"I am naturally certain."
Wen Buqi stepped forward, his voice resolute and echoing throughout the hall.
"This young man has done my Pill Pavilion an immense favor. Now that his life is hanging by a thread, if the sect is willing to bestow upon him the Nine-Aperture Life-Restoring Pill, we will not only receive a huge profit from the Pill Pavilion for a hundred years, but also gain the Celestial Person of the Great Qian Imperial Family and this young man."
He looked around, his eyes sharp and piercing.
"Sect Master, fellow disciples, this is entirely beneficial to our Jade Firmament Sect."
The words had barely left his mouth.
Several neutral elders in the hall nodded in agreement, their expressions moved.
" Chu Yunfei... I've heard of this young man through the imperial court's reports. He's exceptionally talented, his methods are almost demonic, and he's the apple of the eye of the Great Qian Princess."
"Indeed, if we can save his life, it will be like the Great Qian Imperial Family owing our sect a huge favor. Add to that the 30% profit that the Pill Pavilion is offering, and this matter certainly has great potential!"
"Although the seventh-grade divine pill is a treasure of the sect, it is inappropriate for anyone to use it after it has been sealed away for a thousand years. Keeping it in the ancestral pavilion is ultimately just a symbol. If it can bring the sect a hundred years of prosperity, why not?"
Hearing the discussions inside the hall gradually shifting towards Wen Buqi, Zhou Changgeng's face darkened.
On the main seat.
The Jade Firmament Sect Master, Danyuanzi, tapped his fingertips lightly on the jade table, his eyes flashing with divine light, clearly weighing his options rapidly.
Although the seventh-grade divine pill is precious, it is not something that everyone can enjoy.
This pill is a totem symbol of the sect's foundation; anyone who uses it privately will inevitably cause infighting within the sect's factions.
Rather than letting the ancestral pavilion remain shrouded in dust for a thousand years, if they could truly gain the vast resources of the Pill Pavilion for a hundred years, plus the goodwill of the Great Qian Imperial Family, the Jade Firmament Sect would absolutely be making a killing.
However, the activation of the sect's sacred elixir is a matter of great importance, affecting the entire system with a single move. If a decision is made lightly, even the slightest mistake could make one a sinner for all time.
Danyuanzi did not make a decision on the spot, but instead raised his palm and pressed down lightly.
The previously noisy hall fell silent instantly.
Danyuanzi said in a deep voice, "This matter involves a wide range of issues and concerns the foundation of the sect. I am already aware of the opinions of the elders. Let's stop here for today and make a decision tomorrow after careful consideration."
Although Wen Buqi was extremely anxious, he understood that the mobilization of a seventh-grade divine pill could not be decided in a single sentence, so he could only bow respectfully.
"The decision rests entirely with the Sect Master. I shall take my leave."
The meeting in the main hall adjourned.
Wen Buqi dared not delay for a moment and hurriedly returned to the Bamboo Forest Courtyard alone.
Inside the side room of the detached courtyard.
Wen Jiao stood guard by the bedside. When Wen Buqi pushed open the door and entered, her beautiful eyes were filled with anxiety.
"Second Grandfather, how is the situation? Is the sect willing to provide medicine?"
Wen Buqi let out a breath of relief and comforted her, "Don't worry, Jiao'er."
"When I revealed that the Pill Pavilion would offer a 30% discount and that Chu Yunfei was the real person, most of the elders in the hall were already interested, and even the sect leader was weighing the pros and cons."
"If we put in a little more effort tomorrow, there's a good chance of receiving the elixir."
Upon hearing this, Wen Jiao's pretty face finally showed a hint of joy.
" Chu Yunfei... is saved."
But then, her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of worry flashed in her eyes.
"Second Grandfather, giving up 30% of the Pill Pavilion's net profit is a major, damaging decision. What about Father's side..."
Wen Buqi worry. How could I dare to speak on such a momentous matter in the main hall without your father's approval?"
"When your father learned of this, he agreed without the slightest hesitation; he fully supports your decision."
Wen Jiao's heart trembled slightly, and her eyes reddened slightly.
She never expected that her father, who always prioritized the Lineage's interests, would go to such lengths for her.
"However, we cannot let our guard down yet."
Wen Buqi's expression hardened, and he said in a low voice, "There are still some stubborn people in the sect who oppose this, especially the Grand Elder Zhou Changgeng. He is the leader of the powerful faction in the sect and has deep roots in it. If he tries his best to obstruct it, things will likely change."
