Lin Ziyi: "That's truly a good thing, just too little of it."
Ye Tian chuckled, "I'll have Ren Ping draw half a basin of blood every week; it'll accumulate slowly."
After storing the medicinal powder, Ye Tian took some lingzhi and a few other herbs, preparing to craft a batch of pills to extend the lives of the elders.
The next day, Fu Kang arrived at Jiuhua Mountain Villa. Ye Tian handed him two bottles of pills, made overnight, and instructed, "Each of these bottles contains fifty pills. Have those three take one pill per month, giving each a year's supply. The remainder, give to your father."
Fu Kang was overjoyed and said, "Many thanks, Leader!"
Ye Tian then called Zhang Longsheng over and said to Fu Kang, "Fu Kang, this is Zhang Longsheng, the King of the Southwest. You've likely heard of him."
Fu Kang's heart stirred. He sized up Zhang Longsheng and smiled, "I know. You were responsible for the Gu family before, weren't you?"
Zhang Longsheng replied, "Indeed."
Ye Tian: "Now that the Gu family has fallen, Zhang Longsheng is looking for a new patron. Fu Kang, does your Fu family have any interest in cooperating with him?"
Fu Kang smiled, "Leader, major family decisions are made by the Old Master. However, with these pills as a gift, I doubt he'll refuse. Actually, our Fu family has been looking for representatives in the martial world, and this King of the Southwest certainly carries weight."
Ye Tian: "Then you should discuss it with your father when you return."
After Fu Kang left, Zhang Longsheng smiled, "From the looks of young Master Fu, he seems inclined to cooperate."
Ye Tian: "The Fu family has their own plans. Your involvement might affect their agenda to some extent, so it's still uncertain if it will work out."
Zhang Longsheng: "Even if cooperation isn't possible, I can still get on board with the Fu family."
Ye Tian: "Actually, I am the leader of the Heavenly Alliance. If you're interested in joining, you're always welcome."
Zhang Longsheng's eyes lit up, "So you are the Leader of the Heavenly Alliance!"
Ye Tian: "Do you have any dealings with the Tang Sect in the Southwest?"
Zhang Longsheng: "We have quite a bit of business interaction. The Tang Sect is very mysterious. Despite my title as King of the Southwest, our overall strength can't compare to the Tang Sect. They are a lineage with a thousand years of history. Although they have had periods of decline, their foundation is immensely powerful."
Ye Tian: "The Tang Sect is also a part of the Heavenly Alliance. I plan to visit the Tang Sect when I have the chance."
Zhang Longsheng was surprised, "The Leader intends to subdue the Tang Sect?"
Ye Tian nodded, "I've heard the Tang Sect's patriarch is obsessed with alchemy. I plan to approach it from that angle. At that time, I'll need your help to inform the Tang Sect."
Zhang Longsheng: "That's easy. I can casually mention that you are a master alchemist, and he will naturally want to meet you."
He then added with a smile, "If you succeed, I, Longsheng, am willing to join the Heavenly Alliance along with the Tang Sect."
Zhang Longsheng's reasoning was simple: if Ye Tian could subdue a behemoth like the Tang Sect, he would have no further reservations and would immediately join the Heavenly Alliance.
Ye Tian: "Good. I'll await your news, Brother Zhang."
Zhang Longsheng, having stabilized his cultivation, took his leave that afternoon and returned to the Southwest.
After seeing Zhang Longsheng off, Lin Ziyi also returned to the Zhonghai headquarters that afternoon. There were many matters requiring her attention at headquarters. She had been waiting for Ye Tian here, and now that he had returned, she could focus on her work with peace of mind.
After seeing Lin Ziyi onto the plane, Ye Tian drove towards Ziyang Temple. As the abbot of Ziyang Temple, he had to make time to visit.
Ziyang Temple had undergone significant changes. Following the plans Ye Tian had made, large-scale construction was underway. The renovation of Ziyang Temple was proceeding smoothly, especially since Ye Tian had invested a substantial amount of money; where money flowed, problems were easily solved.
Upon his arrival at the temple, the Taoist priests came out to greet him. Ye Tian inquired about the temple's situation, gave a few instructions, and then found a quiet spot to meditate.
Ziyang Temple's location was not too far from Jiuhua Mountain, only about a hundred li in a straight line. However, the roads were winding, making the drive two to three hours.
As night fell, Ye Tian walked back to Jiuhua Mountain Villa. His men moved like flying shadows through the mountains, and within ten minutes, he spotted the lights of Jiuhua Mountain Villa. As he passed a mountain peak, he suddenly heard voices speaking below. Upon closer listening, he realized they were speaking Japanese.