He accepted the Storage Ring.
The Origin Sect desperately needed spirit stones and companion jade, so Qin Shujian had no reason to refuse.
As for why the Imperial Court had done this—
From Xiao Hong's words,
he could more or less understand.
The realm was in chaos, and many factions had their eyes on Great Zhao's position as the legitimate ruler.
Under these circumstances,
every powerful cultivator was a valuable asset worth winning over.
A few spirit stones and some companion jade
were nothing to the vast Imperial Court.
Great Zhao's foundations, built over thousands of years,
were beyond an ordinary person's ability to fathom.
Nor could any individual sect hope to compare.
Seeing Xiao Hong rise to take his leave, Qin Shujian put away the Storage Ring and asked, "I heard that the marquis entered the Endless Mountains and slew a great Heavenly Being Demon. Is that true?"
As for that rumor,
he had merely heard it in passing and never seriously investigated its truth.
Qin Shujian had originally had no intention of looking into it, but since Xiao Hong was here, there was no harm in asking.
Xiao Hong's expression turned solemn, killing intent radiating from him. "The Demon Race drove demonic beasts to wreak havoc in our Northcloud Prefecture. How could the marquis let that slide? Slaying a Heavenly Being Expert was merely a warning to the Demon Race."
"If you are interested, Sect Master Qin, you can visit Zongyang City. That great Heavenly Being Demon’s head still lies discarded outside its walls."
"If the opportunity arises, I will certainly visit Zongyang City to witness the marquis's might."
Qin Shujian was inwardly shaken, and admiration showed on his face.
Entering the Endless Mountains alone, slaying a great Heavenly Being Demon, then cutting off its head and returning