Volume 1, Chapter 34: The Seeds Sown by the Foundation!

Throughout Changlan Island, figures of the Langya Charity Foundation’s stewards were visible everywhere. White-clad forms filled the entire island. More than twenty of the foundation’s soaring vessels had already arrived, carrying a continuous stream of relief supplies from Tianjue Island. This allowed the cultivators in the disaster-stricken areas to receive treatment in the shortest time possible. Even if immediate cures were unattainable, at least lives could be saved.

At first, many cultivators harbored skepticism, believing there was no such thing as a free lunch. Some even suspected the foundation to be a sinister sect and dared not accept its aid. Their wariness intensified upon hearing rumors linking the foundation to the young master of the Wang family.

But as more and more survivors were rescued, the boxes of elixirs unloaded from the soaring vessels were rapidly depleted. Many of the foundation’s stewards were so exhausted their spiritual energy was drained; unable to replenish it even with spirit stones, they fell into deep slumber.

Those who had doubted fell silent. If this were truly a malevolent sect, then there were no good people left in the world.

“Miss, where are you all from?” An elderly female cultivator who had been rescued gratefully clasped the hand of a female steward from the foundation. “Once our side recovers, we will definitely come to thank you! By the way, the healing medicine you gave us—surely it wasn’t cheap. How many spirit stones do we owe you?”

The steward smiled gently. “Our foundation was just established recently. Most members come from Tianjue Island. The disaster relief funds are donated collectively by the island’s cultivators and sects, so no cost is borne by us. There’s no need for anyone to pay!”

As the steward left, whispers of astonishment and speculation rippled behind her.

—

The rescue efforts continued for several days before finally concluding.

Autumn Leaf Island was not far from Changlan Island. It was renowned near and far for producing a rare spiritual fish known as the Autumn Leaf Fish. Legend had it that this fish was delicious, and when uniquely prepared into Autumn Leaf Fish Soup, it greatly benefited cultivation.

Ye Shan was a cultivator from the Wanxuelou sect on Tianjue Island. His master was about to celebrate his 280th birthday and loved all kinds of spiritual fish. Ye Shan had come specifically to buy a portion of Autumn Leaf Fish Soup to bring back as a filial gift.

“Fellow Daoist Ye, I’m not exaggerating—this Baizhen Restaurant’s Autumn Leaf Fish Soup is famed for its exquisite flavor, ranking among the best on the entire island. Your master will be absolutely delighted!” Ye Shan’s friend Zhou Yan praised enthusiastically.

“Thanks for the recommendation, Brother Zhou!” The two entered Baizhen Restaurant. After some inquiries, Ye Shan was struck as if by thunder.

“Sold... sold out?”

“Yes!” The shopkeeper behind the counter forced on his signature fake smile. “Our Autumn Leaf Fish Soup always sells extremely well, and we only prepare thirty servings a day. You’re unlucky—today’s last serving was just sold.”

Unwilling to give up, Ye Shan pleaded, “My master’s birthday is imminent, and he loves this fish soup the most! Could you possibly make an exception and have the chef prepare another portion?”

The shopkeeper’s smile became more insincere. “Rules are rules! We can’t just change them for anyone. Sir, why not try some of our other dishes? They’re excellent as well.”

“I’m willing to pay double!” Ye Shan said.

Laughter erupted around him.

“If paying more guaranteed Baizhen’s Autumn Leaf Fish Soup, I’d pay ten times and eat it every day!” mocked a richly dressed, portly man—an obvious regular.

Ye Shan scanned the room, spotting a nearby table with uneaten Autumn Leaf Fish Soup. He hurriedly begged, “Fellow cultivator, could you kindly give me your serving? My master’s birthday is very important, and I’m truly at a loss...”

Before he could finish, the request was sharply refused.

“My master’s birthday has nothing to do with me! Move along, don’t spoil my mood!”

All attempts failed. Ye Shan sighed deeply, his face full of disappointment.

His friend Zhou Yan blamed himself. “Brother Ye, it’s my fault for not checking thoroughly. You came all the way from Tianjue Island for nothing...”

Ye Shan forced a smile to comfort his friend, when suddenly a rough shout sounded from the back.

“Tianjue Island? Who’s from Tianjue Island?”

A burly man lifted the kitchen curtain and strode out, still holding a spatula, his gaze sweeping over everyone before settling on Ye Shan.

“You’re from Tianjue Island?” the chef asked.

“Yes,” Ye Shan nodded, puzzled but affirming.

“Do you know the Langya Charity Foundation?” the chef pressed.

“Of course!” Ye Shan replied. “I know it well. My master is even ranked second on the foundation’s merit list, personally appointed by the president!”

Hearing this, the chef was visibly moved. He put down the spatula and rubbed his shirt repeatedly before grasping Ye Shan’s hand.

“A benefactor, a benefactor!”

The chef knelt with grateful tears in his eyes.

Ye Shan was puzzled. “Why do you say that?”

Tears welled up in the chef’s eyes. “My older brother recently went to Changlan Island to purchase supplies but was severely injured in a monster attack and buried beneath a mountain. If it weren’t for the foundation’s righteous warriors who worked tirelessly for over a day to move the stone mountain and then saved him with countless elixirs, my brother and I would have been separated by life and death long ago! Thank you, benefactor!”

Ye Shan was stunned but waved his hand to dismiss the praise. “I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t involved. I cannot accept the title of benefactor.”

The chef shook his head. “I’ve inquired thoroughly. Many cultivators on Tianjue Island have donated to the foundation, and since your master is ranked so highly, the donations must have been enormous. My brother’s survival owes everything to the generosity of your island’s righteous cultivators! Without them, the healing elixirs and relief treasures would have been impossible to gather. Anyone from Tianjue Island who helped is my benefactor!”

He knelt again, knocking his head three times with a resounding thud that stirred those present.

“Benefactor, please have a seat. I’ll prepare a serving of fish soup for you—no, three servings—to take back. Please convey my regards to your master and wish him longevity!”

With that, the chef picked up a ladle and headed back to the kitchen.

The shopkeeper panicked. “Chef Wu, this isn’t according to the rules!”

Chef Wu shot him a righteous glance. “What’s wrong with serving a few dishes to my benefactor? If you don’t like it, go ahead and have the owner fire me!”

The shopkeeper was silenced. He knew the chef was responsible for over seventy percent of the restaurant’s success with the Autumn Leaf Fish Soup.

Before the words died away, other voices rose within the restaurant.

“No need for all this fuss. Benefactor, you want fish? Here’s mine—untouched!” The cultivator who had earlier refused Ye Shan now blushed deeply and bowed. “I didn’t know your identity before and spoke out of turn. Please forgive me. My family was also on Changlan Island recently. Without the foundation’s righteous warriors, I would never have seen them again!”

“Me too! Unlike them, I was on the island and thought I was going to die. Luckily, the foundation’s benefactors used all kinds of precious medicines to save me. They left so quickly I didn’t even get their names. Shopkeeper, bring ten tables of your best dishes and put them in this spatial ring for the benefactor to take away!”

More and more people gathered around.

Ye Shan looked at the grateful faces, feeling as if something was choking his heart.