Rebirth of the Fallen Master

Herbal Tower's Invitation

"The potion I bought from you back then was extremely well received," Ma Yuan said.

"The Vice Tower Master of the Herbal Tower has also tried it and is interested in producing it on a large scale. That's why he asked me to represent the Herbal Tower in finding you and inviting you to cooperate with us."

Li Ye raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "Cooperate?" the young man asked to make sure. Ma Yuan nodded.

"The Herbal Tower is willing to provide all the materials and equipment needed. As for the profits from future sales, the Herbal Tower will only take 30%," Ma Yuan offered.

Li Ye fell silent for a moment, hesitant after hearing the proposal.

Ma Yuan frowned. "Is there something you don't like about the offer?" he asked, noticing the hesitation on Li Ye's face.

The young man remained silent for a few moments before shaking his head slightly. "It's not that. I've never officially taken the alchemist examination or anything like that. It doesn't feel appropriate for me to work in a place like this."

"Why not? The Herbal Tower also accepts apprentice alchemists here. You only need a recommendation letter from your master, and everything will be settled," Ma Yuan replied reassuringly.

Li Ye smiled upon hearing that.

"That's the problem. There's no way I can acknowledge just anyone as my master," Li Ye thought bitterly.

"My master is actually a very reclusive person and extremely difficult to meet. So it would be hard to obtain a recommendation letter or anything like that from him," Li Ye said, lying.

Ma Yuan fell silent for a moment and took a deep breath, understanding Li Ye's predicament.

"How about I simply hand over the formula? I'll leave the production entirely to you, Master Ma," Li Ye suggested. "As for the payment, 30% is enough for me."

Ma Yuan was startled by the suggestion. "It takes a great deal of time and research to improve a Potion formula. Selling it just like that feels a little..."

"As long as this Potion formula can help more people, why not? It's just a formula. There's nothing particularly special about it, so it's no big deal to me," Li Ye said calmly, cutting off Ma Yuan's hesitation.

Ma Yuan looked at Li Ye in silence. The longer he knew the young man, the more he admired his character.

"If you insist, then I won't object. But 30% is far too little for a formula like this. I think we should split the profits equally instead. What do you think?" Ma Yuan suggested. Profit was not his main concern. What he truly wanted was to build a connection with Li Ye.

Li Ye smiled and nodded in agreement. "I agree," he replied.

"Besides, I won't be doing anything anyway," Li Ye thought.

"Then we have a deal?" Ma Yuan asked.

Li Ye nodded. The man smiled happily upon seeing his response.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?" Li Ye asked.

"That's all. I'll take care of everything else," Ma Yuan replied reassuringly.

Li Ye nodded.

"This is the Vice Tower Master's decision. From now on, Young Master Li Ye is an honored guest of the Herbal Tower. Even without my help, our doors will always be open to you," Ma Yuan said, explaining Li Ye's new status within the Herbal Tower.

"Thank you. It's all thanks to you, Master Ma," Li Ye said gratefully.

Ma Yuan smiled and waved his hand casually. "I'm merely the middleman. With Young Master Li Ye's talent, you could have earned a place here even without my help," he said, praising the young man's abilities.

"You flatter me, Master Ma," Li Ye replied modestly.

"Oh, right. If Young Master ever needs anything, just let us know. There's no need to be polite. The Herbal Tower always supports its partners," Ma Yuan said.

Li Ye nodded slightly. "Since there's nothing else, it's already noon. I'll head home for now," he said as he prepared to leave.

"Very well. I'll see you out," Ma Yuan said as he stood up.

"There's no need. You still have plenty of work waiting for you, Master Ma," Li Ye replied, prompting a soft chuckle from the alchemist.

***

After leaving the Herbal Tower, Li Ye stopped in front of the Bai Family residence. In his hands were several packages of sweets he had bought on the way home.

"I should repay the favor. Besides, the Bai Family residence is on the way," Li Ye murmured, though it was unclear who he was speaking to.

He glanced at the entrance of the Bai Family estate before walking toward it.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Li Ye knocked on the door. A moment later, it opened. The servant who answered was startled to see Li Ye standing outside, something that had never happened before.

"I'm here to thank Bai Lian," Li Ye said calmly, noticing the surprise on the servant's face.

Upon hearing those words, the servant hurriedly opened the gate wider and respectfully invited him inside.

Li Ye calmly followed the servant's guidance. When they arrived at a garden, the servant stopped and bowed respectfully.

"Young Master, please wait here for a moment. I'll inform Miss Bai of your arrival," the servant said politely.

Li Ye simply nodded and sat down on a chair in the middle of the flower garden. Meanwhile, the maid quickly excused herself to inform Bai Lian of Li Ye's unexpected visit.

"Miss, Young Master Li Ye has come to visit."

The gentle and respectful voice immediately startled Bai Lian, who had been looking rather dispirited in her room.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stood up and approached the maid.

"Li Ye? Did you say Li Ye came here?" the young woman asked in disbelief.

The maid nodded immediately. "Yes, Young Master is waiting in the pavilion at the eastern garden," she reported.

Bai Lian quickly glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Without wasting another moment, she ran toward the pavilion the maid had mentioned, paying no attention to anything else.

"Li Ye is here? He came to see me? Am I dreaming?" Bai Lian thought happily. Beneath the veil covering her face, a faint smile bloomed.

After passing through several corridors, Bai Lian stopped on the bridge overlooking the pond in the eastern garden, where she saw Li Ye sitting quietly, admiring the scenery.

"He... really came?" Bai Lian thought, unable to hide her happiness.

She slowly steadied her breathing and composed herself, walking forward as calmly as possible so she wouldn't appear too eager.

Even so, the moment she saw Li Ye, she couldn't hide the relief she felt.

"Li Ye, where have you been?" Bai Lian asked as she approached him. She had looked for him several times but failed to find him, leaving her worried and dispirited.

Li Ye stood up and looked at the newly arrived Bai Lian.

"Do you like sweets?" Li Ye asked as he held out the packages he had brought.

Bai Lian paused for a moment at the unexpected question before smiling brightly and nodding happily at the young man's thoughtful gesture.

"You really surprised me. Are you alright?" she asked as she walked over and examined him.

Li Ye simply nodded when he saw her concern.

"Bai Lian," Li Ye called seriously, drawing her attention.

"Hm? What is it?" Bai Lian asked, looking up at Li Ye, who was taller than her.

"Do you want to be healed?" Li Ye suddenly asked, causing the smile on Bai Lian's face to freeze. She knew exactly what he was referring to, the scar on her face.

Bai Lian unconsciously took a step back. She quietly clenched her fists after hearing his question.

"Why are you asking something like that all of a sudden?" Bai Lian asked, avoiding Li Ye's gaze. She was afraid he intended to use her disfigured face as an excuse to break off their engagement.

"If you want, I can heal you," Li Ye said, causing Bai Lian to freeze in shock. She instinctively looked up at him in utter disbelief.

Not far away, someone was secretly watching the two of them.