Chapter 16: Lavish Rewards Offered

With Lady Xingyao’s narration, the entire sequence of events became clear.

Feng Qianning first went to Overturning Sea Cavern’s Turbid Wave Shoal, where she stole the Wind-Stabilizing Pearl and other treasures from the notorious demon lord Xuan Cang, known as the “River-Devouring Demon Marquis.” Arrogantly, she left a message on the vault wall: “The one who has taken the Wind-Stabilizing Pearl—Feng Qianning, Saintess of Luotian!” Lady Xingyao even displayed a drawing of this inscription at the scene, and upon seeing the elegant handwriting, Qin Yue’s doubts were dispelled—it matched perfectly with the writing on the stone tablet currently in his satchel.

Next, Feng Qianning went to Eternal Peak’s Broken Spine Gorge, where she stole the Alchemizing Gourd and several other treasures and rare spirit medicines from the Ghost Commander of Lieshan. Like a newcomer to the martial world eager to make a name for herself, she also brazenly left her mark on the wall.

When she reached the Scorched Heaven Swamp, she happened to arrive just as the demon king Windshriek returned from an outing. Her attempt failed, and while she was being chased, she spotted a flying vessel from the Zhaoyang Sect heading to the Thousand-Mile Icefield and, without warning, made a bold move against them.

Inside the vessel, the inner disciples of Zhaoyang Sect mistakenly believed the demon Windshriek chasing Feng Qianning was also their enemy. Terrified, they launched an indiscriminate attack against both Feng Qianning and Windshriek. For reasons unknown—perhaps the fickleness of demonkind—Windshriek abandoned the pursuit of Feng Qianning and instead unleashed a ferocious assault on the Zhaoyang disciples. Over half the crew perished or were grievously wounded, and the survivors fled for their lives. Feng Qianning quietly slipped away in the chaos, disappearing without a trace.

After this incident, both the Beast Demon Valley and Zhaoyang Sect were enraged. Xuan Cang and Cinderclaw, the two demon kings, swore to bring this audacious woman to justice at all costs and also demanded an explanation from Luotian Sect. Windshriek, having suffered no real loss and having killed many Zhaoyang disciples by “mistake,” graciously declared an end to the matter on his part.

The Zhaoyang Sect, struck by calamity out of the blue, was nearly driven mad with fury. They had set out joyfully to harvest Ice Lotuses beneath the Frozen Abyss in the Thousand-Mile Icefield—reportedly a bumper crop this year—only to nearly face total annihilation. Now, they protested to the Beast Demon Valley, demanding Windshriek be brought to account, and simultaneously warned Luotian Sect to hand over the culprit.

Yet neither Beast Demon Valley nor Luotian Sect paid much heed to Zhaoyang Sect. Though Zhaoyang Sect was hailed as the world’s foremost sect, it maintained a strict non-interference pact with Beast Demon Valley—mutual wariness at its core. As long as Windshriek remained on his own turf, there was little Zhaoyang Sect could do. Luotian Sect, as a demonic faction, cared even less; they were sworn enemies of Zhaoyang to begin with, and whenever disciples encountered each other, it was a fight to the death.

“Now that everyone understands the situation, let me explain the tasks and bounties issued by Beast Demon Valley and Zhaoyang Sect,” Lady Xingyao said gently, gazing at those assembled in the hall. “Feng Qianning is gravely wounded. Both parties are convinced she is still hiding somewhere within Beast Demon Valley.”

“After conferring with the other demon lords and kings, Xuan Cang and Cinderclaw have issued a three-month bounty. For this period, the Beast Demon Valley is open to all. The demon lords and kings will restrain their followers from attacking any entrants, and likewise, none may harm the valley’s demons.”

“To demonstrate their sincerity, during these three months, all minerals and herbs in the valley are free for collection by anyone who enters!”

The eyes of the crowd in the hall lit up instantly. Stretching over three thousand miles north to south, the Beast Demon Valley produced rare and exceptional medicinal herbs unknown to the human world, along with precious metals and minerals that demon cultivators cared little for. The reason Xingyao Manor had risen to fame in a few short years was precisely because it brokered these unique products.

Yet the prices were often beyond what ordinary cultivators could afford. Now, with three months of “free access”… Should this news spread, it would not only shake the Northlands but all of Shenzhou.

It was likely that even the major sects among the Ten Sacred Lands would dispatch their top experts. Observing the excitement in the hall, Lady Xingyao smiled. “Anyone who discovers Feng Qianning’s whereabouts and reports it to either of the two demon kings—after confirmation—will receive a thousand taels of gold, a hundred supreme medicinal plants, and be honored as a distinguished guest of Beast Demon Valley, granted permanent, unrestricted access! As a show of good faith, all participants will receive a hundred taels of silver up front as travel expense…”

The entire hall buzzed with excitement. People like Chang Jun, the deputy leader of the Silver Eagle Gang, whose sect thrived near the valley, were beaming with joy. Though the major demons of the valley were fearsome and many areas forbidden to humans, the demon kings were known for their integrity—they would not break their word lightly.

