Qu Meilan stared blankly at Zhang Yang, who remained lost in thought. In the family's secret manuals, there was an entry for the Beauty Grass, though it wasn't detailed; it only mentioned that it was a flowering herb whose sap was the essential main ingredient for compounding a particular medicinal preparation.

However, the effect of the Beauty Grass was clearly described: even without compounding medicine, simply applying the leaves to the face could achieve remarkable cosmetic and beautifying results. "Young Master, what's wrong?" Seeing Zhang Yang still in a daze, Qu Meilan couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.

"N-nothing!" Her voice snapped Zhang Yang out of his trance, and he immediately shook his head. "That leaf, could you give me one?" Qu Meilan asked again.

Possessing a beautiful face held immense weight for a woman; right now, she was unwilling to give up even the slightest glimmer of hope. "I can't give you the leaves!" Zhang Yang smiled and shook his head.

Disappointment immediately clouded Qu Meilan's face, though she forced a smile that looked strained. "But I can give you something much better in the future.

I need these herbs for compounding medicine; the effect will definitely be far superior to just using the raw leaves!" Zhang Yang let out another hearty laugh, ignoring Qu Meilan’s reaction, and retreated to his room with the bag. The fact that the Yin Dragon Grass was actually the Beauty Grass was truly beyond Zhang Yang’s expectation.

The Zhang family had inherited nearly a thousand secret prescriptions, and the medicines compounded from these formulas were far from ordinary, many possessing unique and potent effects. With Beauty Grass as the main component, a highly specialized medicine could be created.

The name of this medicine was the Youth-Retaining Pill. The Youth-Retaining Pill was a formula that the Zhang ancestor had chanced upon, its effect being the preservation of youth—allowing one's appearance to remain as it was in their prime, slowing the aging process.

Although it wasn't eternal preservation, it could generally sustain the effect for twenty years, meaning a person at forty could retain the looks of someone around twenty. This medicine held little allure for general cultivators, especially male cultivators, many of whom paid little mind to their appearance and cared little if it stayed youthful or not.

However, for female cultivators, and for the many daughters of wealthy families and refined ladies, this was a treasure they would pay any price and undergo any sacrifice to obtain. The Youth-Retaining Pill was not a Spirit Medicine, but to them, its attraction surpassed that of Spirit Medicines.

In the past, the Zhang ancestor had successfully compounded the Youth-Retaining Pill, and a single pill could procure vast sums of capital, enabling the ancestor to practice medicine freely and save more lives. Historically, many individuals had indeed consumed the Zhang family's Youth-Retaining Pill, leaving behind a series of legendary tales about loving the kingdom yet loving beauty even more.

Zhang Yang had always remembered the formula for the Youth-Retaining Pill; the only pity was the lack of the main ingredient. Now that he had found it, Zhang Yang was confident he could re-compound the Youth-Retaining Pill, which had been lost for hundreds of years.

Carrying the bag, Zhang Yang headed straight for the storeroom. The storeroom held many medicinal components, most of which Long Feng had procured from Jiao Yi.

Long Feng had indeed bought many fine items in Jiao Yi this time. The reason he could acquire so much was actually due to Long Feng leveraging his connections within the Long family.

Otherwise, how could a dullard like him possibly gather herbs that even astonished Zhang Yang? "Red Root, Peilan, Sandalwood, Xiangbei..." In the storeroom, Zhang Yang recited the names of the herbs one by one, a growing smile spreading across his face.

He possessed seven or eight of the ingredients required for the Youth-Retaining Pill; the missing ones were all common herbs that could be bought from any pharmacy at any time. This meant he could absolutely reintroduce the Youth-Retaining Pill, lost for centuries, back into the world.

The reaction this medicine would cause upon its release was easy to imagine. If he ever ran short of funds in the future, selling a single pill to a wealthy young lady or an international superstar would yield returns comparable to those of Spirit Medicines.

These people would certainly be willing to spend fortunes to preserve their looks. "Boss!" As Zhang Yang was moving his belongings, Zhao Min quietly entered Zhang Keqin's office; he had been specifically summoned by Zhang Keqin this time.

