Chapter 383: Spiritual Power-Level Strawman Method Surprise of He Yin Marquis

The Marquis Moon Sandal Mansion's reputation had to be respected. Major powers value their prestige, and a refusal could easily lead to unforeseen complications. Although Jing Yan was injured, he could only suppress it for now. Meeting the Marquis's daughter would have to come first.

Zhao Xing quickly made up his mind: "I've long admired the Marquis Mansion's renown. Please, fellow Daoist Wang, lead the way."

Outside the Starwheel Labyrinth, Lu Yuehan had constructed a magnificent palace, illuminated by countless sun-star lanterns that neutralized the rampant Yin energy. The area outside the Starwheel Labyrinth was originally barren and plagued by dust storms. However, upon emerging, Zhao Xing and Jing Yan saw a vibrant landscape: mountains, lakes, trees, flower fields, and spirit beasts. An area roughly the size of a prefecture had been temporarily transformed into a habitable environment. Zhao Xing was familiar with the method; it was the Grand Vista Realm, a treasure commonly used by the Time Diviner faction's agricultural specialists. However, the version Lu Yuehan possessed was more potent, and her resources were abundant. Near the palace complex where Lu Yuehan resided, Zhao Xing even spotted a familiar spirit beast, the "Sky-Gobble Beast."

"The display is truly grand," Jing Yan transmitted, "Just as expected from a rich young lady; her exploration feels more like a leisurely tour."

"It is quite luxurious," Zhao Xing observed, looking at the sky. "Each sun-star lantern costs over a million, and usually one set is sufficient. Yet, there are ten thousand lanterns here, simply to enhance comfort." Although Zhao Xing had accumulated considerable wealth over the past few centuries, it still paled in comparison to a family of such caliber.

Below, courtyards and palaces were scattered like stars, with pavilions and towers vying for architectural beauty. There were hundreds of palace-shaped, supreme-grade Star Realm Dao soldiers alone. After flying for a quarter of an hour in the flying boat with Wang Yun, he and Jing Yan arrived at Lu Yuehan's residence, the Moon Cold Palace. Outside the palace, numerous mortals (anyone below the Ascension Realm in the cosmos) were busy coming and going, while spirit beasts and auspicious clouds drifted in the sky. Compared to the cold and desolate silence of other areas on Southern Luoya 88, it felt like a completely different world.

Zhao Xing and Jing Yan's flying boat stopped before a majestic, gilded gatehouse. As they disembarked, greeters immediately came forward, and someone quickly went to inform Lu Yuehan. A band and dancers performed a melodious welcome tune, while Hong Qi personally came to the gate to greet them. He continuously scrutinized Zhao Xing, a glimmer of surprise in his eyes. Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing was not a Third Realm cultivator, but merely a Second Realm one. Furthermore, Hong Qi perceived Zhao Xing to be surprisingly young, only a little over a thousand years old.

Zhao Xing also observed Hong Qi, feeling a touch of surprise. He had not expected this plainly dressed elder to be a Great Divine Ability cultivator, and a remarkably rare Scholar of the Great Dao at that. Scholars of the Great Dao are learned individuals with profound understanding of the Dao, capable of disassembling, analyzing, and storing complex principles of the Great Dao. At the Shangluo Academy in the Primordial World, Zhao Xing had once seen the Myriad Dao Tree; Scholars of the Great Dao were essentially human Myriad Dao Trees. They could indeed cultivate a Dao Tree within their bodies, which served as their "Dao field." Scholars of the Great Dao cannot be cultivated post-natally; their status is determined by innate talent. Among humanity, only one or two individuals out of hundreds of millions possess such an aptitude.

Scholars of the Great Dao are immensely powerful, yet bound by unseen cosmic rules: throughout their lives, they have only one opportunity to cast a combat spell. Scholars of the Great Dao are a "peaceful profession" restricted by the cosmos. Their comprehension is extraordinarily high, enabling them to guide other professions, impart skills and methods, and master countless disciplines. However, should they ever engage in combat, they would immediately violate a cosmic taboo, causing their lifespan to rapidly diminish. Naturally, the moment they break their vow is also when Scholars of the Great Dao are at their most formidable.

