Returning to the Mountain to Bestow Honors

The Azure Wood Boat passed through the light barrier of Mount Mao's protective array, landing steadily on the main peak's plaza of Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain.

The return of disciples who had been on missions, especially led by Martial Uncle Xuan Ji and involving conflicts with the Black Fiend Sect and the Netherworld organization, immediately drew considerable attention.

Martial Uncle Xuan Ji, his expression stern, instructed Chen Feng, Zhao Gan, and others to return and rest before reporting. He himself, along with Mo Yuan, headed directly to the Three Purities Hall.

Inside the Three Purities Hall, Sect Leader Martial Grand-Uncle Shi Jian had already received the message. He, along with Uncle Nine (Lin Jiu), Martial Grand-Uncle Qian He, and several other core high-ranking members, were waiting. The atmosphere within the hall was solemn and majestic.

"Martial Brother Sect Leader, esteemed Martial Brothers," Martial Uncle Xuan Ji stepped forward and reported the expedition to Burial Demon Valley concisely yet with emphasis. He detailed the discovery of the Yin Fiend Spring, the encounter with Netherworld Foundation Establishment cultivators and assassins, Mo Yuan's fierce battle and counter-kill, and finally, the destruction of the spring's node.

His report was objective, but he gave extremely high praise for Mo Yuan's performance in battle, especially his footwork that broke through during the fight and his desperate counter-kill. He showed no favoritism or belittling due to Mo Yuan being Uncle Nine's disciple.

Upon hearing the report, the people in the hall had varied expressions. Martial Grand-Uncle Qian He looked astonished, while Martial Uncle Four Eyes was even more amazed.

Although Uncle Nine's expression was calm, the slight upward curve of his lips revealed his inner pride and satisfaction.

Sect Leader Shi Jian sat at the main seat, his fingers tapping lightly on the rosewood armrest, his gaze fixed on Mo Yuan, unfathomable.

"Mo Yuan," Shi Jian spoke slowly, his voice echoing in the grand hall.

"This disciple is here," Mo Yuan stepped forward and bowed.

"You gained fame at the Three Sects Tournament, already showing that Mount Mao has worthy successors. This expedition to Burial Demon Valley, you faced danger without fear, bravely slew powerful enemies, destroyed an important stronghold of the evil cult, and eliminated a hidden threat. Your contributions are immense."

Shi Jian's tone was steady, but carried undeniable weight. "According to sect regulations, for your accumulated merits and deeds, you are granted the 'True Inheritor Sequence' candidate qualification, and an additional five thousand Sect Contribution Points! You may enter the Thunder Accumulation Pool to cultivate for three days to solidify your foundation!"

At these words, even Qian He and Four Eyes were slightly moved.

"True Inheritor Sequence candidate!"

This meant Mo Yuan had officially entered Mount Mao's core cultivation list. Resources would be heavily allocated to him, and he would receive far more attention from elders than ordinary inner disciples. It was the direct path to becoming a high-ranking member of the sect! Five thousand contribution points were also a colossal sum.

The "Thunder Accumulation Pool" was a naturally formed spiritual thunder secret realm on Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain. The pool contained pure and gentle thunder liquid, which was extremely beneficial for cultivating thunder techniques and tempering the body. Ordinary disciples had no chance to enter.

This reward was undeniably substantial! It was both an affirmation of his merits and a clear indication of the sect's high expectations for his potential.

"Thank you, Martial Brother Sect Leader, for your generous bestowal! This disciple will diligently cultivate and not disappoint the sect's high hopes!" Mo Yuan suppressed his excitement and thanked him solemnly. He knew this was both an honor and a heavy responsibility.

"Hmm."

Shi Jian nodded slightly, his gaze swept across the crowd, and his tone turned grave. "As for the Netherworld organization and the Black Fiend Sect... their collusion is deep, and their ambitions are not small. They will not give up easily after the Yin Fiend Spring was destroyed. Issue a decree: each peak shall strengthen its defenses, and disciples venturing out must travel in groups. Report any suspicious sightings immediately. Martial Brother Xuan Ji, you will be responsible for this matter and continue to investigate for clues."

"I shall obey the Sect Leader's decree!" Martial Uncle Xuan Ji responded solemnly.

After the discussion concluded, everyone dispersed. Uncle Nine took Mo Yuan back to the Listening Thunder Abode.

"True Inheritor Sequence candidate... Thunder Accumulation Pool..."

Uncle Nine looked at his disciple, filled with emotion. "Yuan'er, you have now truly established yourself in the sect. The Sect Leader's actions are both a reward and a way of placing you in the spotlight. From now on, every word and action must be even more cautious."

