The gain from these two achievements alone has elevated Zhao Ya’s combat ability to a significant level.
As for other rewards, they are even harder to count within a short time frame.
When Zhao Ya returned with a full load, he immediately saw He Nandou and his group waiting for him with a serious expression.
At the moment, it was not only He Nandou and his disciple Nan Liangyu, but other elders of the Celestial One Pavilion who had heard the news and rushed over.
After all, the change in the Celestial One Chessboard was so obvious that even ordinary people couldn’t miss it.
Let alone those elders who have been in daily contact with the chessboard.
Upon hearing that the drastic change in the Celestial One Chessboard was due to an outsider entering it, their hearts were filled with mixed emotions, unsure of what to feel.
They had been working tirelessly, day and night, practically to the point of obsession, to comprehend the secrets of the chessboard, yet for decades they couldn’t even step through the door.
However, an outsider, out of curiosity, entered the chessboard and triggered such a strong reaction.
This would be hard for anyone to accept.
Therefore, when Zhao Ya flew out of the chessboard and stood in front of them, the elders’ gaze at him was complicated.
There was jealousy, resentment, and a hint of indescribable loss.
It felt as if Zhao Ya had taken away the goddess they’ve longed for.
Compared to the nearly out-of-control reactions of the elders, He Nandou, at least, showed the demeanor expected of a grand sect leader.
"Temple Master Zhao, what did you gain from this journey?"
Zhao Ya actually felt a bit embarrassed.
He initially intended just to take a look, but he didn’t expect so many things to happen.
Even the Celestial One Chessboard underwent drastic changes because of it.
Although Zhao Ya knew that the dimming of the chessboard should be only temporary and could recover over time.
But since it happened because of him, he felt obliged to say something.
"The gains were substantial, but unfortunately, the chessboard may need some time to recuperate."
As he said this, Zhao Ya clasped his fists apologetically, "I’m truly sorry, I didn’t anticipate this happening, if..."
Before Zhao Ya could finish speaking, He Nandou suddenly made a move, pointing straight at Zhao Ya’s chest and stomach.
This action had no prior indication, and even Nan Liangyu, who was closest, didn’t expect his master to make a sudden move, his pupils instantly contracting to a pinpoint.
This pointing was extremely fast, and with He Nandou standing so close to Zhao Ya, it arrived at his chest and stomach in an instant.
However, at this moment, Zhao Ya took a step sideways, as if he had predicted it beforehand, easily evading the strike.
Then Zhao Ya faintly smiled and said, "Pavilion Master He, are you still testing me?"
He Nandou, instead of being angry for the failed strike, was glad, and laughed heartily: "Good, good! Such foretelling of the enemy’s move, no wonder the Celestial One Chessboard was used by you."
It turned out that the previous strike by He Nandou was purely a test to see if Zhao Ya, having caused the chessboard change, had experienced any changes himself.
The result naturally delighted He Nandou, even to the point of being a bit shocked.
Because Zhao Ya’s foresight in anticipating the enemy’s move was not inferior to any Celestial One Pavilion elder.
It’s important to know that Zhao Ya had never been exposed to the Celestial One True Power before, and this was his first time seeing the chessboard.
While any elder of the Celestial One Pavilion had been immersed in the chessboard for decades.
Such a long time gap was forcibly closed.
Is this talent?
Zhao Ya then faintly smiled and solemnly clasped his fists and said, "I, Zhao Ya, owe a debt to the Celestial One Pavilion for this favor."
Although, before entering the chessboard, He Nandou had clearly said that all consequences would be borne by himself.
And Zhao Ya vaguely guessed what he meant.
If he succeeded, it would only benefit the Celestial One Pavilion.
If not, even harmed, it wouldn’t be a problem for the Celestial One Pavilion either.
But allowing him to enter the chessboard was already a tremendous favor.
Let alone the voice that helped him at the critical moment, which was most likely from a Celestial One Pavilion predecessor.