"How is that case coming along?" Zhang Keqin set down his pen, looked up at Zhao Min standing before him, and asked directly. "The case!" Zhao Min muttered inwardly before immediately beginning his report: "That case is nearing its conclusion.

Chang Feng, the Director of the Inspection Department at the Police Bureau, has produced substantial criminal evidence against Niu Qian from before. This evidence is about to be submitted.

Niu Qian has currently been suspended pending investigation, and the moment he leaves the hospital, he will be sent directly to prison!" Zhao Min spoke slowly, sneakily observing Zhang Keqin's expression as he talked. He internally breathed a sigh of relief; fortunately, he had kept tabs on the matter, or he wouldn't have been able to answer if the superior had asked today.

But Chang Feng's efficiency was truly impressive; in just a few days, he had amassed so much irrefutable evidence against Niu Qian. This evidence was no trifle; it included homicide charges, enough combined to warrant a death sentence for Niu Qian.

It was rumored that Deputy Director Niu had been scrambling for Niu Qian over the past few days, even meeting with Chang Feng personally, yet failed to secure any leniency. Niu Qian was doomed to a heavy sentence.

Everyone knew exactly whose toes Deputy Director Niu had stepped on this time. While Deputy Director Niu generally had a good reputation, no one dared to agree to help him now; they all had to consider their own careers.

If they had agreed, they wouldn't have offended just one powerful figure, but two major figures—no one could withstand the fury of those two titans. "I see.

Has he returned?" Zhang Keqin nodded, then suddenly asked another question. Zhao Min paused slightly, then understood: the leader was asking about Zhang Yang.

Yesterday, Zhang Keqin had inquired about Zhang Yang’s whereabouts, and Zhao Min had specifically looked into it, learning that Zhang Yang was currently out of Changjing, having gone to another city. Having asked yesterday and asking again today proved that the leader was currently paying close attention to Zhang Yang’s movements.

"Please wait a moment, I will check again!" Zhao Min could not answer this question; he hadn't focused on Zhang Yang’s movements today. He had assumed the leader's inquiry yesterday was coincidental, but now it seemed it might not be.

Zhao Min felt a pang of annoyance; if he had known the leader cared so much about Zhang Yang, he should have gathered better intelligence earlier, so he wouldn't have to leave to investigate when asked. Zhang Keqin nodded, and Zhao Min quickly left.

After Zhao Min departed, Zhang Keqin reclined in his chair, closing his eyes as he pondered something. Zhao Min was unaware that Zhang Keqin had no interest in Chang Feng's case; he already knew the outcome beforehand, and the process held little importance for him.

The issue he truly cared about was Zhang Yang’s whereabouts. A short while later, Zhao Min returned and whispered, "Boss, the Young Master is back.

He returned last night and is currently moving into the small villa he bought previously!" "He's back? Good.

Go over there now. Tell him I wish to see him; there is a matter I need his assistance with.

He can decide the time and place!" Zhang Keqin looked up, a hint of hesitation flickering across his face before he slowly uttered the words. Zhao Min was momentarily stunned, but he reacted quickly enough to know that certain expressions should not be revealed in front of his superior.

"Boss, I'll leave right away!" Zhao Min responded, slowly backing out the door and quickly hailing a taxi. In the car, Zhao Min’s brow remained tightly furrowed.

He hadn't expected the leader to request a direct meeting with Zhang Yang. Zhao Min was acutely aware of the friction between this father and son.

Zhang Keqin had wanted to see Zhang Yang long ago, but Zhang Yang had consistently refused to grant him an audience. Back when Zhang Yang was in junior high, whenever Zhang Keqin sought him out, Zhang Yang would either deliberately avoid him or, if they met, would flee instantly without saying a word.

In recent years, Zhang Keqin had rarely brought up the matter of contacting Zhang Yang. Now that he suddenly made this request, Zhao Min felt genuinely worried.

He feared he might fail to complete this task, or at least, fail to complete it well. Zhao Min knew better than anyone just how resistant Zhang Yang was toward Zhang Keqin.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Min felt a headache coming on. He could almost foresee the rejection he would receive after relaying this request to Zhang Yang.

