88: Peak Master Fang Hao

"Reporting to Peak Master, Disciple Su Wan has brought Third-Rank Alchemist Lu Yang to pay a visit!"

The clear voice broke the silence of the peak.

The figure watering plants paused, then slowly turned around.

What met Lu Yang's eyes was a plump, middle-aged man.

He had a broad face with a natural, kind smile, and his eyes were calm and gentle, showing no hint of sharpness.

He wore a faded, washed-out blue cloth robe stained with a few specks of fresh soil. A tranquil, unworldly aura emanated from him naturally.

Lu Yang sensed the fluctuations of his spiritual power and confirmed without a doubt that he was at the Foundation Establishment Mid-stage.

On the way here, Su Wan had already introduced him: the Peak Master was named Fang Hao, a man who was upright but loathed conflict, obsessed with cultivating spirit plants his entire life.

As the dignified master of a peak, having only Foundation Establishment Mid-stage strength directly led to Bibo Peak's awkward status and weak strength within the Hehuan Sect.

Some old Disciples in the peak who had cultivated bitterly for many years likely already surpassed this Peak Master in cultivation.

Fang Hao's gaze fell upon Lu Yang, and his calm eyes instantly lit up with obvious importance and eagerness.

"Oh? Alchemist Su, is what you say true?" Fang Hao's voice carried a hint of imperceptible urgency. "Is this Fellow Daoist also a Third-Rank Alchemist?" He carefully scrutinized Lu Yang.

Su Wan immediately stepped forward and nodded affirmatively. "Peak Master, it is absolutely true. This Alchemist Lu Yang has profound attainments in Alchemy, is indeed a Third-Rank, and far surpasses me. He just promoted from the Outer Sect, and through my recommendation, is willing to join our Bibo Peak. I implore the Peak Master to decide."

The smile on Peak Master Fang Hao's face bloomed instantly, the original tranquility replaced by genuine joy, and the way he looked at Lu Yang was as if he had seen a long-lost relative.

"His Alchemy is actually above Alchemist Su's? Good! Good! Bibo Peak could not ask for more! Heaven bless our peak!" He turned to Lu Yang, solemnly cupped his hands, and said sincerely:

"Alchemist Lu, I am Fang Hao. On behalf of everyone at Bibo Peak, I sincerely welcome you to join! This place is simple, but whatever Alchemist Lu needs, as long as it is within my power, I will surely do my best to satisfy! To be honest, our peak's thirst for Alchemists is like waiting for sweet rain after a long drought."

Lu Yang returned the salute slightly and stated his intentions:

"Peak Master, you are too kind. I only have superficial knowledge of the Dao of Alchemy and dare not claim to be profound. It was only because Alchemist Su informed me that many Disciples of your peak have needs for Alchemy that "I, Lu" ventured to come. I have no excessive demands; I only implore the Peak Master to inform the entire peak so that all fellow Disciples know that "I, Lu" have joined Bibo Peak and am slightly versed in Alchemy, capable of relieving the Disciples' worries regarding Alchemy. That will be enough."

Although Lu Yang said this, he was calculating in his heart.

The core reason for choosing Bibo Peak was the spirit plant resources that might be obtained from these Disciples.

He planned to collect spirit plants as payment for performing Alchemy for them. These harvested spirit plants would be used to refine Medicinal Pills needed for the cultivation of Chi Rong and Xia Yuxuan.

At the same time, this was an excellent opportunity to find suitable candidates among the many female Cultivators of Bibo Peak.

If a female Cultivator were willing to become his Dao Companion, that would be even better, serving both purposes. He could not only gain valuable proficiency points through Dual Cultivation with the Dragon Phoenix Yin-Yang Art, but also stabilize his Alchemist business and continuously obtain spirit plants.

Peak Master Fang Hao nodded repeatedly after hearing this, his face full of approval. "This is only right! Even if Alchemist Lu did not ask, I would certainly inform the entire peak."

He stroked his short beard, pondered for a moment, looked up at Lu Yang, and said with sincerity in his eyes: "Alchemist Lu chose to join my Bibo Peak, presumably because you valued the convenience of spirit plants here. As Peak Master, I cannot offer nothing. How about this: Alchemist Lu's monthly salary will be the same as Alchemist Su's. In addition, I will allocate an extra portion of Third-Rank Spiritual Plant to you every month. What does Alchemist Lu think?"

