Upon hearing his name, Old Madam Huo's face showed disbelief.
To have one more person meant one family would be cast out. Who would willingly accept this?
"How is this possible? The Huo family only joined recently, not even two years ago, and they already have a spot?"
"Then which family was cast out?"
"I don't know. Among us present, there are only four or five families. If one spot is reduced, that means two people will be gone this time!"
A group of people whispered amongst themselves.
Everyone felt a growing sense of unease.
"This sect leader, it's not appropriate. Our Huo family just joined, this reward should go to a more deserving family."
Old Madam Huo quickly spoke up.
She knew that if they took this reward, it would be difficult for them to get along here in the future.
Zhang Tian understood her thoughts.
"We, the Nine Sects, are one large family. Everyone should help each other, and the reward system must be strictly enforced."
"There will be those who receive rewards and those who don't. Therefore, these are rightfully yours."
Zhang Tian said, and Old Madam Huo said no more.
Zhang Tian's words were clear: internal conflict was not allowed in the Nine Sects; harmony was essential, or the consequences would be the same as this reward – either insignificant or non-existent.
The murmuring of the crowd subsided.
They looked at the rewards before them with trepidation.
Out of the five families, two would ultimately be left behind.
Everyone felt a sense of apprehension.
Zhang Tian wasted no time and spoke directly.
"The rewards will be split equally by these three families: the Wu family, the Huo family, and the Xie family."
Zhang Tian said slowly.
Er Yue Hong remained silent.
His expression was unreadable.
He understood perfectly why he hadn't received a reward; he had indeed been neglecting the affairs of the Nine Sects in recent years.
The primary reason was Xie Yuchen's disappearance, which had caused great anxiety for the entire Xie family.
Especially Er Yue Hong, who had practically searched every corner of the land with his men.
However, after such a long time, Xie Yuchen's whereabouts remained unknown, which greatly disappointed him.
Consequently, his contributions were not recognized in this reward system.
Xie Lianhuan glanced at Er Yue Hong.
He felt immense gratitude and looked at the pills before him.
He decided to take the pills, which would be a way to account for Er Yue Hong.
"Esteemed members, please grant my Xie family some face. I implore you to let my Xie family have these pills. Thank you."
Upon hearing his family's name, Xie Lianhuan immediately stood up, clasped his hands, and looked at the Wu and Huo families.
The Huo family naturally had no objection, as they were newcomers.
However, the Wu family was a bit hesitant.
Old Gou Wu looked at Xie Lianhuan.
"Everyone knows what these pills signify."
"If you take them, what will we have?"
Old Gou Wu said with a smile.
Given Old Gou Wu's age, receiving cultivation techniques or spiritual artifacts would not be suitable, as he rarely engaged in combat.
Furthermore, his comprehension might not keep up with the cultivation techniques, making them unsuitable. Wu Tianzhen likely had his own cultivation techniques, so these would be somewhat redundant for him.
Only the pills would have a profound impact on him.
"Old Gou Wu, are you going to oppose my Xie family even at this time?"
Xie Lianhuan said with a grim expression.
Old Gou Wu stroked his chin.
"What do you mean by opposing you? I am merely asserting my rightful claims."
Old Gou Wu replied.
He was quite eloquent.
Seeing this, Zhang Tian waved his hand.
"In that case, Huo family, you choose first. I will take back the remaining one and replace it with pills."
Zhang Tian spoke directly.
He was tired of this meaningless bickering.
After all, he had plenty of these pills, and the lowest grade ones were not of great use to him.
Old Madam Huo nodded, and then she chose a cultivation technique.
The Huo family's cultivation techniques were extremely difficult to practice.
They were also highly restrictive and quite tormenting. For instance, practitioners had to sleep while hanging, and even needed to practice bone shrinking and flexibility exercises.
These posed immense challenges and were not conducive to the Huo family's future development.
Old Madam Huo had long sought a replacement cultivation technique, and now she had found one.
"I want this cultivation technique."
Old Madam Huo declared.
As she spoke, Zhang Tian tossed the cultivation technique to her.
Following that, Zhang Tian took back the spiritual artifact and replaced it with three pills.
Upon receiving the pills, both the Wu and Xie families beamed with joy.
"The sect leader's reputation precedes him."
Old Gou Wu spoke first.
He happily took the three pills.
Although Xie Lianhuan said nothing, he was already displeased.
Soon after the pills were distributed, Zhang Tian reviewed the company's progress over the years.
Everything was within the ideal range.
The scene shifted.
It was now evening.
Zhang Tian had already left the company.
Su Nan was still in charge of the company's affairs.
When Zhang Tian left, he had also given Su Nan many valuable items.
Su Nan was very excited.
Walking down the street, Zhang Tian looked at the Daoist Yimei beside him.
"Master, how have you been recently?"
Zhang Tian smiled.
"Very good, but my dear disciple, where have you been these past few years? You've made your master unable to sleep at night, constantly missing and thinking of you."
Daoist Yimei's eyes held a hint of affection.
Zhang Tian almost gagged. This guy could really talk.
Ghosts needing to sleep at night? Don't be ridiculous.
"I went to Kunlun and met the Queen Mother of the West."
Zhang Tian replied.
Daoist Yimei, who had been walking, instantly stopped.
He swallowed.
"What? My dear disciple, are you sure you're not mistaken? You met the Queen Mother of the West! And even managed to come back?"
Daoist Yimei's eyes were filled with shock.
Zhang Tian nodded.
"Yes, why?"
Zhang Tian looked puzzled.
"Unbelievable, too unbelievable! May our ancestors bless you, my dear disciple is truly a person of great fortune."
"According to legend, the sacred mountain of Kunlun hides an ancient Daoist ancestor, who was upright and eliminated evil for the people."
"However, later on, in pursuit of her own Great Dao, some unfavorable rumors arose."
"But, overall, the most important thing is that you have returned, and I am very pleased."
Daoist Yimei laughed heartily.
This indirectly implied that Zhang Tian had defeated the Queen Mother of the West. He, Yimei, was truly worthy of teaching such an excellent disciple.
The ancestors would surely praise his competence if they saw this!
Daoist Yimei thought to himself.
A proud smile involuntarily appeared on his face.
Seeing his expression, Zhang Tian immediately guessed that this guy was probably thinking of something strange again.
"Master, thank you for your concern. It gave me peace of mind while I was there."
Zhang Tian said softly.
Daoist Yimei waved his hand.
"It's all part of my duty. Your master cares about you the most."
Daoist Yimei said shamelessly.
Zhang Tian nodded, then took out some more pills.
Daoist Yimei eagerly accepted them.
Soon, Zhang Tian and Daoist Yimei returned to the small house.
They began to converse again.
They talked about the Kunlun matter this time.
Time passed quickly, and ten days later.
Outside Beili City.
A strange scene unfolded once more.
A group of people gathered outside the city, and within the crowd, two figures were particularly conspicuous.
Those two figures were none other than Xiao Guang and the captain.