A Scholar of the Great Dao in the Great Divine Ability Realm holds an exceptionally revered status. Zhao Xing and Jing Yan, surprised to encounter one here, immediately paid their respects. Hong Qi hastily stopped them: "My impromptu invitation was already presumptuous. I dare not accept such grand salutations from you two; instead, I ask that you do not hold it against me."

"We wouldn't dare," Zhao Xing and Jing Yan quickly replied, cupping their hands in respect.

"My young lady is hospitable and enjoys meeting heroes from across the land. As our encounter is fated, she wished to seize this opportunity to invite you both for a pleasant gathering." Hong Qi's gaze fell upon Jing Yan. "However, it seems our distinguished guest has sustained some injuries."

Jing Yan's injuries had been suppressed, and his physical appearance had been restored. He had temporarily integrated a mechanical battlesuit (lower half), making it difficult to discern his injuries from the surface; at most, one might assume he was a mecha warrior. However, Hong Qi, being a Scholar of the Great Dao, instantly perceived it.

"To be honest, sir, my friend is indeed injured," Zhao Xing said.

"There's a Third Realm healer within Moon Cold Palace," Hong Qi stated. "If you don't mind, my young lady can send someone to treat your esteemed guest's injuries."

Jing Yan actually didn't want to receive treatment here. The saying "the free is the most expensive" rang true; karmic debts of favor were hard to repay, even with a Divine Earth Pill. He simply couldn't bring himself to accept it. However, he dared not refuse. When a Great Divine Ability cultivator offers respect, one must accept it. Refusal was not an option.

"I wouldn't dare refuse," Jing Yan dutifully bowed, "Thank you, Miss Lu."

With Jing Yan injured, it was unsuitable for them to meet immediately. Hong Qi immediately arranged for Jing Yan to rest in a palace and summoned the Third Realm healer. Zhao Xing followed him closely, not daring to leave his side. It was wise to be cautious; if any problems arose, his Violet God Star Talisman, once activated, could protect Jing Yan as well.

For the next half a year, Zhao Xing remained in the palace, resting and awaiting Jing Yan's recovery. The source poison was tricky; even its residual effects required the Third Realm physician to cast minor divine abilities six times before being completely purged. Once purged, the rest was much simpler. The cosmos was abundant with spiritual elixirs capable of regenerating the fundamental Dao body.

"Gurgle." Jing Yan climbed out of a crystal chamber filled with green solution. Zhao Xing, who had been meditating nearby, instantly opened his eyes.

"Brother Jing, how do you feel?"

"Completely healed," Jing Yan replied with a lewd thrust of his hips. "A brand new, unopened body."

Zhao Xing covered his face; the sight was truly an eyesore. This guy was never serious!

"Damn it, put some clothes on!" Zhao Xing hurled a Qiankun bag at him.

"Hahahaha," Jing Yan chuckled, retrieving a set of clothes from the Qiankun bag and putting them on.

With Jing Yan recovered, Zhao Xing left the room and informed the attendant. Two days later, the attendant invited them to a banquet. Lu Yuehan, accompanied by her retinue, greeted them in front of the banquet hall. It was only then that Zhao Xing and Jing Yan finally saw their hostess.

Lu Yuehan's dark hair was gathered high on her head, her neat bun secured with a white jade hairpin. She wore a dark-colored fitted suit, its sleeves fluttering gently in the breeze, and a tightly cinched belt that accentuated her slender yet powerful waist and slightly rising chest. Her adornments were minimal, yet each piece was of excellent quality, elegant rather than ostentatious.

"Miss Lu is truly a beauty," Jing Yan transmitted. In the cosmos, the standard for evaluating beauty wasn't based on facial features or figure, as conventional appearances were generally considered 'good-looking.' The cosmic aesthetic standard lay in whether one's physical conditioning during cultivation approached perfection. Some cultivators might appear beautiful, but in reality, their six energies were impure, and their qi and blood flow unbalanced—either due to frequent combat causing hidden injuries they weren't aware of, or because they practiced inferior cultivation techniques. The resulting impression was akin to a mortal observing someone with acne, spots, scars, or disharmonious facial features.

