Chapter 901: Pill Concoction Hall of Fame—Number One
Hearing this, Ye Chengjun stared at Ye Mo in shock. He finally understood Ye Mo's first-place ranking. He accepted his defeat. While he had crafted three pills, they paled in comparison to the spirit-weaving pill; his work amounted to minor recipe modifications.
The spirit-weaving pill represented immense wealth and enhanced cultivator safety. Even without the third round, Ye Mo's creation guaranteed his top position. Countless people gazed at Ye Mo with fervent admiration, eager to curry his favor.
In the spectator area, the Herb Pill Sect's members were stunned. They never anticipated that a seemingly ordinary pill master would secure first place for their sect. However, the potential impact of the spirit-weaving pill quickly became apparent. A small share of the pills would elevate their sect to unprecedented heights, boosting sales of their other concoctions as well.
Uncle Zao, while thrilled, anticipated Mu Yiqing's concerns. He coughed, saying, "Sect Leader, such a high profile might prove detrimental."
Mu Yiqing, understanding Uncle Zao's apprehension, replied calmly, "I know, but our sect was teetering on collapse. Without creating a sensation, our continued existence is questionable. This opportunity demands we seize it, regardless of the cost."
Uncle Zao nodded, recognizing the wisdom in Mu Yiqing's words. Excessive caution often leads to a sect's slow demise.
Meanwhile, the Immortal Treasure Tower's manager's face was grim, almost as if weeping. He glared coldly at Feng Jicheng, demanding, "This is the 'so-so' pill master you described? Ranked first, and he created a pill like the spirit-weaving pill?"
Feng Jicheng remained silent, equally astounded by Ye Mo's creation and mastery. Even without a top-ten ranking, the spirit-weaving pill alone would have elevated the Immortal Treasure Tower's reputation across the entire North Far State. Having lost such a valuable asset, the manager's anger was understandable.
"Big Manager, an opportunity remains," suggested a subordinate. "Yan Zheng is close to Ye Mo, and Ye Mo is assisting the River State Immortal Treasure Tower. We should have Yan Zheng approach Ye Mo after the tournament and invite him back. He used ten thousand square meters of land to secure Ye Mo's aid before. We can offer him even greater incentives; he won't refuse."
The manager's expression remained dour, but he turned to Yan Zheng.
Yan Zheng, inwardly sneering, bowed respectfully. "Big Manager, Ye Mo possesses strong willpower. He values relationships but carefully weighs loyalty. Had we treated him well and allowed him to represent us, he might not have refused our invitation, perhaps even making the spirit-weaving pill exclusive to our tower. However, given our prior rejection, success will be challenging."
The manager sneered, "Regardless, you must succeed. He cannot work with other pill towers. He must be ours."
His cold gaze then fell upon Yan Jun.
Yan Jun, comprehending the manager's implication, said helplessly, "Xiao Zheng, try harder. You're close to Ye Mo. Fulfill his needs."
"If you succeed," the manager added, "the Immortal Treasure Tower will not disappoint you."
Yan Zheng, suppressing his contempt, could only nod.
The excitement eventually subsided. Various powers strategized on cultivating relationships with Ye Mo to secure the spirit-weaving pill's distribution rights.
Kong Ye addressed the crowd. "I've tested the spirit-weaving pill; its potency for spiritual sense recovery is immeasurable."
Several cultivators shouted, "Pill Master Ye's creation renders a third round unnecessary. Let's award him the top spot!"
The sentiment was echoed throughout the crowd.
Kong Ye, pleased by the crowd's recognition of the spirit-weaving pill's significance, nodded. "Therefore, I announce the Hall of Fame rankings based on the second round, which proved exceptionally compelling. Furthermore, the Desert Plane Herb Valley, scheduled to open in a month, will open early."
He clarified that the opening wasn't exclusive to pill masters. Addressing the eager crowd, he continued, "However, the opening is still four days away. The portal to the Herb Valley in Broken Leaf City will open in three days. I wish you all good fortune. Now, I invite City Lord Fang of Broken Leaf City to present the Hall of Fame awards, Herb Valley access permits, and my jade card for a single pill concoction."
Applause erupted. The results were largely satisfactory.
Ye Chengjun acknowledged that a third round would have secured him first place, given his three consecutive victories. However, given Kong Ye's declaration and Ye Mo's extraordinary achievement, he didn't object. Ye Mo deserved the recognition for creating the spirit-weaving pill.
Unbeknownst to him, Ye Mo, using his Shen Nong Cauldron and Mist Lotus Heart Fire, could concoct even heaven-grade level 3 pills.
"Kong Ye Qianbei—" Elder Yu, a judge, interjected, startled. He knew of the early Herb Valley opening, but the third round would only take half a day, not affecting Herb Valley access.
Before he could finish, Kong Ye waved him off, "That will be all."
He then turned to Ye Mo. "Ye Mo, I am always at the Pill Association headquarters. Feel free to visit."
Countless admiring gazes fell upon Ye Mo. Kong Ye's preferential treatment was evident.
Ye Mo responded respectfully, "Thank you, Kong Ye Qianbei. I will certainly visit." He sensed Kong Ye's genuine goodwill.