The cave was dimly illuminated by night pearls embedded in its walls, casting a soft glow over the otherwise dark surroundings.
At the center of the cave sat an old man in white robes, cross-legged on the ground.
A thick, bloody aura enveloped him, filling the space with an eerie energy. His hands moved in intricate seals, continuously refining the blood essence within his body.
With each strand of blood energy purified, the old man's presence grew increasingly sinister and formidable.
"Jie jie jie!"
Suddenly, a shrill, mocking laughter echoed through the cave.
A swirling mass of black mist materialized out of nowhere.
Hearing the sound, the old man's eyes snapped open. A flicker of displeasure flashed in his cloudy gaze, but he quickly masked it, his expression returning to calm.
"Protector Wu, your sudden arrival is unexpected. What instructions do you have for me?"
The old man forced a tone of deference, suppressing the irritation in his heart.
"Jie jie jie!"
The grating laughter reverberated again as the black mist churned, coalescing into the figure of the so-called Protector Wu.
"Yun Shan, how goes your breakthrough?"
This old man was none other than Yun Shan—the former sect master of the Misty Cloud Sect!
'If not for this meddlesome bastard, I might have already broken through by now.'
Yun Shan inwardly cursed the Protector Wu but maintained a composed expression.
"I will need a little more time, but I am certain I can reach the Dou Ancestor realm soon."
"Good!"
The Protector Wu nodded, his voice hoarse. "I hope you do not disappoint me."
Yun Shan bowed slightly. "Rest assured, Protector Wu. I will not fail you."
The Protector Wu wasted no time. "I have come to assign you your first task before I depart the northwest region for a time."
Yun Shan's heart tightened.
'As expected, nothing in this world comes for free. I haven't even broken through yet, and he's already demanding repayment.'
Despite his resentment, Yun Shan kept his face obedient. "Please name your request. If it is within my power, I shall fulfill it."
The Protector Wu nodded. "Gather as many sixth-tier medicinal herbs as possible—any kind will do. The more, the better."
"Sixth-tier herbs? Any kind? As many as possible?"
'Does this bastard think sixth-tier herbs grow like cabbages?!'
Yun Shan was stunned. Why would the Protector Wu need such rare ingredients? Was he refining some kind of pill?
After a brief hesitation, Yun Shan feigned distress. "Protector Wu, sixth-tier herbs are exceedingly rare. Even with the Misty Cloud Sect's resources, gathering a significant number may prove difficult..."
The Protector Wu smirked inwardly. 'This old fox won't cooperate without an incentive.'
With a flick of his hand, he retrieved a jade vial from his spatial ring. As he uncorked it, a surge of potent life energy spilled forth.
"This is the Longevity Pearl. Consuming it can extend one's lifespan—200 years for a Dou Emperor, 100 for a Dou Ancestor. Bring me twenty sixth-tier herbs, and it's yours."
"Longevity Pearl?!"
"A hundred years of life for a Dou Ancestor?!"
Yun Shan's eyes widened in shock. The vitality radiating from the vial left no doubt about its authenticity.
"Do you swear this is true?" he asked, barely containing his excitement.
The Protector Wu scoffed. "Do you think this Protector would lie to you?"
Realizing he had overstepped, Yun Shan quickly backtracked. "No, no! Forgive my rudeness. I will spare no effort in gathering the herbs you require."
Satisfied, the Protector Wu replied indifferently, "Serve me well, and you shall be rewarded."
Yun Shan bowed deeply. "Of course, of course!"
"This Protector takes his leave."
With those words, the black mist dissipated, vanishing from the cave.
"A Longevity Pearl..."
"Such a treasure exists in this world?"
"If I obtain it, I may yet have a chance to advance further!"
After the Protector Wu departed, Yun Shan's mind raced with possibilities.
"I must leave the seclusion soon and have Yun'er mobilize the entire Misty Cloud Sect to search for sixth-tier herbs."
Resolved, he resumed his meditation, refining the Blood Soul Pill's energy once more. Soon, the cave was again shrouded in a bloody haze.
Meanwhile, the Protector Wu reappeared in the courtyard of Gu He's residence.
Dispelling the Soul Palace's power, the black mist dissolved, revealing an elegant figure in white robes—Gu He himself.
…
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