Chapter 360: The Two Palaces

To provide support to the Fifth-Tier Jichuan Star Domain, Xu Jin estimated that, given his current situation, it shouldn't take too long.

However, his cultivation base was stuck here at the peak of the Fourth-Tier, Eighth Layer. Under normal circumstances, within the Altar Heavenly Road, his cultivation base should be able to surge; therefore, he had to secure the Gold Stars and Radiant Stars of the Fourth-Tier, Eighth Layer.

Otherwise, it would be a waste of either the Gold Stars and Radiant Stars, or the precious cultivation opportunity that is the Altar Heavenly Road.

The next instant, with a thought, Xu Jin entered the Star-Plucking Secret Realm and began his challenge, starting from the Copper Stars.

It must be said that Xu Jin had now accumulated dozens of Copper Stars; if these were converted into Starlight, it would count as a not-insignificant fortune.

However, Xu Jin was not lacking in that regard for now, so he continued to save them.

This included the Silver Stars.

Xu Jin had previously used ten Silver Stars to activate the Great Expansion of the Dao, and he had already used it twice.

By the time he finished the challenge for the Fourth-Tier, Eighth Layer, the number of accumulated Silver Stars had reached fourteen, enough to activate the Great Expansion of the Dao once more.

However, he was in no rush to use it. Firstly, he had no time, and secondly, Xu Jin intended to save this Silver Star Great Expansion of the Dao for the Lei Lei Xiangxing Pattern.

Once he had some leisure time, Xu Jin would be able to analyze and deduce the Lei Lei Xiangxing Pattern from the alien star pattern inheritance essence blood. He estimated the rank wouldn't be very high, so he would still need to vigorously deduce it then.

Once he learned the Lei Lei Xiangxing Pattern, the base power of Xu Jin's thunder-type star arts would be able to increase significantly once again.

This included the Fire Elephant and Earth Elephant star patterns, which were all targets Xu Jin intended to analyze and deduce in the near future.

Like the Fire Elephant star pattern and Water Elephant star pattern, the Heavenly Yang Star Palace possessed them, but they were the absolute secrets of the Heavenly Yang Star Palace.

They were not taught to anyone who was not a core true disciple.

When challenging the Gold Stars, Xu Jin's Fourth-Tier, Eighth Layer cultivation corresponded to Fifth-Tier, Eighth Layer gatekeepers and inner demons. For Xu Jin, whose combat power had just skyrocketed, this was not a problem at all.

Whether it was strengthening the star pattern to the third-layer building level, or the augmentation of the Third or Fourth-Tier laws of power.

Let alone the combination of the two, even if either one of these were used alone to augment Xu Jin, it would allow him to easily defeat Gold Star-level inner demons and Gold Star-level gatekeepers.

The reason Xu Jin fought for a full quarter of an hour was to hone his own tactics.

Such powerful sparring partners, without needing to worry about life or death, were too hard to find.

He had to practice more.

After half an hour, two Gold Stars and one Radiant Star were accounted for.

Just by taking a look, Xu Jin smiled with satisfaction.

The amount he had accumulated in this wave—whether it was Silver Stars, Gold Stars, or Radiant Stars—was quite substantial.

When the time came, it would allow his combat power to surge once again.

Before entering the Huashi Star Domain, Xu Jin had consecutively challenged the Star-Plucking Secret Realms corresponding to the Fourth-Tier, Sixth and Seventh Layers, increasing the number of Gold Stars he had—which were nearly exhausted—to six, and the number of Radiant Stars to four.

After finishing the challenges today, Xu Jin currently possessed fourteen Silver Stars, eight Gold Stars, and five Radiant Stars.

After finishing the challenges, Xu Jin casually sent starlight messages to Ji Hongli and Ning Yuchan, asking how their situations were; if they were about ready, they would need to set off.

【Senior Brother, I've plucked a Gold Star! After so long, I've finally plucked a Gold Star! Senior Brother, thank you.】

From Ji Hongli's reply, one could see her mood.

It was just as well she wasn't in front of Xu Jin, otherwise, she would have surely jumped for joy.

