"That thing… how effective is it, precisely?"
Despite having a guess in her heart, Qian Nishang couldn't help but ask.
Most of the materials for constructing the spiritual spring were provided by Mingxin Xuan, and based on the value of these spiritual items alone, one could roughly estimate its effects.
However, given the significant matter at hand, it was difficult not to be concerned.
"The specific effects still depend on individual fortune."
Ji Yuan gave a wry smile. This was indeed something difficult to quantify.
Perhaps some who were originally of mortal physique could achieve great improvements by leveraging the spiritual spring, becoming no less than geniuses from any sect or faction, or even obtaining a legendary spiritual physique.
Conversely, some might use up an entire pool of spiritual spring water and only achieve partial improvements. It wasn't that they gained nothing, but their fortune would ultimately be limited.
However, one thing was certain: everyone would achieve a certain level of improvement, and with the power of the spiritual spring, they could break through a minor realm beyond their original foundation.
Furthermore, in a state of enlightenment, the gains would be substantial, at least saving several years of arduous contemplation, and perhaps even a decade or more.
In short, the benefits that external objects could provide were ultimately limited; the most crucial factor was the user themselves.
"Just one more question, are there any slots left for the spiritual spring?"
Qian Nishang pondered for a moment. Although hesitant, she still voiced her question.
Seeing this, Ji Yuan's heart stirred, and he immediately formed a guess.
"It's hard to say. As it stands, there are no more available."
However, even though he had a general idea of what was happening, he could only shake his head.
Currently, there were fifteen slots. He and his disciple Zhao Yuebai would naturally take up two, as would Li Buwei and Zhou Lianying behind him. The remaining slots were allocated to Zhao Yuansong, Xu Qiqi, Jiang He, Zheng Wanrong, and Li Junxian, which accounted for nine slots.
Adding Liu Ruyan and Qian Nishang, as well as Xia Dong and the couple Song He and Huixin, it perfectly filled fifteen people.
If Song He's couple and Huixin couldn't be found, three slots could be freed up. Wu Chengqing and Lin Miaoyi would each take one, leaving exactly one position open.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look at Liu Ruyan. He had previously asked her to help mobilize Mingxin Xuan's resources to search for the three individuals.
However, upon seeing her wry smile, he immediately guessed the outcome and looked at Qian Nishang with a touch of helplessness.
It seemed that the other party already knew that even with Mingxin Xuan's help, they still hadn't found the three people, which was why she had asked the previous question.
"Tell me, who wants this slot?"
Ji Yuan sighed, a guess already forming in his mind.
Besides the Qian family, only the Zhuang family, who were also co-owners of Mingxin Xuan, could possibly be involved.
It wasn't that Qian Nishang had carelessly leaked information. Rather, despite being one of the owners, if any spiritual items from the treasury were to be used, the Zhuang family's approval was necessary.
This meant that some things had to be revealed. Otherwise, if a flimsy excuse were given, the Zhuang family, being intelligent, would naturally discern the truth.
"There are three young members of the Zhuang family. They already possess excellent talent and wish to advance further through the spiritual spring."
Qian Nishang's expression was filled with helplessness. She naturally wanted to refuse, but found herself powerless.
With the downfall of the Li family, the Qian family had gained significant benefits and recovered somewhat, re-establishing their foothold within Mingxin Xuan.
However, compared to the Zhuang family, which had become even more powerful as a result, they were somewhat lacking.
If the other party was willing, it wouldn't be difficult for them to force the Qian family out of Mingxin Xuan, even at the cost of damaging their own vital energy.
If not for the watchful presence of Haohao Tower, no one would be willing to relinquish the opportunity of having sole control over the vast Mingxin Xuan.
Now that the other party had made a demand, Qian Nishang, though unwilling, had no choice but to comply.
"They promised that as long as the spiritual spring's effects are truly extraordinary, you can make any request they can fulfill."
As she spoke, her expression darkened.
Upon hearing this, she was already filled with anger. For such a precious opportunity, not only had they offered no tangible benefit, but they had merely given a vague promise.
Whether it would have miraculous effects or not was a matter of their word. And the Zhuang family, having already benefited, could easily use various excuses to evade any demands made by the other side.
After all, it was ultimately their decision, and no matter how unwilling they were, they couldn't change what had already happened.
Unless, of course, this possibility didn't materialize...
"They've certainly played their cards well!"
Ji Yuan's expression also darkened, his displeasure evident.
The other party acted as if they had a sure hold on the Qian family and himself, attempting to get something for nothing. They would first enjoy the benefits and then decide, based on their mood, whether to offer any compensation.
Undoubtedly, regardless of the spiritual spring's efficacy, they would ultimately not pay a high price, most likely dismissing it lightly.
However, if they were to refuse directly, the Zhuang family would surely be displeased, even enraged, and would then vent their frustrations on the Qian family.
If Qian Nishang's influence were to diminish, Ji Yuan would also face some trouble, and many matters would not proceed as smoothly as before.
"Tell the Zhuang family that Jiuxuan Gate has already secured two slots, and I only have one remaining."
Ji Yuan's expression shifted. The anger on his face dissipated, replaced by a smile. "If they wish to obtain this slot, they must show some sincerity, at least tangible benefits."
He winked. Although he didn't elaborate, Qian Nishang and Liu Ruyan immediately understood.
In fact, the two had already thought of a solution before this. However, they couldn't propose it until the last moment, as any suggestion, regardless of its good intentions, could lead to unnecessary suspicion.
Now that Ji Yuan had brought it up himself, Qian Nishang and the other could proceed with their plans and vent their frustration.
"I'll return to Jiuxuan Gate to arrange the remaining two slots."
Ji Yuan looked at the two before him. "How much time do you need here?"
Hearing this, Qian Nishang smiled softly, "Seven days will suffice."
Even with a flying sword for communication, returning would still take several days. The remaining time would be just enough for the Zhuang family to carefully consider what benefits to offer.
After all, there were elders in the Zhuang family who could make decisions, and they had also arrived at this market town. Qian Nishang felt confident that she could handle these individuals.
"In that case, come directly to Jiuxuan Gate after seven days."
Ji Yuan nodded. Once everything was confirmed, he immediately led his group away.
It wasn't until they had traveled more than half a day away from the market town that the Zhuang family elders present received news from their subordinates. They immediately rushed over in anger.
However, the moment they pushed open the door, they saw Qian Nishang looking at them with a smiling gaze.