Lu Yuehan was a Second Realm cultivator. In Zhao Xing and Jing Yan's eyes, the six-energy fluctuations emanating from her Dao body were perfectly harmonious and balanced. Due to her cultivation technique, she also possessed a unique gentle aura. From the perspective of 'cultivation aesthetic,' Lu Yuehan was undoubtedly a high-scoring beauty, rated perhaps eight or nine out of ten.

Lu Yuehan judged Zhao Xing and Jing Yan by the same principle. In her estimation, Jing Yan scored about seven, as he frequently engaged in combat in the cosmos, and his demeanor was somewhat frivolous. Zhao Xing, however, fared better. His cultivation of the Primal Self Sect's technique, "Primal Ocean Realm," offered a bonus in this regard. In Lu Yuehan's eyes, Master Zhao could score over eight, making him a definite handsome man!

"Many thanks for your assistance, Miss Lu," Jing Yan said, cupping his hands in salute. Zhao Xing followed suit.

Lu Yuehan smiled, her voice gentle as jade: "It's merely a trifle, nothing worth mentioning. Our meeting is fated. Please, both of you, come inside."

Lu Yuehan led Zhao Xing and Jing Yan into an exquisite reception hall and invited them to sit. The hall featured eight seats, arranged facing east and west, with no central seat designated as the main one. Lu Yuehan was very particular. Southern Luoya 88 was a public star sea, and her arrangement signified that she dared not claim the title of hostess. The other individuals present were all guest elders of the Marquis Mansion, including Hong Qi, Wang Yun, and the healer who treated Jing Yan. Her taking a seat at the end was also a mark of respect for these guest elders.

The reception hall was elaborately decorated. Around them stood jade statues of beautiful women in various poses, while fragrant candles illuminated the room as brightly as day. The four walls were adorned with display shelves, showcasing an array of precious and exotic jewels that sparkled and glittered dazzlingly in the candlelight. The reception hall wasn't enclosed, yet a water curtain separated it from external noise and disturbances. After Lu Yuehan waved her hand, the spiritual energy index within the hall sharply increased. Soon, it surpassed 200! This reception hall alone was comparable to an advanced Spirit Gathering Formation!

Besides Lu Yuehan, Jing Yan, and Zhao Xing, everyone present was in the Third Realm, and Hong Qi was even a Great Divine Ability cultivator. However, neither Jing Yan nor Zhao Xing showed any sign of nervousness. Both had seen much of the world, and they settled into their seats with natural composure.

"Please raise your glasses, everyone, to congratulate Brother Jing on his recovery," Lu Yuehan invited.

"Congratulations," the other Third Realm guest elders said with smiles, raising their cups.

"Many thanks, Miss Lu," Jing Yan promptly raised his cup.

Lu Yuehan's etiquette was impeccable. Anyone with a narrower perspective might have been overwhelmed by such a display, perhaps even joining the Marquis Mansion as a guest elder to serve Lu Yuehan. But Zhao Xing remained clear-headed; everything came with a price. How could wine from a noble household be drunk for free? He was about to warn Jing Yan, but to his surprise, the man set down his wine cup and declared:

"Miss has healed my injuries and extended such gracious hospitality. Jing Yan has nothing else to offer but his willingness to serve you for five hundred years, at your command, to repay this kindness."

Well, his friend was volunteering himself. But thinking about it, money might not be what they wanted, and news of a tomb wasn't rare to them. The only way to repay this favor was to work. Five hundred years was not a short duration. Zhao Xing thought this period was reasonable. But Lu Yuehan was still somewhat unimpressed. She didn't lack an artificer like Jing Yan; if Zhao Xing had said that, she might have been pleased. Nevertheless, she had to maintain appearances, so she feigned delight: "It is truly my good fortune that Brother Jing is willing to stay. There is no need to mention commands; I wish to sit and discuss the Dao with Brother Jing, and together explore the Illusory God Star System."

Jing Yan grinned and drained his cup.

Seeing Zhao Xing's lack of reaction, Hong Qi subtly gestured to Wang Yun. The latter immediately understood, raised his cup, and asked, "Brother Zhao, if you have no other plans, why not stay with Brother Jing? The Lunar Mausoleum is exceptionally perilous, and Brother Jing's experience might repeat itself. If you accompany us, at least there will be mutual assistance."

