After some careful thought, Yue Zhao felt almost certain. This mysterious and powerful elder must be from a Holy Land. Most likely, he was from the Xuandan Gate. Otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken so dismissively about a Grade Seven alchemist.
Then who was this elder, really?
Could he be... a Grade Eight alchemist? Or even—Grade Nine?
The thought made Yue Zhao's heart lurch.
He felt conflicted.
If such a terrifying figure chose to act, not only he and his junior sister, but even the entire Tianxing Sect wouldn't survive a single finger flick from him. And now, this elder was claiming he wanted to take his junior sister as a disciple.
If Yun Jin accepted, it would be a true leap to the heavens.
Forget about that so-called contract.
Even the entire Tianxing Sect wouldn't be able to match her standing anymore.
But Yue Zhao also knew...
Yun Jin might not want that.
His junior sister was someone with her own will.
After weighing it over, Yue Zhao decided not to interfere.
If this elder was truly as he suspected, then not even Hundred Herbs Pavilion could resist him. He would find Tianxing Sect sooner or later. When that time came, the decision should be Yun Jin's.
Having made up his mind, Yue Zhao said, "Senior, allow me to guide you."
Qing Yun nodded in approval.
It had taken Yue Zhao quite a while to travel across this sea.
But Qing Yun found his speed intolerably slow. With a flick of his sleeve, he grabbed Yue Zhao and took off like a streak of lightning. Yue Zhao was now just the navigator.
The journey that had taken Yue Zhao several days was now completed in less than the time it took to burn a single stick of incense. They had already left the Endless Sea.
By the time they arrived at the market town, Yue Zhao's face was contorted from the wind pressure. He had to physically press his face back into shape before managing to say, "Senior, we've arrived."
"Good, very good," Qing Yun said, clearly pleased. "I promised you a reward earlier. Is there anything you want?"
Yue Zhao paused, then said, "Senior, I was wondering if... you would be willing to part with that second Bishui Fruit."
Qing Yun frowned slightly.
A Bishui Fruit wasn't a big deal to him, but rewarding someone just for acting as a guide? That felt a little excessive. Was this young man getting greedy?
Sensing the misunderstanding, Yue Zhao quickly explained, "Senior, I meant that I would like to purchase it with spirit stones. The Bishui Fruit is extremely important to me. If you're willing, please name your price."
Hearing that, Qing Yun's expression softened.
He didn't mind giving away the Bishui Fruit. It wasn't about the value—it was always more pleasant dealing with people who knew their place.
Qing Yun thought for a moment. "Forget it. My future disciple won't miss one Bishui Fruit. I don't want your spirit stones. I'll give it to you for free. Just tell me more about her."
After all, Yue Zhao was local. He probably knew more.
Yue Zhao's expression grew odd, but he still agreed.
He recalled the details of Yun Jin's assessments and narrated them clearly.
He had a way with words. His retelling was vivid, filled with twists and tension.
Even though Qing Yun had already seen it all through the image crystal, he still listened with great interest.
There was no new information, but he was satisfied. With a wave of his hand, he tossed over the box containing the Bishui Fruit. Yue Zhao gratefully accepted it.
After a moment of thought, Yue Zhao added, "Senior, if you're seeking information, you might want to try Hundred Herbs Pavilion."
If Qing Yun asked around even a little, he'd end up there eventually. Better to offer the lead now and earn some goodwill.
"Very well. I'll go now," Qing Yun said, looking eager.
Yue Zhao took the hint and excused himself.
Two Bishui Fruits should be enough. He immediately contacted Si Wanning and told her to return to the sect.
At the same time, Yusong Nian sent word that the Chenjin Fruit had been located. There had been difficulties, but the outcome was good.
Yue Zhao felt a surge of excitement.
If his junior sister succeeded as well...
Then the ingredients for the Butian Pill would finally be complete.
After so many years, there was at last a sliver of hope that their master could be healed.
Once Yue Zhao left, Qing Yun made straight for Hundred Herbs Pavilion.
Inside a sealed chamber, Chen Changrong was fending off Qi Yu with a bitter smile.
Just then...
A shadow moved from the darkness—one of Hundred Herbs Pavilion's hidden guards emerged in haste.
"Come quickly!" the shadow guard said, voice tight.
Chen Changrong hadn't even reacted when he saw Qi Yu's expression twist in alarm.
But before either of them could move—
Qing Yun's shadow had already appeared before them.
!!!
Chen Changrong's face paled at the sudden presence.
What was happening?
There had been no fluctuation in spiritual power.
How had this man entered the sealed chamber without a sound?
"Senior,"
The shadow guard and Qi Yu bowed instantly.
They had no idea who this was.
But the man hadn't bothered to hide his aura. That was the only reason they had even sensed him at all.
In the cultivation world, strength ruled.
This man's presence alone demanded their respect.
Chen Changrong, alarmed, followed their example and bowed as well.
Qing Yun sat down casually, then raised an eyebrow. "Which one of you is Chen Changrong?"
He had asked around on the way and learned that his precious future disciple was reportedly acquainted with Hundred Herbs Pavilion's Chen Changrong.
"I am," Chen Changrong stepped forward.
Qing Yun examined him, then gave a kind smile. "Come, sit with me."
Chen Changrong was overwhelmed by the gesture but obeyed.
Qi Yu and the shadow guard remained motionless, not daring to breathe.
Qing Yun smiled like a kindly elder. "I hear you know that alchemy genius girl?"
Chen Changrong's heart clenched.
Another one, here for that girl!
"I've only had some business dealings with her," he replied quickly.
"Oh? I need more details," Qing Yun said calmly.
Chen Changrong hesitated.
"What, you can't say?" Qing Yun frowned.
"Speak. Just tell him the truth," the shadow guard urged, voice low with anxiety.
He could handle pressure from others, but this man? His cultivation alone made him unapproachable. If Chen Changrong stayed silent, they could all die here today.
Chen Changrong gritted his teeth and said, "Senior, I... I gave her my word to keep her information private."
Even now, he was being stubborn!
The shadow guard grew desperate, just about to intervene—when Qing Yun laughed.
"You're a good friend. Seems my future disciple didn't choose the wrong person," he said warmly.
Chen Changrong could only force a bitter smile.
Great. Another one here to take her as a disciple.
He glanced at Qi Yu.
Brother, you've got competition.
Noticing the look, Qing Yun turned to Qi Yu. "And you are?"
Qi Yu gritted his teeth. "I am Qi Yu of Yiqi Sect, a Grade Seven alchemist."
"Oh, it's you!" Qing Yun raised an eyebrow.
So this was the guy trying to snatch his disciple?
"Qi Yu, you can return to Yiqi Sect," Qing Yun said. "As long as I'm here, that girl will never become your disciple."
Qi Yu looked flustered but unwilling to yield. He couldn't help replying, "Senior's strength is undoubtedly beyond mine. But she is an alchemy genius. Shouldn't her master be chosen based on alchemy skill?"
"You're not convinced?" Qing Yun chuckled, pulling out a jade token and placing it on the table.
Qi Yu's pupils constricted.