224: Victory celebration banquet

Venerable Ziyang pressed his hands down in the air, releasing a bit of his overwhelming pressure, and the boiling plaza gradually quieted down.

"For the top one hundred Disciples, your Sect contribution points have been distributed to your identity tokens according to your rankings."

His voice was steady, "As for the Magic Treasure rewards, use your identity tokens to go to the Treasure Pavilion within three days to select them yourself!"

After announcing the rewards, Venerable Ziyang took a step back.

Sect Head White Cloud Master slowly stood up. He wore plain white Daoist robes, his aura as deep as the sea. His gaze swept across the entire venue, finally landing on the top ten on the floating island, especially on Yao Delong, carrying expectations.

"Silence."

White Cloud Master's voice was not loud, but it clearly suppressed all noise, containing supreme majesty.

"One month from now," he slowly opened his mouth, his voice spreading in all directions, "the Burial God Abyss Secret Realm will open as scheduled!"

"Burial God Abyss?!"

As soon as these three words were spoken, a wave of irrepressible exclamations erupted from the stands!

White Cloud Master's gaze swept over the top ten on the floating island, as well as the twelve True Disciples standing by the high platform, their auras condensed and outstanding:

"For this Secret Realm, all Cultivators below the Soul Transformation Stage may enter. In our Yin Yang Sect, all top ten Core Disciples have a quota!"

He paused, his gaze focusing on Yao Delong:

"Additionally, to reward the champion and encourage those behind, it is specially permitted: The one ranked first may select five people from the Sect to accompany them! Those ranked second to fifth may select four people! Those ranked sixth to tenth may select three people!"

Once these words were spoken, the stands were in an uproar again!

This was equivalent to giving the top ten Core Disciples great autonomy and the opportunity to build their own team!

Especially for Yao Delong, a full five quotas!

"Furthermore," White Cloud Master turned his gaze to the twelve True Disciples beside the high platform, "our Sect's fifteen True Disciples, if any wish to go, may also participate in this Secret Realm trip!"

Among the twelve True Disciples, three were absent due to closed-door cultivation or missions, and their expressions varied upon hearing this.

Some had eyes flashing with sharp light, Battle Intent rising; some had calm faces, like an ancient well without waves; others had the corners of their mouths slightly curled, carrying a hint of playfulness and scrutiny.

Clearly, they had already received the news and did not appear overly excited.

"In the Burial God Abyss, danger and opportunity coexist. I hope you all prepare well. One month later, assemble at the mountain gate!"

White Cloud Master's final voice fell, announcing the complete conclusion of the Core ranking battle, and also drawing back the curtain on a new, more magnificent journey to the Secret Realm!

"We respectfully obey the Sect Head's decree!"

On the floating island, Yao Delong, Liu Ruyan, and others bowed in acknowledgment.

Hearing the timeline of "one month later," Yao Delong felt slightly settled in his heart.

'One month... enough time to repair the asura war puppet!'

His gaze swept over the variously expressive Liu Ruyan, Mu Yuqing, and others beside him, and Yao Delong's thoughts had already drifted to those five precious accompanying quotas.

'If Junior Sister has come out of closed-door cultivation, I must bring her.' This thought was without hesitation.

'Xiao Huohuo and Lin Shishi...' He remembered the two of them approaching him privately before, earnestly requesting to be taken into the Secret Realm together. At that time, he didn't know how many people he could bring, so he only vaguely promised to do his best.

Now, holding five quotas, bringing the two of them was naturally not a problem. 'That makes three people.'

There were two quotas left.

The charming figure of Liu Rumei subconsciously flashed in his mind, as well as the lively and cute appearance of Luo Miaomiao.

But immediately, a hint of solemnity welled up in his heart.

'The Burial God Abyss, all below Soul Transformation can enter... it means there may very well be Nascent Soul Perfection, or even half-step Soul Transformation vicious beasts or dangerous locations inside. And I fear the most dangerous thing inside is Xiao Chen's power in the Moyang Sect. Rumei and Miaomiao are only at Foundation Establishment Perfection...' Bringing them inside carried too much risk.

