Chapter 215: Five Hundred Thousand Taels of Red Gold—Or Die!

Qilin Wu Ling?

Chen Mu frowned in confusion.

He knew the specific effects of Shen Yuan Dan and Di Yuan Dan.

But he had never heard of this "Qilin Wu Ling" before.

Although it was his first time hearing of it, anything awarded as the prize for the champion of the Dragon-Tiger Wind and Cloud Gathering by Wudicheng could not be ordinary.

Thinking of this, Chen Mu respectfully asked, "Manager Zhao, could you please explain the mystery of this 'Qilin Wu Ling'?"

Zhao Guangji's face showed a hint of surprise. "You don't know? Didn't the Town-Wardens mention it to you?"

Logically, disciples from such major forces should be familiar with these top-tier resources.

Chen Mu replied frankly, "I won't hide it from Manager Zhao—the seniors in the office expected me merely to make the top three as a victory."

He spoke calmly, but Zhao Guangji first froze, then couldn't help laughing and shaking his head.

"Hah! It seems even the Town-Wardens didn't expect you to sweep the championship outright."

After laughing, Zhao Guangji's expression turned serious. "This token is the key to entering the 'Qilin Wu Ku,' and it represents an invaluable slot."

"Qilin Wu Ku?" Chen Mu's gaze sharpened.

"Precisely."

Zhao Guangji nodded. "This martial repository was left behind by an ancient End Era ten-thousand-phenomenon realm expert known as the Qilin Wu Zun. It opens only once every hundred years and has been passed down for thousands of years."

He paused, then continued, "When first discovered, the repository indeed held countless divine weapons and miraculous pills. But over thousands of years, all those physical treasures have long since been taken by predecessors."

"Now, the most precious thing within the Wu Ku is the supreme martial intent left by the Qilin Wu Zun, and the martial principles he forged from his lifetime of learning, synthesizing the essence of thousands of martial arts, and imprinting onto the walls and Shi Zhu of the cave!"

"These intents and principles are priceless to martial artists below the Prefecture Realm whose own martial paths have not yet fully solidified!"

"If one can enter and contemplate them, even grasping a fraction of their essence is enough to benefit one's entire life, offering immeasurable aid to one's future martial path!"

"Precisely because of this, the 'Qilin Wu Ling' is fiercely sought after by martial artists across the land. But the number of tokens is limited, and most remain in the hands of ancient, millennia-old factions."

"Wudicheng receives only two slots every hundred years. To award one as the champion's prize this time shows the city lord's grandeur and his high regard for you."

Zhao Guangji looked at Chen Mu, speaking with solemn weight. "Young friend, you must cherish this opportunity!"

Chen Mu was shaken—never had he imagined this token was tied to the legacy of a ten-thousand-phenomenon realm expert!

Immediately, he rose solemnly and bowed deeply to Zhao Guangji. "Thank you, Manager Zhao, for your explanation. Chen Mu will not fail to live up to Wudicheng's generous gift!"

Zhao Guangji nodded in satisfaction and offered Chen Mu a few more words of encouragement.

Just before leaving the inn, he said cheerfully, "Young friend, feel free to stay in Wudicheng a few more days. If you need any help, just come find me."

Hearing this, Chen Mu's mind stirred—he remembered Lu Ziyi, who had vanished without a trace.

After a moment's hesitation, he spoke up. "Manager Zhao, I do have a favor to ask."

"Oh? Go ahead."

"I have a friend who is from the Baihuo Sect. After parting from me in Wudicheng, she vanished and has been unheard of for half a month. I am deeply worried—could you please help me inquire about any recent movements or whereabouts of the Baihuo Sect?" Chen Mu's tone was earnest.

Zhao Guangji paused briefly, then readily agreed. "Baihuo Sect? Fine. This won't be hard. I'll have news for you within two days at the latest."

"Thank you, Manager Zhao!"

Chen Mu thanked him again and personally saw Zhao Guangji out of the inn.

Normally, such information could be bought from the Hero Hall.

But unfortunately, there was no Hero Hall branch in Wudicheng.

