Chapter 2351 — What Have You Come Back For?
The Blossom Guardian · Page 1 of 2
"The Mystic Elixir Sect's trial? What is that?" Wei Zhao asked, rather puzzled.
"Boss, even if you hadn't brought it up, I was meaning to discuss it with you these past few days!" Han Xiaohu said. "Back when you asked me for the Minor Qi-Gathering Pills, I wanted to tell you then, but you were away, and it's not the sort of thing that can be explained in a few words."
"Oh? Go on, then," Wei Zhao said. From Han Xiaohu's tone, it sounded as though the Mystic Elixir Sect's trial might actually be of some use.
"Yes, boss. This so-called Mystic Elixir Sect trial is a call for challengers issued by the ancient Mystic Elixir Sect. Any expert of the Mystic rank or above from the hidden families may take part!" Han Xiaohu said. "Complete the tasks the Mystic Elixir Sect sets, and you earn a handsome reward—either a third-grade pill from the sect's own stores, or rare treasures of equal value! From what I know, the Mystic Elixir Sect holds vast quantities of color-steel, the essential material for forging cauldrons. So if you, boss, could enter the trial and finish the tasks, you would be able to claim such rewards..."
"Color-steel..." Wei Zhao's brows lifted. That was indeed something he sorely needed. But was the Mystic Elixir Sect's trial really so easy to complete? The rewards far outstripped those of the Ice Palace's trial—by no small margin!
So Wei Zhao remained deeply skeptical. "This trial of the Mystic Elixir Sect—I doubt it's simple."
"It's certainly not simple!" Han Xiaohu nodded. "You go to a very dangerous place and gather medicinal herbs, then bring them back. Once you've collected enough, you can return and exchange them for rewards. The Mystic Elixir Sect keeps its word—in the past, people truly did obtain third-grade Qi-Gathering Pills! But most who go never come back."
"Oh?" Wei Zhao frowned. "If that's so, why doesn't the Mystic Elixir Sect send its own people? The reward seems a little too generous."
"Probably because it's too dangerous, the death rate too high, and the sect isn't willing to make pointless sacrifices," Han Xiaohu said. "But our hidden Han family doesn't know much either. We've received the Mystic Elixir Sect's call before, but we never even entered the relatively safer Ice Palace trial, let alone the dangerous Mystic Elixir Sect one. Our hidden Han family has always kept a low profile."
"I see." Wei Zhao began to calculate. This was a good opportunity to obtain color-steel—but should he take part? From Han Xiaohu's account, the trial's rewards were rich, but so was its danger. And the purpose behind the hidden Zhao family sending Zhao Qilei was plain enough: they meant to use Zhao Qilei, a discarded piece, to squeeze some benefit for the family—and if he died, no great loss, so long as he brought no trouble to Zhao Qibing's rise.
Of course, Wei Zhao did not yet know that the hidden Zhao family's decision had everything to do with him—that it was Zhao Qilei's tip-off to him that had steeled their resolve.
"If you go, boss, then I'll go with you!" Seeing that Wei Zhao was somewhat moved, Han Xiaohu gritted his teeth and spoke with spirit. He thought back to the day he and Wei Zhao had stepped onto the arena together. To have such a boss—his life was complete.
"No need to decide in a hurry. First, look into just what this Mystic Elixir Sect trial is about, and while you're at it, ask about Zhao Qilei—see whether he really means to enter the trial," Wei Zhao said. "Zhao Qilei is my underling too. I can't simply leave him be."
"Oh? All right, I'll keep an eye out," Han Xiaohu said, startled for a moment, then nodded. "Actually, the best way is to go straight to Zhao Qibing. Ask him now, and I'd bet he'll tell you everything he knows and hold nothing back."
"Fine. Arrange to meet him in a little while and ask him about it," Wei Zhao said. He had no interest in seeking out Zhao Qibing himself; the sight of the man sickened him.