Upon hearing the accusation from the other party, Jiang Hao remained calm, simply saying, "The Bone Flower has issues that could damage the Spirit Field."
"That's a big accusation, Junior Brother. Are you saying our Hundred Bone Forest means to ruin your Spirit Field?"
Li Kai stared at Jiang Hao suspiciously.
"And why is it that other Spirit Fields can tend them just fine, but yours can't? They've all waited for us to discuss it, but you think you're special? Or do you think there's no one in our Hundred Bone Forest, and you can't afford to offend us? If the Bone Flower was problematic, why didn't you say so when we delivered it? Or when we collected the money for it? Now that they're about to mature, issues suddenly appear. Is the problem really with the Bone Flower, or is it with you, Junior Brother?"
His words were forceful, deflecting all responsibility away from himself, as if the flaw lay entirely with Broken Hearts Cliff.
Jiang Hao looked down, unwilling to engage in an argument. "But I did try to reach you. If you hadn't delayed so long, this wouldn't be happening," Cheng Chou quietly interjected from the side.
"Hmph!" Li Kai glared coldly at the trembling Cheng Chou. "Do you expect us to come running whenever Broken Hearts Cliff calls? When we call for you to come to us, should you drop everything and rush over? Since we handed over the spirit herbs, it was because we had no time to look after them ourselves. What’s the point of wasting time finding you then? Is it not reasonable to come a few days later? Is that your excuse for ruining our Bone Flower? Ridiculous."
Jiang Hao waved his hand, signaling Cheng Chou to carry on with his tasks. He then turned to the matter at hand. "Senior Brother, how do you propose we handle this? The situation has happened; let's find a solution."
"Very well, let’s find a solution," Li Kai said, eyes fixed on Jiang Hao as he calculated. "A mature Bone Flower costs five spirit stones. You have five hundred plants there, which makes for two thousand five hundred spirit stones altogether."
"Isn't the Bone Flower worth just three spirit stones?" Jiang Hao asked.
"That was before. Prices have increased after the Azure Sky Mountain incident. Surely you know that, Junior Brother?" Li Kai chuckled. "Don’t tell me you’re out of spirit stones? I've heard you've achieved many merits. Surely, you can afford this small amount?"
Aware of Jiang Hao's accomplishments, Li Kai had consulted with some senior disciples, concluding that Jiang Hao didn’t truly have the qualifications to claim merits under such noteworthy figures but was merely being used by the Barbarian Dragon to divert responsibility.
Thus, Jiang Hao lacked real respect, as everything was orchestrated for the sect to disregard the Barbarian Dragon while remembering Jiang Hao. The benefits went to the dragon, and the disadvantages to Jiang Hao. There was no need to show undue respect to him.
Pausing for a moment, Jiang Hao figured that normal people wouldn't have that many spirit stones. But this was about spirit stones, and a demand for two thousand five was essentially asking for life. Making a big fuss was not what they wanted.
However, two thousand five he did not have. In recent days, although he had sold many Ten Thousand Sword Talismans, it hadn’t been easy. Altogether, he’d only gathered about nine hundred spirit stones, and he was unable to churn out more at the moment. There were only twenty talismans left, and even if they all sold, it wouldn’t be enough.
"Is Senior Brother not reclaiming the Bone Flower?" Jiang Hao cast a glance at the Bone Flowers piled to the side.
"Of course, we'll reclaim them; they are ours. Retrieving them is only right," Li Kai declared righteously.
"Then shouldn't that reduce the amount?" Jiang Hao shifted his focus to Li Kai.
"The Bone Flowers are ours, and the compensation is for your apology to us, two separate matters," Li Kai explained, seemingly inspired by a thought. "Short on spirit stones? That's fine. I hear you make spirit stones rather quickly, Junior Brother. The remaining amount can be settled within three months. We’re quite understanding like that. If needed, you can take up to six months, but there will be some interest."
Realizing Li Kai had done his research and had him cornered, Jiang Hao agreed, handing over five hundred spirit stones. "Here's five hundred now. I’ll settle the rest in three months."
"You appear quite reasonable, Junior Brother, very good." Receiving the five hundred spirit stones, Li Kai smiled widely, and added, "I've heard your Spirit Field has been losing nutrients severely. I have some treasures to replenish it, selling them to you for a thousand spirit stones each. Two items for two thousand. You can pay me back within a year. I wouldn't sell them for one thousand five to someone else."
"Fine," Jiang Hao nodded and accepted the offer. He then took two black beads and watched as Li Kai left.
At this moment, he activated his divine ability to appraise.
[Li Kai: Inner disciple of the Hundred Bone Forest, cultivation at late Foundation Establishment, here under the orders of Ming Zuoqian to reclaim the Bone Flowers and extort you. He sees you as stupid, rich, and timid—a perfect prey. He will report back to Ming Zuoqian in seven days.]
Ming Zuoqian? Jiang Hao recalled the name, identifying the individual as a True Disciple of the Hundred Bone Forest, his cultivation most likely at the early Golden Core stage.
"No mention of Bai Ye. I wonder what role Bai Ye plays," Jiang Hao quietly mused.
Seven days until reporting back to Ming Zuoqian seemed quite delayed.
After going back to the Spirit Herb Garden and assuring Cheng Chou that everything was alright, Jiang Hao buried the two black beads within two Spirit Fields. Indeed, the nutrient loss began to reverse, though not as abundantly as before. To return to its previous fertility, further actions were necessary.
He determined to inspect the Spirit Field tomorrow to appraise for potential surprises.
Having returned, Jiang Hao began to comprehend the Second Form of the Heavenly Blade, Mountain Subjugation. Occasionally, he practiced diligently. Days passed, and Jiang Hao watered the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower and tended to the Spirit Herb Garden tirelessly and toilsomely.
Six days later, in the early morning, Jiang Hao stood in the courtyard, the fragrance of the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower perfuming the air, making him feel more grounded spiritually. But today's early rising wasn't for the flower.
It was for the Immortal Peach Tree, which was expected to sprout today. Tender leaves broke through the soil, peering at the world with curiosity. Beside it hovered a purple bubble.
[Divine Ability Fragment +1]
While not a golden bubble, the purple one was a delightful surprise since the ability roster was already full—meaning a new ability was achievable now.
Without hurrying to acquire it, Jiang Hao appraised the Immortal Peach Tree again.
[Immortal Peach Tree Seedling: Related to the ancient divine tree, the Immortal Peach Tree, possessing a trace of divine characteristics. After flowering and producing fruit, it will become an Immortal Peach Tree after nine cycles of rebirth. Growing alongside divine items and receiving a daily bowl of water will increase growth speed and enhance fruit sweetness.]
"A daily bowl of water too?" Jiang Hao noted that these things just required frequent watering, with minimal costs.
Curiosity sparked—if he had abundant spirit stones, would appraisal reveal a lavish growth method?
As for cultivating alongside divine items, Jiang Hao wasn't concerned. With the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower in the courtyard, growth happens alongside divine objects here. Perhaps this explains why the rabbit always lingered near the flower.
Back in his room, Jiang Hao sat cross-legged, observing his divine abilities.
[Divine Ability: 3/3 (Available to acquire)]
"Acquire."
With the command from Jiang Hao's thoughts, the available slots for divine abilities reset to zero.
Shortly after, Jiang Hao felt something emerge between his brows. He understood this new divine ability was connected to his forehead.
In a brief span, the name of the divine ability became clear to him.
[Hidden Spirit Manifestation]