After meeting Elder Cheng, Wan Si Rui and Cheng Ying understood the reason for his summons.
A secret realm was about to open, and only those below the Nascent Soul stage could enter. Wan Si Rui's current strength was just right, and coupled with his luck, Elder Cheng had secured a spot in this secret realm for him.
Normally, these spots would be determined through sect competitions, but each elder had the authority to decide some of them. Although Wan Si Rui was in the Golden Core stage, he had not been in it for long. He was unlikely to contend with opponents in the late Golden Core stage, making it difficult for him to secure a spot through competition.
"Thank you, Master." Wan Si Rui was truly grateful for his master's consideration. While he knew his master had reasons for treating him well, he would have found it even harder to believe if the kindness were entirely gratuitous. He had witnessed the goodwill of Elder Cheng and Cheng Ying firsthand.
"However, I have a mission for you this time," Elder Cheng said, glancing at Cheng Ying.
"Please tell me, Master." Wan Si Rui responded with a serious expression.
"I've also noticed your good fortune. Therefore, after you enter the secret realm, try to find a ten-thousand-year-old Earth Essence. In previous secret realm openings, people have found traces of it. Of course, at ten thousand years old, the Earth Essence is difficult to track, so just give it your best shot."
A ten-thousand-year-old Earth Essence was a rare spiritual medicine. With it, he could obtain a spiritual medicine to help Ying'er cleanse her spiritual roots, along with several Core Formation Pills. This would allow Ying'er to safely enter the Golden Core stage.
"Master, I will do my best." Wan Si Rui understood the reason behind his master's request for the ten-thousand-year-old Earth Essence. He had truly come to care for Cheng Ying and would not take this task lightly.
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Finding it would be good, but if you don't, don't force it. Your safety is paramount. Go with Ying'er to my treasury and pick out some protective magic artifacts."
"Thank you, Master!" Wan Si Rui's sincerity deepened.
"Thank you, Father!" Cheng Ying sweetly thanked her father as well.
"Alright, you go pick out some things you like too," Elder Cheng said with a smile, waving his hand.
The offspring of high-level cultivators were often few and far between. The higher the cultivation level, the fewer descendants. Elder Cheng only had this one daughter, whom he doted on and treated generously, and he was equally generous regarding her chosen partner.
The treasury they were being sent to was only one of his. While it contained many items, it couldn't compare to his other, smaller treasury. However, it was more than sufficient for a Golden Core stage cultivator like Wan Si Rui.
It was precisely because of Elder Cheng's generosity that Wan Si Rui's sense of humiliation gradually faded. He now truly regarded Elder Cheng's family as his own. He was fortunate to have come to the Central Continent and even more fortunate that Cheng Ying had chosen him. While "eating soft rice" might not sound pleasant, it was truly delicious!
As Wan Si Rui left with the guiding elder for the secret realm, Zi Che Shao Hao had already dealt with the people from the Zhang family who had been trailing them.
At this point, Lin Yan's body had fully recovered, but the "Yu" character imprint had not. They were still unable to leave the small island. Lin Yan placed each small imprint here, and they explored the surrounding area. Over the past few days, they had toured the entire island and found quite a few spiritual herbs.
Although these herbs were not rare varieties, they were of considerable age. Lin Yan harvested a significant amount, preparing to concoct medicine upon their return. Zi Che Shao Hao, though unaware of the purpose of Lin Yan collecting these herbs, helped her.
"It's truly a waste of talent to have the Young Master Zi Che do such work!" Lin Yan held Zi Che Shao Hao's hand, looking at his fair, jade-like fingers stained with dirt. Lin Yan took out a piece of silk, intending to wipe them clean.