62: Baicao Pavilion and Sister Mu

The light green jade talisman felt warm to the touch, carrying a refreshing scent of plants and trees that cleared the mind; it was clearly no ordinary item. The words left behind by the Old Deacon were even more meaningful.

Hundred Herbs Pavilion? Senior Sister Mu?

Wen Youyi quickly searched his mind for information regarding the Hundred Herbs Pavilion. It was an important organization under Danxia Peak, responsible for the cultivation of Spiritual Plants, the refinement and distribution of Medicinal Pills, and held a transcendent status within the Sect. A Senior Sister surnamed Mu who could send a token through the Old Deacon must have an extraordinary identity.

"It seems some higher-ups have truly noticed us, and they're from Danxia Peak..." Wen Youyi mused. Danxia Peak was the mountain where Yun Zhi resided, which added a few more layers to his speculation.

"Little Wen, are we going?" Zhao Iron Pillar asked.

"We're going. Of course we're going." Wen Youyi gripped the jade talisman tightly. "This is an opportunity, but also a test. Let's see if this Senior Sister Mu is a friend or a foe."

He didn't bring everyone along, only having Wang Wu accompany him. After a brief preparation, the two of them headed toward the Hundred Herbs Pavilion located on the mountainside of Danxia Peak.

The Hundred Herbs Pavilion was not a single, isolated building, but a vast area of gardens shrouded by Formations. Before even getting close, one could smell the strange fragrance of various Spiritual Plants mixed together, which instantly refreshed the spirit. Disciples stood guard at the entrance, and after checking the green jade talisman Wen Youyi handed over, they respectfully let them through.

Inside the gardens, paths crisscrossed, dividing the area into countless sections where all sorts of Spiritual Plants emitting spiritual light were grown. Many Disciples were busy among them, watering, fertilizing, and catching insects, creating a scene full of vitality.

Guided by a Utility Disciple, Wen Youyi and Wang Wu arrived at a secluded purple-patterned bamboo forest. Deep within the forest was an elegant bamboo hut with a medicinal garden in front. A woman dressed in a plain white gown with a gentle temperament was standing with her back to them, carefully pruning the branches of a Spiritual Plant with seven-colored leaves.

"Senior Sister Mu, the people have arrived," the Utility Disciple reported respectfully before withdrawing.

Hearing this, the woman put down the jade shears in her hand and slowly turned around.

Her appearance wasn't exactly stunning, but her features were soft and her eyes were clear, carrying an innate air that put people at ease. Her gaze fell upon Wen Youyi, filled with a hint of curiosity and scrutiny.

"You are Wen Youyi? The founder of the Mutual Aid Society?" Senior Sister Mu's voice was like a clear mountain spring, pleasant to the ear.

"Outer Sect Disciple Wen Youyi greets Senior Sister Mu." Wen Youyi and Wang Wu hurriedly bowed.

"No need for formalities." Senior Sister Mu smiled slightly and pointed to the bamboo stools nearby. "Sit. Junior Brother Wang Wu, please sit as well."

She actually knew Wang Wu's name? Wen Youyi felt a slight chill in his heart; the other party had clearly done her homework.

The three of them sat down, and Senior Sister Mu personally brewed two cups of clear tea. The tea's aroma curled upwards, surprisingly having the effect of calming the mind and centering the spirit.

"I've heard a bit about your affairs," Senior Sister Mu said, getting straight to the point. "The weak defeating the strong in Blood Wolf Valley, escaping unscathed from the mine ambush, and even pulling together a sizable Mutual Aid Society in the Outer Sect... Junior Brother Wen, you are quite extraordinary."

"Senior Sister overpraises me. It was all thanks to the concerted efforts of my fellow Disciples; it was just luck," Wen Youyi said modestly.

Senior Sister Mu remained noncommittal. She took a light sip of tea and changed the subject: "How do you view the current... atmosphere among the Disciples of the Sect?"

This question was somewhat sensitive. Wen Youyi weighed his words: "I haven't been in the Sect for long, so I don't dare to speak rashly. I only feel that if there were less internal friction and all Disciples could focus on their path of the Dao, the Sect would surely become more prosperous."

"Focus on their path of the Dao?" Senior Sister Mu smiled, though there was a hint of faint mockery in that smile. "Yes, it should be so. Unfortunately, in the current Outer Sect, and even parts of the Inner Sect, people form cliques, attack those who differ from them, and monopolize resources. Low-level Disciples have no hope of promotion and can only become... resources in the eyes of certain people."

She emphasized the word "resources" slightly.

Wen Youyi and Wang Wu were both shaken! This Senior Sister Mu seemed extremely dissatisfied with the current state of the Sect, and her words carried a deeper meaning!

"Senior Sister, you mean..." Wen Youyi asked tentatively.

Senior Sister Mu didn't answer directly. Instead, she looked at Wen Youyi, her gaze turning sharp. "The cooperation and sharing promoted by your Mutual Aid Society have touched the interests of certain people. The mine incident was no accident. I'm meeting you today out of curiosity, but also as a warning. Your path will be very difficult."

"Thank you for the warning, Senior Sister," Wen Youyi said in a heavy voice. "But since the path has been chosen, I must see it through."

"You have guts." A flash of admiration appeared in Senior Sister Mu's eyes. "I cannot give you overt protection; that would only harm you. However, the Hundred Herbs Pavilion might be able to... provide some convenience for your Mutual Aid Society in certain 'insignificant' matters."

As she spoke, she took out a list and handed it to Wen Youyi. "These are certain low-level Spiritual Plants that the Hundred Herbs Pavilion purchases year-round, but which Outer Sect Disciples find difficult to collect in large quantities. If the Disciples of your Mutual Aid Society can provide a stable supply, the price can be ten percent higher than the market rate. Additionally, if you need certain common healing or detoxifying Medicinal Pills, you can also use that jade talisman from earlier to come here and exchange contribution points for them at a... similarly ten percent discount."

Wen Youyi took the list, his heart filled with joy! This was truly like sending charcoal in a snowstorm!

A stable resource acquisition channel meant that members of the Mutual Aid Society would have a more reliable source of income! Discounted Medicinal Pill exchanges would greatly enhance the members' survival and endurance! This seemingly "insignificant" convenience was, in fact, a massive consolidation of the Mutual Aid Society's Foundation!

"Senior Sister's great kindness will be remembered by this Disciple!" Wen Youyi thanked her sincerely.

"No need to thank me." Senior Sister Mu waved her hand, her tone returning to its indifferent state. "I just feel that this stagnant pond of a Sect needs some fresh, lively fish to stir things up. As for how far you can swim, or whether you can jump out of this pond... that will depend on your own destiny."

She stood up, signaling for them to leave.

Wen Youyi and Wang Wu tactfully took their leave.

Leaving the Hundred Herbs Pavilion, Wang Wu was incredibly excited: "Junior Brother Wen, this Senior Sister Mu is a benefactor!"

Wen Youyi nodded, his eyes bright as he looked at the list and the jade talisman in his hand.

He knew this wasn't just a business collaboration, but a subtle signal of an Alliance. They were finally no longer fighting alone; within this massive Sect, they had found their first potential and influential ally!

Although the road ahead remained dangerous, the light of hope had already been lit.

(End of Chapter)