Mysterious

Ou Peng's blade, like a black lightning bolt, pulsed with the colorful hues of the Misty Divine Art as it shot towards a corner of the mysterious small box.

Unfortunately, this lightning bolt wasn't from the true heavens. "Water Cutter" landed on the box's corner, and just like before, there was no sound. However, this time was slightly different. The box itself began to emit a faint glow, imperceptible to the onlookers. As the glow intensified, the blade in Ou Peng's hand was repelled, shooting back towards his face with the same speed as before.

Seeing the back of "Water Cutter" about to strike Ou Peng's face, though not the sharp edge, Ou Peng had no doubt that his handsome head would be cleaved in two if hit.

Ou Peng, truly a renowned expert in the martial world and the sect leader of the Misty Sect, at the critical moment, shifted his stance. The Misty Sect's ultimate technique, "Misty Steps," was immediately unleashed, his mind guiding his movements. The black lightning, tinged with a hint of color, flashed past Ou Peng's forehead. "Water Cutter" flew from his grasp and embedded itself into a stone pillar in the Council Hall. There was no loud noise, just a soft "thwack" as "Water Cutter" plunged deeply, as if into a block of tofu.

From the moment Ou Peng raised his blade to it being dislodged and embedded in the stone pillar, only a few breaths passed. It happened in the blink of an eye. The crowd seemed stunned, looking at "Water Cutter" stuck in the pillar with a single thought: "What a fast blade."

Unfortunately, Ou Peng wasn't thinking that at the moment. He looked at a few strands of long hair drifting down, which "Water Cutter" had just cut from his forehead. A cold sweat broke out on his body. He had faced perilous situations many times in his years traversing the martial world, but never had it been this close. He thanked the Misty Sect's founder, his Master, and the Misty Steps. Without them, he wouldn't be standing here now.

By the time the remaining onlookers snapped back to reality and looked at their Gang Leader, Ou Peng's ashen face had regained some color. He looked at the ordinary-looking box on the ground with lingering fear and said to Zhang Chengyue, "Chengyue, put this small box away. We'll place it in the Library Pavilion later. Since we can't open it, we'll leave it for someone fated to do so."

Then, he waved his hand, signaling Zhang Chengyue to pick up the small box from the ground.

It must be said that Ou Peng was indeed a famous overlord in the martial world. He possessed a breadth of mind and strategic thinking that others could hardly match. Anyone else might not have placed this box in the gang's possession, but would have certainly taken it to a secret chamber to ponder it privately and claim the treasure within for themselves. However, seeing that it was impossible to open, he immediately let go and offered the opportunity to others in the gang. Such actions immediately earned the admiration of everyone. In fact, it was precisely this demeanor, or rather, his methods, that allowed him to stand out among his six senior brothers and be strongly supported by his Master for the position of Gang Leader, earning the respect of his fellow disciples.

In truth, everyone present knew very well that they had no way of opening this box, and perhaps even the thousands of people in the gang were incapable of opening it. However, the Gang Leader's actions were undeniably upright. If they pondered it carefully, perhaps there might be hope.

Afterward, Ou Peng discussed the matter of the next gathering, as mentioned by Hermit Yanming, with the others. Everyone unanimously agreed that after gaining such great benefits, the next gathering would not be as simple as the first. They should wait for the eldest and second eldest to return to the gang before discussing it together. Ou Peng thought about it and agreed. Since everything had been settled, Ou Peng waved his hand, signaling everyone to disperse, leaving only Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing behind.

The crowd filed out. As they passed the two, they looked at them with relief, nodding their heads. They knew the Gang Leader had kept them behind to reward them. With such significant gains this time, it seemed the two juniors would also receive excellent rewards.

The crowd left the Council Hall. Zhang Chengyue and the fourth senior brother went to the Library Pavilion. The Sword Manual was naturally placed on the bookshelf. How to store the small box, however, troubled Zhang Chengyue. The box was undoubtedly precious, but enshrining such a useless item might not achieve the Gang Leader's intention. Finally, the fourth senior brother pointed to the square table next to the bookshelf and said, "Martial Nephew, why don't we put it there for now? We can ask your Master for instructions later." Zhang Chengyue felt that this was the only option for the moment. He casually placed it on the square table. After all, everything in the Library Pavilion had records of entry and exit, so there was no fear of it being lost. Furthermore, even if it were lost, with such a vast world, how many people could open it?

Zhang Chengyue and the fourth senior brother left with peace of mind. The mysterious small box had found a home in the Misty Sect's Library Pavilion, quietly awaiting its destined person.

In the Council Hall, after everyone had left, Ou Peng finally spoke. His face had now returned to the gentle smile he usually wore outside. "A Hai, Qing'er, you both did exceptionally well this time. What rewards do you desire?"

Wen Wenhai stepped forward and said, "Master, there are still two matters that haven't been reported. Your disciple will inform you now."

Ou Peng nodded in agreement.

Then, Wen Wenhai relayed Hermit Yanming's words from the Secret Realm: "Treasures obtained by disciples carrying out missions according to their fate belong to themselves." After listening, Ou Peng's expression remained unchanged, and he asked with a smile, "Then what treasures did you obtain?"

