“Mr. Kaufman, are you tempted?” Jaxton, skilled at reading people, immediately guessed what Ignacio was thinking.
“I am indeed somewhat tempted,” Ignacio nodded, his gaze deep as he stared at the backs of Wade and Ramon.
“I, Ignacio, have always been cautious. When the three families were vying for power, the Zratol Kaufman family remained neutral, navigating between the Watts family and the Golden Family.”
“Now that the Golden Family has been destroyed and the Watts family has risen rapidly, this is a period of both opportunity and danger for the Zratol Kaufman family. For the future of our family, it is time to make a significant decision.”
Ignacio’s eyes grew more determined.
“Elder, let’s return to the manor to prepare, then head to Clearwind Town.”
“Shouldn’t we deliberate on this matter further?” Jaxton, being more cautious than Ignacio, suggested.
“Wade is fearless; I shouldn’t be overly cautious either. Otherwise, the gap between the Zratol Kaufman family and the Watts family will only widen,” Ignacio said resolutely. “It’s decided. Let’s go.”
That afternoon, the senior members of the Zratol Kaufman family, led by Ignacio, arrived in Clearwind Town.
Both parties signed a high-profile oath in the central square of Clearwind Town, making the Zratol Kaufman family the Spirit Herb supplier for Starfall Shop.
Following the Watts family, the Zratol Kaufman family became the second prominent family to announce cooperation with Starfall Shop.
The news of the Zratol Kaufman family becoming Starfall Shop’s first Spirit Herb supplier spread like wildfire!
As night fell, Clearwind Town Lord’s Manor was brightly lit.
Everyone had just finished dinner.
“Sect Master, we now have our first franchisee and our first Spirit Herb supplier. The sales at the Zratol franchise store are booming; it’s a good start,” Alondra said to Leo.
Leo smiled and nodded.
It was not surprising that the Watts family became the first franchisee since Leo had already discussed it with them beforehand.
However, Mr. Kaufman’s request to become a Spirit Herb supplier was somewhat unexpected for Leo.
“Have any other families shown any interest?” Leo asked.
“Yes, an elder from the Harding family in Phoenix Cry City and the newly risen Chase family in Heaven Wind City have privately inquired about the conditions for becoming franchisees,” Alondra replied.
“It seems they are tempted by the huge profits but are also wary of something, so they haven’t made a decision yet. These three families have invited you to visit them when you have time,” Alondra added.
Leo thought for a moment and nodded lightly, tapping his fingers on the armrest of his mahogany chair.
Leo wanted these families to come to him seeking cooperation. However, since Starfall Shop wasn’t strong enough yet, their hesitation was understandable.
“Additionally, families like the Garner family from Phoenix Cry City, the Booth family from Heaven Wind City, and the Norris family from Maple City have already met. They are likely planning to unite against Starfall Shop.”
“The city lords of Phoenix Cry City and Heaven Wind City have issued notices banning merchants from selling our pills in their cities.”
“And Bloodsoul Sect has been restless lately. After a period of quiet, they have recently sent disciples everywhere to ambush merchants traveling to Clearwind Town.”
Alondra’s expression darkened as she spoke.
“This Bloodsoul Sect really doesn’t know its place,” a cold light flashed in Leo’s eyes.
“Sect Master, dealing with Bloodsoul Sect is not urgent. They suffer some losses while ambushing those merchants. However, we must break up the cooperation between Garner family, Booth family, and Norris family. If other major families join their alliance, it will become even more solid,” Alondra said worriedly.
“I will personally visit Phoenix Cry City, Heaven Wind City, and Maple City to see these towns of Martial Dynasty,” Leo nodded.
“There’s one more thing about Everlasting Trade Association…” Just as Alondra mentioned Everlasting Trade Association, Elder Noah walked in quickly.
“Lord, Miss Turner and Master Rodrigo from Everlasting Trade Association request an audience,” Elder Noah said respectfully to Leo.
“Speak of the devil,” a gleam flashed in Leo’s eyes. “Let them in.”
“Yes, Lord,” Elder Noah bowed and exited.
Moments later, Elliana Turner, dressed in a light red dress with an air of elegance like an orchid in a secluded valley, and Master Rodrigo in a blue robe walked in.
“Sorry to disturb you at this late hour,” Elliana Turner greeted Leo with a slight bow.
“It’s nothing. What brings you here?” Leo asked directly.
Elliana Turner did not beat around the bush and asked directly, “May I ask if the prices of the pills sold by Starfall Shop will remain unchanged?”
Recently, Starfall Shop’s pills had almost completely taken over Everlasting Trade Association’s market share.
Elliana Turner had initially thought that Starfall Shop would soon raise their prices to market levels, but there had been no movement so far.
Leo smiled and said, “I think you already know the answer.”
Elliana Turner exchanged a glance with Rodrigo and then asked seriously, “Would you consider cooperating with Everlasting Trade Association? Our shops are spread throughout Martial Dynasty and have proven sales capabilities.”
“I am well aware of Everlasting Trade Association’s strength. However, cooperation is not necessary for now,” Leo shook his head.
Elliana Turner understood Leo’s temperament well enough to know that when he said no cooperation, it meant there was no possibility of cooperation.
Before leaving, Elliana Turner intentionally reminded him, “I admire your achievements. I want to remind you that your Starfall Shop has caught the attention of high-ranking officials in the capital.”
“Thank you for the reminder,” Leo maintained his smile.
After Elliana Turner and Rodrigo left, Alondra continued, “Sect Master, besides those major families and Bloodsoul Sect making moves, I believe Everlasting Trade Association will also take action.”
“Everlasting Trade Association has royal influence behind it. If we don’t cooperate with them, we will become competitors.”
Leo showed no sign of worry and said calmly, “Competitors are inevitable. The pie is limited; everyone wants a bigger piece. To grow stronger, we must defeat each competitor.”
“It seems we need to speed up our efforts. Tomorrow I will personally visit those towns.”
The next morning at dawn.
Thunder Wing Beast carried Leo and an elder recruited into Lord’s Manor away from Lord’s Manor.
This elder was about the same age as Elder Noah and named Mike Coleman. He was one of the five newly promoted Spirit Saint realm experts.
“Lord, shall we go to Phoenix Cry City first?” Mike asked respectfully.
Leo responded with a simple “Hmm.”