Chapter 236: Trading With the Ancient Locust Tree King

Wei Dao traveled to Guangling Commandery.

Relying on a handwritten letter from Xu Chuan, he was respectfully invited inside and then made his way to the Pill Refining Pavilion.

There, he encountered an unexpected old acquaintance.

"Consecrator Yunding, it is actually you?!" Wei Dao stared at Perfected Person Yunding in astonishment.

Perfected Person Yunding was equally surprised but offered a slight smile. "I was wondering who could enter the Pill Refining Pavilion with the First Elder's letter and even become the vice chief.

So it was you, my young friend Wei Dao.

Your Alchemy skills are indeed beyond question."

"Consecrator Yunding—no, I should call you Pavilion Chief Yunding now—you were clearly at the end of your Lifespan. Could it be that you..."

Wei Dao probed Yunding's cultivation but could only discern that he was at Peak Qi Condensation.

With the First Elder's help, I have stepped into the Foundation Establishment Stage."

Wei Dao's eyes lit up, and he immediately cupped his fists. "Congratulations! When you left back then and no news came for so long, I thought you had perished.

Truly, extreme misfortune has turned into great fortune."

"Being able to befriend the First Elder was my luck," Perfected Person Yunding replied. "And now that you are here, you are doing me a huge favor."

"By the way, the First Elder mentioned that my master, Yun Zhongzi, left behind an Alchemy Dao Inheritance. Do you have a Rubbing copy of it here?"

"Haha, indeed! The First Elder did not hide it for himself. In the Xu Clan, as long as one's Alchemy Dao reaches the Grandmaster Alchemist level, they can make a Rubbing copy to borrow and study."

Perfected Person Yunding sighed emotionally. "Chief Yun Zhongzi was truly selfless. This Inheritance has genuinely helped me improve my Alchemy Dao significantly."

Saying this, he took a Rubbing copy from his Storage Pouch and handed it to Wei Dao. "Come, let me get you settled first. You can study this for a few days before you start refining pills; there is no rush."

From then on, Wei Dao officially joined the Pill Refining Pavilion.

Even half a year later, he never mentioned leaving.

Although the Xu Family had cultivated many Alchemists, becoming a Grandmaster Alchemist was no easy feat.

Currently, only a sparse three or four people, including Zhou Zongdan, had the hope of reaching the Grandmaster Alchemist level.

Among them, Zhou Zongdan was the closest. It was estimated that with another two or three years of accumulation, he would be able to stably refine a High-Grade Pill.

In the blink of an eye, several more months passed.

In a certain forest situated between Great Wei and Great Liang.

A few days ago, Seismic Activity had occurred in this area, so Great Wei dispatched a small squad to investigate.

They had been in the woods for three days. Aside from towering trees and flourishing grass, they had not made any significant discoveries.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, a startled cry came from the vanguard.

"What happened?"

Captain Wu led his men over to check, only to see several soldiers had fallen into an Underground Pit in a western col.

"Captain Wu, this should be the result of the previous Seismic Activity, right?" a middle-aged soldier asked.

"Perhaps. Old Qian, go call the rest of the men over," Captain Wu nodded slightly and instructed the middle-aged soldier.

"Will do." Old Qian immediately departed.

Subsequently, Captain Wu shouted down into the pit, "Is everyone alright?"

"We are fine, Captain Wu! There is a Massive Cavern down here, and the walls have some exposed Glowing Stones."

"Could it be an underground mine?!"

Joy flashed across Captain Wu's face. If it was a spiritual mine, they would have made a tremendous contribution.

"I will go down and take a look."

He immediately leaped into the pit.

When he saw the various colored crystals embedded in the rock walls, his eyes widened in sheer disbelief.

"Spiritual Qi... These are Spirit Stones!"

"There is actually a Spirit Stone Mine underground here!"

He was horrified in his heart but also knew the severe implications of this matter. He commanded, "Since everyone is fine, head back up first."

"I will send a message to report this. Once an immortal master arrives to confirm what kind of mine this is, we will all receive massive rewards."

Smiles blossomed on the faces of the remaining men.

