111: Chapter 111 Returning to Zhongzhou, Rewarding Meritorious Service

Several powerful Void Refining auras tore through the sky, rushing from the horizon. They moved as fast as shooting stars, arriving instantly above the entrance to the "Burning Heaven Purgatory" Secret Realm.

The brilliance faded, revealing four figures.

The two in the lead were Dan Dingzi and Tian Shu Zi.

Beside them were two other Void Refining powerhouses with profound auras and distinct Dao rhymes.

One wore black and white Daoist robes, had a refined face, and held an ancient Bagua compass.

A sense of shifting galaxies and unfathomable heavenly secrets emanated from him; he was the master of the "Heavenly Secret Pavilion"—Elder Tianji.

The other was burly, dressed in earth-yellow Daoist robes, with a ruddy complexion.

His aura was heavy and steady, as vast as the earth itself; he was the Sect Master of the "Earth Vein Sect"—Venerable Earth Vein.

The four Void Refining powerhouses arrived together.

The fact that they included Elder Tianji, who was skilled in deduction and Formations, and Venerable Earth Vein, who was an expert in earth veins and Seals, showed how much the headquarters of the "Samsara Immortal Alliance" valued this incident.

"Little Friend Lin!" Dan Dingzi spotted Lin Wan waiting outside the camp, his aura weak but his eyes clear.

With a flash, he appeared before him, looking him up and down with concern.

"How are your injuries? Is it serious?"

"Thank you for your concern, Senior. My injuries have stabilized, and there is no danger to my life."

Lin Wan cupped his hands in a salute, remaining neither servile nor overbearing under the gaze of the four Void Refining powerhouses.

Although he had just entered the Void Refining Realm, his Dao Fruit was unique.

After fusing the "Nirvana Creation True Fire" and the fragments of the "samsara mirror", his foundation was deep.

Facing these four veteran Void Refining experts, he felt little pressure; instead, he carried an air of equality.

"Good! Good! Good!" Dan Dingzi said 'good' three times, his eyes full of appreciation and relief.

"Slaying the 'Lord of Ashes', achieving a Breakthrough to Void Refining, and even maneuvering against the 'the end' will projection in the Earth's Core to seize the 'samsara mirror' fragment and suppress the 'the end' mark... Little Friend Lin, the merit you have achieved this time is truly earth-shattering! I truly did not misjudge you!"

"Fellow Daoist Lin, congratulations on your Breakthrough to Void Refining. Your Dao is promising from here on out."

Tian Shu Zi also nodded with a smile, his tone tinged with emotion.

Once upon a time, this person before him was just a Junior who needed his guidance on Formations, but now he could converse as peers, having even achieved a great feat that he himself would find difficult to match.

"Little Friend Lin is truly endowed with heaven-sent talent and blessed with Luck. This old man, Tianji, greets Fellow Daoist Lin."

Elder Tianji held his compass, his gaze sweeping over Lin Wan.

A flash of imperceptible deduction light crossed his eyes, followed by a look of admiration.

"Fellow Daoist is entangled in Karma, your Luck is like a rainbow, and you are protected by 'Reincarnation'. Your heavenly secrets are in Chaos, and your future is limitless.

Being able to obtain the 'samsara mirror' fragment this time is truly destiny."

"Earth Vein greets Fellow Daoist Lin." Venerable Earth Vein also cupped his hands, his voice deep and resonant.

"Regarding the matter at the Earth's Core, it is thanks to Fellow Daoist's timely handling; otherwise, if the 'the end' mark had completely spiraled out of control and polluted the Earth's Core Fire Veins, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

We will need Fellow Daoist to lead the way later to return to the Earth's Core and reinforce the Seal."

"Greetings, Senior Tianji, Senior Earth Vein. You two Seniors flatter me; I was merely fortunate."

Lin Wan said modestly, then his expression turned serious.

"The Seal at the Earth's Core was hastily set by me and is not stable.

Moreover, although the 'the end' mark was heavily damaged by the 'samsara mirror' fragment, its essence remains, and with the Earth's Core Fire Veins as its base, I fear it may recur.

