39: Chapter 39 Hall of Contribution

Yun Song hurried forward, bowing slightly when he was three paces away, his eyes filled with sincerity.

"Steward Wu, if you hadn't stepped in to save me that day, I would have already perished in the Mine Cave. I will surely remember this kindness for the rest of my life!"

Before his voice had even faded, his knees bent slightly, and he prepared to kowtow to show his respect.

Steward Wu's figure moved like lightning; in an instant, he stepped forward to support his arm, saying in a deep voice, "You mustn't! Saving someone is merely following one's own heart; failing to help when seeing someone in danger would instead plant a Heart Demon. It's not much of a great kindness."

His expression suddenly turned grave, and he deliberately lowered his voice, "You cannot stay in The Mine any longer. The people who harmed you have cultivators backing them. In their eyes, you are merely an ant that can be crushed at will."

Yun Song's heart jolted violently. Memories of the Mine Cave collapsing and rocks crashing down surged up instantly, and his back felt faintly cold.

He took a deep breath to suppress his surging emotions and solemnly cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you, Steward, for your frank warning."

"I originally only wanted to honestly mine some Spirit Stones, exchange them for some contribution points, and once I had saved enough silver, return home to live a peaceful life."

"Thinking about it now, I was truly too naive."

"During this month of recovering from my injuries, I have also figured things out."

His gaze gradually became firm, with no lingering attachment left. "The contribution points in my hand are enough to exchange for silver to return home. Staying here any longer will only mean throwing my life away for nothing."

He straightened his spine and bowed solemnly once more, "Great kindness needs no thanks! I will go back now to pack my things and depart immediately. If there is an Opportunity in the future, I will certainly repay this debt of gratitude! I also wish for the Steward to be safe and smooth in the future."

"Go."

Steward Wu raised his hand to point into the distance, instructing him carefully, "If you want to exchange for items, you must go to the Contribution Hall."

"After leaving The Mine, follow the gravel path straight ahead, and you will reach the Sect's main gate."

"Once you enter the Sect, follow the bluestone path up to the mountaintop, and you will naturally arrive at the Contribution Hall."

"Remember, once you have exchanged for silver, leave quickly. Do not invite unnecessary trouble."

"Yes!"

Yun Song responded firmly. After bidding farewell, he hurried back to the Grass Hut along a desolate, secluded path.

The furnishings inside the room were extremely simple, the four walls bare. The only thing that could be considered valuable was the identity token in the wooden box under the bed.

He lifted the box lid, looking at the token lying quietly inside, as well as the two Secret Manuals of martial arts that he had long since memorized by heart beside it. His heart stirred slightly.

"These martial arts are of no use to me now; taking them would only be a burden. It would be better to leave them here. Perhaps they might bring a glimmer of Opportunity to the next poor soul trapped in The Mine."

After a moment of thought, he put the Secret Manuals back as they were, taking only the identity token and tucking it into his bosom.

Stepping out of the Grass Hut, he took one last look at this place filled with toil and danger, his heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.

There was unwillingness, frustration, and a hint of relief at finally being able to escape.

Not lingering any longer, he turned and hurried toward the Contribution Hall.

He deliberately avoided the main road where there were many people, choosing instead the secluded path Steward Wu had pointed out. He remained cautious the entire way, fearing that he might attract more trouble.

Before long, the towering mountain gate of the Tianhua Sect came into view. An invisible Aura rushed toward him, causing him to subconsciously hold his breath.

The massive bluestone mountain gate soared into the clouds. The runes and Spirit Beasts carved on its surface were vivid and lifelike, flowing with a faint, mysterious Spiritual Qi under the sunlight, exuding an air of immortality that Mortals could hardly reach.

Two Disciples dressed in the Sect's embroidered garments stood before the gate, their postures straight like pines, their expressions indifferent, carrying an air of aloofness from being high above.

Yun Song felt both awe and nervousness. He hurriedly bowed respectfully, lowering his posture as he said, "Immortal Master, I am going to the Contribution Hall to exchange for items. May I pass?"

The gate-guarding Disciples stopped their conversation and swept a faint glance over him. They did not make things difficult for him, and one of them nodded slightly, "Go in."

He let out a sigh of relief, forcibly suppressing the nervousness and anxiety in his heart, and hurried along the moss-covered bluestone path.

The stone steps beneath his feet climbed layer by layer, and clouds and mist swirled around him, making him feel all the more that this place of the Immortals was unfathomable, and that he was but a drop in the ocean.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a magnificent hall appeared faintly in the distance amidst the clouds. The three large characters "Contribution Hall" on the plaque were ancient and heavy, with Spiritual Qi faintly flowing around them.

He quickened his pace and entered the hall, feeling his eyes suddenly brighten.

Gilded candle stands illuminated the hall, revealing every detail. Four long tables were neatly arranged along the central axis. Every item on the tables was covered by a layer of light blue Restriction, appearing sacred and untouchable.

Under the wall on the right, a dozen or so people were gathered around a "Task Wall," whispering in discussion. The cinnabar characters on the plaque faintly exuded Spiritual Qi.

He did not rush to step forward to exchange. Instead, he slowly patrolled the area first, secretly calculating in his heart what would be most worthwhile to exchange for.

As a Mortal returning home, the journey was long. Having neither cultivation to rely on nor dry rations to accompany him, he had to carefully calculate every single thing.

The first table was filled with ancient books and classics; the yellowed pages revealed the weight of time. But as a mere Mortal, he could neither understand nor use them, so he merely glanced at them hurriedly and passed by.

The second table displayed various weapons, their cold light piercing. Among them, an ebony mining hoe was particularly exquisite, with a finely textured, non-slip handle—far better than the one he used in The Mine.

But this time he was returning home, not continuing to be a Miner; no matter how good the mining hoe was, it had no use for him.

Before the Medicinal Pill table, dozens of small jade bottles were neatly arranged, each with a different label. Not until he saw the three characters "bigu pill" did Yun Song's eyes light up.

With this Medicinal Pill, he would not have to worry about food and drink during the journey, saving countless troubles. This was exactly what he needed most.

The last table was covered with palm-sized yellow paper, on which various twisted and mysterious lines were drawn. He examined them for a moment, but ultimately could not understand their meaning. Thinking they were also used by the Immortals and had nothing to do with him, he did not linger any longer.

After patrolling the area, he already had a clear plan in his heart of what to exchange for and what not to.

His fingertips unconsciously rubbed the identity token in his bosom, his gaze firm. He only waited to complete the exchange, and then he would immediately leave this seemingly majestic, yet actually treacherous, immortal mountain gate to return to his hometown as soon as possible.