"Are we still friends, Old Yan? What's the meaning of saying half of what you want to say? Hurry up and tell me—what is this Human Emperor Tower cultivation opportunity?"

Qi Gu urged, even going so far as to threaten.

Yan Ming sighed helplessly, "Alright, since we're close friends, I suppose it's fine to tell you. But whatever you do, don't tell anyone else."

Seeing Qi Gu nod solemnly, Yan Ming finally revealed the details of the recent meeting convened by Grand Elder Jin Yuan.

"So, with the Life and Death Seal's battle and Zun becoming a True God, we now actually have a chance to win in the Human world?"

Qi Gu's expression fluctuated wildly, filled with a mix of surprise and delight, "So that's why Elder Jin plans to send people out to earn merit—and promises that whoever secures the First Merit can enter the Human Emperor Tower for cultivation."

"Exactly. But keep this between us. I told you only because of our good relationship. If you tell anyone else, it'll harm me deeply." Yan Ming quickly warned.

"Don't worry. Why would I tell anyone else?"

Qi Gu responded with a smile, though his thoughts began to churn intensely.

He also had disciples and close friends—such a rare opportunity, why should Xiong Jin compete for it while he couldn't?

When the time comes, he could secretly arrange for a few of his own disciples and close friends to go and vie for merits.

※※※

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The sound of knocking echoed. Xiao Mu used his Divine Eye to check and saw it was Zhou Xuanmen. He hurried over to open the door.

"Elder Zhou, you could've just summoned me instead of coming personally. Why bother?" Xiao Mu greeted politely.

"Xiao Xiao, there's no need to be so formal with me."

Zhou Xuanmen stepped into Xiao Mu's room, casually seated himself on the sofa, and gestured for Xiao Mu to sit down as well before speaking, "Xiao Xiao, earlier, you used the Primordial Spirit Out-of-body Technique, didn't you?"

"Haha, you figured it out, Elder Zhou. I apologize—I've just been cultivating the Out-of-body Technique and couldn't resist experimenting a little. I truly didn't mean to disturb you." Xiao Mu quickly expressed his regret.

Zhou Xuanmen didn't seem angry but instead offered advice, "I'm not blaming you, but this method of experimentation is better avoided."

"Your Out-of-body Technique is indeed stronger than what most ordinary people cultivate, though I don't know how exactly you managed that."

"Still, it's a conventional technique that might work against average True Gods. However, in front of truly powerful True Gods, it can be easily seen through."

"If the opponent pretended not to notice and suddenly launched a sneak attack when close to you, you could very well be injured."

His words, though said as if without anger, carried a hint of implied caution.

Xiao Mu quickly responded, "Elder Zhou's admonishment is correct. I will be more cautious with using the Out-of-body Technique in the future."

Zhou Xuanmen waved dismissively, "It's good that you understand."

"The reason I came to see you besides this matter is to notify you of some good news."

"Good news? Please tell me, Elder Zhou!"

Though Xiao Mu didn't show much excitement, he knew Zhou Xuanmen's definition of good news might not align with his own.

Zhou Xuanmen explained, "Headquarters has just sent word—they plan to dispatch reinforcements to the Pool of Chaos, where the Life and Death Seal is located, to assist us in seizing the Seal."

"Headquarters is sending reinforcements again?"

Xiao Mu found it a bit surprising. The Elders at Headquarters had always maintained a conservative stance regarding resisting the Heavenly Court. Why the sudden change?

Zhou Xuanmen replied, "Isn't it because of you?"

"Because of me?" Xiao Mu asked, confused.

"Yes," Zhou Xuanmen continued. "You killed the Five Elements Old Ancestor, brought back the Five Elements Divine Token, and then handed it over to Zun."

"Zun used the Divine Token to ascend as a True God."

"Headquarters suddenly realized that the strength of our True Gods here can now match those of the Heavenly Court."

"So even those conservative Elders have decided to send reinforcements to help us seize the Life and Death Seal."

"I see!"

Xiao Mu nodded in understanding.

It seemed Headquarters' decision to assist stemmed directly from his actions.

