The Zhang Household Offered a Formula and Received a Generous Gift; Jiang Qing Awoke to Await a Safe Move

Ten days later, Chongming Sect and the council hall

At this moment, Zhang Huangshi, the current patriarch of the Cloud Valley Zhang Household, stood anxiously outside the dilapidated council hall. The disciples around him, regardless of their cultivation level, were all bustling about.

Even seeing this unfamiliar stranger alone here, they rarely lingered for long.

Summoned by a letter, he was left unattended for an hour or two without any response. No wonder Zhang Huangshi was filled with unease.

After all, although his family was once a powerful clan with a high-ranking cultivator in charge, and had even arranged marriages with the Fei Household's direct line several times, their fortunes declined due to the misconduct of the Zhang Household's daughter and the disappearance of their Golden Core ancestor half a century ago.

Otherwise, given the generations-long friendship between the Cloud Valley Zhang Household and the Fei Household, they wouldn't have been chosen to come to Cloud Horn Prefecture along with former vassals like the Wind Stone Fang Household, to be given as dowry to Fei Shuhe, an orphan with no parents.

Such a disgraceful matter was previously unrelated to a family like the Cloud Valley Zhang Household.

As the sun was about to set, Zhang Huangshi, False Core, was already feeling weary under the setting sun, exhausted from his efforts. Only then did he see a kind-hearted cultivator come out of the hall to greet him.

"Elder Duan Anle of the Chongming Sect Beast Garden pays respects to Senior Zhang!"

Duan Anle performed the bow meticulously, but Zhang Huangshi dared not accept it openly. The latter immediately feigned fear, hunching over even more than Duan Anle, before bowing and saying:

Huangshi dared not accept the elder's courtesy. The elder was a prized disciple of Sect Leader Kang. If he did not mind, he could simply be an equal to Huangshi.

Duan Anle hesitated for a moment, but finally returned the greeting, saying, "Then Anle will pay his respects to you, fellow Daoist."

"I dare not accept such praise. Elder, your composure and unwavering spirit during the battle are still vivid in my mind. I admire you greatly. The Two Instruments Sect's retreat from the Huangshi is truly a testament to your great merit. If you do not mind, I, Huangshi, would be so bold as to offer you my respect."

Zhang Huangshi spoke with such warmth that even the usually cautious Duan Anle couldn't detect a trace of flattery in his words. If anyone else had heard this, they might have genuinely believed that the former's words were True Intention and heartfelt.

However, Duan Anle did not believe it. He still addressed the Zhang Household head as "Brother Dao" and chatted warmly with him for a few more minutes before leading him into the hall.

After entering the hall, the two took their seats as host and guest, and dew naturally appeared in the glass cups on the table, filling their necks and mouths with a rich fragrance.

Zhang Huangshi, who came from a once-wealthy but now-fallen family, naturally knew his stuff. But the aroma alone was enough for him to tell that the tea in the cup was Higher Vehicle spiritual tea from the Fei Household, which made him even more uneasy.

He was momentarily stunned, but then Duan Anle smiled and said:

"Originally, it would have been more appropriate for our teachers to receive Brother Zhang upon his visit. However, I imagine you have heard about and witnessed the changes in Pingrong County. My master and the elders are unable to spare the time, so I, Duan, have brought a few fellow disciples to meet with Brother Zhang."

If Brother Zhang feels this is inappropriate, then so be it. However, our teachers are busy, and I'm afraid we'll have to wait a few more days at our sect. I don't know if that's acceptable."

"Of course, of course! What's wrong with that! I'm already deeply grateful to Brother Duan and several Double Brightness from Huangshi for personally hosting us. As for the word 'inappropriate,' I don't know where to begin."

Zhang Huangshi's attitude was even more humble than Duan Anle had expected.

Knowing full well that old people are shrewd and trees are strange, the latter, even seeing this scene, did not feel smug. He simply offered tea and said softly:

"That's good. I was worried beforehand that Brother Zhang might feel slighted, but I didn't expect that I was judging a gentleman by my own petty standards. I admire your noble character. Let's wait a little longer until Junior Brother Kang and Green Lotus Courtyard Envoy arrive, then we can discuss it further."

"Brother Dao, you flatter me. Huangshi's trip to Double Brightness and to see the immortal mountain has been truly worthwhile. Please feel free to give me any instructions regarding any matters."

