Chapter Sixty-Five: Insider Information

This matter could not be openly discussed.

The reward was personally secured by Zhao Lin for He Song. This belated merit, naturally, needed to be spoken by Zhao Lin himself to make it all the more precious. The benefits were taken by He Song, but the gratitude was for Zhao Lin to receive. Having been friends with Zhao Lin for several years, He Song naturally understood his companion’s character. A single word of thanks from He Song could keep Zhao Lin pleased for a long while.

However—

He Song had indeed hired someone to kill a cultivator from the Immortal Workshop who intended him harm. Yet, after Zhao Lin’s careful maneuvering, it had been transformed into He Song exposing a hidden evil cultivator within the Workshop, and on those grounds, the reward was claimed. If He Song hadn’t orchestrated the entire affair himself, he might have believed Zhao Lin’s tale.

Such consideration for him. Naturally, He Song would not be stingy with a word of gratitude to Zhao Lin.

“You’re too modest, my friend. As a spirit plant attendant, your work serves the Immortal Workshop, and your contributions are duly recorded. There is no such thing as having made no contribution,” Zhao Lin said, shaking his head in affirmation of He Song’s value.

With a smooth motion of his right hand across the table, a delicate little box appeared before He Song.

“My friend, you are often forgetful. Three years ago, you rid the Workshop of a great menace. Such merit cannot be dismissed as nothing. The reward has now been issued, and it is my duty to deliver it to you personally,” Zhao Lin said, pushing the small box toward He Song, smiling but making no mention of his own role in the matter.

Three years ago—

When He Song’s paper crane, carrying a message, landed in Zhao Lin’s hands, the trace of late-stage Qi cultivation within it had shaken him to the core. It was then that he finally understood why Meng Guan had urged him, before departing, to associate more closely with He Song. It was then he understood why He Song sought him out the very day Meng Guan left, bearing gifts and seeking friendship. At last, the answers to these questions became clear.

This was one reason why he had agreed so readily back then. Naturally cautious by nature, Zhao Lin, though already friends with He Song three years prior, became even more prudent when the matter touched upon life and death. He feared reprisals from Chen Zhou after the fact, and he worried about being held accountable by the Workshop.

He worried—

But when he sensed the aura of a late-stage Qi cultivator on the paper crane He Song sent, all his doubts were dispelled. With a cultivator of such power involved, Chen Zhou was doomed. With no concerns left and the chance to deepen his friendship with He Song, even his cautious nature could not resist. That was why he had agreed so swiftly and even applied for the reward on He Song’s behalf.

He knew that with a late-stage Qi cultivator backing the matter, success was assured.

Now, indeed, the affair had been accomplished. Though three years had passed, Zhao Lin fulfilled his promise and delivered the reward to He Song himself.

“So it is about that matter. I owe you, my friend; without your help, complications would surely have arisen. I must thank you in advance,” He Song replied, showing just the right touch of surprise, standing and clasping his hands in gratitude.

His actions were natural. He took the benefit and, as was proper when a friend had helped him, expressed his gratitude openly. In the exchange of favors, when one receives a tangible benefit, one must return something in kind. Even if he did not know what the little box contained, even if it were only a few spirit stones, he had profited.

To earn a few spirit stones for a word of thanks and a gesture—such good fortune would attract a crowd of cultivators willing to fight for it. Moreover, the Workshop’s reward would surely be more than mere spirit stones.

“It was nothing, truly. To assist you brings me great happiness,” Zhao Lin replied, smiling and returning the gesture.

Seeing the joy in Zhao Lin’s expression, He Song knew he had achieved his goal. For the next several days, Zhao Lin’s mood would be excellent—something He Song was pleased to see. He had gained a benefit; his friend had gained good spirits. All was well.

He Song accepted the little box, and Zhao Lin’s purpose was fulfilled.

Afterward, the two naturally settled into casual conversation.

“My friend, do you know why the reward arrived neither early nor late, but precisely at this moment?” Zhao Lin asked quietly, speaking with a mysterious air after a few cups of tea.

His words hinted at hidden matters. He Song was intrigued—indeed, three years had passed, and he had nearly forgotten the affair. Why had the reward suddenly been approved? Seeing Zhao Lin’s secretive manner, He Song realized the coming topic would surely relate to this issue.

But before Zhao Lin would elaborate, He Song needed to ask.

“I do not know. Do you have some insider information?” He Song replied, lowering his voice accordingly.

Zhao Lin’s face flickered briefly with delight. Since learning this secret, he had never shared it, keeping it bottled up inside. The feeling of having knowledge yet being unable to speak of it was uncomfortable. Now, with the pretext of delivering the reward, he could finally speak freely. After all, they were on the outskirts of the Workshop, and even if someone overheard, it mattered little.

With his mind made up, Zhao Lin began.

“Do you recall the cultivator named Chen Zhou from three years ago?”

He Song nodded, prompting Zhao Lin to continue.

“If you remember, you should recall the reason I applied for your reward.”

Lifting his cup and sipping, Zhao Lin resumed.

“When I made the application, I stated that Chen Zhou was a bully, extorting spirit stones and committing every evil—his crimes were many.”

He looked at He Song, his expression tinged with feeling, and shook his head before continuing in detail.

“There was reason behind it all.

“Six years ago, after the great disaster struck the Workshop, the ranks of low-level cultivators were nearly wiped out. Those who survived did so because they possessed special skills, avoiding calamity in that disaster.”