Inside True Man Miao's cave dwelling, Zhang Tie stood respectfully before him, visibly somewhat nervous.
True Man Miao sat in a stone chair opposite Zhang Tie, his expression as calm as still water, neither sorrowful nor pleased. He said slowly, "Your performance on this trip was truly outstanding. Although you did not bring back a single token, your contribution in spirit herbs was exceedingly remarkable. More than sixty third-tier spirit herbs, along with four fourth-tier spirit herbs—such a bountiful harvest is among the greatest our Hundred Skills Sect has ever obtained from a secret realm."
"This disciple is deeply ashamed. At the time, I happened to discover a small patch of rare medicinal fields. Just after harvesting them, I keenly sensed someone approaching in secret. To ensure the spirit herbs did not fall into another's hands, I had no choice but to throw away the token and flee in haste," Zhang Tie said earnestly.
"What you did was a wise choice. In my eyes, nothing is more important than one's life. You may take thirty percent of all the gains from this trip as your reward. What plans do you have for it?" True Man Miao asked with a slight nod and a gentle gaze.
"This disciple's spirit root aptitude is poor, and I usually focus on the path of Body Refining. Those precious spirit herbs would undoubtedly be wasted on me, so this disciple is willing to offer them to Master as a token of gratitude for Master's profound guidance," Zhang Tie hurriedly replied, his expression full of reverence and respect.
"You child, I accept your goodwill. But how could I take advantage of you for no reason? Still, what you said is indeed true. Spirit herbs are of little use on your path of Body Refining. If you