Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Junior Martial Uncle Hong’s Test
"Heh, your Body Refining Cultivation is too low. I’ve given Hong Hu some pointers; you all can just learn from him. Of course, if you ever surpass him, you can receive my direct guidance, just as he will."
But Zhang Chi just smiled and flatly refused.
He had no time to waste. He had no connection to these Lower Sect disciples, so there was no reason for him to look after them.
Even his guidance for Hong Hu was just a casual whim, partly because of the young man’s connection to Junior Martial Uncle Hong, and partly because he showed some potential.
"Alright!"
"Senior Brother is right."
The disciples were very disappointed, but they knew Zhang Chi was right and had no choice but to accept it.
"Haha, don’t worry, my fellow junior brothers! Once I get stronger, you’ll all get stronger with me!"
Hong Hu couldn’t help but cheer up.
He even suspected Zhang Chi had said that just for his sake, and he couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude.
"Okay, thank you, Senior Brother Hong."
"We’ll be counting on you from now on, Senior Brother Hong!"
The disciples, realizing their earlier attitudes might have offended Hong Hu, quickly tried to make amends.
In the heart of each disciple, however, a seed of competition had been sown. They all wanted to become the best and earn Zhang Chi’s direct guidance.
Zhang Chi, however, paid no mind to the youths’ subtle scheming and simply asked a few questions. The young disciples immediately vied with one another to provide him with answers.
As a result, Zhang Chi gained a much better understanding of the specifics of the Medicinal Garden.
SWOOSH!
Just then, the mist of the Array outside suddenly churned before parting to the sides. A dazzling crimson light then shot through, landing right before them.
Zhang Chi immediately spotted a tall, elderly man. His eyebrows, hair, and even his clothes were red. A scorching aura radiated from him, marking him as a Foundation Establishment Cultivator who practiced a Fire Element Cultivation Technique.
This was undoubtedly the aforementioned Junior Martial Uncle Hong.
Junior Martial Uncle Hong’s aura was immense, but Zhang Chi felt no pressure from it.
Zhang Chi also noticed that the man’s life force was weak—a sure sign that his remaining Lifespan was short.
As Zhang Chi sized up Junior Martial Uncle Hong, the old man was doing the same, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
A single glance at the scene told him that Zhang Chi had already managed to get on good terms with the Lower Sect disciples.
The fact that Zhang Chi could stand perfectly straight, unaffected by his powerful aura, also made him reassess the young man.
"Grandfather!" "Junior Martial Uncle Hong!"
The next moment, Junior Martial Uncle Hong retracted his aura. All the Lower Sect disciples bowed as one, their faces filled with awe.
"This disciple, Zhang Chi, greets Junior Martial Uncle. The Sect has sent me to assist in guarding the Medicinal Garden. I hope for your guidance, Junior Martial Uncle."
"Oh, and this is a letter a Sect elder wrote on my behalf. Furthermore, I am an Alchemy Master and have some knowledge of Spirit Plants, so you needn’t worry about my ability to handle this post, Junior Martial Uncle."
Zhang Chi also bowed his head, presenting the letter from Fu Hongchang and stating his qualifications.
The man was of the same Realm as him, but he was much older and had spent his entire life as a Lower Sect Foundation Establishment Cultivator guarding the border of the Demon Abyss. Even if he had started to let things slide in his old age, he was still worthy of such a respectful gesture.
"Alright, hold on. Let me read this letter first."
Junior Martial Uncle Hong remained noncommittal, taking the letter and reading it carefully.
"A personal favor from Fu Hongchang, a Tier Two Alchemist and Pill Hall Steward? What is your relationship with him?"
He finished reading quickly, his surprise evident.
"Junior Martial Uncle Fu holds me in high regard. We often drink together, and he frequently gives me pointers on Alchemy," Zhang Chi explained.
He wasn’t lying, but his words made the old man’s imagination run wild, causing him to look at Zhang Chi in a new light.
