In reality, what Elder Yin Nie said made a lot of sense. Forget Shen Qinghong, even if he were to use an earth rank spirit herb himself, he wouldnât be able to fully absorb its effects either. After all, earth rank spirit herbs were made for emperor realm cultivators. It was considered a lavish expenditure beyond oneâs rank if even a sage realm expert used it. While the effects would be splendid, wasnât it a waste if one could only absorb ten percent of such a good spirit herb? Right now, Shen Qinghong was only at the first level sage realm. If he were to use an earth rank spirit herb, he would at best absorb ten percent of it and raise his cultivation by one level. What was the meaning in that?
One could certainly use earth rank spirit herbs, but not in such a wasteful way. After all, there was a finite amount of earth rank spirit herbs. What was the difference between using it this way and just completely wasting it?
However, in Elder Lian Chengâs eyes, Palace Head Dan Chi and Elder Yun Nie were purposefully limiting and suppressing Shen Qinghong. The elder had only obtained two earth rank spirit herbs himself. He was naturally unwilling to give one to Shen Qinghong. Therefore, Elder Lian Chengâs goal was earth rank spirit herbs thatâd been labelled for public use. The reason he was making such a fuss was because he was targeting the pool of public spirit herbs. He wasnât just aiming for the earth rank spirit herbs. He was also aiming for the sky rank ones as well.
Jiang Chen had left behind three sky rank spirit herbs for the sect. Earlier, Palace Head Dan Chi and Elder Yun Nie had split up the two that the sect had obtained amongst themselves. The reason for this distribution was because one of them was a palace head, and the other person was the Herbal Hall Hallmaster, whoâd accomplished a great merit in the ancient herb garden. Therefore, they deserved their share, whether one looked at it from the standpoint of reason or sentiment. However, a further three sky rank spirit herbs had been provided by Jiang Chen. If it was a contribution by Jiang Chen to the sect, then why couldnât it be shared amongst the rest?
âForefather Qi, Elder Hu, both of you are people of great virtue and prestige in the sect. I, Lian Cheng, feel that this is quite unfair to the two of you. Are the two forefathers of the sect not qualified to obtain even one sky rank spirit herb?â Elder Lian Cheng adopted a flattering tone as he turned to them.
He was obviously voicing words they wished to hear while plotting for himself too. Forefather Qi and Elder Hu held incredible status in Regal Pill Palace. After the two elders had gotten their share, then would come Elder Lian Chengâs turn. Coincidentally, there were only three sky rank spirit herbs in the public domain. After the two elders had taken one spirit herb each, only one would be left. No matter how one looked at it, it should go to Elder Lian Cheng.
Elder Lian Cheng had previously been injured by Cao Jin, and heâd fixated on the feeling that heâd been wounded for the sectâs sake. He believed that he had toiled hard and performed a valuable service for the sect, so there was no reason he should fail to obtain a sky rank spirit herb! If Elder Yun Nie could receive a sky rank spirit herb, then Elder Lian Cheng should also have one too! He would feel quite put out otherwise.
Forefather Qi and Elder Hu exchanged glances with each other. They would be lying to themselves if they said they werenât tempted.
âDan Chi, since this is for public use, then us old fellows should have first priority to use them no matter what. A sky rank spirit herb is something that one only encounters serendipitously, so in my opinion, why donât we...â As the former palace headâs junior brother, Forefather Qi was someone who even Dan Chi had to call senior uncle. He was a person of great virtue and prestige, and his words were weighty in their own right.
