Chapter 75, Disrespecting Elders and Honey Flower Tea

Translator: Raznick

 

Zhou Jiahui was dead, a piece of news that would remain secret for now.

 

Zhou Zhengkang was confident, believing no one could find any evidence against him.

 

What disappointed him was that he couldn’t locate the habitat of the mucus-producing fish, despite his belief that it should be near where Zhou Jiahui had died deep in the mountains.

 

After repeatedly cleaning and searching the scene of crime, he left the mountains and headed straight for the Red Cliff Market.

 

Zhou Zhengkang arrived at the market in disguise.

 

In a private room of a teahouse inside the market, he handed Zhou Jiahui’s belongings to Yu Deguang, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Spirit Beast Manor.

 

“Anyway, that’s how things stand. While I couldn’t locate the habitat of that strange fish, it is certain that they are in those mountains. Whether you hire a rogue cultivator to search slowly or send your own people to look, with enough time, you’re bound to find the place!”

 

In the private room, Zhou Zhengkang finished recounting his findings. He picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of spiritual tea, which he drank in one go. A look of contentment spread across his face.

 

As he savored the taste, he muttered to himself, “This is the flavor! Since coming to this Jing Kingdom, I’ve rarely had the chance to drink this Honey Flower Tea!”

 

Yu Deguang’s eyes flickered with interest. He immediately smiled and said, “If you like it, I have half a vial of tea pellets left, which I’ll happily give to you to enjoy at your leisure.”

 

“Thank you, Uncle Yu.”

 

Zhou Zhengkang’s eyes lit up as he promptly took the jade vial and examined it.

 

Known as Honey Flower Tea, these tea pellets were a specialty of the Three Absolute Sect’s Zhou Clan. They were made using leaves from spiritual tea plants, pollen from several types of spirit flowers, and honey from the Jade Spirit Bee.

 

Not only did it offer an exceptional flavor, but it could also slightly enhance one’s spiritual power and strengthen Divine Sense.

 

Back at the Three Absolute Sect, Zhou Zhengkang hadn’t been sparing in his consumption of such spiritual teas. However, upon arriving in the Jing Kingdom and with the dissolution of the Three Absolute Sect, key resources like the Jade Spirit Bee were redistributed and taken over by the Spirit Beast Manor. As a result, this particular type of spiritual tea was now only in the possession of a few individuals within the Zhou Clan, something they rarely ever partook in again.

 

A mere halfvial of Honey Flower Tea clearly wasn’t enough to satisfy Zhou Zhengkang’s desires. After examining the jade vial, he placed it inside his storage bag and turned to Yu Deguang, saying, “Now that I’ve done what you asked and even gone so far as to kill Zhou Jiahui, doesn’t that prove my loyalty? When do we get around to giving me the Foundation Establishment Pill?”

 

Upon hearing this, Yu Deguang casually picked up his teacup and took a delicate sip before softly replying:

 

“Don’t rush, dear nephew. As I understand it, the Li Clan is in the final stages of preparing their Foundation Establishment Pill, which will be ready soon. Given the resources the Zhou Clan has invested this time around, they should be able to secure at least two or three Foundation Establishment Pills. At your standing within the Zhou Clan, wouldn’t you naturally be entitled to one?

 

“Should you reach Foundation Establishment within the Zhou Clan, they’re sure to reward you with additional resources. Then, when you come over to Spirit Beast Manor, we can fulfill your request for the Foundation Establishment Pill by exchanging it for equivalent resources of other kinds. Wouldn’t that be a better arrangement?”

 

This statement seemed to have no obvious flaws, but Zhou Zhengkang’s face darkened at once.

 

He stared angrily at Yu Deguang and said, “You don’t need to dangle the carrot in front of me. Do you really think that after I killed Zhou Jiahui, I now have no other choice but to agree with everything you say?”

 

Yu Deguang was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Zhou Zhengkang to bring up such matters openly.

 

For a moment, he was speechless and couldn’t find an answer.

 

As he remained silent, Zhou Zhengkang’s face grew even grimmer.

 

“Never mind, it’s I who erred!”

 

Noticing how increasingly upset Zhou Zhengkang looked, Yu Deguang finally came to his senses and waved his hands to indicate that there had been a misunderstanding.

 

He then looked at Zhou Zhengkang with an earnest expression and explained: “It’s just that I truly don’t have the Foundation Establishment Pill on me. It might require me to ask Senior Si after returning to fetch it.”

 

He even touched Zhou Zhengkang’s shoulder as he spoke, “In any case, nephew, you must believe in our sincerity. You must also trust Senior Uncle Xiao’s regard for you and recognize your own value. We will never abandon such an exceptional talent as yourself!”

 

Zhou Zhengkang’s expression gradually softened.

 

He had always been proud and self-assured. Even back then at the Three Absolute Sect, among the younger generation, his talent and aptitude were unparalleled. He was confident that no matter where he went, he would shine brightly and stand out.

 

Yu Deguang’s current praise hit the mark for him. How could it not make him feel pleased and fulfilled?

