The atmosphere was slightly solemn.
Xu Zhouling looked at Shen Xiuhan and shifted the topic:
“However, befriending that Child of Destiny is a good thing for you.”
Shen Xiuhan was slightly startled. “Please enlighten me, Sect Master.”
Xu Zhouling smiled, took a few paces, and said slowly,
“The Zhendong General Wang Zhifan you mentioned just now was in a similar situation to yours.
“Back then, when Dou Jiao rose to prominence, he built a legendary reputation in Xinyi Prefecture. Beautiful women threw themselves at him, treasures fell into his hands, and countless geniuses called him brother.
“Those with slightly lesser talent could only become his subordinates. Wang Zhifan was Dou Jiao's most capable right-hand man.
“He came from a humble background, but he was socially adept, possessed extraordinary methods, and was highly regarded by Dou Jiao.
“After Dou Jiao died, those among his brothers who had shared in a portion of his destiny and fortune were recruited by major sects one after another.
“Though their fortune was not as rainbow-like as a Child of Destiny's, they were still rare geniuses.
“Only Wang Zhifan was greedy.”
Xu Zhouling paused slightly, a complex look flashing in his eyes:
“It is said that in the Nanxiang Blessed Land, Wang Zhifan obtained a Buddhist Divine Ability from the previous dynasty.
“Reasonably speaking, after obtaining such an opportunity, the way to save one's life would be to exchange the Divine Ability technique for a sect's protection.
“But he... wanted to keep the Divine Ability for himself!
“As a result, he was hunted by demonic path cultivators, rogue cultivators, and even righteous path cultivators disguised as demonic and rogue cultivators, until he had nowhere to run. At his wits' end, the Ninth Prince, Jiang Su, arrived quietly and gave him a way out, taking him in as a trusted confidant.
“This man's capability is truly extraordinary. In just a few years, he advanced to the Gangjin Rank and even sat in the position of Zhendong General. I hear he has already entered the Inner Gang Rank now. Among those who were tainted by destiny and fortune, he can be considered the one who has gone the furthest.”
Having said this, Xu Zhouling turned his gaze to Shen Xiuhan:
“Since you and Xiao Wu call each other brothers, your body has already been tainted with the karma of destiny.
“And now that you have joined my Star-Plucking Sect and told me this matter so openly, it means you trust me, Xu Zhouling.”
Standing with his hands behind his back, his sleeves fluttering slightly in the lake breeze, his voice rang out with power:
“I assume you will definitely enter the Diaohai Blessed Land.
“While the opportunities in the Blessed Land depend on one's own capabilities, anyone who gains anything from it will surely face covert assassinations from all sides once they step out.
“This seat guarantees that no matter what treasures or spiritual items you obtain from within, my Star-Plucking Sect will not take a single fraction of them. Furthermore, this seat, your master, as well as the Kaiyang Academy Head and Feixuan Academy Head, will all be waiting outside to support you and protect your safety!”
Shen Xiuhan had been waiting for these exact words. Overjoyed, he immediately cupped his fists and said solemnly:
“Thank you, Sect Master!”
“Mm.”
Xu Zhouling nodded with satisfaction and continued:
“Based on this seat's understanding of Blessed Lands, there are usually Xiantian-level protective formations guarding them.
“Those who have cultivated True Gang Qi will be sensed by the grand formation the moment they step inside, and they will be strangled to death instantly.
“Therefore, if I am not mistaken, this Diaohai Blessed Land will most likely only allow geniuses of the Huajin and Anjin Ranks to enter, with at most an additional age restriction.”
He pondered for a moment, sighed, and shook his head:
“Since you are entering, you cannot be without a Dao protector by your side. Unfortunately, Muxian's injuries are troublesome, and he probably cannot accompany you this time...
“Forget it!
“Let this matter wait until I discuss it with your master. We will then choose a candidate with a clean background, excellent methods, and unquestionable loyalty to ensure your safety!”
Hearing this, a warm current welled up in Shen Xiuhan's heart. He cupped his fists again and said:
“Xiuhan thanks the Sect Master.”
“There is no need for such formalities.”
