Even some Sect Aristocracies that had originally abandoned their ancestral lands to migrate to other provinces were now turning back.

The reason was the Human Path Merit!

Slaying Demonic Evil Cultivators, protecting the common people.

One could obtain the favor of the obscure Human Path Merit.

This was something countless cultivators previously dared not even dream of.

After all, before the great disaster in Dianchuan Province, it was a different story. Forget slaying Demonic Evil Cultivators; even if you dashed straight into the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, the Human Path Merit wouldn't spare you a second glance.

But now, merely at your doorstep, you could receive the favor of the Human Path Merit.

Such a great Opportunity, even a fool would not pass up.

After all, the benefits of the Human Path Merit were simply too great.

It could clear away karmic hindrances and enhance one's fortune. Even cultivators long stuck at a Realm, unable to achieve a breakthrough, could use the power of merit to break their shackles.

Even those cultivators undergoing tribulations could rely on the Human Path Merit to alleviate the severity of their tribulations.

This was also why in this tea stand, all the cultivators looked travel-worn, weary, and injured. Yet their eyes were bright and clear, and they possessed an uplifting Essence, Qi, and Spirit.

From a certain perspective, the entire cultivator population of Dianchuan Province had now obtained a Divine Marvel of proficiency, similar to what Qi Xiu possessed.

As long as one strove to slay Demonic Evil Cultivators and protect the common people, one could receive a grant of Human Path Merit.

Earnest effort leads to rewards.

That was the source of their vigorous Essence, Qi, and Spirit!

"However, this way of using scattered Talisman Scripts to scheme for Human Path Merit must have a very poor effect, right?" another old cultivator with grizzled hair and a visibly advanced age said, frowning.

Human Path Merit was no common cabbage. You couldn't just offer three copper coins and expect to buy a share.

If you weren't truly sincere in your deeds, it was very difficult to gain its favor.

If spreading wealth and spending money could gain Human Path Merit, those Sect Aristocracies that rose to power through wealth and influence would probably all be grinning lopsidedly.

"What do you care about them? Perhaps they simply have too many Talisman Scripts to use up, or perhaps they're so wealthy that these Talisman Scripts mean nothing to them."

"Perhaps…"

"Perhaps he truly just wants to help ordinary cultivators who can't defeat Demonic Evil Cultivators," a nondescript voice arose from a corner.

The noisy and boisterous tea stand suddenly fell silent, as the gazes of the crowd subconsciously shifted toward the corner from where the voice came.

There stood a man with broad shoulders and an upright posture, wearing a hat and clad in a light gray Taoist Robe.

As if sensing the collective gaze upon him, the man turned, revealing a broad forehead, a wide nose, and a mature, composed visage to the crowd.

"You are… Gourd Swordsmen Miao Zhong?"

Upon seeing the face of the person who spoke, someone immediately exclaimed in shock, as if recognizing his identity.

"He is Gourd Swordsmen Miao Zhong?"

"Indeed! Look at his waist, isn't that the legendary Sword Gourd?"

"It's really him! He seems quite young."

"Ranked 101 on the Bloody List, just one place shy of the top one hundred! With a Dao-Entering Realm cultivation, he has mastered the Sword Sect's Gourd Sword Skill. In just half a month, he fought his way from Bai Wu to Yang Mountain. The more he fought, the stronger he became, his cultivation soaring all the way to Dao-Entering Realm Complete. He's probably going to undergo the Scarlet Blood Tribulation soon. I heard that a Scarlet Blood Realm Great Demon personally pursued him. However, he turned the tables, slew the Great Demon along with its progeny, and then departed with indifference. He is indeed one of the current prominent figures of Dianchuan Province."

Someone eloquently narrated Miao Zhong's background, and those looking at this rising new star now gazed with added surprise.

Yang Mountain was the epicenter of the current demon calamity.

Miao Zhong fought his way from Bai Wu to Yang Mountain. As a mere Dao-Entering Realm cultivator, he turned the tables on a Scarlet Blood Realm Great Demon. This was a testament to his formidable strength and showed he was not to be underestimated.

Furthermore, his rank of 101 on the Bloody List, just one place short of the top one hundred, further reflected his worth. Otherwise, the demon faction would not have ranked him so highly.

"Brother Miao seemed confident earlier," someone curiously inquired. "Could it be that he knows that distinguished person who is spreading Talismans everywhere?"

"You could say that." Nodding his head, Miao Zhong envisioned Qi Xiu's figure in his mind, his eyes brimming with admiration and respect.

His accomplishments to date were all thanks to the Gourd Sword Skill bestowed upon him by Qi Xiu that day.

Now, hearing about Qi Xiu's current act of distributing Talismans, and seeing everyone's speculative discussion, he immediately spoke out in support: "Qi! He is devoted to the people! How could he be compared to the likes of you? Though I have not had deep interactions with that senior, I owe him my life on two separate occasions. It's none of my concern what idle talk everyone else engages in. But if I hear any slanderous rumors, the sword in my hand is capable of slaying Demons. And it wouldn't be too difficult to cut down a few despicable curs who wag their foul tongues."

The two life-saving rescues and the gift of the technique—these repeated acts of grace had long since molded Miao Zhong into a loyal admirer of Qi Xiu. Hearing people speculate about Qi Xiu's act of giving away Talismans, he felt compelled to get up and draw a line.

You can insult me. But if you dare to slander the benefactor who gave me a new lease on life, I won't hesitate to strike with my sword.

Chilled by Miao Zhong's warning, everyone felt a shiver down their spines and a tingling sensation on their scalps, as if a razor-sharp Longsword loomed precariously overhead.

"Of course, of course."

Many chuckled awkwardly, sat down, and refrained from further discussion on the matter.

Most cultivators in this tea shed were merely at the Dao-Entering Realm. Starting a conflict with a Sword Cultivator capable of grappling with a Scarlet Blood Realm Great Demon would be an unwise decision.

Seeing the crowd fall silent, Miao Zhong said no more. After slapping down a stack of Dao money, he turned and left.

When Qi Xiu had passed on the Gourd Sword Skill to him, they had made a pledge.

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