Fei Ming and the others, under the high-intensity sparring of the Cold Flame Snake, had stabilized their cultivation and were beginning to advance towards the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.
Watching the High-Level Profound Beast, Fat Snake, also address Qian Duoduo as Senior Brother, they no longer felt that leaving a Soul imprint was any kind of humiliation; instead, they felt it was an honor and a great opportunity.
Since they sincerely acknowledged Qian Duoduo as their Senior Brother, Qian Duoduo also conveniently upgraded their equipment.
Everything they wore and used was at least an artisan artifact, and specifically, artisan artifacts most suitable for their individual combat styles.
Their current combat power could at least contend with those at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.
This made them even more devoted to Qian Duoduo.
After waiting for more than two hours in the Upper Cave Heaven, Zhao Yanran gracefully descended from above, her eyes narrowing slightly upon seeing the nine of them, a little surprised by their high Battle Intent, but she said nothing more.
With a wave of her hand, she suddenly revealed the Cold Flame Pure Snow Spear and thrust it towards Qian Duoduo; a snowy spear shadow arrived before Qian Duoduo in the blink of an eye.
"Grand Elder! What are you doing?"
Qian Duoduo was startled, condensing a Soul Blade.
Although he blocked the spear's fatal strike, he was also blasted back ten or so steps.
Seeing this, Fei Ming and the others took out their Magic Treasures and stood with Qian Duoduo to jointly defend against Zhao Yanran.
Zhao Yanran remained silent, her Cold Flame Pure Snow Spear sweeping, shooting out nine spear shadows.
Each of Qian Duoduo and the others used their usual Spells, putting in their full effort, barely managing to block them.
Before they could ask again, Zhao Yanran had already put away her spear.
"According to the instructions from above, your identities are being checked to ensure none of you have undergone Possession."
She twirled her fingers, and the pressure of the Formation pressing down on Qian Duoduo and the others reversed, becoming a suction force.
She and the nine of them immediately flew up, soaring into the sky, and in a short while, they returned from the Ice Cave Grotto-heaven to Peak Head Cliff.
On Peak Head Cliff, the Elders from the other seven peaks were also present.
The nine of Qian Duoduo stood in a row, bowing respectfully to Zhao Yanran and the other eight Elders.
"Thank you, Elders, for your accomplishment!"
The eight Elders had various expressions.
Zhao Yanran had no good feelings for Qian Duoduo, her face expressionless.
Among the nine who successfully reached Foundation Establishment, none were from Left Eyebrow Peak or Left Eye Peak.
The Elders of these two peaks looked displeased, but with their Disciples being inadequate, they couldn't blame anyone else.
Meanwhile, Xin Ying and Ji Chao both belonged to Right Ear Peak.
The Elder of Right Ear Peak was a short, stout man.
He said gleefully, "Good! Good! Protector Xin, Protector Ji, when you return to the peak, Old Ancestor Fan will surely reward you."
Inner Sect Disciples become Protectors of their respective peaks after reaching Foundation Establishment.
Protectors become Elders of their respective peaks after reaching Golden Core.
With Foundation Establishment concluded, and as per custom, everyone was about to disperse when Ancestor Zeng's voice came from above their heads:
"All Foundation Establishment Disciples are promoted to Protectors of their respective peaks; proceed to the Grand Elder to receive your rewards and assignments.
Qian Duoduo of Nose Peak has rendered meritorious service in organizing the Treasure Appraisal Conference.
In addition to being the Protector of Nose Peak, he is specially appointed as the Appraisal Protector of the Treasure Hall and may organize Appraisal Fairs at various peaks."
The eight Elders were stunned.
Before they could react, Fei Ming had already led the other eight Disciples in a chorus of shouts:
"Congratulations, Senior Brother!"
Fei Ming and the others had grown accustomed to calling Qian Duoduo Senior Brother over the past month or so.
But stepping out of the Ice Cave Grotto-heaven, their loud shout still startled Qian Duoduo.
"Ancestor Zeng had no good intentions in bestowing this new title of Appraisal Protector upon me.
And now Fei Ming and the others calling me Senior Brother again, doesn't that expose the truth of their fear towards me?"
It seemed his displayed strength was a bit excessive again.
Qian Duoduo quickly returned the bow to Fei Ming and the others.
"Congratulations to all!"
At the same time, he used his Spiritual Awareness to tell Fei Ming and the others that with outsiders present, they absolutely must not be so respectful.
Fei Ming and the others also reacted, quickly straightening their bent backs.
Upon returning to Qian Manor, Guan Xuansheng and Ming Huanhuan had been waiting for Qian Duoduo at the entrance for a long time.
"Congratulations, Senior Brother!"
Feeling the Foundation Establishment Aura emanating from Qian Duoduo, their eyes revealed deep envy.
Qian Duoduo hummed in acknowledgment and walked into Qian Manor.
Once inside the courtyard, he activated all the Formations, only then relaxing a little.
Ancestor Zeng's appointment of Qian Duoduo as the Appraisal Protector caused him some unease.
"These are Cold Flame Snake eggs.
Build a Snake Garden in the open space and incubate them well."
Qian Duoduo composed himself, took out the snake eggs, and handed them to Ming Huanhuan.
Ming Huanhuan took the snake eggs.
"Are we still acquiring Golden Oxen?"
"Yes.
What's the current price for Corpse Puppets?"
"Those at the Qi Condensation Realm are around five hundred.
Foundation Establishment Realm are five thousand.
Golden Core are fifty thousand."
Ming Huanhuan hesitated for a moment, then added, "The price isn't expensive, but Corpse Puppets need Spiritual Qi replenishment, and that expense isn't small either."
Qian Duoduo also started to get a headache.
In Refining Spirit Sect, he had Purple Gold Manor, which was full of Violet Clover Grass, so he didn't worry about feed and could afford to raise Golden Oxen.
In Ba Ling Sect, what would he use to raise Corpse Puppets?
Just then, the rattle drum at the entrance of Qian Manor rang out.
Guan Xuansheng said loudly, "Qian Manor's Magic Treasures are sold out; we are not open to outsiders right now."
"I'm not buying Magic Treasures.
Qian Duoduo, Protector Qian, come out!"
The voice sounded somewhat familiar.
Qian Duoduo released his Spiritual Awareness and saw Pang Yunxiao at the Immortal Cave entrance.
"What is he doing here?
Did Pang Yunhan tell his Elder brother something?"