Chapter 43: Aftermath of the Immortal Herbs

Chapter 43: Aftermath of the Immortal Herbs

When the four returned to the Po Zhi Clan, each went to their respective responsibilities. Yang Zhentian, who had been absent for over a month, resumed his duties as Young Clan Leader, managing various tasks that had piled up. Yang Wudi and Yang Wushuang took charge of processing the newly harvested medicinal herbs, planning how to handle the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma. Niu Jinfeng immediately went home to dote on her young daughter, and later, she discreetly pulled Yang Potian into the secret chamber.

"Potian," she began, "the medicinal garden you and your father found has been completely hidden. The entire area is secured, so no one should find it. Here's the key to access it. Guard it well—I only made three: one for your father, one for your grandfathers, and this one for you."

Then, she carefully explained the mechanisms for entering the hidden garden and detailed the safety measures she had put in place.

"Son, I heard that you discovered the garden and even found that rare Earth Dragon Gourd for me, and a Ten-Thousand-Year Earth Lingzhi for your grandfather. I'm so proud to have a son like you! I'm now a 73rd-level Soul Sage, so next time you need a spirit ring, I'll take you myself."

"Mom, that was a small favor, really. Just remember to keep the garden's location a secret."

"Silly child, do I need you to tell me that?" She chuckled. "I've seen a lot more than you might think."

They talked for a while longer before leaving the chamber.

These past few days, Yang Potian had felt uneasy about the valuable immortal herbs he had stored in a single soul tool. If someone were to take that, all his efforts would be lost. So, he covertly obtained a smaller, easily concealed soul tool to carry the most precious herbs directly on him. In his larger storage device, he kept only common medicinal plants and a few ten-thousand-year supplements, including Ten-Thousand-Year Tuckahoe, Ten-Thousand-Year White Peony, the Snow Silkworm, and Vermilion Lotus.

After lunch one day, Potian headed to his grandfather's alchemy room to continue his medicinal studies. To his surprise, his father and grandfathers were there as well. He intended to slip away quietly, assuming they had matters to discuss, but they stopped him.

"Son," Yang Zhentian said, "when we went to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, I remember you gathered quite a few rare items while I was absorbed with the Fragrant Qiluo Immortal Herb. Would you mind sharing some of those herbs with your grandfathers?"

Yang Potian had to hold back his laughter, realizing that his father must have divulged his stash of rare herbs. If he produced them now, his grandfathers might never give them back. Luckily, he had anticipated this.

"Dad," he replied innocently, "I already handed over everything I found. All I have now are some ordinary herbs."

The three looked visibly displeased, especially Yang Zhentian, who knew his son still held rare herbs. Potian's complete denial left him with no way to explain to his father and uncle.

Unable to contain himself, Yang Wudi spoke up, "Potian, just show us. I just want to see what you've got, nothing more."

With a quick calculation, Potian realized his father hadn't revealed the exact contents of his haul. He grinned and replied, "Grandfather, here's my soul tool. Take a look—I already handed the best items to Dad since he said I was too young to hold onto them."

Potian opened the soul tool, displaying numerous jade boxes containing rare herbs. Although the contents were remarkable, none of the true immortal herbs were there.

Inside the tool, there were some impressive plants, including Ten-Thousand-Year Tuckahoe, Ten-Thousand-Year White Peony, an enormous Snow Silkworm, and a Vermilion Lotus—plants so large they almost looked supernatural.

Potian even handed over his wrist-mounted soul tool, inviting them to inspect its contents if they wished.

Yang Wudi and Yang Wushuang thoroughly examined the soul tool and, finding nothing extraordinary, turned their eyes back to Yang Zhentian, whose expression had darkened.

Realizing he was cornered, Zhentian produced a few jade boxes from his soul tool. Inside were the plants allocated to him earlier: the Yearning Heartbroken Red, the Eight-Petal Orchid, and the Phoenix Crown Cockscomb. Anything beyond that, he refused to surrender.

Yang Wudi and Yang Wushuang grabbed the jade boxes and examined the herbs, marveling at their rarity.

"The Yearning Heartbroken Red truly deserves its reputation as a peerless treasure among flowers," Wudi commented, "with the power to resurrect the dead and heal even the gravest injuries."

"The Eight-Petal Orchid is mild and potent, perfect for nurturing the soul and purifying impurities," Wushuang added. "It's indeed the finest of orchids."

"The Phoenix Crown Cockscomb, a fire-based treasure, enhances pure yang energy and dramatically boosts soul power—a true gift for fire attribute soul masters."

They studied the herbs, admiring them with an intense fervor reminiscent of Chrysanthemum Douluo in the original story. Reluctant to let go, they carefully tucked the herbs away for later research.

"Zhentian, do you have any more immortal herbs? Bring them out. Don't worry; we won't keep them from you."

Internally, Zhentian cursed his son. There was no way he'd get these three back, let alone add more.

"No, Father, Uncle, these are all we managed to obtain. You're welcome to ask Potian if you don't believe me." He cast a stern look at his son, a silent warning.

Potian responded quickly, "Grandfather, Granduncle, immortal herbs are extremely rare and precious. Even the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well only held so much—having these is already a tremendous find!"

After a pause, the elders seemed convinced. "Immortal herbs are rare indeed, and each represents a gift from nature itself," Yang Wudi conceded. "It's fortunate we have what we do. We'll study these and return them, Zhentian."

Without waiting for a response, they spirited away the herbs. Potian hastily gathered his own herbs and soul tool, taking back everything as his grandfathers chuckled at his eagerness.

Zhentian, however, looked frustrated as they left the alchemy room. "Potian, you really set me up this time. To make it up to me, why don't you hand over one of those immortal herbs you're hiding?"

Potian grinned, unfazed. "Dad, what are you talking about? Grandfather said he just wants to study them. He'll give them back soon. You don't need to worry."

With that, he left without another word.

(End of Chapter)

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