Tao Yisheng’s arrival came as no surprise to Luo Chen. By his estimate, only a few months remained until the Dao Scion competition in Green Pill Valley. It would be unwise to cut it too close to the event.0

Though heroes often arrived at the last moment, it was clear Luo Chen wasn’t the protagonist of this contest. After exchanging a few words of reassurance and fixing the date of departure, he turned his focus to the many small matters that required attention before the journey. After all, it was going to be quite a trip.4

***0

The first matter on Luo Chen’s agenda was to visit Tantai Jin. Back when Sima Huiniang had uncovered the details of the Dao Scion competition in Green Pill Valley, much of that information had come from Shi Boying. For Shi Boying to speak so freely of sect secrets, it could not have been the result of mere bribes. There had clearly been silent approval from Tantai Jin behind the scenes.1

Now, as Luo Chen prepared for his journey, he brought with him a batch of freshly refined mid-grade Jade Dew pills. The quantity was impressive enough that even Tantai Jin arched her brows in surprise.0

"This many?” she asked, astonishment flickering across her face.0

Luo Chen smiled mildly. "My alchemy skills have improved a little. This yield was to be expected."0

Tantai...0