Wen Jiao's heart tightened.
Zhou Changgeng is Zhou Heng's father.
During the day, Zhou Heng came to visit. Although he hid his gaze at Chu Yunfei very well, she keenly caught the cold, jealous resentment in it.
If the Zhou Family father and son interfere, things will become troublesome.
"What should we do?" Wen Jiao couldn't help but clench the hem of her clothes.
Wen Buqi patted her shoulder and comforted her, "It's alright. The cultivation world is all about 'profit.' Zhou Changgeng is just an old fox who won't act until he sees the benefits."
"I will personally prepare a generous gift and visit him now. As long as the offer is sufficient, he will have no choice but to agree."
Wen Jiao her unease, Wen Jiao curtsied.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Second Grandfather."
Half an incense stick later.
Inside another extremely luxurious detached villa of the Jade Firmament Sect.
"Smack!"
An expensive, high-grade spirit jade teacup was smashed to the ground and shattered into pieces.
Zhou Heng stood below the hall, his face terribly gloomy, his hands clenched tightly beneath his sleeves.
"What?! The half-dead man lying in Wen Jiao's room is actually Chu Yunfei, the one who severed Qin Hao's arm with a single sword strike in the Imperial City?!"
The Grand Elder Zhou Changgeng slowly put down the lid of his teacup, his expression cold and indifferent.
"It was him."
"To save him, the Pill Pavilion risked 30% of its profits, which had been accumulated over a century, just to obtain the Nine-Aperture Life-Restoring Pill."
Zhou Heng's chest heaved violently, and a chilling fire of jealousy ignited in his eyes.
"Rumor has it that this young man is exceptionally talented, with a cultivation speed that can be described as monstrous, and is now the consort of the Great Qian Princess."
" Wen Jiao has been aloof since childhood, and ordinary talents wouldn't even give her a second glance. Now, she's gone to such lengths for a random man."
Zhou Heng looked up, his eyes flashing with intense killing intent.
"Father, we must not let him live."
"If Chu Yunfei recovers, not only will Wen Jiao have no chance of entering my Zhou Family again, but with the dual support of the royal family and the Pill Pavilion, his prestige in the Eastern Continent will surely crush me underfoot."
Zhou Changgeng frowned slightly as he looked at his son, who had lost his composure, and said in a deep voice, "What's the panic? Those who achieve great things do not show their emotions. How many times have I taught you this?"
Zhou Heng shuddered and immediately bowed, accepting the reprimand. "I have lost my composure, please punish me, Father."
Zhou Changgeng's eyes were deep as he casually tapped the table.
"That Chu Yunfei is indeed a threat, but he's currently critically injured and on the verge of death; otherwise, he wouldn't need a seventh-grade elixir to save his life."
" The Nine-Aperture Life-Restoring Pill is the sect's most precious treasure. It's inappropriate for anyone to use it. Even if the sect leader is interested, if I insist on opposing it, he will have to consider the Zhou Family's significant influence within the sect."
A shrewd, calculating smile crept across Zhou Changgeng's lips.
"As for Wen Jiao... you've liked her since you were little, so your father will naturally make plans for you."
"If nothing unexpected happens, Wen Jiao will obediently become your Daoist partner within the next few days."
Zhou Heng was taken aback and was about to ask a question.
The steward outside the door suddenly rushed in and bowed to report.
"Reporting to the Grand Elder, Elder Wen is requesting an audience, saying he has prepared generous gifts and wishes to reminisce with you."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Changgeng's eyes flashed with a smug look of complete control.
"They arrived quite quickly."
He straightened his robes and said calmly to Zhou Heng, "Wait behind the screen and see how I handle this old scoundrel."
Before long, Wen Buqi stepped into the hall, a polite smile on his face, and presented a simple and elegant sandalwood box.
"Elder Zhou, I apologize for disturbing you so late at night. This is Crimson Blood Dragon Marrow Crystal that I obtained during my travels to the far north volcanoes years ago. It will greatly benefit your cultivation of the Heavenly Yang Technique. This is just a small token of my appreciation."
Zhou Changgeng didn't even glance at the box; he simply sat upright in the main seat and calmly sipped his spiritual tea.
" Elder Wen doesn't come here without a reason. If you have something to say, please speak frankly."
Wen Buqi coughed lightly, his smile fading, and said sincerely, "During the day in the main hall, I suggested using the Nine-Aperture Life-Restoring Pill to treat Chu Yunfei, but Elder Zhou seemed quite hesitant."
