The Request

"Three hundred and sixty?"

Sensing Yu Ci's confusion, the old Daoist explained, "That Fish Dragon has already been delivered to the mountain, and Senior Brother Lu is very pleased. He was almost ready to give up, but your Fish Dragon was truly timely. Therefore, he's willing to pay an additional twenty percent, totaling three hundred and sixty merit points. Keep this token safe; it will be convenient for transactions within the sect."

Baoguang, standing nearby, heard that Yu Ci had gained another sixty Good Deeds and gasped in surprise. His gaze towards Yu Ci was filled with even more admiration.

The added Good Deeds were an unexpected bonus. However, Yu Ci was also reminded of his purpose. After thanking the old Daoist, he said, "I've been staying at the temple for many days. Now that everything is settled, I'd like to take my leave from the Abbot."

"Oh? So soon?"

Yu Ci smiled, "The path to immortality is long and arduous. Being able to rest for a few days is already being lazy."

While these words might have hinted at speaking differently to different people, they were genuinely what he felt, merely slightly polished. His sincerity was evident, and the old Daoist nodded in approval.

"At such a young age, you understand the urgency of seeking immortality. Very good. But what are your plans?"

Yu Ci pondered for a moment before speaking truthfully, "To be honest, Abbot, I have some experience in finding medicinal herbs. My discovery of the Fish Dragon Grass last time wasn't just luck. I've looked at Tongde Hall these past few days; even without the news of Good Deeds, a single Fish Dragon Grass is worth five merit points. Natural specimens might fetch even more. Therefore, I wish to return to Sky Rift Valley, hoping to find enough medicinal herbs before winter. Even if I don't succeed, I saw some requests for Sky Rift Valley specialties. If I can fulfill them, I'll do them along the way."

In truth, there was another reason, which he didn't need to state. The old Daoist likely understood that since Jin Chuan and Kuang Yanqi had departed for the Li Chen Sect's mountain gate the other day, the surveillance around the Daoist temple, which had been ongoing for days, had finally withdrawn yesterday. While he didn't know Bai Ri Mansion's intentions, there was no better time to leave than now.

However, the old Daoist's reaction was peculiar. He stared intently at Yu Ci for a while before suddenly bursting into laughter. This unexpected laughter left Yu Ci quite taken aback. "Abbot, why do you laugh?"

The old Daoist, still chuckling, pointed at Yu Ci and then at himself. "We are fated!"

What does that mean?

As Yu Ci was utterly bewildered, he saw the old Daoist take out a jade slip and hand it over. "Perfect timing. I have a few medicinal ingredients that are specialties of Sky Rift Valley and cannot be found elsewhere. I'd like to ask for your help in finding them."

Yu Ci glanced at the delighted old Daoist and then let his divine thought penetrate the jade slip. Inside, he found a list of six medicinal herbs, each with detailed illustrations and descriptions. The images were lifelike, and the descriptions were exhaustive, including the herbs' habits, potential growing locations, harvesting methods, and whether dangerous beasts or poisonous insects guarded them.

The information was so detailed that it left no room for questions. Yu Ci had already planned to collect other herbs along the way to exchange for Good Deeds, so this request did not conflict with his intentions, and there was no reason to refuse. However, he still had one lingering question: "Although Sky Rift Valley is vast, it's vast to us juniors. With your abilities, Abbot, why don't you collect them yourself with such detailed information?"

The Sky Rift Valley is different from other places. The Li Chen Sect and the Sunset Sect have established 'Boundary Stop Steles,' and cultivators above the Core Formation realm are forbidden from entering the valley. I am naturally no exception.

Yu Ci was confused. "Why is that?"

The old Daoist responded with a question of his own. "Do you know what lies beneath Sky Rift Valley?"

This sounds so familiar! Yu Ci almost laughed but managed to suppress it, only to say, "Could it be the Nether Prison Yellow Springs?"

