Chapter 194: Mingyan Zhenren's Careful Arrangements · Dao Crystal

Chapter 194: Mingyan Zhenren's Careful Arrangements · Dao Crystal

For Mingyan Zhenren, investigating Xiao Chen's network of sect cultivators wasn't particularly complicated.

The real challenge was discovering that Xiao Chen had practically no network at all.

The number of people he'd interacted with could be counted on one hand, and those he'd interacted with regularly were even fewer.

This left many recruitment strategies without suitable targets.

To address this, Mingyan Zhenren had invested considerable effort.

First, they directly designated the small courtyard where Xiao Chen had once lived in the second sub-academy as a restricted zone, forbidding other disciples from approaching.

Next, they dispatched an attendant to the Spirit Medicine Garden to collect spirit medicines for a banquet.

Finally, they reviewed intelligence reports and initiated a series of personnel reshuffles.

Inside the Spirit Medicine Garden:

"These crimson-fruit plants have been cultivated for eighteen years—they’re about to produce new seeds! How can they be harvested now?"

Elder Liu furrowed his brow. "At least leave ten of them!"

"Elder, even taking all of them might not be enough. And it’s not just spirit fruits—we need spirit flowers too", the attendant explained. "Please select eighty-eight spirit flowers aged over a century and transplant them to Cuiwei Valley as soon as possible."

"Cuiwei Valley?!" Elder Liu’s brow furrowed deeper. "But Cuiwei Valley lacks a spirit field, and its spiritual energy concentration is insufficient. Century-old spirit flowers won’t survive there."

High-grade spirit plants often required stringent growing conditions, with spiritual energy concentration being the most basic requirement.

"Can’t we find a solution?"

The attendant frowned. "What if we set up a small Spirit Gathering Formation or relocate some spirit fields there?"

Elder Liu shook his head. "That would cost at least a hundred spirit stones monthly for the first few years. Spirit fields can’t be cultivated overnight—forcing the issue would be counterproductive."

"Then it’s settled."

The attendant smiled. "The Zhenren specifically said cost isn’t an issue. Speed is the priority."

???

Elder Liu felt dizzy. What on earth was going on?

Meanwhile, the three elders of the Chen family, along with other foundation-building cultivators who hadn’t gone to Hezhou, received notices summoning them to the sect hall.

Even the resumption of the bazaar’s production and the reclamation of spirit mines and spirit veins were temporarily halted.

Su Huaitao, the head of the Su family, was deeply troubled. Could the sect be planning to interfere with Nanhu Lake? If so, what could they do?

On the other side, Shen Simyue stared at her appointment letter, her face a mix of shock and confusion.

Thanks to Elder Qi securing her a foundation-building pill, she’d successfully breakthrough to Foundation Building Stage by year’s end.

According to the sect’s usual practice, new Foundation Builders started as supervisors, patrolling the territory’s edges to monitor demonic cultivators, bandit cultivators, and yao beasts.

The recent Cangyan Sect attack had narrowly spared her since she’d been on leave.

Yet just now, Shen Simyue had received a new appointment.

Citing her patrol achievements, she was promoted from supervisor to sect manager.

More absurdly, she wasn’t assigned to any sub-hall. Instead, she was sent to Cuiwei Valley to manage daily affairs outside the main courtyard.

The problem? Aside from a new courtyard built two years ago, Cuiwei Valley had practically nothing.

Shen Simyue couldn’t fathom what she’d actually do there.

Shouldn’t this fall under Servant Peak’s jurisdiction? Was it worth assigning a Foundation Builder cultivator?

Amidst widespread confusion and bewilderment, everyone gathered at the sect hall, awaiting explanations.

In the afternoon, when Xiao Chen returned from Cangyan Sect, he immediately noticed the transformed Qiyun Peak.

At first, he thought it was a celebration for the recent victory.

But at the mountain foot, he spotted a familiar face—Jiang Shiyou’s severed head.

Beside it stood Jiang Cungang and other Jiang family cultivators, arranged in a pyramid of heads at Lihuo Sect’s mountain gate, visible to all entering or exiting.

Xiao Chen had initially assumed the third-tier Pill Forging Master might require his intervention, but now it seemed unnecessary.

As Elder Chen had said, the cultivation world revered strength.

