The night was deep.
The recruitment wooden plaque, written with attractive conditions, was ultimately brought back by him untouched, becoming the only gain from this trip.
This was within Chen Ye’s expectations.
If Wei Cheng didn’t scheme against him, that would be unusual.
Upon returning to Lisong Valley, Dark Old Man bid goodbye and returned to the Outer Valley, while Chen Ye led Qing Jun back to his home in the Inner Valley.
At the time, by the stone table in the courtyard, sat two figures, one big and one small, watching Chen Ye with blinking eyes, curious to know what he had gained today.
He waved his hand, indicating to everyone not to be tense, and briefly recounted his encounter at Peach Grove Collection.
Before Li Qiuyun and Zhiwei could speak, Qing Jun, unable to restrain herself like a little sparrow, started chirping rapidly:
"Master, I told you so! Those uncles and elders are afraid of that old man named Wei. They’re too scared to come! You just didn’t listen to me! What now? Do you know how sharp Qing Jun is?"
"Yes, yes... Qing Jun is the smartest."
Chen Ye twitched his lips. When had this little girl said that earlier?
Her eyes were glued to the Spiritual Peach, boasting of her cleverness afterward.
However, recruitment is not something to rush.
The Wei Family has long established their influence in Peach Mountain District, making the farmers hesitant to easily choose sides, which is understandable.
What he needs is a catalyst.
"Master, this situation is not without a solution."
Zhiwei pondered seriously for a moment before speaking softly,
"It’s not that the farmers are unwilling, but they’re afraid. It’s not Spirit Stones they lack, but a leader willing to stand out first. Once such a person steps forward, the stalemate will break."
Chen Ye’s eyes brightened at this.
What Zhiwei said indeed made sense. Ordinary people often follow the crowd, and they don’t want to be the first to step out on their own; only when others take the lead do they dare to follow.
Just like certain riots would not happen without someone leading in the shadows; ordinary folks wouldn’t dare to cause a ruckus on their own.
He nodded approvingly, "Zhiwei speaks wisely."
Upon hearing, Li Qiuyun immediately volunteered, "I understand! Uncle Chen, tomorrow I will change into Loose Cultivator attire and be the first applicant at the market! Once someone makes the first move, the rest will certainly follow!"
She looked at Chen Ye, eager to receive praise like Zhiwei.
Looking at her demeanor, Chen Ye couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head, "Qiuyun, I appreciate your intent, but... this won’t work."
"It won’t work?"
Li Qiuyun’s smile stiffened, her mouth flattened in rare disappointment.
Why was she disappointed?
She thought she was merely expanding on Zhiwei’s idea!
Yet, when Zhiwei said it, Uncle Chen nodded in praise. How come it’s a rejection when it comes from her?
Before she could figure it out, Zhiwei began to explain:
"Sister Qiuyun, a stranger who pops up out of nowhere, why would the farmers trust them easily? They need someone who already holds some reputation among them; or rather, someone well-liked and trusted by everyone. This person doesn’t have to be very strong but must be someone they genuinely trust."
Li Qiuyun, annoyed, slapped her forehead, realizing the truth...
Annoyingly, she was outshone by a nine-year-old girl!
Li Qiuyun glanced at the White Furred Ball, feeling somewhat better.
"Hmm?"
The little girl continuously munching on the Spiritual Peach raised her head in confusion.
How did she feel as if someone had secretly cursed her just now?
Chen Ye looked at this large and small pair with a knowing smile on his face, returning to a calm and composed demeanor:
"No hurry, anyway there are over twenty days until the sect’s inspection. The boat will naturally go straight when it reaches the bridge, there will always be a way."
...
After Li Qiuyun left, the remaining time was for the teacher and disciple to be alone.
Chen Ye called Qing Jun over to check her cultivation.
When he left seclusion, Qing Jun mentioned she broke through to Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer.
But at the time, having just emerged from seclusion and urgent on other matters, he didn’t take the moment to carefully examine his little disciple.
"Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer..." Chen Ye murmured, astonished.
The cultivation speed of his two disciples far exceeded his expectations.
At this pace, they’ll soon surpass him!
Especially Qing Jun, who was only at Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer back in East Valley, but within a matter of days, had caught up with her senior sister!
"Master, isn’t Qing Jun amazing?" Qing Jun puffed out her little chest, pride all over her face, "Even Senior Sister praised me as a genius!"
"Indeed, worthy to be my disciple!"
Chen Ye smiled warmly, stroking Qing Jun’s head, it seems embracing his disciples’ prowess won’t take much longer!
"Then Master, what reward will you give Qing Jun!"
The little girl squinted her eyes, already asking for a reward,
"Master said there would be a ’future’ reward for Qing Jun, but it’s been several months, and there’s nothing yet!"
As she spoke, she couldn’t help but gaze at the gold medal hanging around her senior sister’s neck.
Senior Sister treasured this gold medal!
Even she wasn’t allowed to touch it, as if she might steal it!
"Well..."
Chen Ye hadn’t prepared any future reward which was merely a convenient promise; he planned to prepare something for Qing Jun later.
Moreover, he intended to wait until he at least reached Foundation Establishment before properly preparing for Qing Jun.
Before Chen Ye could think of an excuse, Zhiwei somehow pulled out a tape measure. She approached Chen Ye, her face slightly blushing, hesitantly saying, "Master... you... stand still and don’t move."