I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

After leaving the Fallen Dragon Abyss, Lu Zhao did not return directly to the Earth Origin Sect. Instead, he found a remote valley thousands of miles away from the Fallen Dragon Abyss, set up a concealment formation, and secluded himself for half a month.

This trip to Dragon Abyss involved a series of fierce battles, especially the final confrontation with the turbulent currents within the spatial rift, where he forcefully activated the "Annihilation - Imperial Dragon Slash." Although the gains were immense, the injuries and depletion were also severe, and his foundation was slightly shaken. He must adjust his condition to its peak and eliminate any hidden dangers in order to cope with anything that might happen after returning to the sect.

Within half a month, nourished by elixirs and the dual dragon energy, Lu Zhao's injuries were completely healed. Not only was his spiritual power fully restored, but he also benefited from the misfortune. Nourished by the desolate intent of "destruction followed by construction" and the aura of the earth vein dragon crystal, his cultivation improved slightly, reaching the peak of the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, just one step away from the ninth level. The demonic thoughts in his sea of ​​consciousness, suppressed by the fragrance of the Soul-Stabilizing Petals (he had kept a small petal as a backup) and his own divine soul, also returned to silence. However, Lu Zhao could sense that its potential threat had not been eliminated, but only temporarily suppressed.

"It's time to go back." Lu Zhao opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and his aura deep and composed. He changed into a new cyan robe, cleaned up any traces on his body that might be related to the Fallen Dragon Abyss or the Netherworld Sect, ensuring there were no oversights, before dispelling the formation, mounting his escape light, and speeding towards the Earth Origin Sect.

They traveled in silence. Several days later, the familiar, majestic, and continuous mountain range of the Diyuan Sect came into view in the distance.

After the disciples guarding the mountain checked his identity jade token and confirmed it was correct, Lu Zhao successfully entered the mountain gate. He didn't immediately go to the Hall of Merit to hand in his mission, but instead returned to Tingzhu Xiaozhu, which he hadn't visited for several months.

The small building remained serene and secluded, with swaying bamboo shadows, seemingly unchanged. However, Lu Zhao keenly sensed several subtle, probing presences outside the building. Though faint and quickly receding as he approached, they were still detected by him.

"Someone's watching me?" Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat, but he remained calm on the surface, acting like an ordinary inner disciple returning home. He opened the restrictions and entered the small building. He didn't deal with the spying immediately, but first checked the small building inside and out to make sure that no one had tampered with it. Only then did he set up several layers of restrictions in the quiet room, sit down cross-legged, and think carefully.

"The people spying on me are not highly skilled, at most at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and there's more than one group. Is someone within the sect suspicious of me? Or is it because I accepted a high-ranking mission, drawing attention? Or perhaps... it's related to the Netherworld Sect and the Blood Bone Demon?" Lu Zhao frowned slightly. He had only been away from the sect for a few months, and shouldn't have attracted such attention. Unless someone was deliberately targeting him, or something happened within the sect during his absence that implicated him.

"What's meant to be will be. First, complete the mission, obtain the Golden Core Pill, and improve your strength—that's the most important thing. As for those clowns, if they dare to lay a hand on me, I'll just kill them." A cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes, then he concealed it. Now, he had few rivals among Foundation Establishment cultivators. As long as he didn't encounter a Golden Core cultivator, he was safe. Even if a Golden Core cultivator did make a move, he still had the life-saving sword talisman given to him by Liu Xuanfeng (though only one remained, its power was still considerable) as a trump card. If he couldn't win, he would always have a chance to escape.

After a day of rest and to get himself into top shape, Lu Zhao left Tingzhu Xiaozhu and headed towards the Hall of Merit. On the way, he clearly felt several eyes watching him from the shadows, but he seemed oblivious and went straight to the Hall of Merit.

The Hall of Merit was still bustling with people. Lu Zhao went directly to the side hall where tasks were handed over and found the disciple who had been in charge that day.

"Oh? Junior Brother Lu is back?" The disciple in charge showed a hint of surprise in his eyes when he saw Lu Zhao, but quickly regained his professional expression. "Are you here for the Fallen Dragon Abyss mission?"