【It should be because of those two portions of world origin, and the fact that I strengthened the Gold Lei Lei Yuanxing Pattern to the third layer; my combat power has greatly increased, and I easily took down the Gold Star-level gatekeeper. However, the Gold Star-level inner demon was too difficult, and I failed the challenge.

However, I have already saved up ten Silver Stars, and I have another Gold Star. When I have time, after I finish deducing the Gold Lei Lei Yuanxing Pattern, my combat power will be able to improve again, and after my cultivation base breaks through, I estimate I will be able to take another Gold Star.】

【Good, prepare yourselves; we set off for the Jichuan Star Domain in a quarter of an hour!】

After sending the messages to the two women, Xu Jin began to ponder.

Should he bring Hou Yunzhang to the Jichuan Star Domain?

Bringing him along would be of some use, but the utility would be very limited.

While he was hesitating, Xu Jin's Star-Plucking Token vibrated again. A starlight message arrived, and it was from Hou Yunzhang. The content made Xu Jin slightly startled; it was quite unexpected.

【Brother Qi, after thinking it over, I want to ask you to serve as the captain of the Sword Hero Mercenary Squad. I want to develop by following you! I've been drifting in the Star River Battlefield for so many years and have experienced countless things; I've long since seen that Brother Qi, you are not ordinary.

You are definitely not a rogue cultivator.

And you are certainly not an ordinary cultivator.

Therefore, I ask Brother Qi to give me and my brothers a chance.

We might not be able to help with any major tasks, but for all the miscellaneous chores and errands that take up energy and time, you can leave them to me. I guarantee I will handle them clearly for you.

If Brother Qi is willing, from now on, you will be the boss of my Sword Hero Mercenary Squad!

If Boss Qi has any requirements for me and my brothers, just name them!

Anything we can do, we will definitely do.

Anything we can't do, we will rack our brains to find a way to do.】

This letter made the corners of Xu Jin's mouth curl up.

This Hou Yunzhang was quite interesting.

If nothing else, this keen eye for detail—not only seeing the long term but also seeing things clearly—was far beyond what people like Li Zhen or Cui Chongguang could compare to.

Compared to two or three months ago when he was forced to fake his death and flee the Star River Battlefield, Xu Jin's horizons had changed again over these past two or three months.

It was mainly because his foundation had changed.

With foundation and strength, one has confidence.

Give him a little more time, and issues like his identity wouldn't be a problem anymore.

Since Hou Yunzhang was so sincere and had such a keen eye, he would give him a chance.

【I won't be the captain; you will remain the captain. But I will take in your squad for the time being. If you handle matters effectively, there will definitely be great fortune for you in the future.】

【Thank you, Boss. From now on, if there is anything, just give the order, Boss.】

This form of address gave Xu Jin the feeling of being in a gang.

【Don't call me Boss, and don't be too intimate when we are face-to-face. My identity is currently somewhat sensitive, so don't be too close to me. Also, I am about to go support the Jichuan Star Domain; do you want to go?】

【Of course I do!】

Xu Jin smiled.

After stating a meeting point, Xu Jin's thoughts returned to the Star-Plucking Secret Realm.

This time, it was to check the number of Gold Stars.

Back then, he had plucked six Gold Stars in a row, causing a huge uproar, which directly led to his current situation.

Now that Ji Hongli and Ning Yuchan had each plucked a Gold Star, they certainly didn't have the permission to hide it, so that meant two more Gold Stars had been added.

Therefore, he wanted to see the number of Gold Stars in the Star-Plucking Secret Realm.

Just by looking, he was quite surprised.

【Gold Stars: 534 plucked, 8 this year】

Xu Jin's scalp felt a bit numb for a moment.

Eight this year.

It had only been a month since the start of the year, and eight Gold Stars had already been added.

Who was so fierce?

The Gold Star Ning Yuchan plucked previously was from last year. Excluding the two Gold Stars Ji Hongli and Ning Yuchan had just plucked, that meant that in just one month, someone in this world had plucked six Gold Stars.

