Chapter 8: Hong Fu Shock
### In the Hall
Qi Yuan stood below, his expression respectful and gentle, exuding a well-behaved demeanor.
"Qi Yuan, the remarkable deeds you have accomplished truly make me proud," Hong Fu said in a neutral tone.
Upon hearing this, Qi Yuan responded straightforwardly, "My actions have compromised our master's dignity. I am willing to accept any punishment."
Hong Fu was pleased with Qi Yuan's willingness to admit his mistakes. A softness crept into her heart as she said, "After today, the sale of elixirs will be halted. I will not pursue the matter further."
Though his thriving business was now suspended, Qi Yuan had no complaints. He had already managed to sell a large number of elixirs at a low price, earning a considerable fortune. Given the store's scale, someone should have intervened long ago. However, from the moment Qi Yuan took action to the time he controlled the sales, no one interfered. This meant someone was bearing the consequences for him.
The answer was obvious.
In Huangfeng Valley, apart from Hong Fu, Qi Yuan knew no other masters in the Jindan stage. However, considering Hong Fu's cultivation level, it seemed unlikely that she could support him indefinitely. For the sake of the future, it was time to take bold action.
He intended to elevate Hong Fu to the Nascent Soul stage to shift the passive situation in Jin Diaoyuan. Upon reaching the Blood Forbidden Land, he would attempt to persuade Nangong Wan to ally with other factions to eradicate Spirit Beast Mountain, prevent internal betrayal, and eliminate hidden dangers.
Without Spirit Beast Mountain, the overall strength of the Yue Kingdom's immortal cultivation world would temporarily decline. However, once factions divided the resources and territories, recovery would be inevitable. After all, if one faction gains more, another loses.
To strengthen themselves, each faction would seize every opportunity—especially the Yanyue Sect. Since separating from the Hehuan Sect, it had flourished and would never want to return to subordination.
These were only preliminary ideas. He needed to meet Nangong Wan in the Blood Forbidden Land and discuss them further. At the very least, he had to delay the invasion of the six evil sects and buy time for his cultivation. Otherwise, running around aimlessly would be exhausting.
"I will always remember Master's kindness. As a token of my gratitude, I have specially found a rare herb for you," Qi Yuan said, presenting a jade box with both hands.
"A rare herb?" Hong Fu assumed it was of little significance and replied lightly, "Bring it up. No need for such trouble next time."
Her words implied that, as a cultivator in the Jindan stage, she had no need for insignificant offerings. However, out of curiosity, she reached out, unfastened the buckle, and opened the jade box.
### Soul-Calming Grass?
At first glance, it seemed ordinary. Then she took a closer look—
A thousand-year-old Soul-Calming Grass!
Hong Fu could no longer remain composed. In an instant, she shot up from her cold chair, her plump figure rising in shock. She examined the elixir repeatedly, unable to believe her eyes.
Qi Yuan glanced up and saw the beautiful woman before him. Her jade-like face was flushed, and her ample chest rose and fell with rapid breaths.
He mused internally—Dong Xuan'er paled in comparison. No wonder Hong Fu had once caught the eye of the old demon Yunlu. Without unique charm, how could one captivate someone indifferent to worldly pleasures?
If he encountered the old demon Yunlu in the future, how would he handle it? Perhaps only immense strength could counter such a threat.
Regaining her composure, Hong Fu concealed her emotions and asked, "Where did you find this?"
The entire cultivation world of Yue Kingdom had long been combed through by powerful families. Anything valuable should have been taken long ago. How could such a rare herb still exist in the wild?
"No matter what I say, Master will not believe it, so it's best not to explain," Qi Yuan said seriously.
Hong Fu fell silent, deep in thought.
After a long pause, she finally spoke. "Only you and I shall know about this. Do not tell anyone else. I will remain true to my principles and will not harm you. I understand you have a purpose in giving me this elixir. As long as I live, I will ensure your safety. Are you satisfied?"
Qi Yuan inwardly rejoiced. He had made the right bet!
He smiled. "Your disciple is satisfied!"
Hong Fu then continued, "I see that you and Xuan'er share a close bond. You should consider becoming Dao partners and cultivating together. Take this secret book and study it. After memorizing it, burn it."
She felt it was only fair to reciprocate Qi Yuan's generosity. Remembering Dong Xuan'er's past interactions with Qi Yuan, it was evident their relationship was more than ordinary. This was a favor she could grant him.
The secret book was a resource left behind by an old acquaintance, and she used it to settle an emotional debt.
Qi Yuan maintained his composure as he took the book. However, upon reading the title—**Lei Yang Yun Yu Secret Art**—his expression stiffened.
Could this be a manual for growing spiritual plants?
Flipping through the pages, he immediately felt a rush of heat in his body. His face flushed in embarrassment. This was a dual cultivation technique! And he was reviewing it in front of Hong Fu!
Hong Fu, having experienced many things in life, remained composed but couldn't suppress a slight ripple in her heart. She said calmly, "Study this carefully. If you have any questions, discuss them with Xuan'er."
Discuss with Xuan'er?!
Qi Yuan hesitated. "Master, have you consulted Senior Sister Dong about her wishes? Such a sudden decision might—"
Hong Fu's star-like eyes shone with approval. Qi Yuan's consideration of Xuan'er's feelings reassured her that she had made the right choice in supporting him. "You are right. Once she completes her confinement, I will ask for her opinion and do my best to arrange things for you."
Qi Yuan thought, **This thousand-year-old elixir is truly powerful!**
Whether Dong Xuan'er was willing or not, Hong Fu's authority would likely leave her little choice.
With a hint of sympathy, he added, "Master, please don't force anyone. If Senior Sister Dong is unwilling, we can let it go."
Hong Fu nodded slightly. "I understand. You need not worry."
Qi Yuan then chatted with Hong Fu about cultivation matters.
"You want to enter the Blood Forbidden Land for the Foundation Establishment Pill?" Hong Fu asked, surprised. She set down her teacup and sought confirmation.
Qi Yuan sat upright and answered, "Yes. I have reached the eleventh level of Qi training. It is time for me to build my foundation."
"The Blood Forbidden Land is extremely dangerous. Once you enter, you may not return. If you need a Foundation Establishment Pill, I can reserve one for you. There's no need to take such a risk," Hong Fu said with concern.
Qi Yuan replied earnestly, "I have five-element spiritual roots, making foundation building extremely difficult. Both Master and Gu Li require Foundation Establishment Pills. If I rely solely on others, I may not obtain enough. Rather than facing a dilemma, it's better to try my luck inside."
His words struck a nerve. Dong Xuan'er, too, lacked exceptional talent and required extensive resources.
Supporting one disciple was already a burden—adding another would be overwhelming.
But rejecting someone who had just gifted her a thousand-year-old elixir?
That would be too embarrassing.
*(End of Chapter)*