Although he was confident, he dared not gamble with their lives.

'Who to bring?' Yao Delong frowned slightly.

He had risen too quickly, his Foundation was still shallow, and there were indeed not many candidates in the Sect he could truly trust and who had sufficient strength.

'Forget it, there is still a month, I will look for someone slowly.'

That night, the Immortal Cave of Yao Delong on Luoxia Peak was brightly lit, with the fragrance of spirit fruits and the mellow scent of spirit wine.

"Hahaha! Senior Brother Yao! Champion! We must drink a large cup!"

Xiao Huohuo held up a jade cup, his face glowing, his excitement obvious.

He had watched from the stands today until his blood boiled, even more excited than if he had been on stage himself.

"Congratulations to Senior Brother Yao for reaching the top! If Senior Sister Clear Snow knew, she would definitely be overjoyed!"

Lin Shishi also smiled like a flower, raised her cup to congratulate him, her eyes full of admiration.

Liu Rumei and Luo Miaomiao were naturally there too.

Today, Liu Rumei had specially changed into a flowing cloud dress that accentuated her figure. Between her flowing eyes, charm was natural, and she frequently poured wine for Yao Delong, her gaze towards him filled with undisguised admiration and pride.

Luo Miaomiao was in a goose-yellow dress, lively and agile, chattering about the interesting things she saw while watching the battle today, her big eyes also full of little stars.

"Senior Brother Yao, that Heart Sword move of yours at the end was so cool! That big guy Lei Qianjun, his face was twisted in pain!"

Luo Miaomiao waved her little fists, imitating Lei Qianjun's expression, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became even more heated.

Yao Delong put down his wine cup, looked at Xiao Huohuo and Lin Shishi, and said seriously:

"Huohuo, Shishi, the quotas for the Burial God Abyss have been decided. I have five spots to bring people; are you two willing to go with me?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Huohuo and Lin Shishi's eyes instantly burst with surprise!

They had been anxious before, fearing that Yao Delong wouldn't be able to bring them due to limited quotas. Now that they heard the confirmation with their own ears, their excitement was beyond words.

"Willing! Of course willing!"

Xiao Huohuo patted his chest, full of heroism, "Senior Brother Yao, don't worry. My life, Xiao Huohuo, will follow Senior Brother from now on! Even if it's a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, I won't even frown!"

Lin Shishi also nodded heavily, her eyes filled with determination: "Thank you, Senior Brother Yao! Shishi will definitely do her best not to let down Senior Brother's trust!"

Yao Delong nodded, then changed the subject, his tone carrying a bit of solemnity:

"However, this trip is dangerous, far beyond imagination. Also... Xiao Chen and I are already at odds to the death. Although he fell to tenth place, this person is vengeful and ruthless. In the Secret Realm, he and his followers will definitely be a serious threat."

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Huohuo not only showed no fear but laughed instead, a sharpness flashing in his eyes that didn't match his usual cheerful demeanor.

"Senior Brother Yao is overthinking! Mere Xiao Chen, what's worth mentioning? If he dares to cause trouble in the Secret Realm, I'll make him regret it!"

He paused, a shrewd light flashing in his eyes, and lowered his voice:

"Since Senior Brother Yao trusts me, I, Xiao Huohuo, will definitely not let Senior Brother down. On this trip, I can add another strong reinforcement for Senior Brother!"

"Oh?" Yao Delong raised his eyebrows slightly, a little surprised, "A strong reinforcement?"

"Nascent Soul Great Perfection!" Xiao Huohuo said firmly, his face filled with absolute confidence.

Nascent Soul Great Perfection?! Yao Delong was shocked!

Such an existence was an Inner Sect Elder level figure in the Yin Yang Sect, with a respected status. How could Xiao Huohuo, a mere Inner Sect Disciple, invite such a person?

He couldn't help but re-examine the young man in front of him who always had a cheerful smile.