Rewards for the Top-Ranked Competitors in Each Province

The next day, early in the morning, people from the three sects arrived.

The person who arrived was a disciple of the Flowing Cloud Sect. With an arrogant expression, he casually tossed a cloth bag to Jiang Liu and turned to leave.

As he left, he was still muttering to himself, "It's because they can't participate in the Martial Arts Tournament, otherwise Jiang Liu wouldn't have gotten first place."

Jiang Liu glanced at the resentful Flowing Cloud Sect disciple but ignored him, since red-eyed monsters could be found everywhere. He then casually opened the cloth bag, revealing a jade bottle and a piece of paper inside.

The jade bottle contains the Primal Return Pill without even looking at it; as for what's written on the paper, we'll have to see for ourselves.

Jiang Liu took out the paper and opened it. It turned out that it only had two times and places written on it. One was that before June 15th, the first place winners from each state should gather in Qi Province Qi City, to receive their respective state's first place reward.

The second deadline is before December 15th, when all the shortlisted martial artists will gather in Qian Province to continue the remaining duels.

Jiang Liu found it strange. Why did he have to go all the way to Qi Province to collect a reward? You know, it's not a short trip from here to Qi Province. Although time wasn't too tight, the journey was still quite tiring.

Fortunately, I have Frostwing Dragon for transportation, so it seems I can continue with my plan to build a wooden Frostwing Dragon on its back.

Moreover, Qi Province Qi City happens to be the headquarters of the Exotic Beast Valley. This trip will allow me to visit the Exotic Beast Valley and see if I can get my hands on the complete version of the Beast Mastery Art.

Jiang Liu didn't think about it anymore. Since Grandpa Murong had told him to get first place, he must know the inside story. Or Murong Aotian might know the details. He would ask him for advice later.

Before long, Murong Yin finished getting ready and then took Jiang Liu to the top floor of the Ascension Tower.

As soon as they arrived at the entrance of the secret chamber, they saw Murong Aotian already waiting there. "Haha! Not bad! You really didn't disappoint me and Old Man Lie!"

Murong Aotian looked at Jiang Liu with satisfaction and said.

Jiang Liu and Murong Yin quickly stepped forward to greet him, Murong Aotian waved his hand and said, "Alright, no need for formalities. I know why you've come to see me. Come in and sit down before we talk!"

The three of them sat down in the secret room, Murong Yin diligently and consciously brewed tea.

As soon as Murong Aotian sat down, he took the initiative to say, "The reason why the Martial Arts Tournament was moved up this time is because the three sects have discovered a new secret realm and need someone to explore it."

Jiang Liu asked doubtfully, "Since it's a new secret realm, the three sects can just send people to explore it themselves. There's no need to search the whole country for people, is there?"

"They initially wanted to explore on their own, but unfortunately this secret realm has limitations. It can only accommodate thirty people at a time, and those who are over the ninth rank or over thirty years old cannot enter."

"Moreover, news of this secret realm has already spread among the major powers. Helpless, the three sects had to compromise, so they brought forward the Martial Arts Tournament and sent the top players from each state. The remaining participants were filled by the three sects."

"This is how we suppressed the major forces, because the estimated opening time of the secret realm is June 15th, so the gathering time was set for that time."

"These are all Peak Grandmaster of the Three Sects based on their experience. As for the details, no one knows. All that is known is that this secret realm has existed for a very long time."

"Although it's predicted to open on June 15th, I suggest you arrive earlier, because no one can be sure about predictions. If it opens on that day and you're not there, someone else will definitely take your place."

"Also, you must be careful after you enter the secret realm. No one knows what this secret realm is like. Moreover, you must not only be wary of the traps inside, but also be careful of the other people who enter the secret realm with you."

Murong Aotian gave him a word of advice.

Jiang Liu nodded without saying anything.

"Alright, do you have any other questions?"

"Once you enter the secret realm, what you explore belongs to you or the three sects?"

"Haha! It's definitely yours to keep, otherwise the major powers wouldn't be vying with the three sects to enter the secret realm!"

"Is there any other detailed information about the secret realm?"

Murong Aotian shook his head. "The three sects definitely have more information than we do, but they certainly won't share it, so you'll have to explore it yourself."

"However, a piece of news did spread later, saying that there was a secret about becoming a saint in this secret realm. As for whether this is nonsense, I don't know."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Liu looked at Murong Aotian in great surprise.

"No one knows if this news is true or false. Maybe it's a false rumor spread by the Three Sects to lure others in to explore. After all, no one knows what dangers lie inside."

"Alright, that's all for the secret realm exploration. As for whether you go or not, it's up to you. Old Man Lie wanted you to get first place so he could have you explore the secret realm and see if you could find any suitable spiritual herbs for him!"

Upon hearing this, Murong Yin stared intently at Jiang Liu. If the occasion hadn't been inappropriate, she probably would have jumped for joy.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Liu looked up at Murong Yin and nodded.

"Alright, whatever you two have to say, go back to your own places and talk. I have things to do!" Murong Aotian interrupted the two who were staring at each other, sounding annoyed.

Jiang Liu and Murong Yin had no choice but to bid farewell and leave.

Murong Yin led Jiang Liu into her secret chamber. As soon as they entered, Murong Yin hugged Jiang Liu tightly.

Jiang Liu had no choice but to comfort her and calm her down.

Jiang Liu could understand Murong Yin's feelings, after all, this had been a knot in her heart for a long time. Now, Murong Yin's only close relative was Murong Lie. As long as she could find a way to prolong Murong Lie's life, she would do anything.

She had tried every method and inquired for so long without any news. Now that she finally heard a glimmer of hope, she must be overjoyed.

It took a while for Murong Yin to calm down.

Seeing that Murong Yin's emotions had calmed down considerably, Jiang Liu looked at her and asked, "What secret manuals does your Ascension Tower currently possess?"

"You wanted the secret manual? You should have said so earlier! I'll take you to the secret vault! You can choose whatever you want!" Murong Yin said magnanimously. After saying that, he pulled Jiang Liu of the secret room and headed straight for the underground vault.

Hearing the commotion from the two, Murong Aotian shook his head speechlessly and ultimately went with them. Since he had already promised Jiang Liu that he would fully support him, he would not go back on his word.

Soon, Murong Yin led Jiang Liu to the basement level and then headed directly towards the warehouse at the back.

As soon as he stepped into the warehouse, someone came to greet him. Murong Yin took out his identity token and gave it to the warehouse guard. After the guard checked it, he indicated that Murong Yin could go in.

Murong Yin was about to pull Jiang Liu inside when they were stopped again. "This young master cannot go in!"

Murong Yin said to Jiang Liu, "Take out the token that Grandpa Aotian gave you."

Jiang Liu took out the token he was carrying and handed it to the warehouse guard.

The warehouse guards took much longer to verify the token than Murong Yin did this time. After waiting for a while, they handed the token back to Jiang Liu and then stepped aside to let Jiang Liu in.

Murong Yin led Jiang Liu into the warehouse, introducing the warehouse to Jiang Liu as they walked.