Upon hearing this, a strong sense of joy welled up in Lu Yang's heart.

On the way, Su Wan had privately informed him that the monthly salary the Peak Master gave her was three Third-Rank spirit plants per month. Now the Peak Master had actually taken the initiative to add one more, making it four per month! Such generous terms were simply like a windfall; only a fool would refuse. Lu Yang did not hesitate in the slightest and immediately cupped his hands, responding:

"Thank you for your generous favor, Peak Master. Lu Yang is extremely grateful and will naturally comply."

Seeing Lu Yang agree readily, Fang Hao's smile grew even wider. He reached into his robe and took out a palm-sized, dark brown token that was neither gold nor wood. The token had an ancient style, with a vigorous "Bi" character carved on the front, and faint fluctuations of spiritual power flowing around the edges.

Fang Hao solemnly handed the token to Lu Yang. "This is the Peak Master's token and token of trust. When Disciples in the peak see this token, it is as if they see me in person, and they must bow. With this token, Alchemist Lu will find it much more convenient to conduct affairs in the peak."

Fang Hao's intention with this move was very clear: by bestowing a high status and position upon Lu Yang, he was firmly binding him to Bibo Peak.

Lu Yang naturally understood the weight of this token and immediately took it with both hands; it felt warm and smooth to the touch. "Thank you for your trust, Peak Master." Lu Yang directly accepted the token and put it into his robe.

Finally, Peak Master Fang Hao took a deep breath, mobilized his spiritual power, and a clear, resonant voice spread instantly like ripples, enveloping the entire Bibo Peak:

"All Disciples, hear my order: immediately put down whatever you are doing and quickly assemble at the stone terrace on the peak! I have an important matter to announce!"

As Fang Hao's voice spread, Bibo Peak began to grow restless. Sounds of breaking through the air came continuously as countless Cultivators walked out of their Immortal Caves and headed toward the peak.

Before long, the stone terrace on the peak was bustling with figures.

Female Disciples dressed in simple blue robes of various shades hurried over from all parts of the mountain paths, their faces filled with confusion and curiosity, and soon a dense crowd had gathered.

Their cultivation levels were uneven, mostly between Foundation Establishment Early-stage and Foundation Establishment Mid-stage. They stood quietly, their gazes focused on the Peak Master and the stranger, Lu Yang.

When the personnel had mostly arrived, Peak Master Fang Hao stepped forward, his voice clearly spreading across the entire venue: "All Disciples, listen closely!" He raised his hand to signal to Lu Yang beside him. "This is Alchemist Lu Yang! From today on, Alchemist Lu officially joins our Bibo Peak!"

He paused, looked around at everyone, his tone carrying an unquestionable solemnity: "Furthermore, Alchemist Lu will serve as our peak's Chief Alchemist! From now on, whenever you see Chief Lu, you must perform the Disciple's salute and treat him with respect! There must not be the slightest negligence!"

Peak Master Fang Hao's words echoed clearly on the peak, carrying an unquestionable majesty.

The gazes of the many female Disciples were cast in unison toward Lu Yang, who was standing beside the Peak Master.

He was dressed in a plain blue Daoist robe, with a proper face and a composed temperament, looking like a trustworthy middle-aged Cultivator. Combined with the introduction of his status as "Chief Alchemist" from the Peak Master, an image of an Alchemist with exquisite Alchemy skills who was composed and reliable was instantly established clearly in the hearts of the many female Disciples, faintly carrying the dignity of a Chief Alchemist.

When the Peak Master finished speaking, a brief silence appeared on the stone terrace of the peak.

Immediately after, as if driven by an invisible command, the female Disciples of Bibo Peak gathered there, regardless of their cultivation level or seniority, all bowed in unison toward the direction where Lu Yang stood.

They lowered their heads slightly, their postures respectful.

A uniform voice followed, and although it was not deafening, it carried a sense of solemn promise: "We Disciples respectfully obey the Peak Master's order!" "Greetings, Chief Lu!"

After the salute, the many female Disciples raised their heads, their gazes focused on Lu Yang once again. This time, the curiosity in their eyes had not diminished, but there was more awe that a Chief Alchemist should command, as well as a trace of imperceptible, deep anticipation for the future, perhaps hoping to obtain Medicinal Pills to aid their cultivation.