Chapter 378: Harvest and Cultivation, Du Yun's Attention, Nan Luo 185

**Chapter 15: Harvest and Cultivation, Du Yun's Attention, and Nanluo 185!**

“345 low-grade Realm Star Dao Soldiers, recovered at 412 million.”“5 paired sets of mid-grade Realm Star Dao Soldiers, recovered at 655 million.”“2 high-grade Realm Star Dao Soldiers, recovered at 423 million.”“38,532 ancient Seven-Star Coins, including star, moon, and sun types, along with various other ancient Moonluo Kingdom coins, recovered at 3.033 billion.”“3,200 Viper Venom Sacs? No wonder a Realm Star-level acceptance space was needed. However, their recovery price is now only 50,000 each, offering only money with no merit points, totaling 160 million.”“In total, these items yield 4.683 billion Yuanhai coins and 46,830 contribution points.”

The artifact spirit, Cang Yu, nodded slightly. “Your haul is quite impressive.”For a four-person team, all at the first Origin stage, earning 4.6 billion in 208 years was a massive haul! Even an army of ten thousand might not earn that much in over two centuries.

“4.6 billion?” All four smiled. Their initial estimate was only around 4 billion total. But now, with 4.683 billion, it exceeded their predictions. Clearly, over these two hundred years, some items had appreciated in value, while others had depreciated. Among them, the Viper Venom Sacs depreciated the fastest. Excessive hunting by cultivators led to an oversupply, drastically lowering their price. 208 years ago, they were 80,000 each; now they’ve fallen to 50,000, and they no longer provide merit points. Items that appreciated included the Seven-Star Ancient Coins and certain unique Dao Soldiers.

“The value of the items has been tallied,” Cang Yu announced. “How much does each of you account for?”“A reminder,” Cang Yu said, pointing to Yu Tianqing, “he cannot obtain merit points.”Because Yu Tianqing was a ‘rogue cultivator’ without citizenship in the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom, any mission he completed yielded only money, no merit points. Unless Yu Tianqing was willing to serve in one of the four foreign legions designated by the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom for ten thousand years, he could not obtain citizenship. Of course, for those at the second stage, it was shorter, requiring only one thousand years. If one reached the third stage, they could join directly without any requirements. In the eyes of the ancient kingdom, their own country had many at the first and second stages. Only outsiders at the third stage were worth recruiting; all others were considered insignificant.

In the entire Great Zhou, out of billions of people, only two had obtained citizenship in the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom: Zhao Xing and Yun Tiandao. Even individuals like Liu Tianning, Xia Jing, King Luohou, Long Xiao, and Ye Yukong, despite joining the Purple Spirit Manor or Tianxing Martial Hall, held very low status. They only received ‘temporary residency’ qualifications and were not considered full members of the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom.

Yu Tianqing remained silent, having known this for a long time. The ancient kingdom was unapproachable, with even stricter population control. During his adventures in the Phantom God Star System, he had encountered many unfair treatments. Sometimes, even as a second-stage cultivator, he had to back down in conflicts with first-stage cultivators from the ancient kingdom. Because if the other party reported it to the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom’s enforcement team, the team would definitely side with their own citizens. The best outcome for an outsider like him was a fine; without money, it meant imprisonment. Back then, the Heavenly Gate Military Post had mistakenly saved him as a citizen. If they had known he was a non-citizen and lacked money, they absolutely would not have helped him.

Now, only Zhao Xing, Le Yao, and Cen Qionghua could earn merit points. Compared to money, merit points were harder to obtain. During missions, 500,000 Yuanhai coins would only yield one merit point, and sometimes certain missions offered only money with no merit points at all. Money and merit points could not be directly converted. Additionally, bringing treasures from outside the Moonluo Mausoleum could not be submitted for merit points. Merit points were tied to titles, official positions, and authorities granted by the Yuanhai Royal Family. If money and non-Moonluo Mausoleum treasures could be exchanged for merit points, it would change the nature, becoming akin to buying official positions.

Of course, there were still flexible methods—some wealthy individuals from major powers, desiring official positions, noble titles, and regional authorities in the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom, would use money to buy others’ mission materials and listed treasures at an inflated price. They would then deliver them to the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom’s authorities. This way, the external prices would be higher than the official ones, but no merit points would be gained.

Zhao Xing and his team now had a choice: whether the merit points should be collected by one person or distributed individually. The four-person team had discussed this long ago.

