Lin Heng checked his reputation and found that the total amount had exceeded 110 million.
It was enough for him to partake in another legendary-level lottery.
Since he drew the Spirit Medicine Garden, the Alchemy Manual, and the Immortal Artifact Level Alchemy Furnace last time,
Lin Heng had lost all interest in ordinary lotteries.
So without hesitation, he summoned the system and began the legendary-level lottery.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
The Cyan Snake had returned to her cave dwelling on Qingcheng Mountain.
She used a secret technique to summon the Sparrow Demon.
"Xiao Qing Immortal, what’s up? What’s going on?"
"What are your orders?"
The Sparrow Demon fluttered its wings, chirping beside the Cyan Snake.
The Cyan Snake silently watched it for a long time before saying:
"Thank you for all these years."
The Sparrow Demon was stunned: "Huh?"
It tilted its head, looking a bit dazed. Clearly, it didn’t quite understand why Xiao Qing Immortal was suddenly thanking it.
The Cyan Snake didn’t explain and merely said to the Sparrow Demon, "Give me a drop of blood."
"Oh."
"Let me drink some water first."
The Sparrow Demon flapped its wings and flew to the nearby Spirit Pool, drinking several gulps before showing a contented expression. Then, without hesitation, it pecked its own claw, letting blood drip out while curiously asking:
"Xiao Qing Immortal, why do you need my blood?"
The Cyan Snake didn’t rush to explain, summoning the drop of blood with a wave of her hand before flicking a finger outside the cave dwelling.
A Mountain Protection Array immediately manifested.
The Cyan Snake expelled her own blood from the array’s core and placed the Sparrow Demon’s blood onto it. Once the Sparrow Demon felt its connection with the array, the Cyan Snake slowly said:
"I’m heading to Jinshan Temple this time; I may return, I may not."
"If I don’t come back, no one will be here to protect you."
"If you encounter danger in the future, try to escape back to the cave dwelling. This array now centers on you; a thought from you will activate it to slay the invading enemies."
Having said this, the Cyan Snake added, "There are many spirit medicines behind the cave dwelling, including a Transforming Ganoderma, which is about to mature."
"When you cultivate in the future, if you wish to continue cultivating your demon body, do so; if you wish to assume human form, eating the ganoderma will suffice."
"And also."
The Cyan Snake glanced at the nearby Spirit Pool and, most unusually, smiled at the Sparrow Demon:
"If I don’t return, this Spirit Pool will be yours; drink as you please, without restraint."
The Cyan Snake continued to instruct, emphasizing the need for the Sparrow Demon to cultivate properly, follow the path to immortality, and not be greedy for quick success, taking the wicked route that harms others.
The Sparrow Demon listened intently initially and was elated to know it could drink from the Spirit Pool whenever it wanted, even taking off in mid-air in excitement.
Yet, for some reason, the more it listened, the more it felt something was amiss.
It had never seen Xiao Qing Immortal speak so much and for so long!
It sensed...
As though Xiao Qing Immortal was arranging affairs, not just talking.
"Xiao Qing Immortal, what’s wrong? Why does it feel like you’re not coming back?"
The Sparrow Demon’s eyes were filled with confusion.
Over the years, Xiao Qing Immortal had often gone out, even to Jinshan Temple, without behaving so strangely.
"Could it be..."
"Is it because of that Daoist Temple?"
The Sparrow Demon tilted its head, speculating wildly: "Xiao Qing Immortal, did that Daoist bully you?"
"I’ll summon my companions now to poop all over Qingfeng Temple and stink him to death!!"
The Sparrow Demon said furiously, flapping its wings as though to rally other birds.
The Cyan Snake stopped it, smiling gently:
"No."
"That Daoist’s cultivation is mediocre; there’s no chance of him bullying me."
The Sparrow Demon was confused: "Then why are you acting like you’re giving last words?"
The Cyan Snake hesitated but eventually feigned annoyance, flicking the Sparrow Demon’s forehead, gently scolding:
"Nonsense, when did I give last words?"
"I was just thinking, since I’m going out, I’ll let you look after the cave dwelling and give you some benefits as well."
"What, you don’t want them? If not, I’ll give them to someone else."
The Cyan Snake looked smug.
The Sparrow Demon quickly replied, "No, no, I want them, I want them. I’ve been helping Xiao Qing Immortal gather information every day; these benefits are well-deserved!!"
It flew over the Spirit Pool like a miser guarding his treasure.
For the Sparrow Demon, no treasure in the cave dwelling compared to the Spirit Pool.
The Cyan Snake couldn’t help but laugh, but then returned to her usual aloof demeanor, glancing at the cave dwelling before saying to the Sparrow Demon:
"Alright, I’m leaving. Look after this place well."
The Sparrow Demon smiled excitedly, its eyes fixated on the Spirit Pool, too engrossed to even look up at the Cyan Snake, waving its wings goodbye: "Don’t worry, go ahead, go ahead."
The Cyan Snake took a step and vanished from Qingcheng Mountain.
After leaving Qingcheng Mountain, resolve settled on the Cyan Snake’s face, ready to face any danger.
Regarding the news that the Tower Guard Monks of Jinshan Temple were descending the mountain,
she harbored suspicion.
She believed Jinshan Temple intended to retaliate against the Daoist Temple, but didn’t think those guarding Leifeng Pagoda would descend for revenge.
Moreover, she doubted such a confidential piece of news would so easily spread from Jinshan Temple.
It was known that, previously, when the Nine Pearl Monk alone descended the mountain, not a whisper got out.
Let alone now, with multiple Tower Guard Monks descending together?
The Cyan Snake suspected the news spread was possibly intended for her!
"So, is this an ambush set for me?"
"If so, what gives them confidence that they can capture me with one less Tower Guard Monk?"
The Cyan Snake couldn’t figure it out.
But it didn’t matter anymore.
She had to go this time.
Because if Jinshan Temple truly set a trap for her, to lure her, the Tower Guard Monks would at least have to appear outside!
And that appearance is her only opportunity!
So, the Cyan Snake was gambling.
Gambling on whether she could topple Leifeng Pagoda at this critical moment!
"Sister, wait for me..."
The Cyan Snake’s eyes filled with determination, transforming into a streak of light heading toward Jinshan Temple.
...
Meanwhile, within Jinshan Temple,
accompanied by Buddha Light as dazzling as the sun, all monks simultaneously looked toward Leifeng Pagoda.
The Abbot and several high monks from the Great Buddha Main Hall walked outside.
Seeing the brilliant Buddha Light around Leifeng Pagoda, all the high monks were filled with excitement.
"It’s done, it’s done. Senior Brother Celestial Pearl has finally taken that step to become a true expert!"
"The Ninth Grade Golden Core that Jinshan Temple has treasured for a hundred years has not been wasted!"
"Abbot, Senior Brother, now we can finally be without worry."
The high monks couldn’t contain their emotions, with excitement evident on their faces.
Abbot Ku Wu murmured softly, "Now, we just wait for that Snake Demon to arrive!"