He Kao rushed to Hengzhou by high-speed train to "pay a New Year's visit" to Lin Qingshuang. Actually, it was already late; the Lantern Festival had passed, and soon the first month would be over. Why only remember now?

However, after a few words upon entering, Lin Qingshuang was all smiles.

He Kao spoke honestly; he didn't stay in Qi Yuan during the New Year. He went out for a road trip, driving all the way to the border of Eastern Country and Maoluo Country, even into the depths of Xiaoling Mountain's Forest Sea Snowfield for a spin, so he couldn't come earlier.

As soon as He Kao came in, he praised Elder Lin, saying his cultivation had clearly advanced, and he looked at least ten years younger!

Lin Qingshuang was already in his early sixties this year, but he originally looked like he was in his forties. He Kao's words were a bit exaggerated, but Lin Qingshuang enjoyed hearing them because his tone was so sincere.

He Kao also mentioned Xiaopang and Meng Ya, saying he heard Elder Lin had personally guided them. He joked if, since Xiaopang called her Big Sister, should he call her Big Sister too?

Lin Qingshuang scolded him for being cheeky, then He Kao presented his gift.

Seeing the wild ginseng in the wooden box, Lin Qingshuang's reaction was different from Old Qian's. She didn't say it was too precious to accept, but was happily surprised, repeatedly saying the thought was what counted.

Lin Qingshuang asked He Kao where it came from, because it was obviously freshly dug!

He Kao praised Elder Lin's insight, as he immediately saw that it had been harvested just this month. He personally dug it out from the icy and snowy wilderness, almost exhausting himself to tendinitis.

Lin Qingshuang sighed quietly.

Theoretically, this was the best time to harvest ginseng, but in reality, ordinary gatherers couldn't dig it up. Not only was the frozen soil layer hard, but the stems and leaves on the ground had withered and were covered by heavy snow, making it impossible to find any.

At least Tier Three Cultivation, with mastery of Divine Sense, was required for such a feat. Additionally, one had to brave the bitter cold in the mountains and wilderness.

It seemed He Kao had already reached Tier Three Cultivation. No wonder he was a secret disciple of the Elder.

He Kao didn't realize that with a casual comment, he had inadvertently revealed his cultivation. Perhaps he felt at ease around Lin Qingshuang and wasn't on guard.

Lin Qingshuang didn't point it out, instead inquiring about his experiences in the Northeast. He Kao mentioned Wu Yanjun, saying he had run into an elder, Second Grandfather Xiao Guangnian, in Xiaohe Town.

Second Grandfather said the old ginseng was a valuable item, worth several tens of thousands! So after He Kao returned to Qi Yuan, he quickly came to show it off to Elder Lin...

When Lin Qingshuang heard this, she furrowed her brow and said, "Several tens of thousands? Does Xiao Guangnian intend to offer this price to buy the wild ginseng in your hand?"

He Kao: "Not really, Second Grandfather said it could be exchanged for a house. In a place like Xiaohe Town, a house..."

Lin Qingshuang laughed and interrupted him, "He wasn't talking about Xiaohe Town. Your estimate needs two more zeros; it could get a house in Qi Yuan."

"Huh? That's ridiculous!" Now it was He Kao's turn to be stunned. No wonder Second Grandfather said he only went into the mountains to dig one such ginseng each winter; digging just one was enough.

Lin Qingshuang chuckled, pointing at the box, "Nearly fifty years old wild ginseng, in this complete state, with the best medicinal properties; it's almost unseen in the market.

Even if one occasionally appears, it wouldn't be openly sold in pharmacies but would have already been booked privately.

For such good items, many people have long asked me to get them; the price isn't a problem! If the connection isn't right, I wouldn't even want to find them."

I'm running a pharmacy, but not just a pharmacy. The items I handle are trusted by everyone... How about it? Name your price, and I'll thank you on behalf of my friends who want it!"

He Kao quickly waved it off, "This is my gift to you!"

Lin Qingshuang: "I've already spoken to this extent, and you're still giving it as a gift?"

He Kao: "This has nothing to do with its value; plus, I dug it up myself and didn't spend a dime! With the rapport we have, giving you a ginseng is nothing."

Lin Qingshuang looked at He Kao, growing more satisfied and also more sentimental as she looked.

At first, she was surprised but also delighted when she saw the gift He Kao brought because the thought was appreciated. Later, she realized there was a misunderstanding; He Kao didn't know its value, so she couldn't accept it.

Fearing He Kao might be embarrassed to backtrack, she offered him a way out. However, after He Kao understood its value, he still decided to give it to her.

Lin Qingshuang nodded, "Alright, then I'll accept it. If you need any help in the future, feel free to come to me!"

She handled matters straightforwardly; since He Kao was giving it, she saw no need to be overly modest. She previously had someone give He Kao five bottles of elixir, which he accepted.

He Kao wasn't shy, immediately following up, "Speaking of which, I do have a favor to ask right now."

Lin Qingshuang waved her hand, "Speak."

He Kao: "I actually dug three ginsengs this time, all about the same age. To protect the ecology, the ones that were a bit younger, like ten or twenty years old, I didn't touch even if I saw them.

I gave one to you first, another will go to Old Qian, and there's one left. Please sell it for me? My expenses have been a bit high recently, and I've bought a bunch of stuff, so I don't have much cash on hand."

Lin Qingshuang chuckled again, "No problem, you've come to the right person. You might not be able to sell it for much on your own."

