In the small, secluded Crimson Cloud Cave amidst the pines and bamboos, after a round of hearty drinking, several cultivators exchanged meaningful glances with Shen Wei. Shen Wei then coughed lightly and spoke up, "Fellow Daoist Qin, all of us here have suffered greatly under the oppression of the Divine Fiend Sect. I wonder if we could seek refuge under your esteemed name?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the people in the cave eagerly chimed in, "Spirit stones and medicinal herbs are not an issue. If you, Fellow Daoist Qin, would lend us your name for protection, we will ensure a steady supply every year!"

Some even excitedly suggested, "Why doesn't Fellow Daoist Qin go ahead and establish a sect like the Elder Chang Di? We would definitely join enthusiastically to stand against the Divine Fiend Sect!"

Qin Feng sipped his tea with a smile, quietly listening to their various opinions, but he was not at all moved. Despite their current respectful demeanor, he knew these cultivators were not kind-hearted individuals, having survived in the chaotic Tianmu Mountains. Although Qin Feng was usually focused on cultivation and rarely concerned himself with the affairs of Tianmu Mountains, he was aware that among them were a few notorious villains who had committed numerous atrocities, refusing to join the Divine Fiend Sect only because they disliked its rules.

To allow such individuals to operate under his name, committing crimes while only paying a small amount of spirit stones, was something Qin Feng would never agree to. After a while, as the voices quieted down and all eyes turned to him, Qin Feng set down his cup and said, "Since you wish to use my name for protection, do you know what my background is?"

This question brought a sudden silence to the cave. Indeed, while Qin Feng was known for his gentleness and approachability, no one actually knew his true origins. They only knew that he had taken over the cave from a man named Lu hundreds of years ago and had since lived a reclusive life dedicated to cultivation.

Seeing their confusion, Qin Feng smiled and said, "I will not establish a sect here because I am already the founding patriarch of a sect. I will not allow outsiders to use my name lightly, as it is too precious to be tarnished. However, since you have come to the Crimson Cloud Cave seeking help, I cannot ignore your plight. I will give you a letter of recommendation. If you can pass the rigorous tests at my sect, you may become guest elders or even disciples, and thus receive my protection."

After Qin Feng's words, the people in the cave exchanged puzzled looks. They hadn't expected that Qin Feng was not a lone cultivator but had a significant sect behind him. After a moment of silence, Shen Wei asked, "May I ask, Fellow Daoist Qin, what is the name of your sect, and where is its sacred mountain?"

"My sect has many rules. If you are truly interested in joining, we can discuss the details later," Qin Feng replied, raising his tea cup, signaling the end of the meeting.

Soon, most of the guests left, including those notorious villains who had hoped to use Qin Feng's newly established reputation for their own ends. After further discussions, only Shen Wei and two other Nascent Soul cultivators received letters of recommendation from Qin Feng and flew towards the southern Cool Mountain.

After passing the Tianling Gorge, Zhao Hui, a friend of Shen Wei, frowned and said, "Sister Shen, I've never heard of Fellow Daoist Qin's Netherworld Immortal Sect. It's probably just a minor sect, not worth joining. Maybe we should forget about it."

Another also expressed reluctance, "Indeed, going there might bring endless troubles, and it could hinder our cultivation. It might not be worth it."

Even Shen Wei herself was unsure, hesitatingly saying, "Since we've come this far, let's at least check out the situation before making a final decision."

As they were speaking, a loud noise erupted ahead, and more than a dozen disheveled cultivators, neither monks nor Taoists, jumped out, blocking their path and threateningly demanded, "Hand over your storage artifacts, and we might spare your lives. Otherwise, today will be your death anniversary!"

Shen Wei and Zhao Hui were stunned. They had heard that the area south of Tianling Gorge was a lawless, chaotic wilderness filled with slaughter. Compared to the notorious Tianmu Mountains, it was said to be a paradise. They never expected to encounter a daylight robbery just after passing the Tianling Gorge.

As Shen Wei and Zhao Hui hesitated, the robbers immediately attacked without further ado.