Chapter 1118: The Difference Between Being Famous and Not Being Famous

Ning Qingxue clasped Ye Mo’s hands tightly; she was a little scared, unprepared for his overwhelming popularity. Ye Mo knew the Spirit Weaving Pill had exceeded all expectations, but even he hadn't anticipated this scene. He was undeniably excited.

Had he known the pill would cause such a commotion, would he have needed to participate in the Pill King Tournament? He shook his head. While it garnered support from most cultivators, it wouldn't have attracted high-level cultivators. Only his level-seven Pill King status could achieve that. To truly stand tall in the South Peace State, the Spirit Weaving Pill was merely a foundation; his level-seven Pill King identity was the true guarantee.

“Ye Mo, a few words,” Yue Qichao nodded.

Ye Mo understood the city lord was boosting his image. He stood and announced loudly, “Thank you, friends, for your affection. I will expedite production of the Spirit Weaving Pill. Those wishing to purchase it can remain in Pill City or visit my city, Mo Yue City, in a year. Mo Yue City was originally the Dual River City of the Han Liang Empire. Now, it is my city, Mo Yue City. Thank you, everyone.”

Ye Mo seized the opportunity to promote Mo Yue City. Establishing supply in Pill City was a gesture of gratitude. The Spirit Weaving Pill's concoction method was unique, but insignificant compared to Yue Qichao's support; he intended to give the method to Yue Qichao. He wouldn't appropriate the city lord’s assistance for immediate personal gain.

“So, that's Ye Mo. He's incredibly talented; no wonder he's the ‘Soar Into Existence’ person,” Shan Bingfeng of Clear Dream Mosque remarked, finally understanding why her disciple, Ling Xiaoshuang, had gone to Mo Yue City.

Ye Mo was now famous and capable of protecting himself; his name would appear on the South Peace State Golden Core State trial tablet.

Yue Qichao nodded, pleased with Ye Mo’s words. While unconcerned about Pill City losing popularity after Mo Yue City's establishment, he appreciated Ye Mo’s respectful approach.

After Ye Mo concluded his remarks, Yue Qichao announced, “Now, I invite Pill King Guan Tian to announce the top ten Pill Kings of the tournament. Three days hence, cultivators in Pill City may request free pill concoction from the top fifty Pill Kings or masters, for a duration of three days; you must provide the spirit herbs.”

Although the top ten were largely anticipated, the announcement still generated excitement.

“Pill King Tournament winner: Ye Mo. Simultaneously awarded the level-seven Pill King badge, he becomes Pill City's honorary vice city lord, possessing the authority of a city lord. Second place: Jiu Qian, awarded the level-six Pill King badge, honorary elder of Pill City, with the authority of an elder. Third place: Xu Banchang…”

As Shen Guanqing read the results, level-two Pill King Jin Qichi, who had previously dismissed the Spirit Weaving Pill as impossible, dared not meet Gu Wenqian’s gaze. His earlier pronouncements had backfired spectacularly, leaving him speechless. His previous supporters remained silent. Ji Youting, who had vowed to become a disciple of anyone who could concoct the Spirit Weaving Pill, also remained quiet. It wasn’t merely embarrassment; a level-seven Pill King taking him on was a different matter entirely. He wished someone would bring up his boast, but no one remembered.

Ye Mo, however, rejoiced. He hadn’t expected the honorary vice city lord position, with its inherent authority, which was far more valuable than a hundred level-seven Pill King badges. He knew a nod would make him the actual vice city lord, but the honorary title sufficed. He sought fame, and he had achieved it; he didn’t need to remain in Pill City, having his own Mo Yue City.

Many rushed to congratulate Ye Mo, who had become one of the most famous individuals in the South Peace State, despite his low cultivation level.

“The Pill King Tournament concludes. Friends wishing pill concoction services can apply at the Pill Association three days from now,” Shen Guanqing declared, met with thunderous applause.

Ji Ling rose to find Ye Mo, but Yue Qichao stopped him. “Brother Ji, no need to rush. He’s reuniting with his wife. Three days hence, Ye Mo will be at the Pill Association.”

“Haha, I understand,” Ji Ling chuckled.

Ye Mo, instead of leaving immediately with Ning Qingxue, greeted the Pill Kings, approached the judge’s panel to thank Yue Qichao, Shen Guanqing, and the judges, then presented his jade card to Ji Ling. “Thank you, Qian Bei, for your care in Mo Yue at Pei Hai. I will always remember it.”

Ji Ling laughed. “No rush, no rush. Reunite with your wife first. I'll await you at the Pill Association three days from now.”

Lu Wuhu stood, smiling at Ye Mo. “Remember, you owe me one.”

Ye Mo wanted to question this, but Lu Wuhu vanished.

Gao He and Jiang Yi approached Ye Mo, formerly judges, now surpassed by the level-seven Pill King. Zhao Shuntian was about to speak when a message altered his expression; he quickly departed. Ye Mo knew it wasn't the time for retribution.

Yue Qichao smiled. “Take care. Remember the Pill Association in three days.”

“I will greet my sect, then depart with you,” Ning Qingxue said, finally calm. Despite her master’s attempts to place her in the Lightning Cloud Sect, the Ethereal Immortal Pond remained her sect; it had protected her.

Ye Mo nodded, taking Ning Qingxue’s hand as they hurried toward the Ethereal Immortal Pond, where high-level cultivators from major sects clearly awaited their arrival.

Upon their arrival, greetings and invitations poured in. Ning Qingxue’s master awkwardly watched the attention showered upon Ye Mo, unsure how to approach. Ning Qingxue bowed. “Master, I've found my husband; I cannot return to the sect. Thank you for your help and care.”

“Yes, yes, of course…” Zhen Heyin stammered.

Elder Chi took Ning Qingxue’s hand. “Wonderful! Qingxue, finding your husband is wonderful! Go with him. Wherever you are, the Ethereal Immortal Pond remains your home; you can always return.” She then looked at Ye Mo and asked Ning Qingxue, “This is your husband, Pill King Ye Mo? He truly is a remarkable man…”

Ning Qingxue, though aware of the shift in their attitude due to Ye Mo’s status, remained grateful. “Thank you, Elder Chi. I will remember that.”

Ye Mo perceived their change in demeanor, recognizing their previous decency paled in comparison to their current deference, entirely due to him. Nonetheless, he appreciated their prior protection.

“Qingxue, I'll take you to someone. I owe her a debt; if not for her, we might not have met yet,” Ye Mo announced, intending to introduce Ning Qingxue to Jing Yingli, to whom he was deeply indebted.