Once one’s cultivation stage rose, certain matters resolved themselves without personal effort.

Approaching the sect hall, Xiao Chen recognized many familiar peers along the way.

Stepping inside, he immediately saw Wu Lao Tou waiting at the entrance.

The old man wore a high-grade magic robe, his face beaming with smiles.

Inside, numerous sect managers and elders, including members of the Su and Chen families, had gathered.

Sixteen octagonal tables filled the hall, laden with food and wine.

"Xiao Chen, you’re back!"

Mingyan Zhenren appeared just in time, beaming. "I’ve prepared a grand feast—waiting for our great hero to start!"

The others, seeing Xiao Chen, froze in shock before their eyes widened in disbelief.

According to their intelligence, Xiao Chen had perished at Xunmei Mountain.

How had he suddenly become the Xiao Chen Mingyan Zhenren referred to?

Had they not woken up yet?

Elder Liu immediately understood why they’d been ordered to plant flowers in Cuiwei Valley.

Shen Simyue blinked, then realization dawned.

The sect had transferred her to Cuiwei Valley as manager—clearly to...

At this thought, her cheeks flushed.

Su Huaitao, upon seeing Xiao Chen, first felt shock, then overwhelming relief.

His heart, suspended for half a year, finally settled.

Thank goodness! Nanhu Lake was safe!

Glancing at his children, he saw Su Yuanpeng’s blank expression, lost in thought.

Shaking his head inwardly, Su Huaitao sighed. With Su Yuanpeng’s lackluster demeanor, reviving the Su family seemed unlikely. Perhaps Su Wanning should be the next heir?

He turned to Su Wanning, only to find her stunned as well.

Looking closer, her eyes were red, lips trembling.

Days earlier, news from Hezhou had left her chest tight, miserable for days.

Now, seeing Xiao Chen safe and having breakthrough to Golden Core, she felt an inexplicable emptiness, as if something vital had vanished.

A year apart, and Xiao Chen had become a Golden Core Zhenren.

It was natural—he’d always been extraordinary.

Back when he was a mere cultivator, he’d shattered the sect’s fastest cultivation record.

Now, he’d leaped to Golden Core, becoming a pinnacle figure in the entire Southern Domain.

This was good news—she should be happy for him.

Yet, for some reason, she couldn’t muster a smile.

"Xiao Chen, please sit quickly!"

Yun Xiang Zhenren emerged from the back hall. "Thanks to you, we’ve overcome the sect’s crisis."

The celebration concluded successfully.

As others respectfully departed, three Golden Core cultivators entered the back hall.

"Xiao Chen, with Cangyan Sect annihilated and Sihai Sect in disarray, this is the perfect time for Lihuo Sect to unify Li Zhou."

Mingyan Zhenren was exhilarated. "But I’d like your opinion on some details."

Xiao Chen waved a hand. "I’ve no interest in such matters. Mingyan Senior Sect Brother can decide."

"No, no", Mingyan Zhenren shook his head, proceeding to outline his plans one by one, seeking Xiao Chen’s input.

For instance, how to handle Cangyan Sect’s remnants.

Whether to keep Lihuo Sect’s mountain gate at Qiyun Peak or relocate to Cangyan Sect.

Or whether to support new merchant guilds or absorb the existing three major guilds in Hezhou trade.

"Merchant guilds?"

Xiao Chen cared little for most matters, but at the mention of guilds, he recalled the Rui Bao Guild’s rivalry.

He suggested, "I see no need for institutions like Rui Bao Guild. Perhaps a fresh start? What do you think, Senior Sect Brother?"

Mingyan Zhenren readily agreed. "Xiao Chen’s wisdom is sound. Let’s start anew."

...

The framework governing Li Zhou’s tens of thousands of cultivators was thus decided in a few words.

After settling these matters, Yun Xiang Zhenren stood, solemnly retrieving Nu Yan Hong’s Flying Sword and offering it. "I hear Xiao Chen wields a sword—please take this for protection."

"The sect currently lacks new spiritual artifacts. Please don’t refuse."

"Huh?" Xiao Chen hastily waved his hands. "Senior Sect Sister, what do you mean? I already have spiritual artifacts—how could I take your personal sword?"

Yet Yun Xiang Zhenren had already produced the Mystic Light Bright Silver Armor. "At this point, I might as well confess—I’ve suffered foundational injuries..."

