C19 He Lacked the Pill.

In the Qin Family's council hall, patriarch Qin Yuan was seated at the head of the table, attentively listening to the elders' reports.

"Patriarch, the route from Liu City to Chen Yang City has been seized by bandits, and what's worse, these bandits are under the Qu Family's influence from Chen Yang City."

"Indeed, these bandits aren't after money; they're deliberately blocking us. They've even confiscated all the pills our family brought into Chen Yang City."

"Patriarch, we need a solution fast. My pill shop is nearly out of stock."

"You think you're the only one? My Pill Shop is facing the same crisis."

"As it stands, the Chen Family is the only one in Liu City with any pills left."

"Well, naturally. The Chen Family has their own Pill Master. They can produce their own pills and don't rely on imports."

"Enough! Everyone, calm down." Qin Yuan of the Qin Family, rubbing his temples, called for order.

He was surrounded by elders who seemed helpless without him. The pill shortage was giving him a headache, yet these elders were looking to him for every solution.

How was he to resolve this? He wasn't an alchemist, and now that bandits had cut off the only road to Chen Yang City, he was at a loss for options.

Just then, Qin Ming entered and respectfully greeted his father, "Father, is something troubling you?"

Qin Qing trailed behind Qin Ming, casting a wary glance at her father. Known for his strictness, she was somewhat intimidated by him.

"Qin Ming, you've arrived?" Qin Yuan greeted him with a warm smile. His son had made him proud, having secured the aid of a formidable warrior and grown more mature.

"Come, take a seat. It's time you were involved in the family's affairs."

Now a grown man, Qin Ming was indeed ready to take part in the family's business.

"Yes, Father."

Qin Ming found a spot to sit, exchanged pleasantries with the elders, and pulled Qin Qing down to sit beside him.

"With the road to Chen Yang City blocked, we can't afford to let our shops run out of stock. The only option is to purchase pills from the Chen Family, even if it means selling at a loss."

A shop must remain open; once closed, it could take a long time to rebuild the business.

"We have no choice but to absorb the cost and spend some Spirit Stones for now."

"It's our only recourse. Without an Alchemist in the Qin Family, we wouldn't be facing such a predicament."

"Recruiting Alchemists is easier said than done. They're a proud bunch, and we're hardly in a position to curry favor with them."

The elders resumed their discussion, but it was clear there was no alternative. They would have to procure pills from the Chen Family, one of the four major families in Liu City.

With the Chen Family's pill prices likely soaring, the Qin Family was still compelled to make the purchase.

"Brother..." Qin Qing's eyes sought Qin Ming's.

He gestured for silence, and she reluctantly closed her mouth, listening to her father and the elders' exchange.

She harbored a secret, yet she couldn't voice it, which was deeply frustrating.

But she trusted her brother's judgment; he must have had his reasons for keeping quiet.

Qin Ming gently stroked his sister's head and whispered, "We'll go shopping in a bit. I'll get you some food and clothes."

At the mention of shopping, Qin Qing's eyes sparkled with excitement. She was eager for their father, the patriarch, and the other elders to wrap up their meeting so she could enjoy a day out with her brother.