It will require you two Seniors, along with Senior Dan Dingzi and Senior Tian Shu Zi, to act together to ensure there are no further issues."

"That is the correct course of action."

Dan Dingzi nodded, looking at Elder Tianji and Venerable Earth Vein.

"Fellow Daoist Tianji, Fellow Daoist Earth Vein, there is no time to lose.

Let us immediately head to the Earth's Core to inspect the Seal and deal with that 'the end' mark.

Little Friend Lin has injuries, so he shall recuperate here, protected by Captain Li and the others."

"Senior, wait a moment."

Lin Wan stopped them.

With a flip of his hand, he produced an object—the crimson Jade Slip from the Flame Emperor's secret chamber that recorded his last words, as well as the pitch-black token of the "Void Church".

"This Jade Slip is the Flame Emperor's final testament, recording the cause and effect of his collusion with the 'Void Church' and the sealing of the 'the end' mark and the 'samsara mirror' fragment.

This token is a token of the 'Void Church', which might be useful for tracking them down.

Please take a look, Seniors; it may be helpful in dealing with the Earth's Core Seal.

As for the 'samsara mirror' fragment..."

Lin Wan paused.

With a thought, his "Chaos Samsara Dao Fruit" at the center of his brow glowed slightly, and a warm, gentle white light shone through, within which a phantom of a white jade-like fragment could be faintly seen floating and rotating.

"The fragment has been initially refined by me and has merged with my Dao Fruit; it is difficult to separate at this moment.

Furthermore, the fragment is of great importance, and I dare not make decisions on my own.

I need to bring it back to the Alliance headquarters to present it to His Majesty, Emperor Yan, in person and await His Majesty's judgment."

Seeing the phantom of the "samsara mirror" fragment and feeling the pure and profound "purification" Dao rhyme emanating from it, the eyes of Dan Dingzi and the others flashed with intensity.

Even they were moved by fragments of such an ancient supreme treasure.

However, Lin Wan's words were reasonable.

The fragment had been initially refined by him and was obtained by Lin Wan risking his life; in both reason and sentiment, it should belong to him, and certainly, the Alliance had no justification to forcibly demand it.

Moreover, Lin Wan's proactive offer to bring it back to headquarters for Emperor Yan to decide showed his attitude.

"We will carefully examine the Jade Slip and the token.

As for the 'samsara mirror' fragment..."

Dan Dingzi exchanged a look with Tian Shu Zi, Elder Tianji, and Venerable Earth Vein, then said in a deep voice, "This item was obtained by you at the risk of your life and has already merged with your Dao Fruit, so it should naturally belong to you.

However, this matter is of great importance and is the key to dealing with 'the end'.

We hope that after returning to the Alliance, you can cooperate with His Majesty, Emperor Yan, and the Alliance to jointly study its mysteries, in hopes of better resisting 'the end'."

"That goes without saying; it is my duty."

Lin Wan said sternly.

He had intended to use the Alliance's strength to completely refine and comprehend the "samsara mirror" fragment, so he would naturally not keep it a secret.

"Good."

Dan Dingzi nodded, putting away the Jade Slip and the token.

"There is no time to lose.

Let us head to the Earth's Core now.

Little Friend Lin, rest and heal here with peace of mind.

Once we have finished dealing with the Earth's Core, we will escort you back to the Alliance headquarters."

"I trouble you, Seniors."

Lin Wan cupped his hands.

The four of them said no more, turning into four streaks of light that plunged into the entrance of the "Burning Heaven Purgatory" Secret Realm, heading straight for the Earth's Core.

With their cultivation levels, combined with Elder Tianji's deduction and Formation attainments, and Venerable Earth Vein's control over earth veins, dealing with the "the end" mark—which had been suppressed by Lin Wan's temporary Seal and heavily damaged by the power of "purification"—should not be a problem.

Lin Wan returned to the camp to continue healing, while also silently contemplating the various changes after his Breakthrough to Void Refining, as well as the mysteries brought by the "samsara mirror" fragment.

Several hours later, the four of them flew out of the Secret Realm.

Although their expressions were slightly tired, their eyes held relief.

"The Earth's Core Seal has been reinforced.