She briefly explained her injuries.

"In short, even with these artifacts, I can’t unleash their full power. They’ll serve you better for protection."

Yun Xiang Zhenren had prepared for death, but Xiao Chen’s sudden arrival had spared her.

Thus, she decided to gift her spiritual artifacts, especially the armor, to Xiao Chen—to express gratitude and enhance his survival.

Mingyan Zhenren, witnessing this, paused, then slyly retrieved a spirit flame from his storage bag. "Xiao Chen’s heroics deserve recognition. This spirit flame will surely prove useful. The sect warehouse has three more—I’ll have them delivered shortly."

Uh-oh, this spirit flame was genuinely tempting.

Xiao Chen stared at the flame, his heart racing.

To accelerate his Beidou Spirit Flame’s advancement, he needed other spirit flames as nourishment.

"Er, thank you, Mingyan Senior Sect Brother. I indeed need these flames. I’ll accept them without modesty."

Accepting the flame, Xiao Chen added, "But the spiritual artifacts aren’t necessary..."

Before he finished, Yun Xiang Zhenren’s face fell. "Does Junior Sect Brother disdain these artifacts because I’ve used them?"

"No, no", Xiao Chen waved his hands. "I already have two artifacts. Acquiring more would be excessive."

"Besides, my current artifacts demand significant true mana. With the new Crimson Gold Four-Edged Mace, my true mana is already stretched thin. No need to hoard more artifacts."

As for the future when he has more true mana, Xiao Chen isn't being arrogant—he believes he'll never run short of spiritual artifacts to use by then. After all, there are still so many golden cores from the Divine Flame Cult waiting for him to process.

"Th-this... Since that's the case, please at least accept this, Junior Sect Brother!"

Yun Xiang Zhen Ren put away his spiritual artifact and instead took out a glowing, pearl-like spirit fruit: "Let this represent my gratitude toward you, Junior Sect Brother."

This was a third-tier White Wave Fruit, capable of helping cultivators expand their true mana. It could effectively save cultivation time, though for someone like Yun Xiang Zhen Ren, who was stuck at the Golden Core early stage, its effects were minimal.

After explaining the situation and insisting repeatedly, Xiao Chen accepted it without further refusal. Since he could indeed use it, he decided to keep it for now. Later, he would repay the favor by helping her find a healing spirit herb.

Returning to Cuiwei Valley, Xiao Chen spotted Shen Simyue waiting at the courtyard entrance before even stepping through the gate.

Greetings, Zhen Ren!

Shen Simyue performed a graceful bow, appearing almost shy.

"Have you come to help tend the spirit flowers?" Xiao Chen asked, initially curious.

Learning the full story, he chuckled: "So that's how it is. Since you're here, stay then."

"Though this place lacks spiritual energy, it's peaceful enough. You'll have more time for cultivation."

After casually allowing Shen Simyue to move freely outside the main hall, Xiao Chen returned to his room to organize the books he'd acquired. While supplementing his knowledge of the cultivation world, he also searched for clues about the mysterious crystal's identity.

Meanwhile, the outside world was in turmoil. Except for the Xiong Clan, which was spared thanks to Xiao Chen's token, the other major families within the Cangyan Sect's territory were completely eradicated.

Within five days, all of Li Prefecture except Qianzhu Bazaar and Huangfeng Valley fell under the Lihuo Sect's control. The Rui Bao Guild, in particular, was uprooted entirely. Spirit fields, mines, and veins—assets once belonging to the Cangyan Sect and Sihai Sect—now had new masters.

The Lihuo Sect was overwhelmed with consolidating their gains. Even Mingyan Zhen Ren and Yun Xiang Zhen Ren repeatedly led talisman formations to reposition forbidden realms.

Only Cuiwei Valley remained tranquil, bathed in sunshine.

"It's actually a Dao Crystal, a treasure highly valued even in the Eastern Territory. No wonder I hadn't heard of it before."

In the travel notes of a Golden Core cultivator from the Cangyan Sect who visited the Eastern Territory two millennia ago, Xiao Chen finally found clues.

