"So that's how it is."
Hearing Long Yuling's explanation, Yang Fan finally understood.
Cultivators transcend the mundane, and the rules and regulations of ordinary people certainly cannot restrain them.
It was precisely because of this that the Long family now had a dedicated department to solve problems for these cultivators.
In the end, this so-called Long family was like the police in the mortal world today, exclusively handling conflicts between cultivators.
"Because Mr. Lin is an alchemist, you are now an honored guest of our Long family. We are willing to purchase all the pills you refine at market price," Long Yuling said again.
Alchemists were extremely rare in this world where spiritual energy was scarce. Any major power or prominent family would go to great lengths to appease an alchemist.
A family or power without an alchemist was destined not to last for more than three generations!
Their Long family headquarters in the capital also had a fourth-grade alchemist stationed there, which was why the Long family could stand at the pinnacle of the Dragon Country and be qualified to cooperate with the government.
"Mm, good."
Hearing Long Yuling's words, Lin Chen nodded slightly, understanding finally dawning on him.
"By the way, Mr. Lin, what grade of alchemist are you now?" Long Yuling then asked the question that interested her the most.
Although she had guessed that a rogue cultivator like Yang Fan becoming a first-grade alchemist would already be a remarkable feat, she still held onto a sliver of hope that Lin Chen would give her an unexpected answer.
"Uh, first grade, but if I have a large quantity of medicinal herbs, breaking through to second grade should only be a matter of time," Lin Chen replied after a moment of thought, giving a compromise answer.
He understood the principle that "the wind will destroy the tree that stands out in the forest." Even though the Long family represented the government now, who could guarantee that there were no selfish individuals within the family?
Keeping some trump cards for himself was a way to preserve his own path.
"Hehehe, Mr. Lin, if you need any medicinal herbs, please tell me, and I will do my best to satisfy your request."
Receiving Lin Chen's answer, Long Yuling's heart was filled with anticipation.
A first-grade alchemist, about to break through to second grade, meant that soon he would be able to refine Foundation Establishment Pills!
In the current world, cultivators in the Qi Nurturing and Qi Refining stages were as common as blades of grass in the entire cultivation world, but Foundation Establishment cultivators were extremely rare.
Firstly, the spiritual energy was truly scarce, making it very difficult for cultivators to break through to higher realms.
The other problem was that Foundation Establishment Pills were incredibly difficult to refine!
Even the fourth-grade alchemist stationed at the Long family headquarters had a high probability of failing when refining Foundation Establishment Pills, let alone other low-grade alchemists.
"Thank you. Let's go, the auction should be starting soon."
Lin Chen did not pay much attention to Long Yuling's words.
His relationship with the Long family was merely a partnership for now. If he truly stated his desired pills, with the Long family's accumulated resources over the years, they might be able to deduce the pills he intended to refine.
Naturally, there would be no great need for cooperation then, would there?
As long as he could help Qiu Hanling expand her Ruoshuang Group into a stronger entity, would he have to worry about not being able to buy medicinal herbs in the future?
It was only by holding power in his own hands that he could feel at ease!
"Eh? Lin Chen, you're here? And who is this?"
As soon as they entered the auction hall, Lin Chen saw Qiu Hanling, who was personally acting as a greeter.
Originally, given Qiu Hanling's status, she would never have personally stood at the entrance to welcome guests. However, today's guests were all too distinguished!
After much deliberation, to avoid any unpleasant incidents, Qiu Hanling had no choice but to personally attend to matters.
However, when she saw the devilishly beautiful Long Yuling beside Lin Chen, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Standing at over 1.8 meters tall, she had both looks and a figure, especially those long legs, which were the dream of every man!
And the fresh, ethereal aura emanating from her made even a woman like Qiu Hanling feel a sense of inferiority.
"Hehehe, you must be Ms. Qiu Hanling, CEO Qiu? I am Long Yuling!" Seeing Qiu Hanling before her, Long Yuling took the initiative to extend her hand in greeting.
Before coming to Hangcheng to meet Lin Chen, their Long family had certainly investigated Lin Chen's true identity, so they had naturally noticed Qiu Hanling's existence.
"What? Long Yuling? You're the eldest daughter of the Long family?" Hearing Long Yuling's name, Qiu Hanling's eyes widened, and her expression was filled with disbelief.
Good heavens, others might not know, but how could she not be aware of Long Yuling?
She was a celebrity throughout Zhejiang Province!
As the sole heir of the third generation of the Long family, that status alone was enough to blind others. Moreover, Long Yuling possessed countless enviable accolades.
Yet, someone of such stature was now walking with Lin Chen?
And most importantly, looking at their positions now, Long Yuling was standing behind Lin Chen.
Perhaps such a small detail might not mean much to others, but for descendants of prominent families like themselves, this detail indicated a great deal.
Being a step behind meant that Long Yuling respected Lin Chen!
The dignified eldest daughter of the Long family, the future helmsman of the Long family in Zhejiang Province, now felt that her status was inferior to Lin Chen's? What was going on? Was she hallucinating from being too excited this morning?
"Hehehe, Ms. Qiu, there's no need to be so surprised. I've come this time also for your Ruoshuang Group's beauty-enhancing pills. I hope we can have long-term cooperation between your Ruoshuang Group and our Long family in the future."
Long Yuling smiled gently and extended her hand in a very friendly manner.
She knew that since Lin Chen was entrusting the beauty-enhancing pills he refined to Qiu Hanling for auction, it meant that Qiu Hanling held a significant position in Lin Chen's heart.
Let alone Lin Chen's terrifying cultivation as a Core Formation cultivator, his imminent status as a second-grade alchemist would make him a target of contention for major powers even in the capital.
"Long-term cooperation... This..."
Hearing this, Qiu Hanling was momentarily stunned.
The dignified eldest daughter of the Long family, the true future helmsman of the Long family, was inviting her, whose auction house was not even considered second-rate, to a long-term cooperation?
Was she truly not dreaming?