With our combined strength and the earth veins, we have set up the 'Four Symbols Demon-Sealing Formation'. With Fellow Daoist Tianji's 'Heavenly Secret Lock' and Fellow Daoist Earth Vein's 'Earth Vein Dragon-Suppressing Seal' as a double blockade, that 'the end' mark should not be able to stir up trouble for another hundred years."

Dan Dingzi said to Lin Wan, who came to greet them.

"As for the Earth's Core Fire Veins, although there was slight pollution, most of it has been cleared by the power of 'purification'.

Subsequent regular maintenance should be sufficient.

This place can be temporarily designated as a Forbidden Ground and guarded by the Alliance."

"I trouble you, Seniors."

Lin Wan thanked them again.

The efficiency of the four Void Refining powerhouses working together was truly extraordinary.

"Now that this matter is settled, Little Friend Lin, you have not recovered from your injuries and should not stay long.

We will escort you back to the Central Region headquarters to meet His Majesty, Emperor Yan."

Tian Shu Zi said.

"Yes."

Lin Wan nodded.

With the four Void Refining powerhouses, Dan Dingzi, Tian Shu Zi, Elder Tianji, and Venerable Earth Vein, personally escorting him, Lin Wan and the members of the Seventh Team of the "Demon-Slaying General Corps" left the "Burning Heaven Purgatory".

After several transfers through the Eastern Wasteland branch's teleportation array, they finally arrived at the location of the "Samsara Immortal Alliance" headquarters—the core of the Central Region, the Samsara Immortal City.

The journey was uneventful.

With four Void Refining powerhouses escorting them, naturally, no one dared to court disaster.

Even if there were some gazes hidden in the dark coveting the "samsara mirror" fragment, they quietly retreated upon sensing the auras of the four Void Refining experts, especially the presence of someone like Elder Tianji, and dared not act rashly.

Returning to the Samsara Immortal City, Lin Wan did not even have time to return to his temporary Immortal Cave in the city before he was taken directly to Emperor Yan's palace by Dan Dingzi and the others.

Emperor Yan's palace was located at the very center of the Samsara Immortal City, floating above the Nine Heavens, shrouded in endless auspicious clouds and mist.

The palaces were continuous and magnificent, with nine Dragons faintly guarding it and purple Qi coming from the east, fully displaying the style of an Emperor.

Under the guidance of Dan Dingzi and the others, Lin Wan stepped into Emperor Yan's palace, which symbolized the highest core of power of the "Samsara Immortal Alliance", for the first time.

Along the way, he saw immortal cranes dancing, spiritual springs murmuring, and exotic flowers and herbs everywhere.

The Spiritual Qi was so dense it was almost liquid, and there were countless powerful auras hidden in the dark, obviously heavily guarded.

Finally, the group arrived before an ancient and magnificent main hall.

The hall doors were open, with the words "Ziwei Hall" written in ancient Seal script that was naturally imbued with Dao rhyme.

"His Majesty is waiting inside.

Little Friend Lin, please."

Dan Dingzi gestured to Lin Wan.

Lin Wan took a deep breath, straightened his robes, which were slightly disheveled from healing, and walked into the Ziwei Hall.

The main hall was vast, with a high dome that seemed to contain an endless starry sky.

The furnishings in the hall were ancient and simple.

Only at the very top, on a purple jade cloud bed, sat Emperor Yan in bright yellow casual attire.

He sat casually, his gaze calm, yet he possessed the majesty of someone who could pierce through the heavens and overlook the myriad worlds.

Sitting to the left and right below Emperor Yan were several people.

In the first seat on the left was a woman in moon-white palace attire, with a temperament as cold as the moon and a peerless appearance; she was Fairy Yaoxi.

Below her was a middle-aged man with an ancient sword on his back, an aura as sharp as a drawn divine weapon, and a stern expression; he was Jian Wuya.

In the first seat on the right was an old man with white hair and beard, holding a star scepter, with a kind and benevolent face; he was Elder Xingshu.

These three were all Void Refining Peak powerhouses who were as famous as Dan Dingzi and Tian Shu Zi in the "Samsara Immortal Alliance" and shook the Five Regions; they were the true core decision-makers of the Alliance.

