Chapter 18: The Future Path is All Figured Out

"Fortune has smiled upon me!"

Yang Qiu took a deep breath, trying to calm his excited emotions. First, he had collected numerous materials from the formation, and now, he stumbled upon a small paradise with countless spirit herbs. The combination of both not only recovered his previous losses but also brought in a considerable profit.

Even more importantly, as the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion mentioned, hidden deep within this small paradise was a method to become a Saint. This was like a trump card.

With all three factors combined, his wealth had multiplied several times!

"After becoming a Saint, I must refine a Saint Grade Weapon!"

Yang Qiu contemplated. The existence of a Saint was incomparable. A stomp of their foot could shake the surroundings for millions of miles. Such an existence was a sect's foundation. How could he continue using Holy Lord Grade weapons? However, the critical issue was that the materials for refining Holy Lord Grade weapons were extremely precious, let alone materials for refining Saint Grade Weapons.

"These spirit herbs, combined, might be able to buy information about the whereabouts of some divine gold from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion."

Everyone had a tendency to be lazy. If there was no convenient method, Yang Qiu could spend seven or eight hundred years gradually gathering the materials for forging weapons. However, knowing a more convenient way, he was unwilling to spend time and effort searching slowly. A direct and efficient approach was much more appealing.

Up until now, Yang Qiu was unaware that, unknowingly, he had become a loyal customer of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.

"The most pressing matter is to dispel the inner demons first."

Yang Qiu scanned the surrounding spirit herbs but chose not to pick them. Spirit herbs were fragile, and if harvested incorrectly, their medicinal properties would decrease, or they might even vanish into nothingness. It was a slow and delicate process.

In this small paradise, there were countless spirit herbs. Picking them one by one would take an unknown amount of time. Moreover, after picking them, they needed to be carefully preserved. Improper storage could still lead to a significant reduction in their spiritual properties.

Instead of wasting effort, it was better to let these spirit herbs grow here. After all, only he and, well, the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion knew about this place. According to Yang Qiu's speculation, the Pavilion Master wouldn't casually come here to compete for opportunities. If he really wanted to snatch something away, it would be more convenient not to inform him.

With these thoughts in mind, Yang Qiu had no reservations. He bent down, meticulously dug out the Azure Sky Spirit Grass, and then cut off a small section. The remaining large portion was sealed inside a jade box. Outside the box, he placed several restrictions before storing it away.

A million-year-old spirit herb possessed formidable medicinal properties, and he couldn't use much of it. Selling the surplus would bring in a substantial profit.

With increased resources, he might even buy information about the opportunities of Saint Kings from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion when time allowed. Although he hadn't become a Saint yet, Yang Qiu had already planned out his future path.

After a moment, Yang Qiu sat cross-legged on the ground, adjusting his mental and spiritual state to its peak. Then, he swallowed the Azure Sky Spirit Grass. At the moment the herb entered his mouth, it transformed into a warm stream, flowing along his meridians, rushing into his mind.

"Hmm!"

Suddenly, Yang Qiu's mind shook, and his entire being emitted an aura of the Great Dao, as if merging with the natural order of the heavens and earth. Around him, the sound of the Great Dao resonated, and black demonic flowers bloomed one after another.

The inner demons that had tormented him disappeared from this moment onward. The past incident of attacking his senior brother, which had always weighed on his mind, was now completely let go. Past events scattered like dust in the wind.

He had enlightened!

…

While Yang Qiu was immersed in cultivation, a day passed. In the early morning, just as the sun rose, a group of people approached the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.

At the forefront was a person clad in armor, reflecting a cold light. This person, named Han Feng, was the chief commander of the guards under the Great Wilderness City Lord. His usual duty was to guard Great Wilderness City and maintain order. However, today, he came to the Heavenly Secret Pavilion with a different mission — to request an audience with the Pavilion Master.

Han Feng straightened his clothes, confirmed that nothing was amiss, and took a few steps forward. He arrived at the gate of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and respectfully called out, "Han Feng from Great Wilderness City seeks an audience with the senior!"

"Han Feng?" Inside the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, Li Yun showed a hint of doubt. He seemed unfamiliar with this name. Could it be that business had come knocking early in the morning? That would be excellent! Li Yun's spirits lifted, and he cleared his throat, saying, "Fellow Daoist Han, please come in."

"Thank you, senior!" Hearing the voice from inside the pavilion, Han Feng felt excited. It seemed that this senior wasn't difficult to get along with, much more amiable than he had imagined.

As Han Feng entered the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, he saw Li Yun in a green robe. He cupped his hands, bowed respectfully, and said, "Junior Han Feng, acting on the orders of the Great Wilderness City Lord, came today to express our gratitude to the senior for saving Great Wilderness City yesterday."

As he spoke, Han Feng presented a jade box that appeared in his hands. Holding it with both hands, he walked forward and offered it to Li Yun, saying respectfully, "This is a token of appreciation from the City Lord. Please accept it, senior."