Chapter 571: Reward

Mortal World

Never project your own assumptions onto others, especially when dealing with Nascent Soul cultivators.

Qin Sang, keeping this insight in mind, followed Earl Dongyang. They moved unimpeded, effortlessly passing through the hordes of demonic beasts until they reached the stone hall.

Once the vulture-like demonic beasts discovered the intruders, all the creatures on the mountain were alerted. They swarmed forward frantically, instantly darkening the sky.

If a pair came, Earl Dongyang killed them.

If a group came, he annihilated them.

Corpses littered the ground, black blood stained the stone mountain, and a pungent stench filled the air.

Eventually, the demonic beasts were terrified into submission. They circled above, shrieking loudly, but no longer dared to descend.

Other cultivators who were also ascending benefited from this. While the demonic beasts were distracted, they quickly scaled the mountain and entered the stone hall, emerging completely unharmed.

After Qin Sang and his companions entered the stone hall, the demonic beasts finally gave up. They ceased their clamor and flew back to their original positions. Looking back, they saw the mountain rocks were still densely packed with the creatures; their numbers seemed undiminished, which was surprising.

A passageway stretched forward, connecting a series of stone halls.

The stone halls themselves were empty.

At the far end of the hall, a faint light flickered, hinting at a door.

Qin Sang looked around.

He had clearly seen several people enter the hall before them, yet now it was empty, indicating they had already passed through that door and moved on.

Beyond that door, there appeared to be another vast space. He truly wondered how expansive the Ziwei Palace actually was.

The sight of a thousand palaces spread across the foot of the mountain was already incredibly grand.

Qin Sang eagerly anticipated how much more awe the Ziwei Palace would inspire in him.

"Fellow Daoist Dongyang's sword techniques are truly divine; this old man has also benefited from your prowess."

A burst of laughter suddenly echoed in the stone hall.

Qin Sang was startled. His gaze swept around and he discovered a figure at the entrance of the stone hall, seemingly materializing from nothingness. It was an old man in hemp robes.

Upon seeing the man's face, Qin Sang immediately recognized him as a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Heavenly Alliance. He was not only one of the few who survived the recent great battle, but also one of the best-preserved among them, a clear testament to his formidable strength.

Earl Dongyang showed no surprise, replying with a smile, "Mere Corpse Vultures only carry corpse poison. Wouldn't Fellow Daoist Dongyun find them easy to deal with? I wouldn't dare claim credit."

"These Corpse Vultures originate from the Immortal Tomb, and their corpse poison is quite peculiar. Your sword techniques are perfectly suited to neutralize this poison, whereas I would have to expend considerable effort."

The old man in hemp robes shook his head and slowly approached as he spoke.

His withered, sallow face was covered in wrinkles, his eyes lacked luster, his gaze was cloudy, and he appeared utterly listless, truly resembling a senile old man.

It was unclear whether this was his natural state or if he had simply expended too much energy during the recent conflict.

The old man's dull eyes shifted to Chen Yan. "This must be Fellow Daoist Chen Yan, correct? I am Dongyun Xian. I have never before heard of a talent as extraordinary as Fellow Daoist Chen Yan emerging from Mount Shaohua, forming a Nascent Soul so quietly and discreetly, without anyone in the world knowing. Both of you have hidden yourselves quite well. Were you planning to give us a surprise at Mount Tian?"

"Chen Yan greets Fellow Daoist Dongyun."

Chen Yan cupped her hands but offered no reply.

Earl Dongyang chuckled. "Why has Fellow Daoist Dongyun come alone? Has Daoist Master Zhen Yi been affected and no longer intends to go to Mount Tian? You must understand that victory and defeat are common in warfare. The schemes of the Abyss of Sin cannot last forever. As long as cultivators from our two domains unite, advancing and retreating together, we are sure to triumph!"

