I Live Forever In The World of Cultivation World

This matter, after all, couldn’t be brought to light.

The reward was personally applied for by Zhao Lin on He Song’s behalf.

This delayed recognition of merit naturally needed Zhao Lin to explain in person for it to feel more meaningful.

The benefits went to He Song, but the gratitude was Zhao Lin’s to receive.

Having been friends with Zhao Lin for several years, He Song was well aware of his friend’s personality.

A single sentence of gratitude from He Song would leave Zhao Lin pleased for quite a while.

However, the situation was rather amusing.

Clearly, He Song had orchestrated the killing of a troublesome cultivator from the Immortal Market.

But thanks to Zhao Lin’s maneuvering, the matter was spun into a narrative of He Song exposing and eliminating a hidden evil cultivator within the market.

Zhao Lin even used this story as grounds to apply for a reward.

If He Song hadn’t personally orchestrated the entire matter, he might have been convinced by Zhao Lin’s version of events himself.

Such thoughtfulness from Zhao Lin deserved appreciation.

He Song was not stingy when it came to expressing gratitude.

“Fellow Daoist, you are too modest. As a Spirit Planter, any contributions made to the Immortal Market are naturally recorded. How could there be no merit to speak of?”

Zhao Lin shook his head, verbally affirming He Song’s contributions to the market.

Then, with a sweep of his right hand across the table, a delicate little box appeared before He Song.

“Fellow Daoist, you must have forgotten. Three years ago, you eliminated a major threat to the Immortal Market. Such a significant deed could hardly go unrewarded. The market has now issued the reward, and I personally brought it to you.”

Zhao Lin pushed the small box toward He Song with a smile but made no mention of his efforts in the matter.

Three years ago, when He Song had sent the messenger paper crane with his message, it carried the faint aura of a late-stage Qi Refinement Realm cultivator.

That aura had shocked Zhao Lin to his core.

It was only then that Zhao Lin fully understood why Meng Guan had advised him to build a rapport with He Song before leaving.

It was only then that Zhao Lin realized why He Song had come to visit him with gifts on the very day Meng Guan departed.

Finally, everything made sense.

This realization was one of the reasons why Zhao Lin had so readily agreed to assist three years ago.

Although naturally cautious by nature, Zhao Lin had been apprehensive about potential retaliation from Chen Zhou or repercussions from the market.

But when he sensed the late-stage Qi Refinement Realm aura on the messenger paper crane, his doubts were dispelled.

With such a powerful cultivator involved, Chen Zhou was doomed.

Without any further concerns, and with the opportunity to strengthen his friendship with He Song, Zhao Lin had no reason to refuse the matter.

Now, everything has fallen into place.

Even though three years had passed, Zhao Lin still made good on his promise to personally deliver the reward to He Song.

“So it was that matter. I must thank you, fellow Daoist. Without your help, I would have encountered many obstacles. I am deeply grateful.”

Hearing this, He Song feigned a look of mild surprise as he rose to his feet, cupped his hands, and offered Zhao Lin a respectful bow.

He Song executed this gesture naturally.

The benefits were his to keep, but he ensured to show gratitude to the friend who had helped him.

In the world of mutual favors, Zhao Lin had offered a genuine benefit, and He Song was happy to reciprocate with a display of thanks.

Even though he didn’t yet know what the small box contained, even a few spirit stones would make the gesture worthwhile.

Expressing gratitude with a few polite words in exchange for tangible rewards—such a transaction would be the envy of many cultivators.

Besides, a reward from the Immortal Market was unlikely to be so simple.

“It’s a minor matter. Helping you already makes me happy,” Zhao Lin said, smiling as he returned He Song’s gesture with a bow of his own.

The smile in Zhao Lin’s eyes revealed his good mood, and He Song knew his own objective had been achieved.

For the next few days, Zhao Lin would undoubtedly be in high spirits.

This outcome was something He Song was pleased to see.

He had gained a reward, and his friend had gained a good mood—a win-win situation.

After receiving the small box, the two naturally transitioned into casual conversation.

“Fellow Daoist, do you know why this reward was delayed for so long and only came now?” Zhao Lin suddenly asked after a few cups of tea, lowering his voice mysteriously.

His tone suggested there was more to the story than met the eye.

He Song’s curiosity was piqued.

Indeed, three years had passed, and he had almost forgotten about the matter.

Why had the reward suddenly arrived now?

Judging by Zhao Lin’s mysterious demeanor, it seemed there was some hidden story behind it.

However, if He Song wanted to hear it, he first needed to ask.

“I wouldn’t know. Could it be that you have some insider news, fellow Daoist?” He Song asked, playing along and lowering his voice.

Seeing He Song respond as expected, Zhao Lin’s face lit up briefly with joy.

Ever since he had learned the secret, he hadn’t shared it with anyone.

Keeping such a secret to himself had been agonizing.

Now, with the opportunity to confide in He Song, Zhao Lin was eager to speak.

After all, this was merely the Immortal Market’s outer courtyard. Even if the news were overheard, it wouldn’t cause much trouble.

With this in mind, Zhao Lin finally began to share.

“Do you remember that Qi Refinement Realm cultivator, Chen Zhou, from three years ago?”

He Song nodded, signaling for Zhao Lin to continue.

“At the time, I claimed that Chen Zhou bullied the weak, extorted spirit stones, and committed all manner of evil deeds. Do you recall this, fellow Daoist?”

Zhao Lin sipped his tea before continuing.

“That claim of mine was not without basis.”

“Six years ago, after the great disaster that struck the Immortal Market, most low-level cultivators were wiped out. Only those with exceptional means survived the calamity.”