363: One must be strong to forge iron.

"I truly never imagined that after the turmoil in the Rain God Continent, there were still so many hidden twists and turns."

Fang Ningyan stared intently at her friend beside her, her tone serious: "Xuanxuan, by keeping it from me, you were planning to go alone to destroy the demon transformation pills that old beast was refining, weren't you?"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Yun Xuanxuan's face as she nodded gently: "Sister Fang, you and I are ultimately different. You still have Yue'er to care for. If I had told you about this beforehand, it would have only added to your worries without any real benefit."

She paused, trying to lighten the mood, "Fortunately, the outcome is good, isn't it? Now that old beast has been slain by Revered Master, the Chusheng Sect has been completely eradicated, and the Rain God Continent has been spared from being ravaged by the Yao Race."

"But what about you?"

Fang Ningyan's voice suddenly rose, her eyes filled with heartache, "You have genuinely become the Yao Race you detest the most! If it weren't for Young Master Li and Young Master Ye stepping in to help, you probably would have perished in the Chusheng Sect!"

Yun Xuanxuan clasped Fang Ningyan's slightly cool hand in return, her fingertips applying gentle pressure: "Perhaps this is fate. Although I became a member of the Yao Race through a strange twist of fate, I was also fortunate enough to meet Revered Master and the others. What, Sister Fang, will you no longer acknowledge me as a friend because of my Yao Race identity?"

Fang Ningyan stared blankly at the woman before her, clearly able to detect a light in her eyes that had never been there before.

"It seems you truly trust that Sect Master very much."

She sighed softly, her tone gradually softening, "But that's good too. Heaven finally opened its eyes once, letting you find a Sect that offers you refuge. Those who have passed on would surely be happy for you if they knew of your current situation."

Seeing this, Yun Xuanxuan deftly changed the subject: "By the way, Sister Fang, what are your plans next? Revered Master has already agreed to shelter us Half-Demons. Why don't you stay as well? It would make it much easier for us to meet in the future."

Fang Ningyan gently shook her head: "I brought Yue'er here this time specifically to thank Young Master Ye for his care of her. This debt of gratitude is already heavy and difficult to repay; how could I dare to stay here any longer and impose further?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Xuanxuan nodded silently, her tone resolute: "Then it's settled. I'll go ask Revered Master right now."

Fang Ningyan: "..."

...Three days later!

[Congratulations, Host, for leading the Dao Seeking Sect to shine brilliantly in the Rain God Continent, spreading its name across the Nine Provinces for the first time. Reward: reputation points *300,000]

[Congratulations, Host, for successfully promoting the Sect Rank to Level 2. Unlocked: one rare reward draw]

[Received pious worship from 76,541 people. Obtained sect prestige points: 765,410]

[Congratulations, Host. Eldest Disciple Mu Wanqing has broken through to the Golden Core seventh-layer Realm. Reward: reputation points *7,500]

[Congratulations, Host. Fourth Disciple Xiao Lingxian has broken through to the Golden Core eighth-layer Realm. Reward: reputation points *8,000]

[Congratulations, Host. Fifth Disciple Xie Xingchen has broken through to the Golden Core eighth-layer Realm. Reward: reputation points *8,000]

A series of System notification sounds rang out one after another. Chen Xuan scanned the reward list on the screen, his gaze finally settling on the reputation points balance. That string of numbers had already skyrocketed to a terrifying 1,094,360 points.

One could only say, there has never been a moment of such abundance.

He thought to himself that all the efforts and sacrifices made during the trip to the Rain God Continent had ultimately yielded rich returns. Now, with a sufficient reserve of reputation points, he could finally properly enhance his own cultivation base and strength.

A Void Refining second-layer cultivation base was originally enough to run rampant and act recklessly within the Flame Continent.

But at this moment, the integration realm trial card had long been exhausted, and most of the block cards had been used. The Celestial Venerable forces behind Number Four were watching covetously, the details of Number Eight remained uninvestigated, and he might even be secretly targeted by Yao Race forces. In such a perilous situation fraught with dangers, his current strength was ultimately not secure enough.

However, Chen Xuan did not regret his 'grand disturbance' in the Rain God Continent. Although this action might attract many unknown enemies for the Dao Seeking Sect, it would also likely draw the attention and favor of some potential allies. It was a choice with both advantages and disadvantages.

In the end, to forge iron, one must be strong oneself.

Chen Xuan sat upright before his desk. With a flick of his fingertip, he opened the System's shop interface.

Achieving Void Refining third-layer cultivation required 35,000 reputation points.

[Congratulations, Host, for consuming 35,000 sect prestige points to obtain Void Refining third-layer cultivation!]

[Congratulations, Host, for consuming 38,000 sect prestige points to obtain Void Refining fourth-layer cultivation!]

[Congratulations, Host, for consuming 41,000 sect prestige points to obtain...]

[Congratulations, Host, for consuming 44...]