The old Daoist laughed heartily. "Not entirely, but close. What lies below is not the Yellow Springs and Underworld of mortal legends, but an extremely similar, even more perilous place. Cultivators call it the Blood Prison Ghost Manor."

Yu Ci's heart stirred. He had heard this name before. Thinking back, it was spoken by the female immortal Ye Bin at the summit of Sky Rift Valley that day, but he still didn't understand the specifics.

The old Daoist explained, "The so-called Blood Prison Ghost Manor is a place where all the fierce and malevolent killing intent between heaven and earth condenses into substance. It is also immeasurably vast. Over countless millennia, this malevolent energy has given rise to countless demons and monstrous beings, each brutal and bloodthirsty. They fight each other endlessly within the Blood Prison Ghost Manor. In terms of cruelty, the so-called Yellow Springs and Underworld pale in comparison."

"That world and this realm are not connected by any land or water routes, but there isn't a complete lack of connection. Heaven and earth are vast, and in certain places, occasional surges of malevolent energy can tear open the void, forming two-way passages. Sky Rift Valley is one such place, perhaps the largest in the world."

"Are there really places like that in the world?"

After listening to the old Daoist's lecture, Yu Ci felt his horizons broaden considerably. He thought for a moment and then asked, "So, the rumors of demons appearing in Sky Rift Valley are not unfounded."

The old Daoist sighed. "It shouldn't have been like this. You must understand that the difference between the world we inhabit and the Blood Prison Ghost Manor is immense. For us to breathe the heavenly and earthly energy here is natural, but for the demons of the Blood Prison Ghost Manor, it might be a fatal poison. Conversely, it's the same for them. This effectively severs most interactions between the two realms."

However, Sky Rift Valley is vast and almost a world unto itself. It mixes the heavenly and earthly qi from both sides. Gradually, some demons adapted to the environment and began to grow there. These demons could freely travel between the two realms. Originally, this was not a problem. All things have their checks and balances. Sky Rift Valley also had some naturally occurring unique species that were mortal enemies to the demons, blocking their path towards this side and preventing this realm from being plagued by demons.

But ninety-five years ago, two Great Divine Powers at the Earth Immortal level engaged in a fierce battle within the valley, causing the heavens to crack and the sun and moon to dim. The relatively stable ecosystem within the valley was severely damaged during the conflict. Especially in the area bordering the Duanjie Mountain Range, the lower parts of Sky Rift Valley were almost unrecognizable. The demons living in the deeper sections were barely affected, and without their natural predators above, they naturally began to stir.

Yu Ci listened, his heart filled with emotion, but more than fear, he felt an unspeakable yearning.

To conceal this feeling, he said softly, "In these past few decades, there haven't been any demon rampages, have there?"

"That's because they were suppressed!"

The old Daoist chuckled coldly. "Those two Great Immortals left after the battle, but they left the trouble behind. For the first twenty years after the war, this side and the opposing Sunset Sect had to dispatch more than half of their personnel each year, and even invite fellow cultivators from millions of miles away to assist. It was only by sheer luck that they managed to fend off the demonic invasion. Many sect disciples perished in Sky Rift Valley during those twenty years. The Sunset Sect even lost a True Man, a devastating loss."

"Mere interception was not enough; they also had to painstakingly migrate suitable species to re-establish the ecosystem. This work only concluded ten years ago. Otherwise, do you think, with the sect's strength, they would still need Bai Ri Mansion to help collect Shrimp Whisker Grass… It's because the resources like medicinal herbs and minerals, which were once readily available in Sky Rift Valley, have been depleted over these decades. If the sect's foundation weren't so solid, the consequences would have been unimaginable!"

The old Daoist seemed genuinely resentful, which was very different from his usual demeanor. Perhaps his friends or relatives had died in this war that lasted for twenty years?

Yu Ci pondered, not daring to interrupt. However, the old Daoist noticed his own emotions were a bit off and chuckled, "I've gone off-topic. My apologies, my apologies!"