Zhou Xuanmen added, "About the merits you've earned during this trip to the Sealed Land—the rewards from Headquarters have also been issued."

"My rewards have been issued?" Xiao Mu felt a jolt of joy and expectation for the so-called rewards. "What are the rewards, Elder Zhou?"

Zhou Xuanmen's expression remained plain, "Don't get too excited yet—these rewards may not be what you anticipated."

"Firstly, I must let you know: for killing the Five Elements Old Ancestor and obtaining the Five Elements Divine Token, Headquarters has awarded you nothing."

"Nothing at all? Why?" Xiao Mu frowned, finally understanding why Zhou Xuanmen had come personally—it was because the rewards were less than anticipated.

Zhou Xuanmen observed Xiao Mu's expression. "According to Headquarters, the battle spoils—the Five Elements Divine Token—you retained yourself. You've privately gifted it to Zun, which absolves Headquarters from responsibility for rewarding you."

"If you'd handed over the Divine Token to Headquarters, they would have rewarded you generously. Yet since you kept it and gave it to Zun, Headquarters has no reason to grant you anything further."

"Also, Headquarters believes that continuing to reward you could stir resentment among those who submit their spoils to Headquarters."

"In future, who would still willingly hand over items to Headquarters?"

"This..."

Xiao Mu found himself momentarily at a loss for words—he couldn't exactly demand the Divine Token back from Zun to give to Headquarters, could he?

"What? Are you regretting giving the Divine Token to Zun?" Zhou Xuanmen smiled, studying Xiao Mu's expression.

"Regret? Not at all. Giving the Divine Token to Senior Zun was my own decision." Xiao Mu shook his head.

He truly felt no regret—enhancing Zun's strength was, without question, better than handing it to Headquarters to empower unfamiliar Elders.

After all, Zun was one of his own.

The Elders at Headquarters, while seemingly allies in resisting the Heavenly Court, were far from feeling like "his own." They merely shared the same goal.

"I'm relieved you feel this way. On Zun's behalf, I thank you."

Zhou Xuanmen smiled, "Don't feel too downhearted—while the reward for the Divine Token isn't yours, the merit for eliminating ordinary disciples of the Five Elements Sect has been fully granted to you."

"Headquarters has decided that when you break into the True God Realm, you will do so in the True God Hall."

Zhou Xuanmen spoke while observing Xiao Mu closely. When Xiao Mu heard this, he responded with indifference, prompting Zhou to raise his hand swiftly, "Don't dismiss it so quickly—breaking through within the True God Hall will bring benefits far surpassing your expectations. It's not simply about making the breakthrough easier."

"Every individual's experiences in the True God Hall differ, and the opportunities they encounter vary as well. As for specifics, you'll have to experience them yourself."

"Rest assured—the Headquarters has not neglected to reward you by granting this opportunity."

"Understood, Elder Zhou. I trust your judgment," Xiao Mu replied.

Though unsure of what breaking through in the True God Hall truly entailed, Zhou Xuanmen's assurances prompted him to feel confident.

What Xiao Mu didn't realize was that Zhou Xuanmen wasn't exaggerating—the True God Hall offered immense advantages even to someone of his caliber.

If it hadn't been for Zhou Xuanmen's support, the Elders at Headquarters might not have been so generous in rewarding Xiao Mu with this privilege.

Zhou Xuanmen then added, "There's one more matter I need to inform you about."

"It's still related to Headquarters."

"This time, in addition to sending reinforcements to the Pool of Chaos to seize the Life and Death Seal, Headquarters will also provide every participant with a Merit Record."

"A Merit Record? What's that?"

Xiao Mu asked, confused.

It was the first time he had heard of such an item. The name offered a general sense of its purpose, but he lacked sufficient knowledge to make a solid judgment.

"A Merit Record, naturally, is used to document merit."

Zhou Xuanmen explained with a smile, "Headquarters will issue a Merit Record to track the contributions of everyone who enters the Pool of Chaos."

"Therefore, Xiao Xiao, this time in the Pool of Chaos to retrieve the Life and Death Seal—it's your chance to make your mark."

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