While heated discussions were still raging out on the streets, deep within the Ye Clan estate across the way, everything was quiet and elegant.
In the tranquil sitting room, sandalwood incense curled delicately through the air, cool and refreshing. Two people sat facing each other over tea.
On the main seat sat an elderly man with white hair and beard, his features gentle. Yet in his eyes lay the vicissitudes of the mortal world and deep wisdom. He was the current patriarch of the Nine-Heart Begonia's Ye Clan, Ye Cien's and Ye Lingling's grandfather.
The guest seat opposite was occupied by a tall man in a blue shirt. His face looked like that of a man in his thirties; his skin was smooth and lustrous, and each time he blinked, his eyes seemed to flash with light.
"Fourth Brother coming in person this time truly brings glory to my Ye Clan."
Ye Cien spoke with genuine warmth as he poured a cup of hot tea for his guest. "What surprises me even more is that Grand Elder's condition is far better than before. Just judging by your appearance, you look several decades younger than a year ago… it really makes one… envious."
Ye Cien's words were not especially polished.
His own cultivation in soul power was extraordinary, and he knew that once a soul master's rank increased, their lifespan would extend. But a near "rejuvenation" like this was something ordinary cultivation could never achieve.
This could only mean that in the past year, the Grand Elder of the Body Sect had made an unimaginably great breakthrough, leaping to a new level of life itself.
Hearing this, the elder merely smiled faintly without much concern. He picked up his cup, took a sip, and calmly said, "Brother Ye is exaggerating. I simply had a bit of lucky chance, and occasionally gained some insights. It's hardly worth mentioning."
His tone was light, as if this earth-shattering progress really was just an "accident."
Yet as he spoke, the Grand Elder's gaze drifted in the direction where the Ice-Fire Yin-Yang Well was, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.
Ye Cien sighed inwardly.
The foundations of the Body Sect were indeed unfathomable. He no longer pressed on that point and instead asked, "I wonder, for what matter has Grand Elder come today?"
If it was something that could help the Ye Clan, there was no harm in stating it outright.
The elder set down his teacup, his expression turning a bit more formal. "To be frank, this time I do indeed have a request."
"My Body Sect has had some good fortune recently. We obtained several plants from a dangerous place… immortal herbs."
"Immortal herbs?"
The hand holding Ye Cien's teacup trembled slightly, and the turquoise tea within rippled in rings. He suddenly lifted his head, his eyes shining as he said, "Could it be those things recorded in the ancient texts, born alongside Heaven and Earth, nurtured by the essence of all souls—each stalk worth decades of bitter cultivation, capable even of defying the Heavens to change one's fate… those immortal herbs?"
No wonder he had momentarily lost his composure.
The Ye Clan's ancient books also recorded immortal things, all regarded as divine objects—impossible to find even if one searched the world. In past dynasties, the ancestors had toiled for years, yet had never truly obtained a single one.
And now he was hearing that the Body Sect had acquired several at once—how could he not be shocked?
"That's right."
The Grand Elder nodded, unsurprised by Ye Cien's reaction.
"Immortal herbs are indeed good things, but if taken directly, they are in truth extremely violent products of nature. In my sect's opinion, it's best to refine them into spirit pills. Yet in this world, those who can perfectly stimulate and refine their medicinal power are as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns."
"The Ye Clan's Nine-Heart Begonia martial soul itself contains the power of life and healing, and holds unique advantages in medicinal knowledge and harmonization. Moreover, Brother Ye, you are well-versed in pharmacology as well."
"So this old man took the liberty of coming to ask if Brother Ye would be willing to assist my Body Sect in refining these immortal herbs into pills. I would be extremely grateful for such great kindness."
Ye Cien barely needed to suppress the excitement and shock in his heart. He agreed almost without hesitation.
"Fourth Brother values me too highly. To see immortal herbs with my own eyes in this lifetime is already a blessing of three lives. If I can participate in their refinement, that is an opportunity beyond asking for. How could the Ye Clan possibly refuse such a grand event? We will do our utmost to live up to your trust!"
In that instant, countless thoughts churned through Ye Cien's mind.
The Body Sect had many powerful experts, and now they could even obtain legendary relics—their strength was unstoppable. If the Ye Clan could use this chance to form a deep friendship with the Body Sect, it would undoubtedly bring immense benefits to their future development.
Furthermore, for a soul master proficient in pharmacology, this was an irresistible temptation and a chance to leave a heavy mark in the family's history.
Seeing Ye Cien agree so readily, the elder's smile deepened. On the heroic face of the middle-aged man, a sincere warmth surfaced.
"Good! With Brother Ye's words, this old man can be at ease. After the matter is done, my Body Sect will certainly offer generous rewards."
"Grand Elder is too polite; this is something that benefits us both."
Ye Cien waved his hand, then asked with interest, "I wonder, what kinds of immortal herbs has your sect obtained? The ancient texts say that the medicinal properties of immortal products differ greatly from one another, and their refining methods are also highly varied. If you could tell this old man in advance, I can make some preparations beforehand."
The Grand Elder pondered for a moment, then said lightly, "As for the specific varieties, allow me to keep that secret for now."
"But, one of them is shaped like a rooster's comb, its whole body crimson and burning hot like flame. Another has petals clear as ice silk, exuding an icy cold air… And there is also an especially peculiar one, much like the Orchid that Scorns the Sky. Its fragrance can cause soul power to circulate on its own."