It wasn't that the Hero Hall didn't want to set up shop—it was that Wudicheng wouldn't allow it!

All martial schools, clans, merchant guilds, and escort agencies in Wudicheng were founded by descendants of Wudicheng's original founders.

Outsiders simply could not establish themselves within the city.

Lu Ziyi's safety was at stake—information was paramount.

With Zhao Guangji's help, success would be twice as easy.

The next afternoon.

Someone indeed came to the inn and handed Chen Mu a sealed letter with red wax.

"Champion Chen, this is what Manager Zhao ordered me to deliver."

"Thank you, brother!"

Chen Mu quickly thanked him, saw the man off, then eagerly broke the seal.

The letter's content was brief, but it made Chen Mu frown deeply.

It stated that the Baihuo Sect had indeed run into trouble—now being hunted down by another faction, the Chi Jiao Hui, suspected of stealing a vital treasure from them.

The latest known movements of both sides were reported in Changlin Prefecture, over two hundred li northwest of Wudicheng.

"Chi Jiao Hui… Changlin Prefecture…"

Chen Mu tucked the letter away, lost in thought.

Lu Ziyi's disappearance was indeed no simple matter.

With Lu Ziyi's safety at stake, Chen Mu wasted no more time—he packed his belongings and quietly left Wudicheng, heading northwest at full speed.

Yet, just thirty li beyond the city, as he passed through a secluded forest, a figure suddenly appeared like a ghost, blocking his path.

The man stood tall, his face cold and stern, his eyes like hooks, locked firmly on Chen Mu.

It was Cao Shaozu—the third-place finisher in the final round of the Dragon-Tiger Wind and Cloud Gathering, who had lost to Chen Mu's "Shi," held out for seven days and seven nights, and finally collapsed unconscious in defeat.

Beneath the shaded roadside trees, the atmosphere tightened instantly.

Chen Mu, seeing Cao Shaozu standing before him, his aura coiled and ready, instantly raised his guard to the utmost.

He stopped, voice low. "Brother Cao? Why are you blocking my way?"

"Not blocking—I have something to discuss."

Cao Shaozu forced a smile. "Brother Chen, you won the championship—surely you've already received the 'Qilin Wu Ling' as your prize? I've long desired this token. Could you part with it? I'll pay you five hundred thousand taels of silver!"

Hearing this, Chen Mu finally understood.

So that's how it is!

Given Cao Shaozu's status as the head of the Twelfth Month Altar of the "All-Under-Heaven Society," ordinary rewards would hardly catch his eye; his true goal in joining this Dragon-Tiger Storm Gathering was always this token that grants entry to the "Qilin Armory."

The "Qilin Armory" holds the martial essence of the Ten Thousand Phenomena Realm, a great opportunity to lay the foundation of one's martial path—its value cannot be measured in gold.

Never mind other things.

The other half of the "Two Yin-Yang Sword Qi" technique—Chen Mu might be able to deduce and complete it after entering the Armory!

Thinking of this,

Chen Mu looked calmly at Cao Shaozu, slowly shook his head, and said firmly, "This token is the prize for the gathering's champion, bestowed by Wudicheng—how could it be given away so lightly? Brother Cao, please leave."

Cao Shaozu's face darkened instantly. He suppressed his fury, gritted his teeth, and said, "Chen Mu, I know you don't lack ordinary wealth. If you hand over the token, I'll offer ten thousand taels of crimson gold!"

Crimson gold?

This stuff is even more valuable than gold.

Ten thousand taels of crimson gold is nearly equivalent to one million taels of silver!

But to Chen Mu, gold meant far less than his own strength.

"No."

Chen Mu's reply remained brief and resolute, showing not the slightest wavering.

Repeatedly rebuffed, the last shred of patience in Cao Shaozu's eyes vanished, replaced by surging, overwhelming killing intent!

His true energy began to surge uncontrollably, his robes stirring without wind.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Cao Shaozu uttered three "goods" in succession, his voice icy and piercing, "If that's how it is, don't blame me for not giving you a chance!"