Below Elder Xingshu sat two other Void Refining Cultivators with profound auras whom Lin Wan had never seen before; they were clearly other high-level members of the Alliance.

"Junior Lin Wan pays respects to His Majesty, Emperor Yan, and greets all Seniors."

Lin Wan was neither servile nor overbearing.

He stepped forward a few paces and bowed.

He could feel the gazes of everyone in the hall falling upon him, carrying scrutiny, curiosity, approval, and even a hint of inquiry.

"No need for such formalities." Emperor Yan's gentle voice resonated, carrying a soothing power. "Lin Wan, on your trip to the Eastern Wasteland, you slew the 'Lord of Ashes', achieved a Void Refining Breakthrough, and even resisted the projection of the 'Holy Lord's' will at the planet's core. You obtained a fragment of the 'samsara mirror' and suppressed the mark of 'the end', establishing an immortal merit for our Alliance. Both I and the Alliance are deeply grateful."

"Your Majesty is too kind; this was merely my duty as a Junior," Lin Wan said respectfully.

"Merit is merit, and fault is fault. The Alliance rewards merit and punishes fault." Emperor Yan's tone was calm but carried an unquestionable majesty. "Your contributions this time are immense and must be rewarded. Dan Dingzi, according to the Alliance's contribution regulations, how should Lin Wan's contributions be calculated?"

Dan Dingzi, already prepared, stepped forward, took out a Jade Slip, and announced loudly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, according to the calculations of the Alliance's Merit Hall, Elder Lin Wan's main contributions from this trip to the Eastern Wasteland are as follows—"

"First, you uncovered the truth about Emperor Yan's collusion with the 'Void Church' and exposed the hidden dangers of the Seal at the core of 'Burning Heaven Purgatory', preventing a massive disaster that could have engulfed the Eastern Wasteland and even the Five Regions. This is a first-class merit, calculated at one hundred million contribution points."

"Second, you slew the Late Stage Soul Transformation 'Lord of the end'—the 'Lord of Ashes', severely damaging the 'Void Church's' influence in the Eastern Wasteland and striking a blow to the arrogance of 'the end'. This is a special-class merit, and because you fought above your Realm, the merit is doubled, calculated at two hundred million contribution points."

"Third, you obtained a fragment of the ancient treasure, the 'samsara mirror'. This item is key to countering 'the end' and is of great significance to the future of the Alliance; its value is immeasurable. By the resolution of the Alliance Elders' Council, it is specially recorded as supreme merit, rewarding… one billion contribution points!"

"Fourth, you discovered and handed over tokens from the high-ranking members of the 'Void Church', as well as Emperor Yan's Jade Slip containing his final words, special refining materials, and more, calculated at fifty million contribution points."

"Fifth, you achieved a Void Refining Breakthrough, adding a top-tier combatant to the Alliance with limitless potential. You are specially granted the title of 'Dao Child', enjoying the Alliance's highest level of resource allocation and protection, calculated at… one hundred million contribution points."

"Elder Lin Wan, your total Alliance contribution points this time are… one billion four hundred and fifty million!"

As Dan Dingzi's voice faded, even the Void Refining powerhouses present felt a flicker of shock in their eyes. One billion four hundred and fifty million contribution points! What a terrifying number! One must know that in the "Samsara Immortal Alliance", contribution points can be exchanged for almost any resource—top-tier Cultivation Techniques, supreme Divine Abilities, Immortal Pills, Sharp Weapons, Immortal Caves, and even personal guidance from Void Refining powerhouses! For an ordinary Soul Transformation Cultivator, accumulating one million contribution points would take a long time, and a Void Refining powerhouse typically earns between ten million to one hundred million for a major mission. Lin Wan had directly obtained one billion four hundred and fifty million this time! This was almost equivalent to the total contribution of a Peak Void Refining powerhouse serving the Alliance for hundreds of years!

More importantly, there was the title of "Dao Child"! In the history of the "Samsara Immortal Alliance", this title has been granted to only a handful of people. Each one was a peerless Prodigy, astonishingly talented and believed to have a high probability of stepping beyond Void Refining to achieve the supreme Dao Fruit! Enjoying the highest level of resource allocation and protection from the Alliance, its significance far exceeded those one point four billion contribution points!

