Gazing at the calm-faced Mo Tiange before him, Ling Yunhe felt both joy and worry in his heart.
Joyful because this person's composed demeanor suggested she was a viable candidate; worried because she seemed a bit too composed, which might make bargaining difficult.
After weighing his words for a moment, he finally spoke: "My visit this time is to ask Fellow Daoist Qin for a small favor. As long as Fellow Daoist Qin is willing to agree, even if it is not completed, there will be a substantial reward."
After saying this, he stared unblinkingly at Mo Tiange.
After a while, Mo Tiange smiled slightly and asked, "Why choose me? With Fellow Daoist Ling's status, whether it's the Ling Family or the Jiuyan Sect, it should be easy to find people to help. Why choose an unreliable outsider like me? Fellow Daoist Ling hasn't even inquired about my origins."
Seeing she didn't refuse immediately, Ling Yunhe breathed a slight sigh of relief and smiled. "To be honest, the reason I haven't sought help from fellow sect members this time is precisely because of the Sect Leader Selection. Fellow sect members have conflicting interests; it's best not to get involved. As for fellow cultivators from the Ling Family..." A shadow passed over Ling Yunhe's face. He fell silent for a moment before continuing in a low voice, "I originally concealed my cultivation precisely because I didn't want to get involved in these struggles. My eldest cousin was supposed to represent the Ling Family in the Sect Leader Selection. So, after I was injured recently, I deliberately pretended my cultivation had plummeted and requested duties from the family head, making them think I was severely demoralized and had given up. Who would have thought... man's plans are no match for heaven's will..."
Ling Yunhe's words touched upon the private affairs of the Ling Family and the Jiuyan Sect. Mo Tiange was somewhat puzzled. Were cultivators in Yunzhong too trusting of others, or was this Ling Yunhe truly a man of open and honest character? How dare he explain such matters in detail to a complete stranger like her.
After his expression shifted uncertainly for a while, Ling Yunhe let out a breath and looked at Mo Tiange again. "In short, the Sect Leader Selection has still fallen upon me. But this matter is quite complex, involving not only sect power struggles but also the conflicting interests of various factions within the Ling Family. Therefore, I, Ling, have no choice but to seek other assistance."
After Ling Yunhe finished, Mo Tiange smiled slightly, seemingly completely uninterested in the Jiuyan Sect's secrets, and continued asking, "Fellow Daoist still hasn't made it clear why it's me. Aren't you afraid, Fellow Daoist Ling, that I might be a person with ulterior motives?"
At this point, Ling Yunhe smiled. "This point, I, Ling, have considered. But after thinking it over, I still believe Fellow Daoist Qin is the most suitable candidate."
"Oh?"
Ling Yunhe said, "Firstly, when Fellow Daoist Qin came to my Ling Family to rent a cave abode, you concealed your cultivation and only rented a Blue Qi Cave Dwelling, indicating you are low-key, not someone who seeks attention. Secondly, you act cautiously and steadily. If we cooperate, this is the point I value most. Thirdly, you possess numerous spiritual treasures and considerable strength." His gaze shifted, revealing a meaningful smile. "The most important point is your origin. In my judgment, Fellow Daoist Qin is not from our Dongtang Kingdom, are you?"
Mo Tiange was startled. She looked at this Ling Yunhe, her eyes filling with wariness.
Seeing her expression, Ling Yunhe quickly waved his hand. "Fellow Daoist Qin, don't misunderstand. The reason I know this is because since I built my Foundation, I have often traveled extensively. Not to mention the Yunzhong continent, I've even been to Yuanzhou and Xiaoyang. But the accent in Fellow Daoist Qin's speech is one I've never heard before. That's why I surmised that Fellow Daoist Qin is not from our Dongtang Kingdom, and might not even be from Yunzhong."
Hearing his explanation, Mo Tiange gradually relaxed and said frankly, "Fellow Daoist Ling guessed correctly. I am indeed not from Yunzhong."
Receiving confirmation, Ling Yunhe's smile widened. "Exactly. Since Fellow Daoist Qin is not from our Yunzhong, you naturally have no conflicting interests. For the help I'm requesting this time, you, Ling, are actually more reliable than others."
Mo Tiange gave a faint smile. Instead of immediately asking what he needed help with, she said, "I wonder when Fellow Daoist Ling sent the sound transmission talisman? Weren't you worried that by the time I emerged from seclusion, I might no longer be able to help?"
Ling Yunhe said helplessly, "I sent the talisman a month ago. After Fellow Daoist Qin entered the cave abode, you remained secluded for a full half year without emerging. Coming to disturb you would have been too presumptuous. However, Fellow Daoist Qin only paid for one year's rent. No matter what, you would have to come out to renew it, right? Calculating the time, it should still be manageable."
This explanation made Mo Tiange chuckle involuntarily. She hadn't originally planned to stay long in Tianxue City; it was because of Feifei's advancement that she was delayed this long. She had indeed forgotten she had only paid for one year's rent.
Ling Yunhe looked at her earnestly and said, "Fellow Daoist Qin, I have explained my purpose in coming truthfully and in detail. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Qin could help with this matter..."
"Fellow Daoist Ling," Mo Tiange interrupted him, smiling as she asked, "I understand your purpose. But to agree just like that would be too rash. I wonder what matter Fellow Daoist Ling needs my help with? If it's too dangerous, there's no need for me to take the risk."
