Yue He and the others had harvested a truly impressive amount—at least thirty percent more than his own haul, and they hadn't even passed over the lesser magnetite spirit stones below Third Grade. They must have collected everything they could find.
Among the remaining stones, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade, and Sixth Grade specimens were plentiful, but there wasn't a single Seventh Grade one!
Seeming to sense what was on Yang Kai's mind, Yue He transmitted her voice: "The magnetite mountain's reserves below are so rich—countless low-grade and mid-grade magnetite spirit stones—that it's very possible no high-grade spirit stones have formed at all."
There was some logic to that, but Yang Kai was clearly unwilling to accept it just yet.
He put away his spatial ring and turned to the Chixing group: "You all did reasonably well. For this harvest, once we return, if any of you have need, just speak up. Whether it's Fifth Grade or Sixth Grade, as long as you have the ability to refine it, I won't be stingy."
These dozen-odd survivors were the ones who hadn't fled when facing the several hundred people of Thunder Light earlier. Their loyalty was yet to be proven, but at the very least they had backbone and courage.
The moment those words left his mouth, everyone's breathing grew heavy. Guo Ziyan also exclaimed in shock: "Sixth Master, how can we accept such a thing!"
Fifth Grade and Sixth Grade heavenly treasures—just like that, Yang Kai offered to distribute them. While it was unlikely anyone had the ability to refine a Sixth Grade stone, refining a Fifth Grade one was within reach for some. For him to make such a promise spoke volumes about his generosity and boldness.
Moreover, these dozen or so people had barely lifted a finger this time. When Thunder Light's people had provoked and menaced them, it was Yang Kai who had single-handedly sent them scattering in terror. When it came down to it, they owed their lives to Yang Kai's protection, and following him down to these depths had simply been a matter of searching around and providing some brute labor.
Without Yang Kai activating the Earth Force earlier, they wouldn't have been able to come down here at all.
Little effort, great reward—this was the kind of thing they wouldn't have dared dream of before.
"This harvest is substantial, and I'm not the type to hog everything for myself. Since you're my people, naturally I hope you'll grow stronger quickly so that you can share my burdens in the future."
When he saw that Guo Ziyan wanted to say something more, Yang Kai raised his hand: "It's settled. Say no more."
Guo Ziyan sighed, cupped his fists, and said: "Then this subordinate thanks the Sixth Master on behalf of the brothers for the generous gift!"
All dozen or so people straightened up and cupped their fists with renewed vigor: "Thank you, Sixth Master!"
Every one of them gazed at Yang Kai with burning eyes, once again feeling that following such a master was truly a blessing. If the Poison Woman had been here instead, how could she ever have been this generous?
Then again, with the Poison Woman's abilities, she probably couldn't have achieved what Yang Kai had done anyway.
Yang Kai continued: "Some of you may have already refined power of different attributes and should have already planned out your future path. But let me give you a piece of advice: regardless of whether you've already refined Yin-Yang Five Elements power, do your utmost to refine high-grade materials. While the foundation you've already laid won't help you reach a higher grade overall, in combat, high-grade power could very well be the difference between life and death."
Take a warrior who had previously refined Third Grade Fire Power—his self-assessment would be as a Third Grade Kaiyuan. In the outside world, lacking the finances or the opportunities, he would only ever seek out Third Grade materials to refine his remaining power.
But this was the Taixu Realm. If he chose to refine Fourth Grade or Fifth Grade magnetite divine power instead, while it wouldn't help him advance to Fourth Grade or Fifth Grade Kaiyuan—he would still ultimately only achieve Third Grade—when he activated his Metal Power, he would receive far greater assistance and significantly more destructive force.
Guo Ziyan nodded: "The Sixth Master speaks truly."
One Chixing disciple stepped forward: "Sixth Master, Fourth Grade is enough for me."
"I also only need Fourth Grade," another said.
The remaining crowd all chimed in one after another with their requirements—mostly Fourth Grade—with the exception of two who deliberated for a long while before saying they needed Fifth Grade.
In this world, many warriors were limited by their finances and couldn't reach the full potential of their Kaiyuan grade.
Like that Meng Hong!
He had previously condensed Third Grade Kaiyuan power, but his true limit was Fifth Grade. It was just that a force like the Great Moon State could never have met his needs.
Others were limited by their aptitude—they couldn't withstand the pressure of condensing high-grade Kaiyuan power, and forcing it would only backfire.
Generally speaking, as long as one's aptitude wasn't too poor, condensing Fourth Grade materials wasn't much of a problem. With slightly better aptitude, Fifth Grade was even within reach. As for Sixth Grade, that truly required exceptional foundation and talent.
Nearly ten of the dozen-plus people stated their requirements, while the remaining few looked on with envy.
They had all already condensed Metal Power, so the magnetite spirit stones were naturally useless to them.
Yang Kai added: "In the future, if there are other harvests and you have need, just speak up. I will never shortchange you."
Everyone was overjoyed, cupping their fists in thanks.
Guo Ziyan's heart was filled with genuine admiration. This newly appointed Sixth Master was not only incredibly powerful but also magnanimous toward his subordinates—a rare combination. Having such a superior was truly fortunate for all of them.
Glancing left and right, Guo Ziyan said: "Sixth Master, there are plenty of treasures down here. Shall I take a few more people to search around?"
"No need. Just wait here—someone will bring themselves to us." Yang Kai waved his hand dismissively.
Guo Ziyan was stunned, not understanding what Yang Kai meant by that.
Yue He, however, blinked and looked at Yang Kai, then at the peculiar position of their location, and then at the cave entrance some fifty feet away. Her face went pale with horror: "Don't tell me you're planning to rob anyone who comes through?"