Disrespect for Elders, Honey Flower Tea [Seeking First Subscription]

Chapter 76 Disrespect for Elders, Honey Flower Tea [Seeking First Subscription]

Zhou Jiahui is dead!

But no one will know this news for the time being.

Zhou Zhengkang was very confident in himself, confident that no one could find any evidence.

To his disappointment, he was unable to find the habitat of the strange fish that produced the slime, although he guessed that the place should be in the deep mountains near where Zhou Jiahui died.

After repeatedly cleaning up the scene and battlefield, he left the mountain range and headed straight for Hongyafang City.

Soon after, Zhou Zhengkang arrived at Hongya Market under a disguised identity. In a private room of a teahouse in the market, he handed over Zhou Jiahui's belongings to Yu Deguang, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Spirit Beast Manor who was waiting there.

"In short, that's the situation. Although I haven't found the habitat of that strange fish, I'm certain it's in that mountain range. Whether you hire independent cultivators to search slowly or send people to search yourself, with a little more time, you'll definitely find the place!"

Inside the private room, after Zhou Zhengkang finished recounting what he had gained from the trip, he picked up the teapot on the tea table, poured himself a cup of spiritual tea, drank it all in one gulp, and then revealed a look of enjoyment on his face.

He murmured to himself, "This is the taste! I've rarely had this honey flower tea since I came to Jingguo!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Deguang's eyes flashed with a strange light, and he immediately smiled and said, "If my nephew likes it, I'll give him the remaining half bottle of tea pills to enjoy at his leisure."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony with you, Uncle Yu."

Zhou Zhengkang's eyes lit up, and he immediately picked up the jade bottle containing the tea balls from the table and began to play with it.

These tea pills, called "Honey Flower Tea," were a special spiritual tea produced by the Zhou family of the Three Absolutes Sect. They were made from the tea leaves of the spiritual tea tree, the pollen of several spiritual flowers, and the honey from the Jade Spirit Bee.

Not only does it taste amazing, but it can also slightly enhance magical power and improve the strength of spiritual consciousness.

Back when he was still at the Three Absolutes Sect, Zhou Zhengkang drank quite a lot of this spiritual tea.

However, after arriving in Jingguo, with the Three Absolutes Sect being split up, important resources such as the Jade Spirit Bee were taken away and occupied by the Spirit Beast Manor.

Only a few members of the Zhou family still have a small stock of this spiritual tea, and they rarely take it out to drink.

However, a mere half-bottle of "honey flower tea" was clearly not enough to satisfy Zhou Zhengkang's appetite.

After examining the jade bottle for a moment, he put it into his storage bag, then looked at Yu Deguang and said, "Now I've done what you asked me to do, even killing Zhou Jiahui. That should prove my sincerity, right? So when are you going to give me the Foundation Establishment Pill you mentioned?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Deguang immediately picked up his teacup, took a small sip of tea, and then smiled gently:

"Nephew, don't be anxious. As far as I know, the Foundation Establishment Pills that the Li family is preparing to refine will be ready soon. With the resources the Zhou family has invested this time, they should be able to get at least two or three Foundation Establishment Pills. Given your status in the Zhou family, surely you'll get at least one?"

"If you successfully establish your foundation in the Zhou family, they will surely reward you handsomely. Then, when you come back to our Spirit Beast Manor, we can exchange the Foundation Establishment Pills we promised you for other resources of equal value. Wouldn't that be even better?"

These words seemed to make no problem, but Zhou Zhengkang's face immediately darkened.

His face darkened as he stared at Yu Deguang and said, "You don't need to give me empty promises. I'll just ask you one question: do you think that after I killed Zhou Jiahui, I had no other choice but to obediently let you manipulate me?"

Yu Deguang was taken aback when he heard this, not expecting him to bring up such a thing so directly.

For a moment, Zhou Zhengkang's question stumped him, and he didn't know how to answer.

