Miao Shi knew his time was short, only half a month. If he lingered too long in the clan and didn't return, his life would be in danger.
After sending Miao Zhu and Miao Fen away, Miao Shi went to the foot of a cliff.
On both sides, peaks stood close, naturally forming a cave in the middle.
This cave was cool from the mountain breeze, with a babbling stream. Years ago, the Wu Gu tribe had refined it and used it as a place for Wu Gu masters to cultivate their poisons.
Miao Shi walked inside, feeling a little guilty as he did.
He hadn't reported back to the clan this time. What excuse could he come up with to obtain the Spring of Nature?
The Spring of Nature was located at the peak of Wu Qi Mountain in the Miao Gu tribe, and unauthorized personnel were forbidden to ascend.
Moreover, the Spring of Nature was only a small pool, incredibly precious. Taking it easily would be no small feat.
Upon entering the cave, Miao Shi encountered many acquaintances.
"Yo, Stoney, didn't you go to Jiangbei City? Why are you back? Were you chased back by a martial artist?" a Wu Gu master with a full beard teased Miao Shi.
"So it's Uncle Shan Shu." Miao Shi followed the voice and said with some trepidation,
"I'm running low on my蛊虫 (gu worms). I came back to get some and will leave soon, right away..."
Miao Shan Shu walked up to Miao Shi, patted his shoulder heartily, and laughed,
"Good boy, no wonder you've transferred millions to the clan's account in such a short time, contributing more than some intermediate Wu Gu masters working outside. So you were just wasting蛊虫 (gu worms)!"
Miao Shi scratched his head and forced a smile,
"Uncle Shan Shu, you know there's no free lunch in this world. No effort, no reward."
"Hahaha! Well said!" Miao Shan Shu slapped Miao Shi's shoulder again, making his head spin slightly.
"Come, I'll take you to see the Great Elder. The Great Elder even specifically praised you at the clan assembly a few times..."
The two arrived at an inner cave. Although surrounded by mountain walls, the top was open, preventing the cave from being completely dark.
Inside the cave, a Wu Gu master in his forties and some younger Wu Gu masters were gathered around a bamboo basket.
Miao Shan Shu waved and called out,
"Great Elder, this kid Miao Shi is here."
Miao Shan Shu's voice made several people turn to look at the two.
Because Miao Shi had ill intentions upon his return, being stared at by several people made him feel uneasy.
After all, Wu Gu masters who had betrayed the clan never had a good ending.
"Gr... Great Elder."
The Great Elder, Miao He Shan, waved, gesturing Miao Shi to come closer, and then smiled,
"You kid, we underestimated you. Come tell us, how did you earn so much money in a few months? You can pass the method on to other clan members so everyone can learn."
Miao Shi walked forward and recounted how he met Tang Ze, how he helped Tang Ze put a蛊 (gu) on Wang Yu Yan, and how he used Tang Ze's lust to trick him out of money.
In short, he just kept praising himself.
Of course, the part with Qin Xuan was naturally skipped.
After listening to Miao Shi's account, the others were momentarily stunned, surprised that Miao Shi, despite his young age, had a knack for manipulating people.
He always only half-assisted, allowing others to achieve their goals but not completely, thus making them seek his further help, and the money would be calculated separately.
"Good heavens, Little Stoney, you really have a way. I'll tell this method to the clan members," Miao He Shan said with a smile.
"Your contribution this time is significant, and you've come up with such a good method. Speak, what reward do you want?"
Hearing this, Miao Shi felt there might be a chance and quickly stated his purpose for returning,
"That... Great Elder, could I have some Spring of Nature?"