“Senior Cang Yu, all mission materials and treasures that yield merit points are mine.”“Among these, 2.703 billion are my spoils, while Le Yao’s and Cen Qionghua’s accounts each hold 990 million in spoils.” Zhao Xing’s answer was very official, primarily aimed at legitimate tax avoidance. The ancient kingdom’s tax system was progressive, with different tax rates for 100 million, 1 billion, 10 billion, and 100 billion. Exploration in the Phantom God Star System was subject to special tax laws. For commercial activities within the country, taxes on amounts above 1 billion reached 30%, and above 10 billion, 45%. However, exploration in the Phantom God Star System was considered a military activity, significantly lowering the tax rate. Furthermore, military ranks within the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom were entirely tax-exempt, as the collected taxes were used for the military, which also involved merit point calculations. As official members of the Purple Spirit Manor, Zhao Xing and his team were subject to a different set of tax laws. There were also various other tax benefits, such as partial exemptions for ‘rare professions.’

With this division, Zhao Xing’s 2.703 billion was subject to an 18.8% tax rate. This meant a deduction of approximately 508 million. For the 990 million below 1 billion, a 15% tax was applied, deducting 148.5 million from each account. Why not submit multiple times? The total was calculated over a period, so multiple submissions would be useless. Why not use Yu Tianqing’s account to share the tax burden? Because he had no account. Even if he had one, Yu Tianqing, as an outsider, faced a constant tax rate: 45% would be deducted regardless of the amount earned, even if it was just a dime. While this seemed harsh, the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom was already considered quite reasonable. Other ancient kingdoms either forbade foreigners from entering the Phantom God Star System or levied even steeper taxes! Some ancient kingdoms even directly sold entry tickets to the Phantom God Star System, designating exploration areas that had already been depleted of resources, specifically to exploit the large dynasties hoping to profit. Exploitation was everywhere; in Yu Tianqing’s eyes, the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom was still considered conscientious.

“Understood.” Cang Yu nodded, a flash of light in his eyes. The complex calculations and transactions were completed in an instant.“Whoosh~” Cang Yu waved his hand, and all the materials vanished instantly.The four, having received their money and merit points, immediately thanked Cang Yu and returned to their rented accommodation on the Twentieth Star Fortress.

“Out of 4.683 billion, after deducting 805 million in taxes, our three accounts now hold 3.878 billion.”“According to our previous agreement, I should get 1.939 billion, but since all merit points are mine, I’ll take 300 million less and distribute it among you, leaving me with 1.639 billion.”“Yu Tianqing gets 1.0695 billion, and Le Yao and Hua Zi each get 584.75 million.”After confirming there were no issues, Le Yao spent three days pulling strings to set up an ancient kingdom account for Yu Tianqing, guaranteed by the Purple Spirit Manor. Afterward, the four transferred money among themselves, successfully completing the distribution. The moment the money safely landed in their accounts, all four breathed a sigh of relief. Having journeyed for over two centuries without conflicts or dangers, each had earned a significant sum. This was quite rare. After this round of money distribution, everyone felt their bond had deepened.

“Next, let’s all take a break. Eat well, spend well,” Zhao Xing said with a slight smile. “I’m not planning any missions recently. I’ll notify you again in at least 50 years.”“Only fifty years?” Cen Qionghua wailed. “I want to play for a hundred years!”“Go play then!” Le Yao pushed Hua Zi away. “This old lady needs to make money. It’d be great if you left; that’s one less person to share the money with.”“Oh, come on, fairy,” Cen Qionghua quickly said, “I was just kidding. I’ll follow Brother Zhao’s arrangements!”“Look at you!”All three laughed, and even Yu Tianqing couldn’t help but curve his lips into a smile.“Meeting adjourned!” Zhao Xing said, and Le Yao and Cen Qionghua quickly left.Only Yu Tianqing remained, unmoving, seemingly lost in thought.“Why aren’t you leaving?” Zhao Xing asked with a smile. “My spirit-gathering array here is for a single person; there’s no room for you to stay.”“I…” Yu Tianqing opened his mouth.“Does it feel a bit unreal?” Zhao Xing said with a faint smile.Yu Tianqing nodded, his voice low. “208 years ago, I was rotting in prison, my life at the mercy of fate. Now I have a billion Yuanhai coins…”“Brother, fate is truly wondrous. Perhaps one day you’ll even lead the Pangze Dynasty to become a hegemon in the Xuanling Starfield.”“Me?” Yu Tianqing chuckled.Zhao Xing patted Yu Tianqing’s metallic shoulder. After two pats, he found the texture unappealing. “Your shoulder is stiff. The ‘C-series of the Gold-Devouring Battle Body’ still doesn’t suit you.”“If you don’t know what to do, now that you have money, go get a new set of equipment first.”Yu Tianqing nodded and stood up.“Remember, you can look first, but don’t rush to buy it yourself. Ask me, Le Yao, or Hua Zi to buy it on your behalf; you can save some money that way.”“Understood.” Yu Tianqing walked to the door and stopped. “Thank you, Zhao Xing.”“You’re welcome.”

