If notice was given to the Shadows, then a portion of the longevity elixir would have to be shared with them.
The Shi family patriarch was reluctant to do this.
However, he considered that the news of the Xie family holding a celebration banquet, published in the tabloids, must have been released by the Xie family themselves. It was an open invitation.
This display of confidence made the Shi family patriarch hesitate.
What if the Xie family had some hidden plan?
After much deliberation, the Shi family patriarch contacted the Shadows, requesting the delivery of the promised fifty additional Qi martial artists.
Coupled with the Qi martial artists previously modified and provided by the Shadow organization, the Shi family patriarch now commanded over a hundred Qi martial artists, all at least at the Dark Energy level!
Such a formidable force would be considerable, even for a top-tier family.
After concluding his call with the Shadows, the Shi family patriarch returned home to rest, hands clasped behind his back.
The following day, the entire Jiangnan City was abuzz with a piece of news.
"Did you hear? The Xie family has developed a longevity elixir!"
"Is it true? That was just tabloid news, surely inaccurate."
"Nonsense! Go check the official website of the Xie Group. They're holding a press conference today!"
"Can this medicine really prolong life?"
"Hard to say. The Xie and Shi families are currently locked in a fierce competition. No one knows if this news is real or fake. We'll have to wait for the press conference."
"Hey, my friend, do you have a press conference invitation? Take me along!"
Both the major families of Jiangnan City and the common folk were excited by the news of the longevity elixir!
Who wouldn't want to live longer?
If this longevity elixir were to be released, everyone would want to pool their money to buy a dose.
Thus, invitations to the longevity elixir press conference became as valuable as gold.
Originally, they were distributed to various media outlets for witness purposes. However, each media company had multiple reporters, and these reporters were allowed to bring assistants.
Consequently, many people began selling invitations, even selling assistant positions.
A mere entry qualification was being priced at astronomical sums!
Meanwhile, at the old Xie family residence, Elder Xie was up early.
After breakfast, he got into the car with Xie Yu, the head of the Xie family, and others.
"Grandfather, why don't you rest at home? The press conference today will surely be chaotic. I'm worried someone might bump into you."
Xie Yu earnestly persuaded him.
Just from the comments on the forums, it was evident how mixed the crowd at the press conference would be. If Elder Xie were to attend, he might be disturbed by the noise.
"What are you talking about? I'm not so old that I can't walk!"
"The longevity elixir is of great importance. Shouldn't I personally oversee it?"
Elder Xie stated righteously.
Thanks to Zhou Yu's care, Elder Xie's health had greatly improved. His physique was now even better than that of a strong young man.
It was just the younger generation's concern.
Seeing Elder Xie's firm resolve, Xie Yu could only sigh slightly and turn to the Xie family head. "Dad, Doctor Zhou, please try to persuade Grandfather."
Zhou Yu smiled, understanding Elder Xie's reasoning.
"Xiao Yu, you are indeed being too cautious. The elder's health is now even better than yours, and he should be more active."
Xie Yu was surprised that Zhou Yu sided with Elder Xie.
She then turned to the Xie family head.
On this joyous occasion, the Xie family head smiled and said, "You've heard Doctor Zhou. He needs more exercise!"
With that, the Xie family head urged the driver to speed up.
Xie Yu had no choice but to shake her head helplessly.
Although everyone knew that the celebration banquet that evening would involve a fierce battle, it didn't dampen their spirits.
Upon arriving at the press conference venue, it was already packed.
There were those who came to join the excitement, media reporters, and some wealthy individuals who desired longevity and intended to purchase the first batch.
In short, as far as the eye could see, it was a sea of people!
The Xie family head alighted first, then helped Elder Xie out of the car. The rest followed behind.
The secretary, who was busy inside, spotted Elder Xie's arrival with sharp eyes and hurried out of the crowd.
"Elder Xie," the secretary said respectfully.
Elder Xie nodded slightly, looking at the people inside the venue, and asked, "Are there this many media outlets in Jiangnan City?"
The secretary chuckled awkwardly, a little embarrassed. "There weren't this many originally, but I don't know what's happened today. Each reporter brought five or six assistants, and there's not enough space!"
Needless to say, those so-called assistants were people who had paid to gain entry.
Elder Xie's lips twitched, and he turned to Xie Yu, saying, "If I had known, we should have sold the entry qualifications ourselves!"
See, it's such easy money!
Xie Yu rolled her eyes. "Grandfather, you should worry about how we're going to get in right now."
With insufficient seating, many people were standing near the entrances and exits. As the organizers, they were finding it difficult to even enter.
The secretary quickly said, "Shall we use the VIP channel? The front entrance of the company is blocked."
The VIP channel was originally intended for Xie family partners. Now, there was no other choice.
Thus, Elder Xie led the way, followed closely by Xie Yu and the Xie family head, as they made their way towards the venue.
As they walked, Xie Yu chatted with Zhou Yu.
"Doctor Zhou, you were so right. These people are actually buying entry qualifications for a product launch."
Zhou Yu smiled and said nothing.
It wasn't that he was particularly accurate; it was that Xie Yu had underestimated the public's fervor for longevity.
In ancient times, Qin Shi Huang sought immortality. Throughout the dynasties, no matter how wise the emperors were, as they aged, they still pursued long life!
Therefore, Zhou Yu had reminded Xie Yu early on to either limit the number of attendees or sell entry qualifications herself. He never imagined that before the Xie family had even officially started selling, the scalpers were already profiting.
As they spoke, the group entered the venue.
However, as soon as Elder Xie made his appearance, he was surrounded by a throng of reporters.
"Elder Xie, is the longevity elixir being released today real? Can it truly prolong life?"
"Regarding the conflict between the Xie and Shi families, does Elder Xie have anything to say?"
"It's rumored that the longevity elixir only completed its third phase of clinical trials yesterday, and you immediately applied for a patent. Is the previous rumor about the Shi family stealing information true?"
"Elder Xie..."
One sharp question after another was fired at Elder Xie. Even with his extensive experience, he was taken aback. Any misstep in answering these questions, or any malicious editing, could lead to offending people!
Everyone eagerly awaited Elder Xie's response.
Who would have thought that Elder Xie would first look up, scan the faces of the reporters, and then say with a smile, "There are so many people."
Instantly, all smiles froze on their faces. They were clearly asking questions! What kind of nonsensical answer was Elder Xie giving?