209: Chapter 209 Kaiyang Peak, Han Li

When they returned to the Liuli Xuan Sect, the afterglow of the setting sun was already draped over the mountain peaks.

The Disciples guarding the gate immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing Elder Tianshu, but their gazes couldn't help but drift toward Ye Tian, who followed behind.

The events that had transpired in the Illusory Sea Secret Realm had already spread throughout the Sect.

Now, almost everyone knew of this newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple who had only entered the Sect a year ago yet had stirred up a storm in the Secret Realm.

"Alright, it is late. You should all go back and rest well."

"Come to Tianshu Hall tomorrow at the Hour of Chen; the Sect will be issuing rewards."

Elder Tianshu stopped in the main peak's square and spoke to the three of them.

His gaze lingered on Ye Tian for a moment longer than the others.

"Yes, Elder."

The three responded in unison.

Just as Ye Tian reached his residence, he heard a flurry of footsteps behind him.

"Senior Brother Ye! Senior Brother Ye! You're back!"

An excited voice rang out.

Ye Tian turned around and saw Hou Xiaojie.

The boy was wearing the plain clothes of a trainee Outer Sect Disciple. His face was flushed from running too fast, and his eyes were bright, filled with admiration.

"Yes, I just got back."

Ye Tian smiled.

"Wow! Senior Brother Ye, you're a major celebrity now!"

Hou Xiaojie leaned in closer and lowered his voice, though he couldn't hide his excitement. "The rumors outside are going crazy!"

"They say you slaughtered everyone in the Secret Realm, defeated the geniuses of every Sect, and even that death star Blood Blade from the Tianjue Sect lost to you!"

"And that you ended up getting the most powerful Legacy?"

"Is it true?"

Ye Tian couldn't help but laugh and shook his head. "Rumors are always exaggerated."

"It was just good luck, plus the help of Senior Brother Lei and Senior Sister Luo, that allowed us to barely complete the Sect mission."

He didn't want to talk too much about the details of the Secret Realm; after all, the implications were significant.

Hou Xiaojie, however, had an 'I understand, keep it low-key' expression. He chuckled twice and then asked with concern, "Senior Brother, you aren't injured, are you?"

"I saw many people who went in coming out injured. Senior Brother Gao Ling seemed to be hurt quite badly; he was carried back..."

At the mention of Gao Ling, Ye Tian's eyes narrowed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "I'm fine, a few minor injuries have already healed. How are you doing in the Outer Sect? Are you getting used to it?"

"I'm used to it! It's much better than being a Loose Cultivator!"

Hou Xiaojie nodded repeatedly. "There are just more rules and the cultivation tasks are heavy."

"But the Spiritual Qi is truly dense!"

"Senior Brother Ye, you're just too amazing. You've only been here for a year and you've already become a legendary figure in the entire Sect!"

After chatting for a bit more and telling Hou Xiaojie to Cultivate well, Ye Tian returned to his Immortal Cave.

The fatigue from continuous combat was quite significant; he needed a good night's sleep.

The next day at the Hour of Chen, inside Tianshu Hall.

Ye Tian, Lei Zhen, and Luo Qiushui arrived on time.

In addition to Elder Tianshu, there were several Deacon Disciples busy in the hall, placing jade boxes and Storage Pouches onto a jade platform to the side.

When they saw the three enter, the Deacon Disciples all cast envious glances toward them.

Elder Tianshu sat in the main seat. Seeing that everyone had arrived, he cleared his throat and spoke: "The opening of the Illusory Sea Secret Realm this time was exceptionally dangerous. The three of you were undeterred by the hardships. Not only did you return safely, but you also performed great service for the Sect, enhancing the prestige of our Liuli Xuan Sect."

"After deliberation by the Council of Elders, you are being granted heavy rewards as encouragement."

He first looked at Lei Zhen: "Your nature is fierce and bold. In the Secret Realm, you met the enemy head-on, repeatedly defeating strong opponents and displaying great bravery."

"I grant you three hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones to aid your cultivation."

"Three bottles of Grade Four 'Ningyuan True Pills' to refine your True Yuan and consolidate your Realm."

"Furthermore, you are permitted to choose one Earth Rank Low Grade Cultivation Technique or Martial Skill to study, with a time limit of half a month."

Three hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones!

Three bottles of Grade Four Medicinal Pills!

And the chance to study an Earth Rank technique!

This reward, even for an Inner Sect Disciple, was definitely considered substantial.

A smile immediately appeared on Lei Zhen's face as he said, "Thank you for the reward, Elder! This Disciple will Cultivate diligently and live up to the Sect's high expectations!"