If this data were placed in the past, it would be even more exaggerated than Xu Jin plucking six Gold Stars in a row.

In the eyes of others, it was an increase of eight Gold Stars in one month!

This was too terrifying, wasn't it?

Who did it?

After thinking about it, Xu Jin immediately sent a starlight message to the Grand Master to inquire about this matter.

In such a situation, wouldn't all parties, including Chen Guo, be blowing up? Eight Gold Stars.

But what surprised Xu Jin was that the Grand Master's reply was very calm.

【This should be the normal situation now that the Sumeru Palace and Wood Spirit Palace have completely returned to the present world. The Sumeru Palace and Wood Spirit Palace were previously shielded from the present world. They had branch buildings, but many functions of the Star-Plucking Tower were not open to them.

For example, challenging the Star-Plucking Secret Realm; this was a restriction the Star-Plucking Tower placed on them!

But yesterday, after the Sumeru Palace and Wood Spirit Palace returned to the present world, their branch buildings were upgraded to main buildings. The disciples belonging to the two palaces obtained all the permissions of the Star-Plucking Tower and were thus able to challenge the Star-Plucking Secret Realm.

Because of this, since yesterday, the number of Silver Stars and Gold Stars in the Star-Plucking Tower has been constantly increasing.

The two palaces adding eight Gold Stars, although the number is slightly high, is still within an acceptable range.

Especially the Sumeru Palace; their spatial star arts are not only eerie but also possess immense power.

You don't need to worry about this matter; after this month passes, it will return to normal.】

【Grand Master, will the three parties of Heavenly Yang, Suppressing Calamity, and Cangming have any extreme reactions?】 Xu Jin asked.

【They shouldn't, at least not in the short term! The Sumeru Palace and Wood Spirit Palace were shielded from the present world for many years. Although they were located outside the world, over these years, they have obtained massive wealth by monopolizing star arts and emblems, so their foundation is not bad.

But after returning to the present world, these two palaces will definitely not be content with their small territory from before; they will inevitably expand.

Fast in a few months, slow in half a year, the two palaces will inevitably come into conflict with all parties in the present world.

Now, the alien ancestral cave has successfully established a foothold in the Star River Battlefield, and the Holy Clan envoy has descended. With so many things happening at the same time, I feel that a great change is imminent.

After you finish your mission, you should try your best to improve your cultivation base.

Regardless of what variables arise, cultivation base and combat power are the primary factors.】

【Grand Master, I understand.】

At the Chen Guo Dao Academy, after the Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao finished replying to Xu Jin's starlight message, he looked at Left Dean Meng Yanhui. 【Yanhui, there shouldn't be too much danger in the Jichuan Star Domain; the possibility of successfully stopping it is still not small.

Taking a step back, even if things go wrong.

With Xu Jin's help, the Meng clan members withdrawing shouldn't be a problem, but your younger brother who is stationed in the star domain, he might...】

Although Left Dean Meng Yanhui was anxious, he thought very clearly. 【It doesn't matter; if that really happens, it is his fate! It is also the destiny of us cultivators.

I am only worried about affecting Xu Jin's safety.

Xu Jin is already an incredibly important link in the Grand Master's future layout and cannot be lost!】

【Let's wait and see.

But the most important thing now is the change brought about by the Sumeru Palace and Wood Spirit Palace integrating into the present world.

In just one day, the envoys of the Sumeru Palace and Wood Spirit Palace have begun to run around everywhere. Tell me your thoughts.】 Cheng Yuexiao asked.

Hearing this, Meng Yanhui frowned and said worriedly, 【Grand Master, this is exactly what I am worried about.】

【How so?】

【Grand Master, the Heavenly Yang Star Palace governs the Great Hong Empire. Although it is nominally the state religion and the lord of the Great Hong Empire is nominally the Great Hong Emperor, in reality, the Heavenly Yang Star Palace has long since completed a thorough infiltration and control.

The current Great Hong can be considered a unity of politics and religion.

The Heavenly Yang Tianyang Xingjun is effectively the Retired Emperor.

For any important matter, the Great Hong Emperor needs to ask for instructions on everything.