Lu Yuehan looked at Zhao Xing with a hint of expectation. Of course, she desired a talented agricultural specialist from the Primal Self Sect! She had only recently returned to the Marquis Mansion and formally acknowledged her heritage. To establish herself, beyond the Marquis Moon Sandal's favor, she naturally needed her own accomplishments.

Zhao Xing naturally wouldn't agree. What a joke! A few empty words were enough to make him, a master, work for them? The Marquis Mansion had prestige, but not to that extent. He didn't owe them anything.

"Many thanks for your kind invitation, Brother Wang," Zhao Xing said, raising his wine cup. "However, my strength is mediocre, and I prefer to work alone. I'm not skilled in cooperative combat and fear I would only become a burden to the Marquis Mansion."

This was clearly an excuse; Zhao Xing had been able to subdue Zeng Zhuo and his group. Although he relied on special circumstances, he could by no means be considered of mediocre strength. Lu Yuehan wasn't disappointed; if he had been convinced by a few words, she wouldn't have felt any sense of accomplishment.

"Mister Wang," Lu Yuehan smiled, "Today is for joyful gathering and discussing the Dao; let's not mention other matters."

"My lady is right," Wang Yun said with a chuckle, raising his cup and draining it as self-punishment.

After Wang Yun finished his drink, Lu Yuehan continued, "Besides celebrating Brother Jing's recovery, this banquet is also to invite you two fellow Daoists to appraise the Marquis Mansion's treasures."

Lu Yuehan waved her hand, and a hidden compartment in the floor suddenly opened, revealing a long display stand in the center of the hall. On it lay a dazzling array of treasures: various weapons, battle armor, ingenious mechanisms, spiritual elixirs, rare plants, and Dao-imparting jade slips. At the very end, there were even three ice coffins, each containing a pair of demon race twins. Zhao Xing took one look and knew they were excellent cultivation cauldrons. They were either Yin Dao bodies or Yang Dao bodies, naturally enchanting and exuding an exotic allure. Even in their sleeping state, they could ignite desire in one's heart. Lu Yuehan's collection of treasures was enough to hold a small exhibition. While she called it an appraisal, it was clearly a tactic to entice them with treasures. Primarily, it was to persuade Zhao Xing to stay. This was because half of the items were related or relevant to agricultural specialists.

"Brother Zhao, Miss Lu has put considerable effort into recruiting you," Jing Yan transmitted.

Being a member of the Violet God Manor wasn't a significant obstacle for the Marquis Moon Sandal Mansion; as long as they could poach Zhao Xing, a little money later would suffice.

"Indeed, she's put some thought into it," Zhao Xing remarked. The items displayed here were not obtainable through conventional channels. Even the Primal Ocean Palace didn't sell them, or they were unique pieces. This was why noble circles frequently held lengthy banquets—they were important avenues for exchanging resources.

Seeing the change in Zhao Xing and Jing Yan's expressions, Lu Yuehan's lips curved into a slight smile: "Fellow Daoists, feel free to examine and handle anything you wish. If you have any questions, Mister Hong is here."

Hong Qi nodded slightly. These items had been personally selected by him and gathered from various treasure vaults of the Lu family over half a year. He was confident that they would appeal to Zhao Xing. Zhao Xing didn't stand on ceremony. Since he was already there, there was no harm in looking. He and Jing Yan immediately rose and began to examine the treasures together. And indeed, Lu Yuehan's collection contained only top-grade items.

"If I were one to feign elegance, here's a Burnt Tail Guqin, a top-tier replica," Zhao Xing murmured as he passed by an ancient zither with a phoenix tree wood body and flame-colored strings. Zhao Xing gently strummed it, and comically, despite possessing no zither skills whatsoever, the instrument automatically emitted celestial music, playing a tune on its own.

"If I desired beauty, here are half-breed cultivation cauldrons of fox and human, and sea demon and human descent... all twins. Especially the sea demon ones, with their exquisite singing voices imbued with the Great Dao, they make one linger indefinitely and are nobles' favorite bedmates." Zhao Xing didn't linger, quickly moving on. Jing Yan, however, took a second glance, though it was merely a look, and his heart remained unaffected.

