Chapter 603 - 257: Fairness

Chapter 603: Chapter 257: Fairness

The sects resumed their discussion.

"Linyuan."

Qin Fang was still pondering when his Master’s voice rang in his ear.

Qin Fang snapped back to reality, quickly focusing his mind to send a True Gang Transmission, "Master?"

"Yes. Your Martial Uncle just told me about the True Blood Rabbit Demon... Did you really encounter a True Blood Rabbit Demon and manage to escape?"

Qin Fang immediately guessed why his Master was asking and replied at once, "Actually, the True Blood Rabbit Demon was the one that fled... Otherwise, I was ninety percent certain I could have killed it!"

"Good."

His Master nodded in satisfaction, then said, "In that case, I’m afraid the Sect will need you to contribute this time."

Qin Fang immediately said, "Please give your orders, Master!"

"Yes. Although you are only in the Divine Illumination Realm, you already possess the strength to face a True Blood creature head-on... Thus, among the disciples entering the Grotto Heaven this time, you are likely the strongest. Our Sect holds a significant advantage."

"The rules inside a Grotto Heaven World are different from the outside. Your Martial Uncle and I have determined that this Grotto Heaven most likely belonged to an ancient being who has already perished. For a Martial Artist at the Seventh Realm or above, their Grotto Heaven is the safest place in the world. Therefore, if that ancient being left anything behind, it is bound to be within!"

"Furthermore, what I said earlier wasn’t entirely baseless... The Sixth Realm is barred from entry and the Fifth Realm is suppressed, so the Fourth Realm is indeed the most likely to reap the benefits. After you enter, proceed with caution. There is a considerable chance... you could obtain this Seventh Realm master’s Secret Treasure."

Even his Master’s voice held a trace of anticipation. "If you can obtain the Seven Realms Secret Treasure, it will be of great significance to the Sect."

He paused before continuing, "Linyuan, this trip does carry some risks, but I... still hope you will undertake it."

Qin Fang’s expression turned serious as he replied via Transmission, "Master, I... am also a member of the Sect."

His Master was taken aback. He looked at Qin Fang, finally nodding gently, his gaze growing even kinder.

"Good."

His Master paused, but quickly added a quiet warning, "However, it could indeed be very dangerous inside. Everything I’ve mentioned is mostly just speculation by your Martial Uncle and me. Once you are inside, you must assess the risks yourself."

"If you encounter a danger you feel you cannot handle, retreat immediately. Do not hesitate in the slightest, and don’t feel any burden."

His Master said earnestly, "I hope you make some gains, but compared to your safety, those gains are not important... You must not treat this mission as something you absolutely must complete... Understand?"

Hearing this, Qin Fang froze for a moment, then grinned. "Yes, Master. Don’t worry, I cherish my life more than anyone... Even if you ordered me to risk my life, I might not do it."

His Master was startled by his words, but then he shook his head with a laugh and nodded lightly. "That is for the best."

The master and disciple fell silent, waiting for the sects to reach an agreement.

Once a plan was laid out, the details were settled quite quickly.

In the end, the various sects reached a consensus.

Each sect would dispatch a team of up to five Fourth Realm disciples. These disciples would be chosen by their respective sects but must be registered with the Golden Rainbow Sword Sect. The Elders present from all sects would jointly cast a Skill to confirm their bone age and Cultivation were correct.

The exploration time limit was tentatively set at seven days.

Within those seven days, disciples could explore freely and could also decide to withdraw early on their own.

Once the seven days were up, all disciples must withdraw, regardless of whether they had made any gains. At that time, the sects would discuss further plans based on the results of the initial exploration.

At the same time, the sects had to agree on a fundamental rule: within the Grotto Heaven, malicious infighting and killing for Treasure among disciples of the various sects was strictly forbidden.

If this rule was violated and the act was confirmed, the transgressor’s sect would face a joint punitive expedition from the other Eight Sects!

...Of course.

Everyone knew that in the face of true profit and life-or-death situations, this rule wasn’t very convincing.

Especially if these disciples actually managed to find some kind of Treasure that could allow a Sixth Realm expert to step into the Seventh Realm...

...what the situation would devolve into then...

...was truly hard to say.

However, that was a matter for the future. For now, at least, they had to maintain appearances.

With the agreement settled, the sects naturally sprang into action, beginning the selection of disciples to enter the Grotto Heaven.

On the Heavenly Gang Wuji Sect’s side, there was naturally nothing to discuss... A total of five people were chosen: Qin Fang and four Elder’s True Inheritances.

...Aside from the Celestial Martial, it was exactly one from each lineage.

Aside from Qin Fang, they were all at the Guizhen Realm of Cultivation.

...They were all at least thirty to forty years older than Qin Fang and had joined the sect long ago.

"Once inside, you all must watch out for one another. Within the Grotto Heaven, fortune and disaster are unpredictable. Exotic Species lurk, and disciples from other sects are watching like hungry tigers."

Xuan Qiong instructed them in a low voice, "Although an agreement has been made, when it comes to seizing Treasure in a Secret Realm, it’s a matter of life and death. You don’t have to be the ones to strike first, but you must guard against others stabbing you in the back. Understand?"

The disciples all replied in a somber tone, cupping their fists. "Yes, Martial Uncle."

"Good. The four of you are older and more experienced, so under normal circumstances, your collective opinion will guide your actions. However, at critical moments, to prevent misjudging a situation or missing an opportunity due to differing views, Linyuan’s decision will be final," his Martial Uncle added.

The four True Inheritances felt a jolt in their hearts, but they immediately bowed to accept the order.

...Although Qin Fang was their Junior Brother, his talent and aptitude had long since earned their admiration.

Qin Fang’s outstanding performance during the battle at Jiulian Island was known throughout the entire Sect.

Hearing this, Qin Fang let out a soft breath.

’Martial Uncle’s trust... is putting a bit of pressure on me.’

But he didn’t voice any objections.

’The more dangerous the destination, the more crucial it is to establish a clear chain of command first.’

’Otherwise, if everyone just does their own thing, we’ll fall into disarray before we even encounter any danger.’

And as the Hall Master’s True Inheritance of the Guiyuan Lineage, his status and position were indeed higher than his senior brothers and sisters.

"Yes. In that case... you may go. I hope you will all explore with caution and return safely."

His Martial Uncle smiled and nodded.

The group accepted their orders.

At this moment, the other sects had also finished their preparations. His Martial Uncle and Master led Qin Fang and the others down from the Cloud Boat, arriving before the entrance to the Grotto Heaven. After their bone age and Cultivation were verified, they would be able to enter the Grotto Heaven.