The next day.

Jiang Hao followed his usual routine, heading to the Spirit Herb Garden and returning by evening.

The day was unproductive—he hadn’t encountered even a handful of basic bubbles.No one had come seeking spiritual herbs, and Senior Sister Yun Ruo didn’t show up either.On his way back, though, he overheard some rumors.

Apparently, the sect had identified multiple traitors.The cleansing process was already underway.

"Fortunately, I don’t possess anything of value. Otherwise, desperate traitors might come looking for trouble," Jiang Hao thought with relief as he returned to his quarters.

He had no intention of becoming a traitor himself, nor did he want to get involved in apprehending them.Both sides were dangerous to provoke.

Tianyin Sect belonged to the demonic path, a faction despised by the righteous cultivators in the cultivation world. Eventually, the demonic sects would be eradicated.Jiang Hao had no desire to inadvertently attack a traitor, only to discover they were an important pawn of the righteous sects, earning their enmity and ruining his chances of redemption.

He shook his head and began tending to the spiritual herbs in his courtyard.They were simple healing herbs, useful for enhancing the courtyard’s spiritual energy. If bubbles appeared, that would be a bonus.Unfortunately, high-grade herbs were beyond his reach—he couldn’t apply for them, nor could he afford them.

"My cultivation is still too weak. But standing out too much will only invite trouble.""I need to think of a better plan. Perhaps I could claim I encountered a miraculous opportunity during a trip, leading to rapid cultivation progress?""Or I could leave and never return?"

"Neither option seems wise," Jiang Hao muttered, shaking his head.Leaving the sect was inherently dangerous, and constantly claiming fortuitous encounters wasn’t sustainable. Betraying the sect was even riskier.

Tianyin Sect showed no mercy toward traitors. Shortly after joining the sect, Jiang Hao had heard about a disciple who was indoctrinated by a righteous sect.Tianyin Sect initially ignored the matter. It wasn’t until ten years later that the traitorous disciple was ambushed and killed during an outing. Only then did others realize Tianyin Sect had waited an entire decade to deal with the defector.

Lost in thought, Jiang Hao felt overwhelmed. He pushed aside his worries and focused on tending to the herbs.For now, his priority was to continue growing stronger and securing more trump cards.He couldn’t afford to advance his cultivation too quickly, but increasing his physical strength and foundational abilities seemed safe enough. Additionally, he could continue acquiring divine abilities.

After a while, Jiang Hao finished tending to the herbs and prepared to return to his room to cultivate.

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Just as he took a step, a soft voice called out behind him.

"Junior Brother."

Turning around, he saw Senior Sister Yun Ruo, her face slightly pale.

Seeing her, Jiang Hao felt a sinking feeling in his chest.

Previously, they had only met in the Spirit Herb Garden. Today, Yun Ruo had come to his residence.This was not a good sign.

"Senior Sister Yun Ruo, are you here for spiritual herbs?" Jiang Hao asked calmly.

"May I come inside to talk?" Yun Ruo smiled sweetly.

Jiang Hao internally refused but didn’t dare to show it. He couldn’t afford to alert her.

"Please, come in," he said, gesturing politely.

He remained vigilant. His intuition screamed that something was off. Letting his guard down now could be fatal.

Inside the room, Yun Ruo’s calm expression turned serious. She fixed her gaze on Jiang Hao and said,"Junior Brother, can I trust you?"

Then, as if doubting herself, she shook her head and corrected,"No, I should say you’re the only one I can trust."

"I’ve observed you for years and am certain you’re not a true member of the demonic path."

Hearing this, Jiang Hao was alarmed. Was she suspecting him of being a spy? Or was she trying to test him?

Feigning panic, he quickly lowered his head and explained,"Senior Sister, I was raised in Tianyin Sect. I have no other affiliations."

"I know," Yun Ruo replied. "But I also believe you don’t belong here. Your nature is unsuited for the demonic path.You should join a righteous sect, like the prestigious Luoxia Immortal Sect, which has a legacy spanning ten thousand years and is revered by the world."

Looking at Jiang Hao earnestly, Yun Ruo continued,"I know you long to leave the darkness and join the light. This is your best chance to do so."

"Senior Sister, could it be that you..." Jiang Hao stammered, feigning shock.

Indeed, he was somewhat surprised—Yun Ruo was truly a traitor.And now she wanted to drag him down with her.

"That’s correct," Yun Ruo admitted. "I am a true disciple of Luoxia Immortal Sect, here on a mission.The mission is complete, but I’ve been exposed at a critical moment. I had no choice but to come to you for help. I need you to hide what I’ve obtained and deliver it to my sect.

This is also your opportunity to join Luoxia Immortal Sect.My rewards will go to you. I know I won’t survive this, but I only ask that you complete my task."

Yun Ruo appeared resolute, as if prepared for death, her eyes pleading with Jiang Hao.

Her sincerity was moving, but Jiang Hao didn’t want to get involved.What if this was a trap?

"I understand your concerns," Yun Ruo said. "How about this: I’ll leave the item with you.If I die, you can decide whether to report me. I’ve already been exposed, and dragging you down serves no purpose for me."

As she spoke, Yun Ruo retrieved a jade pendant engraved with intricate symbols.One glance was enough to tell it wasn’t ordinary.

Jiang Hao frowned deeply. Accepting it would spell trouble. Refusing might provoke Yun Ruo to silence him.

Would a righteous disciple be as ruthless as a demonic one?

He couldn’t be sure. But one thing was certain—Yun Ruo smelled divine.

"Junior Brother?" Yun Ruo bit her lip, her pitiful expression making her seem trustworthy.

For a moment, Jiang Hao felt compelled to trust her.But just as he reached out for the jade pendant, his instincts screamed at him to stop.

In a flash of inspiration, he activated his divine ability, Daily Appraisal.

"Appraise Senior Sister Yun Ruo."