Chapter 896

When Li Yi returned to Chishan Mountain, he was stunned by the sight: the spiritual energy within a five-hundred-kilometer radius had transformed into countless rivers of energy, surging toward Chishan Mountain.

The spiritual energy in the Wildlands was already dense, ideal for cultivation—otherwise, it would never have birthed Divine Blood Warriors.

Yet all this concentrated spiritual energy had been utterly depleted by over two hundred cultivation experts from the End Dharma World.

These people were desperate; having arrived in a world brimming with spiritual energy, they were like dragons entering the sea, greedily swallowing the celestial energy to cleanse their impurities, blossom their Dao flowers, and restore their vitality.

"Siphoning spiritual energy from five hundred li at once will surely draw significant attention—and this situation will last for at least several dozen days," Li Yi thought, his expression subtly shifting.

But two hundred people crossing dimensions was already an extremely bold act, one that would cause massive upheaval whether in the Wildlands or on Earth.

Yet Li Yi had no time for gradual progress; if he didn't act aggressively now, how could he face the coming crises?

"For the next few months, I must remain at Chishan Mountain to prevent trouble from arising."

To ensure these two hundred cultivation experts regained their strength swiftly, Li Yi had to stay here—he wouldn't relax until their power was fully restored.

After all, they were hard-won, the very foundation of the entire End Dharma World's cultivation elite; if they perished, he could never find another group of such powerful, controllable experts again.

Soon, Li Yi appeared above Chishan City.

Compared to last time, Chishan City had grown even more prosperous: many tribes had chosen to relocate here, merchants flowed in greater numbers, and the city's size had expanded several times over.

Clearly, during Li Yi's absence, Xiu Xiang and Nü Heng had managed this place well.

If this continued, within a few decades, it would become a renowned great city.

"But prosperity comes at a cost—Chishan Mountain Range is nearly hollowed out; aside from that secret realm, the remaining Chijin ore is scarce," Li Yi scanned other areas.

Many mountains had vanished; the uneven terrain had been deliberately reshaped by cultivators into a vast plain, surrounded by lakes, forests, and many tamed exotic beasts.

Yet flattening Chishan Mountain was unavoidable—he needed vast quantities of Chijin to forge Chijin Dao artifacts and Immortal Warships, to elevate the cultivators' strength.

Only the Wildlands' abundant resources could sustain so many experts.

Li Yi entered the Governor's Mansion.

The mansion was managed by E Ji, Su Ji, and a Grand Priest named Dou Kun; the guards were led by a female warrior named Shan Guo. Though Li Yi had been absent for a long time, all of them upheld ancient traditions, regarding Li Yi as their lord and faithfully fulfilling their duties.

And they sensed Li Yi's aura.

Several auspicious clouds now flew toward the mansion from somewhere on Chishan Mountain.

The arrivals were Xuan Yue Zi, Xiang Xiang Zi, and Miao Hui Zi.

"Tai Yi, the two hundred and some three-flower realm cultivators who crossed over have been settled. They're now absorbing celestial energy to restore their cultivation—this will take several months of rest," Xuan Yue Zi said.

"No problem. A few months is nothing—we can wait," Li Yi said. "How is Miao Hui Zi's injury? Last time, the Demon King Jin Yu pierced her body—did it leave any lingering effects?"

"Thank you for your concern, Tai Yi. My injury has fully healed," Miao Hui Zi smiled gently.

Li Yi nodded slightly.

"Tai Yi, this is a massive move—you went to the cultivation world and brought back every remaining three-flower realm expert. Are you planning a major war against enemies from other worlds?"

Xiang Xiang Zi was excited; she never imagined she'd one day command over two hundred three-flower realm experts.

Fighting, she still loved.

"I have that idea—but not yet. We still lack true top-tier combat power. We must wait," Li Yi said. "My aggressive move now is because I refuse to continue developing slowly—the End Dharma World's experts are nearly at their limit."

"In a few more years, all three-flower realm experts will be dead. Then the cultivation world will mean nothing to me."

"But what about the strong ones in the Celestial Realm?" Xiang Xiang Zi laughed. "They're incredibly long-lived—they could easily survive another few decades, even a century."

"Full Perfection experts are hard to control, and behind them stand Dao Achievers. I dare not interact with them too much—risking fire that burns me alive," Li Yi said.

