Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

"Furthermore," Shen Mo changed the subject, "with increasing attention from the outside world, the defenses of the mountain gate cannot be relaxed. Qingyan, the reinforcement of the mountain-protecting formation needs to be accelerated. Elder Han, the disciples' daily patrols and combat drills also need to be strengthened."

"Yes! Sect Leader (Senior Brother)!" Everyone answered in unison.

The meeting ended, and everyone dispersed, full of energy.

Inside the mountain gate, the disciples, still motivated by the contribution point system, worked efficiently like wound-up gears.

The queue waiting by the Body Tempering Pool was orderly, the lights in the Scripture Pavilion were always on, and the Taoist chants on the first and fifteenth of each month resounded as scheduled. The new green of the herb garden flourished more and more under the nourishment of the "Yi Wood Nourishing Yuan Technique".

Everything is progressing steadily along the path planned by Shen Mo.

After being tempered by the bloody battle of Black Mountain City and subsequent arduous training, Shi Tie has initially fused the "Giant Spirit Shaking Mountain Technique" and the "Flowing Cloud Dao Body" together. His aura has become increasingly deep and profound, and he is only one step away from breaking through to the seventh level of Qi Refining. He is eager to fight every day, wishing he could find a demon beast to fight for three hundred rounds immediately.

Su Xiao, on the other hand, was more composed. While managing the sect's affairs in an orderly manner, his cultivation level steadily improved to the peak of the sixth level of Qi Refining, and his control over spiritual energy became increasingly refined.

Disciples such as Wang Hu, Sun Xiaolan, and Li Tiezhu have also made progress, and the average strength of the entire sect is quietly improving.

On this day, the sky was clear and the breeze was gentle. Shen Mo and Han Lin were in the main hall of the sect leader's residence, discussing how to combine the "Minor Illusion Array" with several protective runes that Zhao Qingyan had recently devised to further strengthen the sect's defenses.

Suddenly, the voice of Zhang Daniu, the disciple guarding the mountain, came from outside the cave, a mix of nervousness and excitement in his voice:

"Sect Leader! Manager Chen Hao of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion has come in person! He says he has important business to discuss!"

Chen Hao? The manager of Baibaoge has come in person? Shen Mo and Han Lin exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of surprise in each other's eyes.

In the past, dealings with Baibaoge were mostly handled by its stewards; Manager Chen was a rare sight indeed. It seems this visit is far more than just a simple transaction.

"Please ask Manager Chen to wait in the reception hall. I'll be there shortly," Shen Mo instructed in a deep voice. He straightened his robes and then said to Han Lin, "Elder Han, how about we go together to meet this distinguished guest?"

"That's only right." Han Lin stroked his beard and nodded. "The Hundred Treasures Pavilion is well-informed. The manager's personal visit must mean something important."

The two stepped out of the main hall and arrived at the newly renovated reception hall, which, though still simple, now possessed a certain grandeur. Standing inside was a middle-aged cultivator dressed in a brocade robe, with a prosperous face and shrewd eyes—Chen Hao, the manager of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion's Green Moss Market.

Two shop assistants followed behind him, carrying gift boxes, their attitude respectful. Compared to before, Chen Hao's smile was warmer now, even carrying a hint of...respect?

"Oh dear! Sect Leader Shen! Elder Han! I apologize for the intrusion and for disturbing your cultivation!" Upon seeing Shen Mo and the other two, Chen Hao immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and greeted them with a smile. His tone was more polite than ever before.

"Manager Chen's presence is an honor to our Qingyun Sect. How could I possibly be disturbing you? Please take a seat!" Shen Mo returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his expression calm. He led Chen Hao to the seat of honor, whereupon a disciple served him spiritual tea.

After exchanging a few pleasantries and sipping tea, Chen Hao put down his teacup, his smile fading slightly, and a serious expression appeared on his face as he said:

"Sect Leader Shen, Elder Han, to be honest, I have come here today to express my gratitude for your sect's long-term care and support. I have prepared a small gift to express my appreciation."

He gestured to the gift box the shopkeeper was carrying, which contained several bottles of high-grade pills and a few pieces of good-quality refining materials, which were quite valuable.

"Manager Chen, you're too kind. It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement." Shen Mo smiled calmly, not refusing, and gestured for Su Xiao to accept. This was merely an opening remark.

Sure enough, Chen Hao changed the subject and lowered his voice, saying, "The second thing... is that I was asked by my master to deliver two things to Sect Leader Shen."

He first took out a jade slip, carefully framed in a sandalwood box, from his bosom, and presented it with both hands.