The first thing Zhao Xing did with his money was pay off his debts! Of course, there was also a branch of the Yuanhai Hall on Tiger Head Star Land. The day he received the money, he immediately went to the branch.“The 100 million borrowed 210 years ago now requires a repayment of 310 million, principal and interest included.”“I knew the ancient kingdom’s money wasn’t easy to borrow.” Unless one was about to embark on a crucial task, almost no one would borrow money. The Yuanhai Hall’s timing for promotion was also excellent, coinciding precisely with Zhao Xing reaching the Origin stage and preparing to make his move.

The ancient kingdom’s authorities also offered another type of loan called ‘war loans,’ specifically targeting major dynasties currently engaged in warfare. The interest rates were even more terrifying! At one point, the Xia Dynasty, residing in the Yuan Cave Star System of the Falan Dynasty, was wiped out by the Atlan Dynasty. That Atlan Dynasty had borrowed a war loan from a certain ancient kingdom. After painstakingly destroying the Falan Dynasty, they found that ninety percent of the benefits had gone into the ancient kingdom’s coffers. Helpless, after the destruction, they could only hastily abandon the pursuit and even issued lenient policies to attract the Falan Dynasty’s citizens back to cultivate land together. The ancient kingdom did nothing yet drained the accumulated wealth of two dynasties.

“They could have simply plundered, yet they chose to lend money to the great dynasties first, claiming to abide by the convention of the Ancient Kingdom Alliance of the Barren Realm, not directly attacking great dynasties.” Watching 310 million disappear from his account, Zhao Xing grumbled inwardly.

“1.339 billion remaining.” Zhao Xing looked at his account balance. “First, I’ll return some to the Great Zhou National Treasury account.” He had previously withdrawn 50 million from the Great Zhou National Treasury, and Zhao Xing had always remembered this. The development of his homeland was still very important. Besides the warmth of solidarity, his relatives and friends lived there.

“Let’s check the situation first.” The Great Zhou National Treasury account was also set up in Zhao Xing’s name. However, after his departure, that account had been entrusted to Meng Kun for management. Zhao Xing checked the national treasury account’s expenditures and income, and he was quite surprised.

“Hmm? The Great Zhou is already balancing its budget?”“Oh, Yun Tiandao and Liu Tianning sent remittances. The Great Zhou’s national treasury balance has now returned to over 200 million.” Among these, Yun Tiandao had remitted money four times over 269 years, with the earliest sum sent 200 years ago, sixty-nine years after Yun Tiandao left Seven Star Pass to undertake his border defense mission. “The first remittance was only three million, the second reached eight million.” “The third sum came much later but was thirty million, and the fourth, a century later, was another thirty million.” “It seems Old Yun is doing well on the alien battlefield,” Zhao Xing mused. Old Yun had borrowed thirty million from him, and one of his remittances was noted as a repayment to Zhao Xing. After repaying, he also gave 41 million to the Great Zhou. Though not a direct part of the Great Zhou, Old Yun had contributed to his homeland’s dynasty.

Liu Tianning, on the other hand, had remitted money over six hundred times! Because he left earliest—Liu Tianning departed in the first year of the New Beginning era, and it was now the 559th year of the New Beginning. In 559 years of the Heavenly Path Trials, Liu Tianning had sent 556 remittances. Except for the first three years when he sent no money, he sent money back every year afterward.

“Old Liu,” Zhao Xing couldn’t help but exclaim with emotion. Liu Tianning’s remittance amounts weren’t large; for the first five hundred times, they were mostly small figures, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Only in recent decades did Liu Tianning increase his remittances to hundreds of thousands. The total money he remitted didn't even amount to a fraction of Yun Tiandao's, but looking at these numbers, Zhao Xing felt Old Liu's profound affection for his homeland.

“The national treasury account also tried to send money to these two, but it was returned,” Zhao Xing noted, looking at the expenditure details. “Ji Che also left me messages, asking if I lacked money in the Phantom God Star System, totaling 207 messages, essentially one per year.” Zhao Xing felt a warmth in his heart as he read these messages.