Dongyun Xian nodded. "You are quite right, Fellow Daoist! Though we grieve, we will certainly not remain dispirited. We must avenge our fellow Daoists who perished. Several who lost their physical bodies require Daoist Master Zhen Yi's assistance, so I had no choice but to come ahead. Once Daoist Master Zhen Yi finishes his work, I trust he won't miss the treasure hunt on Mount Tian..."

As Dongyun Xian spoke, he began to walk deeper into the stone hall. After only a couple of steps, he seemed to recall something, turned around, and scanned Qin Sang and his companions. "Which one of you is young friend Qin Sang?" he asked softly.

Everyone's eyes simultaneously turned to Qin Sang, their expressions varying.

Qiu Mubai and his three companions were especially surprised.

Qin Sang felt a sudden sense of bewilderment. He had never met Dongyun Xian before and couldn't understand why this man would seek him out or how he knew his name.

However, the old man's tone seemed quite benevolent, suggesting it wasn't a bad omen.

Qin Sang looked to his Ancestral Master for guidance. Seeing Earl Dongyang nod, he quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Junior Qin Sang greets Senior," he said.

Dongyun Xian scrutinized Qin Sang from head to toe, then nodded. "Excellent!" he remarked.

With that, he turned and departed, leaving Qin Sang utterly bewildered.

"Don't be surprised! Our ability to detect Master Wuji's unusual activity and take preemptive measures was entirely thanks to Daoist Master Chongyi's warning. Daoist Master Chongyi, in turn, learned about it from a disciple named Yun Youzi from their sect. Just now, during the meeting of the Nascent Soul cultivators, we asked Yun Youzi of the Taiyi Pill Sect to explain the full story. He specifically mentioned that you were primarily responsible for the discovery. He recounted in detail how you encountered Master Wuji and Huang Tian in Boundless Valley, and how you subsequently uncovered signs of their collusion."

Earl Dongyang proactively offered this explanation to clarify their confusion.

"While your role in foiling the Abyss of Sin's conspiracy and averting disaster for our two domains was unintentional, the Nascent Soul cultivators nonetheless owe you a degree of gratitude.

"For now, the priority is the Ziwei Palace, so we haven't had time to discuss your specific contributions. However, rest assured, you will be amply rewarded upon our return.

"I heard from Feng Ming that you were unable to form a Core even after consuming the Snow Spirit Lotus and Iris Flower.

"Now, you needn't worry. With so many Nascent Soul cultivators, we can certainly find a way to forcibly elevate your and Chen Yan's cultivation bases. It would also be fitting to help you prepare the most suitable Natal Magical Artifacts then.

"However, even with such immense rewards, you must remain humble and avoid complacency. Do not assume that these external resources will guarantee a worry-free future, understood?"

Hearing this, Qin Sang quickly suppressed the delight in his heart. With a solemn expression, he bowed and said, "Disciple understands. I will certainly remember Ancestral Master's teachings."

Earl Dongyang hummed in acknowledgment and said, "Let's go."

Earl Dongyang and Chen Yan led the way.

Qin Sang followed behind, unable to help but daydream about his future.

He had originally expected to spend considerable effort preparing his Natal Magical Artifact, but now one was practically within his grasp, waiting for him.

That an unintentional act could yield so many benefits was truly thanks to Yun Youzi for not forgetting him!

"Congratulations, Junior Brother Qin!"

Even Qiu Mubai greatly envied Qin Sang's fortunate situation.

However, what he envied most was not Qin Sang's ability to form a Core, but the effortless acquisition of a Natal Magical Artifact.

His Ancestral Master had once warned him that after forming his Core, he would need to gather the spiritual materials for his Natal Magical Artifact himself, viewing it as a form of cultivation trial.

As for Mu Yifeng and the others, they envied Qin Sang even more for the Nascent Soul cultivators' assistance, which made Core Formation a certainty for him, bringing him closer to the Great Dao.

Little did they know, Qin Sang no longer needed such assistance.

Nevertheless, Qin Sang was still very pleased.

While he didn't require help with Core Formation, he could request to exchange the reward for something else. With so many Nascent Soul Grandmasters, healing his internal injuries would undoubtedly be a simple matter.