Chapter 326: How Dare I Ask for Any Reward

Scritch, scritch, scritch.

The little golden butterfly lay curled up in Chu Liang's palm, looking very sleepy. Chu Liang kept poking its tiny fleshy head with his finger. In response, the little creature used its two large wings to wrap around its head, hoping to be left alone.

But Chu Liang continued to poke its chunky butt, so it wrapped its wings around its butt.

Then Chu Liang poked its head again.

The little creature wriggled around, acting coy.

Since transforming into a butterfly, its intelligence had noticeably increased, resembling that of some cats and dogs. It recognized Chu Liang as its master and was usually very affectionate with him.

However, after gobbling that wish-fulfilling spirit precious bottle last time, it had been sleeping in the White Pagoda, unconscious most of the time. This behavior had occurred before its previous transformations, suggesting it might soon evolve again.

Yet Jiang Yuebai's words made Chu Liang feel a bit wary. Could this little creature really be a Heaven-Devouring Bug?

According to ancient texts, the Heaven-Devouring Bug had appeared twice in history.

The first time was in ancient times. Tens of thousands of years ago, when there were only seven realms in the cultivation system of this world, the Heaven-Devouring Bug suddenly emerged and devoured its way to the seventh realm. Various cultivators tried to trap and stop it, but nothing could contain it. Finally, many Eminent Ones joined forces to annihilate it.

The second appearance was three thousand years ago when a demon god emerged, whose true form was this legendary Heaven-Devouring Bug.

Although demons had long lifespans, they often had very poor comprehension. After reaching the Heavenly Gate, they suffered greatly in attaining enlightenment. Prior to the emergence of the ninth-realm Heaven-Devouring Bug, no other demon had ever reached the ninth realm.

The reason it became a demon god was not through attaining enlightenment but by devouring everything in its path!

The first two appearances of the Heaven-Devouring Bug caused a great stir in the world. This creature's nature was to consume spiritual energy, growing stronger as long as it continued to eat. It wouldn't stop even after reaching the ninth realm. If it continued like this, it might actually destroy the world one day!

Unexpectedly, the third Heaven-Devouring Bug emerged from the rewards given by the White Pagoda.

Chu Liang looked at the little white bug wriggling its butt in his palm and wondered, could this tiny creature really destroy the world? To be safe, he thought, he should immediately hand over this young Heaven-Devouring Bug to the sect and have them kill it right away.

But...

Looking at its chubby body acting all coy with him, and remembering how it had saved him several times and helped him a lot, he couldn't bring himself to do it.

After much consideration, Chu Liang decided to keep it for now. He gently placed the little creature back into the White Pagoda to continue sleeping.

From today on, it would be on a diet!

Even if this cute little thing grew into something terrible, as long as he remained stronger than it, wouldn't that solve the issue? If it ever showed its fierce nature, he would be the first to kill it.

After putting it back into the White Pagoda, Chu Liang's thoughts wandered again.

The Heaven-Devouring Bug originated from the Mysterious Beast Egg that the White Pagoda rewarded. It was the only living thing the White Pagoda had ever given. What was the connection between these two?

He had never figured out where the White Pagoda's valuable rewards originated, but he eventually stopped questioning it since the possession of this White Pagoda was undeniably beneficial.

This White Pagoda, which contained countless treasures, was definitely considered a legendary artifact. If not for its vastly different appearance and mystical abilities, Chu Liang might have thought it was the Mount Shu Sect's long-lost Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.

But why had it suddenly appeared in his mind? Where did these valuable items come from?

In theory, all items in the world should follow the law of conservation. If he received one, another place should be losing one. However, Chu Liang had checked all the White Pagoda’s rewards and found no reports of missing items.

Except for the Qi-Gathering Pill dropped by the lantern monster at the beginning, none of the treasures could be traced back to their origins in the world of immortality cultivators. Could they really have been created out of thin air?

...

The next morning, Chu Liang arrived at Boundless Palace on Heaven-Reaching Peak.

Venerable Wen Yuan was already waiting for him. As Chu Liang entered, a hint of surprise appeared in the Mount Shu sect leader's eyes.

