In a secluded, quiet courtyard within the Earth Pill Sect.
Chen Shi'an held out a two-inch-tall blade of grass with two oval, dark green leaves before Ba Dashan.
The instant Ba Dashan saw the little plant clearly, his eyes visibly brightened with excitement. "Black spring grass! Where did you get this?"
Chen Shi'an answered quietly, "I bought it from refugees outside the border today."
Ba Dashan frowned. "Spirit herbs purchased at the border must be turned over to the sect treasury. You actually dared to keep this for yourself?"
Fear appeared on Chen Shi'an's face. "Master, I hid it entirely for your sake."
"You wretched fool!"
Ba Dashan cursed him. "You violated the sect's rules yourself, and now you want to drag me into the water with you?"
Chen Shi'an added, "Master, I'm the only one who knows about this. Nothing will go wrong."
Ba Dashan thought for a moment, his expression easing. "Do you know where this black spring grass was picked?"
Chen Shi'an nodded quickly. "Since I brought it to you, Master, of course I know where it was gathered."
Delight appeared in Ba Dashan's eyes. "Black spring grass is a companion herb to spirit-nurturing grass. Wherever there is black spring grass, there must be spirit-nurturing grass.
"Spirit-nurturing grass can strengthen the soul. To us alchemists, it is extraordinarily precious.
"If I could consume a stalk of spirit-nurturing grass, my soul power would certainly rise by a great margin. I might even break through to become a fourth-level alchemist."
At this, he turned his gaze to Chen Shi'an and added with a broad smile, "If we really find spirit-nurturing grass, I certainly won't treat you poorly."
Delight appeared on Chen Shi'an's face. "Master, I ask for nothing else. If there is enough spirit-nurturing grass, please grant me one