Chapter 42: A Bountiful Harvest

Hundreds of Ling clan disciples surrounded Lin Hao, their eyes flashing with malice and their faces twisted in fury. The atmosphere grew tense and heavy with hostility, as Lin Hao became the sole focus of their collective aggression.

"Pfft!"

Lin Hao burst into laughter.

The group of Ling clan disciples grew even more enraged. They wondered if this guy had lost his mind; given the dire situation, how could he possibly be laughing?

"My apologies."

Lin Hao waved his hand, acknowledging that his reaction was impolite and sensing the burning anger radiating from the disciples. But he couldn't help it—especially when he looked at those who still had remnants of the golden sacred medicine on their mouths; he found it hilarious.

"Damn it, kill him!"

Someone could no longer contain their rage, drawing their sword and hacking toward Lin Hao’s head.

Lin Hao shifted his feet, sliding his body to the side to easily dodge the strike. He remarked, "We are all fellow disciples of the same clan. Isn't it a bit much to resort to killing each other?"

"You colluded with the beasts in the mystic realm, embezzled heavenly treasures, and mocked your fellow disciples. Even if we kill you, you deserve it," a youth at the ninth level of the Qi Sea Realm retorted. "Don't bother with excuses. My eyes are sharp; I remember everyone who was outside the barrier. You, however, are a complete stranger. I haven't even seen you in the outer clan. I broke the barrier myself and watched everyone rush in, but I never saw you. Therefore, you must have been with that mule, entering the herb garden ahead of us."

The youth’s eyes were filled with smug intelligence as he pointed his finger at Lin Hao. "Most of the spiritual herbs here ended up in the belly of that mule or in your pocket."

"Brother Liu is right. I’ve been in the outer clan for three years. I might not know everyone, but I’ve at least seen them. This kid is completely unfamiliar. He’s likely a newcomer, but his actions today are detrimental to the unity of our clan disciples. He must have picked a lot of herbs—make him hand them all over!"

The disciples were filled with righteous indignation, clearly not intending to let Lin Hao go. Some even questioned his identity, which was clearly a calculated provocation. After all, how could anyone other than a Ling clan disciple appear in this mystic realm? The fact that they hadn't seen him before only proved, at most, that he was a newcomer.

"What? Planning to rob me?" Lin Hao sneered. "It was the mule that disgusted you, not me. You couldn't catch the mule, so you're taking your anger out on me? Is there any logic in that?"

"Enough nonsense! You snuck into the herb garden ahead of time, which is a taboo. There's no need to explain; we have our own judgment. Hand over all the herbs you picked, and you might be able to atone for your crimes. Since you were in league with that mule, you're no good either. You mocked us and wounded our dignity—even if we beat you half to death, it would only be right."

Lin Hao laughed, looking at this group of dim-witted fools who had let their anger cloud their judgment. He couldn't be bothered to waste another word. There was still a small portion of herbs left in the garden, yet instead of picking them, they had turned their spears toward him. Of course—the remaining herbs weren't going anywhere, and they assumed he had already harvested the lion's share.

"Fine. Whatever you say, I’ll admit to it. The mule and I entered the herb garden early, and I did harvest the herbs," Lin Hao said. "But let me be clear: I’m standing right here. If anyone dares to touch a single hair on my head, I’ll consider you a real man."

Lin Hao’s words made the group of Ling clan disciples hesitate. They looked at each other, one whispering, "Who exactly is this guy? His confidence doesn't seem faked."

"Could he have been brought in by one of the elders? Does he have a powerful backer?"

The Ling clan was a colossal entity with complex interpersonal relationships. Cultivating here required caution, lest one offend someone who shouldn't be provoked.

"What is your name?" the one called Brother Liu asked.

"Tianbao," Lin Hao replied.

"Tianbao? That name sounds so familiar... I feel like I've heard it somewhere."

"I've heard it too! Damn it, he's the nine-pattern alchemist who made a name for himself in the Imperial City at the Alchemy Pavilion a few days ago!"

"My heavens! I heard from friends in the inner clan that Master Tianbao had joined the Ling clan and refined many nine-pattern pills for the Lingyun Pavilion. I never expected him to come to Lingyun Mountain and participate in our trial so low-key."

The Ling clan disciples were shocked on the spot. A person's reputation is like their shadow; the name "Master Tianbao" was currently too influential. Everyone in the Imperial City knew it. They hadn't seen Master Tianbao's face, but the name was like thunder in their ears. Even as Lin Hao spoke the name, they didn't harbor a shred of doubt. No one who could enter the Ling clan was a fool; they were clever and had their own judgment. A stranger appearing in their secret realm must have been arranged by a high-ranking official. Besides the recently famous Master Tianbao, no other disciple of this age would have been brought in.

"So it is Master Tianbao. Please forgive our ignorance!"

Brother Liu immediately wore a flattering smile, stepped forward, and cupped his hands in a bow. "Master Tianbao, I admit I spoke too loudly just now. I was blind and failed to recognize a man of your stature."

The attitude of the Ling clan disciples shifted completely. There was no choice; Master Tianbao’s status was too high. How could they afford to offend him? If they could curry favor with him, all the better. Even if they couldn't become close, leaving a good impression on a nine-pattern alchemist was highly beneficial.

"Enough. As the chief of the Alchemy Pavilion, I don't hold grudges that easily. There is still a portion of herbs left in the garden. What do you think?" Lin Hao said with a meaningful tone.

The youth surnamed Liu was the quickest to react. "Searching for treasure in a mystic realm is for those who are capable. Since Master Tianbao was able to break through the barrier and enter early, the herbs here naturally belong to you, Master."

"Exactly, they are all yours, Master. With your skills, you will surely refine these herbs into nine-pattern pills, maximizing their value."

"Master, let me pick them for you!"

The group of Ling clan disciples immediately sprang into action. In an instant, they cleared the herb garden and brought the harvest to Lin Hao with great respect. Some even took the opportunity while delivering the herbs to secretly stuff spirit stones into his hands. "Master, my name is Zhang Yang."

"Master, I am Xiong Xin. If you have any errands in the outer clan, I will never refuse."

Lin Hao grinned, flashing two rows of white teeth, accepting everything that came his way.

"Good, good, good. The disciples of the Ling clan are truly united. I have received your kindness. Let us all help each other in the future," Lin Hao said with a wise expression.

"Naturally! It is our honor to be under the same roof as you, Master."

"Alright, everyone disperse and continue your training," Lin Hao waved his hand. "Be especially careful of that short mule. He's not a good creature—if you run into him, beat him to death."

"Damn it! That short mule is finished. If I run into him again, I'll definitely kill him!"

Mentioning the mule made the Ling clan disciples' eyes turn fierce, followed by a wave of nausea that made them retch.

Having profited handsomely, Lin Hao slipped away, continuing alone toward the depths of the mystic realm.

"I don't know where that mule ran off to. I need to find a hidden place to digest the energy in my body," Lin Hao mused. "I was tricked by that damn mule; I ate too many spiritual herbs, and they're running wild inside me. I must digest them quickly and seize the chance to break through to the fifth level of the Qi Sea Realm."