Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2628

Flynn Lloyd, another middle-aged man from the group, nodded. "Alchemy has always been the exclusive domain of the ancient sects. Among them, the Divine Alchemists behind the Sovereign's Apothecary hold absolute control over the field. We all know how profitable and influential alchemy can be. It is powerful enough to establish a royal house on its own."

He continued, "But for a family like the Lloyds, an old powerhouse with deep roots, turning the ship around or changing industries is nearly impossible. Not just us, the other two royal families and the five great clans can't break into the alchemy business either.

"You've done something remarkable. Even if your Medicine God's Covenant is still small, your core strength as a ninth-grade supreme alchemist gives you the potential to bring it to the entire Holtrien, and maybe even beyond."

Andrew replied calmly, "I'm not interested in dominating the industry. I just can't stand the Sovereign's Apothecary's arrogance. Besides, why should they have all the power? The Divine Alchemists' monopoly in the alchemy world needs to end."

Merlin looked at Andrew with admiration, studying him deeply before saying a simple word of praise. "Wonderful!"

He said nothing more and sat back down in his chair.

Donovan considered his words carefully before speaking. "Andy, if there's anything your Medicine God's Covenant needs from the Lloyd family, just ask. You can rest assured that the Lloyd family won't covet your business. That's been our family's principle for a long time. Every family member who starts something new on their own, we stand behind them fully.

"You can't put all your eggs in one basket. The Lloyd family's true legacy lies in continuity. Someday, when we're gone, and even the royal branch of the Lloyds no longer exists, as long as your teachings and bloodline remain, the Lloyd family still wins."

Andrew himself had not thought that far ahead, but Donovan's reasoning truly impressed and earned his respect.

Andrew said, "Patriarch Donovan, as things stand now, the only shortcoming at Medicine God's Covenant is alchemists. Everything else, I've pretty much handled."

Merlin chuckled. "Alchemy is a high-cost business, which means you need high-value clients. You've already secured your major customers in Chetvine, haven't you?"

Andrew smiled. "First, the Iron Sword Sect is locked in. Second, my partnership with the Reyes family is progressing smoothly. They're supplying me with both a network of alchemists and a solid market for distributing potions. Lastly, the Robertson family is also somewhat of a business partner."

"The family's core divisions, seven martial emperors, and nearly 50 martial saints would all be under your leadership. And even the Lloyd family's three hidden martial god elders, who haven't appeared in decades, would swear their allegiance to you. I want you to think it over because we want you to take the mantle."

Andrew was stunned and speechless for a long moment. It turned out that Donovan had called him here to hand over the Lloyd family royal house to him. Although the transfer of power would not occur immediately, they made it clear that they wanted Andrew to become the next helmsman of the family.

What shocked him even more was learning that the Lloyds had three reclusive martial god elders still alive. With them, plus Reginald, a strategic asset operating freely overseas, the Lloyd family's strength was absolute, solid from every angle.

Moreover, those three overseas mercenary divisions were also a direct military force.

Any ambitious man would have found it nearly impossible to refuse such an offer. Power, resources, and armed strength? Those were the kind of temptations that could poison a man's soul.

Just like beauty was a deadly lure for women, power was a fatal addiction for men.