Three days later.
Tian Feng visited again, his smile as warm as ever.
He first inquired about Chen Ye’s recent situation with genuine concern, then subtly brought up the Jade Lizard Association.
"Brother Chen, I heard you had some conflict with the people from the Jade Lizard Association a few days ago? That Chairman Luo Heng of theirs is no easy character; you better be careful. What did they want from you?" Tian Feng asked seemingly casually.
Chen Ye understood immediately that Tian Feng was probing him, likely having gotten wind of things from Xue Chengjun through the Stone Mirror Association.
He sipped his tea, and without giving anything away, said, "It’s nothing major, just a misunderstanding. The Jade Lizard Association sought me out to take care of a Spirit Plant."
He did not disclose the news of the Six-leaf Mysterious Ginseng to avoid unexpected trouble.
Seeing Chen Ye was unwilling to talk more, Tian Feng did not press further and just smiled, "I see. Brother Chen, with your mastery of Spirit Plant Techniques, it’s no wonder the Jade Lizard Association values you. But remember, Luo Heng is a deep thinker; be cautious."
After sending Tian Feng off.
He did not leave right away but returned to the Cultivation Room to meditate for a while.
After breaking through to the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer, the Evergreen Technique spiritual power within him had undergone a subtle transformation.
The Limit Break level of the Evergreen Technique not only made the spiritual power purer and more substantial, but it also carried a strong sense of Wood Element vitality.
And this greatly enhanced his Spirit Plant Technique!
Moreover, during these three days, Chen Ye had also visited the Herb Pavilion to purchase fifteen Qi Recovery Pills.
Through arduous cultivation, both the Cloud Rain Technique and the Fostering Technique successfully reached Perfection!
He tried operating the Cloud Rain Technique, and the mist forming in his palm was no longer ordinary, but a Spirit Rain glowing faintly green, full of abundant vitality.
The effect of the Fostering Technique was even more astonishing; with just a flick of his fingers towards the plum tree in the yard, new green shoots sprouted visibly!
"This Limit Break cultivation technique is indeed marvelous!" Chen Ye felt reassured at heart.
With such backing, he was even more confident in treating the Six-leaf Mysterious Ginseng.
...
That night, the Cloud Clothing Pavilion was brightly lit, and enchanting music filled the air continuously.
The Cloud Clothing Pavilion truly lived up to its reputation as the number one restaurant in Yunxi District, with its luxurious decor, jade columns and carved railings, and flowing silk hanging elegantly.
The air was filled with expensive incense and the fragrance of women’s cosmetics.
Sitting in the main seat was an elderly man with a gentle face but eyes that were unfathomable, none other than Luo Heng, the Chairman of the Jade Lizard Association.
On his left and right were Spirit Plant Master Zhou Mingyuan and Kong Hongxuan, who wore a subtle smile.
"Will this Chen Ye come or not..."
Just as Kong Hongxuan was pondering, the door creaked open, and a tall figure appeared at the entrance.
The visitor was none other than Chen Ye.
He came alone, wearing simple cyan robes, having removed the hat and raincoat, and walked into the Warm Pavilion with a calm face, glancing indifferently at the people inside.
In the pavilion, a group of female dancers danced gracefully, their movements enchanting and robes fluttering.
Among them, a woman in a white dress with a graceful figure and delicate features stood out, though her expression was somewhat uneasy, and her eyes flickered.
Chen Ye raised an eyebrow; it was Lin Qiongyu!
However, Lin Qiongyu, being a dancer at the Cloud Clothing Pavilion, was expected to be there; it was just too coincidental.
Luo Heng, upon seeing Chen Ye, smiled amiably.
He raised his hand to signal the music to pause.
Pointing to the empty seat beside him, he said, "Taoist Friend Chen, your esteemed arrival lights up my humble abode. Please, take a seat."
Then, Luo Heng turned his gaze to Lin Qiongyu and smiled, "Qiongyu, Taoist Friend Chen has come from afar. Serve him well, pour him wine and serve the dishes."
Lin Qiongyu’s face turned slightly pale, but she still forced a smile and complied.
Luo Heng noticed everything, and his smile grew more amused.
He raised his cup towards Chen Ye, speaking with a double entendre:
"Taoist Friend Chen, this Qiongyu girl is the partner of your neighbor Xue Chengjun. It was this young lady who once falsely accused you of teasing her... Heh, with me here today, however you wish to get close to her, do as you please, don’t stand on ceremony."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qiongyu’s face turned ashen, and her delicate body couldn’t help but tremble slightly.
However, Chen Ye remained unmoved, as if the one Luo Heng talked about being slandered was not himself.
He replied lightly, "Chairman Luo is joking. Chen and Taoist Friend Lin are merely neighbors; whatever happened before was a misunderstanding."
Chen Ye hadn’t expected that Luo Heng would even investigate this much.
Nor did he know what kind of tactics were used to threaten Lin Qiongyu into serving him.
But, regardless of any grudges between Chen Ye and Lin Qiongyu.
He could not "get close" in front of so many people.
After all, he was a modern man with a sense of shame.
"Chen... Senior Chen, please have some tea..."
Lin Qiongyu gently pressed her warm body against Chen Ye’s arm, exhaling softly as she poured him a cup of amber-colored Spirit Tea.
"Hmph!"