This disciple always seemed to accomplish unexpected feats.

Not long ago, he had achieved the great feat of slaying Taowu. He had retrieved a drop of shaman god's blood from the abandoned Shen Family Residence, and now he had intervened at a critical moment to bring back the Demon-Subduing Pestle.

Time and again, he astonished everyone. Although he hadn't reached the highest level yet, his drive reminded Venerable Wen Yuan of someone special.

That person was his esteemed teacher, Venerable Wuqi.

Lu Wuqi had been a prodigy from a young age, taking over Mount Shu in times of adversity, repeatedly creating miracles, and always accomplishing astounding feats in unexpected ways.

Chu Liang now gave off that same aura, as if there was something special about him.

Venerable Wen Yuan had met countless people in his life, and only three had this kind of presence.

"You spent one thousand Azure-Dragon coins to retrieve the Demon-Subduing Pestle for Mount Shu. This is another significant achievement," he said, smiling at Chu Liang. "What reward do you want?"

He genuinely asked Chu Liang because he himself hadn't decided on a reward.

For disciples like Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang, the Mount Shu Sect typically didn't give many rewards.

Ordinary disciples might leave Mount Shu when their cultivation plateaued, seeking new opportunities outside the sect.

But the top four of each Mount Shu Summit were almost guaranteed the position of peak master, as long as they didn't commit serious crimes and get expelled.

They were destined to be a core part of Mount Shu's future, sharing both its fortunes and misfortunes. Thus, the sect's resources were fully available to them, and their merits wouldn't earn much extra reward.

The monthly stipend of several thousand sword coins was enough to exchange for all the cultivation resources needed at the Hall of Weapons and Hall of Alchemy. The Hall of Conservation was freely accessible, representing the sect's full support.

However, there were always exceptions. Chu Liang's expenditure of one thousand Azure-Dragon coins this time was absolutely crucial. If there wasn't any extra reward, Venerable Wen Yuan himself would feel uncomfortable.

Chu Liang sat down and said with a smile, "Sect leader, it's true that I spent one thousand Azure-Dragon coins, but without the seven thousand provided by the sect beforehand, that thousand wouldn't have accomplished anything. Just like if it weren't for the great merits of the Weapons Master and Peak Master Tan Taijing, my efforts wouldn't even be worth mentioning. I am just a part of Mount Shu, like them, so how dare I ask for any reward?"

"They have made significant contributions to the Mount Shu Sect and will surely be compensated in the future," Venerable Wen Yuan laughed. "If there's anything you want, don't be shy. Tell me and I'll see if I can fulfill it."

"Although Mount Shu has retrieved the Demon-Subduing Pestle this time, we have spent a lot of sword coins, so resources will be tight for a while. How can I ask for anything?" Chu Liang smiled shyly and then turned his hand to take out a large scroll. "So, I wrote a plan with a few proposals for the sect leader to consider."

With that, Chu Liang suddenly stood up, unfurled the scroll in mid-air, and began explaining it to Venerable Wen Yuan.

"The first proposal is a fairly standard repayment plan," Chu Liang stated confidently. He stood straight, facing Wen Yuan with a professionally spirited smile, his left hand pointing sideways and his right hand resting on his waist.

"You can consider the one hundred thousand sword coins I provided for the sect as a loan, which I call the legendary artifact loan. The sect can choose a three-year term with an interest rate of 3%, which means there would be three thousand sword coins of interest each year; a five-year term with an interest rate of 3.5%, adding three thousand five hundred sword coins of interest each year; or a ten-year term with an interest rate of 4%, adding four thousand sword coins of interest each year."

"In light of my deep affection and bond with Mount Shu Sect, if the repayment is made within one year, the interest can be waived," Chu Liang added generously.

"..."

Venerable Wen Yuan looked at the densely written and carefully illustrated scroll and recalled Chu Liang's earlier words. "How dare I ask for any reward?"

This kid is really something,

Venerable Wen Yuan thought.

As expected of Di Nufeng's disciple...