Chapter 28: Reward

After a quarter of an hour of examining the items, everyone had a clear understanding of the three treasures. The initial excitement and joy began to calm down, and Family Head Lin Shihua inquired about how Lin Tianming had obtained these items. It was crucial to ensure no hidden troubles accompanied these gains.

Under the scrutiny of many clan members, Lin Tianming recounted the entire event, carefully omitting the existence of the heaven-tier technique.

Upon learning that the treasures had come from a rogue cultivator and that no clues had been left behind, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. Any one of these items was enough to cause fierce competition among several Foundation Establishment families. The elders were well aware that during such tumultuous times, it was wise not to make unnecessary enemies.

With the matter clarified, the discussion turned to how to handle the treasures.

After some thought, Lin Tianming took the initiative to speak, "I will donate all three items to the family in exchange for some merit points and spirit stones. In return, I request three Minor Foundation Establishment Pills when they are refined. The rest can be handled by the family."

The fifteen stalks of Hidden Spirit Grass could yield fifteen batches of Minor Foundation Establishment Pills. The main ingredient was precious, but the other components were manageable, and the family's treasury could mostly supply them. Any missing parts could be purchased with some effort.

If the alchemist was competent, a thirty percent success rate with three pills per batch would yield around fifteen pills. After deducting the alchemist's fee, at least ten pills should be guaranteed.

Requesting three pills in return for his contributions was not excessive at all.

The family elders considered Lin Tianming's request, murmuring and discussing amongst themselves.

Some argued that with many family members at the ninth level and peak of Qi Refinement needing these pills, three was too many, suggesting one would be fairer, along with some extra spirit stones or merit points.

Others believed Lin Tianming's request was perfectly reasonable. He had made significant contributions to the family, and even if he chose not to donate the items, they couldn't force him. Meeting his request was the least they could do.

The hall erupted into a heated debate, with most of the Shi generation elders supporting Lin Tianming, while many Xing generation members opposed.

In the midst of the commotion, a thunderous voice silenced the hall.

"Enough! The Lin family has survived multiple crises over its eight hundred years, and now we are bickering like children over the fortune brought by a younger member? We must be fair to foster loyalty and dedication among our clan members."

"Would any of you be willing to make such sacrifices if you were in Tianming's position? We are a family, not a sect. Without the dedication of young members like Tianming, we would have no face to meet our ancestors in the afterlife."

Lin Shikang's reprimand left the opposing elders red-faced and ashamed. With the support of the two Foundation Establishment elders, a consensus was reached.

Family Head Lin Shihua declared, "Tianming will be rewarded with five thousand merit points or lower-grade spirit stones, exemption from mandatory family duties, fifty sets of materials for refining Spirit Essence Pills, fifty sets of various upper-grade first-tier alchemical herbs, ten upper-grade first-tier talismans, and three upper-grade first-tier spiritual weapons of any type."

"In addition, should the Minor Foundation Establishment Pills be successfully refined, Tianming will receive three pills regardless of the total yield."

Lin Tianming was pleased with the resolution. Although selling the three treasures in a market could fetch at least one hundred thousand spirit stones, the family's financial constraints and the resources required to refine the Minor Foundation Establishment Pills were significant.

Even if the family wanted to, they couldn't spare one hundred thousand spirit stones without jeopardizing their operations. The reward of alchemical materials, combat items, and special privileges was fair compensation.

Finally, Lin Shikang addressed Lin Tianming, "Tianming, the family indeed has its limitations. These rewards may seem insufficient now, but as our situation improves, we will find ways to make it up to you."

Lin Tianming felt deeply moved. He bowed and said, "As a member of the Lin family, it is my duty to contribute. The sacrifices of our ancestors, who gave their lives for the family, are far greater than mine. These contributions are nothing in comparison."

"See? The spirit of our family is alive in our younger generation, surpassing even some of our elders," Lin Shikang remarked, his words causing further shame among the initial dissenters.

With the rewards settled, the next topic was the refinement of the Minor Foundation Establishment Pills.

The Lin family lacked a qualified second-tier alchemist, meaning they would need external help.

A thorough discussion followed.

In the entire Luoyun Mountain region, second-tier alchemists were rare. Some had close ties with the Lin family's rival factions, making it difficult to seek their assistance.

Furthermore, the value of the Minor Foundation Establishment Pills, though not as high as the Foundation Establishment Pills, was significant. Leaking any information about this could lead to dire consequences, including potential theft and loss.

After careful consideration, the elders decided that the alchemical materials would be taken to Qianchuan Market in the Wei Kingdom to seek help from Lin Shigong's old friend, Ye Pinghai.

Ye Pinghai, a rogue cultivator at the late Foundation Establishment stage and a mid-tier second-level alchemist, had been saved by Lin Shigong in his early Qi Refinement years. The two had since become close friends, exchanging alchemical knowledge and frequently helping the Lin family. He was the best candidate for the task.

The elders arranged for the family to gather the necessary additional materials over the next month. Then, Lin Shilu and Lin Tianming would travel to Qianchuan Market to seek Ye Pinghai's help.

Lin Tianming would accompany Lin Shilu both for the experience and to learn from Ye Pinghai, strengthening their relationship. Direct guidance from a second-tier alchemist would significantly boost Lin Tianming's alchemical skills. Additionally, Lin Tianming's capabilities made him a valuable asset on the journey.

Another family member would take over Lin Tianming's duties in Qingfeng Town.

With the matter resolved, the family members left the hall one by one. Lin Tianming, his grandfather, and his father also departed.

Back at their courtyard, Lin Tianming handed a large piece of the Celestial Python's meat to Ren Yuxuan, asking her to prepare a feast. The family enjoyed a joyous reunion dinner.

After the meal, Lin Tianming took out twenty Spirit Essence Pills, giving fifteen to his mother and five to his sister.

His sister gratefully accepted the pills and hurried off to cultivate. During Lin Tianming's year-long absence, their mother had given her two pills to aid her breakthrough to the third level of Qi Refinement.

Seeing the large number of pills, his mother was touched and proud. Her son had far surpassed her expectations, and his future seemed boundless.

"Mother, I am already a qualified mid-tier first-level alchemist. All these pills were made by me. Currently, I lack nothing for my cultivation. You and Tianyue sacrificed so much for me; now it's time for me to repay you."

Lin Shigong and Lin Xingrong joined in, urging Ren Yuxuan to accept the pills.

"Yuxuan, this boy is probably wealthier than I am now. Only Third Brother and Shilu might surpass him in wealth within the family."

"Yuxuan, this boy is no longer the child he once was. Take the pills and make up for the years of lost cultivation."

With everyone's encouragement, Ren Yuxuan tearfully accepted the pills.

As night fell, after a round of instructions and advice from his grandfather and father, Lin Tianming returned to his room.

Exhausted, he lay down on the bed he had slept in for over ten years and soon fell into a deep sleep.