Seeing Steward Zhang suddenly arrive, Alaric Ye and the other two were slightly taken aback, then quickly stood up and respectfully greeted her, "Greetings, Steward Zhang."

Steward Zhang smiled and nodded.

"No need for formalities. Alaric Ye, your mission this time has been thoroughly investigated. Zhou Yuan's betrayal of the sect and fall into the Demonic Path is irrefutable. You killed Zhou Yuan and the demonic cultivators from the Abstruse Dark Sect, saving more than a dozen fellow disciples and many mortals. For this, you have earned a Class D merit."

"According to sect rules, those who achieve Class D merit are rewarded with five bottles of Gathering Qi Pills, five hundred Spirit Stones, and one top-grade artifact. You can collect these rewards from the Treasure Pavilion."

"Here are the Universe Bags from Zhou Yuan and the demonic cultivators of the Abstruse Dark Sect. The Corpse Control Bell and the Hundred Ghost Banner have also been handed over to the sect for proper handling."

As she spoke, Steward Zhang handed over two Universe Bags.

Alaric Ye accepted the bags, feeling overjoyed. For the past year, he had been scraping by, relying on selling top-grade Snow Silkworm Silk to get Spirit Stones, which were quickly spent on his five Spirit Insects and himself. But thanks to this mission and lending out Little Blue, his wallet had finally fattened up.

"Indeed, staying home and cultivating won't make you rich."

Aside from improving his cultivation and the strength of his Spirit Insects, Alaric Ye's biggest goal was naturally to make money!

Steward Zhang continued, "That Semicentury Pill, after being identified by the sect's senior alchemists, is not a genuine Semicentury Pill but a failed pill. Even if you swallow it, it won't extend your lifespan by more than a few years and will cause pill poison backlash. At worst, it could lead to immediate death, so don't consume it recklessly."

At this point, Steward Zhang showed a slight sneer.

"I knew it. The Abstruse Dark Sect wouldn't be so kind as to give Zhou Yuan a genuine Semicentury Pill. Genuine Semicentury Pills are incredibly precious!"

Alaric Ye couldn't help but sigh. He hadn't expected that Zhou Yuan, after taking such a huge risk and falling into the Demonic Path, sacrificing the lives of over a dozen junior brothers and sisters, would end up with a failed Semicentury Pill.

A failed pill is the product of an alchemist's failure. It has some medicinal effects but is heavily toxic, something even dogs wouldn't eat.

While sighing, Alaric Ye also felt a bit disappointed.

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He had hoped to acquire a high-quality Semicentury Pill, sell it for a fortune, and not worry about Spirit Stones for years. But clearly, he had been too optimistic.

Semicentury Pills are mid-grade Profound-level pills, only alchemists at the Golden Elixir stage can refine them. Each ingredient must be over a thousand years old, making them extremely precious. Swallowing one can extend anyone's life by sixty years, making it highly sought after by mortal emperors and cultivators alike.

Seeing Alaric Ye's disappointment, Steward Zhang smiled and said, "Even though it's a failed Semicentury Pill, it's not entirely useless. You can auction it off at the market and probably get seven to eight hundred Spirit Stones."

Alaric Ye was taken aback and asked, "Isn't this failed pill something even dogs wouldn't eat? After all, consuming it could lead to immediate death."

Steward Zhang sighed, "Indeed, it could lead to immediate death. But if one survives the pill poison, they could live a few more years, maybe even over a decade if they're lucky. Imagine, when your lifespan is nearing its end, and you have a failed pill that could extend your life by a few years, would you take it or not?"

Alaric Ye's eyes lit up, "Thank you for the guidance, Steward Zhang. I understand now."

Steward Zhang sternly added, "There are some demonic cultivation techniques in the storage rings of the Abstruse Dark Sect's demonic cultivators. You can look at them to broaden your knowledge, but remember not to cultivate them. Violating sect rules will leave you beyond saving!"

Alaric Ye nodded, "Rest assured, the Demonic Sect's techniques are too vile. I wouldn't cultivate them even if given to me."

Steward Zhang continued, "However, rules are dead, and people are alive. Some demonic arts are beneficial to oneself and harmless to the world. The enforcement team may turn a blind eye to such cases. You must learn to judge for yourself."

Alaric Ye, Zachary Song, and Elijah Wang were all slightly taken aback.

They hadn't expected such nuances. Indeed, the older, the wiser.

The three of them respectfully bowed to Steward Zhang, expressing their gratitude.

Steward Zhang smiled and nodded, "Additionally, the Peak Master has taken notice of your deeds and has decided to include you in the key disciples of Spirit Beast Peak ahead of schedule. The Inner Sect disciple assessment will be held in two months, and the Peak Master has ordered you to pass the assessment and become an Inner Sect disciple."

Alaric Ye respectfully replied, "Understood. I've heard from my two friends that there will be an exchange battle between our sect and the Sky Above Sect disciples in a few days. I wonder..."

Steward Zhang smiled, "Even if you don't sign up, I'll drag you there. This exchange battle is a great opportunity to boost the reputation of our Spirit Beast Peak. If you perform well, the Peak Master will surely reward you. Do you understand?"

Alaric Ye quickly replied, "I understand. I will prepare with all my might and uphold the honor of Spirit Beast Peak!"

"Good child." The more Steward Zhang looked at Alaric Ye, the more she liked him. She even reached out to pat his head, making Alaric Ye blush.

He always thought he was a grown man now, but in Steward Zhang's eyes, he was still a child.

Steward Zhang said, "I will notify you to gather in nine days. The exchange battle will be held at the Top Xuan Sect's Grand Plaza in ten days. Not only will thousands of sect members watch, but also the Sky Above Sect's audience and some disciples from the Taiji Sect. The Sky Above Sect has recruited many young Chosen in recent years. Your current strength is decent, but don't underestimate your opponents."

After saying that, she turned into a streak of spiritual light and flew into the clouds.

"Farewell, Steward Zhang."

The three of them bowed again.

If it were any other steward, they would have left without much fuss. But Steward Zhang commanded great respect and had a special fondness for Alaric Ye, making him feel warm inside. Even Elijah Wang and Zachary Song felt a bit envious.

Though they had their own masters, their masters weren't as kind.

Elijah Wang glanced at the Universe Bag in Alaric Ye's hand, "Why not take this chance to see what's inside? If there are any beneficial and harmless demonic arts, we wouldn't mind paying a price to take a look."

"Besides, even in our sect, there's safety in numbers. The more people who cultivate together, the safer it is."

Alaric Ye nodded.

"If there are any, I'll let you see them."

Zachary Song also showed interest.

Elijah Wang and Zachary Song had always looked out for Alaric Ye. Perhaps initially because of his mysterious background and exceptional talent, but now their friendship ran deep. Alaric Ye wouldn't keep such good things to himself.

Without hesitation, he let his blood drip onto the Universe Bag from the Abstruse Dark Sect's demonic cultivator. With a thought, he transferred all the items inside the bag onto the ground.

Seeing the pile of items, the three of them blushed slightly.

Elijah Wang remarked, "As expected, demonic cultivators are much more open-minded... We righteous cultivators can't compare."