Bai Zhi was worried about the mine.
Although they had achieved a great victory this time, her preparations had been insufficient.
If the headmaster hadn't given her a last-minute reminder, she wouldn't have been able to retain so many people.
The loss would have been greater.
She had suspected someone might target the mine early on, but she didn't think it would be anything serious.
She hadn't properly observed the specifics of the mine, a mistake on her part.
Focusing all efforts on Azure Sky Mountain, she had somewhat neglected the mine.
Assuming it was within the sect, she thought there would be time for adjustments.
Nearly allowing for a major mishap at the mine.
The importance of the mine was clear to her; the notion of a supreme treasure was unconfirmed.
But, without doubt, the mine could yield many good things, not just spirit vein ores.
Of course, there were dangers, which is why they opted for normal mining, slowly digging further in. If there was a supreme treasure, one day they'd find it.
The tale of a supreme treasure was something the headmaster intentionally spread.
And those captured were far more valuable than common spirit veins.
Considering all this, Bai Zhi felt a chill; the headmaster’s mind was intricate.
Much like the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, she still couldn't fully grasp the headmaster's true intentions.
"We've held the advantage in these months of conflict.
Azure Sky Mountain wasn't as strong as assessed.
They had long been internally worn out, and with some members being away, it gave us an opportunity.
In this battle, we’ve taken a lot of treasures, including capturing Azure Sky Mountain’s core technique, Azure Transformation Divine Art." After Bai Zhi finished speaking, she laid out various treasures nearby.
There were swords, books, pills, a jade pendant, a cauldron with flames, and even a strange seed.
Hong Yuye glanced briefly before shifting her gaze back to Bai Zhi.
Seeing the headmaster’s gaze, Bai Zhi took a deep breath and said:
“During the venture to Azure Sky Mountain, we did find tracks of those behind the scenes.
Here’s what we found.”
Bai Zhi handed out a stone tablet. As she did, it flew directly to Hong Yuye.
Covered in dense symbols, it seemed as though the original text had been scrambled.
“This seems to originate from overseas, so those eyeing the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower are very likely from there,” Bai Zhi said.
Hong Yuye studied the tablet quietly before putting it away.
Next, a book flew over to her, it was Azure Sky Mountain’s technique, Azure Transformation Divine Art.
She leafed through it briefly before closing it.
“We’ve captured quite a haul,” Hong Yuye mentioned to Bai Zhi:
“With all these new treasures, distribute them.
Let the sect’s Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and Nascent Soul disciples compete.
Choose five items for each major realm.
The rest, deposit in the Contribution Pavilion for exchange.”
“Yes.” Bai Zhi hesitated, then carefully asked:
“What treasures would be suitable for Foundation Establishment?”
Hong Yuye glanced at the blade, pondered, then shook her head:
“Decide for yourself.”
She then picked up the book in her hand:
“Is Azure Sky Mountain destroyed?”
“No, we attacked, but couldn't hold for long before being pushed back.
To destroy them would require more manpower, and other sects assist them, annihilating them would take considerable time.” Bai Zhi shook her head.
“No matter.” With that, Hong Yuye tossed the manual to Bai Zhi:
“If Azure Sky Mountain still stands, then let your twelve peaks contend for it.”
If Azure Sky Mountain was no longer, this manual could have opened a new path.
For now, it would just complement the twelve main peaks, adding more options.
Receiving the book, Bai Zhi nodded in agreement.
She had no fate with the Azure Transformation Divine Art.
The headmaster's emergence was unknown, leaving her as acting head unable to compete, leaving it to the other eleven.
Jiang Hao greeted his master.
Noticing his master seemed seriously injured; this endeavor to defend the mine had taken a toll on everyone.
Later, Mu Qi openly mentioned that most of the rewards would be given to Jiang Hao.
After all, he was the one who sent Jiang Hao to the mine.
Jiang Hao expressed his gratitude and accepted without refusal.
He understood that what Senior Brother Mu had gained far exceeded any formal rewards, gladly making such arrangements.
Returning to the Spirit Herb Garden, Jiang Hao encountered Han Ming.
After a few months apart, Han Ming’s cultivation was now firmly established.
He carried a trace of killing intent, no longer the naive boy from before.
“Senior Brother Jiang.” Han Ming smiled upon seeing Jiang Hao.
With a little less reverence, he felt capable once again.
“Does Junior Brother want to challenge me again?” Jiang Hao asked, assured of victory this time.
“No, I still feel lacking.” Han Ming shook his head, sincerely acknowledging his insufficiency:
“I’m just passing by on errands. I’ve earned quite a bit of merit outside, should receive abundant cultivation resources.
Senior Brother, staying here isn’t ideal. Going out to temper oneself quickens progress, gaining valuable combat experience.
Outside, there are many accolades, whereas here they’re scarce.”
“Junior Brother’s talent is extraordinary, blessed with opportunities, mere mortals can’t compare to you.” Jiang Hao politely remarked.
Hearing this, Han Ming smiled confidently.
He cheerfully bid farewell to Jiang Hao, not forgetting to remark:
“Without much merit, I’ll easily overtake you, Senior Brother.”
Jiang Hao smiled back, offering no reply.
For he dreaded merit the most.
Even if he accumulated more, not even Liu Xingchen could keep him safe.