"Exactly." Lu Zhao nodded, handing over his identity jade token and the jade slip recording the mission. He also took out a jade box and a jade casket sealed with a special restriction. Inside the jade box were three 500-year-old Dragon Blood Grasses. Inside the jade casket was a fist-sized, extremely high-quality Earth Vein Dragon Crystal. As for the Soul-Stabilizing Flower, he didn't take it out; it was too precious, and Elder Chishong had offered an extra reward, so he planned to handle it privately.

The disciple took the jade box and jade case, opened the jade box first, carefully examined the three dragon blood grasses, and nodded: "Not bad, five hundred-year-old dragon blood grasses, in perfect condition, meeting the mission requirements."

Then, he carefully removed the seal on the jade box. The moment the jade box was opened, a pure, profound aura carrying a faint dragon's might spread out, attracting the attention of many disciples in the side hall.

"This...this is..." The disciple's eyes widened instantly upon seeing the dark golden crystal in the jade box, which appeared to have liquid flowing inside. His breathing quickened. "Earth Vein Dragon Crystal! And...this quality far surpasses low-grade; it's at least mid-grade, perhaps even approaching high-grade!"

A series of low gasps of surprise immediately rose from the surrounding area.

"Earth Vein Dragon Crystal? Mid-grade? Who is this guy? How lucky is he?"

"It seems to be Senior Brother Lu Zhao from Tingzhu Xiaozhu? I heard he took on the Class A mission, and I didn't expect him to actually complete it!"

"A mid-grade Earth Vein Dragon Crystal! How many contribution points would that be?"

"..."

The disciple in charge took a deep breath, suppressing his shock, and carefully examined the item. Confirming it was genuine, he looked at Lu Zhao, his tone now more serious: "Junior Brother Lu, this item is undoubtedly a leyline dragon crystal, and of extremely high quality, far exceeding the 'low-grade' requirement for the mission. According to sect regulations, for the top-tier mission 'Collecting Leyline Dragon Crystals,' submitting a mid-grade crystal doubles the contribution points. You've earned a total of 100,000 contribution points for this mission!"

One hundred thousand contribution points! A gasp rippled through the crowd once more. Ordinary Foundation Establishment stage missions yielded only a few hundred to a thousand contribution points, while top-tier missions typically capped at ten to twenty thousand. Lu Zhao obtaining one hundred thousand contribution points in one go was astonishing! This was enough to exchange for several top-grade magic weapons, or a large quantity of pills, cultivation techniques, or even guidance from a Golden Core elder!

Lu Zhao remained calm, seemingly unsurprised by the enormous amount of contribution points. In reality, the value of this earth vein dragon crystal far exceeded 100,000 contribution points, but what he needed was a Condensing Gold Pill, and exchanging for a Condensing Gold Pill required other conditions besides contribution points.

"Furthermore," the disciple continued, lowering his voice, "Elder Chishong instructed that any clues related to the Soul-Stabilizing Flower, whether or not it was picked, could be recorded with a jade talisman and a partial reward claimed. Junior Brother Lu, did you... find anything in the Fallen Dragon Abyss?"

Lu Zhao's mind raced, and a perfectly timed hint of regret appeared on his face as he shook his head and said, "The Fallen Dragon Abyss is extremely dangerous. Although I was fortunate enough to find the Earth Vein Dragon Crystal, I also encountered several life-or-death crises. As for the Soul-Stabilizing Flower... I had no chance to see it. However, near the spatial rift, I did sense a strange fragrance that nourishes the soul, which seemed to be the Soul-Stabilizing Flower. But the spatial turbulence inside the rift was violent, and my strength was limited, so I dared not go deep into it and was unable to pick it."

His words were half true and half false. He had obtained the Soul-Stabilizing Flower, but he couldn't reveal it. The strange fragrance near the spatial rift was indeed true (the fragrance was leaked the moment the Soul-Stabilizing Flower bloomed), and as for "not daring to go deeper," that was perfectly reasonable. This way, he could explain why he hadn't brought back the Soul-Stabilizing Flower, prove that he had indeed "made a discovery," and receive a portion of the reward, without attracting Elder Chishong's excessive attention.