“For the first transfer to the Great Zhou, I’ll send 150 million,” Zhao Xing thought. “As the Grand Minister of Agriculture, I can’t fall short compared to Yun Tiandao and Liu Tianning.” After completing the transfer, Zhao Xing initiated a long-distance communication.

“Elder Brother! Elder Brother, how have you been?” Ji Che’s projection quickly appeared before him, asking excitedly.“Che, I’m doing quite well,” Zhao Xing said with a slight smile. “I’ve already earned my first fortune. Take a look at the national treasury account.”“150 million?” Ji Che was stunned. “Elder Brother, how do you have so much money? Didn’t you still have debts? How did…” Ji Che had even been planning to help Zhao Xing repay his debts, but instead, Zhao Xing had sent money back.“Didn’t I say I had a decent harvest?” Zhao Xing laughed. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve paid off my debts and now have a substantial surplus!”“Hahaha, in that case, I won’t worry anymore!” Ji Che burst into laughter. “I knew Elder Brother could do it.”“How is Great Zhou doing on Azure Lotus Realm Star? And Chen Shijie, Xia Jing, Long Xiao, Ji Si, and the others…”“Great Zhou is currently…” The two began to chat.

Zhao Xing spent several days doing nothing but chatting with his relatives and friends from home. Only after seven days did he compose himself and begin planning how to use the remaining 1.2 billion in funds.

“Money kept on hand is dead capital; it must be converted into personal strength as quickly as possible.”“However, I now have nearly 50,000 merit points. Let’s first see what their uses are.”Zhao Xing stayed in a VIP lounge at the Yuanhai Hall, a benefit of his increased merit points.

“With over 46,000 merit points, I automatically obtained the status of a First-Class Baron of the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom.” The Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom had three classes of citizens—Third, Second, and First—and above that, titles were bestowed: Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquis, Duke, and King, comprising six ranks. In terms of difficulty to acquire, without a powerful family background, First-Class citizenship could only be easily obtained by those at the first stage of cultivation. From Baron onwards, those at the first stage needed to work very hard, as titles could only be upgraded with merit points. Merit points were fundamentally obtained by contributing to the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom. No matter how minor a Baron, it was still part of the ancient kingdom’s nobility! It served as a threshold for status. If a Baron from the ancient kingdom were to conduct business in a small dynasty like Great Zhou, Ji Che himself would personally host them.

“Fifty thousand merit points make one a Viscount. This typically means possessing multiple medium-sized realm stars and stable wealthy territories! Liquid assets must be at least one billion, and there should be a second-stage cultivator in the family, otherwise, they would be a fallen noble, looked down upon.”“As for Earl and Marquis, these are distinctions for third-stage cultivators, marking minor and major divine abilities respectively.”“Those at the Dao Domain stage can generally secure a Duke or King title in the ancient kingdom,” Zhao Xing mused. The role of Dao Domain stage cultivators in resisting barren realm transformation could not be replaced by mechanisms! Hence, they were all high-ranking officials in the ancient kingdom. If an unfamiliar Dao Domain stage cultivator was willing to join the ancient kingdom, the monarch would welcome them with open arms. A small contribution, such as willingness to guard the barren realm, would immediately earn them a Duke or King title.

“My merit points automatically made me a First-Class Baron. With just over three thousand more points, I’ll become a Viscount.”“Regarding taxes, I will receive ‘noble title preferential treatment,’ and I can also participate in high-profit industries, such as certain seed cultivation rights.”“Some of the seeds I can purchase will no longer have locked life structures, and by participating in this high-profit industry, I won’t be attacked by other nobles.” Within the noble circles, there was mutual recognition. If a non-noble dared to enter a high-profit industry, they would be seeking death, devoured without a trace.

“Tax reduction is one benefit, business qualifications are another.”“Optional military positions are also a benefit.” Zhao Xing looked at the detailed rules sent by the artifact spirit Cang Yu; these explanations became available once he automatically became a First-Class Baron. “Before obtaining a noble title, if I joined the army, I could only follow orders, being the lowest-ranked soldier at the first stage.” “With a noble title, I can secure a position like patrol captain, no longer having to start from the bottom.” “If I don’t want to engage in combat, I can also work as a mid-level manager in industries controlled by the ancient kingdom, such as a Realm Star manager for the royal family.” “Stable, easy, and with good benefits.”“The fourth benefit: authority.”“Many areas of the Moonluo Mausoleum that were previously off-limits are now unlocked for me.” Zhao Xing opened his star mirror. “Taking the Nanluo region as an example, I was previously forbidden from entering any star land before Nanluo No. 200, and the void navigation routes to the first two hundred were not open to me.” “Now, access has been granted up to the star land areas of Nanluo 100 to 200.”“The fifth benefit: purchase discounts at Yuanhai Hall. As a First-Class Baron, most items receive a 3% discount.” Merit points were difficult to acquire, but the benefits after obtaining them were numerous.

