Chapter 813: Roadblock of Karma

Li Ji’an calmly accepted the jade box offered by the Ye Race envoy amidst the fervent yet covetous gazes of the Ascendants.

To prevent others from having improper thoughts, he skillfully closed the jade box swiftly with a finger twist, cutting off the leakage of pure Spirit Charm, and subconsciously condensed his aura slightly.

Just as the soft sound of the box closing faded, two familiar auras were sensed outside the tent. The unique pressure of the Nascent Soul True Monarch uniformly spread, instantly solidifying the initially agitated aura within the tent due to the treasure. The group of Ascendants rose, side-eyed, with a few shades of restraint on their expressions.

True Monarch Yuanli entered, adorned in a dark magic robe, hands behind his back, his aura held back but exuding the dignity naturally borne by someone long in a high position.

The Ascendants inside the tent glimpsed and hurriedly gathered their robes, bowing in courtesy, speaking in unison, “Greetings, True Monarch Yuanli.”

Master Mo Chen followed closely, unable to hide the expectation in his eyes while feigning a respectful demeanor.

Li Ji’an also slowly stood, clasping his hands in salute, casually moving the jade box towards the inner side of the table, shrouded in shadow, with an expression of indifference and calm.

True Monarch Yuanli glanced leisurely across the group with a slight hand gesture to waive formalities, his aura still faintly present. Then, together with Master Mo Chen, they locked their gaze on the jade box, even though it was tightly closed, the pure Spirit Charm of the Nine Infant Profound Ginseng within subtly leaked out.

True Monarch Yuanli allowed his gaze to linger momentarily before dismissing stray thoughts, leaving only the composed scrutiny of a superior; Master Mo Chen lowered his gaze, suppressing urgency, leaving only submission.

Li Ji’an’s aura was scarcely perceptible and condensed momentarily, either as if unaware of their gazes or as though he had already anticipated everything.

He had long anticipated that Heze Pond wouldn’t give up easily, yet he didn’t expect True Monarch Yuanli would be so direct, bringing Master Mo Chen to forcefully intervene in the ownership of the Profound Ginseng publicly.

The Ye Race envoy, seeing the situation, walked forward, slightly nodding to True Monarch Yuanli, “Greetings, True Monarch Yuanli.”

True Monarch Yuanli nodded subtly, his gaze falling on the envoy, peaceful and calm in demeanor, his tone steady yet inherently authoritative, “The envoy has traveled far, bringing such a precious treasure to the front line; it has been burdensome.”

True Monarch Yuanli deliberately raised his tone, his gaze sweeping across all the Ascendants within the tent, his voice steady and powerful, “Since the external enemies have invaded, the Black Stone Mine has been engulfed in war, relying entirely on the Ye Race’s unwavering support, providing countless Spiritual Talents and Pill Medicine to sustain the coalition’s defense line.”

He paused, with increasingly solemn tone, “Today, gifting the Nine Infant Profound Ginseng, such a treasure, shows great concern for the front-line warfare.

However, now the battle situation is uncertain, such a treasure should prioritize the coalition’s greater interest, motivating cultivators to defend the mining area.” These words stood on the “righteous” stance, wholly assuming a leadership role, never mentioning Ye Race’s intent to reward Chang’an Ascendant, subtly hinting at usurping the host’s role.

True Monarch Yuanli had already moved to the table, his gaze fixed on the jade box, speaking solemnly to the Ye Race envoy, “Rest assured, Envoy, I and Qingxia Daoist, both Nascent Soul True Monarchs at the front line, will be jointly responsible for the Ye Race, for the mining area, properly handling this Profound Ginseng.”

As these words emerged, the tent immediately buzzed with noise, the Ascendants whispering amongst themselves with differing expressions.

The faces of the two Ascendants from Qinglan Sect darkened instantly, instinctively stepping forward half a step, their gaze fiercely fixed on True Monarch Yuanli, full of vigilance.

“True Monarch Yuanli is mistaken in his words!” Qingfeng Ascendant from Qinglan Sect couldn’t resist speaking out, his tone carrying urgency.

“The Ye Race envoy clearly stated this Profound Ginseng is a reward for Chang’an Ascendant’s great achievement in killing Blood River Patriarch and repairing the defense line; it rightfully belongs to Chang’an Ascendant.”

True Monarch Yuanli cast a glance at Qingfeng Ascendant, his aura darkening slightly, an invisible pressure quietly spreading, understated yet intimidating.

Qingfeng Ascendant felt a stifling sensation in his chest, instinctively retreating half a step, yet still forcefully staring at him, “True Monarch, as a Nascent Soul master, cannot ignore the Ye Race’s intentions, unjustly seizing another’s meritorious rewards?”

“Qingfeng Ascendant’s words are heavy.” True Monarch Yuanli spoke calmly, his gaze sweeping through the tent, his words slow but carrying an unchallengeable stance, not outwardly aggressive yet evoking deep respect.

“This monarch is not seizing, but considering the overall coalition situation. At present, Cangyuan Holy Land and Murong Family’s forces are lurking outside the array, eyeing covetously, the war deadlocked, precisely when manpower is needed. The Nine Infant Profound Ginseng is a Nascent Soul treasure; if it can let the most promising individual ascend to Nascent Soul quickly, it would soon add a Nascent Soul battle power to the coalition, the best return for Ye Race’s support, and the fundamental protection for Black Stone Mine. If not, then it should be reserved as a final reward.”

He stepped aside to allow Master Mo Chen to advance a step, his gaze traversing the crowd.

“Master Mo Chen is already at the peak of the late Core Formation period, stuck at this realm for decades, with solid foundations, only missing this principal herb to begin preparations for Nascent Soul ascension. In contrast, though Chang’an Ascendant’s battle power is exceptional, he is only at the late Core Formation period, needing time for Nascent Soul ascension, with considerable uncertainty. If truly wishing to maximize this item’s utility now, giving the Profound Ginseng to Master Mo Chen, who can quickly transform it into battle power, defend the defense line, would be the most rational allocation.”

At this moment, Master Mo Chen showcased an earnest expression and saluted the Ye Race envoy humbly, “Be assured, Envoy, should I obtain this Profound Ginseng, I will fully commit to ascending to Nascent Soul. After breaking through, I promise to defend the Black Stone Mine tirelessly, never disappointing the Ye Race’s favor and True Monarch Yuanli’s expectations.”

The neutral Ascendants within the tent assumed conflicted expressions, lowering their heads, hesitant to speak.

In their hearts, they understood that True Monarch Yuanli’s remarks seemed dignified but were actually leveraging the identity of Nascent Soul True Monarch and the “coalition’s greater interest” for Master Mo Chen to seize the Profound Ginseng.