Inside Wang Ba's mansion.
The quiet chamber.
Wang Ba, Yuan Wenzhi, and Zhang Tailai sat facing one another.
After serving the tea, Bu Chan left the quiet chamber and closed the door behind her.
"Thank you for your efforts, True Person Yuan!"
Wang Ba rose and bowed, gratitude showing on his face.
Yuan Wenzhi, however, looked ashamed.
"On this trip, I only managed to find six spirit materials. I have failed your expectations, Fellow Daoist Shen."
"I had intended to keep searching, but I heard that Zhang Daobai of Zhenling Palace had fallen. With great turmoil imminent, I feared something might happen to you, so I could only hurry back."
"But seeing you safe and sound puts my mind at ease."
As he spoke, he took a Storage Bag from his sleeve and placed it on the table.
Suppressing his urgency, Wang Ba bowed again in sincere thanks.
He also took out a portion of the second-tier Spirit Chicken Essence he had only recently prepared.
With an apologetic expression, he said,
"Time was a little tight. If you are in a hurry, True Person Yuan, could you wait another few months?"
Receiving the Spirit Chicken Essence, Yuan Wenzhi was delighted. At Wang Ba's words, however, he chuckled.
"No matter. My second brother and I have nothing to do anyway, so we might as well wait here in Yongan City. And should anything happen, we can lend a hand."
"If you need our help with anything, Fellow Daoist Shen, just say the word."
"How... how could I impose?"
Wang Ba could not help feeling overwhelmed by the favor.
"What is there to impose upon? As I said before, you are a rare talent among the Rogue Cultivators of our Yan Kingdom. Naturally, I should help however I can."
Yuan Wenzhi smiled