Zhang Huangshi remained obedient as always, but the clear and fragrant tea tasted mostly bland because of his unease.

Fortunately, after taking a few sips, he soon saw a man and a bird enter the council hall, which saved him from the awkwardness of being alone with Duan Anle again.

"Elder Kang Rongquan of the Chongming Sect Spirit Plant pays respects to Senior Zhang."

"Green Lotus Courtyard Envoy Fei Wan'er greets Senior Zhang."

"How come this bird is so clever?" Zhang Huangshi looked slightly surprised, but he quickly recovered and suppressed his surprise. He then used the same trick as before, lowered his posture, and after exchanging pleasantries in the hall, he finally got down to business.

"The Dao of Alchemy Cloud Valley Zhang Household, renowned for their alchemy for a thousand years, is well-known even in the bustling capital region." Duan Anle Dao of Alchemy briefly at Zhang Huangshi's expression, and seeing no unusual reaction, continued:

"Brother Zhang led his men on the battlefield with extraordinary bravery and Wuwei, truly a pillar of the Duke's household. My master has witnessed these achievements, and the memorials recommending Zhang Household members for service have already been stamped with the Marquis's seal and are eagerly awaiting the Duke's review. Once that's done, the matter will be settled."

"Many thanks to Sect Leader Kang and all the elders for your kind words."

Zhang Huangshi rose and bowed appropriately, which pleased the people and birds in the hall somewhat.

Duan Anle was a respectable person, so even though the sweet treat had already been given, he hesitated for a long time before finally uttering the words "slap me."

Finally, however, Kang Rongquan repeatedly signaled to him with his eyes, urging him to act, before he slowly said, "Brother Zhang."

"What brings you here, fellow Daoist?!"

"Sigh," Duan Anle sighed, but when he actually spoke, there was no trace of embarrassment left:

"Brother Zhang, the Cloud Valley Zhang Household had Alchemist who could refine Foundation Establishment Pill pills sixty years ago. This fact is known even to the elite cultivators of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household. It cannot be faked."

To be honest, the reason we invited you to our residence today is to purchase this inheritance from you. We wonder what your opinion is, and whether you would be willing to part with it?!

"As expected," Zhang Huangshi was well-prepared, his expression remained unchanged, though he inwardly cursed. After all, he had anticipated this ever since he was chosen by the Esteemed Jade Hall's direct descendant to serve in Mountain South.

It was quite unexpected that the Sect Leader Kang Da Chongming Sect Zongkang had waited until now to launch his attack.

As soon as Duan Anle finished speaking, Zhang Huangshi fell silent. Lately, many things had happened, which made Kang Rongquan regain some of his impetuous nature. He was about to launch into a barrage of questions when Wan'er was standing in front of him, waved her wings to stop him.

Kang Rongquan immediately composed himself, Wan'er gracefully landed on Zhang Huangshi's shoulder, saying in a clear voice, "Wan'er dares to vouch for this deal with her status as the Green Lotus Courtyard Envoy, ensuring that the Cloud Valley Zhang Household will not suffer any loss."

"Oh, that explains why that usually aloof noble lady would send someone close to her to concern herself with such trivial matters."

Zhang Huangshi immediately understood and was satisfied with Kang Dabao's arrangements.

After all, these days, from the Kuang Household, the supreme ruler of the world, to ordinary families using False Core, the dominant family is the one that takes and plunders at will.

Having cultivated for hundreds of years, Zhang Huangshi had done and endured countless acts of cunning and forceful plunder. Faced with such a dignified arrangement from Sect Leader Kang Da, he felt a growing unease.

However, he had been prepared when he received the Chongming Sect's letter, so he wasn't too surprised at this moment.

Remembering the row of upper-level cultivators and alchemists who perished under the Jade Palace Impurity Breaker's purification ritual at the hands of Sect Pill Master Sect Leader Kang Da, Zhang Huangshi, ever the free spirit, immediately took out the prepared Jade Slip, bowed, and said:

"Even if the imperial family has shortcomings, the Zhang Household, though small, should still do its utmost to show filial piety. How could we possibly expect generous gifts from the imperial family and commit such an immoral act?"

His eloquent words, however, struck a nerve with the two men and one bird in the hall.

