52 Chapter 52- Turning Tables and a Grand Opportunity
52 Chapter 52 – Turning Tables and a Grand
Opportunity
The conference room hummed with anticipation as I stood before the assembled businessmen, feeling a strange new power coursing through my veins. Not the power of my cultivation, but the intoxicating rush of watching people who once looked through me now hanging on my every word.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I announced, my voice carrying easily through the room. “I’ve considered your generous offers, and I’ve made my decision regarding the distribution rights for the Soul Nourishment Pill:
The crowd leaned forward eagerly, some literally perched on the edges of their seats. “My commission requirement is simple: ten percent.”
A collective gasp rippled through the audience. Such a low figure for a miracle pill was unheard of.
“However,” I continued, holding up my hand to quiet the exciter
two non–negotiable conditions.”
The room fell silent again.
murmurs, “there are
“First, all retailers must maintain unified pricing. No undercutting each other to monopolize the market.” I paused, letting that sink in before delivering the killing blow. “Second, any
spartner who maintains active dealings with the killing blow.
family will be immediately disqualified from our arrangement.”
Hawthorne
The stunned silence that followed was delicious. I could almost hear the mental calculations as they weighed their existing Hawthorne connections against the fortune to be made from the Soul Nourishment Pill.
“This is outrageous!” Sebastian Hawthorne’s voice cut through the silence as he stormed back into the room, face flushed with rage. “You can’t strong–arm the entire business community into boycotting my family! This is illegal restraint of trade!”
I turned toward him slowly, savoring the moment. “I’m not forcing anyone to do anything, Mr. Hawthorne. I’m simply stating the terms under which I’m willing to do business. Everyone here is free to choose.”
52 Chapter 52- Turning Tables and a Grand Opportunity
Sebastian stalked closer, trembling with fury. “This is about your petty grievances with the Sterling family, isn’t it? You were thrown out like garbage, and now you’re trying to extract revenge through me?”
The room went deathly quiet. Three months ago, his words would have cut me to the bone. Now, they barely registered.
“Mr. Hawthorne,” I said calmly, “not everything is about you. Or the Sterlings. This is simply business.”
“You’ll regret this,” Sebastian hissed, close enough now that only I could hear. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
I smiled. “Actually, I believe that’s your problem, not mine.”
He held my gaze for a long moment, then spun on his heel and stormed out again, slamming the door behind him with such force that the windows rattled.
As if on cue, Jasper Monroe stepped forward from the crowd, his expression a careful mask of contrition. “Mr. Knight, about our earlier… misunderstanding-
“Roman,” I interrupted, not even bothering to look at Jasper. “Please see Mr. Monroe
out.”
Roman’s massive hand clamped down on Jasper’s shoulder before he could say another word. “With pleasure, Mr. Knight.”
“Wait! I apologize! I was wrong-” Jasper’s protests faded as Roman firmly guided him toward the exit.
I noticed Seraphina Sterling and Gideon Blackwood quietly making their way to the door. Seraphina paused briefly, her eyes meeting mine with a complex mixture of shock, disbelief, and–most satisfyingly–fear. She had never imagined that the worthless son–in–law she’d tormented for three years could rise like this.
As the businesspeople eagerly lined up to sign preliminary agreements with Roman’s staff, I slipped away through a side door. I needed a moment of quiet after the performance I’d just given.
I found myself in a small antechamber where Elder Anthony Harding was waiting, his eyes bright with excitement.
“Mr. Knight,” he said, bowing respectfully. “Your mastery of the Soul Nourishment Pill
52 Chapter 52–Turning Tables and a Grand Opportunity
formulation is extraordinary. I’ve studied traditional medicine for fifty years and have never seen such perfect balance of ingredients.”
“Your praise means a great deal, Elder Harding” I replied sincerely.
The old man hesitated. “If I may ask… how did you come by this knowledge? The precise formulation has been lost for centuries.
I thought of my mysterious jade pendant and the knowledge that had flooded my mind when it activated. “Some knowledge finds us when we’re ready for it, Elder Harding”
would y
He nodded, accepting my cryptic answer. “Will you… consider sharing the formula? Not for commercial purposes, he added quickly, “but for the advancement of traditional medicine.”
I studied his earnest face, sensing no deception. Unlike the businessmen in the other
room, his interest was purely academic. After a moment’s consideration, I removed a
folded paper from my inner pocket.
“Here is the complete formula, with precise measurements and preparation instructions,” I said, handing it to him.
Elder Harding’s hands trembled as he accepted the paper. “This is… I don’t know how to thank you. This is a priceless gift.”
“Knowledge should be preserved and shared with those who respect it,” I said. “My only request is that you use it to help people who truly need healing.”
Overcome with emotion, Elder Harding nodded vigorously. “Of course, of course! In fact, if you’ll allow it, I would be honored to refine these pills for you personally. My laboratory, humble as it is, would be at your disposal.”
“You would do that?” I asked, genuinely surprised by the offer.
“It would be my privilege! Your formula is perfect, but the refining process requires experience. I’ve spent decades perfecting my technique.”
His offer was exactly what I needed. Despite having the knowledge, I lacked the proper facilities to produce the pills in quantity.
“I would be honored to accept your help, Elder Harding.
The old man beamed. “Excellent! This partnership will revolutionize traditional
52 Chapter 52–Turning Tables and a Grand Opportunity
medicine in Havenwood City!” His expression suddenly brightened further. “Have you considered entering the Traditional Medicine Conference?
“Traditional Medicine Conference? I echoed.
“It’s the most prestigious national competition for traditional medicine practitioners: Elder Harding explained eagerly. “Held once every three years, masters from all over the country gather to demonstrate their skills and knowledge”
“What kind of competition is it?” I asked, my interest piqued.
“Various challenges–diagnosing mystery ailments, identifying rare herbs blindfolded, creating remedies under time constraints. The winners receive not just recognition but extremely valuable prizes.”
I leaned forward slightly. “What kind of prizes?”
Elder Harding’s eyes gleamed. “Last conference, the grand prize was a
hundred–year–old King of Medicine!”
My pulse quickened. A hundred–year–old King of Medicine was an herbal treasure of immense power–exactly what I needed to advance my cultivation to the next level.
“When is the next conference?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.
“In just three months, Elder Harding replied. “I’ve attended as an observer for decades. but never had the courage to compete. He looked at me intently. “But you, Mr. Knight -you could not only compete, you could win! Havenwood City has never had a champion before.”
A hundred–year–old King of Medicine. The very thought made my blood sing. With it, I could dramatically accelerate my cultivation progress and gain the strength needed to protect myself–and eventually, find and rescue Isabelle. (2)
“Tell me more about this conference, Elder Harding,” I said, my mind already racing with possibilities. “I think I’d like to enter.”
The elder’s face lit up with excitement. “I have no doubt you would bring glory to our city! With your knowledge and my guidance on the competition format, the grand prize could be yours!
For the first time in days, I felt a surge of genuine hope. Not just for revenge, but for true advancement. The path forward was becoming clearer by the moment.