So, what role did the Purple Spirit Manor play in this?“Middleman,” Zhao Xing commented. “If a mission is submitted to the Purple Spirit Manor, the materials are collected by the manor and then sold to the ancient kingdom’s royal family, or possibly traded with other major powers.” “Within the Purple Spirit Manor’s territory, there’s also a promotion system.” “Major powers have advantages over the Yuanhai Royal Family in some aspects, such as offering more money or making it easier to become a manager.” Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix. Where one submitted a mission depended on whether they wanted to be a 'chicken head' in the Purple Spirit Manor or try to snatch a 'phoenix tail' in the Yuanhai Royal Family.

“Neither is a particularly good outcome,” Zhao Xing muttered, closing the merit point details and beginning to plan his fund usage.

“First, I’ll advance the progress of my Origin Dao Body.”“This wave should push the Origin Dao Body to at least 90% of the second layer, which is the late stage of the first realm.” A seventh-tier origin-level spell should be matched with an Origin Dao Body at the late or complete stage of the first realm. This way, casting spells would place less burden on the Origin Dao Body, and the Dao Field would be more stable. Cultivating spells without cultivating one’s foundation leads to nothing in old age. The foundation (gong) is the basis for casting spells.“Cultivation methods (gongfa): 'Gong' comes first, 'Fa' comes second. The accumulation of origin in the first realm can be accelerated with resources, much like speeding up the growth of plant life.” Of course, relying on self-meditation to absorb spiritual energy is the slowest method.

“Yuan Forty-Six,” Zhao Xing called out. Immediately, a beautiful woman entered from outside. After Zhao Xing paid off his debts and received a large influx of funds, Yuan Forty-Six became his ‘exclusive customer service.’ Artifact spirits were interconnected through boundless transmission, and Yuan Forty-Six also had a physical body here.

“Esteemed Baron, how may I assist you?” Yuan Forty-Six knelt beside Zhao Xing. Her loose attire allowed Zhao Xing to glimpse an expanse of white from her neckline. In high-end venues, exclusive automaton puppets often provided special services, free of charge.

“Switch to proper attire and sit opposite me to speak,” Zhao Xing frowned, not liking this arrangement.“Baron, this body of mine is brand new,” Yuan Forty-Six explained.“Do I need to repeat myself?”“As you wish.” Yuan Forty-Six stood up, her attire instantly transforming to completely cover her, her expression solemn, like an ascetic goddess.Zhao Xing was speechless. This was even more alluring. What kind of pervert was the artificer who created the Yuan Forty series?!“I called you here to recommend items, not to do anything else extraneous,” Zhao Xing said. “The same applies in the future.”“I understand,” Yuan Forty-Six said, sitting upright with a solemn expression.

“I want to advance my cultivation progress. Does Yuanhai Hall have any good methods?” Zhao Xing asked.“For those at the first Origin stage, there are three options,” Yuan Forty-Six replied.“First is the High-Grade Origin Spirit Gathering Array, which can accelerate the conversion rate of spiritual energy into the Dao Body.”“It’s relatively low-priced, typically increasing cultivation speed by 10 to 20 times. The better one’s innate talent, the more effective the High-Grade Origin Spirit Gathering Array will be.”“The rental price for this array is 1 million per year.”“Tell me about the second option,” Zhao Xing said, dismissing the lower-tier option. Even a 20-fold increase in cultivation speed seemed slow to him.

“Dual-Star Origins,” Yuan Forty-Six stated. “All cultivation methods at the Origin stage essentially involve absorbing the power of both Solar and Lunar origins.”“Yuanhai Hall provides exclusive cultivation spaces containing fragments of Lunar and Solar Stars, cut by Dao Domain stage cultivators.”“They are gentle and controllable, so close-range cultivation won’t harm the practitioner.”“This can increase cultivation speed by approximately 50 to 100 times.”“The price is 8 million per year.”Zhao Xing nodded. “And the third option?”

