Chapter 367 - 244: Elder Kong’s Gift, Two Secret Matters

Chapter 367: Chapter 244: Elder Kong’s Gift, Two Secret Matters

A booming laugh erupted from Elder Kong. It was filled with a palpable sense of... exhilaration and utter satisfaction.

This could only mean one thing: Elder Kong had achieved some long-held goal or expectation.

And he had done so with Alchemist Lin’s help.

A thoughtful expression appeared on Bai Hengwan’s beautiful face.

Although Elder Kong had used her to deliver his message to Alchemist Lin, he hadn’t shared any specifics. Still, she had her suspicions. The only way Alchemist Lin could possibly help Elder Kong was with something related to Alchemy.

’What could two Pill Masters possibly accomplish together? Isn’t it obvious?’

...

Bai Hengwan didn’t leave immediately, choosing to wait quietly outside instead.

After a few moments.

"Miss Heng, come on in."

Elder Kong’s voice called from within the hall. With a great RUMBLE, the doors swung open.

Two figures were revealed inside—one in black, the other in green.

Both stood before a table. Elder Kong, dressed in black, was bent over, tidying something up. Beside him, the Green Robe Cultivator simply watched with his hands behind his back, his posture as upright as a pine tree.

Hearing the soft footsteps, Lin Changheng turned. He smiled at Bai Hengwan and offered a cupped-fist salute.

"Greetings, Bai Zhenchuan. It has been a while."

Bai Hengwan returned the gesture with a slight bow and a faint smile. "True friendship isn’t measured by how often we meet."

"Indeed."

Lin Changheng nodded at once. He certainly wasn’t going to refute a statement meant to bring them closer.

Just then, Elder Kong finished gathering the old and new formula notes from the table. He turned to the two of them, who were now engaged in pleasant conversation, and a smile touched his face.

"Miss Heng, you’ve done me a huge favor by helping me contact Alchemist Lin."

"I’m now one step closer to breaking through to the next Realm."

"Of course, my greatest thanks go to Alchemist Lin. He has been a profound inspiration to this old man, hahaha."

Bai Hengwan, however, didn’t accept the praise. "How can I take any credit? It all belongs to Alchemist Lin. I merely acted as a messenger."

Lin Changheng was somewhat surprised by her words and couldn’t help but study Bai Zhenchuan for a few extra moments.

He saw that her expression was earnest, not feigned in the slightest. She clearly meant what she said.

’For someone like her, the position of True Inheritance is hardly the end of her path. Especially when it comes to the allocation of resources, the help of someone like Elder Kong—who has the ear of the Qing Lan Wanderer—is incredibly important.’

Elder Kong simply smiled and shook his head. He was clearly quite familiar with Bai Hengwan’s disposition and wasn’t surprised by her response.

"I can’t claim any credit either. During my exchange with Elder Kong, I also benefited immensely. Many of his concepts and methods on the Alchemy Dao were truly eye-opening. Absorbing and internalizing them will save me at least three to five years of exploration on my path."

Lin Changheng spoke truthfully. This fifteen-day exchange would become the foundation for his advancement to Tier Two Upper Grade Alchemist.

"Hahaha, you two are more interesting than the last! Since you both refuse the credit, does that mean it all belongs to this old man?"

Elder Kong burst out laughing, his eyes darting between the two of them with a look of great amusement.

"Ahem."

Lin Changheng cleared his throat.

Bai Hengwan, however, simply smiled graciously.

"This old man isn’t a stingy person. I repay kindness and settle grudges. And my personal fortune is quite substantial. Mr. Lin, if there is anything you require, just say the word. Perhaps I can help you with a thing or two."

With a wave of his hand, Elder Kong insisted on giving Lin Changheng a reward, leaving no room for argument.

The look he gave Lin Changheng was mischievous. Lin Changheng understood it at a glance; it seemed to say... ’Miss this chance and you won’t get another.’

Lin Changheng’s mind raced for a moment before he made a decision. He saluted solemnly and said, "Actually, there is one thing I require... though I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to mention."

"Speak."

Elder Kong replied, a grin spreading across his face as if to say, ’That’s more like it.’

Standing to the side, Bai Hengwan simply watched them in silence, as serene as a snow lotus on a remote mountain peak, untouched by the mortal world.

"I have attended several of the Immortal City’s Auctions in the past—both large and small—and a particular Spirit Fruit has always been featured."

"It is called the Flood Dragon Blood Fruit, and it would be a great aid to my Cultivation..."

Lin Changheng mentioned the Flood Dragon Blood Fruit after a moment’s thought.

Before he could finish, Elder Kong cut him off with a laugh. "And what makes you so certain that I would have the Flood Dragon Blood Fruit? Or, more to the point, that you could find it here in Fusheng Lake?"

Lin Changheng smiled. The way Elder Kong phrased his question made him all the more certain. He immediately voiced his deduction. "For the Flood Dragon Blood Fruit to appear so frequently at auctions, combined with the ’Flood Dragon’ in its name, it’s hard not to connect it to the Immortal City’s unique Tier Three Spirit Beast, the Cyan Glaze Flood Dragon..."

"A good deduction. And quite observant of you."

Elder Kong nodded.

At this point, Bai Hengwan spoke up, seeing no need for secrecy. "Mr. Lin is correct. The Flood Dragon Blood Fruit is indeed a specialty of the Immortal Lake and is related to the Cyan Glaze Flood Dragon. Of course, it’s not made from its blood. It grows near the lair of Monarch Qing Li, where it is infused day and night with Flood Dragon Qi and Demonic Power."

"So that’s how it is."

The truth wasn’t far from what Lin Changheng had guessed. He immediately cupped his fist and said, "I wonder if Elder Kong would be willing to provide some? I would be happy to purchase them at market price."

’He deliberately didn’t mention Bai Zhenchuan in his request. This is a matter between him and Elder Kong; involving her would mean owing her another favor, which is unnecessary.’

’After all, favors have to be repaid.’

Elder Kong didn’t seem to mind. He clearly had the authority for such things and said with a smile, "Easily done."

With the matter settled, Lin Changheng was secretly overjoyed.

’Waiting five years just for one or two Flood Dragon Blood Fruits to appear at the Auction is far too slow.’