Ming Zhitian cultivated the Longevity Art and did not require medicinal pills for healing. He waved his hand, "I have my own methods, thank you for your kindness."
Clearly, he did not wish to be indebted, making it difficult to refuse later. Tian Nanjie nodded, "It's understandable. Being able to fight beyond your realm with ease. Alright, since you saved me, once I've refined the scales of the Difficult Python Serpent, what kind of artifact do you desire? I'll share one with you."
Ming Zhitian said, "No need..."
Tian Nanjie said, "The scales of the Difficult Python Serpent are priceless, unobtainable even with money. The artifacts made from them are of the highest Celestial grade!"
Ming Zhitian couldn't help but ask, "Between Celestial and Emperor grade, which is higher?"
Tian Nanjie said, "Of course, Celestial is higher. In terms of artifact classification, below Emperor grade is Super grade, but I won't elaborate. Above Emperor grade are Celestial grade, Star grade, Brilliant grade, Profound grade, and Immortal grade. I've heard there are even higher grades beyond Immortal, but I haven't encountered them."
He had previously learned from Wu Shang Jin Bie that the Cold Iron Gauntlets were merely Emperor grade artifacts. If they were Celestial grade, Ming Zhitian was somewhat tempted.
Tian Nanjie was direct, "If you want one, I can give it to you. I speak plainly."
Ming Zhitian said, "Then thank you, Sect Master Senior."
Tian Nanjie replied, "No need. Alright, I'm going into seclusion. Feel free to pick any room in the Immortal Abode and stay as long as you wish, just don't mess things up. If you need anything, find my eldest disciple, Guo Qiang, and tell him I sent you."
Ming Zhitian nodded, "Then I'll make myself at home."
Tian Nanjie nodded. After Ming Zhitian left, he sighed, "Which old monster took in such a good disciple? What a pity."
Ming Zhitian chose a comfortable room and settled in. He closed the stone door and began cultivating the Longevity Art.
A night passed. A knock sounded on the door. Ming Zhitian stopped cultivating and put away the Longevity Art.
He opened the stone door. Guo Qiang had arrived. "Brother Zhitian, did you sleep well last night?"
Ming Zhitian nodded, "Quite well. I was just about to look for you."
They both spoke at the same time, "You speak first."
Ming Zhitian remained silent, gesturing for Guo Qiang to proceed. Guo Qiang smiled slightly, "The Forgotten Mystic Realm, have you heard of it?"
Ming Zhitian shook his head, "No."
Guo Qiang said, "The Forgotten Mystic Realm hasn't been opened for several hundred years. This time, it's because my master made an agreement with the Grand Sect Master to obtain an opening opportunity. I'm not clear on the details of the agreement, but one thing is certain: this opportunity was sought for you, you understand."
Ming Zhitian still shook his head, "I don't understand."
Guo Qiang nearly stumbled, "Master gave one of the spots to you."
Ming Zhitian frowned, "I have to go?"
Guo Qiang said excitedly, "Of course! Do you know how difficult it is to enter the Forgotten Mystic Realm? Opening it consumes immense cultivation, all for us juniors to gain opportunities and good fortune within. This is a great honor, a cultivation paradise that everyone dreams of. You should be happy."
Ming Zhitian said, "Oh. Alright, then I'll go. Now?"
Guo Qiang shook his head, "Opening the Forgotten Mystic Realm is no simple task. Even with the Grand Sect Master's intervention, it requires three days of preparation. Three days later, the Grand Sect Master will personally open it. At that time, the nine sects under the three major sects—the Five Peaks Sect, the Mountain Splitting Sect, and the Quartz Sect—will all send disciples with quotas. The opportunity is rare, and the spots are limited. I hope you will seize this chance."
Ming Zhitian nodded, "I understand. Three days later? Aren't you going?"
Guo Qiang lowered his head, "I wish I could... Master gave my spot to you. It's alright, I respect Master's decision. Whatever he says goes."
Ming Zhitian immediately felt a bit embarrassed, "What's the big deal? I don't particularly care. You go."
Guo Qiang repeatedly waved his hands, "What Master has decided, you mustn't refuse. Otherwise, I might be expelled from the sect. Brother Zhitian, spare me!"
Ming Zhitian was stunned, "That serious? Alright, then I'll go. Do the Fearless Sect, Heavenly Gate, and Return Again Sect also have quotas?"