Zhong Lin noticed the teenagers in the distance, or rather, the clothing they wore.
All were clad in black outfits, belts around their waists, with the characters "Jiawu" and "Yixu" embroidered on their chests.
Zhong Lin’s eyes lit up with curiosity, "Gu Ning, is there a major competition happening in your clan?"
"What are the prizes?"
Though Gu Ning didn’t know why Zhong Lin was curious, he explained, "The prizes mainly consist of elixirs, money, martial arts skills, and weapons, varying slightly based on the ranking achieved."
Zhong Lin reached into his robe and handed over a jade bottle.
"There’s no need for words, I’m not quite used to these situations. This is a Fourth Grade Elixir, the Bone-washing Pill. It can refine one’s roots and enhance aptitude. Let’s use this pill as the prize for first place in this competition, what do you think?" Zhong Lin said with a smile.
Gu Ning was momentarily stunned. He had heard of the Bone-washing Pill before, a Fourth Grade Elixir capable of refining one’s roots and enhancing aptitude.
Simply put, if someone with average aptitude takes this elixir, their cultivation aptitude will instantly improve by one tier. It’s a treasure beyond value, eagerly purchased by major families and royal families alike; after all, every family has children!
"Zhong Lin, this... this is too precious," Gu Ning said, his voice trembling slightly.
Zhong Lin tossed the jade bottle into Gu Ning’s hands with a smile, "I just made it casually. It’s neither valuable nor invaluable. If you have children in the future, you can come to me for more."
Gu Ning took a deep breath. At this moment, he truly understood what it meant to receive a thousandfold return. All the resources he had given over the past half year couldn’t compare to this one Bone-washing Pill, not to mention the promise that followed.
"Thank you, Zhong Lin."
He then stepped towards the crowd of women and children, announcing loudly, "This is the Fourth Grade Alchemist Zhong Lin of the Sword Cauldron Sect. Why aren’t you all quickly paying your respects?"
As soon as he spoke, the crowd erupted in excitement.
Since Zhong Lin’s advancement to a Fourth Grade Alchemist became known to Gu Ning, he had not kept it a secret; rather, he had widely publicized it.
After all, he had discovered this genius Pill Master through his own investments. Naturally, he wanted to leverage it to boost his reputation. Gu Xiaofeng was not his only son, and sometimes the pressure to compete for family positions was significant.
Due to his promotion, Zhong Lin had already become famous throughout the Gu Family of Linyue, known by all the young ones in the clan.
"Pill Master Zhong, it’s really Pill Master Zhong."
"So young! I always thought Brother Gu Ning was joking. How can there be a Fourth Grade Alchemist at seventeen? Is he even human?"
"Genius, this is a true genius. In the future, if anyone claims to be a genius, unless they’re on par with Pill Master Zhong, I’ll definitely spit in their face."
"Who would have thought Pill Master Zhong would be so handsome? How wonderful it would be to marry him."
"Ha, you brazen flirt, even being a concubine would be difficult for you."
"Hmph! I’m still prettier than you."
Everyone’s eyes were fixed intently on Zhong Lin. Were it not for fear of the Family Head, they might have rushed up already.
Gu Ning mobilized his Qi-Blood, his voice booming like a tiger’s roar, causing everyone’s eardrums to ache, and instantly quieting the noisy atmosphere.
"Pill Master Zhong is aware that this is our Gu Family’s annual clan competition, and he has graciously presented a Fourth Grade Elixir, the Bone-washing Pill, as a prize. Whoever achieves first place in this competition will receive this Bone-washing Pill."
The crowd erupted again, their eyes fixed on the jade bottle held high in Gu Ning’s hand.
Some were left speechless, stunned, and disbelieving, asking those around them for information. After learning what the Bone-washing Pill was, they trembled with excitement, battle intent surging in their eyes.
I must take first place.
This was the sole thought in the hearts of all the teenagers of the Gu Family, a Fourth Grade Elixir! And one that enhanced root aptitude. No one could comprehend the Lin Yue Gu Family disciples’ thirst for power, raised as they were through martial prowess. Improvement in aptitude meant advancing further and faster in Martial Arts.
"We thank Pill Master Zhong."
The Gu Family received Zhong Lin and Jiang Yuan with the highest level of ceremony.
At the banquet, Gu Ning pushed a box towards Zhong Lin.
"Pill Master Zhong, ever since learning of your promotion to a Fourth Grade Alchemist, I’ve wanted to personally congratulate you. Unfortunately, the Sword Cauldron Sect doesn’t permit outsiders. Now that you’re here, I can finally give you my gift."
"I obtained this Rejuvenation Grass by chance. I wonder if Pill Master Zhong is satisfied with it."
Gu Xiaofeng opened the wooden box to reveal a herb, entirely golden, exuding a peculiar fragrance.
"Rejuvenation Grass!"
Both Zhong Lin and Jiang Yuan exclaimed at the sight of the fully golden herb, just its scent causing an uproar within their bodies.
Rejuvenation Grass, a healing Treasure Medicine, could restore serious injuries for Upper Third Grades Martial Artists in a short time, a life-saving herb indeed.
If used as the main ingredient to refine a batch of Rejuvenation Pills, the healing effect would be even more miraculous, able to bring the dead back to life, crazy enough to make Upper Third Grades experts frantic.
Moreover, Rejuvenation Grass and Rejuvenation Pills have a surprising benefit, a robust aphrodisiac effect, a trait many men fervently desire.
Undoubtedly, the value of Rejuvenation Grass is immeasurable, even more treasured than the Bone-washing Pill.
While the Bone-washing Pill refines one’s roots and enhances aptitude, it mainly benefits those below the Third Grade. Upper Third Grade cultivate only those with supremely rare talents.
Conversely, a Rejuvenation Pill grants a second life to the bearer and certainly stands beyond mere comparison.
Of course, this presumes that a Fourth Grade Alchemist could refine it into a pill; otherwise, the effects would notably diminish.
"The Gu Family Head is indeed generous; I am impressed," Jiang Yuan said, clasping his fist respectfully.
Zhong Lin accepted the wooden box without formality and examined it closely.
"A splendid item. I didn’t expect the Gu Family to have found such a treasure. I’ll accept the Rejuvenation Grass. Once I return to the Sect, I will set up the cauldron for Alchemy. Judging by its appearance, this batch should yield two or three pills. Once refined, one pill will be shared with the Gu Family."
"Ha ha, that’s excellent. I will have someone gather other materials for refining the Rejuvenation Pill," Gu Xiaofeng said excitedly.
"Senior Brother, if there’s an extra pill, could you give one to me? I’m willing to pay a fair price for it."
Jiang Yuan eagerly looked at Zhong Lin.
Zhong Lin pondered for a moment and nodded, "Sure, but you must exchange something of equivalent value."
"Of course, thank you, Senior Brother."
In Great Chen’s Imperial sphere, material resources are never lacking, but what’s desired is someone who can transform these resources into cultivation assets.
Jiang Yuan now contemplated another attempt at recruitment.