At the summit of the Sect Master's peak, amidst the gentle, chilly winds sweeping through the tranquil mountaintop, the surrounding atmosphere was filled with an intangible pressure emanating from the gathered elites who had assembled in this place.
Though the original assembly hall had been reduced to ruins, the survivors elders, core disciples, and peak lords were all present in silence. Some sat in their usual seats with composed expressions, while others had taken the places of those who were no longer there. But in the eyes of all, there was only solemnity, accompanied by whispers of remembrance and mourning for those who had passed.
The quiet murmurs among the elders ceased instantly as a teleportation light shimmered in midair above the meeting ground.
Mu Nansi appeared, garbed in flowing pale blue robes that fluttered gently with the wind. She walked slowly through the air and sat gracefully upon the Sect Master's throne without uttering a word.
A profound silence fell upon the entire gathering. Then, her voice rang out calm, yet brimming with power.
"All of you present here today… I sincerely commend you."
Mu Nansi swept her gaze across those gathered. Her face remained composed, but her eyes reflected a cold, unshakable resolve.
"Though our Holy Land of the Immortal River has endured catastrophe, betrayal, and loss, all of you… chose to remain. You did not flee. You did not feign death. You did not betray us to join the enemy."
She paused for a moment. Even the wind fell silent, as if afraid to interrupt her words.
"That is not merely loyalty… it is the spirit of those truly worthy of being called disciples of the Holy Land of the Immortal River."
Mu Nansi smiled. It was not a smile directed at any one individual, but one that extended to all those still standing in this place.
"All of you… every single one still drawing breath, are people I have chosen with my own hands. Though I have only recently assumed the mantle of leadership, and though some of you are thousands or even tens of thousands of years my senior, what I see in you is both potential and destiny. Perhaps you are not unrivaled prodigies of legendary renown, but in my eyes, none of you are unworthy."
Her voice was not loud, yet it seeped into the hearts of all who heard it. The expressions of many elders began to ease. Some clenched their fists tightly, the pressure and grief of the past days finally finding release.
"Therefore, I have decided that I will send all of you up to the upper world to join the true Holy Land of the Immortal River within the next five days."
Though her voice remained soft, every word she spoke etched itself deeply into the hearts of her listeners.
Mu Nansi snapped her fingers lightly. It was a simple gesture, yet it carried power. At that moment, five hundred black-robed figures stepped out from the void behind her. Each of them exuded an aura so overwhelming that even ordinary cultivators at the Emperor level would tremble in fear, unable to muster the courage to face them.
"During these five days… I will allow all of you to return and bring your families, your loved ones, or anyone you wish to take with you to the Holy Land of the Immortal River. And do not worry about their safety. These black-robed guardians will protect you every step of the way during this time."
"Once you arrive in the upper world… the Holy Land of the Immortal River there will arrange proper residences for your families. As for your own status, another evaluation will be conducted when you reach the Holy Land in the upper world. You should already understand the rules of the Holy Land well enough."
Her eyes swept across the assembly, and her tone grew more gentle.
"But if anyone does not wish to go… I will not force you. The choice is yours. However, know this: the Holy Land of the Immortal River in this lower world will be handed over to others in my stead. The decision lies with you. Go now!"
Her final words echoed in everyone's minds. No one said a word. One by one, they rose and bowed deeply to her before quietly making their way out of the ruined hall, the air thick with both confusion and excitement.
The sound of countless footsteps gradually faded into the distance. Then, Mu Nansi's voice rang out once more but this time, it reached only a single person.
"Han Ming… do not leave just yet. There is something I wish to speak with you about."
Han Ming, who had just stood up, froze for a moment before silently sitting back down.
After everyone had dispersed, including some of the black-clad men under Mu Nansi's command, a deep silence settled over the meeting hall. Only Han Ming remained, seated alone.
Suddenly, Mu Nansi's voice rang out beside him, catching him off guard.
"You truly don't intend to ascend to the upper world?"
Han Ming turned his head slightly and gave a faint smile before replying in a calm voice.
"I might not go just yet."
Mu Nansi gave a slight nod, her eyes still fixed on the young man before her.
"In that case… would you like to enter the Hidden Herb Realm?"
The question left Han Ming silent for a moment before he shook his head firmly.
"I don't intend to enter either… but some of my disciples must."
Mu Nansi paused briefly but nodded in understanding before shifting the conversation.
"Do you know anything about the Hidden Herb Realm?"
Han Ming shook his head again.
"Not much. I only know it's filled with many high-grade medicinal herbs… that's all."
Mu Nansi let out a soft chuckle before speaking again, amusement in her voice.
"The Hidden Herb Realm… some call it a tomb, others a treasury, and some believe it to be a place of inheritance. But I call it the Tomb of the Herb Gods."
Her words caused Han Ming to fall silent once more. Mu Nansi continued without waiting for him to ask further.
"That place is a repository of ancient knowledge on herbs, pill refinement, rare flames, and the most precious treasures of the primordial era, all sealed away by the ancient Herb Gods. I was the one who discovered it many years ago. That's why I chose to remain in the lower world instead of returning to the upper world."
Han Ming nodded. His expression did not show much surprise. Mu Nansi asked again.
"You still don't intend to enter, do you?"
Han Ming didn't respond immediately. He merely gazed up at the sky, deep in thought, his eyes briefly flashing with a hint of gold… a detail even Mu Nansi and the black-robed men behind her failed to notice. Han Ming continued to shake his head at her invitation, his eyes remaining calm, as though such treasures held no sway over his thoughts whatsoever.
In his heart, he already knew… No matter how fascinating that place might be, he felt no need to enter. Even if the tomb was filled with rare herbs and ancient knowledge, he had no desire to risk himself in a situation beyond his control.
Mu Nansi looked at Han Ming and nodded as though she could read his thoughts. A faint smile formed on her lips, one that carried a subtle undertone.
"Then what if I want you to enter the hidden realm… together with me? Any herbs or treasures you collect that you don't need, I'll buy them from you at a price fifty percent above market value. How does that sound?"
Han Ming gave a small chuckle as he considered it, then replied with steady eyes.
"The market price is fine. It's better for preserving our friendship in the future."
"Good." Mu Nansi nodded again. "Five days from now, meet me here again and bring along any of your disciples who need to enter. By the way, I haven't seen your disciples since the war ended."
"They sustained minor injuries, but they've recovered and are currently training and cultivating in preparation for what's to come," Han Ming said calmly.
Mu Nansi nodded in understanding and waved her hand to dismiss him. But just as he was about to leave, she spoke again.
"Do you need any pills or resources for your disciples?"
"The resources I have are sufficient. Thank you, Sect Master," Han Ming replied plainly, then turned and walked away without hesitation.
Mu Nansi watched his back as it gradually faded into the distance, the faintest smile lingering on her face. Suddenly, one of the black-clad men behind her spoke in a low, serious voice.
"Miss… how much can we truly trust that man?"
Mu Nansi didn't turn around. She answered without the slightest hesitation.
"More than some of you standing behind me."
Her response left the black-clad man in immediate silence.
Mu Nansi's gaze remained fixed on Han Ming. To her, Han Ming was not merely a subordinate with outstanding talent. She had taken an interest in him for quite some time. He was the rare kind—one not often seen in the world today. This young man not only possessed exceptional cultivation aptitude but also had keen judgment, the resolve to act decisively in critical moments, and a deep understanding of how to conduct himself across all kinds of situations. As for Han Ming's loyalty, Mu Nansi had no concerns. She had already used her abilities to read both his mind and his past. She believed without a doubt that Han Ming would never betray her.