Immortal Path Space

Chapter 100: Mutated Astragalus

Wang Hong respectfully handed over the Storage Bag. A Foundation Building cultivator in front received it and emptied the contents onto the table. The table was soon filled with Spiritual Herbs.

Two Foundation Building cultivators carefully examined and documented the items. Suddenly, amidst the pile of herbs, they discovered a Resplendent Visage Fruit.

Though a mere second-tier Spiritual Herb, the Resplendent Visage Fruit was favored by cultivators from the Qi Cultivation to the Nascent Soul stages. After all, who liked to present themselves with an aged appearance?

The surprise of finding the Resplendent Visage Fruit didn't fade as they uncovered several Scarlet Blood Ginseng plants from the pile. Some were at least four to five hundred years old, with one even boasting a medicinal age of eight hundred years.

Observing from the side, a Golden Core cultivator from the Qingxu Sect, whose Divine Sense had been monitoring the situation, couldn't conceal his excitement when he saw the eight-hundred-year-old Scarlet Blood Ginseng. Stuck at the bottleneck of the Golden Core initial stage for decades, this rare find could potentially help him break through to the mid-stage within two years.

Contemplating how to intercept and keep the Scarlet Blood Ginseng, he realized that waiting to hand it over to the sect might not ensure he'd get a fair share.

Just then, the two Foundation Building cultivators found two Dragon Scale Fruits amid the items. The excitement of identifying Spiritual Herbs felt like playing a treasure hunt game for them.

While the Qingxu Sect's Golden Core cultivator was pondering how to secure the Scarlet Blood Ginseng, the discovery of two Dragon Scale Fruits further unsettled him. These fruits could be consumed raw, used to refine Elixirs, or brewed into third-tier Spirit Wine, enhancing cultivation levels.

Meanwhile, a Golden Core cultivator from the Hunyuan Sect approached and casually picked up two Golden Radiant Spiritual Herbs two eight-hundred-year-old mutated Astragalus.

"Elder Huang, what is the meaning of this?" The Qingxu Sect's Golden Core cultivator, still contemplating how to intercept the Spiritual Herbs, was taken aback as Elder Huang from the Hunyuan Sect took action without warning.

Elder Huang, older by over a hundred years, was someone he didn't want to offend.

However, these were assets of the Qingxu Sect, representing the sect's dignity. Even if it were mere herbs, not everyone could touch them.

Although he didn't recognize these two Spiritual Herbs, their extraordinary aura was evident.

"Fellow Daoist Gu, it's a misunderstanding! I just found these Spiritual Herbs peculiar and couldn't resist coming for a closer look," Elder Huang chuckled awkwardly.

"Oh? I wonder if Fellow Daoist Huang has noticed anything special about them?" Gu Qingyang couldn't identify the herbs and hoped to gain some information from Elder Huang.

"I don't know them either, but they seem unique. Out of curiosity, I came to observe. It appears to be a mutation of Astragalus," Elder Huang replied, not admitting he recognized them, as he had only read about them in ancient texts.

"I wonder if Fellow Daoist Gu would be willing to exchange these two Spiritual Herbs with me. I'm willing to offer a Solid Essence Pill in return," Elder Huang proposed.

He quickly added, fearing suspicion, "I've been studying Alchemy lately and would like to research their properties."

Solid Essence Pill was a precious Elixir for increasing cultivation levels in the Golden Core stage. Elder Huang had prepared for years to craft one, and it had become highly sought after. Now, he was offering it in exchange, which stirred Gu Qingyang's interest.

However, it was clear that Elder Huang was familiar with these herbs, given the significant offering for mere research purposes.

"Fellow Daoist Huang, I am indeed tempted by your offer. However, these items belong to the sect, and I cannot take the liberty to exchange them without proper authorization," Gu Qingyang replied, feigning reluctance. If Elder Huang wanted them, he had to sweeten the deal a bit.

"Fellow Daoist Gu, you're being too modest. Every Golden Core cultivator here accepted this sect mission for the rare Spiritual Herbs that might be found in the secret realm. As long as the exchange doesn't tarnish the sect's reputation, which sect wouldn't turn a blind eye?" Elder Huang revealed, exposing the truth.

Gu Qingyang wasn't embarrassed. After all, a Golden Core cultivator of several hundred years had a thick skin, unlike the ordinary Qi Cultivation disciples.

"Hehe, don't pretend. A Spiritual Herb for a Solid Essence Pill, plus you telling me everything about these herbs. It's up to you whether to exchange or not," Elder Huang said, cutting to the chase.

