Chapter 905: Martial Brother, Please Have Some Tea

Kong Ye saw Ye Mo’s stiff expression and smiled. “Don’t worry. My ability to detect your Rare Fire Seed, a Heaven-grade flame, isn't due to my cultivation level. It's for another reason.”

This only deepened Ye Mo's bewilderment. Was Kong Ye a true immortal? Could he truly identify a Heaven-grade fire?

Seeing Ye Mo's silence, Kong Ye produced a dark red ore. “This is a Flame Lotus Heart.”

Ye Mo immediately felt a jolt in his dantian, as if his Mist Lotus Heart Fire had stirred. A slight movement, then stillness, yet a subtle tremor persisted.

Ye Mo had a sudden revelation. He surmised Kong Ye possessed his own fire, and could even identify his Mist Lotus Heart Fire.

This realization calmed him. If Kong Ye desired his flame, resistance was futile. Though he respected Kong Ye, the situation was unsettling, yet unavoidable.

Ye Mo sighed. He yearned even more for the Herbal Valley. Less than a year had passed since his arrival, and he'd reached the tertiary stage of Foundation Establishment. However, without sufficient resources, even his powerful Three Birth Chant couldn't accelerate his cultivation significantly.

Observing Ye Mo's composure, Kong Ye nodded. “I only identified your Mist Lotus Heart Fire during the tournament.”

Ye Mo confirmed this.

“The Flame Lotus Heart can elevate the Mist Lotus Heart Fire to the next level. I sensed it from a distance, but the signal was so faint I doubted you'd perceive it with your current power.”

Kong Ye's tone turned serious. “I feared you might impulsively reveal your Mist Lotus Heart Fire without considering the consequences. Had you done so, no one could have protected you.”

Ye Mo understood the elder's protectiveness. He bowed deeply. “Thank you, Kong Ye-Qianbei. I am truly grateful.”

He wouldn't have revealed the Mist Lotus Heart Fire anyway, but Kong Ye's protective stance profoundly touched him.

Kong Ye nodded. “The Mist Lotus Heart Fire is exceptionally potent, ranking third among all flames in the cultivation realm. You must not reveal it without sufficient power. I don't know how you obtained it, but it's clearly a stroke of luck. I, too, acquired the Flame Lotus Heart fortuitously. Now, it’s yours.”

Ye Mo was stunned. A Flame Lotus Heart could elevate a Heaven-grade flame! Such an item was incredibly rare; ascension of Rare Flames was exceptionally difficult, let alone a Heaven-grade flame. Yet, Kong Ye was gifting him such a treasure.

After a long pause, Ye Mo reacted, finally understanding Mu Yiqing's earlier sentiments. “Kong Ye-Qianbei, this is far too precious. I cannot accept it.”

Kong Ye smiled. “You possess a good heart. You were understandably concerned upon realizing my knowledge of your Mist Lotus Heart Fire, yet you deem this gift too precious. However, its value is contingent upon its effect on your flame. To me, it holds less significance. My initial intention, before knowing of your Mist Lotus Heart Fire, was to gift you a Fire Seed. Given your possession of this flame, the Flame Lotus Heart is the perfect gift.”

Ye Mo understood Kong Ye’s immense wealth. He was casually bestowing a Rare Flame. Ye Mo stood, accepted the Flame Lotus Heart, and thanked Kong Ye again.

Kong Ye then said, “If your flame remains orange, refrain from allowing the Mist Lotus Heart Fire to absorb the Flame Lotus Heart until you reach the Golden Core stage.”

“I believe you sought the tournament primarily for the Desert Herb Valley. While it lacks Nascent Soul cultivators, it boasts many Golden Core masters. Over 500 cultivators will enter. Although the North Far State only selects 500, the valley is not exclusive. Be cautious.”

Ye Mo’s hopes soared. The participation of other states implied even greater treasures within.

“You’re aware that the Luo Yue Continent comprises four states and a sea, correct?” Kong Ye asked.

Ye Mo nodded; Kong Ye wasn’t surprised by his knowledge.

“The valley is accessible to all states, but each has limited entry. However, it's vast. Usually, even near closing, 90% of entrants haven't encountered others. But beware of cultivators from the South Peace State; they're ruthless killers. Those who enter are all powerful.”

Seeing Ye Mo’s understanding, Kong Ye nodded. “I intended to pass on my pill concoction heritage, but witnessing your creation of the Spirit Weaving Pill convinced me you'll surpass me. My tutelage might hinder you. The Spirit Weaving Pill brought you fame, but also danger. You must navigate this yourself.”

Ye Mo realized Kong Ye had summoned him to bestow the Flame Lotus Heart, but also to protect him. His gratitude deepened.

He noticed Kong Ye’s closed eyes, signaling the end of the conversation.

Ye Mo bowed. “Wanbei remembers Qianbei’s teachings. Wanbei takes his leave.”

As Ye Mo reached the door, Kong Ye opened his eyes. “If you still live in a hundred years, seek me out at Dang Lin.”

The Immortal Herb Valley’s residence far surpassed Kong Ye’s in grandeur. Even the carpet emanated spiritual energy, making it exquisitely comfortable. Two attractive young women guided Ye Mo to Ming Xin’s room.

Ye Mo was surprised; sect leaders typically wouldn't grant private audiences. He expected a guest room.

He found another beautiful young woman in Ming Xin’s room, quiet and standing beside her—Qin Muxin.

Ming Xin greeted Ye Mo warmly. She smiled and invited him to sit, then instructed Qin Muxin, “Muxin, prepare some tea for Mr. Ye.”

Qin Muxin approached Ye Mo, a blush on her cheeks, and offered tea softly. “Elder Martial Brother Ye, please have some tea.”

Ye Mo was bewildered. She was a Golden Core cultivator, while he was only at Foundation Establishment. Why the “Elder Martial Brother” address?