Zhao Yuansong, at that time, was not at his limit, but he indeed had little fighting power left.
After a period of confrontation, both sides stopped fighting and retreated, each eager to notify their respective sects as quickly as possible.
To prevent the news from leaking, Zhao Yuansong and his companions could only travel through remote mountains and forests, daring not to approach any populous areas, lest they be discovered.
Upon nearing their sect, the group even conspired to feign being pursued, thus returning to the market town.
The news of the ancient cultivator's cave mansion had now reached the elder of the Nine Profound Sect stationed at the market town, and it was believed to have been relayed back to the sect.
"You're telling me such important news directly?"
Ji Yuan blinked, asking with curiosity, "Aren't you afraid I'll spread it, or that the elders will find out and punish you?"
Hearing this, Zhao Yuansong smiled knowingly and retorted, "Will you spread it?"
At the same time, seeing that the young Taoist's concern was not about the ancient cultivator's cave mansion, he felt a warmth in his heart.
Having spent over two months together, he naturally knew what kind of person Ji Yuan was. He was always tight-fisted with money, and only when it came to his own safety or that of his loved ones did he cease to be so stingy.
"According to the rules of the Nine Profound Sect, any disciple who discovers such a cave mansion will be rewarded after reporting it to the sect," Zhao Yuansong mused before speaking. "And if the sect reaps any harvest, there will be an even more generous reward."
Furthermore, if a disciple who made the discovery already possessed at least the second realm of cultivation, they would be eligible to explore it themselves, and could even bring one or two fellow disciples or their own attendants.
The Nine Profound Sect, with its nearly thousand-year legacy, had always operated this way, ensuring that its disciples rarely kept secrets. Any discovery would immediately be reported to the sect.
After all, the gains from one's own efforts were limited, especially when news leaked and competition arose with other cultivators, leading to minimal gains due to various factors.
However, it was different when reporting to the sect. With the entire sect as a backing, a relic or cave mansion could be fully explored, yielding far more than individual exploration.
Even if the news leaked and cultivators from all sides rushed to investigate, with the backing of their sect, they would not be lacking in numbers or strength to be robbed.
Yet, not all sects were like this. Many cultivators who discovered relics or cave mansions would often conceal the news themselves and explore them bit by bit. Only when they reached a point of no progress or discovery would they consider releasing the information.
However, in general, these cultivators would choose to sell the information to others rather than report it to their own sects.
Ji Yuan had some understanding of this, having heard many times of sects that, upon learning of a disciple's discovery of a relic or cave mansion, gave only a token reward and no further compensation.
Therefore, after listening to Zhao Yuansong, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart, thinking it was no wonder the Nine Profound Sect had developed to its current state, simply because of this practice.
Not to mention anything else, the cohesion of the disciples within the sect alone was far beyond what ordinary sects could compare to.
"So, are you interested in exploring it together?"
Zhao Yuansong waited until Ji Yuan had processed the information before asking.
He knew Ji Yuan's personality well; he would not take risks unless absolutely necessary, and would be unwilling to gamble even on the slightest chance of danger.
For example, in Guanxia City, he could have borrowed the strength of the Qian family, or relied on their group to attack the precarious Li family and gain a substantial fortune.
But he chose the safest method, quietly staying within the Qian family and waiting for everything to conclude.
"If I don't go with you, can you find any other fellow disciples of the second realm that you have a good relationship with?"
Ji Yuan glanced at him and then asked this question.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuansong smiled bitterly and shook his head. Although he was the senior disciple of the outer sect, he was only familiar with outer sect disciples. He didn't even know any inner sect disciples.
If this were not the case, he would not have been unaware of He Sanshu's reputation and agreed to his invitation.
However, this was not a reflection of his lack of ability. To cultivate to the late stage of the Enlightenment Realm and rank first in the outer sect within ten years, with ordinary aptitude, no resource tilt, and no background, had already consumed all his time and energy.
Under such circumstances, he naturally had no energy left to manage his network and get acquainted with inner sect disciples.
"Then there you have it. If I don't go, and you go alone, how much can you possibly gain?"
Ji Yuan said exasperatedly.
Although the Nine Profound Sect was united internally, when it came to exploring relics and cave mansions, besides one's own luck, it naturally depended on one's own strength and the number of helpers.
With Zhao Yuansong alone, even if his injuries fully recovered, what could he compete for within this relic against numerous inner sect disciples?
Previously, Ji Yuan had learned from Zhao Yuansong about the Nine Profound Sect's handling of relics and cave mansions.