Captain Wu had his men conceal the pit with vegetation and then led them back to the Army Garrison.

However, he did not know that someone had secretly smuggled a stone out.

When twilight gathered.

The soldier who had stolen the Spirit Stone used an excuse to slip into the woods outside the camp and sent a message via carrier pigeon.

Watching the white pigeon fly into the distance, a smug expression appeared on his face. "Did you really think I was just some ignorant country bumpkin?"

"A Spirit Stone Mine! That is a Spirit Stone Mine capable of triggering a Cultivators' War!"

Both Great Wei and Great Liang received the intel and treated it with extreme importance, reporting it up the chain of command.

Two days later, Foundation Establishment stage immortal cultivators arrived in the forest, accompanied by numerous Qi Refining Stage cultivators.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator swept the area with his Divine sense and burst into boisterous laughter. "It really is a Spirit Stone Mine, and at least a Small Spirit Stone Mine at that!"

"Guard this place well! No one is allowed to approach!" the Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator ordered.

The other Qi Refining Stage cultivators bowed and replied in unison, "Yes, Honored Enshrined Elder."

They were all members of the Cao Clan.

"So you of Great Wei found something good. Are you planning to swallow it all by yourselves?"

All of a sudden.

Over ten streaks of light flew over, led by another Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator.

"Why are you here? Could it be..."

The Cao Clan's Foundation Establishment Consecrator's face turned ashen. He naturally deduced that there was a spy from Great Liang within the Great Wei army, and they had relayed the information back to their nation.

'Are the people in this army all useless trash?! They couldn't even detect a spy hiding among them!'

After cursing inwardly, the Cao Clan's Foundation Establishment Consecrator coldly swept his gaze over the immortal cultivators from Great Liang. "This place was discovered by my Great Wei."

"It is not within your Great Wei's borders, so naturally, anyone can fight for it."

"You are courting death!"

A massive battle immediately erupted between the two sides.

However, after clashing, both parties suffered casualties.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator from Great Liang retreated with the survivors, knowing that the Great Wei army was stationed nearby.

The Cao Clan's Foundation Establishment Consecrator and his men could not stop them.

He left the army behind to stand guard while he returned to the Imperial City to report the matter.

The Cao Clan immediately mobilized a large army to set up camp and spread the news to every commandery, ordering the Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families of each region to dispatch personnel to contest the mine.

Battles over Spirit Stone Mines had always been utterly tragic.

If the Cao Clan only sent their own tribesmen, they feared suffering disastrous casualties.

To mobilize the enthusiasm of the various families, the Cao Clan promised that whoever seized the Spirit Stone Mine from Great Liang could exclusively claim thirty percent of the Spirit Stones, while the other families would equally divide forty percent.

The remaining thirty percent would naturally belong to the Cao Clan.

As the first discoverers and the nominal Lord of Great Wei, no other aristocratic family could voice a single complaint about them taking thirty percent.

On Great Liang's side, they also dispatched massive armies and rallied their immortal cultivators from numerous families.

It did not take long.

The Cao Clan transmitted the orders via the Immortal Official Token.

The Immortal Official Token was a special Dharma Tool. The Cao Clan held the mother artifact, allowing them to uniformly issue commands, but two-way communication was impossible.

To communicate across thousands of miles, only high-grade Communication Talismans could suffice.

These were typically only possessed by Golden Core experts or bestowed by major faction sects.

The Moon Tomb Alliance convened a Council of Elders to discuss the matter.

"Elder Mingxuan, what does your Xu Clan think about this?" an elder from another aristocratic family looked toward Xu Mingxuan and asked.

A Qi Condensation Clan was fundamentally unqualified to participate in the battle for a Spirit Stone Mine.

Not to mention, this event also involved a war against Great Liang.

Without the Xu Family taking the lead, even if they banded together, they would be nothing more than soft persimmons meant to be crushed by other Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families.

Xu Mingxuan scanned the crowd and smiled faintly. "Spirit Stones are indeed good things, and naturally, the more, the better. But what the Moon Tomb Alliance needs right now is stable development and the slow accumulation of power.