After forming a Golden Core, cultivators could begin touching the Dao, usually starting with one of the Five Elements corresponding to their spirit root. This didn't mean Golden Core cultivators had to comprehend the Dao for cultivation—normal progress wouldn't be affected. However, Dao comprehension brought benefits:

1. Enhanced spell mastery and power.

2. Reduced obstacles during minor breakthroughs.

3. Potential aid for future Nascent Soul Formation.

Most cultivators prioritized the first benefit—boosting strength. The Dao Crystal was a treasure aiding this process.

The Eastern Territory had countless forbidden realms and ruins, many dominated by a single Five Elements attribute, like the Yan Chi Secret Realm's fiery energy. These realms, opening every few decades or centuries, sometimes formed Dao Crystals attuned to their dominant element.

Cultivators who obtained these crystals could refine them for a chance to comprehend the corresponding Dao. This applied not just to Golden Core cultivators but also to those at higher stages. However, the crystal only offered an opportunity—success wasn't guaranteed.

Thus, ordinary cultivators often sold them to wealthier or more gifted peers. Pairing them with herbs like the Double-Blossom Azure Lotus Seed or Purple Jade Bodhi, which temporarily boosted cultivation aptitude, maximized effectiveness.

"Hmph, this is complicated", Xiao Chen frowned. "If there are five Dao Crystals, how do I tell their attributes apart?"

The crystal held faint runes, but the travel notes lacked identification methods. Still, the Cangyan Sect cultivator who once obtained one had been exceptional.

"Never thought this tiny crystal would be something even Golden Core cultivators would covet." He stared at it, suddenly finding it more beautiful. After pocketing it into his storage box, he resolved not to reveal it until acquiring the Purple Jade Bodhi.

Three days passed. Xiao Chen finished cataloging his books, but his slow progress had a reason—he'd immersed himself in studying the Eastern Territory.

According to travelogues, the Southern Domain was small, only seven provinces. Volcanoes blocked the west and south, the Wanyao Mountain Range the north. The Eastern Territory lay across a 470,000-kilometer-wide sea—a boundary no one knew the full length of.

Crossing it led to a barren land with only a cultivator-run trade route. Reaching Xilai Country required another 610,000 kilometers eastward, then another 300,000 to the Jingkong Sea—the true Eastern Territory border. Total: 1.6 million kilometers. The Nanlao Sea's Baicao Forbidden Realm lay another 420,000 kilometers southeast.

"This is way too far!" Xiao Chen calculated, dazed. "I'll never make it in time!"

The Baicao Forbidden Realm opened every 48 years and seven months, next due in one year and five months. Missing it meant waiting another half-century.

Good news: At his speed, even with sea-crossing delays, he could reach it in under a year.

Bad news: The Divine Flame Cult and White Bone Demon Body blocked his path. He needed to eliminate both within five months.

Though he had 470 years left, the thought of waiting another 50 made him uneasy. "Too long! By then, everything'll be ruined."

"Need to help the Beidou Spirit Flame advance first."

The sect's three spirit flames, plus Jiang Family's, had arrived days ago. Only Chen Family's remained with Chen Tianyuan.

"Where's my tea?" Xiao Chen remembered his senior's fondness for it. He'd acquired some Xiangshan Guye tea to gift.

Though he could summon Shen Simyue to fetch the spirit flame, he chose to visit in person, showing respect.

At the Alchemy Hall, disciples bowed as he entered. In the back hall, Chen Tianyuan was deep in thought.

"Senior Uncle, no need for formalities", Xiao Chen interrupted. "I brought some Hezhou tea for you."

Chen Tianyuan relaxed slightly but remained tense. Uncertain if Xiao Chen's warmth was genuine, he replied: "Etiquette demands respect for Zhen Ren."

Pouring tea, Xiao Chen said: "Senior, as your junior, your formality humbles me."

After serving tea, he added: "Earlier, you lent me spirit stones and covered the Ice Sword costs. This bag is a small token of appreciation."

The Wind-Thunder Pair Swords and Lesser Trinity Sword Array had proven invaluable, thanks to Chen Family's help. Xiao Chen repaid debts generously—67,000 spirit stones borrowed, doubled to 134,000, rounded up to 150,000.

"150,000?!" Chen Tianyuan's eyes widened. "Too much! I can't accept this!"

He didn't know Xiao Chen now had 1.3 million lower-grade spirit stones. To Xiao Chen, 150,000 was trivial.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end