“Three hundred sixty?”
Sensing Yu Ci’s confusion, the old daoist explained, “That Dragon Fish has already been delivered to the mountain, and Brother Lu is very pleased. He was almost about to give up, but your Dragon Fish was truly a timely gift, so he’s willing to pay an extra twenty percent, totaling three hundred sixty merit points. You should keep this token safe; it will make transactions within the sect much more convenient.”
Bao Guang, standing beside them, was astonished to hear that Yu Ci had earned another sixty merit points so easily. His admiration for Yu Ci grew even more.
The additional merit points were indeed an unexpected delight. However, Yu Ci was reminded of something. After expressing his gratitude, he said, “I’ve been imposing on the temple for many days, but now that everything is settled, I should take my leave, Temple Master.”
“Oh? In such a hurry?”
Yu Ci smiled, “The path to immortality is long and arduous. Resting for a few days already feels like slacking off.”
Although this might sound like he was just saying what people wanted to hear, it was genuinely how he felt. He only slightly embellished his words, but they still rang true, which indeed pleased the old daoist, who nodded in approval:
“At such a young age, you already understand the urgency of seeking immortality. Very good. But what do you plan to do next?”
After a brief moment of contemplation, Yu Ci decided to speak honestly:
“To be frank, Temple Master, I have some knowledge in seeking out herbs. Discovering the Dragon Fish Grass last time wasn’t just a stroke of luck. I’ve looked through the records in the Hall of Collective Merit these past few days, and even without a merit point bounty, a single Dragon Fish Grass is worth five merit points. Natural treasures like that might be worth even more. Therefore, I wish to return to Sky Rift Valley. Perhaps I can find enough herbs before winter sets in. Even if I don’t, I’ve seen some requests for specific items from Sky Rift Valley. If possible, I can complete them along the way.”
In fact, there was another reason, one he didn’t need to voice since the old daoist would likely understand.
After Jin Chuan and Kuang Yanqi had departed for the Rifting Earth Sect’s mountain gate a few days ago, the spies lingering outside the temple had finally withdrawn yesterday. Although he didn’t know what Sun Light Sect’s intentions were, if he didn’t leave now, when would he?
However, the old daoist’s reaction was somewhat peculiar. He stared at Yu Ci for a long time before suddenly bursting into laughter.
The unexpected laughter left Yu Ci quite bewildered. “Why is the Temple Master laughing?”
The old daoist, still laughing, pointed at Yu Ci and then at himself, “You and I are fated!”
What does that mean?
While Yu Ci was still confused, he saw the old daoist take out a jade slip and hand it to him. “It so happens that I need a few herbs, all of which are unique to Sky Rift Valley and cannot be found elsewhere. I’d like to ask for your help in finding them.”
Glancing at the joyful old daoist, Yu Ci sent his spiritual sense into the jade slip and saw that it listed six herbs, each with detailed illustrations and descriptions. The images were vivid, and the explanations were extremely thorough, including the herbs’ habits, possible growth locations, harvesting methods, and even whether there were any fierce beasts or venomous insects guarding them nearby.
This information was so comprehensive that there was nothing left to say. Since Yu Ci had already planned to gather other herbs along the way to exchange for merit points, this request didn’t conflict with his plans. Naturally, he had no reason to refuse. However, he was still puzzled by one thing: “Although Sky Rift Valley is vast, that’s only for people like us. With your abilities, Temple Master, and with such detailed information, why not gather them yourself?”
“Sky Rift Valley is unlike other places. The Rifting Earth Sect and Sunset Valley Sect have established ‘Restriction Steles’ there, forbidding any cultivators above the Core Refinement stage from entering the valley, and I am no exception.”
Yu Ci was even more confused: “Why is that?”
The old daoist responded with a question of his own: “Do you know what lies beneath Sky Rift Valley?”
This question sounded oddly familiar. Yu Ci wanted to laugh but barely managed to hold it back, still, he said, “Could it be the Nether Realm?”
