"Twenty sixth-tier medicinal herbs!"
Hearing Gu He's demand, Hai Bodong shot to his feet, his voice laced with fury. "Gu He, you're being utterly unreasonable!"
"Why would you say that, Old Hai?"
Gu He had anticipated this reaction.
His expression remained indifferent as he replied coolly, "With just one Longevity Pearl, Old Hai can extend his lifespan by two hundred years."
"Twenty sixth-tier herbs in exchange for two centuries of life—no matter how you look at it, this is a bargain. Surely you understand that, Old Hai?"
A faint smirk curled at the corner of his lips as he watched Hai Bodong, confidence unwavering.
He was certain the other party would agree.
For someone like Hai Bodong, who stood on the precipice of the Dou Ancestor realm, two hundred years was invaluable.
Time was the one thing he lacked—the one obstacle preventing his breakthrough. With this extension, he would have more than enough.
Hai Bodong fell silent.
Gu He was right. The temptation of the Longevity Pearl was too great. Even now, without having seen the treasure with his own eyes, Hai Bodong was willing to take the gamble.
After a long pause, he finally relented.
"Fine. Twenty sixth-tier herbs for one Longevity Pearl." His tone hardened. "But once ten herbs are gathered, I must see the pearl myself. Otherwise, the deal is off."
This was his bottom line.
He wouldn't risk everything without proof.
"Agreed." Gu He accepted without hesitation.
To Gu He, the Longevity Pearl—though priceless to others—was nothing more than a daily creation of Cai'er. He even considered offering Hai Bodong a small taste beforehand to motivate him further.
Gu He's immediate agreement eased some of Hai Bodong's doubts. Perhaps the Longevity Pearl truly existed.
"Tengshan, come in."
Hai Bodong called out, and moments later, Miteer Tengshan entered the private chamber, bowing respectfully. Elder Hai, what are your orders?"
"How many sixth-tier medicinal herbs does the Miteer family possess?" Hai Bodong asked, his voice detached.
"Sixth-tier herbs?"
Tengshan was momentarily taken aback but quickly responded, "Reporting to Elder Hai, we currently have seven sixth-tier herbs, all cultivated in the family's medicinal garden."
The Miteer family's garden housed their meticulously collected treasures, a testament to their status as one of the imperial capital's three great clans. Even without external acquisitions, they could sustain themselves for a time.
"Only seven?"
Dissatisfaction flickered across Hai Bodong's face. That was far from twenty.
Seeing his reaction, Tengshan offered a strained smile. "Elder Hai, without a sixth-tier alchemist in the family, hoarding high-tier herbs serves little purpose. These seven were reserved for the next grand auction."
Hai Bodong exhaled sharply. "Very well. Have those seven delivered immediately." He waved a hand dismissively. "Additionally, spare no expense in acquiring more sixth-tier herbs. The more, the better."
"Purchase sixth-tier herbs?"
Tengshan's brow furrowed. Such herbs were exorbitantly rare and costly. Even the Miteer family's wealth had limits. Yet, he dared not refuse Hai Bodong's command. "Understood, Elder Hai."
His gaze briefly shifted to Gu He. Clearly, this sudden demand was linked to the Pill King.
"You may leave for now," Hai Bodong said.
Tengshan bowed. "Yes, Elder Hai."
Just as he turned to exit—
"Wait."
Gu He's voice halted him.
Tengshan paused, glancing back in question.
"The Shadow Poison Insect Eggs and the Song of the Wind listed in this auction—I've taken a liking to them," Gu He stated. "As before, name your price, Patriarch Tengshan."
Tengshan's expression tightened. "Your Excellency, this violates our auction house's rules. If you desire them, you must wait for the official bidding."
Gu He ignored the refusal, turning instead to Hai Bodong. "Old Hai, I'd appreciate your assistance. I require these items urgently."
"What purpose do they serve?" Hai Bodong eyed him skeptically.
"They are of use." Gu He's gaze was unwavering. "Surely you won't deny me this small favor?"
A tense silence followed before Hai Bodong finally sighed. "Tengshan, hand them over."