Over the past few years, each of your families has painstakingly cultivated some foundation and nurtured talents. Do you really want to sacrifice them over a mere handful of Spirit Stones?

Numerous aristocratic families from Great Wei and Great Liang will participate. Even if our Moon Tomb Alliance manages to seize a share, once equally divided among your families, how much would you really get?

Therefore, this elder's opinion is that the Moon Tomb Alliance should sit this one out."

Hearing this, the numerous elders of the Moon Tomb Alliance fell into widespread discussion, but they all felt that Xu Mingxuan's words were reasonable.

Others were fighting on behalf of their families, but they were an alliance. Even if they managed to snag a portion, it would have to be distributed equally among the aristocratic families.

Through the Council of Elders' resolution, the final vote favored avoiding the conflict rather than joining it.

As such, the Moon Tomb Alliance had no intention of participating.

"Of course, whether my Xu Clan fights for it or not still depends on our First Elder's final decision."

The crowd fell silent.

The Xu Clan today was in no way inferior to any First-rank family, so they naturally possessed the confidence to contest it.

Yuehu Commandery, Dongxi.

Xu Chuan convened the Family Head and the rest of the Xu Clan's Foundation Establishment cultivators to discuss the very same matter.

"Regarding the battle over the Spirit Stone Mine, what are your thoughts?" Xu Chuan swept his gaze across the assembly.

Xu Dezhao spoke up, "I heard that this Spirit Stone Mine is at least a Small-Scale Mine. A Small Spirit Stone Mine generally holds reserves of several hundred thousand Spirit Stones.

If it is a medium-scale mine, the reserves would be at least two or three million.

Spirit Stones are essential resources for cultivation, so the more, the better."

"I do not think it is necessary," Xu Mingshu smiled faintly.

"Aunt, what do you mean by that?"

Xu Mingshu replied, "Rather than fighting tooth and nail with so many aristocratic families, it would be better for us to secretly mine our own."

"Secretly mine?" Xu Mingyuan raised an eyebrow. "Fourth Sister, that is not very realistic, is it?"

"Actually, I brought good news for the family upon my return this time. I just did not expect to run into this mess about the Spirit Stone Mine.

I discovered a Spirit Stone Mine in the Azure Sea Forest. After asking Uncle Moyue to investigate, he confirmed it is a Small-Scale Mine.

Furthermore, the mine is located within Uncle Moyue's Territory, so our Xu Clan can excavate it with peace of mind."

Everyone's eyes lit up. Only Xu Chuan sat there unbothered, clearly having known about this long ago.

Xu Mingwei smiled bitterly. "It seems Father had already made his decision."

"The family is not a dictatorship; we must always discuss things. So, what do you all think now?" The corners of Xu Chuan's lips lifted slightly.

The others naturally agreed in unison to mine the Spirit Stone Mine in the Azure Sea Forest.

Over the past few years.

Quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators had gone to the Azure Sea Forest to temper themselves.

One-third of that territory was essentially Xu Clan domain. With Moyue standing guard, they were at least guaranteed not to lose their lives.

Xu Mingshu, in particular, spent massive amounts of time there training her spirit pets.

The one who reaped the greatest benefits was undoubtedly Xu Bai.

He was now a Late-Stage Tier 2 Spiritual Beast. Furthermore, he had swallowed a Demonic Spirit Pill refined from a peak second-tier Metal-Element Demonic Beast, and was currently in secluded meditation at the most spiritually dense spot in the Cloud Gold Mountain Range to refine it.

The Cloud Gold Mountain Range was suffused with sharp metal-attribute Qi, making it the finest cultivation ground for a Metal-Element Spiritual Beast like him.

Following Moyue's advice, Xu Bai constantly suppressed his realm to dig deep into his Bloodline potential.

He was considered the lucky child of the Xu Clan, as there was still a third-tier Opportunity waiting for him in the future.

As for Xu Ying, he was currently at the peak of the mid-second tier. By frequently sparring with the Demonic Beasts here, breaking through to the Late-Stage Tier 2 Spiritual Beast realm soon would not be a major issue.

