C6 There Were Three Absolute Geniuses on Green Plum Mountain(2)

"Hold on!"

From within the crowd, Lee Feng suddenly raised his voice, pointing at Han Fei and clarifying, "These two belong to the Han family; they're not with us."

"Well, you nearly slipped by us!" The young boy's face twisted with anger. He glanced at Han Fei and demanded, "Where's my tribute? Hand it over quickly, and don't waste my time."

Without much ado, Han Fei reached into his garment and produced a small white jade bottle containing a crimson pill, which he casually tossed to the young boy.

The boy scowled, uncorked the bottle, and sniffed, his dissatisfaction apparent. "This pill has a fine color, but where's the scent? You're not trying to deceive me, are you?"

Despite his complaints, the boy accepted the offering. "My master dislikes disturbances and doesn't entertain just anyone. Which of you two will go first?"

"I'll take the liberty of going first due to my age," Lee Xiao volunteered, following the young boy through the bamboo grove to meet Huang Zun. He emerged a short while later, his face a mask of neutrality, leaving others guessing.

Now it was Han Fei's turn.

Guided by the young boy, Han Fei walked through the grove and soon came face to face with an elderly man in white robes.

This was none other than Huang Zun, the third great master of Green Plum Mountain, living here in seclusion. After falling victim to a treacherous attack in his youth, Huang Zun's meridians suffered severe damage, which drastically hindered his cultivation.

Moreover, as Huang Zun's cultivation progress halted, he visibly aged. Now, he appeared no different from any ordinary elderly man.

Han Fei observed Huang Zun, who returned the scrutiny with a cold gaze.

After a moment, Huang Zun smiled, though his voice remained icy, "Are you a member of the Han family from White Feather City? If you're here to seek my assistance, you might as well dismiss the thought. Lee Xiao just presented a list of gifts, including precious items like blood coral and offered many favorable terms, yet I still declined."

Han Fei remained composed as he earnestly produced a pill and spoke, "Senior, please examine this."

The pill was enveloped in a purple hue, with a luminous essence swirling within, alternating between brightness and shadow as if it possessed life itself, breathing. It was no ordinary pill, certainly beyond the capabilities of Huang Zun to concoct.

Upon a single glance, Huang Zun's demeanor shifted, a subtle change crossing his face, "Is this... an Earth Pill?"

"Indeed, it is an Earth Pill," Han Fei confirmed with a nod. "Pills are categorized into Heaven, Earth, and Human. This purple pill here is a top-tier Earth Pill, known as Meridian Opening. Once Senior consumes it, your meridians will swiftly recover, surpassing their previous state. Secluded cultivation and challenging the heavens will no longer pose an issue."

Huang Zun, a fifth-grade Human Alchemist, possessed numerous Meridian Opening Pill formulas and could refine them himself, yet those were merely Human Pills. Despite sharing the same name and their ability to nourish meridians, their efficacy paled in comparison to the spiritual pill before him.

Moreover, crafting this Purple Meridian Opening Pill was no simple feat. Even for someone of Han Fei's skill, it required a full seven days and nights of painstaking effort.

"Three years," Han Fei stated calmly. "Senior, you need only preside over the Han family's Purple Sanctum for three years, dedicating yourself to pill refinement. Afterward, I shall gift you another Earth Pill!"

Without hesitation, Huang Zun agreed, "It's a deal!"

At this, Han Fei smiled, "You're not concerned there might be an issue with the pill?"

"As a fifth-grade alchemist, I may only be able to refine Human Pills, but I have encountered Earth Pills on more than one occasion. I am capable of discerning a pill's authenticity," Huang Zun replied, his expression unwavering. "Besides, even though I've retreated to the mountains and advanced in years, I'm not one to be trifled with." His implication was clear: should there be any issue with the pill, Huang Zun would assuredly hold the Han family accountable.

Han Fei nodded in agreement.

Huang Zun inquired, "I still harbor a doubt in my mind. What is the connection between the master who crafted this Earth Pill and the Han family? Is he currently within the bounds of White Feather City?"

With a smile, Han Fei responded, "The alchemist and I share a deep bond. He is indeed present in this little slice of heaven. Meeting him, however, is a matter of fate. I regret that I cannot disclose any further information."

Huang Zun failed to grasp the hidden meaning in Han Fei's words, and he let out a soft sigh, "Please forgive my curiosity, Young Master Han. I merely lament the missed opportunity to meet such an esteemed master and benefit from his wisdom. But of course, a person capable of producing Earth Pills is bound to be elusive."

Han Fei's smile broadened further.

Huang Zun continued, "My abilities are modest. Even as the head of the Purple Sanctum, I can only produce fifth-grade pills. My two disciples fare even worse, managing only third-grade pills."

"That's of no consequence," Han Fei replied with gravity. "With your talents, overseeing the Purple Sanctum alone is sufficient to hold your own against the Lee family's Ling Long Hall."

"Very well. If Young Master Han is not pressed for time, I will assist you after I've completed the refinement of this Invigorating Pill. Does that suit you?"

Han Fei nodded, "That won't be an issue."

The agreement from Huang Zun came without the need for lengthy discussion.

Following a brief period of idle talk and sensing the appropriate moment, Han Fei rose to take his leave. Huang Zun attempted to stand and see him off, but Han Fei politely declined the gesture.

Outside the Bamboo Cottage, a group had already been waiting for quite some time.

As soon as Han Fei emerged, Lee Xiao approached him with a beaming smile, displaying even more warmth than Liu San. He affectionately addressed Han Fei as 'Virtuous Nephew', clearly eager to coax out any valuable clues.

Han Fei offered a slight smile, his replies careful and noncommittal.

Lee Xiao's demeanor turned stern as he confronted Han Fei directly, "Virtuous Nephew Han Fei, let's be frank. Your Han family is too modest to summon Senior Huang Zun from his seclusion. There's no need for pretense. Hand over the Purple Sanctum and let's all be done with it."

Han Fei continued to smile, unmoved by the situation.

Lee Xiao spoke in a grave tone, "Is the Han family holding out simply to drive up the price and secure a better deal? I have the authority to decide on this matter, and I'm willing to offer a 30% increase over the original price."

Previously, the Lee family's offer was solely for the land on which the Purple Sanctum stood. Located in the bustling heart of White Feather City, where real estate was incredibly valuable, every inch was worth its weight in gold.

Now, with a 30% increase on the table, this additional amount was tantamount to acquiring the prestigious Purple Sanctum itself. The Han family wouldn't be at a loss, but they wouldn't make a substantial profit either.

"This offer is more than fair. Nephew Han Fei, please give it some serious thought. If you're uncertain, feel free to consult with your elder brother back at home to see what he thinks."

"There's no need for that."

Han Fei's smile faded as he fixed his gaze on the furrowed brow of Lee Xiao, speaking with resolute certainty, "The Han family's Purple Sanctum is not for sale. Liu San, let's head back to the estate!"

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