After seeing Han Ming off, Jiang Hao made his way towards the Spirit Herb Garden. Beside him, the rabbit curiously asked, "Master, who was that guy?"
"He's a True Disciple," Jiang Hao replied, adding, "He holds a higher status than me, so don't start any trouble."
"A True Disciple? No wonder he didn't give Lord Rabbit any face. Master, you really need to work hard," the rabbit sighed.
Jiang Hao glanced at it but said nothing. Having spent so long at the mines while the rabbit was still lively, it must have learned caution.
"Master, why not team up with me in the future? Everyone in the field knows my potential is limitless, and I will surely dominate the world someday," the rabbit said again.
Jiang Hao chose to ignore this. The rabbit's words were too whimsical. He had only one requirement for it—don't cause trouble.
After a busy period in the Spirit Herb Garden, he settled back into the usual routine of seeing just a few bubbles each day. He missed the mining days' progress. He always hoped his master would punish him by sending him back to the mines, but resuming operations there would take quite some time.
It seemed the workers from the mines were all being reassigned to other tasks.
By evening, Jiang Hao returned to his residence and began planning for the coming days. He received definite news that the battle with Azure Sky Mountain had ended, with Heavenly Sound Sect claiming a great victory. Many seized plenty of good items. However, with many powerful cultivators from various sects perishing at the mines, the conflict completely subsided. Heavenly Sound Sect had no more desire to fight, and the opposition felt the same.
Numerous sect members were captured at the mines, with very few managing to escape. Most remain in the Heavenly Sound Sect's custody. If they're fortunate, their sect might ransom them back; if not, they might spend their days laboring at the mines. Some pretty women might even be taken by disciples from other Demonic Sects.
Heavenly Joy Pavilion indeed had a need for such cauldrons. But their fate was not any better. Jiang Hao could only feel sympathy for these people's future. He had no means or interest to intervene in such matters. He was still struggling to survive himself and couldn't worry about others.
After resting for a while, he took out a book on talismans to begin studying. It was time to earn some spirit stones. He currently had three hundred and four spirit stones, which he needed for buying good blades and tea leaves. Fortunately, there were rewards from the mines, so he expected a reasonable amount of spirit stones.
Upon opening the talisman book, he came across the Healing Talisman. It's an upgraded version of the Pain-Relief Talisman, similar to a healing technique but more effective than an ordinary healing technique. Not many people would often use this talisman, but many still kept one handy. Accidents happen, and having a Healing Talisman not only conserved vital energy but also allowed quick application. After severe injuries, performing healing techniques becomes difficult, making talismans very handy.
So, Foundation Establishment cultivators and those in the Gold Core stage who traveled frequently always carried some Healing Talismans. Checking the material list, Jiang Hao found the talisman paper was the same as the one for the Thousand Swords Talisman. However, the talisman sold for half more than the Thousand Swords Talisman, about thirty spirit stones.
"Too bad I only now started learning the high-quality Six Talismans. Otherwise, I could have earned a lot," he thought. During wars, the Healing Talisman would likely have a huge price markup, even doubling in price. Now, they might still sell for more than usual, but in time, they'll return to the normal price of thirty.
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Hao entered the Clear and Tranquil Heart state, starting to comprehend the Healing Talisman.
Broken Hearts Cliff.
Han Ming reported to Ku Wuchang with an excited face. Today, his master would announce the merit list, and those in the top ten would receive plentiful resources. Although he had no hope for the sect’s top ten, he was confident for a spot in the top ten at Broken Hearts Cliff.
He had joined the battle early and fought through many challenges, achieving significant merit. The courtyard included not only him but also two other senior brothers and sisters. Broken Hearts Cliff had only nine true disciples, with four commonly present.
He, along with Senior Brother Mu Qi and the two present senior siblings, made up the group. One was the always slightly drunk Senior Brother Jiu Wu, and the other was the tanned skin Senior Sister Fei Zhu.
Greeting them, Han Ming stood waiting. Soon, Mu Qi entered, announcing, "Master, the Law Enforcement Peak’s Merit Hall has sent the list and done a simple ranking."
As he spoke, he handed the list to the master. "Senior Brother, am I in the top ten?" Han Ming quietly asked Mu Qi.
Mu Qi chuckled, "I haven't seen it yet, but the people from Law Enforcement Peak mentioned you, saying your merit is notable among the Foundation Establishment stage. You should be in our Broken Hearts Cliff top ten."
Hearing this, Han Ming couldn't contain his excitement. However, he remained cautious, knowing to restrain himself in Demonic Sect territory. He need not show restraint only to those inferior to him. With this merit, he could finally stand tall in front of Jiang Hao and prove himself superior. When the time was ripe, he would thoroughly redeem himself.
"Hmm?" Ku Wuchang, previously studying the list, suddenly reacted with surprise, sparking curiosity among the rest. Mu Qi showed no surprise, seemingly aware of why the master was astonished.
"We have two in the sect’s top ten merits from our Broken Hearts Cliff." Ku Wuchang noted with mild surprise, quickly regaining his composed demeanor, "This is good. It means you will receive more resources. The later resource contention competition will grant more spots too."
"Master, which senior brother made it to the top ten?" Han Ming asked eagerly, spurring curiosity in both Jiu Wu and Fei Zhu.
"One is Bai Yi, ranked seventh," Ku Wuchang replied. Bai Yi, the top true disciple at Broken Hearts Cliff at the Nascent Soul stage, renowned for his formidable strength, was expected in the top ten, leaving no one surprised.
"And the other one?" Fei Zhu inquired, with Han Ming eagerly waiting to hear which senior sibling it was. "The second one is Jiang Hao, ranked tenth," Ku Wuchang stated.
As his words registered, Han Ming was struck with a mind-numbing shock.
Tomorrow's update will be at noon. Five chapters!