The stench of blood atop the Myriad Souls Cave had been swept away by the Magnetic Essence Griffin's demon-cleansing golden light, replaced by the rich fragrance of medicine and spirit herbs.
Han Li stood on the elevated seat of the newly built Myriad Souls Platform, with a mountain of spoils piled behind him: over a hundred pigeon-egg-sized blood spirit crystals glowed a dim red, more than a thousand Vengeful Soul Pearls engraved with agonized faces lay sealed in specially made jade boxes, and captured Blood Fiend Demon Sabers, fragments of Ten-Thousand-Soul Banners, and all manner of rare spirit medicines and ores reflected dazzling light beneath the sun.
"Every one of you rendered invaluable service in destroying the Blood Fiend Cult!" Han Li's resonant voice echoed among the allied soldiers standing at attention. "Today, the Star Palace will reward your achievements with these spoils!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Jiuzhi stepped forward, holding a gold-stamped register. "The Demon-Slaying Battalion claims the foremost merit! Its commander, Wu Jiuzhi, led the Seven Mysteries disciples at the forefront of the charge, slaying the leader of the Blood Shadow Guards and three Nascent Soul demon cultivators. He is credited with first-class merit! He is awarded ten blood spirit crystals, fifty Vengeful Soul Pearls, one Jade Slip containing the third level of the Grand Void Divine Sense Secret Art, and eligibility for the title of Seven-Star Elder of the Star Palace!"
Wu Jiuzhi trembled slightly, tears brimming in his eyes. "Thank you, Palace Master! The Seven Mysteries disciples are willing to brave boiling water and raging fire for the Star Palace!"
Next, Zhou Tong, commander of the Assault Battalion, and Wang Hu, commander of the Surprise Attack Battalion, stepped forward in turn. Each received five blood spirit crystals, thirty Vengeful Soul Pearls, and suitable