In incredibly high spirits, Westheid returned to the Qinghui Family residence.
The moment he stepped through the door, he was treated, as expected, to a dinner prepared by Yolanda. And, of course, to the platinum-blonde girl's gaze—one of deep disappointment, as if she were looking at a piece of trash.
"My dear brother—so utterly useless, a detriment to the family's interests, in a constant daze, defiantly glaring at a world of critics, and about as subtle as a pile driver. I must say, I didn't think you'd bother returning to the home you've never cared for."
Westheid laughed. "That's quite the list of epithets to start with. A bit aggressive, don't you think?"
"Hmph. Or do you think I'm wrong, Brother?"
Yolanda said coldly, "Or perhaps, you intend to use your authority as the Patriarch to order me to shut my mouth? If that's the case, I will, of course, fall silent. I can even be made to sing the praises of your sagacity and brilliance, if that is what you command."
Ever since Westheid had begun to stubbornly go his own way, Yolanda had been like this—constantly applying pressure, her words laced with cold sarcasm.
Luckily, Westheid was a veteran of internet forums and had long since maxed out his resistance stat. He didn't mind this level of passive-aggressiveness. At the end of the day, an elegant, well-bred person like Yolanda couldn't really manage much in the way of actual vulgarities. To Westheid, her barbs were painless and harmless, like a gentle spring breeze.
Until now, Westheid had never bothered to argue back. Actions spoke louder than words, and the truth was, he hadn't accomplished anything worth mentioning. He couldn't blame Yolanda for tearing into him at every opportunity.
But Westheid wasn't about to indulge his 'foolish' sister any longer. He now held the top-tier Tier T0 Talent, Withered Glory Sun, in his hands. He no longer had to swallow his pride and stay silent.
So he immediately shot back:
"That's enough out of you. Have you any idea what it means to work on something big? I need to prepare for the Secret Realm Trial during the upcoming Holy Tree Festival."
Yolanda covered her mouth in mock surprise. "Oh, so you *do* remember that the Holy Tree Festival includes a Trial bestowed by the Divine Ancestor. I was under the impression you had no intention of participating."
"And why wouldn't I? For the Qinghui Clan in its current state, securing a great achievement in the Secret Realm Trial is the fastest path to our revival. Shouldn't you be more excited about this than I am?"
Yolanda shook her head and sighed. "The greatest difference between us, Brother, is that I can distinguish reality from delusion. A great achievement in the Secret Realm Trial... is that really something you should be aspiring to?"
Westheid said, "I'll say what I said before: watch what I do first. There'll be plenty of time for your sharp commentary later... At this point, it's too late for most kinds of strengthening. So, here's the plan: I'll go to Yuanxi Palace and borrow some money in my capacity as the Qinghui Patriarch to purchase a batch of Magic Potions."
Yolanda cut him off. "Why Yuanxi Palace? And when did you become so familiar with her?"
Westheid stroked his chin. "That's a long story. But I'm sure Yuanxi Palace will lend me the money. If all else fails, I can just get on my knees and beg..."
"Absolutely not!"
As expected, the platinum-blonde girl reacted like a bristling lioness, her opposition resolute.
"You are the Patriarch of the Qinghui Clan! How could you possibly grovel before another Branch of Prosperity?!"
Gazing at Yolanda's furious expression, which practically screamed, 'Damn it, I'll take you down with me!', Westheid instinctively took half a step back and waved his hands placatingly.
"Whoa, I was kidding! Just... put the sword down."
'He was genuinely afraid Yolanda might lunge at him and take them both out.'
'This girl would do anything to protect the family's honor.'
Yolanda raised a delicate eyebrow and snorted. "Knowing you, Brother, I have to seriously consider the possibility that you *weren't* joking."
"Of course I was! To be honest, the Magic Potions I want aren't even that expensive. It's just that the money I won playing chess isn't quite enough. If you could just help me out, I wouldn't need to borrow from an outsider at all."
Letting out a deep sigh, Yolanda crossed her arms.
"So, what are these Magic Potions you intend to buy, Brother? And are you certain they're all for you?"
Yolanda's personality had always been one of compromise. If Westheid had asked her for money directly, she would have refused him outright. But the moment he mentioned groveling before another Branch of Prosperity, she'd immediately acquiesce.
"Please, I need them right away. The sooner, the better."
Westheid had clearly planned this in advance. He handed a list he had written in the carriage to Yolanda. She took it, looked it over, and read aloud in a low voice:
"Gaseous Cloud Giant Potion, Witch Spirit Divine Wisdom Potion, Tears of Potential, Sublimated Pine Resin... Brother, these are indeed quite expensive, but my savings are sufficient to cover the cost. However... are you truly planning to invest all these resources and all this energy into raising your Tier? I'm not questioning your decision, merely confirming it."
Westheid nodded seriously. "I am certain. I believe this is the best path forward for our family."
"In that case, I will obey your command, Brother."
Yolanda nodded and gave a slight bow before leaving with swift efficiency to complete the task Westheid had assigned her.
Although she was deeply dissatisfied with some of Westheid's decisions, Yolanda was, in the end, a pragmatist.
Logically speaking, Westheid's desire to increase his own power was pointless. Even if he poured endless resources into it, as a member of the Purity Forest bloodline, he could never surpass the Tier Four rank of Exemplar unless he returned to the Qinghui Territory.
Moreover, the effort required would yield diminishing returns.
Still, since Westheid had made a request, Yolanda would carry it out to the best of her ability. At the very least, it counted as legitimate business.
Westheid waited in the residence until the early hours of the morning, when the platinum-blonde girl finally returned, having collected all the Magic Potions for her Patriarch. Her speed was nothing short of incredible; only in the Imperial Capital could one gather such a variety of rare Magic Potions so conveniently.
"Excellent! Yolanda, you did a great job. These are exactly what I needed."
Duke Qinghui picked up the Magic Potions, each in an exquisite container, and inspected them one by one, unable to tear his eyes away.
"Brother, several of these are powerful concoctions with severe side effects—they burn through one's potential, ravage the body, or cause attribute conflicts... Are you planning to drink them during a crisis in the Trial to gain a temporary boost in strength? That is indeed a viable strategy."
Yolanda had noticed the peculiarities of the shopping list while gathering the Magic Potions, so she stated her conclusion as if it were the obvious one.
She was referring to a method used in the Secret Realm Trial that was tantamount to bug exploitation. In the Secret Realm Trial created by the Divine Ancestor, no matter what injuries or curses a Trial Taker suffered within the Secret Realm, they would be instantly restored to their pre-Trial status the moment it concluded.
For this very reason, many Trial Takers specifically prepared self-destructive potions and Secret Techniques, waiting for the right moment to unleash their hidden power during the Secret Realm Trial.
Although for nobles of ancient lineage, such a tactic was considered somewhat undignified, there was nothing truly wrong with using it. Since the Divine Ancestor had never fixed this "bug," it was considered an intended mechanic.
"Use them during the Trial? And let the Radiant Holy Tree just wipe away all the buffs afterward? Then what was the point of having you buy them?"
But Westheid shook his head, dismissing Yolanda's theory. He uncorked a bottle and began to chug its contents.
"Watch carefully. *This* is how you use a Magic Potion!"