Chapter 902: Fighting to Connect

As the top contender in the Pill Concoction Hall of Fame, Ye Mo not only received the first-place badge and three Herb Valley entry permits, but also a jade card granting him one request for pill concoction from Kong Ye-Qianbei.

Immediately after the award ceremony, Ye Mo was besieged by various individuals.

“Brother Ye, I’m Qiu Tong from Heaven Forge Tower. I’d like to invite you—”

“Pill Master Ye, I’m Li Yupu from the North Far Merchant Association. May I have the honor of inviting you—”

“Ye-Qianbei!”

These individuals, all vying for Ye Mo’s attention, surrounded him. Ye Mo understood this was largely due to the Spirit Weaving Pill, rather than his first-place ranking.

“Everyone! I'm quite fatigued from the previous rounds and need to rest. My apologies,” Ye Mo said, fist-saluting those who had stopped him.

“Hahaha! Brother Ye, I knew you were extraordinary! You’re leagues beyond those dimwits,” Zhuang Man said, squeezing through the crowd to pat Ye Mo’s shoulder warmly before glaring at Wan Guoping.

Wan Guoping sneered and departed. Ye Mo mirrored the sneer. Zhuang Man, though outwardly rough, had helped him, yet Ye Mo recognized the man’s use of him to antagonize Wan Guoping—gaining himself an additional enemy in the process. Perhaps, in Zhuang Man's estimation, Ye Mo owed him a debt of gratitude. It was a shrewd calculation.

Ye Mo smiled. “Brother Zhuang fared well too. Fifth place in the Hall of Fame! If I hadn't been fortunate, I wouldn’t have ranked as high as you.”

Wan Guoping, turning, spotted Ye Chenju. His eyes widened, and he quickly fist-saluted. “Brother Chen, you were truly unlucky this time. Had Kong Ye-Qianbei not canceled the third round, I believe you still would have won.”

“Indeed! A third round should have featured the contestants’ finest creations. I’ve never heard of a Heaven-level pill crafted with Chi fire. Brother Chen is capable of creating Heaven-grade pills!” another cultivator remarked.

Ye Mo identified the cultivator as Xi Qi, a pill master from the God Sword Sect, who had placed third with 17.4 points. Confused by Xi Qi's apparent antagonism, Ye Mo wondered what he’d done to offend him.

“Hehehe, just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it can't be done. I'd say your perspective is limited. I've witnessed Heaven-grade pills made with Chi fire,” someone retorted, clearly supporting Ye Mo.

Ye Mo recognized the pill master as Wenren Fu from the Ghost Immortal Sect, who had placed sixth. He realized these individuals harbored their own conflicts, merely using others as pawns. Ye Mo smirked but remained silent.

Ye Chenju approached Ye Mo cordially, fist-saluting. “Pill Master Ye, the Spirit Weaving Pill alone secures your first-place position in the Pill Concoction Hall of Fame. I concede defeat. I am Ye Chenju. If you have the time, I would be honored to visit you.”

Ye Mo found Ye Chenju agreeable; despite his age, his demeanor was genuine and respectful.

Ye Mo returned the salute. “Very well, I await Brother Chen’s visit. Everyone, farewell.”

Turning to Wan Guoping, he stated, “My place in the Hall of Fame is secure,” before leaving. He desired no entanglement in their conflicts.

The crowd was astonished that only Ye Chenju had successfully secured an invitation. Then, remembering Ye Chenju’s second-place ranking as a Pill King, they turned their attention to him. He answered a few questions before extricating himself from the throng.

…

Outside, Ye Mo discovered Mu Yiqing and the others were gone, likely back at the hotel. He proceeded there immediately.

“Martial Brother Ye, you’re back!” Mu Yiqing greeted him.

Mu He and Lu Ming gazed at Ye Mo with admiration. Hailing from a minor sect, such an event, let alone meeting the Hall of Fame’s champion, was a rarity.

“Let’s go inside and talk,” Ye Mo said. He only required one of the three Herb Valley permits, intending to give the remaining two to Mu Yiqing. The jade card for requesting pill concoction from Kong Ye, however, he considered useless for Mu Yiqing's current level; he'd either make the pills himself or give the card to Yan Zheng as recompense.

Mu Yiqing offered a wry smile. “Brother Ye, that may not be feasible. Several individuals are seeking you. They await you in the guest room.”

Ye Mo was surprised. Their arrival predated his own. Judging by Mu Yiqing’s expression, these individuals were not to be trifled with, demanding caution.

Patting Mu He’s shoulder, he said, “Brother Mu, rest for now. I’ll speak with you after seeing these people.”

Before Ye Mo could enter the guest room, the hotel manager arrived, beaming—the influx of significant guests had undoubtedly enhanced the hotel's prestige. He bowed quickly. “Pill Master Ye, I’ll escort you to the guest room.”

Ye Mo followed the manager to find four individuals. He recognized Yan Zheng, but not the other two men and the woman.

All four rose as Ye Mo entered. Yan Zheng stepped forward. “Brother Ye, allow me to introduce…”

He gestured to a bald man. “This is Manager Wu Wucai from the Pill Association.”

The man returned Ye Mo’s fist-salute. “Pill Master Ye, your youth and capabilities are remarkable. A true prodigy.”

Yan Zheng then indicated a young woman in green and a middle-aged man beside her. “This is Vice Leader Qu Meiyan-Qianbei from the Pill Grind Hall, and Elder Hong Xuan from the All Pill Tower.”

Ye Mo greeted them.

Upon hearing “All Pill Tower,” Ye Mo looked at Yan Zheng, shocked. Was he unaware of their conflict?

Yan Zheng anticipated Ye Mo's thought. “Manager Hong Xuan is responsible for the All Pill Tower’s headquarters. He's unconcerned with minor matters.”

Observing Hong Xuan's surprised look toward Yan Zheng, Ye Mo understood; Hong Xuan likely knew nothing of their issues.

“I'm grateful for your visit. Please, have a seat,” Ye Mo said.

Once seated, Ye Mo dismissed the waiter and smiled. “I understand everyone is quite busy. I’m honored you've taken the time to come.”