(Today, I don't know what's wrong—my writing is unusually slow, and I feel unusually listless! Phew! I've been typing all day and still haven't reached the 6000 words. Now it's so late, I'll just send what I've got for now. I'll make up the missing hundreds of words tomorrow if my energy returns. Please understand!) "Though I haven't personally seen the Foundation Pill, I'm fully aware of its value and significance. Think about it—during the Ascension Grand Assembly at the Heavenly Mist Platform, nearly a thousand cultivators fought fiercely on the arena. What were they fighting for? Isn't it largely because of the allure of this Foundation Pill? Yet this Ye Senior Brother intends to exchange it for mere spiritual stones and magical artifacts. Does he really think he's still a young, inexperienced newcomer just stepping out of the mountains?" Han Li silently chuckled to himself, yet his expression remained respectful, as if truly listening to what the other was saying. The elder named Ye was quite satisfied with Han Li's performance. After all, this future neice-in-law hadn't immediately rejected the proposal the moment he mentioned the need to exchange for a Foundation Pill—clearly, there was still much room for negotiation. Initially, he hadn't intended for the items he just proposed to truly secure the Foundation Pill, since no sensible person would willingly trade such a precious item at such a modest price. His earlier remarks had merely been a试探—initial inquiries. But now, observing Han Li's attitude, he found that the young man genuinely seemed open to compromise, which filled him with delight. He was absolutely confident that, as long as Han Li was willing to make the exchange, he could fully meet his expectations and secure the Foundation Pill. With this thought, the elder's smile grew even warmer, and he found Han Li's demeanor now much more appealing than before. "Han, I'm sure you already know your own spiritual root type, right? Honestly, even with the Foundation Pill, your chances of successfully reaching Foundation Stage are quite slim, given your current potential." That foundational pill would merely help his junior enhance his spiritual cultivation and raise his basic techniques by just a couple of levels! If that were the case, then the pill would be a great waste. For his junior, it would be more practical to exchange it for some more useful benefits—clearly a better deal. If only... The elder began to speak fluently and continuously, frequently guiding and persuading Han Li. On the surface, Han Li appeared to be listening attentively to his leaf senior's lengthy explanation, but in reality, he was already analyzing and pondering the matter, constantly weighing the advantages and disadvantages. Honestly, he was well aware that, as the elder described, the actual chance of successfully achieving foundational cultivation after merely consuming this single pill was indeed extremely slim. Yet, Han Li was far from willing to simply hand it over. After all, even if the odds were low, there was still a small possibility of success. Yet, if the Foundation Pill were not given to this very Leaf Senior, his days in Huangfeng Valley would surely grow difficult—there was a strong likelihood he would end up developing an unexplained grudge against him. Moreover, judging by the elder's demeanor, he seemed to hold considerable influence within Huangfeng Valley. In that case, the situation would indeed become dire. "Senior Leaf," Han Li thought for a while before finally asking, "may I inquire who this Foundation Pill was originally sought on behalf of? I suspect Senior Leaf may no longer need it himself!" Though Han Li had interrupted the elder's speech, he remained composed, without any sign of displeasure. After a brief pause, the elder responded, "Since Han Junior has asked, I have nothing to conceal. This Foundation Pill was obtained for my nephew's grandson. I would greatly appreciate your support in this matter." Upon hearing this, Han Li could only sigh inwardly. He mused, "A grandson—this surely counts as a close relationship!" Moreover, the fact that this senior had gone to such great lengths—bowing so low even to a junior disciple—to secure a Foundation Pill clearly indicated deep favor and affection. It seemed certain that if the exchange were not made, the elder would be utterly furious, and in that case, the young disciple would never be able to remain at Huangfeng Valley in peace. Thus, only by enduring the hardship and agreeing to the terms could one hope to secure a place. As for one’s own Foundation journey, it would have to wait until later—after all, one still possessed that mysterious vial, and with the right formula and sufficient time, what kind of pill could not be crafted? After carefully weighing the pros and cons, Han Li had made up his mind. Yet, the decisive cut that would require the other party to bear significant losses had to be made. Therefore, he adopted a look of genuine difficulty, frowning and appearing deeply troubled. "Master Uncle, it is not that I am disrespectful to elders. This Foundation Pill is of utmost importance to me. Even though my aptitude may be slightly inferior, there is still a slim chance of success. But should I now give up this precious opportunity, I would truly be destined to never attain the Great The elder scoffed inwardly upon hearing Han Li's words! He thought to himself: "Do you really expect to consider matters of the Great Way, given your current qualifications? You're simply overreaching." Yet on the surface, he remained earnest, continuing to offer advice from various angles and promising numerous verbal commitments, steadily pressuring Han Li and weakening his resolve, until he finally convinced him to agree to the exchange of his Foundation Pill. After listening to these empty promises, Han Li coldly smiled several times in his mind. But on his lips, he began to speak with increasingly softer words, which only further energized the elder, prompting him to raise the price even higher. "Nephew! If you are willing to part with your Foundation Pill, I shall allow you to freely choose any of the various duties that the valley's disciples must perform!" Seeing that Han Li now stood at the brink of agreement yet still hesitant, the elder finally deployed his decisive move. "Duties?" Han Li was genuinely taken aback this time. "Indeed, every junior disciple in our Huang Feng Valley is required to complete a certain number of assigned tasks each month." For instance, supervising miners at several mining sites, serving as an attendant disciple at the market halls established by the sect, tending to the spiritual birds and beasts within the valley, and cultivating various rare medicinal roots and herbs—handling all sorts of miscellaneous duties. Based on the specific performance, the sect would issue monthly rewards in lower-grade spiritual stones to these disciples. As for me, I am specifically in charge of assigning such tasks as the internal administrator of the valley. Therefore, if you, my junior, have a preference for any particular duties, I can arrange them with just a word. The elder named Ye straightened his chest as he spoke, truly exuding the air of someone wielding considerable authority. Yet upon hearing this, Han Li found himself at a loss for words! It seemed that no matter where one went, there were always individuals who exploited their positions for personal gain—even within a prestigious cultivation sect like Huang Feng Valley, such practices were unavoidable. However, when the elder mentioned the cultivation of rare medicinal herbs, Han Li felt a spark of interest, as if this very task had been custom-designed especially for himself. Moreover, the other party has already promised numerous benefits. If we continue to delay, they might indeed start to feel we are becoming overly demanding. It’s better to settle for what we have. With this thought in mind, Han Li pretended to be finally convinced, and spoke to the elder with a touch of regret: "Since Master Ye has expressed such clear intentions, if I fail to agree, it would seem rather disrespectful to him. As long as Master Ye truly honors the conditions he mentioned earlier, then this foundational pill shall be given to your nephew. I hope your nephew succeeds in establishing his foundation." Upon hearing this, the elder was overjoyed and repeatedly assured him: "You needn’t worry—what I’ve promised Master Ye is absolutely binding. However, when you meet with the abbot later, you may mention the formal arrangements to others, but please don’t reveal the private commitments I’ve made." Hán Lì listened attentively, smiled gracefully, and with great tact replied, "Please rest assured, Master, I have it well in mind and won't make such a foolish move!" Upon hearing this, the elder beamed with satisfaction, deeply pleased by Han Li's politeness and ease.