Fang Cheng accepted the treasures bestowed by Su Miao. Under the Supreme Elder’s gaze, he pondered for a moment before saying, "Grandmaster, I have a clue regarding the identity of that mysterious nun..."

He then explained what he knew about the history of the Demon Buddha and the characteristics of their cultivation techniques.

He didn’t mention how he had come by this information, and Su Miao didn’t ask.

After listening, Su Miao let out a long sigh. "To think such an expert exists in the world. I’ve been too narrow-minded, like a frog in a well. If what you say is true, then the disciples of this Demon Buddha lineage have coveted our Yinluo Sect for a long time. They likely intend to throw the Cultivation Realm into chaos, leaving our major sects unable to fend for themselves. Then, they can lure the Celestial Demons down to corrupt the Mortal World and reap the benefits."

"For the sake of profit, men will scale the highest mountains and plumb the deepest abyss."

Fang Cheng deeply agreed.

Su Miao said, "I am now aware of this matter. For now, you need not worry about it. Go and focus on your cultivation."

Fang Cheng bowed in thanks once more and took his leave.

He left the Bone Daoist Palace and flew on his escape light to Celestial City Peak, heading straight for the Merit Pavilion.

Years ago, he had Die’Er post a bounty in the Merit Pavilion for Geng Metal Profound Silkworm Threads, but unfortunately, there had been no takers to this day.

Since he was on Celestial City Peak today and had just received a large amount of merit, it was the perfect opportunity to repost the bounty.

The Merit Pavilion, located on the mountainside of Celestial City Peak, was a towering and magnificent structure. Built against the mountain, it was a unique and beautiful complex composed of hundreds of smaller, independent pavilions and Immortal Residences.

To one side of the Merit Pavilion stood a colossal tree that seemed to pierce the sky, its branches lush and its leaves dense.

Within its canopy were hundreds of golden leaves that were especially eye-catching.

Upon closer inspection, one would find that these golden leaves were covered in writing; they were all sect missions.

Compared to the missions in the Outer Sect Merit Hall, the tasks here were significantly more difficult, having been posted by Inner Sect Disciples, True Disciples, Inner Sect Elders, and even Peak Masters.

The greater the merit reward for a mission, the higher its corresponding golden leaf was placed in the canopy.

Many Inner Sect and True Disciples stood beneath the tree. Others flew in and out of the Merit Pavilion, their escape lights constantly rising and falling in a bustle of activity.

Fang Cheng scanned the tree and quickly found the task he had Die’Er post all those years ago, the one to acquire Geng Metal Profound Silkworm Threads, located about halfway up the canopy.

He beckoned with his hand, and the golden leaf flew down to him, landing in his palm.

He briefly extended his senses and located the energy signature of a specific Immortal Residence within the Merit Pavilion. He then floated up and entered it.

Inside the Immortal Residence sat an Inner Sect Disciple on duty. When she saw someone enter, she lifted her beautiful eyes toward the doorway.

She was tall and slender, dressed in a long purple gown. With almond eyes and rosy cheeks, she possessed an air of refined elegance, like an orchid in a secluded valley. Her beauty was stunning.

Seeing Fang Cheng walk in, she let out a soft gasp of surprise, quickly rising to her feet. She smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Fang, what brings you here?"

This woman was none other than Inner Sect Disciple Chen Yu Yan.

Fang Cheng hadn’t expected to see her on duty, either. "What a coincidence," he remarked.

As old acquaintances, they exchanged a few pleasantries before Chen Yu Yan invited him to take a seat inside the Immortal Residence and served him Spirit Tea.

The Immortal Residence was quite spacious, its interior elegantly and serenely furnished, creating a very comfortable atmosphere.

"I haven’t had the chance to thank you in person for saving my life in the Earth Abyss." Gratitude shone in Chen Yu Yan’s eyes as she continued with a smile, "If you hadn’t stepped in, I’m afraid I would have perished long ago on the third level of the Earth Abyss."

Fang Cheng replied calmly, "It was no trouble at all. Please, Fellow Daoist Chen, think nothing of it."

Chen Yu Yan took the Fire Crow Gourd from her storage bag. "Fellow Daoist Fang," she said softly, "it’s time this Magical Artifact was returned to its rightful owner. To be honest, I’ve been meaning to visit Demon Lion Peak to return it, but I’ve been so tied up with other things that I never managed to make the trip."

This Fire Crow Gourd was something Fang Cheng had acquired from a Flame God Palace Cultivator back when he was in the Sensing Realm. It was merely a Second-Order Lower Grade Magical Artifact, an item he could easily do without.

He smiled. "Fellow Daoist Chen, you’re being too formal. This treasure is of no use to me. Please, keep it for yourself."

A blush crept onto Chen Yu Yan’s face. She let out a soft sigh and said, "If that’s the case, then I won’t be polite."

This Second-Order Lower Grade Magical Artifact was worth at least ten thousand Spirit Stones.

For many Inner Sect Disciples, that was still a significant sum.

There might be plenty of Spirit Stones in the world, but unfortunately, there were far more poor people.

After a bit more small talk, Fang Cheng stated the purpose of his visit.

He took out the golden leaf. "The reward for this task was set a little low back then. I’d like to repost it. Could you please handle that for me?"

Chen Yu Yan extended a slender, pale hand to accept the golden leaf. On it was written: "Acquiring one catty of Geng Metal Profound Silkworm Threads, Reward: 35,000 merit."

She looked up at Fang Cheng. "How would you like to change it, Fellow Daoist?"

Fang Cheng said casually, "One million merit for Geng Metal Profound Silkworm Threads. The more, the better. Price negotiable."

Chen Yu Yan froze, a look of astonishment on her face. "Fellow Daoist Fang," she said, "to post a task, the merit has to be deducted from your Identity Token in advance..."

Fang Cheng took out his Identity Token and handed it to her. "Thank you for your trouble."

Chen Yu Yan took his Identity Token and probed it with her Divine Sense. She was stunned by the astonishing amount of merit it contained. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

She took a deep breath, took out the Jade Ruyi used for her duties, and changed the text on the golden leaf. Then, she transferred one million merit from Fang Cheng’s Identity Token.

Even after that, the remaining balance on the Identity Token was still over 180,000 merit.

Fang Cheng added, "If someone comes to complete the task, you can acquire the Geng Metal Profound Silkworm Threads at a rate of five thousand to ten thousand merit per tael. The more, the better."