âSenior uncle, the agreement regarding the public spirit herbs is a matter of public accord. There are two reasons why I havenât distributed them. One is because Jiang Chenâs location remains a mystery. It would be doing him a disservice if we give away his spoils of war without careful consideration. Two, the method of distribution isnât an easy choice to make. If we distributed all three sky rank spirit herbs beforehand, then the youngsters below us wouldnât any hope at all. It is a bit unfair to them.â
In reality, Forefather Qi knew that Dan Chi was a man who lacked selfish motives. That was why Forefather Qi had no intention of targeting the palace head and didnât shame him after these words. âDan Chi, you are now the palace head. As the head, your word is law. I am old, and while I do have great use for a sky rank spirit herb, I am happy to leave it for the young geniuses as well.â
On the other hand, Elder Hu said, âThat is not the case, ole brother. The situation in the Myriad Domain is currently quite complex, so I believe that us old fellows should continue to increase our strength. An increase in our strength will affect the sectâs fate more in critical moments than our young disciplesâ.â
âElder Huâs words make sense. After the previous incident, I too believe that our young disciples are still incapable of standing on their own for now,â Elder Lian Cheng latched onto the elderâs words. Heâd seemed to unintentionally bring up the previous incident, obviously wanting to emphasize the fact that he had gotten hurt for the sectâs sake, and had rendered a valuable service for the sect.
Elder Yun Nie suddenly smiled, âSince everyone wants a share of the sky rank spirit herbs, I happen to have the perfect method that will be the best compromise.â
âWhat method is it?â Elder Huâs eyes lit up.
âThere are three sky rank spirit herbs left. Forefather Qi is a person of great virtue and prestige, and the eldest senior of the sect. Naturally, he deserves a sky rank spirit herb. There are no objections to this. As for the remaining two sky rank spirit herb, we can distribute one to the most influential elder based on status and prestige. The final one shall be offered as a reward to the genius with the most talented performance during the Myriad Grand Ceremony. This way, both the elder and younger generation are not neglected. This is the perfect method to satisfy both worlds.â
Elder Hu laughed heartily when Elder Yun Nie finished, âThis method is wonderful. I agree!â
Palace Head Dan Chi was also laughing on the inside. Elder Yun Nieâs plan had a clear purpose. It perfectly cut off Elder Lian Chengâs attempt to obtain a sky rank spirit herb. The elder had kicked up such a fuss for a sky rank spirit herb, but it just so happened that he wouldnât get one through this distribution method. Since two of the sky rank spirit herbs were to be split amongst influential elders, Forefather Qi would acquire one without a doubt. As for the last remaining sky rank spirit herb, Elder Hu was even more qualified than Elder Lian Cheng. This meant that Elder Lian Cheng wouldnât get a single sky rank spirit herb despite having argued until he was blue in the face.
If you think youâre capable, then go compete with Elder Hu for the spirit herb!
Forefather Qi cast a meaningful glance at Yun Nie and was inwardly impressed with the latterâs quick wittedness. This method might appear fair, but in reality it had split apart the tacit understanding between Elder Hu and Elder Lian Cheng. Originally, the two elders had joined forces to obtain a sky rank spirit herb each for themselves. However, this suggestion had put Elder Hu and Elder Lian Cheng in direct conflict for one sky rank spirit herb instead.
This way, the unspoken alliance between the duo had naturally fallen apart.
Most importantly, Elder Yun Nieâs suggestion appeared to be the epitome of objectivity and selflessness. It was a suggestion that took care of his old comrades and encouraged the youngsters as well. It was a perfect method that satisfied both sides. No one could criticize it.
Elder Lian Cheng pondered for a moment and immediately deduced Elder Yun Nieâs intentions. His expression instantly sank. âElder Yun Nie, what do you mean by this? Are you targeting me on purpose?â Elder Lian Cheng couldnât quite maintain his facade as his expression turned dark.
Elder Yun Nie was absolutely innocent, âWhat do you mean, Elder Lian Cheng?â
Forefather Qi smiled and interjected before Elder Lian Cheng could respond, âIn my opinion, this suggestion is worth considering. The seniors should take precedence, and the youngsters shouldnât be neglected either.â
Elder Lian Cheng didnât dare refute Forefather Qiâs words.
Palace Head Dan Chi nodded, âIf there are no objections, then the decision is made. Forefather Qi and Elder Hu are the two most qualified forefathers of the sect. They will both obtain a sky rank spirit herb each. The last sky rank spirit herb will be put up as the reward for the Myriad Grand Ceremony. Any Regal Pill Palace disciple who obtains the best result shall obtain this sky rank spirit herb.â
Forefather Qi smoothed things over while laughing, âDonât be dejected, Lian Cheng. Your Shen Qinghong is the top talent among the younger generation. In my opinion, this sky rank spirit herb would most likely fall into your faction.â
Elder Lian Cheng opened his mouth, but wasnât sure what to say. If he argued any further, then it would mean that he planned to fight for the sky rank spirit herb against his own direct disciple Shen Qinghong.
