Chapter 185: The Dark Ridge Abyssal Clan
Gu Lan did not make any grand promises, nor did he disclose the specific whereabouts of the Gathering Spirit-Reviving Herb.
After all, revealing such information to Daoist Yunlong served no purpose. In the realm of immortals, which belonged to the upper world,
Daoist Yunlong's current strength was inadequate to navigate it as effortlessly as he did in the mortal realm.
Telling him would only add unnecessary complications.
It would be better to personally visit the immortal realm, locate the Gathering Spirit-Reviving Herb, and then bring the good news to Daoist Yunlong.
Giving false hope would only lead to disappointment, and under such emotional fluctuations, Daoist Yunlong might not be able to withstand it.
It was better to lower his expectations initially and inform him later, once the Gathering Spirit-Reviving Herb was found.
Gu Lan had already made up his mind.
After all, he would eventually have to visit the immortal realm, especially since the headquarters of the Blissful Immortal Palace was still there, and this connection needed clarification.
In the immortal realm, the rarity of the Gathering Spirit-Reviving Herb in the mortal realm might be commonplace.
At this moment, Daoist Zhongren emerged from the scripture repository, and upon seeing Daoist Yunlong, he was initially surprised but quickly bowed, "Disciple pays respects to Yunlong!"
Daoist Yunlong's expression softened, and after a contented glance, he nodded, "Zhongren, always remember, stay close to Consecrator, reducing the celestial condemnation force on you. In our sect, leaking Mysteries can lead to divine retribution."
"Disciple will remember!"
Seeing the matter settled, Gu Lan smiled and said, "Daoist, we shall take our leave."
"Go ahead!"
Back in the capital, Zhongren was puzzled as to why his elder brother was so eager for information about the Yin God Palace and why the urgency seemed to have faded.
Gu Lan, sensing his confusion, explained, "The information I wanted to know has already been revealed by your master."
Zhongren nodded in understanding, refraining from further inquiry.
...
[You have read Secrets of the Mortal Realm and gained a reward of a hundred years of cultivation, an imperial-grade treasure—the Queen's Sword.]
[You have read Records of War, gaining a reward of ten years of cultivation, an imperial-grade treasure—the Thousand Mechanisms Umbrella.]
[You have read Heaven's Appraisal of Treasures, gaining a reward of a hundred years of cultivation, a royal-grade treasure—the Fallen Treasure Copper Coin (imitation).]
Though Zhongren did not provide clarity, he brought numerous ancient books from the mysteries repository.
Gu Lan, after perusing them, obtained several rewards.
Apart from cultivation benefits, the most significant gains were these artifacts, mostly royal and imperial-grade.
Inspired, Gu Lan returned to the Misty Rain Building.
The two golden mountains had disappeared, likely divided among Li Xiong and the others.
"Lord!"
Li Xiong was the first to greet Gu Lan.
Not concealing his whereabouts, Gu Lan quickly sensed Li Xiong's awareness of his arrival.
Gu Lan nodded, pleased with his adaptability.
"Take these treasures and distribute them. As my subordinates, you need adequate self-defense items. It would not be acceptable otherwise."
With a wave of his hand, a plethora of artifacts flew out, forming a small mountain, much like the previous golden ones.
These artifacts were mostly imperial or royal-grade.
While they may not be of significant use to Gu Lan, who was well-off, giving them to Li Xiong and others as rewards seemed more fitting.
Li Xiong's eyes widened, witnessing the abundance of artifacts emitting powerful spiritual fluctuations.
These treasures were undoubtedly exceptional!
Never had he seen so many high-quality artifacts gathered in one place!
Gu Lan noticed Li Xiong's awe and casually tossed another artifact in his direction.
Li Xiong hurriedly caught it, his eyes widening even more.
"This... This is!"
"Peak immortal-grade artifact—Absolute Immortal Golden Bone Bow, paired with five absolute immortal arrows. Suitable for cultivators of Immortal-grade and below, almost guaranteeing a one-shot kill."
Gu Lan wore a faint smile as he spoke casually.
Astounding! Too damn astounding! Lord, tonight, please don't treat me as a mere mortal...
Li Xiong's eyes were fixated on Absolute Immortal Golden Bone Bow, unable to look away.
He knelt on the ground, a regretful expression on his face.
This caliber of artifact surpassed anything he had ever owned.
Even the treasures he had obtained through hard work were just pinnacle imperial-grade bows and arrows.
"Thank you, Lord, for the bestowed treasures! From now on, whether it's going up the knife-edge mountain or down the sea of fire if Li Xiong disobeys even a little, I'll willingly die under this Absolute Immortal Golden Bone Bow!"
Li Xiong pledged sincerely. His face was full of sincerity.
In the process of power enhancement, these renegades were now completely loyal.
After all, Gu Lan not only rewarded him with peak Immortal-grade treasures but also a multitude of imperial and royal-grade artifacts for Misty Rain Building's members.
Every one of them knelt down in gratitude.
Gu Lan could sense their genuine loyalty.
Although they had already been submissive when he bought Misty Rain Building with the golden mountains, it was only now, with the bestowal of countless treasures, that Misty Rain Building truly surrendered their unwavering loyalty.
Starting with Li Xiong, everyone, from top to bottom, followed Gu Lan's commands without question.
"By the way, Lord, if you are eager to expand your influence, you might consider going to the Dark Ridge. There exists a mysterious race called the Abyssal Clan!"
Li Xiong, now standing, earnestly advised, "Compared to ordinary people like us, the Abyssal Clan is born assassins!"
Gu Lan pondered, thinking that having more forces under his command wouldn't hurt.
After all, the future adversaries were unknown, and having individuals with exceptional talents would be beneficial.
If the Abyssal Clan was as mysterious as Li Xiong described, it might be the same as mentioned in the original work... and he didn't mind taking a trip there.
"You are considerate. If I have the opportunity, I'll visit the Dark Ridge soon," he told Li Xiong.
Li Xiong nodded, having made the suggestion, it was now up to his lord to decide. Read latest stories on empire
Seeing Gu Lan's response, he respectfully withdrew.
Gu Lan also left the Misty Rain Building.
This group of assassins doubled as an intelligence organization and would undoubtedly prove useful in the future.
As for the Abyssal Clan mentioned by Li Xiong, it piqued his interest because one of the individuals mentioned in the original work...