On the way back, He Kao also felt emotional, never expecting Second Elder to be so generous, gifting him a ginseng that was better than the three he dug up himself.

He even sliced a few ginseng roots for Wu Yanjun to cook a porridge. That pot of porridge was quite valuable, let's consider it a hush fee for Xiaowu.

Returning to Qi Yuan, He Kao sliced a few more ginseng roots, combined them with mushrooms from the neighboring Northeast region, and other medicinal stew ingredients, and made a pot of Flying Dragon Soup at President E's home.

Two Flying Dragons imported from Maoluo Country, it's convenient to grab things when you light up a new map.

Gao Xue'e thought it was pigeon soup, felt the soup was incredibly tasty, and particularly nourishing, constantly praising He Kao's skills!

He Kao later gave a ginseng to Old Qian, and Qian Guran eventually accepted it.

Because of this, Qian Guran privately advised He Kao not to be so extravagant or so generous and casual in his actions, lest he be watched by others.

He Kao accepted the advice humbly and stated that he's not so generous with everyone.

Back at Qi Yuan, He Kao continuously kept an eye on the Ancestral Hall, but no news came from there. It seems Wu Yanjun's case is still under investigation, as the Ancestral Hall tightly controlled information to prevent leaks.

A week later, although the Ancestral Hall hadn't announced anything, Elder Jiang privately told He Kao the details of the case—

The matter was not Wan Zhongle's doing; the mastermind was Yu Pingzhou, involving a Supreme Elder from the Alchemy Sect, Qi Nansheng. Hence, the investigation must be cautious.

Qi Nansheng is already a Tier Six Pharmacist at the Alchemy Sect, having served as an Ancestral Hall Elder twenty years ago. His seniority is quite high; even Elders like Jiang Daozhen, Zong Zheng, Li Xiuyuan, Gu Chun, Kang Rulin, and Wild Phoenix have to call him Master Uncle.

Five years ago, Qi Nansheng resigned, and the rising star of the Alchemy Sect, Mei Guyu, succeeded him as Ancestral Hall Elder.

For the past few years, Mei Guyu has been in seclusion within the Immortal Pot Grotto Heaven, reportedly aiming to break through to a Tier Seven Grand Pharmacist. The day-to-day affairs of the Alchemy Sect are managed by three stewards.

In situations requiring an Ancestral Hall Elder's decision, Mei Guyu typically entrusts Second Elder Zong Zheng to fully represent her opinions.

Elder Mei is very young, the exact age Elder Jiang didn't mention, but she has to call Elder Jiang Master Uncle, and now she's on the verge of breaking into Tier Seven, showcasing her exceptional talent.

Jiang Daozhen's disciple Wei Luo became a Tier Five Wanderer before turning twenty. However, in terms of aptitude and talent, he is not considered the most outstanding among the current Magic Sect's younger generation, because Mei Guyu precedes him.

The various Magic Sects have other excellent disciples, making it difficult to say who would be second, but Mei Guyu is unanimously regarded as the first.

Mei Guyu is a typical cultivator, focused on cultivation, not liking to handle various mundane affairs, plus being quite young, ranking a generation younger than the other elders, unsuitable for prematurely becoming an Ancestral Hall Elder.

However, there was no choice. The former Ancestral Hall Elder Qi Nansheng, during his tenure, worked hard and was at an advanced age, firmly intending to step down, focusing solely on cultivation, and others couldn't forcibly retain him.

At the time, the Alchemy Sect could only have Mei Guyu succeed Qi Nansheng, so she became the youngest Elder in the Ancestral Hall.

This was publicly announced by the Ancestral Hall, but there was another backdrop to the story. The real reason was a conflict between Qi Nansheng and Wild Phoenix.

Qi Nansheng, being old and of high seniority, had little reservation saying things others might hesitate to. He disapproved of Wild Phoenix's lifestyle, openly criticizing her many times.

Initially, Elder Qi might not have intended hostility, merely advising Wild Phoenix to consider her influence and be less ostentatious in certain matters.

Initially, Wild Phoenix didn't care, or rather, she didn't want to argue with Master Uncle Qi, continuing her own way.

From her perspective, she had already shown Qi Master Uncle respect; but from Qi Nansheng's view, Wild Phoenix's attitude was disrespectful.

Thus, later, Qi Nansheng formed an opinion on Wild Phoenix personally.

Once during an Ancestral Hall meeting, involving not just stewards from various sects but also many high-tier cultivators attending. Elder Qi deliberately chose this crowded moment to once again publicly "admonish" Wild Phoenix.

This enraged Wild Phoenix. She cursed Qi Nansheng vehemently, too nasty to retell... In any case, it was extremely unpleasant.

Qi Nansheng was highly respected, and everyone showed immense deference before him. How had he ever been cursed like that, especially in front of numerous younger disciples?

If not for other elders intervening, a fight almost broke out, but ultimately it didn't happen. In truth, Qi Nansheng couldn't rightfully attack Wild Phoenix; she was a woman and a junior, and merely cursed him.

Although Wild Phoenix's words were unpleasant, they weren't entirely unreasonable—does this matter relate to the Ancestral Hall?

Even more damning, Wild Phoenix exposed many of Elder Qi's romantic escapades, not only of his youth but some events even after he turned eighty.

Elder Qi couldn't maintain dignity, retreated in humiliation.

**

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