Volume One, Chapter 20: Surrender the Elixir Formula

"Enough, let's put an end to this." Ye Tian's voice rang out once more—steady and calm, cutting through the chaotic atmosphere with remarkable clarity.

All eyes immediately focused on him. Ye Tian gently pushed aside the security guard before him and then slowly approached Captain Fu.

"Stop making a fuss," he said. "All they want is the formula."

"There’s no need to stir up such a commotion and bring trouble upon yourselves."

"Just hand over the formula."

The air suddenly grew quiet, as if everyone exhaled in relief.

Ye Tian looked at Li Qingcheng with a gaze both gentle and resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

"Qingcheng, give them the formula."

"There’s no need to dwell on this any longer."

"As long as everyone is safe, that’s what matters."

"Let’s leave it at that."

Ye Tian repeated his decision to Li Qingcheng, firm and unwavering, indicating no intention for further discussion.

The situation was already set. No matter what, he could not let the Li family escalate matters to a confrontation with law enforcement. If Captain Fu called for police reinforcements, the incident would spiral out of control, causing unimaginable damage to the Li Group’s reputation.

That was not in Ye Tian’s interest.

Handing over the formula might just be the best way to end this turmoil.

Judging by the other party’s determination, they would not give up without the formula. Even if the Li family only surrendered the people now, eventually, they would have no choice but to reveal the formula. They could not withstand the underhanded tactics of the hidden forces behind this.

The outcome would remain unchanged.

Therefore, Ye Tian decided it was better to simply give up the formula. Besides, he considered the Dingyan Pill formula nothing particularly precious. To him, wealth was merely external; moreover, this formula was just one among thousands in his possession.

In his eyes, the Li family was far more important than the formula.

In his grand plan, the Li Group was an indispensable ally for his future endeavors.

As the saying goes, "As long as the green mountains remain, there will be firewood to burn."

Right now, protecting the Li family was paramount.

The formula could be surrendered, but nothing must happen to the Li family—especially to Li Qingcheng.

She was the cherished jewel of the Li family and Ye Tian’s most trusted partner.

How could he silently watch those ill-intentioned law enforcement officers take her away?

With this thought, Ye Tian gave Li Qingcheng a faint, gentle smile.

…

Li Qingcheng bit her lip, her eyes slightly reddened, yet she said nothing further.

She simply could not understand Ye Tian’s decision. The Dingyan Pill formula was Ye Tian’s life’s work; how could he give it away so easily?

Yet, seeing the calm and indifferent look in Ye Tian’s eyes, the words of objection she wanted to speak remained unspoken.

Perhaps, deep down, she had developed a certain trust in Ye Tian.

After all, the formula belonged to him.

If he had decided to hand it over, what right did she have to oppose it?

Li Qingcheng sighed softly, her voice tinged with helplessness and grievance.

"Very well, since you’ve decided..."

She paused, as if finally gathering her resolve.

"I will have someone deliver the formula."

She felt like a drowning person who had given up struggling—suddenly at ease.

It was as if Ye Tian had taken the burden from her, and she was finally free of pressure.

This sense of reliance… felt rather comforting.

…

Among the onlookers came murmurs of sympathy.

"So they’ve finally decided to hand over the formula..."

"Li Qingcheng really has no choice. It’s heartbreaking; such a precious formula."

"But since she listens to Ye Tian, it seems she trusts him deeply. Their relationship is not simple."

"I wonder what Ye Tian is thinking. That formula is worth billions."

"What else can he think? You can’t fight overwhelming power. If they don't hand over the formula, what else can they do?"

"The Li family must be very reluctant; that formula is a treasure."

"Yet Ye Tian seems so relaxed, as if the thing he’s giving away isn’t his own but something he just picked up..."

"Maybe he’s pretending to be carefree?"

"The Li family is doomed..."

"I don’t think so. If Ye Tian truly is a genius alchemist, handing over a mere formula won’t lead them to ruin."

"Right. As long as they’re alive, the Li family still has hope..."

…

The formula was finally taken away.

The venue returned to calm.

Li Dingguo’s expression was somewhat somber, but he quickly composed himself and stepped back onto the stage.

The guests, who had been whispering among themselves, gradually fell silent upon seeing him.

Li Dingguo wore an expression of fatigue and helplessness.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today was supposed to be a grand occasion for the Li family, the unveiling of the Dingyan Pill. We had hoped to proudly present the fruits of our arduous efforts and share this much-anticipated moment with you all..."

"But unexpectedly, so many unforeseen incidents occurred."

"It has been nothing but a spectacle for all to see."

"I, Li Dingguo, on behalf of the Li Group, offer my sincerest apologies."

He bowed slightly.

The audience responded with words of understanding.

"Mr. Li, it’s not your fault; these things happen..."

"Yes, don’t take it to heart. We all understand."

Li Dingguo nodded gratefully.

"Thank you for your understanding and patience."

"Now, under these circumstances..."

"This event must come to an end."

"Once we have resolved all these matters, we will certainly find an appropriate occasion to hold another unveiling and properly showcase our product..."

"Again, thank you all for your support and attendance today."

"Please exit the venue orderly and stay safe on your way home..."

The guests gradually rose and began to leave, some approaching to express their understanding before departing.

Many also came to bid farewell to Li Qingcheng.

Li Dingguo stood on the stage, watching the departing figures with a complex mix of emotions.

The unveiling was over, but the Li family’s troubles were far from finished.

The formula would undoubtedly fall into the hands of a powerful competitor, and many challenges awaited the Li family.

Li Qingcheng saw off her close friends and returned to Ye Tian’s side.

"How can you bear to be so indifferent?" she asked, her expression complicated—resentment, worry, guilt, and a trace of reliance all mingling within her.

Other members of the Li family gathered around as well.

Li Dingguo looked remorseful.

"This is my fault. I didn’t anticipate this move nor prepare adequate countermeasures. Otherwise, the Regulatory Bureau wouldn’t have come knocking..."

Ultimately, the responsibility lay with the Li family.

Ye Tian had merely provided the formula.

The Li family was the operator.

Had their strength been sufficient, no one would dare covet what they held.

In the end, it was the Li family’s weakness that invited trouble.

Yet Ye Tian remained unfazed.

"Don’t be anxious," he said.

"As the ancients said, ‘A loss may turn out to be a gain.’"

"Let’s watch and wait for how things unfold."