Moments later, Yun Xi received a notification. She tapped accept, and a massive crate appeared in the hall.
A three-dimensional instructional projection arrived with it, detailing how to operate the medical pod and how to mix the regenerative fluid.
On the other side, "Star Trek" was equally delighted. Because the Longevity Fruits had been transmitted while still hanging on the tree, it proved that, if preserved properly, the fruits could be stored for a long time without their vitality fading after harvest.
[Star Trek]:"Little Cloud, thank you. If you ever need anything, contact me anytime."
[Fleeting Cloud]:"All right."
"Star Trek" went offline.
Just as Yun Xi was about to log off as well, "Ethereal Grace" sent her a message.
[Ethereal Grace]:"Little Cloud, did you self-detonate the immortal artifact I gave you?"
[Fleeting Cloud]:"Yes, Senior."
[Ethereal Grace]: "How many did you save?"
[Fleeting Cloud]: "Including me, thirty-five."
Yun Xi was not surprised that Ethereal Grace would ask.
[Ethereal Grace]:"Was Long Ya sealed again?"
[Fleeting Cloud]:"Yes."
[Ethereal Grace]:"Do you need me to send you another immortal artifact?"
Yun Xi refused at once. "Many thanks for your care, Senior. Back then, this junior accepted your gift thick-skinned and ignorant. After walking the cultivation path for so long, I understand how extraordinary an immortal artifact is. I dare not shamelessly accept another."
[Ethereal Grace]: "Hah, you do see clearly. Since you won't take it for free, then trade with me."
A question mark flickered through Yun Xi's mind, but she still replied, "Senior, there is likely nothing in my cultivation realm worthy of your eyes. What do you require?"
[Ethereal Grace]: "I want seeds of the Seven-Colored Lotus."
The response stunned Yun Xi. "Senior, are you certain?"
In Yun Xi's view, the Immortal Realm had everything. Why would it need Seven-Colored Lotus seeds from the lower realm?
[Ethereal Grace]:"Naturally. I am fond of lotuses. I want to plant a whole pond of Seven-Colored Lotus and invite a certain fairy I admire to view the flowers."
Yun Xi's mouth twitched. She did not understand immortal extravagance. Yixian Gate had expended the sect's full strength and heart's blood to cultivate even a single plant, while this immortal wanted a whole pond. Such wealth was beyond comparison.
She felt this trade favored her, so she immediately gathered all the Seven-Colored Lotus seeds stored in Yixian Gate's vault. She kept two for herself and transmitted the rest to Ethereal Grace.
Ethereal Grace accepted the seeds and, in return, sent her a small wooden box, then went offline.
Yun Xi clicked receive. The wooden box appeared in her hand. She lifted the lid slowly and saw a golden miniature cuirass lying within, delicate as clothing for a figurine, exquisitely crafted. The radiance it emitted told her it was certainly a treasure.
Drawing a steadying breath, Yun Xi used spiritual power to nick her fingertip and let a drop of essence blood fall onto the little cuirass. She separated a wisp of soul-thread and bound it, beginning the process of forging a link.
The golden armor absorbed her essence blood, connected through the soul-thread, and acknowledged her as master. It flew out of the box, expanding as it rose until it matched Yun Xi's height. Then it pressed itself to her skin. A dazzling golden flash rippled, and the armor vanished from sight.
Yun Xi lifted her sleeve and touched her arm. A layer of golden radiance flowed across her skin, briefly revealing the armor beneath. With a thought, the armor vanished again. In her dantian, her little Yuányīng now wore a perfectly fitted golden warplate, seated cross-legged atop a Seven-Colored Lotus, eyes closed in meditation.
A slow smile spread across Yun Xi's lips. Although Ethereal Grace had proposed the trade, she still felt she had profited. This was immortal armor, and the highest rank of golden battle armor at that. Even if she ascended to the Immortal Realm in the future, it would still protect her.
When she did not require the armor's protection outwardly, it would reside on her little Yuányīng, guarding her most vulnerable core. If she were attacked, it would act on its own to protect its master. Even if she lost consciousness, no one in Weiyu Realm would be able to destroy her flesh.
In high spirits, Yun Xi left the space, humming under her breath as she studied the medical pod's operation. The ratio for the regenerative fluid was crucial, given Ye Yuchen's fragile condition.
Meanwhile, the elders of Medicine King Valley had surrounded Ye Ancestor, bombarding him with questions about what had happened and why Ye Chengbi had betrayed the valley. Among those captured were their own disciples.
Ye Ancestor stroked his white beard, which reached his chest, and listened to their clamor without answering.
The First Elder frowned. "Where is the Young Valley Master? With a matter this grave, why has she not come to see us?"
Ye Ancestor glanced at him at last. "There are disciples in Medicine King Valley entangled with evil cultivators. Yirui has gone to investigate, lest any fish slip through the net."
The Second Elder spoke with a cutting tone. "To speak plainly, Medicine King Valley suffered an unwarranted calamity. All of this was caused by the internal struggle between the Young Valley Master and Ye Chengbi. Our reputation is damaged. This cannot be brushed aside."
Ye Ancestor gave him a flat look. "So you mean to replace the Valley Master?"
"I said no such thing. But the valley has been implicated. The Young Valley Master must give everyone an explanation."
The Third Elder said coldly, "In the end, you simply want to oust the Ye family."
The Second Elder snapped back without courtesy, "Hmph. Medicine King Valley is not the Ye family alone. If a mistake was made, should there not be punishment?"
"You intend for your son to be the new Valley Master, is that it?"
"I said no such thing."
Ye Ancestor watched the bickering elders and felt bone-tired. Since Ye Chengzong's unexpected death, the valley had not been as united as before.
Beyond Ye Chengbi's instigation, many of those before him were no longer content to remain mere elders. They each harbored their own schemes, and only the presence of a Divine Transformation ancestor had kept them still.
Now that Ye Chengbi's collusion with evil cultivators had been exposed, and the Shengji Tree had nearly been stolen, they finally had an excuse to make their move. He knew a few of them were preparing to break through to Divine Transformation. Once that balance shifted, Medicine King Valley would inevitably fall into turmoil.
At that moment, Ye Yirui walked into the hall. She bowed to Ye Ancestor and the assembled elders."This time, it is I, the Young Valley Master, who failed in my duty. I have tarnished Medicine King Valley's name and nearly allowed evil cultivators to seize the Shengji Tree. Once the truth is fully uncovered, I will give everyone an account.
But before that, I ask all elders to cooperate with me to root out the evil cultivators hiding within Medicine King Valley. No matter who becomes Valley Master in the future, Medicine King Valley must not become a tool for evil cultivators."