If a sect disciple reported a discovery, the Nine Profound Sect would generally send elders to investigate and determine the level and scope of the cave mansion. If it was small, it would be cleared out completely.
If the relic or cave mansion was large and contained many opportunities, one or two elders would be left to guard it, and then exploration missions would be posted within the sect.
Disciples who wished to participate in the exploration and excavation would need to expend a certain amount of merit points to secure a spot. Each spot would allow the disciple to bring one fellow disciple or attendant.
After gathering a group of disciples, they would be allowed to explore the relic or cave mansion on their own. The sect would not inquire about their gains, as long as they copied any cultivation techniques or secret arts found and placed them in the library.
These duplicates submitted to the sect would also be exchanged for additional rewards.
"The Nine Profound Sect has truly put in great effort to cultivate its disciples," Ji Yuan suddenly remarked.
It was no wonder that with nearly a thousand years of heritage, the Nine Profound Sect's foundation and strength had surpassed most other sects. It was difficult for such a practice not to lead to prosperity, with strong individuals emerging generation after generation.
Zhao Yuansong couldn't help but nod. If not for the Nine Profound Sect's practices, with his aptitude, in an ordinary sect, it might have taken him decades or even centuries to reach the second realm.
"It's estimated that in another seven or eight days, we'll be heading to explore that ancient cultivator's cave mansion," Zhao Yuansong said thoughtfully. He then instructed, "If you have anything to attend to, it's best to handle it within these two days and prepare thoroughly for the remaining time."
Exploring ancient cultivators' relics or cave mansions was not something to rush into blindly; various preparations were crucial.
For instance, ordinary talismans and artifacts for warding off evil spirits and ghosts, as well as for dispelling yin energy, were necessary. Moreover, items for detecting potential dangers ahead, such as divination tools, were also important.
If one were to be more thorough, the number of preparations would increase, and the items needed would have to vary depending on the specific relic or cave mansion.
For this particular instance, it was highly likely to be the cave mansion of an ancient cultivator skilled in earth elemental techniques, thus requiring more earth elemental items and opposing spiritual items.
This was both to adapt to the environment within the cave mansion and to counter formations and restrictions.
This was also why many of the final victors in exploring relics and cave mansions were cultivators from prestigious sects. Even if rogue cultivators were lucky enough to enter, they usually met a grim end and rarely gained anything.
Rogue cultivators, or even those from remote areas, who were already impoverished, had to risk their lives daily just to maintain their basic cultivation. How could they possibly have spare money for such preparations?
"Seven or eight days... Will your injuries heal by then?"
Ji Yuan frowned, his gaze carrying a hint of doubt.
Although he had been treated by a physician, it had only stabilized his external injuries. Complete recovery would require another ten to fifteen days of rest, not to mention his internal injuries.
It would likely take over a month for all his internal and external injuries to fully recover.
Hearing this, Zhao Yuansong gave a wry smile. Even if his injuries did not fully heal by then, he would have to go. He could not possibly give up this opportunity.
Cultivation was like this; it was not just about meditating in seclusion but also a process of contending with heaven and man.
Only by grasping the opportunities presented could one hope to reach the pinnacle of the Great Dao. Otherwise, no matter how brilliant one's talent, if they only cultivated in solitude, they might never form a Golden Core in their lifetime, let alone attain immortality.
This was one of the reasons Ji Yuan readily agreed to accompany him. Not only was Zhao Yuansong without any other second-realm friends to travel with, but also because if he wanted to break the impossible and condense a Golden Core within thirty years, he could not let go of any opportunity and must strive his utmost.
Sighing, Ji Yuan tapped the jade ring on his left hand and retrieved three porcelain bottles, casually tossing them into Zhao Yuansong's embrace.
"Take one each day, and all your injuries should be completely healed in three to five days."
He pointed at the bottles and then briefly explained the effects of the pills within.
These were some of his most prized pills, refined by himself. The spiritual ingredients used were extremely precious, with the cost of a single pill exceeding tens of taels of gold.
"I won't say thank you, but I will remember this in my heart."
Zhao Yuansong's gaze was complex, and he didn't know how to express himself for a moment.
Pills that could heal his injuries so comprehensively within a few days were undoubtedly expensive. For ordinary second-realm cultivators, they would be considered trump cards, used only in life-or-death situations.
Ji Yuan rolled his eyes and said with exasperation, "Don't just keep it in your heart. You'll have to pay me back with interest!"
Seeing his feigned greed, Zhao Yuansong's mood lightened instantly, and a smile appeared on his face, dispelling some of his previous solemnity.