Just as Lin Mu was talking about dividing the spoils, Monk Hushu and Elyon quickly shook their heads.

"I don’t need it. Just the fact that we helped save the people and their livelihood is enough for me." Monk Hushu stated.

"I can’t make use of this, and I didn’t do much. You guys did the heavy work." Elyon was also not shameless enough to claim an equal share.

SHING

Lin Mu took a deep breath and began dividing the crystalline chunks carefully, cutting through the thick pieces with controlled sword energy.

The Elemental Heart was resilient, but his blade’s edge reinforced by Sword Intent was sharper than most treasures could withstand. Slowly, the great lump was separated into six fragments, each roughly the size of a large peach and glowing with a subdued light.

After the discussion had ended, the last of the icy mist settled, Lin Mu began observing the fragments of the Elemental Heart for any issues. The once-great Ice Elemental now lay scattered across the forest floor, its cold essence condensed into crystalline pieces that pulsed faintly with residual energy.

The group stood in a loose circle around the fragments in Lin Mu’s hands, the glow of the ice crystals illuminating their faces in shades of pale blue. Even though the fight was over, the area still held a faint chill that seeped into the bones.

"We should divide them now," Lin Mu said, breaking the silence. "These hearts are too valuable to leave lying around. The energy within them might not fade but can affect other things if not properly sealed soon."

Daoist Chu nodded in agreement, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Yes. The elemental’s essence is still pure. If left unattended, it might attract other spirits or even lesser elementals."

He had read that the remains of Elementals often attracted other elementals or could even give birth to them entirely. As such leaving them out in the open like this was risky.

He placed three aside first. "I will keep three fragments," Lin Mu said evenly. "One for myself, and one each for Xiao Yang and Xiao Yin."

The twin serpents raised their heads proudly, their scales glinting faintly.

HISS.

HISS.

Their excitement was apparent, though to the others it sounded only like faint hissing. Lin Mu could feel their emotions through their mental link. Xiao Yang’s delight was like a ripple of laughter, while Xiao Yin’s calm satisfaction was tinged with hunger.

"You both earned it," Lin Mu said with a faint smile. "Your strike on the core made this victory possible."

Little Shrubby yawned nearby, the flames on his tail flickering low as he sat back on his haunches. He had expended much energy during the fight but still looked pleased.

"I do not need one of those," he said lazily. "It smells of frost and cold energy. Useless to my flames."

Lin Mu nodded. "That is what I thought. It will not help your growth. Fire and ice do not mix well."

Next, he handed a piece to Cattaleya, who accepted it without hesitation. The icy shard glittered in her hands as she turned it under the faint light.

"Thank you," she said, smiling faintly. "Though I doubt I will be cultivating with it. Ice essence has no use for me. I might sell it later, or trade it for a few Vitality or Immortal Essence rich materials. Something that can actually strengthen my body."

Lin Mu gave a knowing nod. He had already expected that from her. Cattaleya was practical, rarely sentimental about resources. She would likely sell the Elemental Heart to purchase body enhancement materials or an artifact better suited to her cultivation path.

Daoist Chu was next. Lin Mu passed one of the shimmering fragments to him, and the man received it with both hands, his eyes glinting with quiet intrigue.

"I will not use it for cultivation," Daoist Chu said, observing the piece closely. "But this material is exceptional for formations. The crystalline structure is nearly perfect, and its energy is remarkably stable. I already have a few ideas for arrays that could make use of it."

Lin Mu could practically see the thoughts racing behind the man’s calm face. Daoist Chu was already designing formations in his mind, no doubt ones involving frost resistance, environmental stabilization, or perhaps an energy absorption array.

"It is yours, then," Lin Mu said simply.

Finally, Meng Bai received one as well. The young man held the shard awkwardly, not quite sure what to do with it. The icy light reflected in his eyes as he studied the heart fragment.

"This... I’m not sure I can even use it," he admitted. "It feels like too much. My cultivation might not even be able to handle the energy it contains."

Lin Mu placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "That is fine. Keep it stored for now. Your affinity is Water, so you have some connection to it. Perhaps one day, when your cultivation advances, you can refine it or use it as a foundation for an artifact."

Meng Bai nodded slowly. "Alright. I will hold onto it until I am ready."

Lin Mu knew the younger cultivator had no shortage of resources under his guidance, so the shard was more of a long-term investment. Even if Meng Bai could not use it directly, it might one day become an aid for a technique or a core for a formation once his comprehension deepened.

That left only Elyon and Monk Hushu without a share.

The monk, who had been silent throughout the exchange, simply smiled serenely and reiterated. "I seek no treasures," he said, his voice calm and measured. "My path is inward, not outward. Let these fragments go to those who can use them."

Elyon simply shrugged, reaffirming his earlier stance.

Though even if he had changed his mind, Lin Mu wouldn’t mind cutting out a share from his own fragment.

Lin Mu accepted their decisions without objection. With Little Shrubby, Elyon, and the monk not taking any, the remaining received more than they might have expected. It was a fair division, and no one voiced a complaint.