After the first day of the Foundation Establishment stage competitions concluded, Lin Yichen and his companions won without suspense.
Lin Yichen and the others’ successful advancement further delighted Elder Tiandao and the other elders of the Misty Sect.
In stark contrast to the Misty Sect, the high-ranking officials of the Flowing Sea Sect wore grim expressions.
Especially Liu Xun, whose face was terrifyingly somber.
A single Zhang Ergou had already given Liu Xun a severe headache. Now, the Misty Sect had five more early-stage Golden Core cultivators.
This meant that once they entered the secret realm, the Flowing Sea Sect's advantage would be completely gone. Su Dan Novel Network
In fact, the Flowing Sea Sect was now at a disadvantage.
The outcome of this sect competition was extremely important for both the Flowing Sea Sect and the Misty Sect.
This was because the secret realm would completely disappear after its current opening.
In other words, this was the last opportunity for both major sects to gain benefits from the secret realm.
Furthermore, after this secret realm opened, the relationship between the two sects would also enter a new phase.
Without the secret realm as a point of contention, it was uncertain whether they would remain friends or become enemies.
Compared to the heavy atmosphere in the Flowing Sea Sect, the Misty Sect was much more joyful and relaxed.
Upon returning to their encampment, everyone's face was filled with happiness.
However, Zhang Ergou was exceptionally busy today.
It was already midnight, and Elder Tiandao had just left his room.
No one knew what they had discussed inside Zhang Ergou's room.
However, the elders and disciples of the Misty Sect could tell that Elder Tiandao, who held a position second only to the Sect Master, greatly valued Zhang Ergou.
Coupled with the fact that Zhang Ergou's identity as an alchemist was revealed today.
After midnight, the number of people entering Zhang Ergou's room did not decrease; instead, it increased. Disciples waited quietly outside.
First, several Nascent Soul stage elders expressed their desire to recruit him. Although they offered no tangible benefits, their words alone were significant.
Zhang Ergou would be able to do as he pleased within the Misty Sect in the future.
With the support of several Nascent Soul stage powerhouses, who would dare to provoke Zhang Ergou?
Two hours later, the Nascent Soul stage elders emerged from Zhang Ergou's room, looking satisfied.
Although Zhang Ergou had not given them any concrete guarantees,
his statement, "If the elders require anything in the future, I will naturally do my best to refine the pills you desire for all of you,"
had pleased them immensely. They did not know Zhang Ergou's current pill refining rank,
but given his young age, his potential was immense. Securing Zhang Ergou's promise at this juncture
was far better than having to grovel for his help after he had already matured.
The price they would have to pay then would not simply be a gesture of goodwill.
Zhang Ergou knew that these elders were trying to get something for nothing, harboring ulterior motives.
Yet, he agreed to their requests one by one. Firstly, his current cultivation was insufficient to fall out with these old foxes.
By leveraging their reputations, his own affairs within the inner sect of the Misty Sect would become much simpler.
Secondly, his alchemy skills had only been demonstrated to Qiao Yanyun and the others.
As for how good his alchemy skills truly were, these people were still unaware.
They were merely valuing his potential. They likely wouldn't seek his help for at least ten years, which was why Zhang Ergou agreed.
While the elders planned to exploit Zhang Ergou, Zhang Ergou harbored similar intentions.
Furthermore, from this day forward, Zhang Ergou could use the influence of the elders to his advantage, which would be incredibly satisfying.
After the Nascent Soul stage elders left, not long after, Zhang Ergou's master, Chi Yu, and Shi Wuhen entered Zhang Ergou's room.
They were also the only two late-stage Golden Core elders from the Misty Sect who had come to the Flowing Sea Sect this time.
The other elders were all Nascent Soul stage cultivators, which showed how much the Misty Sect valued this sect competition.
"Master, Martial Uncle Shi, are you looking for me?"
Seeing Chi Yu bringing Shi Wuhen into the room, Zhang Ergou quickly stood up to greet them.
While he might afford to be a bit dismissive to others, he absolutely could not neglect his own master.
"Ergou, you've really stolen the spotlight today."
Chi Yu eyed her disciple with a smile.
Zhang Ergou felt a pang of unease under Chi Yu's gaze. Whenever Chi Yu wore that expression, trouble was usually brewing.
"Master, I... I didn't mean for this to happen!" Zhang Ergou said with a pained expression.
"Is that so? And why do I feel like you're not thinking that way at all?"
Chi Yu narrowed her eyes.
"You're probably enjoying yourself immensely, aren't you?"
"Master, heaven and earth bear witness, I absolutely did not think that way. I was simply put in that position!"
Seeing Chi Yu's expression, Zhang Ergou immediately raised two fingers.
"So, you're saying your master is wronging you?"
Ugh!
Zhang Ergou was completely flustered. What was he supposed to say? Should he admit that Chi Yu was mistaken?
Indeed, one could not reason with women, even late-stage Golden Core women.
Zhang Ergou fell silent. It seemed that no matter what he said, Chi Yu would find an excuse to reprimand him.
It was better to just not say anything.
Zhang Ergou closed his mouth, but Chi Yu exploded.
"What, you're not talking now? Say something! Weren't you quite eloquent just now?"
"You brat, do you think you're so powerful now that you've broken through to the mid-stage Golden Core?"
"Or do you think being an alchemist makes you impressive, and you're enjoying the flattery?"
As Chi Yu spoke, her voice became somewhat sharp.
"Say something! You brat, your wings have grown hard now, haven't they? Where did you go on the night you first arrived at the Flowing Sea Sect?"
Zhang Ergou finally understood why Chi Yu was so angry.
She still remembered what happened a few days ago. He had thought he had narrowly escaped.
Under Chi Yu's intense gaze, Zhang Ergou felt a little guilty.
If it were any other matter, Zhang Ergou could have easily come up with an excuse. But regarding his disappearance that night,
he truly couldn't simply fabricate a lie.
If he told the truth, how would he have escaped in the end? Wouldn't his secret be exposed then?
Seeing Zhang Ergou's continued silence, Chi Yu grew increasingly enraged. At some point, a whip appeared in her hand.
"Brat, dare you sneak out without saying a word again?"
As she spoke, Chi Yu raised the whip high in her hand.
"Junior Sister, this is not necessary!" Shi Wuhen, who had been quietly observing, quickly interjected.
He had come with Chi Yu for a specific purpose involving Zhang Ergou,
but he had not expected Chi Yu's emotions to suddenly become so agitated.
If that whip landed, Zhang Ergou would surely suffer.
"Martial Uncle Shi, it's fine. Just let my master spank me a little to vent her anger."
Zhang Ergou knew he was in the wrong. Seeing Shi Wuhen try to intervene, he spoke up on his own accord.
Sigh...