Chapter 223: One Year Until the Opening of Bloodvine Valley
Shen Mo nodded slightly.
For others, the task might seem extremely difficult.
But for him, it was a simple matter.
With just a glance at the old flood dragon's "Life Panel," he could naturally pinpoint the issue.
"Very well, I'll go when I have the time," Shen Mo agreed with a nod.
Wan Muchun was overjoyed. "Excellent, excellent! Here is the token. Only three exist within the sect."
"Holding this token is the only way to access the Guardian's residence."
Shen Mo was intrigued. "Who holds the other two tokens?"
Wan Muchun chuckled. "The Sect Master and Ye Yan."
Shen Mo was surprised. "Ye Yan?"
Wan Muchun nodded. "That young man has a cold and domineering personality, and his methods are ruthless. Yet, for some reason, the Guardian of the Sect seems particularly fond of him. The Guardian personally requested that Ye Yan be given one of the tokens."
Shen Mo nodded again.
This type of inexplicable favoritism was usually the result of destiny and fate.
There was no point in overthinking it.
He asked no further questions.
After a bit of casual conversation, Wan Muchun hurriedly left Dragon Snake Mountain.
Judging by the direction he took, he wasn't returning to the Jade Cauldron Sect's mountain gate but heading toward a nearby city, likely to indulge in wine and merriment.
Watching Wan Muchun's retreating figure, Shen Mo couldn't help but laugh.
However, behind the laughter, his mind turned to Wan Muchun's fate and life story.
"Quite extraordinary."
"The three figures of the Tenth Peak: Wan Muchun is a remnant of the imperial court, Zhao Yao Lü is the daughter of a Ghost King, and Lü Dongxuan is the reincarnation of a spear spirit."
Shen Mo couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
He had already seen Lü Dongxuan's life panel, discovering he was the reincarnation of a spear spirit. As for what kind of spear, the life panel didn't specify.
However, for it to have developed sentience, it was no ordinary weapon.
It might even surpass Heaven-tier artifacts.
Shen Mo dismissed the thought and returned to his residence.
He retrieved the various rewards stored in his storage ring.
Two bottles of Great Infant Transformation Pills!
Ten pounds of Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain!
Three Yin Fiend Pearls!
These three items could be rapidly converted into combat power in the short term.
"Mei Haihe!"
Shen Mo called out.
Mei Haihe immediately arrived, kneeling on one knee. "Elder Shen, what are your orders?"
Shen Mo smiled and tossed a steward's token to him. "From now on, you are a Core Formation realm steward of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Treasure it well."
Mei Haihe caught the token with both hands, first in astonishment, then with overwhelming excitement.
"Yes! I will be loyal to the Jade Cauldron Sect and to Elder Shen!"
Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction.
The latter half of Mei Haihe's statement was particularly pleasing. The old man certainly knew how to act appropriately.
"Take this two-pound sack of Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain and cook it. No stealing." Shen Mo casually tossed a heavy bag over.
The air was instantly filled with a sweet and tangy aroma.
"Rest assured, Elder, I, Mei Haihe, would never stoop to such petty theft," Mei Haihe promised with conviction.
"Go ahead." Shen Mo waved him off.
Once Mei Haihe left, Shen Mo took out the three Yin Fiend Pearls and began refining them.
It wasn't until a day later that he successfully refined all three pearls.
The color of his Dan Crown had gradually transformed from green to blue.
"To further enhance the Dan Crown, I'll likely need four Yin Fiend Pearls next."
Shen Mo clicked his tongue lightly and chuckled.
As he carefully examined the changes, he confirmed that the cooldown period for using his Nascent Soul-level techniques had been reduced again.
Now, he could use them once every two days.
Exhaling deeply, Shen Mo strode out of his residence.
A mouthwatering aroma lingered in the air around the area.
Looking over, he saw a large pot set up in the open.
Huang Caiying was crouched nearby, drooling as she reached toward the pot with her small hand.
Mei Haihe, however, was diligently swatting her hand away.
Huang Bayi stood to the side, lecturing Huang Caiying on the importance of respecting others' property.
Shen Mo cleared his throat.
Mei Haihe immediately stood at attention. "Elder, the Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain is ready. When would you like to dine?"
"Right now. I've never tasted Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain before."
Shen Mo nodded.
