**Chapter 10: Harvest and Concerns**
In the aftermath of the battle in the valley, Ye Jingcheng and his group had collected seven first-grade fawns. According to his fourth brother's estimate, each fawn could be sold to the family for about thirty spirit stones.
Among the eighteen first-grade adult deer corpses, only seven were male, and only three had antlers. The value of deer with antlers was significantly higher: fifteen spirit stones each, compared to eight spirit stones for those without antlers.
Additionally, there were ten first-grade middle-grade deer corpses, nine of which were male. Of these, five had antlers, valued at thirty spirit stones each, while the ones without antlers were worth twenty spirit stones.
In total, the Long-Eared Deer brought in nearly six hundred spirit stones.
The Azure Cloud Wolves were worth less: thirty first-grade low-grade wolves were valued at four spirit stones each, while twelve first-grade middle-grade wolves were worth ten spirit stones each.
Altogether, the loot amounted to about eight hundred and twenty spirit stones. After accounting for some meat kept for feeding spirit beasts and other losses, the net was around eight hundred spirit stones.
Ye Jingyu was expected to receive a significant share, given that he had used two high-grade Fire Rain Talismans worth two hundred spirit stones each. Ye Jingcheng was unsure of his exact share but anticipated it would be no less than one hundred spirit stones.
To put it into perspective, one round of pill refining at the Pill Refining Pavilion, which took three days, yielded only around twenty spirit stones in profit. Thus, without considering the spring water they collected, the spirit stones they earned could cover the cost of refining five batches of spirit pills.
The heavy rain continued, creating a mist that shrouded Lingyun Peak in an even more mysterious atmosphere. Amidst his excitement, Ye Jingcheng couldn't help but glance toward the mountain peak.
In addition to the forthcoming rewards, he was concerned about the changes in the Jade Ring Mouse and Red Flame Fox potentially raising suspicion within the family.
Cultivation was often harsh, though he knew the Ye family had some warmth. He had previously tested this; when his spiritual root was detected, the family's elders had not discovered the existence of the ancient book. Since the Red Flame Fox was contracted through blood oath, it couldn't be bound again by another blood contract without weakening or even causing death.
Ye Jingcheng shook his head and, no longer gazing at the rain falling from the eaves, entered the house to take out the Red Flame Fox and the Jade Ring Mouse.
He set out three bowls, pouring spring water into one of them. The Jade Ring Mouse drank from the corner, while the Red Flame Fox climbed onto Ye Jingcheng's lap, looking at him with affection and making sweet, playful noises.
"Little Flame, you really know how to enjoy yourself!"
Despite his verbal complaints, Ye Jingcheng cherished the Red Flame Fox deeply. He held the bowl of spring water up to its mouth, feeding it personally. After drinking, the fox's fur shimmered even more brightly.
Ye Jingcheng petted the fox while sipping from his own bowl of spring water.
---
[translator: sauron]
On the mid-level of Lingyun Peak, the view was breathtaking, with countless clouds and mist making the scenery even more picturesque in the rain.
A grand hall stood quietly here, serving as the Ye family's conference hall. At this moment, Ye Jingyu was standing in a corner with his head lowered.
Before him were several elders of the Ye family, including the previous head, Ye Haicheng, the current head, Ye Xingliu, and several elders at the ninth level of Qi Refining, including Ye Haoyi of the Demon Hunter Hall and Ye Haiyun of the Pill Refining Pavilion.
Ye Xingliu, dressed in simple, loose green robes, still exuded an air of authority. It was clear that Ye Jingyu's impressive appearance was inherited from him.
"What do you all think?" Ye Xingliu asked.
"I believe we underestimated it. The Red Fox truly has exceptional abilities. Since Jingcheng managed to save it, it must be his fortune. We should let him develop it, as our family doesn't place much importance on spiritual roots!" Ye Haiyun spoke first.
"If he has sufficient beast-taming skills, the more spiritual root attributes he has, the better, and the more he is worth cultivating!" Ye Haiyun's words might have shocked others, but in this hall, everyone remained calm.
The others nodded in agreement. Ye Xingliu then looked at Ye Haicheng.
"Do you have an answer in mind?" Ye Haicheng asked.
"Nothing escapes the great uncle's notice!" Ye Xingliu replied with a slight smile, then looked at Jingyu.
"You reported this well. Jingcheng is a good child. Take good care of him, and the family will also increase his allowance!"
"Yes, Father!" Ye Jingyu responded eagerly. His report wasn't driven by any personal ambition regarding the Red Flame Fox. He trusted his father and was relieved to see his concerns addressed.
The Ye family was known for not exploiting its members, but caution was always necessary.
Ye Xingliu then addressed Ye Haiyun, "I hope Fourth Uncle can find time to mentor Jingcheng. If he can advance to a mid-grade pill refiner, his support will come naturally!"
"It is said that his spirit pills already have spiritual fragrance. He could also be arranged for the inner hall assessment!"
"Yes, Head!" Ye Haiyun agreed, noting Jingcheng's commendable qualities and potential.
The Ye family's lack of emphasis on spiritual roots had its reasons.
---
In Ye Jingcheng's courtyard, he took advantage of a rare day to practice. After exhaling a breath of turbid air, he felt a hint of breakthrough coming, which made him excited.
The rain had stopped, and sunlight poured in through the window. Ye Jingyu and Ye Jingyong's voices soon followed.
"Jingcheng, are you here?"
"Yes, Second Brother, Fourth Brother!" Ye Jingcheng quickly put away the Red Flame Fox and Jade Ring Mouse, then went outside to greet them.
He invited them in, hurriedly making tea with spring water. Although the tea leaves were ordinary, the spring water added a touch of spirit, making it exceptionally flavorful.
Ye Jingyu sipped gently while Ye Jingyong drank quickly, wanting more.
"Jingcheng, pour me another cup. This time, Fourth Brother said he's taking forty percent, I'm taking thirty percent, and you're taking thirty percent!"
"And do you know how much spirit stones we made this time?"
"Nine hundred spirit stones! The seven Long-Eared Deer were so well-preserved that the family added an extra hundred spirit stones!"
"You've earned quite a bit. I must drink more of your tea!"
"Also, because your spirit pills are so effective, the family is offering you a free recipe for a mid-grade spirit pill!" Ye Jingyong excitedly shared the news.
(End of Chapter)