Chapter 45: Distribution of the Small Foundation Establishment Pills

Ten days ago!

Outside the Lin Family's protective array, Lin Tianfeng was leading the patrol mission this month. A clansman spotted a dark shadow rapidly approaching from the distant horizon.

At first, it was just a tiny black dot, but in just over ten breaths, it had turned into a large bird over ten meters long.

"It's Tianming's Purple Gold Eagle!"

Lin Tianfeng was puzzled. "Didn't the Sixth Uncle go to Qianchuan Market for a family mission? It's said to take over half a year. How come it's only been a little over a month, and he's already back?"

Lin Tianming's secret mission to Qianchuan Market for alchemy was only known to the Family Elders. Lin Tianfeng knew he had gone to Qianchuan Market but didn't know the specifics of the mission. He was one of the younger generation's highest cultivators in the family, so he had some insight into the mission.

As the Purple Gold Eagle flew closer, they could see Lin Shilu sitting on its back.

He looked exhausted, having flown almost continuously from dawn to dusk each day, only stopping briefly for rest. This frantic pace allowed him to return to Qingzhu Mountain in just eighteen days, a remarkable feat.

Lin Shilu took out his family identification token and cast a few incantations. The invisible, colorless sky suddenly opened, allowing him and the eagle to fly into the protective array. The opening quickly closed, blending seamlessly back into the grey mist that concealed the family grounds from the outside.

Inside the array, Lin Tianfeng and the others hurried to greet him.

Lin Shilu nodded briefly and urged them to continue their patrol. He then hurriedly flew toward the family elders' hall with the eagle, hardly taking time to rest.

Before entering the array, Lin Shilu had sent a message summoning Lin Shikang and the other senior clan members to the elders' hall. He intended to deliver the three Small Foundation Establishment Pills and discuss their distribution, ensuring those eligible could immediately use them to enhance the family's strength.

In the elders' hall, eight senior clan members gathered around a circular table, with Lin Shikang seated at the head.

Lin Shigong, looking anxious, noted Lin Shilu's return but didn't see his grandson, Lin Tianming. His mind raced with worry.

Lin Tianming's journey to Qianchuan Market was fraught with danger. The Jinjiao Mountain Sun family had always harbored ill intentions toward the Lin family, with constant friction between them. With powerful cultivators in the market and even Foundation Establishment cultivators not guaranteed safety, Lin Tianming's safety was a legitimate concern for him.

Lin Shilu spoke up:

"Now that all eight of us are here, let's begin the meeting."

Despite his tired face, Lin Shilu wore a smile. He placed a jade bottle in the center of the table.

Except for Lin Shikang, Lin Shigong, and Lin Shilu, the other five elders smiled, guessing the bottle's contents.

Unable to contain his anxiety, Lin Shigong spoke up, ignoring the bottle's significance.

"Fifteenth Brother, where is Tianming? Why didn't he come back with you? Did something happen to him?"

Lin Shigong's barrage of questions left the other elders momentarily stunned before they all burst into laughter, even the typically stern Lin Shiji.

Lin Shigong, momentarily dazed, realized that Lin Shilu's demeanor showed no signs of distress, implying Lin Tianming was safe. His worried mind had clouded his judgment.

Lin Shixin, known for his playful nature, couldn't help but tease:

"Ninth Brother, look at Fifteenth Brother's face. It's clear Tianming is safe. You didn't notice? When your mind is a mess, your intelligence goes with it. Haha..."

Realizing his error, Lin Shigong felt embarrassed but laughed along with them.

Lin Shikang reached out to grab the jade bottle, took out a Small Foundation Establishment Pill, and examined it before handing it to Lin Shigong:

Lin Shigong caught the pill between his fingers and compared it with the records left by Yu Hua Zhenren, a third-tier alchemist.

After a moment, Lin Shigong nodded in satisfaction, his voice filled with excitement.

"This pill is indeed a genuine Small Foundation Establishment Pill!"

Upon hearing this, the other five elders' eyes lit up with excitement.

Lin Shikang then asked Lin Shilu:

"Why are there only three Small Foundation Establishment Pills? Tianming handed over fifteen stalks of Hidden Spirit Grass!"

Lin Shilu explained Lin Tianming's plan, which all the elders agreed was wise.

Time was of the essence for the Lin family, and these pills were crucial for quickly enhancing the family's strength.

Lin Shikang stood up and said:

"Now let's discuss the distribution of these three Small Foundation Establishment Pills and future allocations."

The hall erupted in debate. Of the six elders, the youngest, Lin Shihua, was nearly ninety, with about thirty years of life left. Lin Shiji was over a hundred. The sooner they used the pills, the better their chances of reaching Foundation Establishment, as no one wanted to die prematurely.

Lin Shikang and Lin Shilu discussed quietly, ignoring the heated debates.

After a moment, they reached a consensus.

Lin Shikang stood up and quieted the room, addressing the elders:

"These three Small Foundation Establishment Pills are just the first batch. More will come, though the exact number is uncertain. We estimate at least five more. You need not worry excessively."

"Shilu and I have decided to allocate these first three pills to Lin Shiji, Lin Shigong, and Lin Shihua, who are already at the peak of Qi Refining. These pills are not free. Each will cost 8,000 merit points. After all, the family invested heavily in their creation. Future batches will also be available for those who meet the requirements and have enough merit points."

"You three have priority. You have six months to reach the peak of Qi Refining and use the pills to attempt Foundation Establishment."

The elders acknowledged Lin Shikang and Lin Shilu's decision. Despite any personal desires, they recognized the fairness and wisdom in the allocation.

Lin Shikang retrieved the three pills and instructed the elders to gather their resources and merit points for the exchange. Collecting 8,000 merit points was no small feat, even for the family's best alchemists.

After the meeting, the elders dispersed. Lin Shilu called Lin Shigong over and asked for his family token.

Transferring 3,000 merit points to Lin Shigong, Lin Shilu explained:

"These are the 2,000 merit points Tianming allocated to you, plus 1,000 points I loaned you."

Lin Shigong, though embarrassed to borrow from his grandson, accepted the points gratefully. It solved his immediate problem without having to sell his possessions.

Lin Shilu and Lin Shigong parted ways, with Lin Shilu planning his return to Qianchuan Market after a brief rest.

Concerned for Lin Tianming's safety alone in the market, Lin Shilu wanted to return quickly. Although the market was relatively safe and Ye Pinghai was watching over him, a sense of unease lingered.