He could make three-flower realm cultivators plant the Self-Sacrifice Spell—but he had no confidence that Full Perfection cultivators would do the same.

After all, these three-flower realm experts were nearly dead, while Full Perfection ones still had long lives ahead; unless utterly desperate, they'd never surrender their lives to another.

"Tai Yi, I have an idea," Xuan Yue Zi suddenly said.

"Please speak, Immortal," Li Yi looked at her.

Xuan Yue Zi said: "I intend to reorganize the Dao heritage with Xiang Xiang Zi and Sister Miao Hui Zi—gathering the pinnacle Dao techniques and cultivation methods of all sects for preservation."

"Some of the cultivators we brought have precious inherited arts worth learning."

"That's a good thing. If you wish to do it, go ahead," Li Yi said. "Tell me if you need any help."

"Not everyone will willingly surrender their heritage. I plan to appeal to their emotions and reason—but some will complain. If you change your mind, it'll be over," Xuan Yue Zi said.

He understood what Xuan Yuezi intended—to plan for the future Dao Court—but he only knew how to fight and kill, and had no idea how to handle such matters; it was best that Xuan Yuezi took charge of them.

He understood what Xuan Yue Zi intended: preparing for a future Dao Court. He only knew how to fight—he had no skill for such matters. Having Xuan Yue Zi manage it was perfect.

"Through this consolidation of Dao heritage, we can also quietly study pinnacle Dao arts. With wars erupting constantly, Full Perfection cultivation alone isn't enough—we must boost combat power."

Xuan Yue Zi said.

She planned to enter deep seclusion for a time.

"Not just you, Immortal—I share that desire," Li Yi said. "Sometimes, too much foundation isn't good. My magic power has reached its limit. If I don't continue transforming, I'll never blossom my Life Flower or Magic Flower—I'll be permanently stuck in the One-Flower Realm."

"There's still much Divine Blood left—in that secret realm. Tai Yi, you may go and try," Miao Hui Zi said beside him.

"That's precisely why I'm here," Li Yi said.

He needed the Divine Blood to transform his body and continue advancing in cultivation.

The group discussed further, finalizing subsequent plans and arrangements.

After the discussion ended, the Immortals each departed—they had much to do. With two hundred new cultivators arriving at once, this was no small matter. Since Li Yi refused to manage it, they naturally bore the burden.

"Deliver these three rare artifacts to Tian Gong Dao Ren—it's time to forge new Immortal Warships," Li Yi said before leaving, handing three complete rare artifacts to Xuan Yue Zi.

"Including my three artifacts and the cross-dimensional machine, we should be able to forge two more Immortal Warships," Xuan Yue Zi accepted the task.

After giving orders, Li Yi now held only two rare artifacts: one was the Dragon Pearl obtained by slaying the mythic beast Su Ni on Earth; the other was the Knife Coin.

But the Knife Coin was still repairing itself.

He took it out and placed it inside the Governor's Mansion, letting it absorb the world's cosmic energy to replenish itself.

He believed it was safe here—no one would dare cause trouble here.

"Lord, it's time for evening meal."

Two graceful, stunningly beautiful women entered the hall, followed by a retinue of servants carrying bronze cauldrons, tripods, and other utensils, steaming with fragrant aromas—all meat from Mountain Lords and rare exotic fruits.

"Ah, E Ji and Su Ji," Li Yi glanced at them. Sometimes he couldn't help but marvel at their beauty—they seemed to radiate light, breathtakingly dazzling.

Even the Immortals paled slightly in comparison.

Cultivators inevitably carried a cold, detached aura, lacking the allure and seduction of true femininity.

"Set the food down. Eat with me," Li Yi said.

E Ji and Su Ji beamed, had the servants arrange the meal, then knelt beside Li Yi and joined him in eating.

"Have you kept up with your cultivation?" Li Yi asked as he ate.

"Lord, we've reached the Nascent Soul Realm," E Ji and Su Ji replied.

Li Yi said: "Once you reach Mahayana, you'll gain immortality. If you become Immortals, you'll achieve eternal life. Keep striving—don't waste your youth. Remember, youth fades, beauty doesn't last."

They nodded obediently, yet grew restless.

Li Yi's aura was now too overwhelming—like a god seated before them. Merely being near him induced heart-pounding dread. If they didn't grow stronger soon, they might lose even the privilege of sharing his meal.