Yuan Forty-Six replied, “Inviting a Scholar of Transmission for an empowerment ritual.”“Scholars of Transmission are typically masters with great divine abilities, and their Dao and divine abilities are of an auxiliary nature.”“This method takes the shortest time and guarantees the user's breakthrough to the second realm.”“Currently, there are sixteen Scholars of Transmission on Tiger Head Star Land, three of whom are available.”“For the sixteen Scholars of Transmission, the lowest price is 2 billion.”

“Sixteen? That’s quite a lot. They all came here to make money!” Zhao Xing chuckled. Scholars of Transmission are a type of auxiliary profession in the universe. Their combat power isn't very high, but their auxiliary role is significant, making it a very rare profession. Similar rare professions include stellar historians, also a niche within a niche. They don't have much combat power, but they can retrieve relevant information by excavating historical artifacts. Stellar historians and stellar diviners, one looking to the future and one to the past, are two different paths, and also advanced forms of historians and diviners. Bottom-tier professions either can't be mastered, or if divine abilities are developed, they become highly sought after.

“The third option is out; I can’t afford it.”“The first option wastes time, so let’s go with the second.”8 million per year! Zhao Xing’s current funds were enough to last over 150 years. “I have a dual-origin Dao Body, so using this might actually save me some money,” Zhao Xing mused. With the Origin Dao Body being the top priority, Zhao Xing first spent money to rent the dual-star space for cultivation. The second stage of origin, the Void Stage, was a crucial turning point for him.

“Once I achieve the Void Stage, the divine abilities I’ve learned can be deployed in unstable void spaces.”“Both the Three Divine Fate Palaces and the Eight Purple Light Chronicles can significantly enhance my life-saving abilities.”“After reaching the Void Stage, I can traverse the void rivers without relying on a realm boat.” At the first stage, with origin newly born, one dared not enter void rivers and had to rely on a realm boat. But the Void Stage allowed it. Therefore, the priority of cultivation realms outweighed that of spells.

“You have successfully rented the dual-star cultivation space, deducting 7.76 million Yuanhai coins. Charges are calculated annually. Any period less than a year will be charged as a full year. Please be mindful of the time.”His account balance decreased by 7.76 million, charged once a year. The faster one cultivated to success, the more money one saved.

“Yin-Yang Twin Stars.” Zhao Xing looked at the sun and moon in the sky. Two planets, one on the left and one on the right, almost completely filled his vision, their light distinctly illuminating the space. The twin stars were so close yet not blinding. The spiritual energy index also reached an astonishing 500! The moment Zhao Xing entered, the acupoints in his body involuntarily breathed, his cultivation technique automatically operated, and his progress almost instantly increased by 0.1%. “You get what you pay for!” Zhao Xing dared not waste time and quickly began his cultivation.

After the four-person team divided their money, Zhao Xing began his cultivation. Meanwhile, Mor, a subordinate of Marquis Heyin also on Tiger Head Star Land, located Zhao Xing one year after his return.“Sir, the target is residing in Huyang City on the Twentieth Star Fortress.”“Sir, the target entered Yuanhai Hall a year ago and hasn't come out since.”“Sir, his merit points elevated him to First-Class Baron. No wonder he was so hard to trace.”…“Sir, he has two teammates from Azure Elm Star, one named Cen Qionghua and the other Le Yao.”“That Cen Qionghua has been frequenting brothels for a year.”“As for Le Yao, she often visits prisons, which is quite peculiar.”“What about the other person?” Mor frowned.“That person is a rogue cultivator named Tianqing Zi, and he also entered Yuanhai Hall and hasn't come out.”“It seems he gained something and is exchanging it for resources to cultivate?”“First-Class Baron… how much money must he have earned? At least two billion! His first fortune was that large?” Mor was somewhat surprised listening to the information gathered by his subordinate. Zhao Xing earning at least two billion on his first exploration of the Moonluo Mausoleum truly exceeded his expectations.

“Perhaps he had some fortuitous encounter, good luck,” the subordinate said.“The Moonluo Mausoleum is full of overnight riches legends. I never thought I’d witness one.” Mor shook his head. Zhao Xing’s good luck meant his own bad luck. With so much money, Zhao Xing’s cultivation time would likely not be short. Mor could only report to Marquis Heyin and try to gain more time for the capture.

“Watch him closely.” A horizontal wrinkle twitched on Mor’s forehead. “Report immediately when he comes out.”“Yes, sir.”