The old daoist laughed heartily, “Not exactly, but close. Beneath it is not the Nether Realm of mortal legends but a place very similar, if not even more dangerous—a place that cultivators call the Blood Demon Restricted Realm.”
Yu Ci’s heart skipped a beat. He had heard of this name before. Upon closer reflection, it was mentioned by the female immortal Ye Bin when they were at the top of Sky Rift Valley, but he didn’t know the details.
The old daoist continued explaining, “The so-called Blood Demon Restricted Realm is a place where all the malevolent and murderous energies in the world condense into something tangible. It is vast beyond measure, and over countless ages, this malevolent energy has given birth to innumerable demons and ghosts, each more bloodthirsty and violent than the last. They engage in endless battles within the Blood Demon Restricted Realm, and in terms of cruelty, it surpasses even the Nether Realm.
“This world and the Blood Demon Restricted Realm are not connected by land or sea, but they are not entirely isolated either. The vastness of the world allows for certain places to occasionally sense this malevolent energy, tearing through the void and forming passageways between the two realms. Sky Rift Valley happens to be one of those places, and it might very well be the largest one in this world.”
“Is there really such a place in this world?”
After listening to the old daoist’s lecture, Yu Ci felt his perspective broaden significantly. He thought for a moment and asked, “So, the rumors about demons appearing in Sky Rift Valley are not without basis.”
The old daoist sighed, “It shouldn’t have come to this. You must understand that the world we live in and the Blood Demon Restricted Realm are vastly different. Breathing in our world is natural for us, but it could be deadly poison for the demons of the Blood Demon Restricted Realm, and vice versa. This difference largely isolates the two realms from each other.
“However, Sky Rift Valley is vast, almost forming a world of its own. The spiritual energies of both realms mix there, and gradually, some demons have adapted to the environment and started living within it. These demons can freely move between the two realms. Originally, this wasn’t much of an issue, as there are naturally occurring creatures in Sky Rift Valley that are mortal enemies of these demons, blocking their path and preventing them from invading our world.
“But seventy years ago, two Earthly Immortal-level experts engaged in a fierce battle within the valley, causing the heavens to collapse and the earth to shatter, plunging the sun and moon into darkness. The relatively stable ecosystem of the valley was severely disrupted during the battle, especially in the ten-thousand-mile area adjacent to the Broken Boundary Mountain Range. The lower parts of Sky Rift Valley were left almost unrecognizable. The demons living deeper in the valley were minimally affected and, with no natural enemies above them, naturally began to stir.”
Yu Ci was both excited and shaken as he listened, but more than fear, he felt an indescribable longing.
To conceal his true feelings, he said softly, “But hasn’t it been peaceful for decades, with no demonic disasters?”
“That’s because they were suppressed!”
The old daoist chuckled coldly, “After those two Immortals finished their battle, they left, but the trouble they caused remained here. For the first twenty years after the battle, our sect and the Sunset Valley Sect had to mobilize most of their manpower each year. They even had to invite allies from thousands of miles away to help, barely managing to fend off the demonic invasions. During those twenty years, many disciples from our sect fell in Sky Rift Valley, and the Sunset Valley Sect even lost a True Immortal, suffering heavy losses.
“But intercepting the demons wasn’t enough; they had to painstakingly transplant suitable species to reestablish the ecosystem. This work wasn’t completed until ten years ago. Otherwise, given the sect’s strength, why would they need the Sun Light Sect’s help to gather Shrimp Whisker Grass… This was because, over the decades, the once abundant herbs, minerals, and other resources in Sky Rift Valley were almost depleted. If not for the sect’s strong foundation, the consequences would have been unimaginable!”
The old daoist seemed deeply resentful, which was quite different from his usual demeanor. Perhaps his friends or relatives had died in that twenty-year-long battle?
Yu Ci speculated but refrained from interrupting. The old daoist, noticing his own emotional slip, chuckled and said, “I’ve gone off-topic, forgive me!”