Hong Qi took in Zhao Xing and Jing Yan's expressions, simultaneously transmitting his observations to Lu Yuehan for her reference. Upon seeing a particular item, both Zhao Xing and Jing Yan's eyes showed a hint of disdain.

"Brother Zhao, is this... a Profound Spirit Pill?"

"Mmm," Zhao Xing nodded. "After consumption, it gives a blissful sensation of ascending to immortality, leading to addiction."

"Hmph, barbarian ancient kingdoms," Jing Yan snorted dismissively. This item was an absolute forbidden substance in the Crimson Star Empire; anyone caught selling it faced confiscation of property and extermination of their clan. However, it was popular in many ancient kingdoms within the Profound Spirit Starfield.

"Brother Zhao, what is this?" Jing Yan asked.

"The Puyuan Tranquilizing Pearl, a Yin Dao weapon," Zhao Xing replied. "The Tranquilizing Pearl prevents qi deviation and resists illusions. This item was originally produced on Puyuan Star in the Profound Spirit Starfield's 'Benevolent Source Ancient Kingdom.' However, eight epochs ago, Puyuan Star turned into a desolate domain, making this version of the Tranquilizing Pearl a discontinued item."

"And this one?"

"The Bi-Polar Cosmic Light Disk, also a Yin Dao weapon. It can emit Bi-Polar Meridian Divine Light Rays, specifically designed to break through Primal Magnetic Golden Body, positive-negative Five Elements Qi martial arts secret techniques, and treasures of great fire and poisonous flames. It's the work of a master artifact forger from the Primordial Hills faction, but that master has passed away, so few have been passed down."

"I recognize this one; it should be the Crimson Lotus Cauldron from the Primal Source Heavenly Palace, capable of collecting primal essence qi."

"Correct."

Zhao Xing and Jing Yan examined the items for a long time without asking any questions, which puzzled Lu Yuehan. Fearing Zhao Xing wouldn't recognize their value, grade descriptions were provided next to each treasure. However, no specific usage descriptions were given, precisely to prompt Zhao Xing and Jing Yan to ask out of curiosity. Yet, so far, the two merely looked without inquiring.

"Mister Hong," Lu Yuehan transmitted, "Are these two feigning knowledge, or are they truly extensively knowledgeable?"

Hong Qi mused, "Jing Yan likely doesn't understand some of them, but they are communicating via transmission. The exact content is unclear, but it's probably Jing Yan asking and Zhao Xing answering."

"Oh?" Lu Yuehan was a little surprised. She wouldn't be surprised if Jing Yan knew more, as he was from the Empire and extensive knowledge was normal for him. But Zhao Xing was a native who had only ascended a few centuries ago. This was odd; how could the roles be reversed?

"He showed almost no confusion regarding items from our sect. As for external curious and ingenious objects, he understood most, and for the few he didn't, he probably just wasn't interested." Hong Qi's eyes never left Zhao Xing. As a Great Divine Ability scholar, analyzing his every move was naturally very easy.

"My lady, this person is not simple," Hong Qi said. "Wealth doesn't sway his heart, lust doesn't cloud his judgment. He is widely knowledgeable, confident, and composed; even his walk is perfectly upright. In contrast, Jing Yan is somewhat ostentatious."

"Wang Yun, the fate diviner, doesn't seem to have a clear grasp of Zhao Xing; his karma seems to be blurred. My lady, recruiting him might prove difficult."

Upon hearing Hong Qi's assessment, Lu Yuehan immediately felt that Zhao Xing was imbued with a touch of mystery, which piqued her curiosity.

"Only the difficult things are worth pursuing," Lu Yuehan transmitted, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Mister Hong, you must help me."

"Rest assured, young lady. Let him finish looking first."

The items Lu Yuehan displayed were indeed valuable. If Zhao Xing had unearthed them from a tomb, he would certainly be thrilled; who doesn't love money? But if it was payment for his service, Zhao Xing found them rather ordinary.

