Chapter 889: Complications

“They’re also participating in the tournament?” Ye Mo asked, shocked. It would be incredibly difficult for ordinary participants to rank well with these masters present.

Yan Zheng shook his head. “Tong Qianbei isn’t here for the tournament. He's a member of the Pill Association, likely acting as a judge. Tournament participants must be under 300 years old; Tong Qianbei is over 800.”

“By the way, is your master in Broken Leaf City? If possible, I’d like to meet him.” Yan Zheng assumed Ye Mo's master was already there, given his promise of a good ranking.

Ye Mo smiled awkwardly. “Brother Yan, I haven’t contacted my master yet. I’m the one participating in the tournament.”

“What?!” Yan Zheng stared at Ye Mo in shock. He stammered, “Brother Ye, um… although I said a level 6 spirit pill master has a chance, but… but…”

Yan Zheng was trying to comfort Ye Mo. A level 6 master achieving a top-ten ranking was improbable. If Ye Mo’s master wasn't coming, their prospects were bleak.

Ye Mo understood. Yan Zheng believed level 6 spirit pill masters were rare but readily available.

Ye Mo patted his shoulder. “Brother Yan, don’t worry. I can make level 7 spirit pills.”

Yan Zheng showed no surprise or joy. Level 6 masters could create level 7 pills, albeit rarely.

Yan Zheng sighed, starting to speak, then abruptly produced a communication bead. He looked at it and said urgently to Ye Mo, “Brother Ye, find a hotel. I’ll come for you later.”

He pressed a communication bead into Ye Mo’s hand and swiftly departed, disappearing into the crowd. Spirit sense was suppressed, necessitating the use of communication beads, though their range was limited.

Ye Mo pocketed the bead, a bad feeling settling over him. Yan Zheng’s concern had been palpable earlier. His worry intensified after learning Ye Mo's master wasn't attending, and his failure to escort Ye Mo to the Immortal Treasure Tower fueled his unease. Something felt amiss.

Broken Leaf City's prosperity and resources dwarfed those of River State City. Ye Mo was certain he needed something here; perhaps the sword he sought.

Immediately, however, he realized his meager funds: approximately 100,000 middle-grade spirit stones, and a debt of 50,000 top-grade stones to Yan Zheng. Shopping was the furthest thing from his mind.

He found a cheap hotel in a secluded area, fearing a confrontation with the wealthy and influential Tong Qianbei, who would undoubtedly be staying in a luxurious establishment.

…

The Immortal Treasure Tower's headquarters weren't in this city, but its branch was substantial, far larger than the one in River State. Amidst the city's numerous businesses and powerful entities, the Immortal Treasure Tower wasn't particularly prominent.

Upon entering the Tower, Yan Zheng sensed an unusual atmosphere.

“Yan Zheng, why are you only just now arriving? The elders are in a meeting; you must go in immediately,” a manager said urgently.

Yan Zheng nodded. “I know.”

He hesitated, wanting to ask about his uncle, but the manager hurried away, seemingly eager to leave. Yan Zheng didn't dare follow. He swiftly entered the meeting room.

The tension was palpable. He saw eight elders and a middle-aged man at the head—the Immortal Treasure Tower's chief manager! This was unexpected; even the chief manager's presence indicated a serious matter. The Tower only had twelve elders.

He spotted his uncle, who signaled him to remain calm.

Yan Zheng bowed. “The Immortal Treasure Tower River State branch, Yan Zheng greets the Chief Manager and eight Elders.”

He stood behind his uncle, Yan Jun, an elder himself. Yan Zheng called his uncle "father," having been raised by him.

Yan Jun nodded silently.

“Elder Yan, now that Yan Zheng is here, the pill master he mentioned should be as well. Where is he?” a sharp voice demanded.

Yan Jun disregarded the question, looking at Yan Zheng.

Yan Zheng began to sweat. He sensed the elder was targeting his uncle and didn't know how to respond.

“Xiao Zheng, since Elder Feng asked, tell him. The master of a level 6 spirit pill master is indeed a pill master,” Yan Jun said calmly.

“Yes, very well, but regardless of skill, we should see him. Otherwise, how can we be sure this isn't fabricated? I also heard Manager Yan gave away tens of thousands of square meters of land in River State City. While not a significant loss for the Tower, it should have been processed properly, correct? Such casual actions jeopardize the Tower's future,” the elder sneered.

“Feng Jipeng, what are you implying? In River State City, is hiring a level 6 spirit pill master for that land excessive?” Yan Jun's expression darkened.

Yan Zheng understood. Elder Feng was trying to discredit his uncle. The land was inconsequential to the Tower.

“Enough. Yan Zheng, how confident are you in this master's abilities? Can he create a level 7 spirit pill?” the chief manager intervened.

Yan Zheng's heart sank. His uncle's opponent was seizing on trivial matters. Though Ye Mo professed confidence, Yan Zheng sensed desperation in his plea for help. What worried him most was the chief manager's involvement, especially given his uncle's responsibility for tournament arrangements.

He dared not conceal anything. Stepping forward, he bowed. “We arranged for his master to attend, but he was delayed, so only he can participate in the tournament.”

Yan Zheng avoided mentioning Ye Mo's level 7 ability, doubting the claim.