There was only a single pill, standing alone.
Yet Chu Ge did not dare underestimate it in the slightest.
Judging purely from its placement—set at the very center of all the jade bottles—this lone pill's value was likely beyond estimation!
"As for the effects of these pills, I won't go through them one by one," Shui Qianrou said. "Inside the storage ring, there is a jade manual that records their uses in detail."
"Remember, even within Taihuang, do not reveal these pills easily. Otherwise, you may invite trouble."
Her tone carried a rare note of seriousness.
As the one who personally refined them, no one understood their effects and rarity better than she did.
Every single pill was exceedingly precious.
Unlike the ordinary pills in the previous storage ring, each of these was something priceless with no market circulation whatsoever. The outside world simply had no access to them.
Some of them could even draw the covetous gaze of mighty experts—their value utterly immeasurable.
Even that pile of fifty thousand supreme-grade spirit stones, stacked like a small mountain and seemingly extravagant, would barely be enough to purchase even a single one of these pills!
Hearing Shui Qianrou's words, Chu Ge's estimation of the pills' rarity rose yet another level.
"Martial Aunt Shui, this gift of thanks is truly far too heavy…"
He even felt it burn in his hands.
To be honest, he truly did not feel that he had done anything special during the Heavenly Dao Resonance that day.
Those who gained something from it were, in essence, outstanding in the first place—they simply seized their opportunity.
For small favors, he could accept them calmly.
But someone like Shui Qianrou, who had brought out even her most treasured personal collection to repay him—this truly made him feel overwhelmed by the honor.
At the same time, a sense of reciprocation naturally rose in his heart.
Seeing Chu Ge deep in thought, Shui Qianrou assumed he was still hesitating.
She immediately smiled and said, "Alright, don't hesitate anymore. Since your martial aunt says you are worthy of it, then you are worthy of it. Gifts from elders are not something you're allowed to refuse."
She even played the role of a senior, yet there was not the slightest seriousness on her face—rather, there was a hint of playful charm.
With her mature grace and elegant allure, adopting such a coy, girlish manner showed no sense of discord at all. On the contrary, it revealed a different kind of captivating charm.
"Since Martial Aunt has said so, then this disciple shall obey."
"However, since Martial Aunt has been so generous, I naturally must offer something in return as well."
A rather mysterious smile appeared on Chu Ge's face. His words immediately piqued Shui Qianrou's curiosity.
It wasn't that she expected to gain anything from him.
Her gift today was given sincerely, born of genuine gratitude and appreciation for Chu Ge.
But seeing Chu Ge so confident and secretive, her interest was naturally stirred. She wanted to see what this junior disciple, who had only entered the sect half a month ago, could possibly take out as a return gift.
"Let me make this clear first—if it's something bestowed upon you by Senior Sister Luo, and you simply pass it on to me, your martial aunt will not be pleased. You'd better think carefully."
Her eyes, shimmering like autumn waters, fixed on Chu Ge. The blend of delight and reproach in her expression was irresistibly enchanting, full of infinite grace and allure.
Perhaps because her two disciples were not around, she was more relaxed in Chu Ge's presence.
Though they addressed each other as martial uncle and nephew, there was none of the rigid formality that usually came with such a difference in seniority. Instead, the atmosphere between them was especially natural and harmonious.
Seeing her interest fully aroused, Chu Ge naturally did not keep her in suspense any longer.
He opened his palm.
Several thin, translucent leaves appeared in his hand, glowing with a soft green light. Intricate, mysterious patterns crisscrossed their surfaces as they lay quietly stacked together.
"This is…?"
Shui Qianrou's beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.
"Martial Aunt," Chu Ge asked with a faint smile,
"will this satisfy you?"