His immediate concern was how to persuade Zhang Yang to agree to meet Zhang Keqin, no matter what. This was a task assigned by his superior, and it was a personal matter at that; he naturally had to give it his all, determined to help the boss succeed.

Zhao Min’s taxi soon arrived outside Zhang Yang’s villa. Looking at the villa before him, Zhao Min couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

This villa was certainly not inexpensive, but Zhao Min knew that buying such a property posed no financial strain for Zhang Yang; he could acquire several more without issue. Like father, like son.

Zhang Yang truly lived up to being Zhang Keqin’s heir; his capabilities were extraordinary. Without relying on his father in the slightest, he had forged this significant fortune himself.

As far as Zhao Min knew, Zhang Yang’s current net worth was considerable. Furthermore, Zhao Min was acutely aware that Zhang Yang had accumulated this wealth purely through his own merits, without a single penny's assistance from his father.

"Who are you?" As Zhao Min reached the gate, he ran into Qu Meilan, who was taking out the trash. Seeing Zhao Min 'sneaking around' and eyeing her new home, she immediately became vigilant.

She subtly mobilized the inner energy within her body; if Zhao Min failed to give a satisfactory answer, she was prepared to move and apprehend this suspicious individual. "You are?" Zhao Min looked at Qu Meilan with some surprise.

He knew Zhang Yang had a girl with him, and he recognized that girl; this person was definitely not her. "Speak quickly!

Who exactly are you, and what are you doing here? If you don't tell me, I won't be polite!" Qu Meilan suddenly stepped forward, and the broom in her hand was instantly positioned across Zhao Min's neck.

The movement of the broom was incredibly swift; Zhao Min felt only a momentary blur before an icy chill touched his neck. Moreover, significant force was emanating from the broom handle, causing his body to involuntarily bend forward slightly.

"Wait, don't use force! I'm here to see Zhang Yang!" Zhao Min called out quickly.

The driver had just stepped out of the car and was about to make a move toward Qu Meilan, but Zhao Min stopped him. Qu Meilan stared blankly at Zhang Yang, who remained lost in thought.

Beauty Grass, in the family's secret manuals, there was an entry for the Beauty Grass, though it wasn't detailed; it only mentioned that it was a flowering herb whose sap was the essential main ingredient for compounding a particular medicinal preparation. However, the effect of the Beauty Grass was clearly described: even without compounding medicine, simply applying the leaves to the face could achieve remarkable cosmetic and beautifying results.

"Young Master, what's wrong?" Seeing Zhang Yang still in a daze, Qu Meilan couldn't help but ask out of curiosity. "N-nothing!" Her voice snapped Zhang Yang out of his trance, and he immediately shook his head.

"That leaf, could you give me one?" Qu Meilan asked again. Possessing a beautiful face held immense weight for a woman; right now, she was unwilling to give up even the slightest glimmer of hope.

"I can't give you the leaves!" Zhang Yang smiled and shook his head. Disappointment immediately clouded Qu Meilan's face, though she forced a smile that looked strained.

"But I can give you something much better in the future. I need these herbs for compounding medicine; the effect will definitely be far superior to just using the raw leaves!" Zhang Yang let out another hearty laugh, ignoring Qu Meilan’s reaction, and retreated to his room with the bag.

The fact that the Yin Dragon Grass was actually the Beauty Grass was truly beyond Zhang Yang’s expectation. The Zhang family had inherited nearly a thousand secret prescriptions, and the medicines compounded from these formulas were far from ordinary, many possessing unique and potent effects.

With Beauty Grass as the main component, a highly specialized medicine could be created. The name of this medicine was the Youth-Retaining Pill.

The Youth-Retaining Pill was a formula that the Zhang ancestor had chanced upon, its effect being the preservation of youth—allowing one's appearance to remain as it was in their prime, slowing the aging process. Although it wasn't eternal preservation, it could generally sustain the effect for twenty years, meaning a person at forty could retain the looks of someone around twenty.

This medicine held little allure for general cultivators, especially male cultivators, many of whom paid little mind to their appearance and cared little if it stayed youthful or not. However, for female cultivators, and for the many daughters of wealthy families and refined ladies, this was a treasure they would pay any price and undergo any sacrifice to obtain.