Purple Yang Second Layer: 95%Purple Yin Second Layer: 95%Zhao Xing glanced at the panel and smiled faintly. “Balance achieved. The drawbacks caused by Nanluo 2413 have finally been completely eliminated.”This was his thirtieth year inside the dual-star space. At 7.76 million per year, he had already spent over 230 million. But it was indeed effective.“The imbalance between Solar and Lunar energies was a significant drawback. During the first decade of cultivation, my Lunar Origin progress was consistently faster than my Solar Origin.”“This was not a good sign. An imbalance between Yin and Yang would still present the same risks during breakthrough as when I first broke through the first stage, potentially resulting in pure Yin or pure Yang.” Only this year did the progress finally align.”“The final 5% of progress is also the most challenging.”“However, my speed is still quite fast. With dual-origin cultivation, I am now at the late stage of the first realm,” Zhao Xing thought to himself.

“Only spent over 200 million? A drop in the bucket, continue!”“Spending all 1.2 billion for a breakthrough would be worth it. If I only spend 800 million, that would be a huge profit.” Zhao Xing closed his eyes and continued to cultivate.

Time flowed, and soon Zhao Xing renewed his rental for another twenty years.“Hmm? Reached a bottleneck.” Zhao Xing opened his panel to check.Purple Yang: 99%Purple Yin: 99%“The final 1% is the bottleneck.” Zhao Xing checked his account. “Fifty years, and I’ve only spent 388 million.” Zhao Xing said, “Cultivating for another fifty years wouldn’t be a problem.”“However, I’ve now encountered the same issue as when I first broke through to the first stage.”“I’ll go out first.” After fifty years expired, Zhao Xing exited the cultivation space.

“Old problem, old solution. When breaking through the first stage, I used the Path of Self to harmonize the breakthrough.” Now, he needed to turn his attention to advancing the second layer of the “Yuanhai Realm”. He would use the inner world of the Yuanhai Realm—the Origin Space—as the point for Yin-Yang harmonization. “The Self-Path is truly eternal,” Zhao Xing mused. After leaving the cultivation space, he went to find Yuan Forty-Six.

“Lord Mor, he has appeared!”“Oh? So fast?” Mor showed a slight smile. “It seems natives are indeed natives; they still retain the habits of their original world.”“Even after becoming rich overnight, they still can’t shake off that sense of haste characteristic of the poor.” If they were natives of the universe, their concept of time would be more relaxed. Knowing they could live for a very long time, they wouldn’t rush anything. Individuals like Zhao Xing, however, seemed to rush everything. Even after breaking through to the Origin realm and gaining a longer lifespan, they would still retain their old habits for a period.“Sir, he went back in,” a second subordinate reported.Mor was speechless. What exactly was Zhao Xing doing, going in and out like this? Mor felt he had never been so obsessed with anyone before.“Keep watching him.”

“The Yuanhai Realm cultivation resource package includes…” “Alright, just tell me the price,” Zhao Xing said. “I’m short on time.”“The original price is 550 million, discounted to 533.5 million,” Yuan Forty-Six replied, accustomed to Zhao Xing’s decisive manner.“Buy!” Zhao Xing said with a single word.The Yuanhai Realm, as a Self-Path cultivation method developed by the royal family, essentially required massive financial investment. Zhao Xing’s previous progress had already increased significantly. Now, to reach 100% on the second layer, he only needed a little over 500 million.

Three months later.“Boom~” A large expanse of chaotic mist dispersed within the Origin Space. Clear qi rose, transforming into a bright sky. Turbid qi descended, solidifying the earth. Five types of brilliant light appeared in the sky. The embryonic form of the Five Elements Heavenly Dao had emerged!

“Considering only the Self-Path, I am now already at the Void Stage,” Zhao Xing mused.“However, the Self-Path doesn’t greatly affect the Dao Body itself; it specializes in cultivating the inner world, using projections from the Origin Space to envelop the Dao Body for void traversal. This is fundamentally different from the Heavenly Timing Method and Earth Advantage Method.” Self-Path cultivation was rather extreme. To the Heavenly Timing and Earth Advantage factions, the Self-Path’s Void Stage was incomplete because, even at the second stage, their Dao Body showed little change. Just like the first stage, their physical bodies remained very fragile, far from meeting the Dao Body assessment standards of the Heavenly Timing and Earth Advantage factions. While the Self-Path had strong combat power, in terms of 'Dao principles,' despite its strength, it did not conform to the fundamental truths of cultivation! Self-Path practitioners, upon hearing such remarks, would typically scoff, “Heh heh, experts.”