Even if he was injured, the Pills in Xu Mingshu's hands could swiftly heal him.

Aside from them, the Black Scale Snake possessing a trace of flood dragon Bloodline, which had been traded from the Zhao Family, had also become Xu Mingshu's Spirit Beast.

Right now, it had also reached the early second tier.

It had consumed a Demonic Spirit Pill and undergone a metamorphosis, subsequently using some of Moyue's blood to temper its Bloodline.

Its flood dragon Bloodline began to awaken. Upon reaching the second tier, parts of its body developed flood dragon traits, and it was given the name Xu Hei.

Like Moyue, he also possessed a water-attribute flood dragon Bloodline.

He was currently in a rapid growth phase. Once the Demonic Spirit Pill's efficacy was entirely digested, his chances of reaching the mid-second tier within two to three years were extremely high.

As for the original Spirit Silkworms, they had all multiplied in massive numbers.

The very first and strongest ones had stepped into the second tier under meticulous nurturing.

The Tiger Clan and Eagle Clan had also increased by a few members, who were born as Demonic Beasts from the start.

"Oh right, Father, Uncle Moyue said he is out of Pills and asked you to send some more over."

"Alright. You can just bring them along next time."

"Also, he wants to rope in that Tree King from the Azure Sea Forest. The temptation of Pills does not seem very effective on him, so he wants you to think of a solution.

He said the heavenly materials and earthly treasures in the Tree King's Territory might add up to more than what is found in both his and the Fox King's territories combined."

"I understand."

After the group decided which individuals would go to the Azure Sea Forest to mine Spirit Stones, they dispersed.

Naturally, it was best for Foundation Establishment cultivators to go to such a place.

Bringing Qi Refining Stage cultivators would be too inconvenient, and if they encountered other Foundation Establishment cultivators, it would be hard to claim they were just there for tempering.

That would only attract suspicion.

Seven or eight days later.

Foundation Establishment cultivators from various families gathered near the Spirit Stone Mine at the Great Wei border. Both sides stood in diametric opposition, neither willing to yield an inch.

Meanwhile.

Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingshu, Xu Dezhao, Xu Deheng, and Xu Mingqing arrived at the location Xu Mingshu had described.

Coiled up here taking a nap was a flood dragon over a hundred feet long.

It was exactly Moyue.

With his aura radiating outward, absolutely no Demonic Beasts dared to exist within a radius of several miles.

"Grand Elder," they bowed to Moyue.

"You are here. Then hurry up and start digging. The sooner this ends, the sooner we can rest easy."

"Understood."

Xu Mingshu also released Xu Hei and Xu Bai to join the Mining Team.

"By the way, these are the Pills Father asked me to bring. Twelve Qi-Merging Pills, spanning all three grades: high, mid, and low."

Xu Mingshu patted her Storage Pouch. A Porcelain Bottle flew out and drifted in front of Moyue.

"Four of each grade? That works. This way, I can swindle some more heavenly materials and earthly treasures out of her hands."

Soon after, Moyue stared at Xu Mingshu and asked, "What did your father say regarding the Tree King?"

Xu Mingshu retrieved an Azure Porcelain Bottle containing what seemed to be some sort of liquid. "Father said you could give this to the Tree King to look at.

If he is interested, tell him this is a Vitality Spirit Liquid refined using a special Secret Method, blending the vitality of flora with the spirituality of living beings, and is extremely rare."

Moyue shot her a knowing look, baring his teeth in a grin. "Meaning, the price goes up, right?"

"I am very familiar with this routine!"

Moyue stowed the Azure Porcelain Bottle away and then waved his hand. "Hurry up and go down to dig."

"Chasing us away the moment you are done with us; Uncle Moyue, you are too ruthless."

"I learned it from your old father. If you want to complain, go complain to him."

The corner of Xu Mingshu's mouth twitched slightly as she led Xu Bai and the others down the mine shaft.

It had to be said that Xu Bai was an excellent miner; he alone was as effective as three or four of them working together.

Six Foundation Establishment cultivators plus two Tier 2 Demonic Beasts hollowed out this Small Spirit Stone Mine in just over half a month, securing a massive haul of over six hundred thousand Spirit Stones.

