Chapter 354: Why Aren’t You Eating?

A few days later, Jin Xiaoqin came to check on Ye Wenxin’s progress, and watched the umbrella sword perform intricate maneuvers in the air. She had a complex expression and asked uncertainly, “There isn’t really a ghost in that umbrella sword, is there?”

Due to lingering trauma from the secret realm, Jin Xiaoqin was sensitive to the mention of ghosts. Ye Wenxin chuckled. “How is that possible?”

Jin Xiaoqin sighed in relief. Ye Wenxin, seeing her relax, added, “One ghost wouldn’t be enough. The umbrella sword is a dual weapon, so of course there are two ghosts.”

Jin Xiaoqin was dumbfounded. After a moment, she silently pulled out another sword manual titled [Spring Slumber]. The umbrella sword seemed to sense Jin Xiaoqin’s goodwill and flew towards her on its own.

Before their eyes, the [Spring Slumber] manual began flipping rapidly in the air. In just a moment, the two ghosts practiced the entire technique right before them. Such memory and comprehension abilities were the ultimate cheats.

However, the two ghosts could only learn Yin-based martial arts. Otherwise, Ye Wenxin would have considered teaching them Fairy Fengya’s Nine Tribulations Exorcising Curse, which would make the umbrella sword her greatest ally. Jin Xiaoqin watched with a complex expression, then drew her golden axe and once again sparred with the umbrella sword.

The two ghosts coordinated their attacks. Previously, Jin Xiaoqin had held the upper hand, but they were completely suppressing her now. She sighed and cupped her fist toward the umbrella sword. “Ghost seniors, I’ll leave my untalented disciple in your capable hands.”

Ye Wenxin watched as the two ghosts wore expressions of pride, clearly pleased with Jin Xiaoqin’s respect. They were highly combative and incredibly curious, approaching Ye Wenxin only when they were hungry for Yin energy.

Rather than raising two ghosts, it felt more like raising two cats. Nonetheless, these ghosts were martial arts prodigies. Concerned about losing control over them, Ye Wenxin withheld the most advanced techniques, not passing on any god-tier manuals…

After seeing the results of her practice, Jin Xiaoqin allowed Ye Wenxin an early break.

“Alright, you can leave the training room today. Go take a good bath and get some sleep.”

“No need, I’m fine in the training room.” Ye Wenxin was initially pleased, but grew anxious when Jin Xiaoqin mentioned she could leave. She began to worry about Jin Xiaoqin’s potential demands again, and awkwardly curled her toes inward.

Jin Xiaoqin, however, seemed oblivious to Ye Wenxin’s concerns. She rolled her eyes and continued, “The Sect Master will handle your matters. Go on; your gang of little brothers has been driving me crazy.”

She shooed Ye Wenxin out as if swatting a fly away, then locked the door to the training room. Although Ye Wenxin was still apprehensive, Jin Xiaoqin’s demeanor suggested she had no ulterior motives, so Ye Wenxin quickly left.

After washing up and having a meal, she returned to her previous contented life…

During this period, under Fatty’s leadership, the Golden Age Dynasty branch flourished. The five alchemists Ling Jue had sent provided significant assistance, alleviating Ye Wenxin’s burden and enabling the shop to be self-sufficient. Even if Ye Wenxin were to be gone for a year or so, it would continue to operate smoothly.

However, Ye Wenxin refined pills habitually, stocking up on more pills and experimenting with higher-grade ones. Time flew by, and the umbrella sword got so bored in that room that it almost grew mold. Finally, Ye Wenxin successfully produced her first ninth-grade pill after continuous attempts.

The pill emitted a rich medicinal fragrance that spread throughout the room. Golden patterns adorned it, indicating its exceptional quality.

Ordinary alchemists could only produce a few ninth-grade pills after several centuries of hard work. However, Ye Wenxin had created a superb ninth-grade pill on her first try. She wanted to taste it herself, but recalling her cooperation with Green Isle Manor, she ultimately summoned Fatty, instructing him to personally deliver the ninth-grade pill to Madam Yu.

“You’re truly amazing, Big Sister! You can even create ninth-grade pills!” Fatty was so excited he could barely speak coherently, as if he could see an even brighter future for the Cozy Gang.

Ye Wenxin just smiled and reminded him, “Enough with the flattery. Remember, this pill is very precious. Make sure to deliver it to Madam Yu personally, and suggest she auction it off at the auction house. As for the money, keep it and then purchase a new batch of medicinal herbs. Got it?”

“Yes, yes. Is there anything else?” Fatty nodded vigorously, his face full of anticipation for gossip.

After a moment’s thought, Ye Wenxin added, “Tell Madam Yu that if she feels unwell, she should send a message via carrier pigeon. Oh, and pick up some small trinkets for Qiao Ni along the way. Tell her they’re special gifts from me. Understand?”

Thinking about the mischievous Qiao Ni, Ye Wenxin didn’t dare neglect her, lest their next meeting be another ordeal. Fatty eagerly agreed, carefully noted down Ye Wenxin’s instructions, and then reported on the recent progress.

The Cozy Gang was beginning to expand rapidly, with more than half of the outer disciples having already joined, and a third of the inner disciples considering it.

In a few years, the pill business could extend to other dynasties, and the mutually beneficial cooperation with Green Isle Manor, a trade sect, made Ye Wenxin very satisfied. She began to consider stepping back, and pushing the gang leader position to Fatty. Once the time was right, she planned to erase her presence from the Cozy Gang, ensuring its longevity.

“But my identity can’t be revealed. Just like before, say that alchemists from Medicine King Valley made the pill. Never mention that I’m an advanced alchemist, lest I bring disaster upon myself.”

“Of course, I understand, but this isn’t good either, Big Sister. Since they don’t know that you’re the real core of this, it’s hard to gain their full respect.”

“You control them and I control you. Simple as that,” Ye Wenxin said dismissively, not revealing her plans to leave at any moment and make Fatty the face of the operation.

“Hehe, you have a point. As long as I control them, they follow me, which also means they follow you, Big Sister.” Fatty nodded, not suspecting Ye Wenxin’s plans at all. After receiving her instructions, he quickly took his leave.

Ye Wenxin returned to her room to continue refining pills. Not long after, she heard a knock at the door. Unable to leave her current task, she called out, “The door’s unlocked; come in.”

The door opened. Ye Wenxin had expected it to be Gu Xiangsi dropping by, but when she turned to see, it was Hei Haowen of the Southern Dipper Temple instead. He was now bald and smiling sheepishly, appearing a bit embarrassed.

Ye Wenxin didn’t need to think twice; the Southern Dipper Temple had clearly sent him to keep an eye on her.

“My master sent me.”

“I figured as much. Take a seat over there for now. I’ll talk to you after I’m done refining pills.”