Wang Hong learned from Zhang Chunfeng that Wang Yi had gained quite a reputation on the eastern frontlines over the years.

Wang Yi had once ventured into the heart of the Beast Tide, armed with just a single sword, and managed to save a female cultivator from the Taihao Sect by defeating thousands of Demonic Beasts.

He had also engaged in a relentless battle with a third-tier Demonic Beast for a whole day and night, holding his ground with just his sword.

Wang Yi was hailed as the top Foundation Building cultivator on the eastern frontlines.

Upon hearing about Wang Yi's remarkable feats on the battlefield, Wang Hong felt no joy but rather frustration. He feared that Wang Yi might act recklessly and disregard his own safety.

"Furthermore, many new talents have emerged on the eastern frontlines, and they have gained great prestige among Foundation Building cultivators," Zhang Chunfeng continued, introducing Wang Hong to the names, backgrounds, and cultivation techniques of these rising stars.

However, he didn't mention that he was one of them.

"Oh, by the way, you mentioned that Wang Yi risked his life to save a female cultivator from the midst of thousands of Demonic Beasts. What kind of relationship do they have?" At this point, Wang Hong's curiosity got the better of him, wondering if Wang Yi had found himself a future sister-in-law.

"I have had the fortune of meeting this female cultivator once. It seems her relationship with our younger brother is quite special. Based on appearances, it aligns with what Elder Brother had speculated," Zhang Chunfeng replied with a knowing smile, fully aware of Wang Hong's thoughts.

"That kid has learned quickly in that regard. I remember when he was a child, he vowed not to marry to avoid someone stealing his chicken drumsticks," Wang Hong couldn't help but recall Wang Yi's childhood determination not to marry to safeguard his chicken drumsticks.

"By the way, do you know how our Master is doing now? Has he returned?" Wang Hong inquired about Gu Qingyang, who had gone to the battlefield. He felt the need to pay his respects as a disciple if Gu Qingyang had returned to the Qingxu Sect.

"Master Gu risked himself to protect many Qingxu Sect disciples during their retreat. He single-handedly faced two third-tier Demonic Beasts and sustained some injuries. At that time, he and another Golden Core cultivator held off four third-tier Demonic Beasts and tens of thousands of lower-tier Demonic Beasts to buy time for us Foundation Building cultivators to escape," Zhang Chunfeng recounted, a deep respect evident in his voice.

"Afterward, both Golden Core cultivators returned, looking quite battered. Rumor has it they were both injured," Zhang Chunfeng added, his tone filled with admiration.

"Since Master has returned, as his disciple, it's only right and proper for me to pay my respects," Wang Hong remarked as he prepared some offerings for his Master. With thirty of his subordinates in tow, he left the Mountain Valley base alongside Zhang Chunfeng.

These days, Treasure Hunters were becoming rare on the roads, but the wilderness had become more dangerous. Both Demon Clans had started infiltrating the East Zhou Cultivation Realm, and various Demonic Beasts now roamed freely.

Without the strength of dozens of Foundation Building cultivators, leaving their strongholds was virtually impossible. Moreover, this was just the beginning, as more and more Demonic Beasts were expected to enter the East Zhou Cultivation Realm.

At this point, no one was thinking about driving the Demonic Beasts out of the Cultivation World anymore. Their main goal was simply to survive.

Each faction had retreated to their respective bases, with everyone focusing on their own problems.

Due to the withdrawal of many cultivators from both the eastern and western fronts, the strength of various small and medium-sized factions had increased significantly, and their defensive capabilities had also improved greatly.

Wang Hong and Zhang Chunfeng returned to their sect, encountering several waves of Demonic Beasts on the way, ranging from dozens to hundreds or even thousands. Most of these Demonic Beasts were first-tier, with a few second-tier ones among them.

The route they traveled was mostly within the territory of the Qingxu Sect, and there were usually squads of cultivators responsible for hunting and killing these Demonic Beasts, so the numbers were relatively manageable.

Upon returning to the sect, Wang Hong first paid his respects to Master Gu Qingyang.

"Disciple Wang Hong pays respects to Master!"

When Wang Hong saw Gu Qingyang, he immediately bowed respectfully.

"Not bad, your strength has improved, and this time you saved Xuan'er and Wei'er. Do you have any specific rewards in mind?" Gu Qingyang asked.

"Master, you're too kind. This was my duty as a disciple," Wang Hong replied humbly.

Gu Qingyang stroked his beard and seemed satisfied with Wang Hong's response.

"Since you've achieved merit, it's only right to reward you. Since you can't decide, how about this: I'll make a decision for you. You should know about Heishi Valley. Inside Mountain Valley, there's a hidden medium-sized Spirit Vein. Right now, I have no use for it, so why not reward Heishi Valley to you?"

Gu Qingyang had been deeply impressed by Wang Hong's ability to gather so many followers. As a Golden Core cultivator, he knew how challenging it was to recruit so many subordinates. Heishi Valley had become redundant for him, and he couldn't afford to guard it for the sake of low-tier resources. By giving it to Wang Hong, he could also gain favor, and Wang Hong was the only one with the strength to protect the medium-sized Spirit Vein within Heishi Valley.

Wang Hong was surprised by Gu Qingyang's willingness to give him Heishi Valley. It contained a medium-sized Spirit Vein, enough to establish a medium-sized sect.

"Thank you, Master, for your generous gift! I heard that Master was injured during this time. I happened to acquire a healing pill, though it's only a second-tier pill. Perhaps it might be of some help to Master."

After speaking, Wang Hong handed over a bottle of Hanyu Pill. Although he had more effective Jade Essence Pills, he dared not take them out, so he offered this pill instead.

Third-tier pills were quite rare in the Cultivation World, and some Golden Core cultivators had no access to healing pills. They had to rely on their cultivation levels to slowly heal.

Wang Hong didn't want anything to happen to Gu Qingyang. After all, having a Golden Core cultivator as support made things much easier within the sect.

Gu Qingyang took the pill bottle, poured out a pill, and carefully examined it.

"This pill seems to have some effect on me. You are considerate. What is the name of this pill? I've never seen it before."

Gu Qingyang could sense that this pill would be of significant help to his injuries.

"Master, this pill is called Hanyu Pill. It was acquired by chance," Wang Hong replied.

"You are filial indeed. This pill is extraordinary, and I gratefully accept it. I also have one more request for you," Gu Qingyang said as he put away the pill bottle.

"What would you like me to do, Master?"

"Well, you know Gu Wei's temperament, and my lifespan is not very long. I want him to follow you and gain more experience. You can include him among your subordinates and have him assist you."

Gu Wei had poor spiritual roots, and Gu Qingyang wanted to provide him with an alternative path since his own lifespan was limited.

"Master, my base is often in dangerous places."

"It's okay. Just let him accompany you in battles, and even if something happens, I won't hold you responsible."

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