NOVPUBThe new spirit food recipe held great allure for every cultivator in the Spirit Food Department.
Everyone knew that contributing it to the Sect would yield a handsome amount of merit.
As for mass production, that was of secondary importance to most people; at most, the merit awarded by the Sect would be substantially less.
But even so, it represented a sizeable income.
Thus, upon hearing Wang Ba’s words, the deacons exchanged glances, their eyes briefly scanning over several other oddly-shaped Spirit Beasts beside Wang Ba, and the atmosphere instantly grew delicate.
At that moment, a deacon whose position was somewhat unsteady couldn’t help but cough:
"Minister Wang, I do have some insights into handling Spirit Beasts..."
Wang Ba immediately revealed a smile:
"Old Liao? Haha, perfect, I’m not too adept at these... Come, lend a hand, let’s see how to match the treatment liquid... You won’t be busy for nothing, if we do come up with a recipe, I’ll reserve second authorship for you."
"Second authorship?"
The deacon was somewhat puzzled.
Wang Ba chuckled:
"Yes, for a spirit food recipe, there must be a combination of treatment liquid proportioning, alchemy technique, and control of the fire... If we truly develop a new recipe, I’ll naturally be the first author, but since you’ll be the one to figure out the treatment liquid proportion, you’ll naturally be the second author. When the merit comes down, we’ll divide it according to contribution, of course. However, I’ll have to take at least seventy percent, since these Spirit Beasts were procured by me."
"That’s possible?!"
The deacon’s eyes suddenly lit up. 𝔫𝖔𝖛𝖕𝖚𝔟.𝖈𝖔𝔪
He hadn’t thought this through and only wanted to assist on the sidelines. Minister Wang had just taken office, and by offering help in a time of need, he hoped to ease their relationship and foster good karma.
After all, even if Wang Ba wasn’t promoted to Vice Minister, it was far from his turn.
So, his inner turmoil was far less intense than that of the deacons who were most likely to succeed.
Yet he didn’t expect to stumble upon such a fortuitous opportunity.
And he immediately realized its potential.
"This new Vice Minister is truly willing to spend a fortune for a horse’s bones..."
Although he grasped this point, it didn’t cause him any displeasure.
What’s wrong with being the horse’s bones?
This was merit delivered to his doorstep!
Without any hesitation, he immediately went over and skillfully began processing the carcass of the Spirit Beast.
To show off his abilities, he even performed some fancy tricks, wielding a spirit knife with Ghostly swiftness.
"This Old Liao... is so eager to get ahead!"
The deacons silently communicated with their eyes. Despite what they said, many of them began to grow interested.
They all knew about Minister Cui Daqi’s background and were no strangers to the merit represented by a spirit food recipe. A Class III spirit food recipe alone could fetch at least a few thousand points of merit, and even if they only got a part of the thirty percent share, it was still equivalent to several years, or even over a decade of income from official duties and side benefits.
Just then, Kong Yao could no longer hold back. He squeezed out a smile with a hint of acquiescence:
"Minister Wang... cough, from what you say, if we help out as well, is there a chance for a third or fourth authorship?"
The night had passed, and his mood had also somewhat improved.
He knew that Wang Ba’s ascension to the position of Vice Minister was all but confirmed and that any further fixation would be in vain.
Now, hearing Wang Ba’s somewhat novel idea, he immediately became interested.
Rather than the merit itself, he was more concerned about having his name on a new spirit food recipe.
After all, he owned a spirit food store and had an additional source of income compared to ordinary deacons.
If he could have his name on a new spirit food recipe, it would indirectly prove his abilities and undoubtedly help the business of his spirit food store.
Hearing Kong Yao’s question, many in the crowd pricked up their ears, paying close attention.
Seeing Kong Yao’s cooperative demeanor, Wang Ba naturally wouldn’t refuse. He laughed and said:
"Third and fourth authorships are certainly possible, as long as everyone agrees. However, a maximum of six authors, no more than that—it would be somewhat unreasonable, given that there are only so many steps in the production of spirit food."
"That would be excellent, haha, very excellent indeed."
Kong Yao’s eyes sparkled, and he immediately rolled up his sleeves: "Little Liao, come, let me give you a hand."
However, Wang Ba raised his hand to stop Kong Yao, his expression slightly grim as he shook his head:
"That won’t do."
Kong Yao was taken aback, his face becoming stiff.
The deacons below also tensed up, their expressions growing somber.
The atmosphere instantly became quietly tense.
But at that moment,
A smile suddenly blossomed on Wang Ba’s face, pointing to another Spirit Beast carcass:
"Old Kong, with your excellent skills, wouldn’t you help me with that one?"
Kong Yao immediately snapped out of it, joyfully responding:
"Thank you, Minister Wang!"
"You’re being too formal. I’ve just started my tenure, and it was you, Old Kong, who helped me arrange matters."
Wang Ba said, halting Kong Yao with a smile.
Seeing Kong Yao, a veteran deacon with considerable prestige in the Spirit Food Department, throw himself at the mercy of Minister Wang, the other deacons glanced at each other and soon a few more volunteered to join.
Once the ice began to melt, it wasn’t long before it turned into water.
Before long, except for a few stubborn deacons, Wang Ba was surrounded by people.
The dozen or so Spirit Beasts he had brought were all divided up.
Yet, there were still many who hadn’t managed to get a share.
Wang Ba, however, did not immediately reveal more, but his gaze swept over the few deacons still struggling to let go of their pride. He then smiled and said to everyone:
"Those of you who haven’t had a chance to help, don’t worry. Hehe, I have plenty more Spirit Beast corpses here, and I’m still sorting through them. I estimate we could come up with dozens of recipes, which should be sufficient. Once everything is sorted, I’ll ask for your help again. By then, I hope everyone will still be willing to lend a hand."