Luo Heng let out a cold, ambiguous snort and spoke slowly,
"Qiongyu, what are you standing there for? In front of Taoist Friend Chen, how can you lose your manners? Sit closer, so it’s easier to serve."
Lin Qiongyu’s delicate body stiffened, her face ashen.
Was Luo Heng asking her to sit beside Chen Ye?
No, from the look in his eyes, it was not just as simple as sitting beside him.
Sure enough, Luo Heng’s eyes fell on Chen Ye’s thigh, the blatant indication almost made Lin Qiongyu faint.
She looked at Chen Ye for help.
However, Chen Ye merely raised his hand, gently lifted the wine cup, his actions composed and unhurried, as if he did not see Luo Heng’s hint, nor did he feel Lin Qiongyu’s plea.
Lin Qiongyu felt her heart sink little by little, and under Luo Heng’s kindly gaze, she turned and slowly sat on Chen Ye’s thigh.
Yet Chen Ye seemed unaware, sitting upright without moving, his expression calm, showing decorum even in temptation.
Hmm... The feeling was entirely different from holding a disciple.
After three rounds of wine, the music and dance gradually reached their peak.
The once unsettled Lin Qiongyu now felt an uncertain surprise.
She had thought that after learning the truth, Chen Ye would take advantage to humiliate her, but unexpectedly, he was tactful and his demeanor was candid.
Lin Qiongyu’s eyes slightly lowered as her thoughts became complicated.
This undying old... this senior was truly someone of high morals and integrity.
The more she interacted, the more she could feel his extraordinariness.
He took care of two children alone, was gentle, considerate, and full of responsibility.
Whether it was Kong Hongxuan’s pressure or Luo Heng’s goodwill, he remained unaffected and indifferent.
His appearance was also handsome and extraordinary, calm yet without losing sharpness, seeming very reliable.
Compared to Xue Chengjun, the difference was as vast as clouds and mud...
Lin Qiongyu’s mind grew dizzier as she watched Chen Ye start to drink,
acting on a sudden impulse, her fingertips seemed to carelessly glide gently across the back of Chen Ye’s hand.
Her gaze quickly glanced at the wine cup, carrying a hint of warning.
Chen Ye’s heart was moved, he lifted the wine cup but only placed it near his nose to sniff, not drinking it.
He had pretended to drink, and after Lin Qiongyu’s reminder, he was even more certain that the wine had been tampered with.
Kong Hongxuan, seated nearby, saw this and his expression turned cold.
The wine had been laced by him, colorless and tasteless, causing any cultivator who drank it to feel dizzy and have sluggish spiritual power circulation, a precaution just in case.
He shot Lin Qiongyu a cold glance,
the young female cultivator’s teeth were chattering, already beginning to regret her warning.
The banquet continued in a strange atmosphere.
At the end of the feast, Luo Heng waved off the dancers, leaving only a few to attend closely.
The Spirit Plant Master from the Lingyin Sect was the first to stand, stepping before a pot of spirit plant covered by a black cloth in the hall, stroking his beard with a sigh:
"Chairman Luo, this Six-leaf Mysterious Ginseng has demonic qi deep in its essence, and although I have tried multiple times, I’m unable to reverse its condition. Trying once more today is just fulfilling my duty."
Luo Heng’s expression slightly changed at his words, but he forced a smile:
"Thank you for your efforts, Steward Zhou! As long as part of the ginseng’s medicinal properties can be preserved!"
Steward Zhou nodded, saying no more, and poured out a green spiritual liquid from an Ink Jade Gourd, carefully applying it to the roots of the ginseng, then performed a spell to guide soft Wood Element Spiritual Power to gently seep in.
This was Lingyin Sect’s orthodox "Ganlin Nourishing Technique" and "Purification Technique," using gentle methods to cleanse demonic qi and nourish the vitality of spirit plants.
However, an entire two-hour period passed, and the condition of the ginseng did not improve; the demonic patterns on the roots seemed to deepen, and the leaves grew duller.
Sweat speckled Steward Zhou’s forehead, and his face turned somewhat unpleasant.
He tried several secret methods of the sect, all to little effect.
Luo Heng watched and grew anxious but dared not rush him.
After another two-hour period, Steward Zhou finally stopped his hands, wiped his sweat, and shook his head, sighing: "The demonic qi is too tyrannical and stubborn, intertwined with the ginseng’s spirit veins, I... am powerless."
Luo Heng could not hide his disappointment, turning to Chen Ye:
"Taoist Friend Chen, since Steward Zhou is at a loss, may I ask... would you be willing to give it a try? If successful, the Jade Lizard Association will certainly offer generous gratitude!"
Upon hearing this, Steward Zhou raised an eyebrow, looking at Chen Ye with slight disdain: "Chairman Luo, do you really believe this unorthodox medicinal farmer can succeed? How precious is a Six-leaf Mysterious Ginseng, how could it be left to his reckless methods?"
"Steward Zhou, your words are mistaken."
Chen Ye suddenly spoke up at this moment, his tone calm,
"The grand dao encompasses three thousand paths, all leading to the same end. The sect’s methods are indeed ingenious, but the techniques of a loose cultivator also have their unique merits. Treating sickness and healing plants is not about lineage, but the method used."
Steward Zhou was taken aback by his words, letting out a long sigh: "Indeed, that is so..."