"Furthermore," Emperor Yan's voice resonated again, interrupting everyone's thoughts, "Lin Wan, since you have achieved a Void Refining Breakthrough, according to Alliance rules, you shall be a Core Elder of the Alliance, enjoying all the privileges and treatment of the Void Refining Realm. Your status as a Guest Elder of the Eastern Wasteland branch will automatically be converted to a Core Elder of the Alliance headquarters. The Alliance will provide the highest level of protection and support for your Family and assets in the Eastern Wasteland."

"The 'samsara mirror' fragment you obtained has already begun to fuse with your Dao Fruit; this is your Opportunity, and the Alliance will not forcibly take it. However, this item is of great importance, and I hope you can temporarily reside at the headquarters to study its mysteries with the Alliance's Seniors, hoping to soon uncover the secret to countering 'the end'. During this period, the Alliance will provide you with the best environment and resources to Cultivate, helping you stabilize your cultivation as soon as possible and thoroughly refine the fragment."

"You may go to the Merit Hall at any time to exchange these one billion four hundred and fifty million contribution points for what you need. Someone will explain the 'Dao Child' privileges to you later. Additionally..."

Emperor Yan paused, his gaze sweeping over those below, and said slowly, "I know your Dao Companion and descendants are still in the Eastern Wasteland. I specially permit you to bring them to live in the Samsara Immortal City, and the Alliance will provide the best Immortal Cave and protection for your Family members. What is your decision?"

Lin Wan was shaken. Emperor Yan's rewards far exceeded his expectations. One billion four hundred and fifty million contribution points, the title of "Dao Child", Core Elder status, Family protection, bringing his Family to the Immortal City... this was almost the highest standard of reward and treatment the Alliance could offer! Especially allowing him to bring Su Wanqing, Su Wanyi, Su Wanxin, and the Lin Family to the Samsara Immortal City—this was undoubtedly a reassurance that gave him peace of mind, allowing him to focus entirely on Cultivating and serving the Alliance without worries.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous rewards! This Junior will certainly do his utmost to serve the Alliance, counter 'the end', and protect this Realm!" Lin Wan bowed deeply, his tone sincere. This reward was not just a prize, but a heavy burden of trust and expectation.

"Very good." Emperor Yan nodded slightly, a look of satisfaction appearing in his eyes. "Your injuries have not fully healed, and you have newly acquired the 'samsara mirror' fragment, so you need time to stabilize. I have already ordered a top-tier Immortal Cave to be prepared for you in the 'Ziwei Enclosure'. It is rich in Spiritual Qi and protected by a Formation, so you can safely seclude yourself there to heal and Cultivate. Once your injuries are healed and your Realm is thoroughly stabilized, you can then discuss the grand plan to counter 'the end' with the others in the Alliance."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lin Wan replied.

"Yaoxi." Emperor Yan looked toward Fairy Yaoxi below.

"I am here." Fairy Yaoxi stood up, her cold, clear voice ringing out.

"Lin Wan has just entered the Void Refining Realm and is not yet familiar with the Void Refining Dao or the Alliance's affairs. Since you have a history with him, you shall be temporarily responsible for guiding him to familiarize himself with the Alliance and handling subsequent matters. Additionally, the matter of relocating his Family shall also be coordinated and arranged by you; ensure it is done properly," Emperor Yan instructed.

"I will obey your decree." Fairy Yaoxi accepted, her cold gaze turning toward Lin Wan, and she nodded slightly.

"Very well, you may all disperse. Lin Wan, you should accompany Yaoxi to your Immortal Cave and seclude yourself in peace." Emperor Yan waved his hand.

"This Junior takes his leave." Lin Wan bowed again, nodded to Dan Dingzi and the others, and then followed Fairy Yaoxi out of the Ziwei Hall.

After walking out of the hall, Fairy Yaoxi stopped and turned to look at Lin Wan. In her cold eyes, a rare trace of warmth and approval appeared. "Lin Wan, you did well. His Majesty has high hopes for you."