Elder Huang pondered for a moment and surprisingly agreed. He took out a Jade vial from his Storage Bag and tossed it to Gu Qingyang. Then, he retrieved a Jade Scroll, placed it on his forehead, imprinted some information onto it, and handed it to Gu Qingyang.

Wang Hong, observing nearby, noticed the scene. It seemed like this mutated Astragalus had some significant background, enough to make a Golden Core cultivator go to such lengths to obtain it.

It appeared that before having substantial strength, one should be cautious about revealing such Spiritual Herbs. Otherwise, there might be dire consequences.

Fortunately, he could justify this acquisition as coming from the secret realm, which should suffice.

Elder Huang took out an exquisite Jade Box, placed one mutated Astragalus inside, and, with a meaningful look at Wang Hong, left.

This startled Wang Hong, making his hair stand on end. He dared not breathe and tried to shrink his head into his neck. He had only aimed to avoid standing out among Qi Cultivation cultivators, but now, he unintentionally caught the attention of even a Golden Core cultivator.

At this point, the tally of the Spiritual Herbs he handed over, including the mutated Astragalus taken by Elder Huang, amounted to a total of one million two hundred thousand contribution points.

Dragon Scale Fruits, Scarlet Blood Ginseng, and the mutated Astragalus accounted for most of his gained contribution points. He had noticed that Elder Brother didn't contribute any Dragon Scale Fruits. Their family had a senior in the Golden Core stage, making them less susceptible to others coveting their treasures.

The announcement of one million two hundred thousand contribution points drew gasps from the surroundings. The Qingxu Sect disciples now faced disciples from other sects with pride, along with jealousy. This unknown fellow disciple had somehow obtained a vast collection of rare Spiritual Herbs.

With one million two hundred thousand contribution points, he could exchange for twelve Foundation Establishment Pills. Having twelve Foundation Establishment Pills meant even a pig could be raised to the Foundation Building stage.

This figure made the disciples from the Hunyuan Sect abandon thoughts of competition, given the significant difference. Moreover, their own Golden Core cultivator sought Spiritual Herbs from others, leaving them regretful for not encountering this person in the secret realm.

If they had slain him in the secret realm, all these gains would have been theirs. Countless cultivators sighed and regretted the missed opportunity.

At that moment, Gu Qingyang called Wang Hong over.

Wang Hong respectfully approached Gu Qingyang, feeling anxious and unsure about the purpose. Was it fortune or misfortune?

Gu Qingyang casually cast a light shield, enveloping the two within.

"I want to make a deal with you," Gu Qingyang said with a smile.

"Disciple listens to Master's instructions," Wang Hong responded cautiously, relieved that, at least for now, there seemed to be no imminent danger.

"I want to exchange for your Scarlet Blood Ginseng and this mutated Astragalus. What do you need in return?" Gu Qingyang inquired.

Wang Hong contemplated for a moment, realizing that any condition he proposed might not be suitable. If he asked for too much, he might anger the Golden Core elder, and if the conditions were too low, they might be futile in case of a forced exchange.

"Disciple leaves it to Master to decide."

"Alright, I'll propose a few conditions, and you can choose. How does that sound?" Gu Qingyang suggested.

Wang Hong nodded repeatedly in agreement.

"You can exchange Spiritual Herbs for contribution points, mainly to redeem Foundation Establishment Pills. The first condition is that I'll trade two Foundation Establishment Pills for your two Spiritual Herbs."

Wang Hong found this to be a fair offer, without the pressure of forced transactions based on strength.

"These two Spiritual Herbs are worth around three hundred thousand contribution points, equivalent to three Foundation Establishment Pills," Wang Hong thought to himself.

"But with your remaining Spiritual Herbs, you can still exchange for quite a few Foundation Establishment Pills. Since you already have a surplus in Foundation Building, the second condition is that I can temporarily accept you as a named disciple. If your character and temperament are suitable, you may become a formal disciple."

Gu Qingyang valued character and temperament over aptitude when accepting disciples. He believed that even with mediocre talent, as long as one had a good character, there would be no harm to the sect or himself.

"I leave it to Master to decide," Wang Hong responded.

"Great. Lastly, I propose that you occasionally assist in alchemical tasks within the sect. This can be considered part of your contribution to the sect," Gu Qingyang added.

Wang Hong agreed to the terms, feeling fortunate that the conditions were not too demanding.

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