Chapter 385: Du Yun's Surprise, The Enchanted Spell of Fate

"Lord of Yellowsand Prefecture, I am Yuanye Tuo, a member of the Azure Wind Society and its representative in the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom." A green-clad figure appeared inside Yellowsand Prefecture and bowed slightly towards Du Yun.

Du Yun looked at the man with a hint of surprise, as he was wearing nothing but green patterns and designs painted directly onto his skin.

"What is this Azure Wind Society?" Du Yun secretly asked his servant, Jiuli, who stood beside him.

"They are a nature conservation group that emerged in the early stages of the Barren Era," Jiuli explained. "They oppose the excessive exploitation of life star systems by various nations and advocate for the protection of underdeveloped indigenous races and certain Void Beasts. They also propose that nations contribute powerful Void flora to collectively increase their production and cultivate them in barren regions everywhere."

"Oh, I recall something," Du Yun suddenly remembered. "In the early Barren Era, didn't an ancient kingdom agree to their request?"

"Yes, in the mid-Barren Era 1, the Ancient Lia Kingdom was tricked into giving away twelve Emperor-grade plant lives. That kingdom has now fallen out of the top five hundred allied ancient kingdoms."

Du Yun looked as if he had just heard a ridiculous joke.

"My lord, although Yuanye Tuo is a bit eccentric, his network of connections is quite extensive, which is why he was permitted to meet you."

Du Yun nodded. He usually didn't bother with ordinary cultivators at the Five Elements Dao Domain Realm, but the Azure Wind Society was, after all, an international organization.

Although he knew Yuanye Tuo was there to solicit funds, Du Yun patiently listened to him explain the organization's philosophy.

"閣下 Yuanye, I admire your spirit and am willing to donate 500 million Red Star Coins to the Azure Wind Society," Du Yun stated. "However, joining the society is out of the question. I will be preparing to break through to the Dao Domain Realm for the next era and do not wish to divert my energy."

Yuanye Tuo cupped his hands. "The Azure Wind Society thanks the Lord for your generosity and wishes you success in advance. If the Lord ever has time, you are welcome to visit our headquarters."

"Alright," Du Yun smiled and nodded.

"I shall not disturb the Lord further." Yuanye Tuo cupped his hands and took his leave. He had waited in line for five years, only to meet Du Yun for the duration of a single incense stick. Nevertheless, being able to meet him was not in vain, especially since Du Yun had donated 500 million Red Star Coins, leaving at least some impression.

Immediately after Yuanye Tuo departed, someone else teleported before Du Yun.

"'Wu' of the Great Yong Dynasty pays respects to the Lord of Yellowsand Prefecture." This was a man in strange armor, a cultivator at the Third Realm.

Du Yun had never heard of the Great Yong Dynasty, but that didn't matter; such individuals were always considered rogue cultivators in his eyes.

Rogue cultivators who sought an audience with Du Yun on Tigerhead Star Continent had only one purpose: trade.

Before the importance of the Illusion God Star System increased, rogue cultivators could easily enter for exploration by paying a fee. However, official transactions incurred heavy taxes.

Many did not care about the official contribution points from the ancient kingdoms; they simply wanted more money to exchange for treasures and return to develop their own dynasties. Yu Tianqing was one such example.

Du Yun of Yellowsand Prefecture was very famous on Tigerhead Star Continent and had a good reputation, attracting many rogue cultivators.

However, only those with something worthwhile to offer could personally meet Du Yun.

"Wu, what business do you have with me?" Du Yun asked.

"Lord, these are three treasures I obtained from the Lunar Tomb Garden. Please take a look." Wu took out three gleaming treasures from his Qiankun bag: a small boat, and two items shaped like a sword and a general weapon.

Du Yun reached out, took them, and examined them. "Indeed, this ancient boat is a ceremonial vessel exclusively used by the Lunar Royal Family, typically deployed only for large-scale rituals. While its inherent function is ordinary, it is still a rare item among low-grade Lunar Dao Armaments."

"As for the other two items, they are quite common. If you wish to sell them, I will offer you a price 20% higher than the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom's official post-tax price."