"Thank you for your praise, Senior Fairy, and thank you for your past guidance and care." Lin Wan said respectfully. He could feel that Fairy Yaoxi had always taken good care of him.

"No need for such formalities; now that you have entered the Void Refining Realm, you may address me as a peer," Fairy Yaoxi shook her head slightly. "Follow me. Your Immortal Cave is in the core area of the 'Ziwei Enclosure'. It was personally selected by His Majesty, and its Spiritual Qi concentration is no less than that of our Peak Void Refining Immortal Caves. Furthermore, it is not far from my 'Guanghan Palace'. If you need anything, you can send me a message at any time."

"Yes, thank you, Fairy." Lin Wan felt grateful in his heart. With Fairy Yaoxi, a Peak Void Refining powerhouse who had a good relationship with him, as a neighbor to look after him, he would be much more secure in the Samsara Immortal City.

The two transformed into streams of light and flew toward the depths of the "Ziwei Enclosure". Along the way, they saw floating immortal mountains, inverted spiritual springs, and palaces and pavilions hidden in the clouds and mist. The Spiritual Qi was so dense it was almost liquid, and countless powerful auras were hidden about—clearly, these were the residences of the Alliance's high-ranking members.

Finally, Fairy Yaoxi brought Lin Wan to land in front of an immense, majestic immortal mountain shrouded in dense purple Qi. On the immortal mountain, there were towering halls, clusters of gardens, playing Spirit Beasts, and streams of spiritual waterfalls; the scene was extraordinary. At the mountain gate, an ancient jade stele was inscribed with three naturally Dao-resonant characters— "Samsara Abode".

"Samsara Abode..." Lin Wan's heart stirred; this name seemed to have a special meaning.

"This is the name personally bestowed upon the Immortal Cave by His Majesty, taking the meaning of your 'Reincarnation' Dao Fruit," Fairy Yaoxi explained. "Inside the Immortal Cave, all facilities are complete, and it is protected by the 'Zhou Tian Star Array' personally set up by His Majesty. No one below the Peak Void Refining can trespass. You can safely seclude yourself here."

"Thank you, Your Majesty; thank you, Fairy." Lin Wan thanked them again. This Immortal Cave, whether in terms of location, Spiritual Qi, or protection, could be called top-tier, showing how much Emperor Yan valued him.

"Go inside, familiarize yourself with the environment, and heal your injuries in peace. Regarding the 'Dao Child' privileges, the exchange of contribution points, and bringing your Family to the Immortal City, I will arrange them for you one by one after you come out of seclusion. Keep these communication Jade Slips; if there is an emergency, you can contact me, or Dan Dingzi, or Tian Shu Zi at any time." Fairy Yaoxi handed a few Jade Slips to Lin Wan and instructed him.

"Yes, this Junior understands." Lin Wan accepted the Jade Slips and carefully put them away.

Fairy Yaoxi gave a few more instructions and then transformed into a beam of moonlight, leaving the "Samsara Abode".

Lin Wan stood in front of the gate of the "Samsara Abode", looking at the majestic immortal mountain residence before him, feeling the extremely dense Spiritual Qi around him, as well as the "Zhou Tian Star Array" hidden in the Void Realm, radiating vast pressure. He was filled with emotion.

From a small town on the edge of the Eastern Wasteland to now a Core Elder of the "Samsara Immortal Alliance", enjoying the honor of being a "Dao Child" and residing in a top-tier Immortal Cave in the Ziwei Enclosure... all of this felt like a lifetime ago. And all of this was earned through his own hard work, Opportunity, and repeated life-and-death battles.

The shadow of "the end" still loomed, and the road ahead was still full of thorns. But at least for this moment, he had stronger power, a more solid backing, and a clearer goal.

"Wanqing, Wanyi, Wanxin... and everyone in the Lin Family, soon, we will be reunited in the Central Plains, in the Samsara Immortal City."

"And next, it is time to thoroughly refine the 'samsara mirror' fragment, stabilize my Void Refining cultivation, and transform everything I have gained this time into strength!"

A look of determination flashed in Lin Wan's eyes as he stepped into the "Samsara Abode". A new journey was about to begin.