As the tree spirit vanished, the once deafening battlefield suddenly fell into an eerie silence.
All that remained were the groans of the wounded and the heavy breathing of those who had survived the ordeal.
All the surviving disciples of the Nine Palaces couldn't help but focus their gazes on the young figure in the arena.
"My God... who... who was that? He took down that immortal tree demon in one move?"
"What method did he just use? I felt the world spinning around me, as if even the heavens and earth had changed!"
"Whatever his methods, if it weren't for him, we'd probably all be dead here today..."
The disciples' eyes were filled with shock, curiosity, and deep gratitude. Many of them were already at their limit; if this continued for even a moment longer, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Fellow Daoist, if you hadn't arrived in time and used your extraordinary abilities to destroy this immortal demon, my Nine Palaces of Southern Border... I'm afraid we wouldn't have escaped this calamity. We, the entire Nine Palaces, will forever be grateful for this kindness and virtue!"
Elder Feng, leaning on his cane, came up to Lin Yu and made a gesture to bow.
"Senior, there's no need for such a grand gesture." Lin Yu quickly stepped aside and offered his hand in a gesture of support. In truth, he could never repay the debt of gratitude he owed to the Nine Palaces of Southern Border.
At this moment, the burly palace master of the Fifth Palace also strode over.
His clothes were still charred, obviously from Hua Xiuyao's poisonous fire, but he didn't care and patted Lin Yu's shoulder with his large, fan-like hand.
"Brother! I, Old Xiong, am not good at using fancy words, but anyway, thank you very much. Next time you come to Southern Border, just let me know if you need anything!"
Elder Feng nodded in agreement, his eyes full of admiration. "Palace Master Xiong is absolutely right. Young brother, you are so young yet possess such extraordinary abilities. You can draw upon the power of heaven and earth to vanquish demons, and you also have exquisite escape techniques. May I ask which school or sect you studied under?"
Lin Yu smiled slightly and said frankly, "This junior, Lin Yu, is a disciple of Maoshan, which is not considered a top-tier lineage. I was just lucky enough to have some fortuitous encounters."
A knowing glint flashed in Elder Feng's eyes. "So you're from the Maoshan lineage! No wonder you possess such powerful Daoist magic. I've heard tales of the Maoshan Heavenly Master slaying demons and monsters in Southern Border past, but seeing you today, young brother, I realize the Maoshan lineage truly lives up to its reputation!"
"Fellow Daoist Lin, you have already achieved such skill at such a young age; your future accomplishments will surely far surpass those of us! I, Nine Palaces, have been quite negligent in the past; I hope Fellow Daoist Lin will not take offense."
As he spoke, he took out a Gu worm covered in Gu patterns from his pocket and handed it to Lin Yu: "This is the One Heart Gu of my Nine Palaces. Whoever possesses this Gu can mobilize the resources of the Nine Palaces at any time within the Southern Border. Consider this a small token of our gratitude from the Nine Palaces."
Seeing that he couldn't refuse, Lin Yu had no choice but to accept. Now, his debts were even greater than before.
Lin Yu accepted the One Heart Gu, but another matter was on his mind.
His gaze swept over the palace masters present, finally settling on Bai Shan, the Ninth Palace Master who had been standing silently at the back.
Taking advantage of the brief respite, Lin Yu quietly moved to stand in front of Bai Shan and lowered his voice, saying, "Senior, I have something I'd like to discuss with you privately. Would you be so kind as to grant me this request?"
A hint of surprise flashed across Bai Shan's eyes. He had no connection with this young master from Maoshan and wondered why the other party had specifically sought him out.
He had a vague premonition that the young man before him carried a familiar yet unfamiliar aura.
He nodded, allowing Lin Yu to lead him into a nearby dense forest untouched by the war.
"What advice do you have for me, Fellow Daoist Lin?" Bai Shan asked in a calm tone, but with a hint of scrutiny.
Lin Yu didn't say much, but simply took out an ancient-looking manual, presented it with both hands, and said solemnly with a hint of apology, "Senior, this item... is returned to its rightful owner."
A glint flashed in Bai Shan's eyes as he took the manual. Following his gaze, he saw that it was indeed the lost ancient book.
"This!" Bai Shan's body trembled violently, and he looked up at Lin Yu with disbelief in his eyes.
"This ancient book is actually in your hands?! Could it be that the one that infiltrated my Ninth Palace's secret vault back then...?"
He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was already clear.
The commotion also drew the attention of the palace masters who had not yet left. The theft of the Ninth Palace was a secret within the palace, but it was hard to guarantee that no gossipy elders would leak it out.
Therefore, everyone was very curious about what kind of secret manual could bring about such a strange phenomenon. When these palace masters returned, they all went into their own library to search for ancient books that they had left behind.
It doesn't make sense that he has the Ninth Palace while his family doesn't.
Lin Yu looked ashamed and said frankly, "In the past, due to some unavoidable reasons, I urgently needed to consult the scriptures and acted rashly, offending your esteemed palace. Today, I have come to return them and apologize to you Ninth Palace. I will accept any punishment you may give me without complaint."
He spoke sincerely and did not make many excuses.
He did resort to this desperate measure in his search for a solution to the problem; although there were reasons for it, it was ultimately an act of theft.
He could have kept this a secret today; given the great favor of saving Nine Palaces, no one would have suspected him. But he chose to confess and return the money at this moment.
Bai Shan looked at the "True Understanding of the Gu Dao" in his hand, then at Lin Yu in front of him, whose expression was open yet apologetic. The shock on his face slowly faded, replaced by a complex feeling.
"Ah... I see. I sensed a very faint aura about you before, a scent that originated from the same source as my Ninth Palace but was far more refined. I thought it was just my imagination, but I never expected..."
He stroked the cover of the ancient book and shook his head. "If you don't return it today, I, the Ninth Palace, will probably never be able to trace you back to."
"You saved my Nine Palaces from destruction; this kindness is greater than the heavens. Compared to that, this ancient book... even if you don't return it, as long as this kindness is repaid, no one can say anything."
Lin Yu said solemnly, "One thing at a time. Saving lives is the duty of a cultivator. How can one sit idly by when evil spirits harm people? But stealing your palace's inheritance is Lin Yu's fault, and I dare not atone for it with gratitude."
Upon hearing this, Bai Shan's eyes showed even greater admiration.
He hesitated for a moment, then instead of immediately taking back the "True Understanding of the Gu Dao," he asked, "Young friend Lin, now that you've read this scripture, what do you think of my Ninth Palace's Gu Dao?"
Lin Yu pondered for a moment, then replied earnestly, "It is profound and extensive, especially renowned for its symbiotic relationship between living beings and its reliance on the power of nature. It is unique and truly admirable. I have benefited greatly from it and it has resolved some of my own doubts."
"Oh?" A hint of interest flashed in Bai Shan's eyes.
"It seems you have quite a talent for this path, young friend. To receive such praise from a disciple of Maoshan is truly an honor for this scripture."
He paused for a moment, then made a decision that surprised everyone.
He pushed the "True Understanding of the Gu Dao" forward a little further, not taking it all back, but saying, "Young friend Lin, since you have already thoroughly studied this scripture, you may keep it."
"Senior, this..." Lin Yu was taken aback.
Bai Shan waved his hand, interrupting him. "This scripture, even if kept in the palace, would mostly just gather dust."
"Since you are fortunate enough to obtain it, and are able to gain insights from it, and are also open-minded and of upright character, this scripture may play a greater role in your hands, and will not be wasted."