Tengshan's lips thinned, but he nodded stiffly. "As you wish, Old Hai."
Tengshan left briefly, returning with a violet brocade box in one hand and a azure sword in the other.
"Your requested items, Your Excellency." Tengshan's voice was flat, his displeasure evident.
Gu He paid no mind, accepting the items without hesitation.
"Click."
He opened the box, revealing over a dozen ebony insect eggs, each pulsing faintly with life.
Next, he examined the sword—the Song of the Wind. Inlaid with a fifth-tier wind-attribute magic core, it amplified the wielder's wind-based combat techniques.
"My thanks." Storing both in his spatial ring, Gu He gave a curt nod.
"Old Hai, I'll take my leave now."
Once the seven sixth-tier herbs were delivered and the payment settled, Gu He prepared to depart.
"Don't forget our agreement," Hai Bodong warned, his tone grave.
Gu He smiled. "Rest assured, Old Hai. My word is my bond."
...
In the back mountains of the Misty Cloud Sect, after leaving Miteer's auction house, Gu He headed straight for the secluded valley.
Upon arriving at the medicine garden, he planted the seven sixth-tier medicinal herbs he had acquired.
Under the nourishment of the valley's rich heaven and earth energy, the herbs radiated astonishing vitality, their intoxicating fragrance permeating the air.
The Scarlet Flame Demon Python and the Golden Feather Giant Eagle were drawn by the scent, their eyes gleaming with greed as they stared at the sixth-tier herbs.
"Such gluttons!"
Though the two beasts yearned to devour the herbs in one gulp, the memory of Gu He's stern warning quickly extinguished their impulses.
Time flew, and seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
…
At the center of the deep, icy pool, the Nine-Colored Holy Lotus continued to emit a dazzling radiance.
With every pulse of its light, vast amounts of heaven and earth energy condensed around it.
The surface of the pool remained in a perpetual state of boiling, bubbles rising incessantly.
Above the lotus, a silver figure flickered intermittently, its form elusive, accompanied by faint spatial fluctuations.
Over these seven days, as the Nine-Colored Holy Lotus absorbed the power of the stars and converted it into heaven and earth energy, the valley's spiritual density had reached a terrifying level.
Mist-like particles of condensed dou qi now floated visibly in the air—a sign of dou qi solidifying into tangible form. Each of these particles contained extremely pure dou qi.
This was despite the Scarlet Flame Demon Python and the Golden Feather Giant Eagle consuming vast amounts of energy and medicinal herbs. Otherwise, the mist would have been even denser.
At this moment, the Scarlet Flame Demon Python coiled and writhed in the sky, its massive body swallowing mouthfuls of the mist-like dou qi.
Meanwhile, the Golden Feather Giant Eagle crouched by the pool's edge, drinking deeply from the dou qi-infused water.
After seven days, the pool's water had nearly been fully assimilated by the heaven and earth energy, becoming a liquid brimming with power.
"Good. At this rate, it won't be long before these herbs advance."
Standing beside the medicine garden, Gu He observed the thriving herbs with satisfaction.
After obtaining seven sixth-tier herbs from the Miteer Auction House, he had requisitioned five more from the sect, bringing the total in the garden to twelve. Additionally, dozens of fourth and fifth-tier herbs flourished there.
As for herbs below the fourth tier? Gu He didn't bother collecting them—they were beneath his notice.
Looking at the thriving garden, a sense of accomplishment swelled in his heart.
'Soon, I'll have a steady supply of seventh-tier herbs. Self-sufficiency is within reach.'
"Yah!" On Gu He's shoulder, Cai'er tugged playfully at a strand of his hair.
Gu He flicked her forehead lightly, earning a pout from the little one. With her tiny hands on her hips, she looked utterly adorable.
Smiling, Gu He retrieved an exquisite jade vial from his storage ring, uncorked it, and handed it to her.
"Cai'er, time to work."
Ever the child, Cai'er quickly forgot her annoyance. Green light gathered at her fingertips, and soon, a drop of emerald liquid fell into the vial.