 

The reason he still maintained a poker face was simply because he didn’t want Yu Deguang to think he fell for flattery. Plus, there was a bit of pride preventing him from showing too much eagerness.

 

At this point, Zhou Zhengkang let out a cold huff and said, “Hmph, I hope you mean what you say. Otherwise, I’ll just turn my back on you!”

 

Yu Deguang understood his mindset and immediately nodded repeatedly, “Certainly, certainly, my nephew. Just return to the Zhou Clan with peace of mind and wait patiently for my good news.”

 

—

 

After speaking, he casually slapped his waist storage bag, from which he pulled out a pouch filled with spirit coin. He placed it directly in front of Zhou Zhengkang and said with a smile, “There are eight hundred plus spirit coins inside. Consider this an advance. Once I settle the affairs concerning Zhou Jiahui’s belongings, I will make up for the rest. How does that sound?”

 

Zhou Zhengkang’s eyes flickered with joy. He snatched the pouch, weighed it in his hands, and his expression relaxed as he nodded at the man in approval. “That’s more like it!” he said.

 

He stuffed the pouch back into his waist storage bag, grabbed the teapot, and down the remaining tea in one go. He smoothed down his sleeves, stood up, and remarked, “I’ll head back. Make sure to wrap things up quickly so I don’t have to wait too long.”

 

Yu Deguang beamed and hurriedly rose to his feet, exclaiming, “Absolutely, please go ahead!”

 

After escorting Zhou Zhengkang out of the private room and closing the door behind him, Yu Deguang stared at the empty teapot in dismay. His face twisted with disgust as he swept his sleeve and snorted coldly. “Hmph! What a treacherous fool! Does he really think that Senior Uncle Xiao from the Spirit Beast Manor, a Violet Palace cultivator, would even glance at you because of that cheap Foundation Establishment Pill?”

 

From his words, it was clear that his earlier conversation and promises with Zhou Zhengkang were nothing but empty words.

 

In fact, he had always looked down on Zhou Zhengkang from the bottom of his heart, filled with disdain.

 

After secretly damning Zhou Zhengkang in his thoughts, he suddenly recalled something and muttered to himself in a thoughtful tone:

 

“On the other hand, that Zhou Zhengchun, although his talents may not be as outstanding, if the information from the Zhou Clan is true, this young man would indeed be worth grooming. If I can bring him under my wing, he could very well become another capable individual for Spirit Beast Manor.”

 

……

 

Zhou Zhengkang had no idea that in Yu Deguang’s eyes, he was so utterly worthless.

 

After leaving the teahouse, he had planned to go straight back to the clan.

 

However, as he passed by the area of the Spirit Beast Pavilion, seeing the banner with the words “Spirit Beast Pavilion” in the distance, his mind suddenly flashed back to what Zhou Jiahui had said earlier: “You are far inferior to Zhengchun.”

 

His face immediately turned cold, and he redirected his path toward the shop.

 

“Welcome, honored guest…” Inside the Spirit Beast Pavilion, Zhou Chun heard footsteps outside and broke into a rehearsed smile, preparing to greet the visitor.

 

But then he paused when he saw who it was.

 

“Ah, Seventh Brother,” Zhou Chun said, addressing Zhou Zhengkang respectfully upon his entrance.

 

However, instead of responding to Zhou Chun’s greeting, Zhou Zhengkang coldly stared at him and asked reproachfully, “Even though you are a core member, is this how you treat any ordinary rogue cultivator who happens to wander in? By welcoming them with such servility—are you not lowering yourself?”

 

[What does he mean?] Zhou Chun stared at Zhou Zhengkang in disbelief, utterly caught off guard by his words.

 

In fact, Zhou Zhengkang was not oblivious to the truth that in business, harmony leads to wealth. However, since he had formed an unfavorable first impression of Zhou Chun, he could not help but want to confront him and pick a quarrel with him.

 

Furthermore, at that moment, Zhou Zhengkang’s mind was occupied by Zhou Jiahui’s words. Seeing Zhou Chun’s apparently “humble” demeanor, it was inevitable that his anger would rise, making him feel resentment for himself.

 

Whether he liked to admit it or not, Zhou Jiahui’s remark had struck a nerve.

 

Fortunately, Zhou Jiasheng was also present. He noticed that Zhou Chun was left speechless by Zhou Zhengkang’s harsh words. Concerned about a potential altercation between them, Zhou Jiasheng quickly interjected, saying, “You are both part of the same clan! Zhengkang, how can you speak to Zhou Chun like that? If there is any misunderstanding, let’s go to the back to discuss it.”

 

As he spoke, Zhou Jiasheng gently patted Zhou Chun on the shoulder, urging him to restrain his temper and not allow the argument to escalate within the store.

 

He was about to grab Zhou Zhengkang and drag him to the back courtyard for a scolding.

 

However, Zhou Zhengkang quickly moved out of his grasp and said coldly, “No need. I still have to rush back to the clan.”

 

He didn’t bother to look back at Jiasheng’s displeased expression but simply turned around and left the store.

 

In the past, even if Zhou Zhengkang had little respect for these so-called senior members in his heart, he would never show it so openly.

