Under the guidance of Shi Yan and Ying Wu, Chen Ping, carrying the little fire qilin, navigated through rugged mountain paths and concealed trails.
Although the two were seriously injured, they were extremely familiar with the terrain and avoided several areas that might harbour dangerous demon beasts.
After travelling for about half a day, as the setting sun dyed the horizon a fiery orange, they arrived at a hidden valley nestled in the crevice between two mountain peaks.
The valley entrance was concealed by dense vines and an illusion array. Without someone leading the way, it would be extremely difficult to discover.
Passing through the illusion array, the scene within the valley suddenly opened up.
Dozens of houses built from massive stones and timber leaned against the mountain. In the centre stood a taller stone hall. In the square before the hall rose a blurred stone carving of a gigantic beast, exuding an ancient and desolate aura.
Monks with distinct beast clan features moved about in the valley, some cultivating, some patrolling, others processing materials from hunted demon beasts.
This was an important outpost established by the Myriad Beasts Sect on the periphery of the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, Rock Valley.
Seeing Shi Yan and Ying Wu return with a strange human youth and a young qilin beast of extraordinary aura, the beast clan monks in the valley all cast curious and scrutinising glances.
Particularly upon sensing the aura of merely the seventh grade Human Immortal realm from Chen Ping, many gazes carried a hint of disdain and faint rejection.
In the Tenth Heaven where the weak fell prey to the strong, especially among the beast clans that revered strength, those of low realm were often disregarded.
Shi Yan and Ying Wu had no time to explain and directly led Chen Ping towards the largest stone hall in the centre.
Inside the hall, an elder in brown leather armour, with grey hair, a stern face, and a ferocious claw scar on his forehead, sat upright on the main seat, listening to a disciple’s report.
The elder’s aura was profound. He was clearly a fifth grade Heavenly Immortal realm powerhouse, Elder Li Yan, who presided over this place.
“Elder Li!”
Shi Yan and Ying Wu stepped forward and saluted respectfully.
Elder Li Yan raised his eyelids, glanced at the two, noticed their injuries, and frowned slightly. “What happened? Did you encounter those scum from the Myriad Souls Demon Sect again?”
His voice was like grinding gravel, carrying an unquestionable authority.
“Reporting to the Elder, yes!”
Shi Yan quickly recounted the encounter with the Myriad Souls Demon Sect team’s ambush, how they nearly lost their lives, and how Chen Ping ultimately saved them.
He particularly emphasised Chen Ping’s lightning-fast strikes, instantly slaying five demon sect disciples with astonishing strength.
However, when Elder Li Yan’s sharp, hawk-like gaze fell upon Chen Ping.
And carefully sensed that he truly possessed only seventh grade Human Immortal realm cultivation, the trace of solemnity on his face instantly turned into undisguised suspicion and contempt.
“Seventh grade Human Immortal? Instantly slaying five demon sect disciples, including one at fifth grade Heavenly Immortal?”
Elder Li Yan sneered, his voice thick with sarcasm. “Shi Yan, Ying Wu, could your injuries be so severe that you suffered hallucinations? Or has this fellow deceived you with some trick of the eye?”
He simply did not believe it!
For a Human Immortal to challenge across realms to Heavenly Immortal was already exceedingly difficult, let alone instantly killing multiple opponents of higher realm?
This was simply absurd! In his view, this stranger must have used some opportunistic or cunning method to luckily lend aid, then exaggerated his deeds in order to come to the Myriad Beasts Sect seeking benefits.
“Elder, it is absolutely true! This junior swears on his life!”
Shi Yan said urgently, while Ying Wu nodded vigorously beside him.
“Humph!”
Elder Li Yan snorted coldly, ignoring Shi Yan and Ying Wu any further. His gaze turned arrogantly towards Chen Ping, as if appraising merchandise. “Kid, regardless of what methods you used, since you saved disciples of my Myriad Beasts Sect, we will not treat you unfairly.”
He casually took out several pieces of low-quality immortal stones with thin spiritual energy from his storage bag and tossed them at Chen Ping’s feet like alms to a beggar.
Then his tone grew indifferent. “Take these immortal stones and leave Rock Valley. This is not a place for you. The Myriad Beasts Mountain Range is fraught with dangers. Be careful not to lose your life here.”
