Zhang Yu piloted the Star Vessel back and soon returned to the Upper Layer of the Clear Vault. After disembarking, he returned the vessel and the many magical treasures he had carried on this journey. The Clear Vault Aura also left the seal and was taken back by the Profound Court.
The moment he stepped into the Guardian of Rectitude Palace, a flash of light appeared in the hall, and Daoist Ming Zhou was standing there. He gave Zhang Yu a salute, handed over a merit decree, and said, "Guardian of Rectitude, the Profound Court has ordered me to deliver the rewards for this undertaking."
Zhang Yu was somewhat surprised. Mystic Grain was usually bestowed after merits had been assessed, which generally took two or three days. It was rare for it to be granted immediately upon the conclusion of an operation.
He took the decree and looked it over, only to discover in surprise that the amount of Mystic Grain was considerable—five hundred full Zhong.
Last time, after battling the old dragon Jiao Yao and rescuing two Profound Venerables, he had received just over five hundred Zhong. This time, he had saved no one, slain no one, and had not even found Upper Firmament Heaven. Why had he been granted so much Mystic Grain?
As his thoughts turned, he recalled Dai Gonghan's relaxed and unhurried tone when telling him to return. He vaguely guessed at something.
He further asked Ming Zhou about the Mystic Grain awarded to the others. As expected, every Profound Venerable who had participated in this battle had received a generous reward.
This was plainly a reward bestowed after a victorious battle.
Though the Profound Court had not said so openly, it had informed them of the true outcome of this expedition in another way.
Daoist