“You’ve broadened my horizons, Master. Without your explanation, how would I have known about such things in this world?” Yu Ci genuinely hoped the old daoist would share more on the subject.
However, the old daoist seemed preoccupied and hurriedly explained the final reason: “As I mentioned earlier, the newly established ecosystem was finally completed ten years ago and can now function naturally, blocking demonic invasions. But since it was forcibly transplanted, its foundation is very shallow. Even an unintentional action by someone could disrupt its balance, causing another round of trouble.
“Therefore, both our sect and the Sunset Valley Sect decided to postpone removing the ‘Restriction Stele,’ which was set up during that time to prevent people from entering the valley and getting harmed by demons. We plan to reopen the area several decades later, once the ecosystem has stabilized. However, this will only be allowed for cultivators at the Core Refinement stage or above, as only those with such cultivation can reach the lower levels of Sky Rift Valley, where they could potentially affect the ecosystem.”
“Additionally, we have another concern. Cultivators above the Core Refinement stage radiate a significant aura, and their physical bodies and souls are a great tonic for the demons. Some demons can sense this aura from a hundred miles away. If they were to follow the trail and swarm in, the consequences could be dire. This is the most worrisome issue!”
These demons truly have extraordinary powers!
Yu Ci couldn’t help but marvel. However, this didn’t affect him much, so he just listened.
After discussing the matters related to Sky Rift Valley, the old daoist pointed to the jade slip and said, “These six types of herbs are rare, none of them are easier to find than Dragon Fish Grass. I don’t expect you to bring them all back at once; I just want to see your luck. Do you understand?”
Yu Ci could tell there was deeper meaning in the old daoist’s words. But it wasn’t important. The old daoist had helped him a lot, both openly and subtly, in his quest for Dragon Fish Grass. He was troubled about how to show his gratitude, so this task of finding herbs was just what he needed.
Moreover, with the Divine Map at his disposal, which covers a range of fifty miles, reaching the sky and delving into the earth, what would be a difficult task for others was his strength.
“Rest assured, Master.” Yu Ci’s single sentence was more resolute than any guarantee.
The old daoist was pleased with his attitude and continued, “These herbs are for winter. Even if you don’t find enough Dragon Fish Grass before winter arrives, there’s no need to rush back. You can stay longer to see if you can find any of these herbs. It won’t interfere with your mission…”
He never mentioned the matter of rewards, which made Yu Ci feel more comfortable. To be honest, even now, he found it hard to accept the transactions for merits in the Hall of Collective Merit. It was too different from the cultivation world he had imagined and yearned for.
After discussing the main topics, they chatted a bit more. Yu Ci admired the old daoist’s swordsmanship and steered the conversation towards it. Although the old daoist didn’t teach him directly, some of the theories he casually mentioned were highly beneficial to Yu Ci.
When night fell, and after confirming his departure for the next morning, Yu Ci finally bid farewell and left. He was pleased to find common ground with the old daoist. As he recalled the old daoist’s insights into swordsmanship, he had only taken a few steps out of the courtyard when someone called his name—it was Bao Guang catching up from behind.
“Brother Yu, take this.”
Without waiting for a reply, Bao Guang thrust a stack of neatly folded items into Yu Ci’s hand. From the gentle touch, Yu Ci recognized it as Ghost Silk Cloud.
Yu Ci was momentarily stunned. Looking back, the young daoist was grinning, whether from heartache or amusement, looking quite peculiar: “Since time is short and you’re traveling on foot, how long will it take to reach Sky Rift Valley? This thing may not be useful for much else, but it’s the best thing for long journeys and will save you a lot of time. Just remember to return it to me!”
He put on a show of bravado, which was rather amusing, but Yu Ci understood his intentions.
There were others worth forging deep connections with, not just the old daoist.
Yu Ci remained silent for a moment, then smiled as he patted Bao Guang’s shoulder. Everything was understood without words.
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