Chapter 890: Sudden Turn

Yan Zheng's words silenced the room. After a moment, Feng Jipeng erupted in laughter. "A level 6 spirit pill master? Even if he exists, you want him to represent the Immortal Treasure Tower? Elder Yan, you're ingenious! Perhaps you're right—before the tournament ends, our Immortal Treasure Tower will become quite infamous."

Yan Jun's face fell. He understood Feng Jipeng's implication. A mere level 6 spirit pill master would expose the Immortal Treasure Tower's weakness, inviting ridicule and potentially harming their business.

Yan Zheng wasn't foolish, but the Immortal Treasure Tower had never taken the tournament seriously. This time, however, even the Big Manager and other elders were present. Five recommendations had been submitted for the tournament.

The Big Manager's expression darkened. He glared at Yan Jun. "Elder Yan, this tournament is crucial. Elder Feng will handle the tournament arrangements. The Hall of Fame has added substantial bonus rewards for the top ten; a top-ten finish is mandatory."

He then turned to Yan Zheng. "You're relieved of your duties at the River State branch. Headquarters will send a replacement."

Yan Zheng's heart sank. His actions had jeopardized his uncle's position, and now he was dismissed. He'd hoped his recommendation would benefit his uncle, but the opposite had occurred.

Yan Jun simply rose and replied, "Yes, Big Manager."

Yan Zheng added, "Yes, I will arrange the handover immediately."

The Big Manager waved him off. "No need. A new manager will be appointed. You may leave."

Ye Mo, worried and lacking the motivation to cultivate, remained in his hotel. Three days remained before the tournament, yet he'd heard nothing from Yan Zheng.

Just as despair settled in, Yan Zheng arrived, his face drawn and dejected.

"Brother Ye, why such a humble lodging?" Yan Zheng knew Ye Mo's limited resources.

Ye Mo waved a hand. "Brother Yan, what's wrong? You seemed troubled before; now it seems far worse."

Yan Zheng sighed, revealing his predicament. "I'm sorry, Brother Ye, the tournament…" He stopped, knowing further explanation wouldn't help.

Ye Mo, though disappointed, wasn't surprised. He patted Yan Zheng's shoulder. "Brother Yan, it's not your fault. I'm still grateful."

Seeing Yan Zheng's guilt, Ye Mo smiled. "Brother Yan, could I still enter the tournament?"

Yan Zheng shook his head. "Possibly, but registration closed a month ago. Only three days remain."

After Yan Zheng left, Ye Mo pondered his options. Without the tournament, he couldn't reach the Desert Herb Valley for rare ingredients, rendering his skills useless.

He refused to accept defeat. He sought the registration location, determined not to surrender. If all else failed, he would repay Yan Zheng and leave River State.

He quickly located the registration area. Despite the proximity to the tournament, a day remained for registration.

Ye Mo touched his level 6 spirit pill master badge, grateful to Yan Zheng. A shy, pretty girl staffed the registration desk. He approached, presenting his badge. "Little Sister, I wish to register. Is it still possible?"

The girl, startled, blushed. "Please wait; Martial Brother Cui will be here soon. You can ask him."

"Friend, are you registering for the pill concoction tournament?" A middle-aged man interrupted.

Ye Mo turned to see a man of average build with distinctive features and a chin scar, at Foundation Establishment level 9. Four others accompanied him: a dark-faced young girl, a youth, and an elderly man in the primary stage of Golden Core, but frail and nearing the end of his life.

"Can I assist you?" Ye Mo asked, studying the man.

The man saluted. "I am Mu Yiqing. If you aren't representing a sect, friend, registration is closed."

Ye Mo hesitated. "I am representing myself."

The girl spoke, "Aiya, sorry, Mu-Qianbei is correct. Personal registration has ended." She blushed again.

Disappointed, yet unsurprised, Ye Mo saluted Mu Yiqing. "Thank you, Brother Mu. I'm Ye Mo. My luck is dreadful."

Mu Yiqing smiled. "The tournament occurs every decade, Brother Ye. Time flies for cultivators."

Ye Mo saw an opportunity. "Brother Mu, I'm not seeking fame, but access to the Desert Herb Valley."

Mu Yiqing's eyes lit up. "If you're agreeable, let's speak elsewhere, Brother Ye."

An hour later, Ye Mo was at Mu Yiqing's hotel. He'd secured a tournament spot at the last moment. Mu Yiqing led the Pill Herb Sect, a small, declining three-star sect lacking renowned pill masters or exceptional pills. Their highest-ranked pill master was level 4. They aimed for experience, not the Hall of Fame.

Mu Yiqing offered Ye Mo a spot in exchange for access to the Herb Valley, a mutually beneficial agreement.