Fenshui Town, Zhou Family.
Inside a side hall.
Fang Hong and the others sat in their chairs.
On the open space before them, numerous boxes had been laid out.
"Other than the Water Origin Spirit Liquid Mr. Fang collected earlier, and the Great Python's flesh and blood left outside..."
"The gains from this operation are all here."
After taking stock, Zhou Chengyuan looked at the others and spoke.
"Among them are five Water Spirit Ganoderma, and a total of twenty-six medicinal treasures such as Coldheart Grass and Green Jade Sprouts."
"Mr. Fang, Gang Leader Wu, Town Chief Zhang, would you like to count them again?"
At those words, they all shook their heads.
"That won't be necessary. I still trust Elder Zhou on that point."
Zhang Wenbin said with a light laugh.
When they had returned earlier, Zhang Wenbin had received word and was already waiting at the docks.
Thus, he had come to the Zhou Family with them.
"I don't care how you divide them, as long as my share isn't short."
"Also, I said before that I could forgo the Water Spirit Ganoderma, but you have to compensate me with medicinal treasures of equal value—preferably ones that replenish qi and blood."
"And the reward you promised me before—it's time to hand that over as well, isn't it?"
Seeing that the others seemed ready to exchange more pleasantries, Fang Hong spoke directly.
"Of course."
They hurriedly replied.
Then, seeing that Fang Hong did not seem willing to waste time, they immediately began dividing the spoils.
After a long and heated discussion, most of the medicinal treasures had been distributed.
As for the Water Origin Cave, the three parties had agreed that their three families would share its use from now on.
What remained were the most important Water Spirit Ganoderma.
There were five Water Spirit Ganoderma. Under normal circumstances, they would have been divided—
One plant for each person, with Fang Hong taking two.
However, Fang Hong had already said that he could forgo the Water Spirit Ganoderma.
Thus, the three were contending over those two Water Spirit Ganoderma.
Their argument soon grew fiercer, with none of them willing to give up the Water Spirit Ganoderma.
The quarrel gave Fang Hong a headache.
Seeing this, Fang Hong frowned and spoke again.
"Enough. Stop arguing. You've argued for so long and still haven't reached any conclusion."
"Since that's the case, listen to me."
"Of the remaining two Water Spirit Ganoderma, give one to the Zhou Family Head, and have him provide you with additional compensation."
"As for the last one, the two of you can discuss in private later who it should go to. How about it?"
Fang Hong looked at the three of them as he spoke.
Three people fighting over two things was completely different from two people fighting over one thing.
The latter would clearly be much easier to settle.
Hearing Fang Hong's words, Wu Pengjing and Zhang Wenbin looked at each other, then both nodded.
As for Zhou Chengyuan, his old face was already wreathed in a brilliant smile.
One more Water Spirit Ganoderma meant one more junior whose innate foundation could be improved.
"Zhou Family Head, don't you think it's time to give me the token now?"
Fang Hong looked at Zhou Chengyuan and said.
Hearing Fang Hong mention a token, Wu Pengjing and Zhang Wenbin beside him both raised their heads in surprise.
"It's merely a transaction between the Zhou Family Head and me. It has nothing to do with this operation."
Seeing their astonished expressions, Fang Hong offered an explanation.
"Of course."
At this moment, Zhou Chengyuan was straightforward and did not make any move to deliberately stall.
"Mr. Fang, please wait a moment."
With that, Zhou Chengyuan left the side hall.
"Mr. Fang, that token you mentioned just now—what could it be, to make you value it so greatly?"
Only three people remained in the side hall, and Wu Pengjing asked curiously.
"It's nothing much. I intend to enter the Star River Sect later on."
"And the Zhou Family Head happens to possess a token from a Star River Sect outer sect elder, which will be of some help to me."
"In exchange, if the Zhou Family has any junior who wishes to enter the Star River Sect in the future, I'll have to help make arrangements."
Fang Hong did not hide it and spoke plainly.
There was simply no need to conceal such a matter.
Even if he said nothing, Zhou Chengyuan would definitely reveal it afterward.
How could such an old fox, wise with age, pass up such a fine opportunity to borrow another's influence?
Fang Hong estimated that the moment he left Fenshui Town—
The news that Mr. Fang would help Zhou Family juniors enter the Star River Sect after joining it himself—
Would immediately reach the ears of those two.
Thus, when Zhang Wenbin asked about it now, Fang Hong simply told them directly.
Hearing Fang Hong's words, both men were greatly startled.
"That old fellow hid himself deeply indeed. He actually kept a Star River Sect token hidden away."
"We had never heard anything about it before."
The two kept exchanging looks.
After a while, Zhou Chengyuan entered carrying a small box.
At once, Fang Hong's gaze sharpened as he stared fixedly at the little box.
"Mr. Fang, this is the token that the outer sect elder named Xu Wenfei gave to my Zhou Family back then."
Zhou Chengyuan opened the small box in his hand and handed it to Fang Hong.
Fang Hong accepted it and looked inside.
Within the box lay a jade pendant, emerald green throughout, carved with dragon patterns and bearing the character "Xu" engraved in intaglio at its center.
"Good, good, good."
Fang Hong touched the Dragon Pattern Jade Pendant, his face full of smiles.
With such a token, his chances of entering the Star River Sect would greatly increase.
The road ahead was in sight—how could he not rejoice?
"Zhou Family Head, I will also keep my promise. Once I enter the Star River Sect, your Zhou Family juniors may come find me when they seek a master."
"I will certainly help you smooth the way and make arrangements."
Fang Hong returned the jade pendant to the box, closed the lid, and smiled at Zhou Chengyuan.
"Everyone, I'll remain in Fenshui Town for a few more days. I hope you can deliver my reward and the medicinal treasures meant to compensate me as soon as possible."
"I'm eager to return and test the effects of the Water Origin Spirit Liquid, so I'll take my leave first."
With the token in hand, Fang Hong did not wish to waste any more time here. He rose, cupped his hands, and bid them farewell.
"Since that is the case, this old man will not keep Mr. Fang any longer."
"Take care, Mr. Fang."
"Farewell, Mr. Fang!"
At those words, Zhou Chengyuan and the other two rose and loudly saw him off.
After leaving the Zhou Family, Fang Hong immediately headed toward Xuan Yue Inn.
He truly was very curious about the effects of the Water Origin Spirit Liquid.
It had actually stirred such an intense craving within his body.
Besides, he had to seize the time to cultivate.
He still had fourteen cultivation methods waiting for him to practice.
Once he cultivated all fourteen methods to the perfected realm—
His strength would surely rise by a great margin.
Meanwhile, at a tea stall outside the Zhou Family—
A man dressed in gray martial attire watched Fang Hong's departing figure, tossed down the money for his tea, and followed after him at an unhurried pace.
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