"This disciple understands."

Mo Yuan nodded. "A tall tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. This disciple will be cautious in speech and action and use cultivation to deal with everything."

"If you can think this way, I am relieved," Uncle Nine said with satisfaction. "The opportunity to enter the Thunder Accumulation Pool is rare. You have just experienced a great battle and need to consolidate your gains. You will enter to cultivate in three days and strive to advance your cultivation further."

"Yes, Master."

Upon returning to his quiet room, Mo Yuan finally relaxed completely.

Recalling the dangers of Burial Demon Valley, he still felt a lingering fear, but more so, a sense of solidity after being tempered.

He first took stock of his gains from this expedition.

The five thousand contribution points rewarded by the sect, combined with his previous savings and mission earnings, already constituted an astonishing fortune.

The identity of a True Inheritor Sequence candidate was an intangible asset.

Next, he took out the jade slip containing the Yi Wood Eternal Life Art (incomplete) and the secret manual for the Turtle Breath False Death Art, and began to study them.

Although the Yi Wood Eternal Life Art was incomplete, the life-nurturing principles it contained perfectly complemented the fierce and overbearing nature of the Divine Dragon Body Refining Art, greatly increasing his physical recovery speed.

The Turtle Breath False Death Art was a practical life-saving technique that could be useful in critical moments.

"System, sign in." With such a significant change in his status, Mo Yuan naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.

[Ding! Sign-in successful! Congratulations to the host for obtaining: High-Grade Spirit Stone x10, Enlightenment Tea (one liang) x1, Array Dao Primer (Concise Edition) x1, Remnant aura from the Primordial World: a wisp of pure Chaos Qi (weak)!]

[Enlightenment Tea]: Drinking it can slightly increase comprehension, aiding in understanding cultivation techniques and realms. The effect lasts for one hour.

[Array Dao Primer (Concise Edition)]: A classic text expounding on the basic principles of formations and common formation structures, allowing for rapid entry into the Dao of Arrays.

[A wisp of pure Chaos Qi (weak)]: Contains the primordial aura from before the separation of heaven and earth. It can subtly enhance the quality of spiritual energy and strengthen one's tolerance and adaptability to all laws.

"Chaos Qi!"

Mo Yuan's eyes narrowed. Although this item was weak, its level was extremely high, similar in effect to the Innate Dao Rhyme. In the long run, its value was immeasurable!

He immediately guided this wisp of energy to merge into his Dantian, coexisting with his Innate Spiritual Energy, Dragon Essence, and other energies, subtly nourishing his Dao Foundation.

The Enlightenment Tea and the Array Dao Primer also arrived at the perfect time. He was about to consolidate his understanding, and the Enlightenment Tea would help him better digest the gains from the battle at Burial Demon Valley and the mysteries of the Swift Lightning Step.

Furthermore, knowledge of the Dao of Arrays was crucial for dealing with potential traps and formations set by the Netherworld and the Black Fiend Sect.

He brewed a pot of Enlightenment Tea. Its elegant fragrance permeated the quiet room. Taking a sip, he felt a clarity in his mind, his thoughts exceptionally sharp.

While savoring the battle details from Burial Demon Valley and refining the Swift Lightning Step, he began to peruse the Array Dao Primer.

Time quietly slipped away amidst dedicated cultivation and contemplation.

However, Mo Yuan was unaware that while he was cultivating peacefully within the sect, preparing to enter the Thunder Accumulation Pool, the ripples he had caused in the outside world were quietly spreading.

The Yin Fiend Spring in Burial Demon Valley was destroyed, and a half-step Foundation Establishment Netherworld assassin fell at the hands of a Mount Mao Qi Refining disciple... These pieces of news, as if they had grown wings, quickly spread within certain circles.

"Mount Mao's Mo Yuan... It's him again!"

"This brat must not be kept alive! He's growing too fast and has become a serious threat!"

"Investigate! Investigate all his details! Find his weaknesses!"

"The Thunder Accumulation Pool? Hmph, let you be smug for a few more days..."

In the shadows, the schemes and killing intent aimed at him had not dissipated due to one failure. Instead, because of his increasing brilliance, they had become more urgent and venomous.

An invisible net was being quietly woven, waiting for the opportune moment to descend.

The wind filled the tower before the mountain rain. Beneath Mount Mao's temporary calm lay increasingly surging undercurrents.

And Mo Yuan, at the center of the vortex, could only increase his strength faster to cleave through the waves and stand tall amidst this chaos.

Three days later, the Thunder Accumulation Pool would open, presenting him with a crucial opportunity to improve before facing the next round of challenges.