Chapter 87 Great Harvest

In the lounge of the State Religion's Xinyue Hall, the air was filled with the medicinal fragrance of Heart-Clearing Grass and the excited atmosphere of those who had survived a brush with death.

Squad Yi-34 had just finished their routine mission debriefing. The deacon responsible for the records repeatedly cross-checked the list of monsters and the image Formation Plate they had submitted, his eyes filled with incredulous amazement.

"Regarding this Cang Plains clearing mission," the deacon cleared his throat, his voice ringing out clearly in the quiet room, "Squad Yi-34 not only exceeded the target quota but also successfully hunted a half-step Second Realm Fate-Fallen Demon Monster! Your achievements are outstanding!"

He paused, looked around at everyone, and raised his voice to announce, "After assessment by Xinyue Hall, the squad is specially awarded a total of—800,000 Spirit Stones!"

"Eight hundred thousand!" Du San slapped his thigh hard, which aggravated the injury on his broken leg, making him wince in pain. Yet, the light in his eyes was startlingly bright. "Damn it, I've been gnawing on dry rations at the Mo Sect for over a decade, and I've never seen so many Spirit Stones piled together!"

Captain Zeng Fu could not hide the smile on his face either. He raised his hand, gesturing for the excited squad members to quiet down. "The usual rules: distribution based on contribution."

He turned his gaze to Yun Bai with unquestionable affirmation. "Yun Bai, in this mission, your contribution in slaying the Demon Monster was monumental. Your Breakthrough in the heat of battle saved our lives. You get 250,000."

Yun Bai was stunned and instinctively wanted to decline. "Captain, that's too much. Everyone..."

"Enough nonsense!" Captain Zeng Fu interrupted him, his tone resolute. "This is what you deserve! Old Du," he looked at Du San, "your Formation repeatedly split the monster horde with incredible power; you were equally indispensable. You also get 250,000. Of the remaining 300,000, Li Ying, Fu Lianchuan, and I will each take 100,000. Does anyone have any objections?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's mood dampened.

According to the squad's rules, members who were injured and retiring, like Du San, naturally deserved a larger share.

This was only right.

What saddened everyone was Du San's broken leg and the regret of a teammate retiring.

Li Ying nodded, and Fu Lianchuan even managed to pull at the corners of his mouth, revealing a stiff smile. "It's fine for Yun Bai to take the top share, and it's only right for Old Du to take his."

He patted the Storage Pouch at his waist, which still bore scorch marks from the fierce battle at Niwa Village.

A warm current surged through Yun Bai's heart. 250,000 Spirit Stones! Added to the 650,000 he had already saved, he now had a massive sum of 900,000! He was only 300,000 away from the 1.2 million needed to purchase the soul-stabilizing pill! The hope for his sister Yun Qian's recovery had never felt so tangible and within reach.

After the squad disbanded, just as Yun Bai was calculating how to scrape together the remaining Spirit Stones as quickly as possible, Captain Zeng Fu suddenly patted his shoulder heavily, a mysterious smile on his face. "Kid, don't rush off. Come with me; I'm taking you to see someone."

Yun Bai was full of doubts, but out of trust for his captain, he silently followed. The two left the magnificent building complex of the State Religion and wove through the alleys of Chu Prefecture at dusk.

The golden glow of the morning sun plated the ancient bricks and tiles with a warm hue. Finally, they stopped in front of an elegant residence deep in a quiet alley. It was a peaceful spot amidst the noise, far from the clamor of the main street.

Yes, Yun Bai and the others had set off in the evening of the previous day, and after several great battles, it was now the Chen hour of the second day.

The residence was not large, and the door was simple, hanging only an inconspicuous wooden plaque with an elegant character "Jiang" carved on it. Captain Zeng Fu stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker.

The door "creaked" open, and the figure revealed behind it made Yun Bai freeze instantly—it was actually Jiang Shuanger!

"Brother Zeng, you finally came." Jiang Shuanger greeted him with a beaming smile. Her gaze shifted, landing on Yun Bai behind Captain Zeng Fu, and she widened her lively eyes in surprise. "Yun Bai? You... you're back from the mission?! When did this happen?"

