JSCMU-Chapter 173: My Precious Disciple

The old man also noticed Yue Zhao and looked over with curiosity.

“Senior,” Yue Zhao immediately greeted respectfully.

The old man chuckled, “What, you sensed it too?”

Yue Zhao gave a bitter smile. These naturally grown spiritual plants belonged to the capable. Since this senior arrived at the same time as him, the rule was clear. Each would rely on their own ability.

But… how could he possibly be a match for this elder?

The old man also saw the worry on Yue Zhao’s face and couldn’t help but laugh, “Kid, you’re also here for the Bishui Fruit, right? How about this, if there’s more than one, we’ll split them evenly. But if there’s only one, then I’ll be taking it. I’m currently collecting rare spiritual plants as a gift for my disciple, whom I’ve never met.”

This old man was none other than Qing Yun, who came from afar.

Canglan Kingdom was extremely remote, there wasn’t even a long-distance teleportation array nearby. For the most part, he had to fly here himself, so naturally, he arrived a bit late.

Fortunately, he made it just in time.

It’d only been half a month, there should still be time, right?

Yue Zhao really needed the Bishui Fruit. Plus, Little Junior Sister said that the success rate wasn’t guaranteed, so it would be best to prepare multiple sets of ingredients.

But he also knew.

The fact that this senior was even proposing to split it was already extremely generous.

If it was someone else, even if they took everything, Yue Zhao would’ve had no grounds to object.

He nodded respectfully, while calculating silently.

If there really was only one Bishui Fruit, maybe he could try buying it with spirit stones.

He built up quite a fortune over time, and recently, helping Yun Jin run the business had earned him even more.

Although Yun Jin said he could spend freely, Yue Zhao still didn’t plan to use her money unless absolutely necessary.

If he offered everything he had, it should be enough to buy a Bishui Fruit.

And if not, he’d borrow a little from Little Junior Sister.

Thinking this through, Yue Zhao slowly calmed down.

“Come on, let’s take a look,” Qing Yun said with a smile.

Yue Zhao hurried to follow.

Qing Yun’s spiritual sense was incredibly powerful. With just a sweep, he locked onto a specific area.

Yue Zhao followed him all the way, and before long, they arrived at the spot where the Bishui Fruit was growing.

It was a rocky area by the shoreline.

The Bishui Fruit was nestled in a crack in the rock.

Nothing unusual could be seen on the surface, but underneath, its roots were frantically absorbing water, causing the surrounding sea to churn with ripples.

In fact, the whole surrounding area was bone-dry and yellowed.

Other than the Bishui Fruit, not a single plant grew nearby.

What pleasantly surprised Yue Zhao was that there were actually two Bishui Fruits here. Judging by their appearance, they had to be at least 500 years old, maybe even older.

According to what the senior said earlier, he should be willing to share one.

Thinking about this, Yue Zhao still felt a bit anxious.

If the elder changed his mind, there would be nothing he could do.

Qing Yun glanced at Yue Zhao and smiled, there was no sign of backing out. He said cheerfully, “You’re in luck. There are exactly two Bishui Fruits, so one each. Did you bring a water-element box to store it in?”

Yue Zhao quickly took out a jade-green box.

Qing Yun nodded. With a flick of his hand, the two fruits flew toward them.

He took one for himself.

Yue Zhao carefully stored the other.

Seeing Yue Zhao treat it like a treasure, Qing Yun chuckled.

Though the Bishui Fruit was rare, it wasn’t much to him. It was just something to pick up while passing by.

But for a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator, it could be considered a true treasure.

That said, this kid wasn’t water-element… Was he preparing it for someone else?

Qing Yun didn’t press the matter.

His thoughts were entirely on his future precious disciple.

“Kid, let me ask you something,” Qing Yun said.

Yue Zhao quickly replied, “Senior, please ask!”

He also wanted to get closer to Qing Yun. Just in case, he still hoped to buy the second fruit.

Qing Yun asked, “Are you from Canglan Kingdom?”

The Endless Sea was close to Canglan, so the chances were high.

Yue Zhao immediately answered, “Disciple has lived in Canglan since childhood.”

Qing Yun nodded in satisfaction. So, he’s a local.

Since he came alone, he really needed a guide like this.

Then he asked, “Since you’re from Canglan, do you know about that genius alchemist girl who recently emerged?”

Yue Zhao: “???”

His expression suddenly turned strange.

Thinking Yue Zhao hadn’t caught on, Qing Yun continued, “The one who improved the Foundation Establishment Pill formula. She showed up near the marketplace between Tianxing Sect and Huangshi Sect.”

With such specific details, how could Yue Zhao not know?

“You haven’t heard of her?” Qing Yun asked with a bit of suspicion.

Yue Zhao cleared his throat, “For a genius like that, of course I’ve heard the rumors.”

“Oh?” Qing Yun perked up. “Do you know her?”

Yue Zhao’s expression twisted, but he replied, “This disciple only heard of someone like her. I wouldn’t have any personal connection. Rumors say she might even be a disciple from a Holy Land.”

“Absolutely impossible,” Qing Yun said with firm conviction.

“…Hm?” Now Yue Zhao was the one confused.

If she weren’t from a Holy Land, how could she have that kind of talent?

Qing Yun raised his brow. How could he not know whether Xuandan Sect or its affiliated top sects had such a disciple?

He didn’t explain further and only said, “It’s fine if you don’t know her. You should at least know where that market is. Lead me there, and I’ll give you a handsome reward. How about it?”

Yue Zhao’s eyes flickered.

Leading the way was simple…

But.

Why was this mysterious elder looking for Little Junior Sister?

When Yue Zhao didn’t respond, Qing Yun’s brow furrowed slightly.

Yue Zhao gave a bitter smile and said, “Senior, you may not know. Many people are looking for that genius girl. In fact, one of the upper sects in Canglan, Yiqi Sect, has a seventh-rank alchemist! That’s a seventh-rank alchemist! That man even came to the marketplace himself, just to find her. He said if she was willing, he’d take her as a personal disciple on the spot! If senior had any grudges against that girl, I’m afraid that would also be going against the seventh-rank alchemist.”

Yue Zhao brought up Qi Yu. If this senior had bad intentions, that might make him think twice.

“Seventh-rank alchemist?” Qing Yun frowned, then instantly grew anxious, “Where is that girl now? She didn’t actually agree, did she?!”

Yue Zhao shook his head, “She hasn’t shown herself since.”

The old man burst into laughter, “Hahaha! Good girl! That’s my disciple alright, so clever. A mere seventh-rank alchemist? Not worthy of being her master! Come on, hurry up. We can’t let my precious disciple slip away!”

Yue Zhao’s expression shifted.

This old man came to take Little Junior Sister as a disciple too?

And.

What did he just say?

A mere seventh-rank alchemist?!

Seventh-rank alchemist!

And he said “mere”!

Then what kind of status did this old man have?

Suddenly, Yue Zhao remembered how earlier, when he mentioned the “Holy Land,” the old man flatly denied it.

How could he be so certain?

Unless…

Yue Zhao’s expression completely changed.