The Treasure Vault

Ning Lang knew that this was the only way to convince everyone. Indeed, when the other elders heard his proposal, they all fell silent. Mei Qinghe smiled slightly and said, "Your idea is not bad. What does everyone think?"

Zhao Jian stood up and said, "Let's go with this. If Zhao Zixuan loses, as a master, I will naturally acknowledge it. But remember, accidents can happen in a fight, and if any of your disciples get hurt, don't regret it."

Ning Lang smiled and said, "I've heard similar words before."

"Ning Lang!"

"What's the matter?" Ning Lang smiled and said, "Do you need me to help you remember what happened that day?"

Zhao Jian clenched his fists, and his teeth trembled. "The reason why Yu Hua lost was that he joined my sect less than half a year ago. Zhao Zixuan has been practicing at my Jianye Peak for four years. If he loses to your disciple, I'll..."

"You will what?"

"I will go to the Bitter Cultivation Cliff for half a year!"

The Bitter Cultivation Cliff was a place in the Haohui Sect where disciples were punished. Although it was just facing the wall, those who went there were often subjected to ridicule.

Ning Lang said indifferently, "Let's see about that."

Mei Qinghe waved his hand and said, "Alright, you can go back first."

"Yes!"

As Zhao Jian and Ning Lang passed by each other, there was resentment in their eyes. Ning Lang didn't mind. Just as he was about to leave...

"Ning Lang, wait a moment." Mei Qinghe suddenly spoke.

The six elders trembled in their hearts. The sect master only left Ning Lang behind? What did he want to do?

Ning Lang raised an eyebrow and turned around. After the other six elders left, Mei Qinghe asked, "You've taken another disciple."

Ning Lang's heart tightened. How did the sect master know about Jiang Keran, who had just come up the mountain? Ning Lang had to admit, "Yes."

"You don't have to be too restrained. I won't ask about his identity, and I won't ask how you accomplished all this. But you have to tell me honestly, will you continue to be one of the seven elders of the Haohui Sect?"

Ning Lang didn't hesitate and nodded, "Yes."

"With your words, I can rest assured." Mei Qinghe smiled, patted Ning Lang's shoulder, and said, "In the next few days, you can take your disciples to the Treasure Vault. Let each of them choose something as a gift."

"Thank you, Sect Master."

"You can go now."

"Okay." Ning Lang left with large strides. Mei Qinghe looked at his back, and the smile on his face gradually tightened. He muttered, "Another breakthrough?"

...

The next morning, Ning Lang led his three disciples to the Haohui Sect's Treasure Vault.

The sect master finally made a generous move. If he didn't take the initiative, it wouldn't be justified.

On the way, Jiang Keran and Jiang Chen didn't speak, but Gan Tang kept asking questions. Finally, unable to bear it, Ning Lang had to explain, "The place I'm taking you to next is one of the forbidden areas of the Haohui Sect. Jiang Chen, have you heard of the Treasure Vault?"

Jiang Chen nodded, "Yes, when I was still an outer disciple, I often heard senior brothers discussing it. They said that the Treasure Vault is one of the most important places in the Haohui Sect. There are many treasures inside, such as martial arts, weapons, elixirs, talismans, and various rare treasures. Only those who have made significant contributions to the sect have the qualification to enter, and each time, you can only take one thing out."

"That's correct. I'm taking you there today."

Seeing Jiang Chen bewildered, Ning Lang smiled and said, "After entering, you must be cautious. The Treasure Vault has many guardians, who are hidden experts. Don't disturb them. Just pick something you like."

"Yes!"

Half an hour later, the master and his disciples finally arrived at the Treasure Vault.

A towering nine-story building stood, giving off a solemn feeling.

Ning Lang walked to the door and bowed, saying, "Junior Ning Lang, requesting entry."

After three breaths of silence, the two large doors slowly opened, revealing an empty space behind them.

Ning Lang wasn't surprised. Rumor had it that many disciples who had been outstanding in their youth and didn't want to leave the sect voluntarily chose to cultivate in these forbidden areas. Among them were some hidden experts. Although their strength and status were not lower than that of the elders, they just didn't want to be bothered.

"Follow me and don't go too far," Ning Lang said to his disciples.

The master and his disciples slowly entered the Treasure Vault. The first floor was empty, displaying various rare treasures.

"You can look around as you like. Except for the ninth floor, you can go anywhere else. But remember, each person can only take one thing at most."

"Yes."

The three disciples dispersed, exploring the first floor.

Ning Lang, on the other hand, stepped on the narrow stairs and headed upstairs. He didn't stop on any floor and went directly to the eighth floor.

Sure enough, Ning Lang randomly picked up a few bottles of elixirs, all of which were much better than those on the first floor.

Apart from elixirs, there were martial arts, weapons, and various rare treasures. However, Ning Lang wasn't interested in weapons. The Tai A Sword was definitely better than any weapon here.

As for martial arts, Ning Lang didn't want to learn any for the time being. In this world, martial arts were not categorized by levels. Even the worst martial arts could display tremendous power in the hands of a strong practitioner, while the strongest martial arts in the hands of a weak practitioner wouldn't show its true power.

The Taiyi Clearwater Sword Art hadn't reached the 'Complete Mastery' level yet.

So, Ning Lang wouldn't consider practicing any other martial arts for the time being.

In the end, elixirs became the best choice.

"Fourth-grade Rejuvenation Pill effect: Can restore a large amount of spiritual energy in a short time."

"Fourth-grade Bone-Healing Pill effect: Can treat injuries to tendons and bones."

"Fourth-grade Wind-Walking Pill effect: Greatly improves levitation speed for a certain period."

"This Wind-Walking Pill is not bad. In case of a tricky situation, if I can't win, I can still escape." Ning Lang murmured to himself. However, he ultimately put the elixir back because he saw a bottle of fifth-grade elixir.

—Soul Cleansing Pill.

Effect: Can cleanse impurities in the body's soul, nurture the soul, and greatly increase perception.

This was it!

Ning Lang didn't hesitate at all, directly clutching the jade bottle containing this elixir in his hand and leaving.

Half an hour later, Jiang Chen, Gan Tang, and Jiang Keran all came out of the Treasure Vault safely.

The two wooden doors slowly closed.

Ning Lang asked, "What did you guys take?"

Jiang Chen smiled, "I took a handwritten practice experience of a senior, but I don't know who wrote it."

Jiang Keran said, "I took a Gold Feather Bodyguard, which should be a body protection technique."

Gan Tang raised the small whip in her hand and smiled, "I chose this whip."

Then, she tied the small whip around her waist and showed off, "Master, look, it can also be used as a belt. When facing enemies, I can take it out unexpectedly."

"You, can't you choose something normal?" Ning Lang shook his head. Gan Tang wrinkled her delicate face and revealed a charming expression of a young girl, saying coquettishly, "What's not normal about this?"

"Never mind. Since you've all made your choices, let's go back."

"Yes."

...