They did not linger. Using a Magical Art to bury the mine shaft, they departed from the Azure Sea Forest.

Moyue also returned to Mirror Lake.

"Little Sister White Fox, I have brought more Pills! I practically hollowed out my servant's entire fortune for this."

The moment his voice fell.

A white phantom drifted over to the shores of Mirror Lake, carrying a fragrant breeze.

It was precisely the Three-Tailed White Fox.

"Thank you, Big Brother Moyue."

The White Fox spoke in a gentle tone, her voice sweet enough to melt a person's bones.

"You have to trade Spirit Grass for it. The ones collected previously have almost all been refined."

A resentful look flashed through the White Fox's eyes. "Big Brother Moyue, you really are too shrewd. In another few decades, the Spirit Grass growing in my area will eventually be completely plucked bare by you."

"Do not act pitiful after getting such a great deal," Moyue snorted. "Little Sister White Fox, your growth over these past few years has not been slow at all. If measured by human Golden Core ranks, you have already reached the fifth level of the Golden Core Stage.

When we first met, your aura was only at the late fourth level."

"I imagine that in a few more decades, it is entirely possible for your strength to catch up to the Tree King's. If you are lucky enough to break through to the late third tier a century from now, I am afraid you will be recalled and employed by the Holy Mountain."

The Three-Tailed White Fox beamed. "Big Brother Moyue, your imagination is truly rich. Unless you can bring out tier-three Pills made by human cultivators, that is."

"That is not entirely impossible, but you will have to turn a blind eye to certain things."

The Three-Tailed White Fox naturally knew what Moyue was talking about.

"Naturally, I can agree to that matter, but you absolutely must rope in the Tree King. If he reports to the Holy Mountain, both of us will be severely punished."

"About that... I got my hands on something exceptionally good today. It might just be able to sway that stubborn Old Wood."

"Do not ask any more questions. If you want these Pills, bring out the Spirit Grass."

The Three-Tailed White Fox obediently completed the transaction.

At the very least, the Pills were still effective for her these past few years. Otherwise, she would currently only be approaching the peak fourth level instead of rivaling a fifth-level Golden Core cultivator.

However, it would be hard to say moving forward.

Tier-two Pills were having a diminishing effect on her.

Upon completing his trade with the Three-Tailed White Fox, Moyue headed toward the Tree King's Lair.

"Tree King! I brought you something good."

The Tree King's true form was a colossal ancient locust tree. Its bark was as rough as old dragon scales, and its thick root system plunged deep underground, extending outward for who knew how many kilometers.

Even the Three-Tailed White Fox had no idea how many epochs it had lived through.

Rumor only had it that he had guarded this region for at least over a millennium.

In comparison, the Three-Tailed White Fox and that Sky-Rending Tiger had only been around for a little over two hundred years.

"Flood Dragon King, what have you come here for this time? This old man told you long ago, I am not interested in the Pills you hold."

Moyue's massive body hovered in the sky in front of the ancient locust tree as he grinned broadly. "Since we are both guardians, there is no need to be so aloof."

"This old man prefers peace and quiet," the ancient locust tree replied in a muffled voice.

Instantly, countless birds resting in its canopy flew off into the sky.

"Look at this first. If you do not like it, this seat will stop bothering you."

An Azure Porcelain Bottle abruptly appeared before Moyue. The cork popped open, and a peculiar undulation of Spiritual Qi rippled outward.

The Tree King immediately noticed the peculiarity of the liquid inside the bottle and gasped softly, "What is that in your hands?"

"Since the Tree King is interested, just take a look."

A flash of verdant light shimmered across the trunk of the ancient locust tree. His Wood Clone manifested, accepted the porcelain bottle, and poured a single drop onto his own hand.

The translucent, emerald-green liquid was absorbed almost instantly.

The Wood Clone's body shuddered, a boom echoing within his sea of consciousness. Unconsciously, a fresh branch sprouted directly from his arm, its leaves swaying and utterly brimming with vitality.