"There are even King-grade saplings. This 'Demon Heart Vine' is one rank higher than spirit monster quality, but it's only equivalent to the Cloud-Reaching Vine." Plant-type soldiers are categorized into Common, Rare, Spirit Monster, King, Emperor, Imperial, Legendary, and Divine grades. King-grade was essentially the highest tier currently accessible. Anything above that was generally held by the royal families of ancient kingdoms, almost impossible to sell because such plants were treasures that maintained their rule. Imperial-grade plant-type soldiers were even known as national treasures. Some ancient kingdoms were established solely by relying on a single Imperial-grade plant. The King, Emperor, and Imperial grade classifications originated from this, and naturally, such items could not be sold. If another power possessed a second such plant, they would resort to all means, including killing and plundering, to maintain their uniqueness.

"The plant soldiers aren't particularly interesting; let's look at the secret manuals instead," Zhao Xing thought to himself. Lu Yuehan had many Dao-imparting jade slips on display here. If there were no surprises, there should be some secret techniques from the Primal Self Sect among them.

Although Zhao Xing had obtained the "Essence-Extracting Divine Ability," it wasn't a universal solution. It had limitations; while extremely effective on Yin-attributed flora and detailed in its explanations of life-essence partitioning, it was less comprehensive for other categories. This was why Zhao Xing's mushroom experiments yielded uncontrollable mutations. If he were working with flowering plants, he could cultivate controllable plant-type soldiers. Furthermore, the Primal Self Sect's spells weren't just for cultivating plants; their combat techniques were also rare. Zhao Xing was currently in great need of such items, primarily because their distribution channels were limited. It would have been better if he were in the Crimson Star Empire. Take the most common economic plant, the Cold Water Melon, for example. It was delicious, refreshing, and inexpensive in the Empire, but when sold in ancient kingdoms, its price would multiply by fifteen to twenty times.

Zhao Xing's palm swept across the displayed Dao-imparting jade slips. As he touched each one, a brief Dao charm would be transmitted, informing him of the probable agricultural method it contained. If it were a regular book of a hundred pages, it was like being allowed to read only the first two or three.

When Zhao Xing approached the area where the secret manuals were displayed, both Hong Qi and Lu Yuehan's gazes were involuntarily drawn to him. This was the area where they had invested their efforts. If Zhao Xing continued without stopping, their attempt to win him over would truly fail.

One step, two steps, three steps… Zhao Xing's hand glided over the items, his footsteps unceasing. Both Lu Yuehan and Hong Qi felt a tinge of disappointment. But just then, Zhao Xing's footsteps halted.

"Hmm?" Lu Yuehan's eyes lit up. Because Zhao Xing picked up the jade slip inscribed with mysterious weed patterns. The fish had finally bitten!

For some reason, Lu Yuehan felt a strange sense of emotion at that moment. She, the esteemed third young lady of the Marquis Moon Sandal Mansion, was excited and thrilled for the first time because something she possessed had caught a man's eye. And the other party was merely a small Second Realm cultivator. This feeling was truly peculiar! If Zhao Xing was feigning, then one had to admit he was doing it very successfully, having already captured Lu Yuehan's attention.

"Zhao Xing, what has caught your eye?" Jing Yan, who was with him, was also surprised, as the display stand was quite large. Thousands of treasures were displayed, yet Zhao Xing had passed by them all without interest, only picking up a small Dao-imparting jade slip just before he finished browsing.

"A Straw Man Art," Zhao Xing said, somewhat surprised himself, as he hadn't expected to find such a valuable art here.

"Oh," Jing Yan understood the value of the Straw Man Art. Earlier, when digging up graves in the Starwheel Labyrinth, the tomb owner had seven burial palaces, illustrating how crucial clones were to the Primal Self Sect—they even buried their clones with them. It was equivalent to having a second life!

"What kind of Straw Man Art is it?" Jing Yan asked.

Zhao Xing pondered, "A limited edition: the Great Yang Straw Man Art."

"Never heard of it," Jing Yan shook his head slightly.

"Every profession has strengths and weaknesses. What is the widely recognized weakness of an agricultural specialist?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Not tough enough physically?" Jing Yan replied.