Gu He sealed it carefully and stored it away with contentment.
'This makes the seventh one.'
For seven days, he had asked Cai'er to condense a Longevity Pearl daily. Now, his collection numbered seven.
…
Surveying the valley, Gu He gave a satisfied nod.
This place was already beginning to resemble a sacred cultivation ground.
Before long, it would become a true haven for cultivation—where progress would be dozens of times faster than in the outside world.
"Now, let's check on the Qing Lin's progress."
In a flash, he appeared at a quiet corner of the valley.
There, Qing Lin sat cross-legged atop a cyan lotus platform, her hands forming intricate seals as she absorbed the surrounding energy with unwavering focus.
Gu He extended his soul power, sensing her cultivation level—nine star dou disciple.
She had started from scratch less than two months ago. To reach this level in such a short time would shock the world if word spread.
But Gu He knew the truth.
Qing Lin's talent was unremarkable. Her rapid progress was solely due to an abundance of resources:
Pills to aid her cultivation. The accelerated training provided by the cyan lotus platform. The valley's near-sacred energy density.
Only with these advantages had she achieved such results.
"It's time for her to condense her Dou Qi whirlpool and advance to the Dou Practitioner realm."
A faint smile touched Gu He's lips. Though her progress wasn't lightning-fast, he admired her relentless dedication. Even the hardworking Little Fairy Doctor couldn't match her discipline.
Once Qing Lin mastered the Heavenly Snake Art and fully awakened her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils her cultivation speed would skyrocket.
'Starting late doesn't mean she can't surpass others.'
Not wishing to disturb her, Gu He waited quietly until she finished her session.
Half an hour later, Qing Lin opened her eyes. Spotting Gu He, she immediately brightened, eager to share her progress.
"Come. I'll take you back."
Patting her head, Gu He instructed Cai'er before flashing out of the valley with Qing Lin, reappearing in his courtyard.
"Qing Lin, this is Qi Gathering Powder. Use it tonight to break through to the Dou Practitioner Realm."
He handed her a jade vial containing the pre-prepared powder.
"Thank you, Teacher!"
Clutching the vial, Qing Lin nodded resolutely, her youthful face filled with determination.
After she left, Gu He turned toward the pavilion for tea—but paused.
His soul perception detected a graceful figure standing hesitantly outside the courtyard, her beautiful face conflicted as she gazed in its direction.
'Why is she here?'
With a thought, Gu He vanished from the yard.
...
Three hundred meters away from Gu He's residence, Yun Yun stood in her white dress, gazing blankly at the courtyard in the distance. Her exp
Three hundred meters away from Gu He's residence, Yun Yun stood in her white dress, gazing blankly at the courtyard in the distance. Her expression was deeply conflicted, torn between hesitation and resolve.
"Yun Yun, Yun Yun… Why do you always retreat at the most critical moments?"
A trace of bitterness flickered across her beautiful face as she muttered to herself.
In truth, she had already forgiven Gu He for what had happened between them in the cave that day. She had come here with the intention of bridging the gap between them.
This was already the third time she had visited during this period.
Yet, each time she arrived, hesitation crept into her heart.
Now that the resentment in her heart had faded, she found herself unsure of how to face Gu He—even a little lost.
'What should I say when I see him?'
'I can't just blurt out that I've forgiven him for what happened that day… That would be too embarrassing.'
Yun Yun had always been reserved, and as a woman, speaking such words openly was difficult for her.
'Besides, if I say something like that, will he think I'm too forward?'
Unconsciously, she had begun to care deeply about Gu He's opinion of her.
'Forget it… I'll find another opportunity later.'
After a moment of hesitation, she sighed softly, cast one last glance at the courtyard, and turned to leave.
"Oh? You're leaving without even a greeting?"
Just as she turned, a familiar voice rang out behind her.
Yun Yun's delicate frame stiffened slightly, and she halted in her steps. Slowly, she turned to face Gu He, who had appeared out of nowhere.
Unlike the cold indifference from their last encounter, her beautiful eyes now held a complicated mix of emotions.