Two streaks of vibrant, emerald light abruptly shot forth from his twilight-filled eyes.

"A Vitality Spirit Liquid? Furthermore, it seems to possess a unique effect that can elevate the spirituality of wood-attribute flora."

He stared quietly at Moyue. "To think that your human servant's family could actually concoct such a spiritual treasure."

"Human family? Tree King, what are you talking about? Why can't this seat understand you?" Moyue was stunned inwardly. He had never mentioned Xu Chuan's family.

"Nothing in the entire Azure Sea Forest can be hidden from me. Every single tree can act as my eyes. Did you not help them excavate a Small Spirit Stone Mine just recently?"

Moyue's dark gold pupils shrank violently. The dragon scales covering his entire body bristled up, pulling taut like tempered steel needles, while the concealed barbs along the edges of his armor gleamed with a chilling edge.

His dragon tail tensed up like a coiled steel whip, and the whiskers beneath his jaw flattened stiffly against his neck, the silver hairs at the tips twitching uncontrollably a few times.

Following that, the pressure of a Tier 3 flood dragon gradually spread, blanketing the surroundings.

"What, thinking of attacking this old man?" The Wood Clone smiled faintly. "Your strength is immense, unlike that of any ordinary flood dragon at your level. However, not only is there a gap in realms between us...

This place is my home ground. Even a peak third-tier Demonic Beast could forget about leaving here unscathed."

Moyue pondered for a moment before retracting his spiritual pressure, returning to normal. "Tree King, you truly have hidden yourself impeccably."

"Likewise. The vitality in your body seems to carry a trace of this Spirit Liquid's scent. Am I right?"

"If you need to rely on this method to sustain yourself, I imagine your true situation is the same as mine: nearing the twilight of your life."

Moyue replied, "For you to speak so much with me, it seems you are quite taken with this Spirit Liquid, Tree King."

"Though this old man does not know whether the Alchemist servant you mention is truly your servant, you seem to get along quite well with that human family.

If you wish to guide a few people through the Azure Sea Forest, this old man can turn a blind eye.

I have absolutely no interest in slaughtering the human race for blood food either.

This old man wishes to meet the one who refined this Spirit Liquid and discuss a trade.

If successful, everything else is negotiable."

Moyue's eyes flickered uncertainly. If Xu Chuan came here, he had no confidence in keeping him safe from this entity's clutches.

"You may inform him. Whether he comes or not is entirely up to him."

"Alright."

With that said, Moyue turned and departed.

He did not return to Mirror Lake; instead, he left the Azure Sea Forest entirely.

Dongxi.

Jade Cold Pool.

Moyue slipped through the myriad Formations, returning here without a sound.

Xu Chuan shared a mental connection with him and naturally sensed his arrival.

"Why have you returned? Did something happen?" Xu Chuan stepped outside and smiled lightly at Moyue, who was hovering in mid-air.

"Something major, but whether it is a blessing or a curse is hard to say," Moyue replied. "I gave the Spirit Liquid to the Tree King, but who would have thought that he would completely ignore common sense and just lay his cards out directly?

All of my previous actions in the Azure Sea Forest were seen by him.

He also seems to know that my relationship with your family runs deep.

He even knows that I want to escort people out through the Azure Sea Forest."

Xu Chuan was taken aback upon hearing this but quickly laughed. "Then you were probably scared out of your wits right there."

"Impossible!" Moyue shot back stubbornly. "This seat has weathered countless raging storms. How could I be frightened by a petty Tree Demon?!"

"Alright, alright. What else?"

"He wants to meet you for a trade. If it works out, he can become a source of aid for your Xu Clan."

"Go to his territory?"

"Exactly. That is why I said it is hard to tell whether this is a blessing or a curse. That old locust tree's strength is overwhelming. If he moves against you, I have no confidence in keeping you alive."

"I will go!" Xu Chuan declared, his eyes flashing with resolve. "Getting him to leave the back door open for us is immensely beneficial to my Xu Clan.

Even if he refuses to let my entire Xu Clan leave, as long as he does not obstruct a small number of people from coming and going, I have the confidence to preserve my Xu Clan.