Upon hearing this, the disciple in charge had no doubts. The Soul-Stabilizing Flower was extremely rare; how could it be so easy to pick? Lu Zhao's ability to bring back a mid-grade Earth Vein Dragon Crystal was already a great achievement, and he had even provided a possible clue, which was truly commendable.

"I see. Junior Brother Lu has already done a meritorious service by providing clues. As Elder Chisong instructed, you can receive 30,000 contribution points and an opportunity to consult Elder Chisong on alchemy or cultivation matters." The disciple in charge said, handing Lu Zhao a specially made jade talisman. "This jade talisman records the clues you provided. You can use it to collect your reward at Elder Chisong's 'Crimson Cloud Peak.' However, Elder Chisong seems to be away from the sect recently. Junior Brother, please keep an eye on the sect's announcements for when he will return."

Lu Zhao accepted the jade token, a slight tremor in his heart. Elder Chishong wasn't in the sect? That was somewhat unexpected. However, gaining an extra 30,000 contribution points and a chance to seek guidance was still quite good. He took the identity jade token containing 130,000 contribution points, along with the jade token that allowed him to claim the extra reward, from the disciple in charge, and put them into his storage bag.

"Junior Brother Lu, here are your contribution points, please keep them safe. Also, Junior Brother, is there anything you'd like to exchange for? The Merit Hall has many treasures; perhaps you could take a look." The steward disciple's attitude became much more enthusiastic. A disciple who could produce a mid-grade Earth Vein Dragon Crystal in one go had a limitless future and was worth befriending.

Lu Zhao pondered for a moment, then asked, "What conditions must be met to exchange for the 'Golden Condensation Pill'?"

Upon hearing this, the surroundings fell silent. A Golden Core! This was an essential item for Foundation Establishment cultivators attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage; it was incredibly precious, and ordinary disciples didn't even have the right to inquire about it.

The disciple in charge became even more solemn and said in a low voice, "Junior Brother Lu has lofty aspirations, I admire you. To exchange for a Golden Core, three conditions must be met: First, you must have at least 500,000 contribution points; second, you must have a Golden Core elder as your guarantor, or have made great contributions to the sect; third, you must pass the sect's assessment to prove that you have the potential and qualifications to break through to the Golden Core stage."

Five hundred thousand contribution points! Lu Zhao's heart sank. Although he currently had 130,000 contribution points, he was still far from 500,000. A Golden Core elder as guarantor? The only Golden Core elder he knew was Liu Xuanfeng, but Liu Xuanfeng was an elder of the Xuantian Sword Sect, not a member of the Diyuan Sect. To perform a great service for the sect? Easier said than done. As for passing the assessment and proving his potential, that was the easiest part. With his current strength and age, passing the assessment shouldn't be a problem.

It seems unlikely that he can obtain the Golden Core Pill through normal channels in the short term. Is his only hope that the Azure Wave Fairy's "Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill" can help him break through his bottleneck and find another method?

Seemingly sensing Lu Zhao's predicament, the disciple in charge whispered again, "Junior Brother Lu, there is actually another way. If you have any special treasures, you might try to exchange them privately with the sect elders. Some elders have extra Golden Condensation Pills, which might be able to be used to exchange for what you need. However, this matter requires caution and depends on fate."

A private exchange? Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. That was indeed a possibility. Besides the Soul-Stabilizing Flower, he also possessed the Earth Vein Dragon Crystal (although he had handed it over, perhaps it could still be recovered...), and perhaps there were other items that might catch the eye of a Golden Core elder. However, a private transaction with a Golden Core elder was quite risky and required extreme caution.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother." Lu Zhao clasped his hands in thanks, asked no further questions, and turned to leave the Hall of Merit.

He didn't immediately return to Tingzhu Xiaozhu. Instead, he went to the sect's market and disposed of the materials he didn't need, the magical artifacts and pills he had obtained from the three members of the Netherworld Sect, exchanging them for spirit stones. He also purchased a batch of auxiliary medicinal materials needed to refine the "Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill" from several reputable shops (he already had the main ingredient, the Soul-Stabilizing Flower), as well as some pills and talismans to enhance cultivation, heal injuries, and protect his life. Now that he was wealthy, he didn't hesitate to spend money.