"You…" Her red lips parted slightly, but the words caught in her throat.
"I'm sorry."
Before she could speak, Gu He's voice sounded again. His expression was sincere, carrying a trace of remorse.
"About what happened last time… I truly apologize."
His words took Yun Yun by surprise. Memories of that day in the cave flashed through her mind, stirring emotions she had tried to suppress.
After a brief silence, she shook her head lightly and raised her delicate face.
"That day… It wasn't your fault."
As soon as the words left her lips, she realized how they sounded—if it wasn't his fault, did that mean it was hers?
Flustered, she quickly added, "It's been so long… I've already forgotten about it. Let's just pretend nothing happened."
"I have other matters to attend to. I should go."
Unable to face him any longer, she turned slightly, preparing to leave once more.
"Wait."
Seeing her about to depart, Gu He's figure flickered, and in an instant, he stood directly in front of her.
"You—!" Startled, a hint of panic crossed Yun Yun's beautiful face.
Gu He gazed at her intently, his tone firm.
"I will never forget what happened that day."
"Nor do I want to. For me, it is a cherished memory."
With that, he stepped closer, closing the distance between them.
"And you… Can you really pretend it never happened?"
His nearness overwhelmed her senses—his masculine scent, his presence—causing her fair cheeks to flush.
"I…" Yun Yun's voice was barely a whisper, soft as a mosquito's hum.
Without hesitation, Gu He reached out and took her delicate hand in his.
"Yun'er… You haven't forgotten either, have you?"
The sudden contact sent a jolt through her. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and as soon as she regained her senses, she pulled her hand back and took a step away.
"I… I don't know."
Her expression was dazed, her mind in turmoil. She shook her head, unable to meet his intense gaze.
Just as she searched for an excuse to escape, Gu He suddenly closed the distance, wrapping his arms around her slender waist and pulling her into an embrace.
"You—! What are you doing?!"
Yun Yun's face paled, and she struggled weakly, but his grip was unyielding.
Gu He held her firmly, his voice low and commanding.
"Yun'er, since it has already happened, we must face it."
"Don't worry. I will take responsibility. From now on… you are mine."
The warmth of his breath against her ear sent her heart racing. Her cheeks burned crimson, and she stammered in protest.
"I-I don't need you to take responsibility! Let me go!"
Gu He studied her closely, his gaze unwavering.
Yun Yun's mind was in chaos, her emotions a tangled mess.
"Gu He… Please, let go first—"
Her words were abruptly cut off as his lips touched hers.
His arms tightened around her waist, his kiss fierce and possessive.
Caught off guard, Yun Yun froze, her mind blank.
When he finally pulled away, his voice was soft but firm.
"What about now? Can I take responsibility?"
Her eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted. Her heartbeat was erratic, her breathing uneven, and her face flushed a deep red. She stood there, stunned, as if in a daze.
Seeing her silence, Gu He's gaze lingered on her moist lips before he slowly leaned in again.
"N-No…!"
Finally snapping out of her trance, she pressed her hands against his chest in protest.
"So? Can I?"
He didn't force her further, but his domineering gaze made it clear—he would kiss her again if she refused to answer.
Yun Yun bit her lower lip, her expression conflicted. After a long pause, she spoke in a trembling voice.
"You… Can you give me some time?"
Understanding that he couldn't push too hard, Gu He nodded.
"Very well. But don't keep me waiting too long. Once you've made up your mind, you can come to me anytime."
Relieved, Yun Yun glanced at him—still held in his embrace—and whispered softly,
"You… Can you let me go now?"
Only then did Gu He reluctantly release her slender waist.
Yun Yun lifted her gaze to meet his, her delicate face tinged with shyness, her eyes shimmering with unshed emotions. The sight sent a pang through Gu He's heart.
"I… I should go." Flustered, Yun Yun turned to leave.
"Wait."
Gu He stopped her once more, retrieving a piece of blue soft armor from his spatial ring.
...
Enjoying the story? Get early access to 70+ advanced chapters.
👉 Join me on Patreon: patreon.com/DarkLord621