The Heavenly Yang Star Palace and the Great Hong Empire are like an iron bucket, extremely difficult to insert into.

Therefore, the Great Hong Empire will not be the first target for the two palaces to compete for power in the present world after entering it.

The Great Chu Empire and the Cangming Star Palace are similar. Although the Great Chu Emperor's status is slightly better than the Great Hong Emperor's, it is not much better.

But similarly, in major matters, the Cangming Tianyang Xingjun holds absolute dominance.

It is extremely difficult for the two palaces to obtain power in the present world from Great Chu!

Of the remaining two parties, there is only the Suppressing Calamity Star Palace and our Chen Guo. The Suppressing Calamity Star Palace itself is a unity of politics and religion; the Suppressing Calamity Tianyang Xingjun is both a Tianyang Xingjun and nominally a god among the barbarians. However, the barbarians themselves have barbarian problems; they live in separate tribes, and the Suppressing Calamity Tianyang Xingjun influences the barbarians by ordering countless large and small tribal leaders, so his control is limited.

I estimate that the Wood Spirit Palace's star arts are more compatible with the barbarians and more suitable for exerting influence among them.

Then, the first stop for the Wood Spirit Palace to obtain power and influence in the present world will be the barbarians, or perhaps some remote and desolate places.

Only then will it be the star domains of the Star River Battlefield.】 Meng Yanhui said.

【What about the Sumeru Palace?】 Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao asked.

As soon as this question was asked, Meng Yanhui's expression became a bit ugly.

【Grand Master, the latest news is that yesterday, two high-ranking eunuchs in the palace had already gone to the Sumeru Palace and Wood Spirit Palace respectively. This is the worst news.】

Hearing this, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's expression also suddenly sank.

He already understood what Meng Yanhui meant.

Because of the Spirit Record Star Palace incident twenty years ago, Chen Guo was forced to let the Heavenly Yang Star Palace and the Cangming Star Palace establish sects and recruit disciples within Chen Guo.

Now, the two palaces have appeared in the world.

Then the first target they will set their sights on will inevitably be Chen Guo.

There is no way around it; Chen Guo is weak!

Also, in the eyes of the two palaces, since Chen Guo could let the Cangming Star Palace and the Heavenly Yang Star Palace establish sects and recruit disciples within its borders, it could also let the two palaces do the same.

But the key point of the problem is that there are internal issues.

Like Great Hong and Great Chu, the highest decisions are all made by the two Star Lords.

Whereas in Chen Guo, His Majesty the Emperor and the Grand Master are not only not of one mind, but they are also at odds and even undermining each other.

Originally, if the two palaces wanted to enter Chen Guo, they would have to get Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's nod.

If the Grand Master was unwilling and the two palaces still wanted to come, then they could just have a fight.

The Dao Academy has greatly improved its strength in recent years, and the Grand Master's strength has improved linearly.

Fighting on his home turf, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao is not afraid of anyone!

It can be said that if they couldn't reach an agreement with the two palaces, then they could resist with force, and the Grand Master could do it.

But the problem now is that there are people inside who are beckoning to them.

Once this righteous name is obtained, things will be difficult to handle.

What is to be done?

【Grand Master, we still have to make a decision early!】 Meng Yanhui said.

Hearing this, Cheng Yuexiao gave a bitter smile.

He understood what Meng Yanhui meant.

But this matter, he could not do it; under various constraints, he could not do it!

As for others, they had even less ability!

【We can only take it one step at a time!】

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao sighed and suddenly said in a loud voice, 【Peng Lao.】

【Palace Master.】 Peng Lao appeared silently.

【Peng Lao, you have worked hard; go and keep an eye on them! On the way back from the two palaces, kill those two eunuchs.

From today on, eunuchs sent from the palace must be asked clearly about their destination!

Anyone sent to the two palaces!

Execute them immediately!】 Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao said.

【Yes.】

Peng Lao accepted the order, while Left Dean Meng Yanhui sighed.

Treating the symptoms but not the root cause, how long can this last?

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 361 =====