The Supreme God

Some of the herbs that Herbert collected were so young that they didn't even look a year old. A handful of such herbs might not
be worth a single piece of vital energy crystal.
Even more ridiculous was the fact that even at the critical moment of his escape, Herbert still carried the large sack of cheap
herbs with him. It seemed that he was obsessed with the herbs.
"I appreciate your kindness, but I don't want herbs. You've worked so hard to collect them. You'd better keep them."
As Austin had saved his life, Herbert wanted to express his gratitude by giving him some herbs. To his surprise, Austin refused.
The herbs were cheap as they were only worth a few pieces of vital energy crystals. Although Austin thought that they were
useless, Herbert didn't think so.
"Er... But I only have these for you. I don't have much left."
Herbert was embarrassed. He thought Austin was expecting more.
"Well, you can have half. That's quite a lot."
Reluctantly, Herbert held the corner of the sack and poured half the herbs on the ground.
Austin frowned and thought, 'You are so odd!'
"No, thank you. I said I don't want any."
Austin lost his patience.
Eventually, Herbert realized that Austin was not appreciative of the herbs that he valued.
After thinking about it, Herbert realized why Austin didn't want the herbs. The two cores from first-level Diabolic Beasts that
Austin had just acquired were worth more than forty pieces of vital energy crystals, while all the herbs in the sack were not worth
much.
Besides, with his skills, it had not been difficult for Austin to kill the diabolic beasts and get their cores.
'He must be rich. That's probably why he doesn't value these cheap herbs.' Herbert's embarrassment disappeared, and he felt
pleased. After all, Austin's assistance would not cost him anything.

"Dude, you saved my life. Perhaps I can repay you later. May I know your name?" asked Herbert.
"My name is Austin. You can call me Tin."
"Good name, Tin. I'm your brother from now on. I will dedicate my life to assisting you."
Herbert clapped his chest with his hand and asserted solemnly.
"By the way, Tin. Since you are so skilled, why don't you join the Ape Hunting Team? People say two evil apes are guarding the
earth spirit fruits."
"The earth spirit fruit!"
Austin's eyes glittered when he heard the name of the fruit.
The earth spirit fruit was a precious herb that contained abundant energies from heaven and earth. It was said that the effect of a
single earth spirit fruit was equivalent to that of two Energy-boosting Elixirs.
While one Energy-boosting Elixir was worth 500 pieces of vital energy crystals, the price of a single earth spirit fruit was at least
1500 pieces of vital energy crystals.
What's more, the refined pill was man-made. Because of the different technical levels of pill refiners and some inevitable factors
in the refining process, the elixirs were not pure enough, and would more or less contain some toxins.
While long-term use of refined pills was helpful for martial arts cultivation, the toxins accumulating in the human body would lead
to health problems later.
However, herbal medicines were different. Many plants didn't contain any ingredients that would prove harmful to the human
body.
One could take herbal medicines safely, and their effect would be higher than that of manually refined pills.
Even though their effect was similar, natural herbal medicines were more expensive than refined pills.
'1500 pieces of vital energy crystals are undoubtedly a great fortune for me.
And the potency of one earth spirit fruit is equivalent to an Energy-boosting Elixir. If I can pick some fruits, I can sell them or eat
them.'

The thought instantly motivated Austin.
"Haven't you heard about it, Tin? The news is spreading among the outer disciples of Sun Sect.
I heard that two horrible second-level evil apes are guarding the fruits. This was discovered by a team of adventures yesterday.
They had intended to collect the fruits. However, the two evil apes attacked the team. Only one man from the team managed to
escape," Herbert narrated.
From his expression, Herbert knew that Austin was interested in the news.
He continued, "After hearing the news, many outer disciples decided to confront the apes. But most people who set foot in the
valley were killed by the two evil apes. Those who narrowly escaped were so frightened that they will never try again.
Now, few people dare to go into the valley. Most have left, or have been watching from afar.
It is said that several strong outer disciples are gathering those who have trained at Beast Mountain. They want to form a team
called the Evil Ape Hunting Team.
Tin, I saw you kill two demon dogs easily. I'm sure you are capable of participating in the ape hunting event." Herbert enjoyed
telling long stories. He was also good at complimenting people.
"What you shared with me was yesterday's news. It is possible that by now they have already taken the fruits," said Austin.
His previous excitement settled at the thought.
"Most outer disciples are newcomers who joined Sun Sect in recent years. They are not very strong. I don't think they can gather
enough people in such a short time."
Herbert curled his lips as he spoke.
"But the worry is that the news will reach Sun Sect's officials. If they know, they will certainly send a steward to collect the earth
spirit fruits. These precious herbs and pills are usually given to inner disciples or core disciples. Outer disciples are not entitled to
enjoy them.
So, we need to act quickly. Once the steward arrives, the Evil Ape Hunting Team will only be able to stand and watch."
Herbert added.

Herbert's persuasion worked. Austin now felt that what he had said was reasonable.
"Where are they exactly?" asked Austin.
"Tin, the diabolic beast's core was so beautiful, and you have collected two. Can I have a look, please?"
Herbert requested cheekily.
Austin understood what Herbert meant when he saw his expression.
'He is eyeing the cores of the two demon dogs that I killed.'
Austin glared at Herbert. Despite his expression, Austin did not think poorly of Herbert.
On the contrary, he felt sympathy toward Herbert.
"Here you are!" Austin tossed the two beast cores at Herbert.
"Really?"
Herbert was stunned when Austin gave him the two beast cores. He wanted to express his appreciation but was rendered
speechless.
Austin had unexpectedly been generous enough to give him both beast cores.
"Tell me, quick!" Austin said.
He furrowed his brows when he saw Herbert's reaction. He looked like he had just acquired tremendous wealth.
Herbert responded happily, "It's easy to find. Their location is ten miles west from here. Tin, you are not only strong in martial arts
but also generous and chivalrous in your behavior. I believe there is no limit to your prospects. If you need any help in the future,
just let me know. I'm well-informed."
Herbert felt ecstatic as he played with the two beast cores in his hand. He had never imagined that one day, he would sell
information at a high price of two beast cores.
When he looked up, Austin had disappeared into the forest ahead.

On the west side of Beast Mountain, a bowl-shaped valley lay hidden among the steep mountain ridges.
The valley was shaded by thick trees all the year round. As a result, it looked deep and dark.
At the entrance to the valley was an open grassland with sparse trees.
A dozen young men and women had gathered there. Some sat while others stood. Each of them had a proud smile. They also
looked a little nervous, as if they were waiting for something.
Farther away, at the edge of the grassland, many people were talking and looking enviously at the warriors.
These were Sun Sect's outer disciples. The promise of acquiring Earth Spirit Fruit had been enough for all of them to risk their
lives.
The Evil Ape Hunting Team was preparing to enter the valley to kill the evil apes. This was also a great event for the other
disciples.
Even if they couldn't hunt the evil apes, the disciples would not miss the opportunity to watch.
The Evil Ape Hunting Team consisted of the strongest outer disciples who had taken part in the Beast Mountain training. Every
move of the strong would always attract the attention of the weak.