At the word "anticipation" from Yi Shuyuan, White Robe smiled again. Then his smile faded, and his expression returned to calm.
"This is a grand gathering, but also a trial. Beyond dealing with all manner of possible disturbances, as the hosts of the Starwoven Gathering, we must offer more than the ocean-vast power of the stars themselves. Some prizes are indispensable."
"Oh, such as the magical garments from the Celestial Weaving Bureau?"
At Yi Shuyuan's words, White Robe replied helplessly.
"That is naturally one of them, but it is far from enough. The Heavenly Emperor has been rather troubled over this."
Why did this sound a little like he was airing his woes to him? Somewhat puzzled, Yi Shuyuan looked toward Zhuo Qing beside him. She seemed to have caught something too.
"Sir, White Star Lord clearly has something else behind his words."
"Fellow Daoist Bai, just say whatever is on your mind. If you want me to pass a message to the True Lord for you, there is no need. As you just saw, the True Lord is quite amenable, and Great God Yunlai and Great God Lu Xin are here as well."
White Robe glanced back into the Demon-Subduing Hall. A hint of mystery entered his calm expression, and he took a few steps closer to Yi Shuyuan.
"In that case, I shall speak plainly."
After a pause, White Robe continued.
"I once learned from the Zhao Province Earth God's memorial to Heaven that you, Yi Daozi, placed a pill with an extraordinary fragrance into a well, bringing a chance of survival to the plague victims of Zhao Province. Is this true?"
Yi Shuyuan froze slightly. The Zhao Province Earth God?
Of course.
Yi Shuyuan understood. Back then, he had placed a single Vital Essence Pill into the