Wu respectfully said, "Lord, may I request something other than money?"

"Oh, what do you wish to exchange them for?"

"Lord, I have seven friends trapped in the Beiluo Small World No. 33, surrounded by the forces of the Ancient Tianyou Kingdom."

"I wish to ask for your help, Lord, to rescue my friends."

"Ancient Tianyou Kingdom, Beiluo No. 33," Du Yun pondered. "I'm afraid that's not possible."

Wu grew anxious. "Lord, my friends are all in one location; you wouldn't need to send multiple trips—"

"It's not that I'm unwilling to help, and these treasures of yours would be more than enough," Du Yun stated. "A year ago, a conflict erupted between the Ancient Tianyou Kingdom and the Heavenly Demon Kingdom. Beiluo Small World No. 33 was shattered and swept away by void currents. The news just hasn't spread widely yet."

"But your friends could not possibly have survived."

"What?!" Wu's eyes turned bloodshot, and he gnashed his teeth. His seven friends were all Third Realm cultivators diligently cultivated by the Great Yong Dynasty, and now they were all dead, leaving him as the only Third Realm cultivator in the entire Great Yong.

Even if Wu felt hatred, he didn't know whom to hate.

Seeking revenge against the Ancient Kingdom or the Heavenly Demon Kingdom? Both would be suicide.

"Jiuli, take him to rest." Du Yun was accustomed to such scenes. He knew Wu was distraught and not in a suitable state for a transaction.

Wu cupped his hands and withdrew. Other people continued to appear before Du Yun.

Most of them were members of Yellowsand Prefecture itself.

Du Yun governed an entire star system, and as its Lord, he was akin to an emperor. However, he delegated all matters below the Origin Realm to his thirty-six Star System Governors.

Most members who came to see Du Yun did so in connection with the exploration of the Illusion God Star System.

Originally, Du Yun had relatively few matters to handle, but with numerous factions now present, the situation in the Illusion God Star System had become intricate and complex, requiring his personal decisions as Lord on many issues.

The most critical among these was the issue of member entry and exit from the Lunar Tomb Garden.

"Brother Yuanchen, isn't your appetite a bit too large?" Du Yun said, looking at the man in black battle armor before him, whose aura was as cold as the vast cosmos.

"I merely asked you to open a passage for my Purple God Prefecture members to withdraw, and you demand such a high price?"

Du Yun was negotiating with 'Star-Splendor Island,' a top-tier power from the Ancient Yanmo Kingdom. Star-Splendor Island held a position in the Ancient Yanmo Kingdom equivalent to that of the Purple God Prefecture in the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom.

"Brother Du, it is only out of respect for you that I agreed to open a path for your people," Yuanchen said calmly. "For anyone else, there would be no negotiation at all; everything would be handled according to the rules of the Ancient Yanmo Kingdom. This price is already the absolute minimum."

"Your price is hardly low," Du Yun replied. "You're charging 50 million Red Star Coins for a single small Realm Boat to pass through. Where would Origin Realm cultivators using small Realm Boats get so much money?"

The official requirement of the Ancient Yanmo Kingdom was 100 million Red Star Coins for a small Realm Boat, 1 billion for a medium Realm Boat, and 10 billion for a large Realm Boat.

Yuanchen's price was halved, but it remained a huge burden for Origin Realm cultivators.

The exchange rate for Red Star Coins to Yuanhai Coins was 1:350! How could Origin Realm members of Purple God Prefecture have so much money for toll fees?

At this rate, even Third Realm cultivators would likely have to part with most of their assets just to enter or exit.

"Halve the price again," Du Yun proposed. "I'll owe you a favor."

"Brother Du, I'm afraid I cannot comply," Yuanchen shook his head.

The crucial passage that the Ancient Yanmo Kingdom had seized at great cost had to be compensated for in this wave of harvests.

And he was certain that Purple God Prefecture would be willing to pay that price.

"Brother Du, you might want to discuss this with the other Prefecture Lords. If the situation continues to worsen, this price might not even be available."

Du Yun was about to say something more when his mind stirred, and he suddenly vanished from his spot.