The Youth-Retaining Pill was not a Spirit Medicine, but to them, its attraction surpassed that of Spirit Medicines. In the past, the Zhang ancestor had successfully compounded the Youth-Retaining Pill, and a single pill could procure vast sums of capital, enabling the ancestor to practice medicine freely and save more lives.

Historically, many individuals had indeed consumed the Zhang family's Youth-Retaining Pill, leaving behind a series of legendary tales about loving the kingdom yet loving beauty even more. Zhang Yang had always remembered the formula for the Youth-Retaining Pill; the only pity was the lack of the main ingredient.

Now that he had found it, Zhang Yang was confident he could re-compound the Youth-Retaining Pill, which had been lost for hundreds of years. Carrying the bag, Zhang Yang headed straight for the storeroom.

The storeroom held many medicinal components, most of which Long Feng had procured from Jiao Yi. Long Feng had indeed bought many fine items in Jiao Yi this time.

The reason he could acquire so much was actually due to Long Feng leveraging his connections within the Long family. Otherwise, how could a dullard like him possibly gather herbs that even astonished Zhang Yang?

"Red Root, Peilan, Sandalwood, Xiangbei..." In the storeroom, Zhang Yang recited the names of the herbs one by one, a growing smile spreading across his face. He possessed seven or eight of the ingredients required for the Youth-Retaining Pill; the missing ones were all common herbs that could be bought from any pharmacy at any time.

This meant he could absolutely reintroduce the Youth-Retaining Pill, lost for centuries, back into the world. The reaction this medicine would cause upon its release was easy to imagine.

If he ever ran short of funds in the future, selling a single pill to a wealthy young lady or an international superstar would yield returns comparable to those of Spirit Medicines. These people would certainly be willing to spend fortunes to preserve their looks.

"Boss!" As Zhang Yang was moving his belongings, Zhao Min quietly entered Zhang Keqin's office; he had been specifically summoned by Zhang Keqin this time. "How is that case coming along?" Zhang Keqin set down his pen, looked up at Zhao Min standing before him, and asked directly.

"The case!" Zhao Min muttered inwardly before immediately beginning his report: "That case is nearing its conclusion. Chang Feng, the Director of the Inspection Department at the Police Bureau, has produced substantial criminal evidence against Niu Qian from before.

This evidence is about to be submitted. Niu Qian has currently been suspended pending investigation, and the moment he leaves the hospital, he will be sent directly to prison!" Zhao Min spoke slowly, sneakily observing Zhang Keqin's expression as he talked.

He internally breathed a sigh of relief; fortunately, he had kept tabs on the matter, or he wouldn't have been able to answer if the superior had asked today. But Chang Feng's efficiency was truly impressive; in just a few days, he had amassed so much irrefutable evidence against Niu Qian.

This evidence was no trifle; it included homicide charges, enough combined to warrant a death sentence for Niu Qian. It was rumored that Deputy Director Niu had been scrambling for Niu Qian over the past few days, even meeting with Chang Feng personally, yet failed to secure any leniency.

Niu Qian was doomed to a heavy sentence. Everyone knew exactly whose toes Deputy Director Niu had stepped on this time.

While Deputy Director Niu generally had a good reputation, no one dared to agree to help him now; they all had to consider their own careers. If they had agreed, they wouldn't have offended just one powerful figure, but two major figures—no one could withstand the fury of those two titans.

"I see. Has he returned?" Zhang Keqin nodded, then suddenly asked another question.

Zhao Min paused slightly, then understood: the leader was asking about Zhang Yang. Yesterday, Zhang Keqin had inquired about Zhang Yang’s whereabouts, and Zhao Min had specifically looked into it, learning that Zhang Yang was currently out of Changjing, having gone to another city.

Having asked yesterday and asking again today proved that the leader was currently paying close attention to Zhang Yang’s movements. "Please wait a moment, I will check again!" Zhao Min could not answer this question; he hadn't focused on Zhang Yang’s movements today.