âAlright, let us end things here today.â Palace Head Dan Chi adjourned the meeting with a wave of his hand.
Elder Hu was all smiles as he chatted with Forefather Qi. He was naturally happy since heâd obtained the sky rank spirit herb he wanted, and thought that both Palace Head Dan Chi and Elder Yun Nie had given him much face. As for Elder Lian Cheng, Elder Hu naturally wouldnât care what the former was thinking.
Just as Palace Head Dan Chi was about to return to his residence, a ray of light suddenly flashed into his hand and landed on his palm. It was a message glyph.
Palace Head Dan Chi opened it for a look. At first he was unconcerned, but a rapt expression instantly appeared on his face after he read its contents. The message glyph was actually from Jiang Chen! Jiang Chen! Heâs emerged from Mt. Rippling Mirage?
Palace Head Dan Chi exited a side door of the sectâs formation at a certain corner of the Regal Pill Palace and was greeted by a sight for sore eyes, Jiang Chen, the boy he had not seen for two years.
âWell met, Palace Head.â
âHaha, Jiang Chen! I knew it! You were no average person, and a mere Mt. Rippling Mirage wasnât enough to hold you. It would appear that my predictions are very much accurate!â Palace Head Dan Chi was absolutely overjoyed. Today was the happiest day of his life in the past two years.
âPalace Head, has news of the Tristar Sectâs betrayal and surrender to the Ninesuns Sky Sect already been exposed?â
âHave they truly flocked to Ninesuns Sky Sectâs banner?â Dan Chi had deduced this earlier, but had had no evidence in the end to prove his theory.
âItâs absolutely true. I learned of it just a few days after I entered Mt. Rippling Mirage. Iâd simply refrained from saying so because it is a matter of the utmost importance. Tristar Sectâs Ding Tong pursued and attempted to kill me the day I entered Mt. Rippling Mirage. That kid was in fact a disciple sent by the Ninesuns Sky Sect into the Myriad Domain to set up their plans. Not only have Ninesuns Sky Sect set their eyes on the Myriad Domain, this wasnât a plan thatâd only sprung up a couple of years ago. Theyâve likely prepared for this for a very long time.â Jiang Chen knew how important this matter was, so he had to report it in full to the palace head.
âLetâs head inside first before discussing anything further.â Dan Chi came to solemn attention inwardly, but didnât panic.
He carefully asked about the relevant details once theyâd returned to his residence. Jiang Chen told Dan Chi everything heâd learned from Ding Tong and some of the evidence he had discovered. Now that things had reached this point, Jiang Chen didnât even conceal the matter of Cao Jin.
âYouâre speaking of Cao Jin, that blue browed youngster?â Dan Chiâs expression changed considerably upon hearing this. âDid... did he entered the forbidden area of Mt. Rippling Mirage?â
âYou know about him, Palace Head?â Jiang Chen remembered Cao Jin claiming that he had came by Regal Pill Palace before. Was that actually the truth?
âNot only do I know him, Iâve even fought against him once. This kidâs strength is unfathomable, and I barely managed to take a blow from him. If I wasnât aided by a benefactor, I do not know if I could even block three moves from him.â Dan Chi had bowed to no one in his life, but to this day he couldnât help but feel less capable than he wouldâve liked when thinking of Cao Jin, even though the palace head was currently at seventh level sage realm.
Dan Chi immediately reiterated the story of the disturbance that Cao Jin had caused.
A mysterious cloaked person? A beautiful figure abruptly flashed across Jiang Chenâs mind. He couldnât help but think, could that have been her? Jiang Chen might not have witnessed it with his own eyes, but the first thought that crossed his mind had to do with that mysterious Miss Huangâer.
Advance chapters on Patreon!