Yuanchen waited quietly.

In the side hall, Zhao Xing activated the 'Thousand-Mile Yellowsand Ferry' treasure. The surrounding opulent palace rippled momentarily.

The surroundings transformed into a starry sky, and a river of void appeared beneath his feet.

On the other side of the river, about a thousand miles away, was Du Yun's figure.

*Whoosh*

In the blink of an eye, Du Yun appeared before him, and the surroundings returned to normal.

Zhao Xing felt his hand loosen, and the Yellowsand Ferry treasure appeared in Du Yun's grasp.

Seeing Du Yun's displeased expression, Zhao Xing quickly said, "Lord, I have urgent matters to report. Time was of the essence, so I used the treasure you gave me."

Du Yun looked at Zhao Xing. "You had better have something urgent."

"This junior just returned from Beiluo and accidentally discovered an unguarded void navigation route that allows free entry and exit from the Lunar Tomb Garden, unrestricted by the stellar array," Zhao Xing reported.

"Oh?" Du Yun was surprised. He recalled Zhao Xing had been adventuring in Nanluo, yet he returned from Beiluo, which lent significant credibility to Zhao Xing's words.

"This junior is willing to report the stellar coordinates of this route and its entry points along the river to the Lord," Zhao Xing said. "How many years did it take you to return?" Du Yun asked.

"Thirty-six years. It could have been faster if I hadn't proceeded with such caution," Zhao Xing replied.

Du Yun couldn't help but give Zhao Xing a curious look.

He didn't doubt Zhao Xing was lying to him; rather, he was surprised by Zhao Xing's incredible luck. Not only did he return safely from numerous blockades, but he also discovered a void navigation route.

Given the current situation, a stable void navigation route into and out of the Lunar Tomb Garden was incredibly valuable!

"What do you want?" Du Yun asked.

There was no existing "navigation route exploration mission," but as the Prefecture Lord, Du Yun could issue one at any time.

Zhao Xing didn't state a price. Instead, he handed the star map to Du Yun and then articulated his needs, allowing some room for negotiation for both parties.

"Lord, I only wish to exchange for a portion of the Ancient Kingdom's official merits and guidance from a preaching scholar."

Du Yun pondered for a moment. "Ancient Kingdom official merits? What rank are you aiming for?"

"Second-class Count." Zhao Xing didn't want all merit points; exchanging them with Du Yun would result in some loss. However, if he exchanged all of them with Cang Yu, he feared his gains from over a century in Nanluo wouldn't suffice.

He was currently a First-class Viscount and still lacked a significant amount of merit to reach Second-class Count.

Du Yun nodded.

"As for the preaching scholar, what level do you require?"

"If it's at the Great Divine Ability Realm, I can arrange one hundred sessions for you."

"However, if it's a preaching scholar at the Dao Domain Realm, you can only exchange for one session. But with this single opportunity, you are guaranteed to reach the Third Realm and master one to three Minor Divine Abilities."

Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised to hear this; he hadn't expected to gain so many benefits.

"It seems the situation is more serious than I imagined—"

The severity of the situation made his discovery valuable.

However, Zhao Xing didn't feel it was a losing trade. After all, he had merely discovered it and was in no position to guard the route and collect fees.

That was beyond his capability, and the sooner this news was sold, the better.

Zhao Xing considered for a moment, then said, "I choose to exchange for guidance from a Dao Domain Realm preaching scholar."

The enlightenment provided by a Great Divine Ability Realm preaching scholar would have limited power for him.

It might push his Dao Body to the Third Realm, but the path of magic spells differs from that of martial artists. When a martial artist's body breaks through to the Third Realm, divine abilities naturally awaken within their physical form. The path of magic spells isn't like that; it still requires comprehension of laws.

Zhao Xing had seen Great Divine Ability Realm preaching scholars before; Hong Qi was one of them.

He had conversed with Hong Qi, who was 100% confident in helping a First Realm cultivator reach the Second Realm, but the probability of breaking through to the Third Realm was much lower.

For guiding a dual-origin genius like Zhao Xing, the probability was less than 10%.