Mei Haihe promptly fetched a bowl and chopsticks, serving Shen Mo a large portion of Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain.
To accompany it, he had also prepared several side dishes crafted from the beast materials of Dragon Snake Mountain.
The dishes were vibrant, fragrant, and delicious, leaving Shen Mo thoroughly satisfied.
Shen Mo initially kept Mei Haihe at Dragon Snake Mountain simply because no one else was around to handle affairs.
In hindsight, it had proven to be a very wise decision.
All these trivial matters could now be delegated to Mei Haihe, freeing Shen Mo from the burden of managing them himself.
Shen Mo turned his attention to the bowl before him.
Inside, each grain of rice was plump, entirely crimson, and far larger than ordinary rice grains he had seen.
Just the aroma was invigorating, making him feel rejuvenated, as though he had regained a few years of youth.
Taking a bite, lightly chewing, and swallowing, the flavor lingered in his mouth, leaving a delightful aftertaste.
Huang Caiying, enticed by the fragrance, began drooling uncontrollably, her saliva dripping in streams.
Too embarrassed to voice her desire, she hesitated but clearly wanted to try some.
Shen Mo pinched her small nose playfully. "Serve her a small bowl. Her cultivation level is too low; she shouldn't eat too much."
Huang Bayi quickly protested, "Elder, how could this be appropriate? Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain is so precious—how could we let Caiying eat it?"
Shen Mo smiled. "It's fine. How much could a palm-sized portion of rice really cost? Each of you may have a little as recognition for your contributions over the past year."
"Thank you, Elder!" Mei Haihe was overjoyed.
Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi each received a small bowl of rice the size of a palm.
Huang Caiying's portion was even smaller, only about the size of a baby's palm.
After finishing their portions, Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi both felt refreshed and invigorated.
The gray hair at their temples even seemed to diminish significantly.
Huang Caiying, shortly after eating, felt her entire body grow warm and fell into a drowsy state.
Shen Mo waved his hand with a laugh. "Take her to rest. By the time she wakes up, she'll likely have reached the peak of Core Formation."
Huang Bayi was thrilled. "Yes!"
Mei Haihe suddenly spoke up. "Elder, I've heard that Bloodvine Valley is expected to open soon."
"If you wish to obtain more Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain, you'll have to make a trip to Bloodvine Valley."
Shen Mo nodded slightly.
Two days ago, in the discussion hall, he had glimpsed Ye Yan's upcoming fortuitous opportunity, which was also in Bloodvine Valley.
This time, it seemed necessary to make the trip.
With such a rich opportunity ahead, how could he not take advantage of it?
"Have you learned the specific opening time?" Shen Mo asked casually.
Mei Haihe nodded repeatedly. "Bloodvine Valley opens once every five years and remains open for six months each time."
"Currently, there is still one year until the next opening."
Shen Mo nodded slightly.
One year was more than enough time.
He already had a considerable number of Great Infant Transformation Pills, enough to reach the minor success stage of the Nascent Soul realm within the year.
With the strength of Nascent Soul minor success, he would feel much more confident entering Bloodvine Valley.
Meanwhile, in Yuzhou's Provincial Governor's Residence:
At the entrance stood two stone lions, each ten feet tall, exuding an aura of majesty and deterring petty intruders.
Past the gates stood a shadow wall, bearing four large characters: Protect the Nation, Protect the Family.
Beyond the wall and further inside, numerous officials bustled about, working tirelessly.
Past the main hall, there was a quiet courtyard.
The courtyard featured a few peach and apricot trees, stone tables and stools, and a pool in the southeast corner where fish swam leisurely.
A tall, elderly man dressed in plain robes sat there, calmly tossing food to the fish.
Before long, a middle-aged general entered and reported in a deep voice, "Provincial Governor, Wu Renyin has returned."
The elder in plain robes did not turn. "Well, has the Jade Cauldron Sect completely abandoned their beast-taming operations?"
Wu Renyin shook his head. "Evergreen Mountain and White Cloud Mountain have been entirely abandoned, but Dragon Snake Mountain... not only was it not abandoned, it has become a model of success."
The elder suddenly froze mid-action. "What happened?"
Wu Renyin lowered his voice. "It's a long story, but ultimately, it all comes down to one person."
"Who?"
"Shen Mo."
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