While the gold and medicines were enticing, the true “trump card” was becoming a permanent honored guest of the valley—effectively the key to a treasure trove. And if the demon sect saintess was truly gravely wounded, whoever found her might even wrest the stolen treasures from her—now that would bring true fortune!

Fortune favors the bold. In this world, what do people seek but strength and immortality? Without opportunity, how could an ordinary person ever rise? Throughout history, every great figure who rose from humble beginnings did so by luck and chance.

Lady Xingyao continued, “That covers the Beast Demon Valley’s bounty. Now for Zhaoyang Sect’s offer.”

People continued to file into the hall, drawn by the fervent atmosphere. They were waved to silence, told to wait and listen.

“Zhaoyang Sect and Luotian Sect are mortal enemies. This incident has enraged them. Their bounty is for anyone who locates Feng Qianning—whether reported to them, or to the demon kings, with our manor as intermediary.”

“Upon confirmation, one may join Zhaoyang Sect directly as a candidate inner disciple, a status higher than that of the outer disciples. Of course, the choice is voluntary; regardless, Zhaoyang Sect will bestow generous rewards.”

“Advanced scriptures, elixirs, magical artifacts, talismans, spirit stones, even fragments of ancient manuals or secret arts… One may become a lifelong friend of the sect, freely access the outer court’s library, and if questions arise, even request instruction from senior inner disciples.”

Another uproar broke out. Such a bounty was almost unheard of in a century—how could wandering cultivators not be tempted?

Hu Yan sneered quietly, “I suppose they’ve got their eyes on the demon kings’ treasures, too…”

Qin Yue nodded. He thought so as well; it seemed Zhaoyang Sect was competing with the valley for the prize. Still, considering the grievous casualties among their lotus-gathering expedition, their vengeance was justified.

He was pleased at Zhaoyang Sect’s misfortune, but a twinge of concern for Feng Qianning remained. He had seen her wounds himself—the two demon kings and their minions alone would be perilous enough, but now, with countless human cultivators lured by these spectacular rewards… Their abilities and cunning far surpassed most demons. Even with the valley’s vastness and countless forbidden zones, safety could hardly be guaranteed.

“Why be so ostentatious…?” he muttered to himself, baffled by Feng Qianning’s melodramatic signature. Were it him, he’d have blamed the theft on “Zhaoyang Sect XXX!”

Lady Xingyao addressed the crowd, “Those wishing to enroll may proceed to the side hall to receive one hundred taels of silver and a Thousand-Mile Communication Stone. Additionally…”

She paused, drawing everyone’s attention.

“If any of you gather supreme herbs, rare minerals or metals, or anything else of value in the valley and wish to sell, I hope you’ll consider Xingyao Manor first—we will offer the most fair and reasonable prices.”

“And as a personal request, we also buy dyes such as Linhuang Grass, Cinnabar Ore, Amethyst—both plants and minerals—at high prices. I have few hobbies, but I do enjoy painting.”

Her words were met with enthusiastic assent.

“Ha, madam has such refined taste—your manor shall be our first stop for trading!”

“Of course! We’re counting on you for more good commissions in the future!”

“Madam’s generosity and elegance inspire our utmost cooperation…”

Hu Yan glanced at Qin Yue and sent a private message, “Junior brother, are you interested in this?”

“Are you?” Qin Yue replied.

“It sounds interesting. No harm in trying,” Hu Yan said, then added, “These wandering hunters are all unstable elements. I’d like to keep an eye on them.”

Qin Yue’s mouth twitched—she was certainly broad-minded. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to join in. Even if he did nothing, he’d get a hundred taels of silver and a valuable Thousand-Mile Communication Stone, even if it only worked with Xingyao Manor. He was curious to study the principles behind this “otherworldly telephone.”

Should he truly encounter that woman, perhaps he could repay the favor from the Linhuang Grass incident.

“I’ll follow your lead, senior sister,” Qin Yue said.

At that moment, a steward approached them and addressed Qin Yue respectfully, “Young master, our lady would like a private word with you, if it’s convenient?”

Qin Yue blinked, glancing at Lady Xingyao, who still sat chatting with several high-status guests, not looking his way. After a moment’s thought, he nodded and turned to Hu Yan, “Why don’t you go enroll first and wait for me?”

Hu Yan, a bit concerned, glanced at Lady Xingyao and said, “Go ahead. Remember to be respectful.”

A reminder not to speak carelessly. Qin Yue nodded, thinking she needn’t worry—it wasn’t just her secret at stake.

He stood and followed the steward deeper into the hall. Tea, pastries, and unfamiliar fruits were brought in. After half a cup, he heard soft footsteps at the door, and Lady Xingyao entered in a flowing crimson gown. She was alone, and the door closed quietly behind her.

She approached and gave a slight bow. Qin Yue rose and saluted, “Greetings, madam.”

Lady Xingyao regarded him gently. “I have a request, young master.”

“Oh? How may I help you, madam?” Qin Yue was puzzled.

She smiled. “I wish to purchase the satchel you carry—at any price.”