"Precisely," Zhao Xing said leisurely. "Among the three agricultural specialist factions, the Primal Self Sect's physical bodies are the most fragile. You can't always keep your Primal Source Projection active and deploy your plant soldiers. It's also inappropriate in certain situations, but having a clone nearby makes things much more convenient."

"From casting a projection to summoning plant soldiers, there's a window where one can be successfully ambushed. In certain extreme situations, the Primal Source Projection might not even be deployable. For instance, if I were to go to a top-tier world star or top-tier astral continent, the pressure would be too great, suppressing my Primal Source Projection, reducing its range, and slowing its speed."

"Where there's a flaw, there are predecessors who sought to compensate for it." "The Straw Man Art is one such solution."

Jing Yan nodded. Martial artists also had secret techniques to compensate for their shortcomings; every profession sought to leverage its strengths and mitigate its weaknesses.

"Our Primal Self Sect has a secret technique that allows the main body and its clone to swap places. Introducing this variable opens up many more tactical possibilities." "Of course, the clone cannot be too weak; otherwise, it won't withstand wide-area attacks, and its utility will remain limited in many aspects."

"The Great Yang Straw Man Art integrates research into 'Great Yang Clone,' one of the three chapters of the Void Ancestor Golden Body Art. It is crafted using pure Yang-attributed primal vegetation as its foundation." "If I master it, I will possess a Great Yang Clone, capable of even moving world stars, and landing on suns and moon stars to seek secret treasures and extract materials."

"Hearing you describe it," Jing Yan said, "you truly found a treasure."

Zhao Xing had stopped precisely because of this technique. Having a Great Yang Clone would make many tasks much more convenient. The Great Yang Straw Man Art was called a "limited edition" precisely because it was harder to obtain than the Void Ancestor Golden Body techniques. The upper three chapters of the Void Ancestor Golden Body were held by super-major powers, while the middle three chapters were in the hands of ancient kingdoms. The Great Yang Straw Man Art, which traversed realms, was naturally even more rare and precious.

Zhao Xing, unsure if the technique was complete, picked up the Dao-imparting jade slip and asked Hong Qi, "Mister Hong, is this the Great Yang Straw Man Art?"

Hong Qi nodded: "Indeed."

Since Zhao Xing had recognized it instantly, Hong Qi didn't bother to boast, merely introducing it truthfully: "The Great Yang Straw Man Art was created by an agricultural specialist named 'Gu Tianyang' of the Samsara Realm. Legend has it that he is a descendant of Gu Xiao, the God of Agriculture."

"Long ago, Gu Tianyang journeyed to a Void Ancestor Star System. He discovered that the Void Ancestor's physical body had transformed into the earth, from which thirty-six types of wondrous Yang-attributed plants grew. After observing for an epoch, he created these three Straw Man Arts: Pure Yang, Sky Yang, and Great Yang."

"It is a Great Divine Ability-level Straw Man Art." "However, Gu Tianyang later disappeared. His techniques were inherited by different disciples, and after several transmissions, only the Great Yang Straw Man Art retained a relatively complete cultivation path."

"My young lady obtained this secret technique by chance." In truth, Hong Qi himself had acquired this technique as a personal treasure, completely unrelated to Lu Yuehan. However, seizing the opportunity, Hong Qi strongly lauded Lu Yuehan.

Zhao Xing nodded upon hearing this. "Miss Lu's fortune is indeed profound. May I inquire which stages of the Great Yang Straw Man Art Miss has obtained, and whether you are willing to sell them? If it's a secret, then please forgive my presumption."

Guided by Hong Qi's telepathic suggestion, Lu Yuehan immediately said, "I have obtained the stages of the Great Yang Straw Man Art from its origin and void phases up to the minor divine ability stage, and I also have clues to the great divine ability stage."

"Brother Zhao and I are destined. Why speak of selling a mere technique? I will simply give it to you." "However, the Dao-imparting jade slips I carry with me only contain the origin and void methods. The minor divine ability stage techniques would require a trip back to the Marquis Mansion's treasury to retrieve. Perhaps Brother Zhao could cultivate here first?"

