https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-286-Chapter-285-Lingering-Orders/12544259/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-288-Mermaids-A-New-Cultivation-Direction-/12544261/
Chapter 287: Intimidation
Chapter 287: Intimidation
"That won't do!"
The thin and elderly man repeatedly waved his hands in refusal, his stance unwavering.
"You're just a rogue cultivator with unstable foundations. I presume your status in such a large sect isn't that high. It's better to keep these treasures to enhance your strength."
As the manager of Hundred Herb Hall, he had dealt with many cultivators selling spiritual herbs and, naturally, had an extraordinary eye for such things. At a glance, he could tell that the items Lu Chen offered were extraordinary.
Whether it was the stone bead, the talisman, or the spirit fruit, each emanated a rich spiritual power, likely indicating a third-grade treasure.
The token was especially precious. For a cultivator from a small family or a rogue cultivator, possessing this token could mean a life-changing opportunity.
"Uncle He, please accept them. These items aren't that valuable to me."
"You should know me well enough. I haggle with you over a few shattered spirit stones, so if something is truly precious, how could I bear to give it to you?"
A smile appeared on Lu Chen's face.
The Blasty Pearl was a reward from the light cluster of the Fiery Flame Fruit. At the time, he had planted ten Fiery Flame Fruits, from which he obtained over ten Blasty Pearls. As for the third-grade Pure Spirit Talisman, he had never had the chance to use it, and he still had several in his possession. Although there were only a few Silver Scale Fruits left, they were the most suitable for the old man's current condition.
As for the Qingyun Token, each inner sect disciple had one. Since Zhang Xiuyuan had already joined another sect, Lu Chen intended to give his token to Manager He.
In his eyes, these items were insignificant compared to the old man's past kindness.
Back when he was just a small rogue cultivator at the second layer of Qi Refinement, the Spirit Glow Grass he had cultivated was of average quality and quantity, and he had been brutally rejected time and again when trying to sell it. Finally, the old man had purchased it at a fair price, allowing him to scrape by in the market.
Later, the old man had introduced him to the Hundred Herb Hall, providing various spirit seeds that propelled him into a rapid growth phase. When his spirit plants mutated, the old man had connected him with numerous spirit plant masters, through which he had earned a substantial amount of spirit stones.
One could say that Manager He had played a crucial role in the early stages of his cultivation journey.
"That's true."
The thin, elderly man recalled Lu Chen's past self, haggling over a few spirit stones, and he couldn't help but chuckle.
"In that case, I shall respectfully obey and accept them."
He bowed politely to Lu Chen and said, "Thank you."
"Alright, Uncle He. Then I'll be taking my leave. Farewell until we meet again."
A hint of melancholy flashed in Lu Chen's eyes as he cupped his fist and replied.
Soon after, under the gaze of the thin, elderly man, he mounted the Wind Falcon and soared into the clouds.
...
"Friend Lu, please wait!"
Lu Chen's Wind Falcon had flown less than a hundred miles when a steady voice called out from behind him.
Turning his head, he saw an elderly man riding a flying sword, swiftly approaching him.
"I am He Yunzong. The Hundred Herb Hall in Linyang Market was established by me, and I only learned today that Friend Lu was passing through here. Why don't we return to the market and share a drink?"
"Also, those few short-sighted clan members from the Hundred Herb Hall have already been disciplined by me. Please forgive any shortcomings, Friend Lu."
The old man had white hair, but his complexion was exceptionally ruddy, indicating that he was also at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.
"So it's Hall Master He. I've heard of your great reputation."
Lu Chen glanced at the old man. After establishing a cooperative relationship with the Hundred Herb Hall, he had naturally become very familiar with this famous pill concocting master in the market, but it was only now that they finally met.
"I didn't take that minor incident to heart, so Hall Master He doesn't need to worry."
"My visit this time is due to a sect mission. The reason I came to Linyang Market was to visit an old friend, so I won't be returning to the market."
A faint smile played on Lu Chen's lips as he summoned a black token, causing the elder's eyes to widen.
Countless swords of various sizes were engraved on the token, floating and sinking as if they might burst forth at any moment.
"That token... Could it be from the Celestial Sword Sect?!" He Yunzong exclaimed, his eyes widening as he recognized the token's origins.
Having learned that a Core Formation cultivator from the Hundred Herb Hall was visiting, he had quickly gathered information about Lu Chen. He even knew about Lu Chen's past collaboration with the Hall as a spiritual herbologist. Now, he was eager to forge a connection with Lu Chen, so he rushed to Manager He's residence, only to find that he had already left. Thus, he did his best to intercept Lu Chen.
However, Lu Chen's identity far exceeded his expectations; he was a disciple of the renowned Celestial Sword Sect.
There was a world of difference between an ordinary Core Formation cultivator and one from a major sect.
This realization caused He Yunzong's posture to involuntarily straighten in respect.
"Indeed, I'm fortunate to be an inner disciple of the Celestial Sword Sect," Lu Chen acknowledged.
"By the way, Brother He, the manager of your esteemed hall is a close friend of mine, regardless of our age difference. I hope you'll look after him from time to time. I plan to return periodically to visit my old friend, and I trust that nothing unfortunate will happen to him under your watch." Lu Chen's tone carried a subtle hint of intimidation.
"Of course, I will treat him like family and ensure his well-being and safety," He Yunzong assured, his attitude toward Lu Chen having shifted significantly upon learning of his prestigious sect.
He Yunzong secretly resolved to care for Manager He meticulously and strive to forge a connection with Lu Chen through him. Although he was one of the few Core Formation cultivators in Linyang Market, his position was not without challenges and hidden dangers.
Aware of his limited lifespan, he knew that the Hundred Herb Hall might fall prey to other forces after his demise in a few decades. Lu Chen's appearance offered a glimmer of hope.
"That's good to hear," Lu Chen nodded. Before he departed, he repeatedly instructed the thin old man to keep the gifts he had given him safe and not to reveal them even to close relatives.
With the protective treasures and He Yunzong's promise, Manager He's safety was all but guaranteed.
Lu Chen did not accompany the white-haired elder back to Linyang Market. After a brief conversation, he bade farewell and departed.
As for the Wang family, who governed the market, although they had been somewhat forceful in inviting him into the secret realm, they had not caused him any significant losses. In fact, he had gained the Ghost-Faced Stone Mushroom and the Xuan Sword Sheath because of them. Thus, he decided it was best to leave them be, adhering to the principle of "the less fuss, the better." He was content to have successfully met with Manager He, and he did not seek further entanglements.
"With this matter concluded, it's time to head to the Boundless Sea to fulfill my guard duty," Lu Chen thought. "I wonder what exotic sea creatures and plants I'll encounter there."
After expressing his gratitude to Manager He for his past kindness, Lu Chen felt incredibly refreshed. He conveyed his thoughts to the Wind Falcon, which let out a crisp cry and transformed into a bolt of green light, swiftly soaring through the majestic mountains.
(End of Chapter)
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