Xu Zhouling waved his hand, pausing slightly before shifting the topic:
“This matter is of great benefit to both you and the sect. If not for the information you provided, the core disciples of the Four Academies would not have had such an opportunity.”
At this point, he shifted his gaze and asked once more:
“Do you know when this Diaohai Blessed Land will open?”
Shen Xiuhan calculated briefly and immediately gave an exact number:
“Twenty-eight days.”
Xu Zhouling's brows knitted slightly as he muttered to himself, “Twenty-eight days... That is tighter than expected.”
But soon, a look of decisiveness flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice:
“Very well!
“The time is a bit short, so it might be difficult to make any major progress in your cultivation. Tell me what you need yourself. Whether it is precious artifacts or medicinal pills, as long as it is within this seat's power, I can grant it.”
Hearing this, Shen Xiuhan's breathing quickened slightly, and he blurted out without hesitation:
“Precious Fish!”
“Precious Fish?” Xu Zhouling was slightly startled.
“Yes, a large amount of Precious Fish...”
Shen Xiuhan paused, suppressing the urgency in his heart, and corrected himself: “This disciple means that I would like to take one of each kind of Precious Fish from the Precious Fish pond.”
After saying this, he could not help but feel a little uneasy.
Whether he could gather enough intelligence points required for “Resurrection” before entering the Blessed Land, this entire gamble was placed on this single bet.
Meeting his expectant gaze, Xu Zhouling did not ask any questions. He let out a light laugh and uttered a single word:
“Good!
“This seat will order Duan Hongling to fully cooperate with you.
“You may catch any of the Precious Fish in this pond yourself. You only need to record and hand over a roster afterward as a mere formality.”
Overjoyed upon hearing this, Shen Xiuhan bowed with clasped hands for the third time:
“Thank you, Sect Master!”
Xu Zhouling waved his hand and turned to walk toward the ferry. “Prepare well.”
Shen Xiuhan stared at the receding back of the black robe and let out a long breath.
Immediately after, he looked down at the small porcelain bottle in his hand containing the 『Moon-Shadow Marrow-Washing Spring』.
Uncorking the bottle to take a look, he could not help but be slightly startled!
Inside, a total of ten drops of crystal-clear 『Star-Moon Marrow-Washing Spring』, emitting a rich spiritual aura, lay quietly at the bottom of the bottle.
Shen Xiuhan hurriedly shouted toward the receding figure:
“Sect Master... There are five extra drops of this 『Star-Moon Marrow-Washing Spring』...”
In the distance.
Without turning his head, Xu Zhouling merely raised a hand and waved it casually, his laughing voice echoing from afar:
“You have performed meritorious service by slaying demons. The Prefectural Governor's Mansion rewarded you, and the sect will naturally reward you as well. Just accept it.”
“...”
Shen Xiuhan pursed his lips and stood in place for a moment before returning to his bamboo hut alone.
He put away the 『Star-Moon Marrow-Washing Spring』.
Then, he took out the 『Frost-Cold Silver Spirit Armor』 to examine it.
The Prefectural Governor's Mansion...
To think they actually bestowed a spiritual embryo soft armor directly!
Shen Xiuhan felt slightly surprised.
One had to know that life-saving items had always been precious, and the price of armor was far above that of sabers and swords.
At the grade of a spiritual embryo, it was even more of a priceless item with no supply on the market.
At least within his knowledge, among the various markets in Nanxiang Prefecture, there had never been an armory that sold spiritual embryo soft armor.
Though unexpected, for me, it is truly a timely help!
Shen Xiuhan took a deep breath.
Immediately after, he slowly channeled his qi force into the soft armor.
As if possessing spirituality, the soft armor conformed to his body on its own, as thin as a layer of cool, smooth silk covering his skin.
He moved his shoulders and arms, nodding with satisfaction.
With this 『Frost-Cold Silver Spirit Armor』 protecting him, his life-saving capability was greatly increased. Coupled with the ability to freely take the Precious Fish...
He finally accumulated a sense of security regarding his entry into the Diaohai Blessed Land.
Rate on N.U.