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing stepped forward and placed the three herbs they had obtained from the Secret Realm before Ou Peng, saying, "We didn't find any pills or weapons. Hermit Yanming allowed us to each pick three herbs from the medicine garden to keep for ourselves."

Ou Peng said with a smile, "This Hermit Yanming is quite a character. Wanting to hoard more treasures, he devised this method, giving many benefits to the disciples of our sect. How could we object?"

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing were stunned upon hearing this and quickly asked, "Wasn't there such an agreement? Then, this herb...?"

Ou Peng said, "It's fine. Since Hermit Yanming said so and also gave you the benefits, I, as your Master, cannot refuse to go with the flow. You may take these things without issue. There are plenty of these items in the Secret Realm; you simply got a head start."

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing finally relaxed. Although there were many medicinal materials in the Secret Realm, how much of it could be allocated to disciples like them? Moreover, they immediately understood Hermit Yanming's intention. Although the treasures in the Secret Realm had been allocated beforehand, if other treasures were to be obtained by disciples based on their own opportunities, then with Hermit Yanming's martial arts and experience, wouldn't his opportunities be far greater than those of the disciples from various sects?

Subsequently, Ou Peng said, "Take these medicinal herbs to the Medicine Hall and have Hall Master Bai and the others refine them into more pills. It's better than consuming these herbs directly. Otherwise, if anything goes wrong, wouldn't it be a waste of a great opportunity?"

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing nodded in agreement.

Ou Peng felt great affection for these two disciples and added, "You have brought such great gains back to the gang this time, so we must reward you. What rewards would you like?"

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing exchanged glances. In truth, they had never considered that this mission would be so dangerous and so fruitful. They had undertaken it as a very ordinary mission and hadn't thought about any rewards beforehand. Let alone them, even Ou Peng hadn't anticipated the outcome of this mission, which was why he twice inquired about their desires.

Xue Qing said, "Master, we haven't thought that far ahead. The successful completion of this mission is all thanks to your strategic planning. Moreover, we have already gained considerable benefits, so we don't require any rewards from the gang."

Ou Peng looked at his two disciples with satisfaction and said, "Very good. How about this: we'll put the rewards on hold for now. When I or you have a good idea, we'll bestow the rewards then. It's not too late."

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing both agreed with smiles.

Ou Peng then asked, "Is there anything else?"

Xue Qing stepped forward and knelt, saying, "Master, it's like this." She then explained that she had left the gang's token with Zhang Cai's family.

Ou Peng said, "You two have done very well. When roaming the martial world, one must indeed uphold justice and eliminate evil. To consider ordinary people so thoroughly is something I should praise you for. Zhang Cai's family stepping forward in a time of crisis shows their good character. There's no need to worry that the token will be used for any other purpose. Qing'er's actions are commendable, and they are likely related to your childhood experiences. Why would your Master punish you? Get up, Qing'er."

Xue Qing then rose.

Afterward, Ou Peng said, "A Hai, Qing'er, you must be tired. Go back and rest well. Prepare yourselves for the Advancement Competition in a few days. If you have any problems with your training, come and ask me promptly."

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing then bowed and withdrew.

As they reached the entrance of the Council Hall, Ou Peng suddenly called out to them, asking, "Situ Ping of the Fierce Tiger Gang also entered the Secret Realm. Did she also take three herbs like you?"

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing exchanged a glance and replied, "Yes, but we left first and don't know how they handled it."

Ou Peng nodded, saying nothing, his face lost in thought.

Situ Ping of the Fierce Tiger Gang was not in as good a mood as Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing. She was currently sitting in the Council Hall of Wan Jian Peak, looking at Wan Chengjiu, the Sword Master of Wan Jian Peak, with an expression of disbelief. She asked again, unwillingly, "Is there really no such agreement?"

Wan Chengjiu of Wan Jian Peak was a dark-skinned, short, and sturdy man. He smiled without a trace of warmth and said, "Gang Leader Situ, is there any reason for me to lie to you about such a matter? Xiangyang, hand over the herbs you collected from the Secret Realm to your Martial Uncle Cheng. They will be refined into medicine by him, just like the previous ones."

Ma Xiangyang said meekly, "Yes, Master."

Then, Wan Chengjiu added, "Gang Leader Situ, the herbs you collected must also be handed over to my Wan Jian Peak for refinement. After they are made into medicine, I will give priority to providing you with corresponding pills."

Situ Ping was absolutely unwilling to hand over the herbs at this moment, but the situation was beyond her control. After pondering for a long time, she gritted her teeth and instructed Ma Xiangyang, who was beside her, to give her herbs. She was truly not interested in Wan Chengjiu's promise. Sharing pills with others was not as good as keeping them all to oneself. Ma Xiangyang was Wan Chengjiu's disciple; who knew if he would reclaim the herbs he handed over later? Forget it, Situ Ping shook her head, forcefully driving the unwanted thoughts from her mind.

At this moment, Wan Chengjiu said again, "Gang Leader Situ, you have done a great service for my sect. My sect should also reciprocate. What do you think of the influence of my Wan Jian Peak?"