Seeing that the newcomer was Mei Shuangning, Xie Hui put away his playful expression and bowed respectfully.
"Disciple Xie Hui greets the Mountain Master."
Mei Shuangning gave a slight nod and instructed softly:
"Withdraw for now. I have an important matter to discuss with Martial Nephew Shen in private."
"Well... as you command."
A trace of puzzlement crossed Xie Hui's eyes, but he dared not ask further. He bowed with his hands clasped and accepted the order.
Before leaving, he secretly gave Shen Xiuhan a meaningful glance, indicating that he would wait outside the residence, then headed down the corridor.
Once Xie Hui disappeared around the corner, Mei Shuangning turned her gaze to Shen Xiuhan.
Shen Xiuhan cupped his hands in greeting.
"Greetings, Mountain Master. What guidance might you have for me?"
"I would hardly call it guidance."
Mei Shuangning brushed her sleeve with her delicate hand and said quietly:
"It is simply... a matter of mutual benefit that I have come to discuss with you."
"Mutual benefit?"
"Indeed..."
Mei Shuangning turned slightly, motioning for him to walk with her. Meanwhile, her lips moved as she transmitted her voice privately:
"When you visited the Plum Mountain Lineage the other day, I imagine you saw that Nine-Lotus Spirit-Shaping Branch?"
The Nine-Lotus Spirit-Shaping Branch?!
A thoughtful look flashed through Shen Xiuhan's eyes.
The image of that precious medicinal plant immediately surfaced in his mind—its sturdy, gnarled stem and lotus-shaped leaves.
Seeing his thoughtful expression, Mei Shuangning drew a deep breath and continued her private transmission:
"Do you know that the Nine-Lotus Spirit-Shaping Branch is the principal ingredient for refining the Nine-Mystic Spirit-Shaping Pill? This pill originated in the Great Yang Dynasty. For anyone below nine-form bone aptitude, it can reshape their spiritual potential and raise their bone aptitude!"
The Nine-Mystic Spirit-Shaping Pill?!