Seeing that he remained silent, Zhou Zhengkang's expression turned even more unpleasant.

"No, no, no, my dear nephew, you misunderstand. I had absolutely no such intention!"

Seeing Zhou Zhengkang's increasingly grim expression, Yu Deguang finally came to his senses and waved his hands repeatedly to indicate that Zhou had misunderstood him.

Then, with a sincere expression, he looked at Zhou Zhengkang and explained, "It's just that I really didn't bring the Foundation Establishment Pill with me. I'm afraid I'll have to ask Uncle Xiao for permission to get it after I get back."

After saying that, he reached out and placed a hand on Zhou Zhengkang's shoulder, saying earnestly, "In short, my dear nephew, you must believe in our sincerity, believe in Uncle Xiao's high regard for you, and believe in your own worth. We will absolutely not give up on such an outstanding genius as you!"

Hearing his explanation and praise, Zhou Zhengkang's expression gradually improved.

He has always been proud and arrogant. Even among the younger generation of the Three Absolutes Sect, he was one of the most outstanding in terms of talent and ability.

Therefore, he was confident that wherever he went, he would shine and attract attention.

Yu Deguang's current flattery hit him right where it hurt, so how could he not feel happy and satisfied?

The reason he kept a straight face was simply because he didn't want Yu Deguang to think he was easy to bully, and he was also a little too proud to admit it.

At this moment, a cold snort rang out: "Hmph, I hope you keep your word, otherwise don't blame me for turning my back on you!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Deguang immediately understood his mindset and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Of course, of course. My dear nephew, you can go back to the Zhou family with peace of mind and patiently wait for my good news."

After saying that, he reached out and patted the storage bag at his waist, took out a money bag containing a large amount of spirit coins, and placed it directly in front of Zhou Zhengkang.

With a smile, he said, "There are over eight hundred spirit coins here. Consider this my initial payment to you, my dear nephew. After I've dealt with Zhou Jia Hui's belongings, I'll make up the rest of the spirit coins for you. What do you think, my dear nephew?"

Upon hearing this, a gleam of joy flashed in Zhou Zhengkang's eyes. He immediately grabbed the money pouch, weighed it in his hand, and quickly nodded at him, his expression softening completely, saying, "That's more like it!"

Then he stuffed the money pouch into his storage bag, picked up the teapot, and gulped down the remaining tea in one go. He then dusted off his sleeves, stood up, and said, "I'll head back now. Remember to be efficient and don't keep me waiting too long!"

Upon seeing this, Yu Deguang immediately stood up with a smile and said, "Of course, of course, nephew, please take care."

After seeing Zhou Zhengkang out of the private room and closing the door.

Seeing the teapot completely empty, his expression changed instantly. He flicked his sleeve in disgust and sneered, "Hmph, what kind of thing is this? A traitorous fool who thinks he can use our Spirit Beast Manor's Foundation Establishment Pills to build his foundation? Does he really think Uncle Xiao, a dignified Purple Mansion cultivator, would take a liking to a fool like you?"

It is not hard to tell from his words that his previous conversations and promises to Zhou Zhengkang were nothing but empty words.

In truth, he had never thought highly of Zhou Zhengkang and was filled with contempt and disdain for him.

After cursing Zhou Zhengkang under his breath, he seemed to remember something and muttered to himself with a thoughtful expression:

"As for Zhou Zhengchun, although his aptitude is a bit lacking, if the information from the Zhou family is true, this boy is indeed worth trying to win over. If he can be used by me, then my Spirit Beast Manor will have another capable talent!"

……

Zhou Zhengkang had no idea that he was so despicable in Yu Deguang's eyes.

After leaving the teahouse, he originally intended to go straight back to his family.

But when I passed by the Ling Shou Zhai, and saw the three big characters "Ling Shou Zhai" on the banner in the distance, Zhou Jia Hui's words, "You are far inferior to Zheng Chun," suddenly came to mind.

