However, today, figures of palace master and elder rank are all before him, treating him as an honored guest.

Isn’t this a classic case of a salted fish turning over?

William Grant felt quite pleased inside, but he didn’t let it go to his head. He kept reminding himself to stay calm and not show any weakness. He knew these people weren’t giving him face, but rather showing respect to that gold token.

Since he had the gold token as protection, what reason was there to lose his nerve?

It had to be said, William Grant’s psychological fortitude was pretty good. After three rounds of tea, the three palace masters still hadn’t figured anything out. With a chuckle, one said, “This gentleman holds a gold token personally bestowed by His Majesty the King, so you must have an extraordinary background. May I ask what guidance you have for us?”

Bestowed by His Majesty? William Grant was so shocked he nearly dropped his teacup.

Ethan Grant had given him this gold token, only saying it was useful, but he hadn’t expected it to be a royal gift. Now he finally understood why they were being so polite.

“To be honest, it’s not really a big deal. I originally came to pick up some medicinal herbs, and thought I’d discuss a business deal with your Apothecary Hall while I was at it.”

Collecting herbs was a trivial matter in the eyes of palace masters and elders, not worth their attention. What interested them more was the business.

A big shot coming to discuss business was no small matter.

“What kind of business, if I may ask?” The third palace master didn’t respond too quickly. Before understanding the other party’s background, he wouldn’t agree to anything lightly.

“I have a pill recipe here, an ancient formula that’s been lost for ages.” William Grant got straight to the point. “I won’t sell this recipe, only share the profits. Fifty-fifty split, you cover the cost of the herbs, and I just take a share.”

Taking a share and still asking for a fifty-fifty split—this was really asking for the moon.

Even for an exclusive pill recipe, the Apothecary Hall had seen plenty, but this guy’s appetite was just too big. Fifty-fifty? That’s daylight robbery!

“Heh, we’ve done pill recipe deals before at the Apothecary Hall, but they’re always one-time buyouts. As for profit sharing, there’s no precedent. And with us covering the costs, a fifty-fifty split is really... How about this, would you mind letting me take a look at the recipe?”

The third palace master didn’t outright refuse, but was clearly not very enthusiastic. As for asking to see the recipe, that was just professional instinct.

“You can look at the recipe, but I’m afraid you won’t understand it. Never mind, I’ll let you see it anyway. The refining method is in our hands, and I haven’t written down the most important ingredients. If you want to look, go ahead, but if you’re thinking of stealing the method, don’t bother.”

William Grant generously handed over the list, his tone increasingly calm and collected, looking as steady as Mount Tai. Clearly, he was fully in his element now, handling the upper echelons of the Apothecary Hall with ease.

The third palace master took the recipe, glanced at it, and immediately frowned. What about this recipe looked like some ancient lost formula?

Ordinary paper, mediocre handwriting—the first impression was that it was a scam.

If you’re going to fake an ancient recipe, at least use some old-looking paper and write in a more mystical script, right?

What was this?

Even the forgery was so half-hearted? Did he really think he could extort the Apothecary Hall with just a dragon-engraved gold token?

The other two elders also took a look at the recipe, their expressions turning odd. They exchanged glances, and could see the word “fraud” spinning in each other’s eyes.

The third palace master took the list back and looked at it again, frowning slightly. “Divine Creation Pill—never heard of this name before.”

“It’s an ancient recipe. Isn’t it normal you haven’t heard of it? If you had, would it still be called an ancient recipe?” William Grant calmly took a sip of tea.

He casually set down his teacup. “You’ve seen the recipe now. If you don’t recognize its value, someone else will. I know what you’re thinking—you just think the paper and handwriting look too casual, so it must be a fake. Never mind, summer insects can’t discuss ice. If you understand, I don’t need to say more; if you don’t, nothing I say will help. I won’t trouble you further. Farewell.”

William Grant spoke nonchalantly, but inside he was nervous. This was his last move—playing hard to get, deliberately acting deep and detached.

If they didn’t take the bait, he really had no other options.

“Sigh, I hope Shennong Hall or Dan King Court has someone with an eye for talent. It would be a shame if, in such a grand capital, the world of alchemy was full of mediocrities and not a single person could recognize a true gem.”

William Grant, looking disinterested, stood up slowly and prepared to leave.

The third palace master, seeing his mysterious and unfathomable demeanor, felt uncertain. Since the other party was leaving, the Apothecary Hall hadn’t really been rude. By rights, they should be happy to see him off.

But the third palace master couldn’t shake the feeling that letting him go like this might be a loss.

Almost involuntarily, the third palace master called out, “Sir, please wait. Our chief and second palace masters will be back soon. I may not recognize the value of this recipe, but perhaps they…”

“Never mind, never mind, opportunity waits for no one. I came to the Apothecary Hall today on a whim. I have no patience to wait for you for days. Who would have thought, in such a grand Apothecary Hall, there’s not a single person who can recognize true value. What a pity, what a pity.”

William Grant retreated in order to advance, playing hard to get once more.