Chapter 813: Mystery of the Origin of the Inner Realm

Peituo’s words immediately caused the others present to feel astonished. At the same time, a realization dawned on them.

No wonder Peituo had been so flustered just now. It turned out what Ji Shaoli had promised was an unowned Nascent Soul Grotto-Heaven!

It was crucial to understand that an unowned Grotto-Heaven was a necessity for Golden Core cultivators seeking to advance to the Nascent Soul realm. Each one almost certainly represented a future rising Nascent Soul cultivator. Its value was immeasurable. Besides pledging allegiance to prominent immortal alliance families, one had to rely entirely on luck to find such a place. This was incredibly difficult!

The Myriad Immortals Alliance had countless Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivators, like crops in a field, replacing one harvest after another. Nascent Soul cultivators, however, were considered to have truly entered the inner circle, holding important positions in various states. They were the absolute backbone of the Immortal Alliance. The difference between these realms was truly immense.

Yet… Ji Shaoli himself was only at the Golden Core stage. How could he provide unowned Grotto-Heaven information to Mutual Aid Society members? Was this even possible? A hint of doubt flickered in the hearts of everyone present. It wasn't that they were overly suspicious; it was simply that this matter was a bit too unbelievable. Not to mention that Ji Shaoli was a lone figure with no apparent powerful backing. Even if he were a member of some mysterious organization, with an unowned Grotto-Heaven at his disposal, countless people would surely flock to him. Why would he need to come to this Cloud Sea to recruit? Could it be the Five Elders' Society?

As this thought arose, those who had recovered from their initial excitement were startled. The more they thought about it, the more uneasy they became. Ji Shaoli naturally saw what they were thinking.

He chuckled. "You don't need to worry. I am absolutely not a spy for the Five Elders' Society. The unowned Grotto-Heaven prepared for Peituo is also within the territory of the Myriad Immortals Alliance."

Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

"It's normal for you to have doubts, as the Mutual Aid Society is just starting. However, actions speak louder than words. Once Peituo achieves the Nascent Soul realm, all skepticism will naturally disappear," Ji Shaoli said confidently. "But before we complete that, let's take care of your matters first."

Ji Shaoli lightly clapped his hands. Moments later, an image of a faceless stone statue suddenly appeared in the banquet hall of the immortal abode. "This is the True Immortal of Compassion, who saves those in suffering and aids the mortal world. You only need to sincerely pray to it and silently recite the oath of membership to complete the initiation ceremony. After that, I will transfer the contribution points to you," Ji Shaoli explained with a smile.

"That simple?" Xiang Xin asked, a little suspicious.

"Yes, it's that simple. Our Mutual Aid Society doesn't engage in anything mysterious," Ji Shaoli affirmed.

Hearing this, everyone simultaneously looked towards the faceless stone statue hovering in the air. There seemed to be nothing profound about it, yet they faintly sensed a strange aura emanating from it, hinting at the statue's extraordinary nature. With an unowned Grotto-Heaven as the allure, Peituo was naturally fearless and was the first to step forward and silently recite the oath.

A moment later, he looked up. "That's it?" Nothing seemed to have happened.

"Yes, that's all. Welcome to the Mutual Aid Society," Ji Shaoli said with a warm smile.

Seeing this, the other few followed suit. It didn't take long for the first six cultivators to complete their initiation into the Mutual Aid Society. Ji Shaoli kept his word, immediately transferring 100,000 contribution points to each of them on the spot. When they used the Celestial Profound Mirror on the island to confirm that they had indeed received this enormous amount of contribution points, their expressions were somewhat dazed, as if in a dream.

"The Mutual Aid Society values quality over quantity in its members. Therefore, please do not deliberately publicize it. Of course, if you have talented relatives or friends, you are welcome to introduce them for membership," Ji Shaoli reminded them again before sending them off.

After everyone had left, Ji Shaoli turned to look at the somewhat impatient Peituo. "Brother Pei, what rare Foundation Establishment item did you use, what Golden Core method do you cultivate, and what Nascent Soul cultivation technique do you plan to practice?" Ji Shaoli suddenly asked.

Peituo hesitated only for a moment before telling him everything. "I established my Dao foundation with the Wall of Adamant, and achieved my Golden Core through the three methods of Protection, Life, and Earth. I have my eyes on a cultivation technique called the 'Eight Directions Immovable Earth Suppressing Art'."

Ji Shaoli first praised him, "Your Foundation Establishment item and Golden Core methods complement each other. Fellow Daoist, you are truly remarkable." Without waiting for a reply, he immediately continued, "I happen to know of a Thousand-Rock Grotto-Heaven that perfectly aligns with your cultivation path. What do you think?"

"A Thousand-Rock Grotto-Heaven? That would be excellent, of course!" Peituo was overjoyed upon hearing this. But then, as he repeatedly processed what was said, his body suddenly stiffened. He looked at Ji Shaoli, who was not far away, and the shock in his heart was beyond words.

Having cultivated solely by himself all the way to the perfected Golden Core stage, Peituo was certainly not a dull-witted individual. He keenly perceived that something was amiss. "Happened to know" of a Thousand-Rock Grotto-Heaven that was perfectly suited to him... How could there be so many "happenings"? It was well known that most Grotto-Heavens absorbed by Nascent Soul cultivators rarely perfectly matched their Foundation Establishment and Golden Core methods. After all, simply finding a Grotto-Heaven to achieve Nascent Soul was already extremely fortunate. Apart from the core disciples of those prominent families, who could afford to be choosy? Yet, what Ji Shaoli had prepared for him was almost tailor-made... Either it was a coincidence, or it indicated that Ji Shaoli knew of not just one, but many different Grotto-Heavens. After learning about his cultivation path, he immediately selected the most suitable one. What did this imply? Perhaps only the top few powers in the Immortal Alliance could achieve such a feat. A chill ran down Peituo's spine. The image of the faceless stone statue couldn't help but resurface in his mind. The True Immortal of Compassion, who saves those in suffering and aids the mortal world. Just what…

As Peituo's heart was filled with apprehension, Ji Shaoli spoke again, "Brother Pei, what do you think? If you have no objections, then let's depart now."

Peituo promptly agreed without hesitation. Next, the two used a teleportation array, first transferring to Myriad Immortals Island. From there, they traveled deep into the Immortal Alliance's territory. This somewhat alleviated the worry in Peituo's heart. "At the very least, it definitely won't be from the Five Elders' Society," he thought to himself.

They arrived in Gufeng State and exited the floating celestial city. Ji Shaoli then cast a secret spell, concealing their tracks. They hurried along until they reached a desolate Gobi desert. After looking around to ensure no cultivators were nearby, Ji Shaoli pointed to the sky and quietly transmitted a message: "The Thousand-Rock Grotto-Heaven is right here."

Peituo was slightly stunned, then flew to the location Ji Shaoli indicated and began to sense carefully. Before long, he indeed sensed the presence of an unowned Grotto-Heaven, filling him with ecstasy. At the same time, he could not hide the shock in his heart.

"You can advance here," Ji Shaoli said calmly. "I will protect you."