"You've broadened my horizons, Abbot. If not for your explanation, how would I know such worlds exist?" Yu Ci genuinely hoped the old Daoist would share more about these matters.

The old Daoist, with some thoughts on his mind, quickly stated the final reason. "Earlier, I mentioned the newly established ecosystem. This ecosystem finally achieved preliminary completion ten years ago and can naturally operate to fend off demonic incursions. However, it was forcibly transplanted, and its roots are shallow. Perhaps a careless action by someone could disrupt its overall balance, which would inevitably lead to further trouble."

Therefore, our sect and the Sunset Sect have postponed the removal of the 'Boundary Stop Steles' that were erected ninety-five years ago to prevent people from entering the valley and harming them. We plan to reopen it after several decades when the ecosystem has stabilized. But this is limited to cultivators above the Core Formation realm, as only those with such cultivation could potentially descend to the lower and middle sections of Sky Rift Valley and affect the ecosystem.

"Furthermore, we have another speculation. Cultivators above the Core Formation realm emit too much spiritual energy, and their flesh, blood, spirit, and soul are a great tonic for demons. Some demons can sense this aura from a hundred miles away. If they track it and swarm over, the consequences are dire. This is the most worrying aspect!"

These demons truly have vast divine abilities!

Yu Ci couldn't help but sigh. However, this didn't affect him yet, so he just listened.

After finishing his account of Sky裂谷, the old Daoist pointed to the jade slip. "These six medicinal herbs are all rare. None of them are easier to find than Fish Dragon Grass. I don't expect you to find them all at once. I just want to see your fortune. Do you understand?"

Yu Ci could tell there was a deeper meaning in the old Daoist's words. But that wasn't important. The old Daoist had helped him immensely, both openly and subtly, in the matter of the Fish Dragon. He was troubled, not knowing how to express his gratitude, and this request to find herbs was perfect.

Moreover, with the Zhaoshen Map by his side, his search range extended fifty miles, reaching the heavens and delving into the earth. What was incredibly difficult for others was precisely his forte.

"Please rest assured, Abbot," Yu Ci said. This single sentence was more resolute than any guarantee.

The old Daoist was pleased with his attitude and added, "These medicinal ingredients are all for overwintering. Even if you don't find enough Fish Dragon Grass before winter arrives, you don't need to rush back. You can stay longer and see if you can gain something from this. It won't conflict with your own matters…"

He never mentioned any reward from beginning to end, which made Yu Ci feel even more at ease. To be honest, even now, he found it difficult to accept the transactions of Good Deeds at Tongde Hall. It was too far removed from the world of cultivation he had imagined and yearned for.

After discussing the main matters, the two chatted for a while longer. Yu Ci greatly admired the old Daoist's attainments in swordsmanship and steered the conversation in that direction. Although the old Daoist didn't truly teach him anything, some of his casual theories greatly benefited Yu Ci.

As the night deepened and he confirmed his departure for the next morning, Yu Ci finally took his leave. He was very pleased to find he and the old Daoist got along so well. Reflecting on the profound insights into the way of the sword the old Daoist had shared, Yu Ci had barely stepped out of the courtyard when someone called his name from behind. It was Baoguang, catching up to him.

"Senior Brother Yu, please take this."

Without further ado, Baoguang pressed a stack of folded items into Yu Ci's hand. Just by the soft touch, Yu Ci knew it was the Ghost Gauze Cloud.

Yu Ci was taken aback. When he looked again, the young Daoist was grinning, his expression unreadable—was it heartache or amusement? It was very strange. "Since you're pressed for time, Senior Brother, how long will it take you to reach Sky Rift Valley on foot? My item might not be good for much else, but it's the best treasure for long journeys; it'll definitely save you more than half the time. Just remember to return it to me when you get back!"

His feigned bravado was amusing, but Yu Ci understood his intentions.

It wasn't just the old Daoist who was worth befriending.

Yu Ci remained silent for a moment, then smiled. He patted Baoguang's shoulder; everything was understood without words.