She rushed to stand in front of Yun Bai in a few steps, her delicate brows instantly furrowing. Her clear eyes were filled with undisguised worry. "Your injuries? There's still a scent of... medicine on you? Did you get hurt again?"

She leaned in closer, her nose twitching slightly, her tone sounding certain.

Before Yun Bai could explain, she had already turned to Captain Zeng Fu, complaining with a touch of coquettish reproach. "Brother Zeng, you people at Xinyue Hall are too inconsiderate of your members! He was severely injured just this morning; the effects of the Wood Restoration Pill I gave him haven't even fully taken hold, and his spiritual energy aura is still unstable. Why didn't you let him rest for a few more days instead of dragging him out to run errands?"

She puffed out her cheeks slightly, looking as if she were fighting for justice on Yun Bai's behalf.

Captain Zeng Fu had originally been watching the scene with great interest, but after being scolded by Jiang Shuanger, he suddenly felt quite embarrassed. He instinctively raised a hand to rub his smooth head, looking at a loss for what to do. "This... actually..."

"Actually what?" Jiang Shuanger wouldn't let it go, her almond-shaped eyes wide as she glared at him.

"Actually," Captain Zeng Fu shrugged helplessly, revealing an "I can't hide it anymore" expression, "I am his captain, the captain of Squad Yi-34."

"Ah?!" Jiang Shuanger was instantly stunned. Her eyes were wide and round, like a startled fawn. She stared blankly at the teasing Captain Zeng Fu, then at the slightly embarrassed Yun Bai beside him, her rosy little mouth slightly agape, unable to say a word for a long time.

Captain Zeng Fu was amused by her adorable appearance and burst into laughter. "Hahaha, little girl, you got spooked, didn't you?"

At this moment, a gentle and mellow voice came from inside the house, carrying a reassuring steadiness. "Shuanger, is it the way of hospitality to leave honored guests standing outside the door? Hurry and invite Captain Zeng Fu and young friend Yun Bai in." It was the voice of Master Jiang.

Jiang Shuanger finally snapped out of her daze and hurriedly stepped aside to clear the way. "Brother Zeng, Yun Bai, please come in, please come in."

As she passed by Yun Bai, she didn't forget to glare at him secretly. That look clearly warned: behave yourself, you injured patient; you are not allowed to force yourself to use spiritual energy!

Yun Bai felt a bit sheepish under her gaze and rubbed his nose, following Captain Zeng Fu into the elegant courtyard filled with the fragrance of herbs. Several clumps of emerald bamboo in the courtyard rustled in the evening breeze, adding a touch of tranquility.

The courtyard was arranged in a simple and elegant manner, with a few tall bamboo stalks swaying gracefully in the breeze. The door curtain of the main room was gently lifted by a fair, white hand, and a middle-aged man wearing a faded cyan Daoist robe with a refined, lean face walked out slowly.

His eyes were gentle and warm, and his demeanor was composed and steady. He was none other than Master Jiang, the Alchemy Great Master famous throughout Chu Prefecture and even the Northwest Region.

"Old Zeng, it's been a long time." Master Jiang smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. His gaze then fell on Yun Bai, carrying a hint of inquiry and appreciation. "This must be young friend Yun Bai, right? Indeed, you have an extraordinary aura. No wonder Old Zeng speaks so highly of you."

Yun Bai hurriedly bowed in return. "Junior Yun Bai greets Master Jiang."

The doubts in his heart grew even stronger. He looked at Captain Zeng Fu, his eyes asking for an explanation.

Captain Zeng Fu laughed and patted his shoulder, getting straight to the point. "Don't rush, kid. First, tell me, how many more Spirit Stones do you currently need to buy the soul-stabilizing pill?"

Yun Bai's heart stirred. He quickly calculated and answered honestly. "Including the 250,000 from this mission's reward, I have 900,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones. I am still 300,000 short of the 1.2 million needed for the soul-stabilizing pill." When he said this number, he couldn't help but feel a bit heavy-hearted.

"300,000, huh..." Captain Zeng Fu nodded in understanding. He turned his gaze to Master Jiang, his smile filled with earnestness and trust. "Master Jiang, I will have to trouble you with that matter."