After finishing these tasks, Lu Zhao leisurely returned to Tingzhu Xiaozhu. Along the way, he keenly sensed that the prying gazes were more numerous and brazen than before. Several divine senses even swept over him without any concealment, carrying scrutiny, greed, and even malice.

"It seems the news of my successful completion of the top-tier mission and the huge amount of contribution points I received has already spread," Lu Zhao thought with a cold smile. Wealth is a powerful motivator; 130,000 contribution points are enough to make many inner disciples, and even some true disciples with powerful backgrounds, envious. Not to mention, he also brought back a mid-grade earth vein dragon crystal; perhaps some people suspect he has other treasures on him.

Returning to Tingzhu Xiaozhu, Lu Zhao activated the restrictions. He sat cross-legged, adjusting his state to its best. At the same time, he took out the blood-red jade slip containing the "Blood Transformation Escape" secret technique and some information about the Fallen Dragon Abyss, which he had obtained from the Netherworld Cult's envoy, and studied it carefully. He read the description of "Blood Fiend Valley" in particular several times, memorizing it.

"Blood Bone Demon... Netherworld Cult... It seems I can't avoid this mess." A cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. Whether for his own safety or for the possible opportunity of the remnant soul of the demonic dragon, he had to understand the Blood Bone Demon and the Netherworld Cult, and even... take the initiative to attack.

Just as Lu Zhao was pondering, the restrictions outside the small building were suddenly triggered.

It was not a normal visit or knock, but a barbaric and provocative attack.

Lu Zhao frowned, got up and walked out of the quiet room, came to the door of the small building, and removed the restriction.

Outside the door stood three cultivators with considerable auras. The leader was a young man in a brocade robe with an arrogant expression, whose cultivation was at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment. Behind him were two others, one tall and one short, whose cultivation was at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment. All three were dressed in the robes of inner disciples, but judging from their bearing, they were clearly of extraordinary birth, far beyond that of ordinary inner disciples.

"You're Lu Zhao?" The man in the brocade robe sized Lu Zhao up and down, his gaze filled with undisguised scrutiny and a hint of contempt. "I heard you got incredibly lucky, finding a mid-grade earth vein dragon crystal in Fallen Dragon Abyss and earning over ten thousand contribution points?"

Lu Zhao remained calm and said indifferently, "So what if it is? What does it have to do with you?"

"Hmph, quite the boast." The man in the brocade robe sneered. "I am Zhou Tong, a deacon of the Enforcement Hall. I received a report that you are suspected of colluding with demonic cultivators, harming fellow disciples and robbing treasures in the Fallen Dragon Abyss, and that the contribution points you obtained are of dubious origin! I am here on orders from the Enforcement Hall to take you back for investigation! If you know what's good for you, come with us obediently, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

Zhou Tong? The Enforcement Hall? An investigation? A cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. This excuse was far too clumsy. What harming fellow disciples and stealing treasures? Clearly, they were just jealous of his contribution points and earth vein dragon crystals, trying to use the name of the Enforcement Hall to plunder and extort him! Moreover, the fact that the other party directly mentioned the name of the Enforcement Hall showed that they had come prepared, and might even have some connections within the Enforcement Hall.

It seems trouble has come knocking on his door as soon as he returned to the sect. And the first move was so ruthless, trying to pin the charges against him for colluding with the demonic path and harming his fellow disciples! If these accusations are proven true, the consequences could range from crippling his cultivation and expelling him from the sect to being killed on the spot!

"Deacon Zhou, is it?" Lu Zhao slowly raised his head, looking calmly at Zhou Tong, but his voice carried a hint of coldness. "You accuse me of colluding with the demonic path and harming my fellow disciples. Do you have any evidence? If you have no evidence, and you're only making guesses, to take me back to the Enforcement Hall for investigation... that seems to violate the sect's rules, doesn't it?"

"Rules?" Zhou Tong scoffed, a fierce glint in his eyes. "The Enforcement Hall operates according to the rules! Kid, I advise you to cooperate obediently, otherwise, don't blame this steward for 'inviting' you back!"

Before he could finish speaking, the two cultivators behind him, one tall and one short, stepped forward, unleashing their undisguised late-stage Foundation Establishment aura towards Lu Zhao. At the same time, they gripped their magical artifacts, their gazes filled with hostility.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.