One day, I will lead my Xu Clan to break free of this place entirely."

Moyue stared at Xu Chuan, quietly observing him for a long while before letting out a sigh. "You are different from all the humans I have ever met. Had it been them, they would have long chosen to abandon the vast majority, taking only the elites of the clan to start anew elsewhere.

It is no wonder that the people of your Xu Clan are so utterly devoted and full of reverence for you."

He paused for a moment, seemingly making up his mind. "Xu Chuan, do not worry. This seat will cover for you!"

"This seat was once a peak tier-three flood dragon, after all. I still have a few trump cards up my sleeve."

Xu Chuan could guess a little; it was likely some sort of desperate measure that forced out potential, but such a technique would undoubtedly accelerate the drain on his Lifespan.

Without him even realizing it, Moyue had thoroughly integrated into the Xu Clan, to the point of being willing to make sacrifices for them.

"Thanks."

"I am not doing it for your sake," Moyue raised his dragon head and retorted. "I am looking at the Spiritual Contract between us. If you die, this seat dies too."

"How long will it take for you to reach the Azure Sea Forest at top speed?"

"The better part of a day. Why?"

"Then we will set out after midnight tomorrow."

"In the dead of night?" Moyue was taken aback. "Whatever, do as you please."

Xu Chuan setting aside this time was naturally so he could divine the future.

The next day.

The moment midnight arrived.

Xu Chuan activated his Daily Divination Fate Frame Talent.

[Today's Divination: Auspicious. You will travel to the Azure Sea Forest to negotiate a trade with the Ancient Locust Tree King. The Ancient Locust Tree King wishes to borrow your Power of Withering and Thriving to help his descendants gain sentience and become demons.

You will successfully reach an agreement.]

A smile tugged at the corner of Xu Chuan's mouth as he called out, "Moyue, let us depart."

Moyue burst forth from the cold pool.

One man and one dragon shot out of the Xu Clan's grand array.

A dark moon hung high in the sky.

"Today, this seat will take a loss and give you a ride!"

Xu Chuan leaped lightly, landing right between his dragon horns.

In a flash.

Countless tendrils of fog materialized out of thin air, closely shrouding Moyue to conceal his figure as they charged straight toward the Azure Sea Forest.

Half a day later.

In the Azure Sea Forest, within the Tree King's Territory.

The Ancient Locust Tree King knew the exact moment they entered the Azure Sea Forest, so he condensed his Wood Clone to quietly await Moyue and Xu Chuan's arrival.

Before long.

Moyue arrived before the Ancient Locust Tree King.

The Wood Clone looked at Xu Chuan standing between Moyue's dragon horns. After scrutinizing him carefully, he stated faintly, "Ninth level of Foundation Establishment."

"Xu Chuan greets Senior Tree King," Xu Chuan cupped his fists in salute.

"Young Friend Xu, there is no need for such formalities. You have quite the nerve to come here. Even the few major Golden Core experts of your human race would not dare set foot in my domain."

Xu Chuan smiled placidly. "I heard Senior summoned this Xu here to negotiate a trade. If an agreement is reached, you will not obstruct my Xu Clan members from leaving this place?"

"I will merely turn a blind eye, allowing a few people to pass at most."

"However, without the protection of a Golden Core expert, even if they manage to leave, reaching the human domain will likely be riddled with insurmountable difficulties."

Xu Chuan fell silent for a moment before asking, "What kind of trade does Senior wish to make?"

"Try casting that special power of yours on my main body. If it satisfies me, then we can talk business."

"Alright."

Xu Chuan launched himself off the dragon's head and glided onto a branch of the ancient locust tree.

Moyue's dark gold eyes locked onto the scene, looking very much ready to explode into a violent assault at a moment's notice.

Xu Chuan placed his hand flat against the main trunk, silently sensing the vitality contained within the Ancient Locust Tree King.

If the vitality within his own body was a bubbling brook, then the vitality of the Ancient Locust Tree King was a roaring, tempestuous river.

It was at least dozens of times denser than that of the ancient willow Tree Demon he had encountered previously.