Hearing her words, Zhao Xing felt a twinge of helplessness. Just as his previous excuse was a pretense, Lu Yuehan's current offer was clearly a pretense too. "Going back to the Marquis Mansion to retrieve them" — when and where she would retrieve them clearly depended on whether Zhao Chen'an was willing to stay. Although he knew she was trying to bait him, the Great Yang Straw Man Art was genuinely good. This technique was part of a series. Completing the series would grant the entire "Void Ancestor Straw Man Art!" If he missed this opportunity, he wouldn't know where to find the channels to obtain it again in the short term.

Lu Yuehan was casting her bait, but Zhao Xing had no intention of taking the hook. He couldn't offer Lu Yuehan a compelling enough chip to make her act right now, but the entire Lunar Mausoleum was his leverage! He refused to believe Lu Yuehan wouldn't be tempted! It remained to be seen who would bait whom.

"It would be crude of me to speak of money with Miss. Deference is better than obedience. Thank you for your generous gift, Miss," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands in salute before taking his seat with the Dao-imparting jade slip.

Lu Yuehan saw that Zhao Xing was tempted, but not overly so. She understood that a definitive outcome wouldn't be reached today, but as long as Zhao Xing didn't say he was leaving, it was a good sign. Her family was vast and powerful, with extensive channels for resource exchange. As long as he stayed, she wasn't afraid that Zhao Xing wouldn't be tempted! During this period, she could also observe Zhao Xing's capabilities.

From that day forward, Zhao Xing remained with Lu Yuehan's team, immersing himself in the study of the Great Yang Human Art. Both he and Lu Yuehan had just arrived at Southern Luoya 88 Astral Continent and wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. Finding a place to cultivate was indeed not easy. Zhao Xing planned to lead Lu Yuehan to explore several major tombs in the near future, considering it a form of resource exchange. The first was the tomb within the Starwheel Labyrinth itself. Zhao Xing and Jing Yan chose not to report the information but instead told Lu Yuehan that the tomb hadn't been fully explored. Lu Yuehan and her group, who had originally been unaware and planned to go elsewhere, decided to finish exploring this tomb upon hearing the news, thereby acquiring a wave of wealth. Considering that Jing Yan had been healed by Lu Yuehan's people, they hadn't intended to share the profits. However, Lu Yuehan was indeed a wealthy woman; she still proportionally shared a portion with Jing Yan and Zhao Xing. At this point, Zhao Xing's total wealth remained unchanged, as he had given his share of the money to Jing Yan. Nevertheless, exploring this tomb yielded substantial gains for Zhao Xing.

"This trip to Southern Luoya 88 has truly started well," he couldn't help but exclaim. The value of the Essence-Extracting Divine Ability and the Great Yang Straw Man Art alone was comparable to all the wealth he had accumulated over the past four hundred years!

"My luck has reached the tenth derivation, and according to the laws of fortune, a stroke of good luck should descend, which I presume has manifested here."

"Lu Yuehan is quite generous; she insisted on giving us a share of the money." Regardless of her character, her straightforwardness made Zhao Xing willing to stay a while longer.

"Once I obtain the complete technique from her, my foundation will advance another level. By then... hmm?" Zhao Xing suddenly frowned as a sense of being spied upon emerged, and his heart rate quickened. Within his Sea of Consciousness, the Three God Fate Palace's three souls simultaneously opened their eyes.

"What's going on? Why do I feel this strange palpitation?" Zhao Xing guarded his mind diligently, stabilizing his three souls, but the feeling of palpitation persisted. For half a month, Zhao Xing remained secluded, focusing on steadying his mind. However, the feeling of palpitation not only failed to disappear but intensified. Finally, within the Three God Fate Palace, Zhao Xing saw a karmic thread emerge from his Earth Soul, swiftly flying out of his Sea of Consciousness.

"Someone is plotting against me!" "The Three God Fate Palace isn't omnipotent. If a Great Divine Ability realm or Dao Domain realm fate diviner targets me, their schemes could still be effective."

Zhao Xing watched the karmic thread drift away, but he was powerless to stop it. He simply couldn't block it.

"Fortunately, I have the two items bestowed by Du Yun, and now I'm by Lu Yuehan's side. They shouldn't act so quickly."

"Qingyuzi, what exactly did you take from them? Du Yun has already intervened, yet the Eastern