The persuasiveness of the Tripod Heaven Pill absolutely surpassed that of the Heaven Mending Pill. When Zi Che Min brought the finished product to the three Grand Sacred Masters, their lingering doubts were thoroughly swept away.
Seizing the moment, Zi Che Min said, "Three Grand Sacred Masters, with Shao Yuan possessing such talent, this subordinate truly cannot conceive of any reason why the Sacred Land wouldn't give him its full support."
The three Grand Sacred Masters exchanged glances and slowly nodded.
Even if Shao Yuan had no martial talent whatsoever, his alchemy talent alone should have been enough for the Eternal Sacred Land to support him unconditionally — let alone the fact that he possessed remarkable martial talent on top of his alchemy gifts.
Whether in alchemy or martial cultivation, he was unrivaled within the entire Sacred Land.
It was true that among the younger generation of the Eternal Sacred Land, there were the Five Great Young Masters.
But given time, would Shao Yuan truly be inferior to them? Even the three Grand Sacred Masters, however they might twist their convictions, could not honestly say so.
The potential Shao Yuan had demonstrated could truly be described as earth-shattering — and that was no exaggeration. Even if one traced back through every page of the Eternal Sacred Land's history, one might never find another genius of such brilliance, supreme in both alchemy and martial cultivation.
In the history of the Eternal Sacred Land, such a talent was utterly unprecedented.
"First Grand Sacred Master, I really think we shouldn't hesitate any longer. I've heard that Xiahou Zong has emerged from seclusion. Perhaps..." The Third Grand Sacred Master's voice trailed off.
The First Grand Sacred Master's expression turned grave. "Xiahou Zong has indeed emerged. It seems we must choose our position and support Shao Yuan."
At the news of Xiahou Zong's emergence, Zi Che Min's expression shuddered violently.
"X-Xiahou Zong has come out of seclusion?" Zi Che Min's voice was filled with shock.
Over the past few days, Zi Che Min had been entirely consumed by the matter of the pill. He had no time to concern himself with outside affairs and had heard nothing about Xiahou Zong's emergence.
Hearing the two Grand Sacred Masters mention it now, Zi Che Min was naturally greatly startled, and a trace of unease crept into his heart.
Would Xiahou Zong use this opportunity to take Yan Qinghuang away?
Zi Che Min's concern was not unfounded. After spending time with Jiang Chen recently, he understood quite clearly how resolute this young man was on this matter.
If Xiahou Zong truly took Yan Qinghuang away and Zi Che Min knew nothing of it, this young man would certainly be utterly disillusioned with the Sacred Land.
He might even leave the Sacred Land — or perhaps bear a grudge against the entire Eternal Kingdom for the rest of his days.
"Elder Zi Che, there's no need to tell Shao Yuan about this just yet. We wouldn't want to distract him and affect his pill refinement," the Third Grand Sacred Master suggested, attempting to keep it under wraps.
But Zi Che Min shook his head. "This cannot be kept from him. Speaking of pill refinement — there is actually a matter I must report to the three Grand Sacred Masters."
"What is it?"
"After Shao Yuan refined the Tripod Heaven Pill, he told me that this pill is extremely difficult to forge. He does not wish for the Sacred Land to treat him as a mere alchemy tool. When to refine, how many to refine — these decisions are his alone to make, and the Sacred Land must not compel him."
If this were any ordinary alchemy genius, they would have absolutely no qualifications, let alone the courage, to say such a thing.
The Sacred Land wants you to refine pills — that's them showing you respect. What right do you have to haggle? They're giving you the chance to serve the Sacred Land and make a name for yourself — what more could you want?
But Jiang Chen was no ordinary alchemy genius. He had his principles.
When the Third Grand Sacred Master heard this demand, he was somewhat displeased. He thought this young man was giving himself far too much importance.
So young, and he'd only been in the Sacred Land for how long? And already he was bargaining with them?
But the First Grand Sacred Master smiled and nodded. "A true genius should have backbone. This Shao Yuan — with such talent, he does have the leverage to negotiate. Elder Zi Che, in your assessment, is refining this Tripod Heaven Pill truly that difficult?"
"This subordinate believes it should not be easy. Judging by the time and effort Shao Yuan devoted to it, this pill is far more difficult than the Heaven Mending Pill," Zi Che Min replied honestly.
"Mm. Elder Zi Che, go tell Shao Yuan that the Sacred Land will fully support him regarding Yan Qinghuang. The moment there is any sign of trouble, the Sacred Land will step in immediately. However, we would ask that he refine some pills for the Sacred Land when he has time. He may take a share of the profits — the ratio is open to discussion."
When the Third Grand Sacred Master heard the First Grand Sacred Master's words, his brow furrowed slightly. "First Grand Sacred Master, aren't we conceding too much? After all, he is still just a young man."
But the First Grand Sacred Master shook his head. "Third, we need to look at the bigger picture here. I dare say that if we try to restrict him, force him, it will be nearly impossible to win such a genius's loyalty to the Sacred Land. With this kind of genius, we must indulge him a little, cater to him — only then can we maintain a lasting relationship. Besides, this Shao Yuan doesn't seem like the type to make unreasonable demands. If we help him achieve what he wants, he will certainly give back in return. This Shao Yuan — I trust him."
The First Grand Sacred Master's ability to read people was, as always, keen.
"Elder Zi Che, what do you think of this arrangement?" the First Grand Sacred Master asked with a genial smile.
Zi Che Min paused for a moment, then replied honestly, "First Grand Sacred Master, verbal assurances of full support may not be sufficient. If Xiahou Zong truly goes to the Yan family and carries Yan Qinghuang away, our verbal support alone will not be enough to satisfy the young man."