Kang Rongquan immediately stood up, walked over and helped Zhang Huangshi up, then took the Pill Formula Jade Slip from the latter's hands and said in a cheerful voice:

"I will certainly inform my sect masters and great-aunt of Brother Zhang's generous act so that they may commend him."

Having said that, Kang Rongquan, without waiting for Zhang Huangshi to make any further excuses, quickly presented the Pill Formula to Duan Anle table. Even someone as composed as Duan Anle couldn't help but show a hint of joy on his face.

Wan'er let out a long sigh of relief. It had recently advanced to the Second Tier spirit beast and Spirit Awakening, and had just received its first assignment from Fei Shuhe. Therefore, being able to complete this task successfully relieved half of the burden on its heart.

It took Duan Anle a few breaths to calm down after getting started, because even though Chongming Sect had destroyed Golden Core sects and Headmaster Kang had killed a fake cultivator, they were not sure about the formula for Foundation Establishment Pill.

Even though he had by chance acquired the alchemy notes of a peak Third Tier Alchemist like Daoist Peng, there were no complete Pill Formula recorded in them.

This is perhaps because Daoist Peng no longer needs to refine these Second Tier pills, and the notes are mostly Daoist Peng's alchemy insights over the years, with few Pill Formula recorded.

As for other places, such as the place where Attendant Luan, they also gained nothing.

This newly promoted senior cultivator, Yan Mo, though seemingly Fei Household about the Foundation Establishment Pill, still needed to consult with several elders before making a decision regarding such a crucial item as the Foundation Establishment Pill, as he was a guest elder from outside the Fei family.

Therefore, regardless of whether Attendant Luan's words were true or false, Kang Dabao could not ask him to come again, and could only turn his attention to the Cloud Valley Zhang Household.

If we consider what Sect Leader Kang Da thinks now, the Cloud Valley Zhang Household might have been a generous gift that the Fei Household's elders had long ago offered him.

After all, the Liang family, capable of refining Foundation Establishment Pill, is a family with a lot to offer but little to lose; they're bound to attract covetous eyes wherever they go.

However, Kang Dabao was too concerned with appearances, and it wasn't until the food he was being fed had gone cold that he remembered to speak.

Fortunately Zhang Huangshi, the head of the Zhang Household, was indeed quite flexible, just as Sect Leader Kang Da had predicted. Even though only three juniors were in charge of the matter, the deal was ultimately completed satisfactorily, which was a good thing.

However, Zhang Huangshi was perhaps much more considerate Chongming Sect had previously imagined, as he earnestly said:

"The Zhang Household currently possesses a batch of spiritual materials, and my younger brother is also currently unemployed at home. If any of you fellow Daoists are interested, you might be able to invite a high-ranking Alchemist to Gui Household with Huangshi. My younger brother will certainly do his utmost and will not hold back in the slightest."

Kang Rongquan, who was listening attentively, waited until Zhang Huangshi finished speaking before asking again:

"I've often heard people say that the Spirit Plant used in the Foundation Establishment Pill are extremely complex, with numerous intricate combinations of ingredients. I wonder if Brother Zhang has any cultivation methods at home, and if you could teach me?"

"Yes, there are, but looking at your immature child, I'm afraid there's no way to breed him."

Zhang Huangshi dared not utter these unspoken thoughts aloud. After hearing Kang Rongquan's words, he forced a smile and replied:

"My ancestor made preparations back then, so it's not unusual. However, I didn't expect Brother Kang to be interested in it, so I didn't bring it. I'll make a copy and send it to you after I return."

Seeing that Zhang Huangshi was so cooperative, the cultivators in the hall were naturally quite happy. After all, Kang Dabao was not used to using underhanded methods, so these disciples did not dare to overstep their bounds.

"Brother Zhang's consideration is so thorough, but it makes my Chongming Sect seem a bit petty. However, this matter still needs to be reported to my master before a decision can be made. Please wait for news."

After Duan Anle finished speaking, he took out a book bag from his Storage Bag, walked slowly to Zhang Huangshi, and said softly:

"This 'Jade Dew Bright Silver Art' was bestowed upon my master by the Fei Household's ancestor, Tianqin. It contains annotations on many key parts, making it Higher Vehicle work among Cosmos Rank, Lower Grade Cultivation Method. Today, I, Duan, present it to you on behalf of my master, to maintain the friendship between our two families."