He stepped forward, took the Storage Pouch, and stepped aside happily.

Next, Elder Tianshu turned his gaze toward Luo Qiushui: "Your sword-heart is clear and bright. In the Secret Realm, you remained calm and composed, resolving dangerous situations multiple times. Your contribution cannot go unnoticed."

"Your reward is the same as Lei Zhen's: three hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones, three bottles of Grade Four 'Ningyuan True Pills', and a half-month eligibility to choose a technique."

Luo Qiushui's expression remained calm as she simply bowed slightly. "This Disciple accepts the reward. Thank you, Elder."

She stepped forward and took her share of the resources.

Finally, everyone's gaze converged on Ye Tian.

A more pronounced smile appeared on Elder Tianshu's face. "Ye Tian."

"This Disciple is here."

Ye Tian stepped forward.

"In the Secret Realm, you suppressed the various geniuses and obtained the final Legacy, the Illusory Sea Heart Sutra. This is a rare Opportunity and a remarkable achievement for the Sect."

"After discussion between myself and the other Elders, you are specially granted the following rewards: one thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones; one bottle of Grade Four 'Barrier-Breaking Spirit Pills' containing three pills, which should assist you in breaking through your Realm."

"Additionally, you are granted one hundred thousand Sect Contribution Points!"

"You may use these Contribution Points at the Sect Treasury to exchange for any cultivation resources you require; anything below Earth Rank can be exchanged for as appropriate."

One thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones!

Grade Four Barrier-Breaking Pills!

And one hundred thousand Contribution Points!

As soon as Elder Tianshu finished speaking, a series of uncontrollable gasps rang out in the hall.

Even the well-traveled Deacon Disciples had looks of extreme envy on their faces.

High-Grade Spirit Stones had pure Spiritual Qi, far beyond what Mid or Low Grade ones could compare to.

The Barrier-Breaking Spirit Pills were even more precious pills for breaking through Bottlenecks, often being unavailable even if one had the money.

And those one hundred thousand Contribution Points were enough to exchange for several powerful Spiritual Artifacts or a large quantity of cultivation pills!

This reward far exceeded the accumulation of an ordinary Inner Sect Disciple over several or even ten years!

Despite Ye Tian's Heart-Nature, he was so excited at this moment that he trembled slightly. He took a deep breath, stepped forward with a respectful bow, and accepted a more exquisite Storage Pouch and a contribution token engraved with numbers. "Disciple Ye Tian thanks Revered Master for the generous gift!"

The Storage Pouch felt heavy in his hand, and the Spiritual Qi from the thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones inside seemed as if it were about to leak through the bag.

The bottle of Barrier-Breaking Spirit Pills was properly stored in a jade bottle; even through the bottle, he could feel the majestic medicinal power contained within.

"Mhm."

Elder Tianshu stroked his beard and nodded, his tone turning serious. "While opportunities are good, one also needs a solid Foundation."

"Remember, the path of cultivation is one where staying grounded is the fundamental key."

"Things may not be peaceful inside or outside the Sect recently. You should stay indoors and focus on digesting what you gained from the Secret Realm."

"If you encounter difficulties, you may come to find your Revered Master at any time."

These words were both an admonition and a clear sign of protection, obviously meant for the ears of anyone who might harbor dissatisfaction.

"This Disciple understands and will follow Revered Master's teachings."

Ye Tian responded solemnly.

Just as Ye Tian was preparing to take his leave, a voice with a hint of feminine mirth came from outside the hall: "Heh heh, Junior Martial Uncle Tianshu, it is truly a cause for celebration that such a fine Disciple has emerged from your ranks."

Everyone turned to look, only to see two people who had appeared at the hall's entrance at some unknown time.

The person in front was tall and thin with a pale face. His narrow eyes were slightly squinted, and while he had a smile on his face, it didn't convey the slightest warmth; instead, it gave off a chilly feeling.

He wore a purple robe embroidered with lightning patterns—this was the attire of a True Disciple of Kaiyang Peak!

The Spiritual Pressure emanating from him had impressively reached the eighth level of the True Martial Realm!

Following behind him was Gao Ling, whose face was pale and who had yet to recover from his heavy injuries.

Upon seeing this person, the expressions of the Deacon Disciples in the hall all changed slightly as they hurriedly bowed. "Greetings, Senior Brother Han!"

The newcomer was none other than one of the Personal Disciples of the Kaiyang Peak Revered Master, Han Li!

His cultivation was profound, and he was particularly skilled in Lightning-based Cultivation Techniques.