By the time Wen Buhuo escaped from that dark secret chamber, his spiritual energy was nearly depleted from the successive fierce battles. He knew all too well that he was currently not only a wounded soldier but also a "fat sheep" carrying a literal treasure trove. Thus, he circulated the Breath-Restraining Technique to its absolute limit, blending into the night like a drop of ink. On this final return journey, he slinked forward with extreme caution, bypassing several groups of cultivators who had become frenzied with bloodlust.

Meanwhile, on the bluestone square at the Forbidden Zone's exit, a somber and killing aura filled the air. The Core Formation Elders of the major sects stood proudly in the void, waiting for the return of their "seeds."

Li Huayuan of the Yellow Maple Valley stood opposite his old friend—Fu Yunzi of the Clear Void Sect. Fu Yunzi stroked his beard and laughed long, his eyes full of calculation. "Brother Li, are you still dwelling on the hundred-year beast core you lost to me last time? Don't tell me that this time, you are prepared to hand over the 'Jade Liquid Pill' needed for your breakthrough into the mid-Core Formation stage as well?"

Hearing this, the corners of Li Huayuan’s eyes twitched slightly. The Jade Liquid Pill was critical to his breakthrough; if he lost it, he might never advance for the rest of his life. He gritted his teeth and snorted coldly, "Fu Yunzi, the time isn't up yet. The outcome is still undecided!"

It turned out that Li Huayuan and Fu Yunzi had made a bet on whose disciples would bring out the most herbs. However, looking at the mere three disciples who had emerged from the Yellow Maple Valley—with only two herbs between them—Li Huayuan’s confidence was rapidly failing. Seizing the moment, Fu Yunzi mocked, "Brother Li, I think you might as well prepare that hundred-year beast core in advance. Hahaha!"

At the very instant the light of the teleportation array was about to fade, a figure—somewhat disheveled yet steady in movement—shot out. It was Wen Buhuo.

Li Huayuan, seeing his savior, flickered to his side in an instant and asked urgently, "How many did you bring?"

In the distance, Nangong Wan saw Wen Buhuo emerge and couldn't help but let a small smile touch the corner of her lips.

Under the pressurized gaze of the various Core Formation Elders, Wen Buhuo remained neither humble nor arrogant. He brushed his hand over his storage bag, and over ten stalks of century-old spirit herbs—translucent and brimming with spiritual energy—instantly appeared before the crowd. A brilliant light erupted in Li Huayuan’s eyes as he laughed toward the sky, "Good! Good! Good!"

Facing Li Huayuan’s questioning, Wen Buhuo put on an embarrassed look of "sheer luck." "This disciple was merely lucky. I hid in the shadows and watched several groups fight until they were both wounded, allowing me to play the role of the fisherman and reap the spoils."

In high spirits, Li Huayuan didn't bother to scrutinize the details. He swept most of the herbs into his own pockets, casually leaving only one for Wen Buhuo as a reward.

Though Wen Buhuo secretly sighed at how "heavy-handed" this cheap elder was, he knew the wisdom of not flaunting one's wealth. He quickly put on a face of immense gratitude and bowed deeply. "Thank you for your generous gift, Elder!" In reality, he was as steady as a mountain; the most precious primary herbs and the Poisonous Scorpion Spider’s beast core were already safely hidden in the deepest part of his storage bag.

On the flying boat back, the more Li Huayuan looked at this disciple, the more he liked him. Although his spiritual root aptitude was mediocre, this level of wit and composure was far more important in the cultivation world than mere talent.

"Wen Buhuo," Li Huayuan stood with his hands behind his back, his voice carrying an unquestionable authority. "I see that your temperament is extraordinary. Though your aptitude is slightly lacking, there is a destiny between us. Are you willing to enter my tutelage and become my personal core disciple?"

Wen Buhuo’s mind whirled—what better time to secure such a powerful backer? He immediately knelt and kowtowed, answering clearly, "Master above, please accept your disciple's bow!"