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Chapter 73: Bottom of the Well
Meng Zhang had no idea that Xiao Shenqiang possessed the spirit tool, and even his fellow disciples in Twin Success Valley were unaware of it.
Of course, even if the cultivators from Twin Success Valley knew about it, Xiao Haisheng, a late-stage Foundation Building expert, wouldn't have the ability to meticulously examine everyone's Soul and find the hidden spirit tool, as Xiao Shenqiang had refined it with his Soul and concealed it with soul techniques.
Meng Zhang and Tian Zhen were preparing to leave when they were stopped by a disciple from Twin Success Valley. This disciple was there to announce a reward for Meng Zhang. Since he was the first to find the sand monster nest, Taiyi Sect wouldn't have to pay tribute to Twin Success Valley for the next three years. The tribute referred to here was just the regular offering. If Taiyi Sect gained new sources of wealth during these three years, such as mining resources, they would still have to pay the appropriate share.
Unexpectedly, despite all the events that had occurred, Twin Success Valley did not renege on Meng Zhang's reward. One could understand that Twin Success Valley, being a prominent sect in the region, wouldn't risk damaging its reputation over a trivial amount of spirit stones.
With the reward obtained, Meng Zhang's trip was not in vain. Moreover, it was also fortunate that Zhao Family cultivators were in trouble. Originally, Zhao Yanbei brought the elite members of the Zhao Family to flatter Twin Success Valley, but he never expected that because of Meng Zhang's unintentional actions, they would incur Twin Success Valley's wrath. Now, Zhao Family's leader and elite members couldn't escape, and the remaining cultivators from Zhao Family probably wouldn't dare to continue causing trouble for Taiyi Sect. Thus, Taiyi Sect had temporarily lost a formidable enemy and could enjoy three years without external pressures.
"After this battle, Fang Yong performed poorly, but it's a pity he lost his life," Tian Zhen sighed while on the way back.
Meng Zhang didn't tell Tian Zhen that Fang Yong was an undercover agent from the Zhao Family. He merely said that Fang Yong had bad luck and died among the sand monsters. There was no need to tarnish his reputation after his death. More importantly, Taiyi Sect now had another traitor, which was detrimental to the Sect's reputation, and Meng Zhang, as the Sect Master, didn't find it honorable.
Instead of going straight back to Taiyi Sect, Meng Zhang and Tian Zhen first made a trip to Sweetwater Oasis. Fang Yong had relatives there, and many of Taiyi Sect's disciples had close connections in the area. It was only reasonable and respectful to inform Fang Yong's family of his passing.
Initially, handling such matters fell under Tian Zhen's responsibility as the General Affairs Elder, but since it was on the way, Meng Zhang didn't mind making the trip.
Upon arriving at Sweetwater Oasis, after Tian Zhen comforted Fang Yong's family, an old disciple from Taiyi Sect stationed there, Li Baofu, secretly approached Meng Zhang.
He led Meng Zhang to a secluded corner and looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping before speaking mysteriously, "Sect Master, we might have found a treasure in Sweetwater Oasis."
"A treasure? What kind of treasure?" Meng Zhang became interested.
Li Baofu then began to narrate in detail.
As it turned out, Sweetwater Oasis was named after three sweetwater wells located at its center. The water from these three wells was clear and refreshing, with a special taste. The wells had always been carefully protected, and only a small amount of water was extracted daily for the privileged few in Sweetwater Oasis to enjoy.
Several senior disciples of Taiyi Sect, including Li Baofu, were among those privileged individuals.
About ten days ago, they discovered a faint spiritual aura in the water drawn from the wells. When they consumed this water, it had a much better effect compared to absorbing the scattered spiritual energy within the oasis.
They concluded that some Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object must have appeared in the wells, infusing the water with spiritual energy.
However, due to their limited cultivation bases and advanced age, they were unable to explore the bottom of the wells themselves. Nevertheless, they remained loyal to the sect and immediately reported the discovery.
After responding to Twin Success Valley's call for action against the sand monsters, only one Refining Qi middle-stage expert, Qingling Dao, remained in Taiyi Sect. He needed to stay in the sect to prevent any mishaps and couldn't leave easily.
As a result, the matter had been delayed until now, when Meng Zhang and Tian Zhen returned.
Listening to Li Baofu's account, Meng Zhang decided to investigate personally and didn't wait for Tian Zhen. He went straight to the three sweetwater wells.
Since discovering the possible Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object, several senior disciples of Taiyi Sect at Sweetwater Oasis had taken turns guarding the wells to prevent anyone else from approaching.
Meng Zhang greeted the seniors and then proceeded to draw water from each well.
Each bucket of water contained a faint trace of spiritual energy, which was nothing significant for Meng Zhang but a valuable supplement for these senior disciples who lacked spiritual energy.
Sweetwater Oasis had been under Taiyi Sect's rule for many years, and there had been no reports of demonic beasts or similar occurrences. Moreover, the spiritual energy within the wells, while faint, was pure and devoid of any miscellaneous energies.
Meng Zhang speculated that the bottom of the wells shouldn't pose any danger.
To be cautious, Meng Zhang activated the Deception Breaking Eye and carefully examined the bottom of the wells from above. The water was clear, and there were no living creatures in sight.
Meng Zhang chose one of the wells and jumped in.
The well's opening was spacious enough to accommodate his body comfortably. As a Refining Qi Sixth Layer cultivator, Meng Zhang could hold his breath for a long time.
He submerged himself in the water and dived downward. In no time, he felt his feet touch the firm and smooth rock surface at the bottom of the well.
Meng Zhang then activated an Earth Escape Spell, and his body penetrated the rock at the bottom.
After traveling a certain distance within the rock, Meng Zhang sensed a surge of resistance, making it difficult to advance further. Thick spiritual energy emanated from the depths, severely hindering the Earth Escape Spell.
Based on Meng Zhang's experience, he quickly realized what must have happened here.
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