Chapter 1772: You say it, so it is

Inside the Immortal Shadow Hall, Su Yuqing's voice resonated again: "Many years ago, the three divisions of Square Inch Mountain began planning this. Since our clan's Moon Sages cannot access the core, we had to find ways to involve outsiders. However, ordinary outsiders are untrustworthy, as finding the core would be akin to seizing control of our clan's lifeline. Therefore, the individuals we typically choose are those who have married into our clan and have undergone extensive vetting to earn our trust."

Lu Ye nodded, indicating his understanding.

The core of Square Inch Mountain was of immense importance. Since the Littlefolk themselves couldn't exert the necessary power, they had to rely on outsiders. Yet, outsiders weren't entirely dependable. They could only bind them through marriage, but even this method wasn't truly reliable, as one could never truly know another's thoughts or intentions.

Over countless years, the Littlefolk had sent many foreign Moon Sages to search for the core of Square Inch Mountain. However, they found nothing, and those sent disappeared without a trace, their fates unknown.

"The primary purpose of passing through Myriad Manifestation Sea and holding the Spirit Talisman Convention was actually to select suitable candidates here."

Square Inch Mountain was not looking to select Moon Sages from Myriad Manifestation Sea this time. Most Moon Sages in Myriad Manifestation Sea originated from major powers and were fiercely loyal to their respective factions, making them too unpredictable to enlist for the Littlefolk's cause.

The Littlefolk sought to select suitable Star Constellation cultivators, especially those from lower ranks with good aptitude. If these individuals were brought back to Square Inch Mountain and cultivated, they could easily develop a sense of belonging. Furthermore, if they intermarried with the Littlefolk, the ties would become considerably stronger.

Once they achieved sufficient power, they could be entrusted with executing the plan.

Naturally, this endeavor required many years of preparation and could not be accomplished quickly. However, having waited for so many years, the Littlefolk were not in a hurry.

"Since you've been in Myriad Manifestation Sea for so many years, you must have some understanding of the cultivators here. Do you have any suitable recommendations?" Su Yuqing asked.

Lu Ye pondered. He certainly had no specific recommendations, but if Square Inch Mountain genuinely intended to pursue this, there was a valuable reference point:

The rankings from the Star Constellation Palace competition!

Although many top-ranked cultivators from the Star Constellation Palace competition had already advanced to Moon Sage realm over the years, some still remained in the Star Constellation realm. If Square Inch Mountain were to search according to these rankings, they should be able to attract suitable talents who, with proper cultivation, would surely achieve great things.

However, Lu Ye did not bring this up. Instead, he asked, "Yuqing, why do you say that whoever obtains the core will grasp the lifeline of the Littlefolk?"

Su Yuqing blinked, a hint of shyness flashing across her radiant face—no one had ever addressed her so intimately before.

Composing herself, she explained, "The three divisions of Square Inch Mountain have been unable to merge because the core is within that celestial wonder. The wonder possesses a unique power that prevents the divisions from integrating with the core. However, if someone were to retrieve the core, the three divisions of Square Inch Mountain would immediately be drawn together by its influence, converging and merging into one. If that person had ulterior motives and placed the core in a dangerous location, Square Inch Mountain would fall into an irreparable disaster."

Lu Ye's eyes lit up. "In other words, if I obtain the core, I could choose where your Square Inch Mountain merges?"

Su Yuqing gazed at him thoughtfully. "Where would you want us to merge?"

"How about the star system where my homeland is?" Lu Ye asked. The biggest problem with Jade Snail was the lack of a Sun Glow realm cultivator guarding it and its remote location. If Square Inch Mountain were to merge there, the entire Jade Snail star system's strength would undoubtedly experience explosive growth.

Should a similar invasion by the Filth Clan occur, he wouldn't need to worry at all; any Sun Glow realm cultivator from the Littlefolk could easily resolve it.

Moreover, he wouldn't need to fear any ambition from the Littlefolk that might harm Jade Snail. The Littlefolk had never been a combative race, and their reputation in the starfield was quite good.

Furthermore, he had his connection with Su Yuqing.

The more Lu Ye thought about it, the more he felt this was something to look forward to.

Su Yuqing said, "As long as the three divisions of Square Inch Mountain can merge successfully, the location of the merge isn't an issue. Square Inch Mountain is a supreme treasure of the starfield, and our clan can maneuver it."

That also presented no major problem. As long as the Littlefolk were willing to stay in Jade Snail for a few years, until a native Sun Glow realm cultivator emerged in the Jade Snail star system, their decision to leave or stay would be entirely up to them.

"You're not actually thinking of going, are you?" Su Yuqing frowned.

If he weren't sure he could have Square Inch Mountain merge in Jade Snail, Lu Ye wouldn't have considered it. But providing Jade Snail with a powerful backer in a short period was precisely what Lu Ye desired most.

He spent most of his time in Myriad Manifestation Sea. Although he could quickly travel back and forth to the Jade Snail star system himself, if something happened there, the people of Jade Snail couldn't contact him promptly. He couldn't simply return to check periodically; that would be too time-consuming.