“The Yuanhai Realm has now reached its third layer, and investing further resources would require at least tens of billions,” Zhao Xing mused.“The Yuanhai Royal Family’s cultivation method is good, but it's too expensive.”“It’s better to let the Yuanhai Realm mediate and break through the second layers of Purple Yang and Purple Yin.”Twenty years later, Zhao Xing finally emerged from Yuanhai Hall.

But half an hour before he exited Yuanhai Hall.

Tiger Head Star Land, Yellow Sand Estate.The Yellow Sand Estate was the residence of Du Yun, the direct eldest disciple of the Purple Spirit Manor Lord. Du Yun was also the only man in the Purple Spirit Manor who, while still at the Great Divine Ability stage, had established his own manor, holding status equal to other manor lords. Approximately six thousand years ago, Du Yun was sent to Tiger Head Star Land to serve as the leader of the Purple Spirit Manor members here.

On this day, a figure suddenly appeared within Du Yun’s Yellow Sand Estate: it was Cang Yu, the artifact spirit of the Twentieth Star Fortress on Tiger Head Star Land. Du Yun, sitting cross-legged above a pool of clear blue spring water, wearing a white form-fitting suit, and with brown hair, opened his eyes.

“Envoy Cang Yu.”“Manor Lord,” the artifact spirit Cang Yu replied politely, “I have something to report to you.”“Please proceed,” Du Yun nodded calmly.“For the past seventy years, three members under your manor have been under surveillance by a certain force, located within the Twentieth Star Fortress under my jurisdiction,” Cang Yu said. “If it were a normal dispute, I wouldn’t have come to report to the Manor Lord.”“However, all those conducting the surveillance are at the second stage, and their methods and noble titles are very high-ranking,” Cang Yu continued. “The three members of your manor under surveillance—Zhao Xing, Le Yao, and Cen Qionghua—are all only at the first stage and all hail from Azure Elm Realm Star.”“My master knows that your manor’s Purple Moon Manor Lord announced Azure Elm Zi’s death several centuries ago and publicly declared the Dongyan Ancient Clan as a mortal enemy.”“Among the three official members of the Purple Spirit Manor, one is Azure Elm Zi’s legal successor.”“Therefore, I specifically came to report this information to the Manor Lord.”Artifact spirit Cang Yu, processing billions of pieces of information, easily deduced that something unusual was happening when these data points were put together. Based on the principle of not wanting trouble, Cang Yu specifically came to inform Du Yun. Even if something truly happened later, the Purple Spirit Manor couldn’t blame Cang Yu’s master.

“Zhao Xing, Cen Qionghua, Le Yao…” Du Yun repeated, realizing he had no impression of these three individuals. He knew about Azure Elm Zi, though, as he was the Purple Moon Manor Lord’s beloved disciple. Given Du Yun’s status, he would at most pay attention to someone at Azure Elm Zi’s level. He didn’t even know that Purple Moon had another disciple named Zhaoyuan Zi. Other manor lords taking disciples was like distant relatives continuously having children. Although they belonged to the same force, they were far apart and covered vast territories. He would casually send someone to deliver a gift; it was impossible for him to attend in person or remember everyone. As for those below Azure Elm Zi, he paid even less attention.

However, now that Cang Yu mentioned it, he casually checked and discovered the matter of Azure Elm Zi’s successor, and also noted Zhao Xing’s origins. “An Ascendant from the Barren Realm, achieving dual origins in over three hundred years—that’s quite good,” Du Yun said, looking at the Purple Spirit Manor’s internal records and nodding slightly.“Since it’s not an ordinary dispute, then this matter falls under my responsibility.” It was normal to have some conflicts during exploration in the star system. Du Yun wouldn’t bother with minor issues, but this was different.

“Envoy Cang Yu, do you know the origin of those tailing my Purple Spirit Manor members?” Du Yun asked. The Dongyan Ancient Clan was not from the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom, nor did they belong to any other ancient kingdom. Operating in various ancient kingdoms, they must have had an overt identity.“I apologize, Manor Lord,” Cang Yu said, bowing slightly. “I am not permitted to disclose information about another authority holder. This requires the Purple Spirit Manor to investigate on its own.” Du Yun nodded, knowing that such information protection rights were reciprocal and that the other party’s status must also be high. Thus, he didn't press Envoy Cang Yu. “Thank you for the information, Envoy. My Purple Spirit Manor will handle this.” Artifact spirit Cang Yu cupped his hands and then disappeared from the Yellow Sand Estate.

“Zhao Xing…” Du Yun pondered, then called out behind him