Situ Jinglei and Situ Yunfeng resumed their seats, and Zi Lingling continued, "Uncle, Situ, I have some pill formulas here, which are considered as payment for the two Soul Nourishing Grasses last time."
As she spoke, she took out over a dozen pre-written pill formulas and placed them on the table.
These formulas were all copied from the "Human Emperor's Pharmacopoeia," representing the cream of the crop and treasures that were rarely seen!
Pill formulas?
Situ Jinglei's eyes lit up, and even Situ Yunfeng, who had been somewhat disheartened by the scare, perked up.
After all, for an alchemist to refine pills, it was like a traditional Chinese medicine doctor treating an illness; they needed a prescription to gather the herbs.
This prescription was the pill formula.
The formula recorded the medicinal ingredients and their quantities required for refining the pill, as well as precautions during the refining process.
Most formulas were for one pill at a time. Of course, there were also formulas for multiple pills, but they were extremely rare.
The information recorded in the formulas was determined after numerous trials, making them exceptionally precise.
Because even a slight mistake during pill refinement could, at best, waste ingredients or produce a failed pill, and at worst, cause a furnace explosion or even death.
Of course, this did not mean that following the formula perfectly would guarantee the successful refinement of a pill.
Spiritual power, control, flame intensity, and the alchemist's mindset all played crucial roles in the success of pill concoction.
But regardless, the pill formula was the foundation.
Without a formula, alchemy would be pure speculation.
Therefore, pill formulas were extremely valuable.
This led many who possessed formulas to hoard them, unwilling to share.
Yet, in the eyes of alchemists, formulas were akin to priceless treasures, something to be revered like ancestors.
At this moment, Zi Lingling produced over ten of them at once, and it would be false to say that the Situ father and son were not moved.
However, a gentleman loves wealth, but he obtains it righteously!
And Zi Lingling's subsequent statement, that these were compensation for the Soul Nourishing Grasses, immediately caused Situ Jinglei's expression to darken.
He said with a slightly stern face, "Little girl Zi, you're being too formal! While we don't have an abundance of Soul Nourishing Grasses in Medicine King Valley, we certainly have enough to give you those two plants."
"Although you are not destined to be my daughter-in-law, Young Master Ye is someone I watched grow up, like my own child. Therefore, I would be very happy for you to become Young Master Ye's wife!"
"Those two Soul Nourishing Grasses are a betrothal gift from me to you on behalf of Young Master Ye. Since they are a betrothal gift, there's no question of exchanging them for compensation?"
Situ Yunfeng also said earnestly, "That's right, Little girl Zi. We agreed that those two Soul Nourishing Grasses were compensation for you, so you don't need to feel burdened by them!"
Zi Lingling was deeply moved upon hearing their words.
She could tell that the Situ father and son were speaking from the heart, without any ulterior motives.
After all, she was a stranger to the Situ father and son, especially to Situ Jinglei.
But precisely because she was a stranger, their trust and acceptance were all the more precious.
Zi Lingling smiled knowingly and said, "Uncle, Situ, I understand what you mean, and I am grateful for your sincerity. However, you must accept these pill formulas."
"Firstly, since you don't treat me as an outsider, why should we be so clear about whose possessions are whose? You can give me Soul Nourishing Grass, so why can't I share pill formulas with you?"
"Secondly, I, Zi Lingling, dislike owing favors in my life. Because if I owe a favor, I will have a persistent thought that prevents my mind from being clear. Therefore, if you give me Soul Nourishing Grass without expecting anything in return, it will leave me with this unresolved thought, which will then become a heart demon, obstructing my path of cultivation."
"Thirdly, some of these formulas are essential for our cooperation. If you don't accept these formulas, you won't be able to refine the pills we need, which will hinder our plan."
"Fourthly, having a formula doesn't guarantee success in refining pills; it requires continuous practice and experience according to the formula. No one knows how long this process will take."
"Fifthly, the formulas are just pieces of paper in my hands, but they can play a significant role in your hands. I believe that with your benevolent hearts and medical skills, their value will be maximized."
"Sixthly, I have a small ulterior motive. If possible, I hope you can help me find some people with alchemy talent and pure hearts to help me establish a sect – the Pill Sect!"
Zi Lingling finished stating her reasons in one breath and looked at the Situ father and son, awaiting their response.
She spoke with utmost candor, not hiding her thoughts or intentions, which left Situ Jinglei and Situ Yunfeng with no reason to refuse.
Ye Lingyuan looked at Zi Lingling with radiant eyes, his admiration undisguised.
When she was cunning, she was hard to guard against; when she was sincere, she was irresistible.
A noble person is open and straightforward, while a petty person is always worried.
Zi Lingling could not be considered entirely upright and honorable, but she was not a treacherous villain either.
Perhaps it was this multifaceted personality that made her shine so brightly, dazzling everyone.
"This..."
Situ Jinglei hesitated.
Situ Yunfeng also hesitated.
After all, over a dozen pill formulas were priceless treasures, not something that could be offset by two Soul Nourishing Grasses.
Ye Lingyuan said calmly, "Since Lin'er is giving them to you, you should accept them!"
He knew Zi Lingling too well.
If she didn't consider the Situ father and son as family, Zi Lingling would never have brought out the pill formulas.
Situ Jinglei looked at Zi Lingling again, his eyes meeting the determination in hers.
He finally gritted his teeth and made up his mind, saying, "Alright, since Young Master Ye and Little girl Zi have said so much, I won't be overly modest."
"I accept your gifts. From now on, Medicine King Valley will be your absolute ally and strong backing. Whatever you wish to do, Medicine King Valley will cooperate unconditionally!"
"From this day forward, those who are your enemies are the enemies of Medicine King Valley!"
Situ Yunfeng chimed in, "Old man, you actually have such a heroic side. I underestimated you before!"
Situ Jinglei said proudly, "You brat, when I was full of spirit, you were still in your mother's womb!"
"Hahaha..."
"Hehehe..."
A series of laughter echoed through the flower hall.
Three days later.
Thirty miles outside Medicine King Valley.
Situ Jinglei said reluctantly, "Little girl Zi, will you really not stay a few more days?"
Situ Yunfeng also pleaded, "Linlin, what's so fun about the border? Why don't you and A Yuan stay in Medicine King Valley? As for the border affairs, let Ye Moyuan worry about them himself!"
Zi Lingling shook her head and said, "Uncle, Situ, if I avoid certain things, then my path of cultivation will end here."
"Avoiding challenges is not my style; by facing them head-on, my Dao heart will become even more steadfast!"