Ye Cien listened with great interest, quickly searching through the records in his mind from the clan's ancient books. Based on those descriptions, he had already formed several guesses—and looked forward to it even more.
The two of them began discussing pharmacological insights regarding immortal herbs. Their conversation was lively; teacups were refilled again and again.
Just as host and guest were enjoying themselves and the fragrance of tea filled the room, the Grand Elder's hand—raised halfway with his cup—paused slightly.
The restrained light in his eyes suddenly flashed like lightning in the dark night.
It seemed he had sensed something. His gaze pierced through layers of walls, looking toward the distant Shanhai Pavilion, his brows lifting ever so slightly.
"Brother Ye, please sit a bit longer. This old man will be back shortly."
Before the words had fully fallen, Ye Cien hadn't even seen him move. The figure in the blue shirt blurred, as if melting into the air. In the next instant, he had disappeared from his seat, leaving only the steaming teacup and the dazed Ye Cien behind.
Ye Cien remained stupefied for a moment, then composed himself.
At the Grand Elder's level, the range of his spiritual perception must be astonishing. He must have sensed some unusual aura or movement.
…
"…So it turns out the Grand Elder visited Grandpa to purchase medicinal services and prepare herbs…"
At the same time, on the second floor of Shanhai Pavilion, in an elegant private room facing the windows.
Chen Yi, Ye Lingling, and Dugu Yan sat around a round mahogany table. Several exquisite cold dishes and snacks were arranged before them.
After listening to Ye Lingling's account, Chen Yi's face showed both surprise and a bit of awkwardness.
He rubbed his nose and said in a slightly self-mocking tone,
"So in the end, this matter still has something to do with my sect."
He could fully understand why the Grand Elder moved so quickly, and just how precious immortal herbs were. If they could be refined into pills a day earlier, they could be transformed into sect strength a day sooner.
The Grand Elder had surely gone to the Ye Clan to discuss alchemy in detail with Ye Cien.
He just hadn't expected that this would indirectly send Ye Lingling out, causing her to encounter such trouble.
Ye Lingling smiled faintly, her cool features tinged with frost and snow. "Senior Brother Chen doesn't need to mind it. It was just ordinary shopping. I only ran into the Grand Elder by chance. He must have important matters to discuss with Grandfather."
"This time, Senior Brother helped me handle Xue Beng. I'm just afraid you might have angered him."
Concern colored her tone.
He was, after all, the fourth prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. Xue Beng was a debauched noble, true, yet if the fourth prince were injured in the streets, the royal family would still have to give an explanation for the sake of face—even if Xue Beng didn't dare to scold him to his face.
"It's fine. He's just a wastrel prince," Chen Yi said casually with a smile.
A mere profligate dared reveal killing intent toward him, and yet he hadn't killed him on the spot—that was already saving the royal family's face.
The one who'd been beaten would simply be replaced by Xue Qinghe, newly appointed as Crown Prince; there was little difference.
"Come on, Lingling's fine, right? This time we gave Xue Beng a proper lesson; he definitely won't dare provoke Lingling again in the future."
Off to the side, Dugu Yan picked up a piece of crystal cake and popped it into her mouth, mumbling vaguely, "The desserts at Shanhai Pavilion are so delicious…"
Chen Yi was amused by Dugu Yan, and the awkward atmosphere dispersed.
He picked up his chopsticks and pointed at a steaming main dish just brought out. "Here, try this. They say this is Shanhai Pavilion's signature dish."
As they tasted the food, Ye Lingling commented on each dish in turn—not only on its flavor, but on the properties of the ingredients and their potential benefits to soul masters' cultivation. Her thoughts were broad and well-informed.
Chen Yi listened attentively and occasionally asked questions about medicinal cuisine. He also offered his own insights, combining them with his understanding of the Body Sect's purification methods.
Dugu Yan mainly contributed to the lively atmosphere, cracking jokes and enjoying the food, making everything feel warm and harmonious.
The three of them ate and chatted. Their topics ranged widely—from recent cultivation experiences and soul skills, to anecdotes in Heaven Dou City, then onward to ideas and plans for their future paths of cultivation.
Outside the window, the sunlight was just right. Shafts of dappled light filtered through the carved wooden lattice, and the room was filled with delightful aromas. Friends ate and laughed together, temporarily forgetting the complex affairs of their sects, the shock of immortal herbs, and the chaos of the outside world.
They simply enjoyed this rare, comfortable time.
When this relaxed and pleasant atmosphere reached its peak, and laughter filled the elegant room, several crisp, even knocks suddenly sounded from the corridor outside.
Dong. Dong. Dong.
The knocking wasn't hurried nor harsh, yet carried an undeniably penetrating weight and authority, as if it reached directly into one's heartstrings. In an instant, it cut off all laughter and movement in the room.
Chen Yi's chewing slowed for a moment, a glint of doubt and caution flashing in his eyes.
They hadn't called anyone to pour tea or water, and the staff of Shanhai Pavilion would never disturb VIP guests without special request.
Who could this uninvited guest be?
Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan also put down their chopsticks almost at the same time. Their relaxed expressions tightened slightly; a hint of tension flickered in their eyes as they looked toward the closed wooden door carved with mountains and seas.
...
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