Then his expression turned cold, and he immediately turned and walked into the shop.

"Welcome, may I ask who you are, esteemed guest...?"

Inside the Spirit Beast Pavilion, upon hearing footsteps outside the door, Zhou Chun reflexively put on a smile and prepared to greet the guests.

But when he saw the person's face, he stopped talking.

"Oh, it's Seventh Brother. I'm happy to meet you."

Zhou Chun paused for a moment, then quickly bowed to Zhou Zhengkang as he entered, greeting him.

Unwilling to face his greeting, Zhou Zhengkang coldly stared at him and questioned, "You are, after all, a core member of my Zhou family. Do you expect me to greet any random cultivator who walks in with such humility? Isn't that lowering your status and willingly degrading yourself?"

Is this guy an idiot?

Zhou Chun looked at Zhou Zhengkang with a surprised expression, completely unexpected that the other party would say such a thing.

Actually, Zhou Zhengkang wasn't unaware of the principle that doing business should be based on harmony to make money, but he had a preconceived notion of disliking Zhou Chun and wanted to come and find fault with him!

Moreover, at this moment, all he could think about was Zhou Jiahui's words, "You are far inferior to Zheng Chun."

In this situation, seeing Zhou Chun's "humble" appearance, he naturally felt angry and thought he was being unfairly treated.

Whether he wanted to admit it or not, Zhou Jiahui's comment, "You are far inferior to Zhengchun," did indeed bother and upset him greatly.

Fortunately, Zhou Chun wasn't the only one in the shop at that moment; the shopkeeper, Zhou Jiasheng, was also there.

At this moment, Zhou Chun was stunned by Zhou Zhengkang's words.

Worried that the two might clash in the shop, Zhou Jiasheng hurriedly came over and said, "We're all brothers, Zhengkang, how can you talk to Zhengchun like that? If there's any misunderstanding, let's go to the backyard to talk!"

He then patted Zhou Chun on the shoulder, signaling him to hold his temper and not to argue with Zhou Zhengkang in the store.

Then he prepared to pull Zhou Zhengkang away, intending to take him to the backyard and give him a scolding.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Zhengkang moved swiftly to dodge his outstretched hand, and then said indifferently, "No need, I'm in a hurry to get back to my family, I don't have time to waste with you."

After saying that, he ignored Zhou Jiasheng's ugly expression, turned around and left the shop.

In the past, even if Zhou Zhengkang didn't have much respect for these so-called elders, he wouldn't have shown it so obviously.

But now that he has personally killed Zhou Jiahui, an elder, he has developed a sense of superiority over these so-called elders, feeling that he can completely control their life and death.

Secondly, he had already decided to leave the Zhou family, so there was no need for him to humble himself to win the favor of these elders and make plans for staying in the Zhou family in the long term.

Thirdly, Zhou Jiasheng's obvious act of protecting Zhou Chun just now made him very unhappy. He automatically categorized Zhou Jiasheng as being on the same side as Zhou Jiahui, feeling that Zhou Jiasheng valued Zhou Chun more and looked down on him.

All of these factors have led to the current situation.

At this moment, watching Zhou Zhengkang turn and leave without hesitation, Zhou Jiasheng's face was also terribly gloomy.

He almost gritted his teeth and growled in a low voice, "Disrespectful to elders, slandering my cousin! I will personally write to the clan chief to explain this matter, and severely accuse him. I will make him apologize to me and you, Zhengchun, in person!!"

After saying that, he noticed that Zhou Chun remained silent and assumed she was too angry to speak. He quickly comforted her, saying, "Zheng Chun, don't take it to heart. That kid has been arrogant for a long time. Perhaps he's just jealous because he's heard the clan leader and others praising you so much, and he's come looking for trouble. Don't fall for his tricks!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chun immediately shook his head and said calmly, "I'm fine, Uncle Sixteen, don't worry, I won't hold it against him."