Zhang Huangshi was somewhat surprised by this, because although there had been many deaths and injuries among the Golden Core cultivators in the Three Southwest Circuits recently, even in the most prosperous capital region, Golden Core cultivators were still considered valuable.

If a member of the family is accomplished and can cultivate a Zhou Grade Cultivation Method, then their chances of Core Formation will always be slightly higher than others. Not to mention that Duan Anle has a complete commentary on this scripture, which is even more rare.

Despite the Cloud Valley Zhang Household's tradition of Dao of Alchemy and their supposed heritage, they only possess one truly complete low-grade Cosmos Rank, Lower Grade Cultivation Method, and even that is far inferior to the "Jade Dew Bright Silver Art."

Having served as a subordinate of the Fei Household for a long time, Zhang Huangshi had heard of the reputation of this Cultivation Method.

It is also known that even the most secret techniques held by many branches of the Fei Household may not be as Cultivation Method as this method.

Therefore, as soon as he held the book bag that seemed to flow with ink, he was naturally delighted and immediately felt that he had made the right decision. After all, he had no leverage to turn against others, and now he was only doing his job and being sensible to get such a benefit, so it was not a loss.

Even when Sect Leader Kang Da led the charge in battle some time ago, Zhang Huangshi was not moved in the slightest. But now that his family has gained another lineage, he truly understands what generosity means and has finally developed a sense of closeness to the Chongming Sect.

Seeing the pleasant atmosphere between the host and guests, Kang Rongquan was also pleased and spoke up:

"If you have no urgent matters at home, please rest at the guesthouse for a while. When your elders in the sect have time, they may summon you for a meeting and offer further comfort."

"Yes, thank you, fellow Daoist!"

----Master Yunfang

Inside the cloud room, Sect Leader Kang Da glanced at the tokens that Duan, Kang, Wan'er had each affixed their seals to. He only glanced at the few lines of text on them and then did not examine them further.

He wasn't surprised by Zhang Huangshi's reaction. As long as the Zhang Household head wasn't mentally unstable, he shouldn't have considered refusing.

As for the Foundation Establishment Pill formula, Kang Dabao had no intention of hiding it. The Chongming Sect was now worthy of it and had no need to fear being coveted.

This good reputation will spread, which will also put the minds of the many cultivators from the eight Liang families who migrated south from Ying Prefecture at ease.

They had only been there a short time, and hadn't gained much benefit, when they suffered a great loss at the hands of the ruthless Two Instruments Sect. Since they hadn't received any favors and their background was unknown, Kang Dabao naturally had to put in some effort to stabilize their hearts.

However, obtaining the Pill Formula pill does not mean that the Foundation Establishment Pill will be readily available.

It should be noted that although the Foundation Establishment Pill is only Second Tier pill, it is quite difficult to refine. Even many Alchemists who have just entered the Third Tier may not be able to say that they are completely confident in their ability to do so.

Moreover, obtaining the Pill Formula is only the first step. If we want to follow Kang Dabao's design and ensure that Spirit Plant needed for the Foundation Establishment Pill can be produced domestically and that the Foundation Establishment Pill can be produced stably every once in a while, there are still many things to be done.

There's no need to rush; we've only made a good start so far.

Since childhood, Sect Leader Kang Da has never been one to seek quick success or instant benefits. Back then, he won over Old Sect Leader He's heart with his braised pork knuckle, which shows that he had no shortage of patience.

He sat down in front of Jiang Qing's couch and began to read through the many rules that Ye Zhengwen had carefully memorized with one eye. He then gained a clear understanding of how the migration was being prepared.

Kang Dabao meticulously annotated the Jade Slip presented by Ye Zhengwen with a pen and a knife. After all, this matter involved tens of thousands of cultivators and countless common people, so he could not afford to be careless.

Fortunately, the disciples of all families had already been well-trained by the head of the Chongming Sect, and the progress was much faster than Sect Leader Kang Da had expected.

The only thing that worries him now is whether his seriously injured disciples can withstand the arduous journey.

Thinking of this, he turned his gaze to Jiang Qing, who was lying on the couch. Coincidentally, as soon as he looked over, the latter's eyelids twitched, startling Qi Ke and the other two guards, who immediately sprang into action, making Kang Dabao laugh out loud.

"That's good. You'll be able to leave in a few more days."