"Ah, right." Ling Yunhe nodded in understanding. "Fellow Daoist Qin, not being from Yunzhong, probably isn't clear about the content of our Jiuyan Sect's Sect Leader Grand Selection. The person who ascends to the position of Jiuyan Sect Leader must be top-notch in mindset, cultivation, ability, and connections. Each aspect undergoes rigorous testing. To be honest, regarding mindset and ability, I have considerable confidence. It's only my cultivation; I was injured recently, which greatly affected my strength. Now the Sect Leader Selection is imminent. My Ling Family absolutely cannot give up. So, to win in the Sect Leader Grand Selection, I must inevitably seek some treasures..."
"Fellow Daoist Ling," Mo Tiange couldn't help but interject here, "since the Ling Family is a major cultivation family of the Jiuyan Sect, surely there are Nascent Soul Cultivators in the family, right? In that case, having a Nascent Soul Cultivator bestow one or two treasures would suffice. Why go to such trouble?"
Hearing this, Ling Yunhe gave a bitter smile. "Fellow Daoist Qin, you may not know. Among the fellow disciples participating in the selection, which one doesn't have a Nascent Soul elder as a backer? If victory could be achieved just like that, then this Sect Leader Grand Selection would be too simple. In the Grand Selection, only three magical treasures can be used in a single match. So, most of the time, one must rely on one's own techniques. And I happen to have suffered damage to my cultivation, which puts me at a great disadvantage in the Grand Selection."
"Oh? So that's how it is. Then what method has Fellow Daoist Ling devised? What spiritual treasure are you going to retrieve?"
Seeing she wasn't refusing, Ling Yunhe felt a slight joy and continued, "The spiritual treasure I, Ling, wish to find is the Carefree Fruit located in the Carefree Valley. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Qin has heard of it?"
"Carefree Fruit?" Mo Tiange shook her head. Although she had read many ancient texts, her knowledge of Yunzhong matters wasn't extensive. Mo Yaoqing's notes hadn't mentioned it, so she didn't know.
Ling Yunhe explained, "To speak of the Carefree Fruit, one must first speak of the Carefree Valley. The Carefree Valley is a famously secret location in our Yunzhong. Legend says this place was originally a blessed land of cave heavens from the Ancient Era, rich in spiritual qi and teeming with spiritual treasures. Unfortunately, later, as time passed and heaven and earth changed, the Carefree Valley became overgrown with miasma, turning it into a dangerous place. However, it still retains the spiritual qi from the Ancient Era, so there are still many spiritual treasures there. The most famous among them is the Carefree Fruit."
"This Carefree Fruit grows on the Carefree Tree. This tree only grows in the Carefree Valley. It is like a living creature, burrowing into the earth upon contact, so it is very difficult to find. But if one can find the Carefree Tree and pick the Carefree Fruit, there are immense benefits. After consuming the Carefree Fruit, for one day, spiritual qi will be limitless."
"Is that so?" Hearing this, Mo Tiange couldn't help but be moved. Limitless spiritual qi for a day... No wonder this Ling Yunhe wanted to find the Carefree Fruit. With this item, under the restriction of only being able to bring three magical treasures, he would be almost invincible in combat.
Such a treasure wasn't even present in her Void Heaven Realm.
Seeing Mo Tiange's expression, Ling Yunhe continued, "Fellow Daoist Qin, if you help me go search for the Carefree Fruit, I can guarantee I only want one fruit, absolutely no more."
Mo Tiange's gaze shifted slightly. She didn't agree immediately but smiled and asked, "I wonder what other assistance Fellow Daoist Ling has? It won't be just the two of us, will it?"
"Of course not." Ling Yunhe pondered for a moment. "I do have a few close friends. This time, I've asked two friends for help. They have invited two others. Counting Fellow Daoist Qin, that makes six people in total."
Mo Tiange's gaze flickered, but she said, "Is that so? Your friends, and your friends' friends—they all count as your own people, right?"
Ling Yunhe keenly caught her implication and immediately said, "Those two friends of mine are indeed long-time close confidants. But the other two, I have no prior relationship with. They were invited to assist specifically because of the Carefree Valley's unique terrain."
Three against three. Mo Tiange nodded slightly. This Ling Yunhe considered things quite thoroughly. With two friends helping, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage on this trip. Inviting three others also served to reassure them.
"What are their cultivation levels?"
"Two are at the Core Formation mid-stage, two at the Core Formation initial stage. My two friends happen to be one of each." Ling Yunhe answered immediately, clearly having thought this plan through long ago.
Mo Tiange fixed her gaze on him and smiled. "Fellow Daoist Ling seems certain I will go? What if I had never emerged from seclusion? What would you have done then?"
Hearing this question, Ling Yunhe was momentarily stunned before giving a bitter smile. "If that were the case, I could only seek another candidate. To be honest, Fellow Daoist Qin, over this past month, I've been searching everywhere, but unfortunately, I haven't found a suitable person. The cultivation level couldn't be too high or too low; the identity and personality had to be suitable. Unfortunately, I never found a satisfactory candidate. It's just that the Carefree Valley is not simple. We calculated that at least six people are needed to pass the valley entrance safely. Fortunately, Fellow Daoist emerged from seclusion at this time. Otherwise, I would truly have a headache."
At this point, Ling Yunhe added another assurance: "Fellow Daoist Qin, rest assured. Although this trip carries a certain degree of danger, I have over a seventy percent certainty of returning safely. Fellow Daoist Qin travels alone outside, so you must be accustomed to dangers. A seventy percent certainty is enough to take a gamble."
The path of cultivation is almost a continuous gamble. Advancement is a gamble; seeking opportunities is an even greater gamble. In this regard, whether it's cultivators from Tianji or Yunzhong, it's the same. Mo Tiange also knew Ling Yunhe's words were not false. With over a seventy percent certainty of finding something like the Carefree Fruit, most cultivators would be willing to take the gamble. However, did she have the need to?