, let the Wei family reject Ming Chun Hall's proposal, cease cooperation. The Huaxia Empire will provide pills for the Wei family domain, quietly waiting for the right moment to announce the integration."