"Grandfather, Senior Brother Zhang is really strong! He’s already cultivated the Bright Jade Body Refining Technique to the Perfection Realm, and he’s about to become a Tier One Upper Grade Alchemist. Plus, he’s going to guide me in Body Refining!" Hong Hu quickly chimed in, trying to help.
"Not bad. In that case, you can stay. But I can’t just take your word for it. I’ll need to test your capabilities myself. After that, I’ll give you a six-month probationary period to see how you perform."
"If you pass, then I will truly let you stay and entrust the management of this Medicinal Garden to you."
Junior Martial Uncle Hong was a little surprised to hear this. He glanced at Hong Hu and thought to himself, ’This grandson of mine is a fool.’
He had originally planned to leave the management of the Medicinal Garden to his grandson, but here the boy was, foolishly speaking up for an outsider.
But on second thought, he felt a sense of relief.
This Medicinal Garden belonged to the Sect, and his grandson’s Cultivation was only at the Sixth Layer of Qi Cultivation. Aside from Body Refining, he had no other particular talents.
Even if he wanted his grandson to take over the Medicinal Garden, the boy wasn’t qualified.
And with his own Lifespan running out, he couldn’t possibly protect his grandson until the boy was strong enough to stand on his own.
Therefore, it would be better for his grandson to build a good relationship with Zhang Chi. Perhaps he really could significantly improve his Body Refining Cultivation that way.
Even if he couldn’t, there was no harm in getting on Zhang Chi’s good side.
In his eyes, Zhang Chi was skilled in both Alchemy and Body Refining, had a good relationship with Fu Hongchang, and had a very high chance of reaching Foundation Establishment in the future.
Moreover, a personal favor from Fu Hongchang was exceptionally valuable.
He could use that favor to ask for a Tier Two Life Extension Pill.
Alternatively, he could have Hong Hu use this connection to join the Upper Sect.
At the age of eighty, he had a stroke of luck and became a Foundation Establishment Cultivator after accidentally consuming some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. However, his potential was too poor, and his Cultivation never advanced after that. Because of this, despite being a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, he never qualified to enter the Upper Sect.
It was the regret of his life.
If his grandson could achieve it for him, he could die without regrets.
Compared to the prospect of joining the Upper Sect, the post of guarding this Medicinal Garden seemed almost insignificant.
Of course, the most perfect outcome would be to use the favor to obtain a Lifespan Extension Pill, then use Zhang Chi’s guidance to make his grandson even more outstanding, allowing the boy to join the Upper Sect on his own merits.
Thus, his talk of testing Zhang Chi was merely for show; in his mind, the matter was already settled.
As long as Zhang Chi’s performance wasn’t abysmal, he would let him pass.
"Thank you, Junior Martial Uncle. And thank you, Junior Brother Hong Hu, for putting in a good word. Don’t worry, Junior Martial Uncle. I’ll have no trouble," Zhang Chi said with a slight smile.
Only now did he realize that Fu Hongchang had used a personal favor on his behalf. ’No wonder he said I could choose any post I wanted.’
He silently made a mental note to repay this favor.
Afterward, they all entered the Medicinal Garden. Junior Martial Uncle Hong immediately began asking questions about Spirit Plants and Medicinal Materials.
Zhang Chi had already fully absorbed the Tier One Spirit Plant legacy on his way there. Furthermore, his Alchemy inheritance also contained a wealth of knowledge regarding the processing and even cultivation of Medicinal Materials.
He therefore answered without any pressure, his responses flowing effortlessly.
"Excellent!"
Junior Martial Uncle Hong couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction.
If before he had been acting out of consideration for Fu Hongchang’s favor, he now found himself genuinely admiring Zhang Chi.
Zhang Chi’s performance was far better than he had anticipated; he wouldn’t need any special treatment at all.
Listening from the side, Hong Hu and the others were also filled with admiration for Zhang Chi.
And with that, Zhang Chi was officially hired. Junior Martial Uncle Hong then personally gave him a detailed tour of the Medicinal Garden, explaining the specifics of each section.
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