 

But now, after personally killing Zhou Jiahui, he felt superior to them.

 

Additionally, since he had decided to leave the Zhou Clan, there was no need for him to act humble and seek their approval.

 

Lastly, Jiasheng’s obvious favoritism toward Zhou Chun earlier made him furious, leading him to view Jiasheng as part of Zhou Jiahui’s group and feel disdain for him.

 

All these factors resulted in the current situation unfolding before them.

 

Seeing Zhou Zhengkang turn and leave without any hesitation, Zhou Jiasheng’s face darkened with anger as well. He nearly ground his teeth together as he whispered fiercely, “Disrespecting elders, slandering your clansman—this matter I must personally write to the Clan Leader and lodge a complaint. I will make him apologize in person to me and to Zhengchun!”

 

After finishing this, noticing that Zhou Chun had not spoken, he assumed Zhou Chun was too angry to speak and quickly tried to comfort him: “Don’t take it personally, Zhengchun. That boy’s arrogance isn’t something new. Perhaps it’s because he’s heard the Clan Leader praise you so much that he grew jealous and came here to pick a fight with you. Just don’t fall for his taunts!”

 

Zhou Chun, upon hearing this, shook his head and spoke calmly: “I’m fine, Sixteenth Uncle. Please rest assured. I won’t trouble myself with him.”

 

Then, in a tone of puzzlement, he added: “If he has a grudge against me, your explanation makes sense. But why would he disregard even your presence, Sixteenth Uncle? That seems like asking for trouble, doesn’t it?”

 

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jiasheng’s face changed, and a look of confusion appeared in his eyes.

 

Zhou Chun was right—he couldn’t recall having done anything to upset Zhou Zhengkang. In the past, at least on the surface, Zhou Zhengkang had always been polite toward him. It was unthinkable that he would act so rudely today.

 

But his expression suddenly turned cold as he realized something, and he said angrily, “I think I know why now. It must be that he knows he’s about to reach Foundation Establishment and has stopped hiding his true nature. What a wolf in sheep skin!”

 

By the end of his outburst, even Zhou Jiasheng had started cursing.

 

[Is Zhou Zhengkang really about to reach Foundation Establishment?]

 

When Zhou Chun heard what Zhou Jiasheng said, he was also taken aback and asked for details.

 

He only knew that Zhou Zhengkang had broken through to the Twelfth Layer of Qi Refining Stage six months ago but hadn’t imagined that the latter would be so quick to attempt Foundation Establishment.

 

In response to Zhou Chun’s inquiries, Zhou Jiasheng hesitated slightly before nodding and saying, ” Zhengchun, since you are also a core member of our clan, I won’t lie. But you must swear not to share this information.”

 

“Rest assured, Sixteenth Uncle,” said Zhou Chun, “I will not leak a single word about this.”

 

Zhou Chun hastily assured her with seriousness.

 

Zhou Jiasheng explained how the Zhou Clan and Li Clan had collaborated in the creation of the Foundation Establishment Pill.

 

It turned out that when the Zhou Clan first settled at Nine Peaks, they used merits instead of spirit coins as welfare to provide for their clan members. This was because they had pooled their clan’s spirit coins together to handle several important matters.

 

One of these matters was the purchase of herbs needed for refining Foundation Establishment Pills, and they joined forces with the Li Clan to create it.

 

After several years of preparation, all necessary herbs had been gathered, and the Li Clan had begun their alchemy process.

 

This collaboration was known only to the Clan Leader, the Elders, and a few senior members like Zhou Jiasheng.

 

Zhou Chun felt impassioned, unable to help but think about the yet-to-be-completed Foundation Establishment Pill.

 

Alas, he also knew that even if Clan Leader Zhou Daoyi were to grant him a Foundation Establishment Pill, his current Ninth Layer of Qi Refining cultivation would make it unusable.

 

So this batch of Foundation Establishment Pills was destined to have no connection with him.

 

After revealing this secret, Zhou Jiasheng gritted his teeth and said, “That punk Zhou Zhengkang is the Foundation Establishment seed of our clan, so he will definitely get a share in this matter. With his high spirit root, he likely just needs one pill to reach Foundation Establishment. That’s why he’s acting so high and mighty now!”

 

Was that truly the case?

 

When Zhou Chun heard these words, he felt something seemed off.

 

Even if Zhou Zhengkang were to reach Foundation Establishment and become an Elder of the clan, he would still be one generation junior to Zhou Jiasheng. According to clan rules personally established by Grand Elder Zhou Mingde, he should at least show some respect to a senior.

 

Why would Zhou Zhengkang abandon even the most basic courtesies and give others grounds to accuse him of arrogance? Especially since he hadn’t yet reached Foundation Establishment in the first place.

 

He wasn’t worried that Clan Leader Zhou Daoyi would cancel his chance to take the Foundation Establishment Pill because of today’s incident? This doubt lingered in Zhou Chun’s mind, but he didn’t voice it to Zhou Jiasheng outright.

 

After all, Zhou Jiasheng’s current attitude was undoubtedly in his favor.