"This is a collection of information painstakingly compiled by our owner, detailing the geographical changes, power distribution, and... clues about some hidden entrances or array nodes that may not yet have been discovered, in the area surrounding the 'Flowing Cloud Cave,' the place where 'True Man of Flowing Cloud' passed away, over the past century."

"The master said that Sect Leader Shen is a person with affinity for the lineage of True Man Liuyun, and this item may be of some benefit to your sect. However, according to the information we have received, the cave seems to be protected by a restriction, which only allows cultivators in the Qi Refining stage to enter. If cultivators above the Foundation Establishment stage rashly enter, the restriction will be automatically broken, and the cave will self-destruct."

Detailed information about the Flowing Cloud Cave? Shen Mo's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged. He took the jade slip, scanned it briefly with his divine sense, and was slightly surprised.

The contents of this jade slip are extremely detailed. It not only marks the subtle changes in the mountains and landforms within hundreds of miles around the cave, but also lists the exploration records and speculations of various forces (including the Blazing Sun Sect, the Profound Ice Pavilion, the Heavenly Sword Sect, etc.) over the past few decades. There are even several areas marked as "suspected residual fluctuations of formations" or "spatial anomalies"!

Its value far exceeds those gifts! The owner of Baibaoge's move was clearly an attempt to curry favor, and could even be described as... an investment.

Golden Core cultivators have lifespans of several hundred years, and as long as they don't die an unnatural death, it's perfectly normal for them to have multiple cultivation sites.

Especially those cultivators who like to travel around, they have stopped at countless places, and it is common for them to suddenly leave for various reasons and never return. It is also common to find some remnants in their cave dwellings.

These relics may not be that important to them, but they are priceless treasures to Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators. This can be considered an opportunity they offer to lower-level cultivators.

Therefore, news of ancient cultivation caves being discovered in various places is frequently heard in the cultivation world.

"I deeply appreciate your kindness, sir. This item will indeed be of great benefit to our sect. Please convey my sincere thanks to your esteemed master." Shen Mo put away the jade slip, his tone earnest. This favor was no small matter.

"I'm glad you like it, Sect Leader Shen." Chen Hao's smile widened, and he took out another item—an invitation with gilded edges and brimming with spiritual energy!

"The third item is an invitation. Thirty years from now, the once-in-a-lifetime 'Tianyuan Conference' will be held in 'Tianyuan City' in the Central Region!"

"This is a grand event in the Eastern Wilderness's cultivation world, a once-in-a-century event. All forces will gather, geniuses will emerge, and Nascent Soul True Monarchs will preach the Dharma, while Golden Core True Immortals will discuss the Dao. It is an unparalleled platform for exchange, learning, and seizing opportunities!"

"Our master has specially secured a spot for your sect to attend the meeting, and cordially invites Sect Leader Shen to lead his distinguished disciples to participate!"

The Heavenly Origin Tournament! Thirty years later! Heavenly Origin City!

These words exploded in Shen Mo's heart like a thunderclap! The opportunity he had been waiting for had finally arrived with a definite time and place!

Once the cycle of sixty years begins, heroes gather! This is the perfect springboard for Qingyun Sect to make a name for itself and rise to prominence on the regional stage!

Shen Mo suppressed his excitement and accepted the invitation. The invitation was warm to the touch, clearly made of extraordinary material, and the two characters "Tian Yuan" were written on it in ancient seal script, containing the essence of Taoism.

"The Heavenly Origin Assembly... I have long admired its name and yearned to attend. Your esteemed host has generously granted us the opportunity to participate, and the Qingyun Sect will forever remember this kindness."

Seeing that Shen Mo had accepted the invitation, Chen Hao's eyes flashed with satisfaction. He continued, "Sect Leader Shen, the next Tianyuan Conference will be of great importance."

"It's rumored that this not only concerns the allocation of resources in the Eastern Wilderness over the next century, but also that clues to an ancient secret realm may have surfaced! The competition is bound to be fiercer than ever before!"

"Your faction has risen to prominence in recent years and possesses unlimited potential, which our patron greatly admires. We hope your faction can prepare early and make a stunning debut!"

"If you need any assistance from our organization, such as procuring necessary elixirs, magical artifacts, or intelligence, please feel free to ask!"

Shen Mo nodded and said, "Don't worry, Manager Chen. This matter concerns the future of my sect, so I will be very careful. I will have to trouble your esteemed establishment when the time comes."

"Of course, of course! It is an honor for our organization to cooperate with Qingyun Sect!" Chen Hao was in a good mood after achieving his goal. After chatting for a while, he got up to take his leave.

After seeing Chen Hao off, only Shen Mo, Han Lin, and Su Xiao (who was in charge of taking notes and receiving guests) remained in the reception hall. The atmosphere became somewhat quiet for a moment.