Thus, Zhao Ya accepted this favor.
He Nandou’s expression also became very serious, solemnly returning the gesture.
"Temple Master Zhao, no need to be polite, this was all your own opportunity, unrelated to the Celestial One Pavilion."
"However, since Temple Master Zhao was able to comprehend the secrets of the chessboard and trigger changes, it evidently indicates a connection with the Celestial One Pavilion."
"I noticed the Azure Dragon Order you gave to Liang Yu beforehand: the sudden change in Wuyang Sea is extraordinary, and the land Beyond the World will face a significant transformation, given Temple Master Zhao plans to save the situation, naturally, the Celestial One Pavilion will spare no effort to support this great endeavor."
He Nandou’s words were impeccable, first using the chessboard to close the gap between them, and then expressing full support for Zhao Ya.
Thus, Zhao Ya had nothing else to say and could only remember this favor.
"Thank you!" Zhao Ya casually expressed his gratitude, which made He Nandou beam with joy.
"We are all one family; no need for such formalities. Come, I’ve ordered a feast; let’s eat and chat simultaneously."
Saying that, before Zhao Ya could refuse, He Nandou took hold of his sleeve.
"Come, there’s something we need to discuss."
Zhao Ya pondered briefly upon hearing this, then nodded, "Alright, I’ll intrude then."
The wine was brewed from wild fruits in the mountains, surprisingly sweet and refreshing.
The dishes were mostly produce from the wild, not great in appearance, but extremely tasty.
This treatment was only afforded to esteemed guests at the Celestial One Pavilion.
During the feast, the initially dull atmosphere gradually became lively.
Especially the elders, who, as if agreed upon, took turns to toast Zhao Ya.
These elders, though initially unwilling, were naturally people of high calibre to become elders of the Celestial One Pavilion.
Therefore, they quickly adjusted their mindset.
Of course, the key was He Nandou’s attitude.
Since the Pavilion Master valued Zhao Ya so much, what else could these elders say? Naturally, they could only toast.
Facing the elders’ toasts, Zhao Ya accepted them all without exception.
Taking all the benefits, drinking some wine naturally wasn’t an issue.
After three complete rounds of drinks, seeing Zhao Ya’s eyes become clearer the more he drank, the elders began to concede.
Though brewed from wild fruits, due to the special Celestial One Pavilion recipe, the wine was very potent and uninfluenced by martial realm level.
No matter your cultivation, if you’re meant to get drunk, you’ll get drunk.
The elders were no exception.
Already, some elders’ eyes turned blurry at this point.
But after three continuous rounds without taking even a bite of food, Zhao Ya’s face stayed unflushed.
At this sight, the elders decided to retreat tactfully.
Seeing this, He Nandou laughed heartily, lifting his cup as well.
"I didn’t expect young Ya not only to be talented but to possess such an astonishing drinking capacity, truly admirable."
"Master He, you flatter me, I toast to you with this cup!"
He Nandou, younger than Guo Luming, could be addressed as Uncle Master.
After emptying his cup, Zhao Ya set it down and looked at He Nandou, puzzled.
"Master He, you mentioned an important matter to discuss. May I ask what it is?"
"Don’t rush, you’ll find out soon," He Nandou laughed.
Zhao Ya chuckled bitterly, "How can I not be anxious? The situation at Wuyang Sea is unknown, and I have only a few days to marshal the forces of various sects in the land Beyond the World, time is of the essence."
"I understand, asking you to wait is also for that reason."
Saying this, He Nandou turned to look at Nan Liangyu.
"Have they arrived?"
"The message has been sent. Not all sects can be guaranteed, but the junior sister from Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion should be arriving soon," replied Nan Liangyu.
No sooner were the words spoken than there was a light laugh outside the door.
"Senior Brother Nan, today at Celestial One Pavilion, it’s quite bustling!"
As the voice came, a group of people entered through the door.
The arrival of this group instantly brightened the room.
Because coming in, were all beautiful women.