Even so, Xu Chuan could still sense a faint hint of Withering Power.

All living things had a limit to their lifespans.

Even a sentient spirit wood Tree Demon, whose lifespan far exceeded that of flood dragons and profound turtles, still faced an eventual end.

"Wither and Flourish, Life and Death, Reverse Vitality!"

Xu Chuan poured all his effort into reversing this Withering Power. Although the effect was not overwhelmingly obvious, he did genuinely manage to slow down the dissipation of its soul essence.

A short while later.

"Stop, Young Friend Xu."

In just that brief span of time, Xu Chuan was already drenched in sweat.

"I presume you have already seen this old man's condition."

Xu Chuan nodded. "No matter what kind of living creature steps onto the path of cultivation, their Primordial Spirit and soul essence will face an ultimate limit."

"Take a stubborn stone, for instance. If it never gains sentience to become a demon, it can exist unchanged for millennia, even eons. But once it becomes a demon, though it may live longer than the vast majority of Demonic Beasts, it will still inevitably face a lifespan limit.

Senior is the exact same."

"Correct. From the moment this old man gained sentience to now, over ten thousand years have passed. Now, I have a few hundred years left at most. That is, unless I can take another step forward and become a Shapeshifting Great Demon.

But our Tree Demon race naturally cultivates at a glacial pace. Unless there is a massive Opportunity, it is absolutely impossible for this old man to become a Shapeshifting Great Demon."

Xu Chuan replied, "Senior probably does not want me to help you break through to become a Shapeshifting Great Demon. Just speak frankly about what trade you wish to make."

"Your human race values Inheritance. As Demonic Beasts cultivate to profound depths, they will also multiply to form a race. My Tree Demon clan is no exception.

I wish to ask you to help my descendant gain sentience and become a demon.

To be able to comprehend the Power of Withering and Thriving at the Foundation Establishment Stage means that upon reaching the Golden Core stage, you will definitely achieve major completion in it. The Spirit Liquid you had Moyue bring over previously contains a spirituality that helps plant-types elevate their own sentience.

Once that spirituality accumulates to a certain threshold, gaining sentience becomes possible."

"This Spirit Liquid is not easy to condense, and it is impossible for me to stay here indefinitely."

It was time to negotiate!

"You may transplant it. I will leave a wisp of my Divine sense slumbering within it. If anything happens to it, I will be able to tell.

Furthermore, since you say condensing the Spirit Liquid is arduous, you may come to my domain whenever you have the time to harvest the vitality of a hundred herbs. This will also aid your cultivation.

You may also pluck a portion of them for Alchemy to accelerate the progression of your own strength."

"Thank you, Senior. Then, regarding my Xu Clan members departing?"

"At most seven people at a time. It is useless to have too many ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators. You would need at least six or seven late Foundation Establishment experts joining hands to even have a chance of reaching the human domain.

After all, the journey spans hundreds of thousands of miles, and you will have to pass through at least six or seven territories occupied by Tier 3 Demonic Beasts."

"That truly is fraught with immense danger!" Xu Chuan nodded, deep in thought.

A short while later.

Xu Chuan asked again, "How long is it until the next Blood Food Feast? And why do those Golden Core immortal cultivators not try to forcefully break out, despite clearly knowing that this place is a cage?"

"It seems you know quite a lot." The Ancient Locust Tree King's Wood Clone sighed softly. "It does no harm to tell you.

I cannot give you an exact timeframe, but nine times out of ten, it will erupt when a massive influx of demonic cultivators and immortal cultivators floods in.

Under the great tribulation, the weaving of fate will give rise to those blessed with Providence. If the demon race devours these humans, it will allow their descendants to grow rapidly and might even aid demons trapped by their Bloodline shackles."

"As for why the human Golden Core immortal cultivators do not leave now, it is fundamentally because they lack the strength to forcefully break out.

Their sole chance of survival lies in the time of the great tribulation.

When immortal cultivators and demonic cultivators from the outside flood in, slaughtering and fighting.

At the same time, it will draw the attention of the immensely powerful factions of the outside world.

Those who survive might then be chosen to leave this place."