He had assumed the leader's inquiry yesterday was coincidental, but now it seemed it might not be. Zhao Min felt a pang of annoyance; if he had known the leader cared so much about Zhang Yang, he should have gathered better intelligence earlier, so he wouldn't have to leave to investigate when asked.

Zhang Keqin nodded, and Zhao Min quickly left. After Zhao Min departed, Zhang Keqin reclined in his chair, closing his eyes as he pondered something.

Zhao Min was unaware that Zhang Keqin had no interest in Chang Feng's case; he already knew the outcome beforehand, and the process held little importance for him. The issue he truly cared about was Zhang Yang’s whereabouts.

A short while later, Zhao Min returned and whispered, "Boss, the Young Master is back. He returned last night and is currently moving into the small villa he bought previously!" "He's back?

Good. Go over there now.

Tell him I wish to see him; there is a matter I need his assistance with. He can decide the time and place!" Zhang Keqin looked up, a hint of hesitation flickering across his face before he slowly uttered the words.

Zhao Min was momentarily stunned, but he reacted quickly enough to know that certain expressions should not be revealed in front of his superior. "Boss, I'll leave right away!" Zhao Min responded, slowly backing out the door and quickly hailing a taxi.

In the car, Zhao Min’s brow remained tightly furrowed. He hadn't expected the leader to request a direct meeting with Zhang Yang.

Zhao Min was acutely aware of the friction between this father and son. Zhang Keqin had wanted to see Zhang Yang long ago, but Zhang Yang had consistently refused to grant him an audience.

Back when Zhang Yang was in junior high, whenever Zhang Keqin sought him out, Zhang Yang would either deliberately avoid him or, if they met, would flee instantly without saying a word. In recent years, Zhang Keqin had rarely brought up the matter of contacting Zhang Yang.

Now that he suddenly made this request, Zhao Min felt genuinely worried. He feared he might fail to complete this task, or at least, fail to complete it well.

Zhao Min knew better than anyone just how resistant Zhang Yang was toward Zhang Keqin. After thinking for a moment, Zhao Min felt a headache coming on.

He could almost foresee the rejection he would receive after relaying this request to Zhang Yang. His immediate concern was how to persuade Zhang Yang to agree to meet Zhang Keqin, no matter what.

This was a task assigned by his superior, and it was a personal matter at that; he naturally had to give it his all, determined to help the boss succeed. Zhao Min’s taxi soon arrived outside Zhang Yang’s villa.

Looking at the villa before him, Zhao Min couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. This villa was certainly not inexpensive, but Zhao Min knew that buying such a property posed no financial strain for Zhang Yang; he could acquire several more without issue.

Like father, like son. Zhang Yang truly lived up to being Zhang Keqin’s heir; his capabilities were extraordinary.

Without relying on his father in the slightest, he had forged this significant fortune himself. As far as Zhao Min knew, Zhang Yang’s current net worth was considerable.

Furthermore, Zhao Min was acutely aware that Zhang Yang had accumulated this wealth purely through his own merits, without a single penny's assistance from his father. "Who are you?" As Zhao Min reached the gate, he ran into Qu Meilan, who was taking out the trash.

Seeing Zhao Min 'sneaking around' and eyeing her new home, she immediately became vigilant.

The inner Neijing within her body was still secretly mobilized; should Zhao Min fail to answer, or should his reply displease her, she was prepared to strike and seize this suspicious individual immediately.

“Who are you?”

Zhao Min glanced at Qu Meilan with some surprise. He knew Zhang Yang and the other girl; he had even met that girl and knew her name—it was definitely not the person standing before him now.

“Speak quickly! Tell me who you are and what you’re doing here, or I won’t be polite anymore!”

Qu Meilan suddenly lunged forward a step, the broom in her hand instantly braced against Zhao Min’s neck. Her movement with the broom was astonishingly swift; Zhao Min only felt a flicker before an icy chill settled against his throat.

Moreover, a considerable force radiated from the broom handle, causing his body to bend unnaturally downwards.

“Don’t—don’t strike! I’m here to find Zhang Yang!”

Zhao Min called out urgently. The driver had just managed to descend from the vehicle and was about to move against Qu Meilan when Zhao Min stopped him.