Then, with a puzzled tone, he said, "But if he has a problem with my nephew, the reason you gave me, Sixteenth Uncle, is understandable. But why doesn't he even give you face, Sixteenth Uncle? Isn't this obviously asking for trouble?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jiasheng's expression changed, and a look of doubt appeared in his eyes.

Zhou Chun was right. Looking back, he realized he hadn't done anything to offend Zhou Zhengkang.

In the past, when Zhou Zhengkang met him, he was at least outwardly polite, and it was impossible for him to be so rude and presumptuous as he was today.

However, he quickly seemed to realize something, his face suddenly turned cold, and he said angrily, "I think I know why. It must be because he knew he was about to succeed in establishing his foundation, so he revealed his true colors without any disguise. What a wolf in sheep's clothing!"

In the end, Zhou Jiasheng himself became angry and started cursing.

Is Zhou Zhengkang about to successfully complete his foundation building?

Zhou Chun was slightly taken aback when he heard Zhou Jiasheng's words.

They immediately inquired about the details.

He only knew that Zhou Zhengkang had broken through to the twelfth level of the Qi Refining stage half a year ago, but he never thought that the other party would break through to the Foundation Establishment stage so quickly.

Faced with Zhou Chun's questioning, Zhou Jiasheng hesitated for a moment before nodding and saying, "Zhengchun, you are also a core member of the family, so I won't hide this from you. Just don't spread it around."

"Uncle Sixteen, rest assured, I will definitely not divulge a single word to anyone."

Zhou Chun quickly made a solemn promise.

So Zhou Jiasheng told them about the Zhou family's collaboration with the Li family to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill.

The reason why the Zhou family used merit points instead of spirit coins as welfare for the clan members when they first established themselves in Jiufeng Ridge was because they had collected the clan's spirit coins to carry out several important tasks.

One of the things was to use the money to buy the spiritual herbs needed to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill, and to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill together with the Li family.

Now, after several years of preparation, all kinds of spiritual herbs have been purchased, and the Li family has taken the opportunity to start refining pills.

Within the Zhou family, apart from the clan head, elders, and a few senior members like Zhou Jiasheng, only knew about this matter.

Upon hearing Zhou Jiasheng's words, Zhou Chun was also filled with excitement and couldn't help but have some thoughts about the Foundation Establishment Pill that had not yet been produced.

Unfortunately, he also knew that even if the clan leader Zhou Daoyi were willing to go against the majority and give him a Foundation Establishment Pill, he wouldn't be able to use it at his current Qi Refining Stage 9 cultivation level.

Therefore, this batch of Foundation Establishment Pills was destined to be out of his reach.

After revealing this secret, Zhou Jiasheng gritted his teeth and said, "Zhou Zhengkang is the family's Foundation Establishment seed, and he'll definitely get a share this time. With his superior-grade spiritual root aptitude, he'll most likely succeed in Foundation Establishment on his first try, which is why he's so arrogant now!"

But is that really the case?

Zhou Chun felt something was off when she heard his words.

Even if Zhou Zhengkang successfully establishes his foundation and becomes an elder of the Zhou family, he will still be a generation younger than Zhou Jiasheng in terms of seniority. Logically speaking, he should still give his elder some face when they meet.

After all, showing respect to elders is a clan rule personally promulgated by the clan's supreme elder, Zhou Mingde.

There was absolutely no reason for Zhou Zhengkang to not even bother with this basic formality and give others the opportunity to attack him.

Besides, he hasn't even successfully established his foundation yet, has he?

Wasn't he afraid that because of what happened today, the clan leader Zhou Daoyi would cancel his chance to take the Foundation Establishment Pill?

This doubt remained buried in Zhou Chun's heart, but she did not tell Zhou Jiasheng about it.

Because Zhou Jiasheng's current attitude is undoubtedly more advantageous to him.

(End of this chapter)