During the last Filth Clan invasion, he happened to be in the Jade Snail Realm. If he hadn't been there, Jade Snail might well have become the Filth Clan's backyard by now. The thought sent shivers down his spine.

"It's truly dangerous." Su Yuqing was already regretting bringing up the matter to Lu Ye. Primarily, she hadn't anticipated his strength would be so formidable. She had originally thought that even if Lu Ye could help, it would have to wait until he reached late Moon Sage realm, by which time the situation might have changed.

"Everything carries risks. I'll go assess the situation first."

Su Yuqing's face showed conflict, torn between her clan's future and Lu Ye's safety, momentarily indecisive.

In truth, Lu Ye was indeed suited for this task.

Firstly, his strength was sufficient, as Su Yuqing had personally verified. Secondly, he was trustworthy; among all the Moon Sages Square Inch Mountain had entrusted over the years, none were more suitable than Lu Ye.

After a moment of hesitation, Su Yuqing said, "If you truly want to try, wait until you reach peak Moon Sage realm. Your self-preservation abilities will be stronger then."

That would require quite a wait. He had only just advanced to mid-Moon Sage realm. Even if he devoted himself to cultivation non-stop, without a moment's delay, Lu Ye estimated it would take at least a year to reach peak Moon Sage realm. Any unforeseen delays would certainly extend that time.

He could afford to wait that long, but there was another issue.

"Once I reach peak Moon Sage, how would I get to that celestial wonder?"

Su Yuqing replied, "I will give you the operational routes of the three Square Inch Mountain divisions. Then, you can see which division is closest to you and go directly there. A Sun Glow realm cultivator from our clan will escort you."

Lu Ye considered this. In a year, Western Square Inch Mountain would certainly still be the closest. After reaching peak Moon Sage cultivation, he would have to catch up to Western Square Inch Mountain, find a Sun Glow realm cultivator there, and have them escort him to the celestial wonder's location.

He wondered how much time would be wasted during this process.

He couldn't help but shake his head. "That's too troublesome. Let's decide it now, no time like the present. Western Square Inch Mountain is currently in Myriad Manifestation Sea. Just give me a token, and I'll go meet their Sun Glow cultivator and have them arrange an escort for me."

Su Yuqing got a headache, looking at him with gentle annoyance. "Why are you so disobedient?"

The motherly tone with which she scolded him startled Lu Ye. After gazing at Su Yuqing for a moment, he raised a hand, and with a ripple of spiritual power, the doors of the Immortal Shadow Hall closed.

"Come, come, let's discuss this matter thoroughly."

Su Yuqing's expression instantly turned flustered, and she quickly amended, "Whatever you say!"

The Immortal Shadow Hall had inexplicably closed for three days previously, and now it had suddenly closed again. What would the disciples below think if they knew?

Seeing Lu Ye sit down again, Su Yuqing breathed a sigh of relief.

Having cultivated to the Sun Glow realm, she truly hadn't feared anyone before. But Lu Ye's demeanor genuinely flustered her.

"There's one more thing," Lu Ye said.

"What is it?" Su Yuqing asked cautiously.

"I've occupied a Spirit Island in Myriad Manifestation Sea, and I previously offended a Sun Glow realm cultivator here. If I leave, I'm worried he might secretly tamper with my island."

Su Yuqing looked incredulous, unable to fathom what Lu Ye had done in Myriad Manifestation Sea to dare offend a local Sun Glow realm cultivator.

"You want our clan to provide some protection for your Spirit Island?" Su Yuqing understood his intention.

"That's what I was thinking." Lu Ye nodded. "I just don't know if Square Inch Mountain has the capability."

"How did you offend him?"

Lu Ye briefly explained the conflict with Yuan Du. Upon hearing it, Su Yuqing understood. "If it's just that level of offense, then it's no problem." She had previously misunderstood, thinking Lu Ye had actually fought the other person, only now realizing it wasn't that severe.

After a brief pause, Su Yuqing said, "I'll arrange this. You don't need to worry."

Lu Ye felt a sense of ease. Having such powerful backing was truly different. Although he didn't know exactly how Su Yuqing would manage it, her assurance removed all his worries.

"Then it's settled!"

Su Yuqing sighed, unable to resist advising him, "If the situation doesn't seem right, don't force it, and don't easily put yourself in danger!"

Feeling her concern, Lu Ye said seriously, "Don't worry, whether it works out or not, I'll definitely come back alive!"

He secretly resolved that if it proved too dangerous, he would quickly retreat. While he did want Square Inch Mountain to merge in Jade Snail and become its backing, his own safety was naturally more important in comparison.

A moment later, Haitang returned with Yaya.

Yaya had fallen asleep at some point and was cradled in Haitang's arms.

Inside the Immortal Shadow Hall, Haitang bowed respectfully, her gaze fixed forward. "Master!"

Su Yuqing said, "See... Lu Ye off, then come back here. I have something to tell you."

Haitang's eyes flickered, faintly sensing something, and she respectfully replied, "Yes!"

Outside the hall, she summoned a starship and carried Lu Ye and Yaya away. There was silence throughout the journey.

Haitang didn't know what to say. She had many suspicions but no definitive proof.

Besides, she knew her master would explain everything to her shortly.