"I have come here to ask the Grand Elder for a favor. When the Sect Master makes his decision tomorrow, I hope the Grand Elder will be lenient and grant the Pill Pavilion this time. The entire Pill Pavilion will forever remember the great kindness of the Zhou Family."
Zhou Changgeng put down his teacup, his expression calm and composed.
" Elder Wen, you flatter me. Chu Yunfei is, after all, an outsider. The Nine-Aperture Life-Restoring Pill is of great importance, and as the leader of the elders, I should naturally consider the sect's future."
"But..."
Zhou Changgeng paused slightly, then looked up at Wen Buqi.
"Everything can be discussed."
Wen Buqi was overjoyed and quickly said, "Elder Zhou, please speak. As long as it is within the Pill Pavilion's power, we will not refuse."
Zhou Changgeng said calmly, "My Heng'er has long admired my niece Wen Jiao. The two are a match made in heaven in terms of background and cultivation. If the Pill Pavilion is willing to betroth Wen Jiao to Heng'er, and the two families become husband and wife, then the matter of the Nine-Aperture Life-Restoring Pill... will naturally be easy to discuss."
Behind the screen, Zhou Heng's heart pounded as he listened, secretly sweating for his father, fearing that his father would really send the pills away after Wen Buqi agreed.
In the center of the hall, Wen Buqi's smile instantly froze.
A surge of anger welled up inside him, but thinking of Chu Yunfei's imminent death, he could only suppress it and politely decline.
"Elder Zhou, this matter is somewhat inappropriate. Jiao'er's marriage was arranged by the Wen Family ancestors when she was young. Although the marriage is not yet completed, it cannot be broken without permission."
Zhou Changgeng understood the pretense in the argument and sneered.
If there truly is a marriage agreement, then it should be dissolved.
Wen Buqi's expression changed, and he said in a deep voice, "The marriage agreement set by our ancestors can never be broken."
Zhou Changgeng gave him a cold look.
"Since it's impossible, then your Pill Pavilion shouldn't even think about taking away a single piece of the Nine-Aperture Life-Restoring Pill."
" Wen Buqi, within the Jade Firmament Sect's territory, no one can touch this divine pill unless I agree."
Wen Buqi's chest heaved violently, his hair standing on end in fury. He flung his sleeve and shouted sharply, " Zhou Changgeng, you overestimate yourself! I'd like to see if you, a mere elder, can truly control everything and sway the sect leader's will!"
A cruel sneer played on Zhou Changgeng's lips as he coldly waved his sleeve, "Then... we'll wait and see."
"See a visitor out!"
Wen Buqi longer bear such humiliation. He snorted angrily and stormed off.
"An ungrateful old stubborn."
Behind the screen, Zhou Heng strode out, his face full of worry, and said, "Father, if he had agreed to the marriage just now, would you really have persuaded the sect to give that seventh-grade pill to Chu Yunfei?"
Zhou Changgeng glanced at his son, a hint of disdain in his eyes.
"Madness."
Even if he agrees, the sect will have to go through the procedures to allocate the divine pills, and I can easily find an excuse to delay it for three to five days.
"Given Chu Yunfei's current condition, how many days do you think he can hold on?"
Zhou Heng suddenly realized, and was overjoyed. "Father is wise!"
After half an incense stick's time.
Wen Buqi returned to the Bamboo Grove Villa in a rage.
Wen Jiao had been waiting anxiously in the courtyard. Seeing Wen Buqi's gloomy face, she hurriedly stepped forward. "Second Grandfather, what did Zhou Changgeng say?"
Wen Buqi spat fiercely, gritting his teeth, and said, "That pair of dogs, father and son, are truly despicable and shameless to the extreme. Zhou Changgeng actually took this opportunity to blackmail you, demanding that you marry Zhou Heng, otherwise he would use his authority as the Grand Elder to refuse to release the pill."
Wen Jiaojiao trembled, and a cold glint instantly appeared in her beautiful eyes.
"Daydreaming."
"You'll only marry me into the Zhou Family Non-Self die."
Wen Buqi sighed, and was about to say something to comfort Wen Jiao. Zhou Changgeng couldn't influence the sect leader's decision when a series of chaotic and hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the courtyard gate.
Uncle Yao didn't even have time to announce his arrival before he hurriedly burst through the courtyard gate, his face deathly pale.
"Miss, something terrible has happened... A horrific incident has occurred in the capital!"