As Wei Fei's words fell, Fu Zhizhou and Kou Liang exchanged glances, both momentarily at a loss.
Hearing about the Blood Food Pellet, they had indeed considered asking Wei Fei to share one.
After all, the pill had allowed him to break through to the Qi Perception Realm in just half a year.
Even if they were wary of potential side effects, simply borrowing one for research was still an option.
However, they had not expected Wei Fei to guard it so tightly, completely different from his usual demeanor.
Seeing this, Wei Tu took a moment to think before stepping forward to mediate.
"Big Brother, Fourth Brother, I believe Second Brother's decision is not unreasonable."
"We four have sworn brotherhood and vowed to cultivate together. We even established three pacts to guide us..."
"But when we first set these rules, we were new to the path of immortality, and our agreements were inevitably crude."
"These three Blood Food Pellets are critical for Second Brother's future breakthroughs."
"If we insist on asking for one, it could hinder his progress on the immortal path..."
"And in the long run, that wouldn't benefit any of us."
Fu Zhizhou and Kou Liang were not fools.
As martial officials, they were well-versed in handling interests and negotiations.
So after hearing Wei Tu's frank words, both of them nodded.
They recognized Wei Tu's reasoning and also felt a slight sense of guilt.
One incense stick later—
The four of them added a new clause to their original three sworn pacts.
This new fourth agreement specifically addressed how to distribute rare items like the Blood Food Pellet.
They agreed that in the future, if any of them found a treasure that could not be shared, the discoverer had full rights to keep it.
Unless the other three offered something of equal value in exchange.
Very quickly, the fourth pact was finalized.
Wei Tu let out a quiet sigh.
Compared to the first three, which were made out of loyalty and shared aspirations, this fourth agreement was purely about interests and distribution of benefits.
This was the first real test of their alliance.
Even blood-related brothers argue over wealth—
And their brotherhood was only a sworn pact.
When such interests were involved, it was difficult to remain unchanged.
"We'll see how things play out."
Wei Tu suppressed his thoughts.
While this new agreement had drawbacks, it also had advantages.
By making clearer rules, their immortal pact might actually last longer.
The Blood Food Pellet Was Just the Beginning.
Now—
It was Wei Tu's turn to share his progress.
"After cultivating Earth Yuan True Qi, I've spent this time focusing on Bone Marrow Refinement... but I haven't made much progress."
Wei Tu shook his head.
This outcome was expected, so the others quickly shifted their attention to Fu Zhizhou.
As the youngest, Fu Zhizhou was second only to Wei Tu in martial talent.
He had entered the Qi Perception Realm at the age of twenty-six, and now, six years had passed.
With Wei Tu's guidance last year on cultivating martial true qi, Fu Zhizhou should have made the greatest progress in their group.
Moreover, unlike Wei Tu, who split his focus between external and internal martial arts, Fu Zhizhou specialized in pure internal cultivation.
His advancement into True Qi Realm should have been much faster than Wei Tu's.
"Indeed."
"In the past half-year, I have successfully refined my internal energy into Earth Yuan True Qi."
At the far end of the table, Fu Zhizhou nodded.
He reached out, picked up the wine cup on the table, and then activated his internal energy.
In an instant, a faint layer of pale yellow True Qi covered the white porcelain cup, exactly the same as Wei Tu's Earth Yuan True Qi.
"If he continues at this pace, Fourth Brother might surpass me in reaching the Xiantian Realm."
Seeing this scene, Wei Tu was inwardly shocked.
—He knew himself well. In terms of martial talent, he was far behind Fu Zhizhou, not stronger as Kou Liang and Wei Fei had assumed.
Even though his aptitude had improved greatly under the nourishment of his Late Bloomer destiny, at most, it had only reached the level of Kou Liang and Wei Fei.
It was still inferior to Fu Zhizhou, who had ranked in the top twenty of the provincial martial examination at the age of eighteen.
"But this isn't absolute."
Wei Tu shook his head slightly.
He only needed to wait another twenty years, and he would inevitably step into the Xiantian Realm.
On the other hand, Fu Zhizhou merely had the potential to reach the Xiantian Realm.
If fortune didn't favor him, he might never break through in his lifetime.
After a short silence, the three of them gathered their thoughts.
Kou Liang and Wei Fei suppressed their envy and congratulated Fu Zhizhou on his progress.
"Both of you will have this day too." Fu Zhizhou smiled.
The words fell.
Yet, Kou Liang and Wei Fei had different reactions.
Kou Liang no longer carried the arrogance of last year.
Though he no longer looked discouraged, he had an air of quiet melancholy about him.
Wei Fei, however, was full of fighting spirit.
With two Blood Food Pellets remaining, he was certain that he would catch up to Fu Zhizhou soon.
After exchanging insights, the four parted ways.
Two months later.
Kou Liang and Wei Fei resigned from their official posts and enrolled in the martial provincial examination of the second year of Jiayuan.
Following Wei Tu's example, they both intentionally held back during the martial contest.
Instead of competing for the top three ranks, they settled for sixth and eighth place, respectively.
The following month, both men were appointed eighth-rank military officers.
With the assistance of Wei Tu and Fu Zhizhou, they were transferred to Qingfeng Prefecture's capital.
Kou Liang took the same post as Fu Zhizhou, serving as a Military Adjutant.
Wei Fei, on the other hand, was given command of a cavalry unit, receiving the title of "Xiao Qiwei" (Cavalry Commandant).
For over a decade, Wei Tu and Fu Zhizhou had focused solely on immortal cultivation, showing little interest in fame or fortune.
As a result, despite so many years, they remained in their original positions.
Beyond this—
Since all four now resided in the same city, their families became close.
Their wives and children frequently visited each other, strengthening their bonds.
It was worth mentioning—
Perhaps because Wei Fei had discovered the second immortal technique, the group's luck seemed to change.
In the following years, good fortune came one after another.
The second year—
Wei Tu came across a rumor about an immortal artifact and went to investigate.
Though he didn't find the artifact, he stumbled upon a fragmented "Introduction to Talisman Dao", a manual detailing three immortal talismans.
Unlike the meaningless scribbles of Jianghu fortune tellers, these immortal talismans were precise and structured.
However—
Unfortunately, none of them possessed immortal spiritual power, rendering them unable to craft the talismans.
The book was left untouched, stored away for future use.
The fifth year—
Fu Zhizhou uncovered a new immortal legend.
According to rumors, there were traces of immortals in the Danqiu Mountains of Luonan Dao.
—Danqiu Mountain was perpetually shrouded in mist.
Locals who entered often lost their way, wandering for days before escaping.
Fu Zhizhou wanted to investigate.
"If the traces of immortals are real, do you truly think an immortal would grant us their teachings just because we seek them?"
"If it were that easy, why would immortal cultivation techniques be so scarce?"
Hearing of Fu Zhizhou's plan, Wei Tu stopped him, offering a word of caution.