Bamboo Mound

Ning Chang nodded and took out the slightly wilted mulberry branch from his spatial bag.

"Then this branch of mulberry will be entrusted to the sect leader for cultivation."

“Well… Fellow Daoist, the mulberries are fine. You must have obtained this branch because you also want to plant one.”

"It's alright. After all, I don't know these cultivation techniques now. Once the sect leader has planted it, you can just give me a branch."

"Very well then. Once this tree has grown, I will personally and carefully cultivate another one for you, fellow Daoist." The sect leader nodded and accepted the Yisang branch, a wisp of wood-attribute spiritual energy flowing from his hand.

The mulberry branch immediately regained its vitality, its leaves perked up again, and even roots sprouted from the broken part.

"First, restore its vitality, then plant it and let it grow to a certain size on its own before using cultivation techniques to accelerate its growth."

As the sect leader explained, he found an open space in the courtyard, buried the newly grown roots in the soil, and watered them.

Seeing the mulberry tree planted, Ning Chang took out the mulberry sugar jar, took out two pieces from it, and then put them away.

Now, he only has half a jar of mulberry sugar left.

"This is mulberry candy made from black mulberries by the villagers. If the sect leader doesn't mind, you can try some first. It tastes similar to the mulberries from the Yisang tree."

"Senior Brother Wang Yi, you should try some too."

"Haha." The sect leader laughed and accepted it. "Of course I won't mind. Judging from the other mulberry trees in the sect, it will take at least three months for the Yisang to bear fruit."

"It would have been fine if it hadn't happened before, but now that it's just a matter of time, I can't guarantee that I won't get too hungry and force the mulberry tree to grow prematurely."

He cut a slice off the mulberry candy, collected the rest, and then put the slice in his mouth.

After savoring it for a moment, he offered his comments:

"Not only can they make black mulberries palatable, but they can also do it to this extent. That village is truly outstanding."

“This is already much better than the mulberry trees in the sect, and its sweetness and shape can be further improved.”

"Then we'll have to wait for the sect leader's skill," Ning Chang said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the sect leader laughed along with him, leaving Wang Yi awkwardly standing aside. Although he was also somewhat looking forward to it, this was made by the sect leader himself!

But he was just an ordinary inner disciple, and could not face the sect leader as easily as Ning Chang.

Even in the sect leader's current state, he dared not make the slightest rash move.

After the two finished laughing, the sect leader asked, "Fellow Daoist Ning Chang, the effects of the True Word Pill should have worn off by now, right?"

"Almost, it has basically no effect anymore." Ning Chang sensed his body and found that the mysterious feeling had completely disappeared.

The sect leader then nodded and said, "Then we should talk about serious matters."

Then he looked at Wang Yi and said, "Wang Yi, you and Dan Tu guided Fellow Daoist Ning Chang to Medicine King Valley, which is a great achievement. The reward will be given to you later. Now, you may step down."

"Yes!" Wang Yi replied, then turned and pushed the door open to leave, making sure to close it behind him.

"Let me introduce myself. My name is Ning Tongyu. Speaking of which, Fellow Daoist Ning Chang and I have some connection."

“It is indeed a coincidence; the surname Ning is not that common,” Ning Chang echoed.

"But let's talk about that later. Fellow Daoist Ning... something's a bit strange, I'll just use Fellow Daoist Ning Chang's full name."

"Then, Fellow Daoist Ning Chang, do you still remember where the Yaoxiang Grass grows?" Ning Tongyu asked, getting straight to the point.

“Of course I remember…” Ning Chang’s words made Ning Tongyu suddenly happy, but then he was immediately doused with cold water.

"It's just that it's probably impossible to find now."

Ning Chang paused for a moment and then said, "The clump of fragrant grass I encountered grew in a boundless mountain range, without any markers to indicate its location."

"Even if I follow the direction, I'm not confident I can find that place again, and I might even get lost there!"

Upon hearing this, Ning Tongyu's eyes dimmed for a moment, but then a resolute look flashed across them again.

Although he didn't get the exact location, he already knew the general direction and area. With his abilities, he would bring back Yaoxiangcao even if he had to search bit by bit!

It's at most a matter of ten years or so!

"However, I've heard Wang Yi and Dan Tu mention that the growth of the Yaoxiang Grass requires suitable terrain, and at least I remember that terrain, and..."

“The seeds of that clump of fragrant herbs.” Ning Chang had not yet noticed the change in Ning Tongyu’s eyes.

Hearing this, Ning Tongyu's previously agitated heart calmed down once again.

Since there are seeds available, he no longer needs to search for them personally. If it weren't for the sense of responsibility, he would rather spend that time lying in the sect!

"Fellow Daoist Ning Chang, you...sigh~"

"What's wrong?" Ning Chang asked, puzzled. He had finally noticed that Ning Tongyu was acting strangely.

"Your words are such a huge contrast. I was just thinking of heading straight to find Yaoxiangcao."

"Why didn't you tell me you were keeping the seeds?" Ning Tongyu said helplessly to Ning Chang.

"Sigh, never mind, Ning Chang, say it again. I didn't listen carefully when you said you couldn't find it. Um, let's start from what you heard Wang Yi say again."

“When Wang Yi and Dan Tu were recruiting, they told me that the growth of Yaoxiang Grass requires suitable terrain, and now I know the growing environment of that Yaoxiang Grass, as well as the seeds of Yaoxiang Grass.” Ning Chang repeated, and took out a Yaoxiang Grass seed to show it before putting it away.

"This! It really is a seed of the Herb of the Distant Grass! I haven't seen such pure Herb of the Distant Grass in a long time!" Ning Tongyu was instantly extremely excited.

"Hey brother, thanks to you, brother!" He leaned forward and grabbed Ning Chang's hand across the table.

"Actually, I just wanted to keep the scent of Yaoxiangcao forever," Ning Chang said, pulling his hand back, scratching his head, and looking embarrassed.

"No need for further words, brother!" Ning Tongyu waved his hand, took out a dark jade pendant, and handed it to Ning Chang, saying:

"This is my token. From now on, all matters concerning the cultivation and propagation of wild yam within the sect will be under your management."

Furthermore, considering that Brother Ning Chang brought Yaoxiang Grass and is from the same clan as me, from now on we don't need to be formal about our sect affiliations; how about we address each other as brothers?"

"This... Sect Master, I have only just entered Medicine King Valley. Aren't you afraid that I am the kind of treacherous person to entrust me with such great power?" Ning Chang hesitated.

"Dan Tu has already told me his analysis, and combined with Brother Ning Chang's behavior just now, he's definitely not that kind of person! After all... I've also felt the cold wind at the top before!"

Upon hearing this, Ning Chang stopped refusing and accepted the token with both hands, saying, "That's fine then."

"Haha, then I'll take advantage of my age and call you Brother Chang!" Ning Tongyu laughed heartily. Seeing Ning Chang's slight confusion, he wiped his face with one hand, revealing a face that looked like he was over fifty but still had a strong voice, before returning to his original appearance.

"Brother Chang, don't let my current appearance fool you. I'm actually over forty! But in the mortal realm, I'm still considered to be in my prime."

"Brother Tongyu, what are you saying? We cultivators live for hundreds or thousands of years. Forty years old is not even considered a child!"