The great battle concluded, and the dust settled.
Cang Juezi resumed his duties as Sect Master and immediately issued directives to restart the operation of the entire sect.
A large number of disciples were mobilized for the cleanup work in front of the main hall.
Enduring the nauseating stench, the disciples cleared away all the flesh and blood of the Xuan Yin Gou Snake.
Soon, only the cleaned snake bones remained.
Even as just bones, they still lay there, emitting a chilling pressure.
Disciples with lower cultivation bases did not dare to approach.
Any close proximity brought on a terrifying sense of hallucination, as if the Xuan Yin Gou Snake had come back to life.
Ying Chen examined the snake bones, understanding: this was due to the Xuan Yin Gou Snake's long-term consumption of the Shan Jun flowers.
The hallucinogenic properties of the Shan Jun had permeated the snake's marrow. Previously, the flesh and scales had blocked these properties from volatilizing.
But now, with the flesh and scales gone, these properties were unleashed without obstruction.
If this skeleton were to remain in the plaza for an extended period, it was likely that all disciples of the Shen Nong Sect, except for the elders and the Sect Master, would be affected.
The Shen Nong Sect might as well rename itself the "Shen Yin Sect" (Addiction Sect).
Clang clang…
Ying Chen lightly tapped the snake bones with his hand.
The bones emitted a clear, jade-like sound.
This indicated that the Xuan Yin Gou Snake had indeed grown to a terrifying extent, with even its bones approaching jade-like quality.
Given another century, it might have transformed into a dragon with horns.
Of course, the day of transformation would inevitably bring heavenly thunder. Whether it could survive would depend on how thoroughly its bones had been jade-ified.
"A pity, if only it had been killed a hundred years later. Fully jade-ified snake bones would be much more precious than these semi-jade ones!"
Ying Chen sighed.
If the Xuan Yin Gou Snake could know this in the afterlife, it would surely point a finger at Ying Chen and curse him: "Have some humanity! Not only did you kill me, but you're complaining you killed me too early?"
"However, having just awakened, I possess nothing except for some seeds I cultivated in my early years. This snake skeleton is an unexpected boon, and I have no reason to complain."
"Even semi-jade bones still possess considerable power and can serve as a foundation stone for building a large-scale magical formation."
"Within this formation, my recovery speed can be enhanced, the refinement of my Immaculate Golden Body will accelerate, and even an ordinary person doing nothing but sitting within the formation every day could extend their life, remain healthy and strong."
"This is the advantage of exotic species like the Xuan Yin Gou Snake over humans. They are more in tune with nature and can gather spiritual energy more easily. In this era of depleted spiritual energy, such a snake skeleton, such a formation, would undoubtedly be priceless."
Ying Chen mused, quickly determining the snake bones' purpose.
Then, he turned to Cang Juezi: "This snake skeleton must be preserved. When I find a suitable location for my dojo, I will inform you to send it over."
Cang Juezi was taken aback: "Old Ancestor, you are not staying at our Shen Nong Sect? Our Shen Nong Sect can absolutely serve as your dojo!"
Ying Chen had only imparted a single technique to Cang Juezi, and he had already advanced to the eighth level of sorcery, becoming a true superior.
From then on, he dared to stand tall and speak loudly to those from the Five Great Sects.
Therefore, Cang Juezi was eager for Ying Chen to reside there, hoping for further guidance, which might not lead to the ninth level of sorcery and becoming a Heavenly Rank expert, but even a half-step Heavenly Rank would be glorious!
At that time, he could puff out his chest and walk before those who had once looked down on him, uttering the popular internet saying:
"You ignored me when I was weak, but you can't reach me now!"
Now, Ying Chen saying he intended to choose a new dojo seemed to be crushing his beautiful dreams in their infancy.
"Shen Nong Sect? While it is a decent place…" Ying Chen paused, then continued, "It is more suited for growing herbs than for raising people."
Cang Juezi immediately understood.
Ying Chen was reminding him to remember his place!
Not just him, but the entire Shen Nong Sect, were merely Ying Chen's medicinal stores.
Only by diligently cultivating and growing medicinal herbs for Ying Chen would they be qualified to discuss other terms.
Cang Juezi shivered inwardly and quickly bowed: "This disciple understands."
"By the way, have all the Shan Jun flowers been harvested?" Ying Chen asked.
"They have all been harvested. All have been made into medicinal liquid as you instructed, two large barrels in total."
"Although it's a little less than expected, it's enough for now," Ying Chen nodded.
"From now on, that Shan Jun flower field will be designated as a forbidden area. No one, except for the guarding disciples, is allowed to enter."
"Also, observe the flowering period of the Shan Jun flowers regularly. Once they bloom, harvest them immediately and store them, making them into medicinal liquid."
"When a barrel is full, send it to the dojo I will select."
"This flower field is not only the foundation of your Shen Nong Sect but also the source of your future troubles. So, do you understand what to do?"
Ying Chen looked deeply at Cang Juezi and asked.
Cang Juezi's expression turned solemn, and he replied: "There is no need for the Old Ancestor to remind me. I understand perfectly. A flower field that even the Old Ancestor treasures, a flower field that the Xuan Yin Gou Snake fought to its death to protect, would surely attract the covetousness of the entire Xuanmen if its existence were to spread. Even if they don't understand the purpose of these flowers, they would never give up."
"I understand the current Xuanmen all too well. Once, a small sect discovered Blood Pattern Sand, which could be used to refine magical artifacts. The sect did not refuse to share the Blood Pattern Sand with others, but the next night, all 360 members of the sect were found dead, without exception."
"If the secret of this flower field were to spread, the Shen Nong Sect would suffer the same fate. Therefore, I have already issued a gag order. Not to mention the flower field, not a single incident that occurred today can be mentioned outside, including your existence, Old Ancestor!"
Ying Chen heard this and looked at Cang Juezi with admiration.
Fortunately, he had spared this fellow's life back then. Otherwise, he might not have found such a versatile and capable subordinate.
"Yes, keep up the good work. The Heavenly Rank of sorcery, which appears like a chasm in your eyes, is merely a small ditch in mine! With my guidance, you will ascend to the Heavenly Rank of sorcery within five years, with ease."
"Thank you, Old Ancestor!" Cang Juezi was instantly overwhelmed with excitement.
Five years!
It would only take five years!
He had been stuck at the eighth level for over a decade!
And that was after receiving Ying Chen's guidance to achieve this advancement.
Without Ying Chen's guidance, he might have been stuck until his death!
Now, Ying Chen told him that in just five years, he could take that most difficult, most crucial, and most glorious step!
How could he not be excited?
Instantly, Cang Juezi's heart was filled with motivation, so much so that he felt like picking up a load of manure and running to the flower field to fertilize the Shan Jun flowers himself!