That was why Lu Yuehan was so disheartened at the time. The scholar Hong Qi was originally her great weapon for attracting guest advisors, but he held little appeal for Zhao Xing.

"Very well," Du Yun returned the Yellowsand Ferry to Zhao Xing, then added a caution: "Do not misuse it in the future. I will grant Jiuli the authority to allow you to see me at any time."

Du Yun was about to leave when he noticed Zhao Xing hesitating as if to speak.

"What do you want to say?"

Du Yun now had more patience for Zhao Xing, as this navigation route would not only help Purple God Prefecture recover its losses but also potentially make a substantial profit!

Before the situation stabilized, this void navigation route could generate immense wealth!

Zhao Xing said, "During my escape between the north and south, I inadvertently discovered some highly suspicious tomb entrances."

"How suspicious?" Du Yun asked casually.

"They are suspected to be tombs of Dao Domain Realm cultivators."

Du Yun smiled. "When traversing the void rivers, one often encounters bizarre and fantastical scenes. Are you truly so lucky as to discover a Dao Domain Realm tomb?"

Zhao Xing cupped his hands and said, "You are right, perhaps I misjudged. However, if I can obtain definite confirmation..."

"Then use the Yellowsand Ferry to summon me," Du Yun said readily.

A Dao Domain Realm tomb in this location would indeed be worth Du Yun's attention.

After all, King Tianji had discovered the 'Thousand Star Vine' from a Dao Domain Realm tomb.

It was said that the Thousand Star Vine might have been just a seed many years ago, and even the tomb owner might not have known it was an Emperor-grade seed.

However, after countless ages, the Thousand Star Vine had sprouted and entered its growth period.

A Dao Domain Realm tomb would thus be worth his effort.

"Understood," Zhao Xing acknowledged, grasping Du Yun's principle.

He would excavate Dao Domain Realm tombs, but Third Realm ones were not worth mentioning.

"Yuanchen-zi, the Lord requests your departure," Jiuli said to the waiting envoy Yuanchen.

"What?" Yuanchen reacted. "Does Du Yun no longer wish to negotiate?"

"Yes, it is no longer necessary," Jiuli replied.

"I suggest Du Yun reconsiders," Yuanchen scoffed. "If I leave today, the price will no longer be this."

"Please leave," Jiuli repeated like a merciless automaton.

Seeing this, Yuanchen-zi flicked his sleeves and flew away immediately.

After he left, Du Yun reappeared in the hall. Looking at the star map, he couldn't help but smile. "I thought I'd have to pay a hefty sum this time, but who knew this fellow would bring me such a pleasant surprise."

"My lord, what is this?"

"A star map," Du Yun said. "We won't need to beg others, and we can even seize this opportunity to make a profit."

"Go, find someone to enter the Lunar Tomb Garden once, following this route."

"Understood."

Zhao Xing soon received an exclusive mission from the Star Realm.

It was a void navigation route exploration mission specifically tailored for him by Du Yun.

The reward included five million merit points and an additional 20 billion Yuanhai Coins.

The Dao Domain Realm preaching was not listed as part of the mission, as it didn't require formal procedures; Du Yun would simply notify him once he found the right person.

There were no preaching scholars of the Dao Domain Realm level in the public star seas. No Dao Domain Realm preaching scholar would casually travel abroad, as they lacked combat power, and any conflict would mean death.

Losing a Dao Domain Realm preaching scholar would be a painful blow for any ancient kingdom.

Therefore, the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom's official system didn't offer such an exchange, and Du Yun would have to seek someone out himself.

Merit points, however, required a formal process, as they were official merits of the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom.

"Du Yun gave me an extra 20 billion?" Zhao Xing saw the deposit notification in his account. "It seems this route is very valuable, exceeding Du Yun's expectations."

After leaving Du Yun, Zhao Xing went to the Yuanhai Palace.

"Esteemed Count, it is a pleasure to see your safe return," Yuan Forty-Six said gently, looking at Zhao Xing. "I didn't expect that after two centuries, you would already be a Second-class Count."

Zhao Xing smiled slightly. "Please provide me with a quiet acceptance room and invite Lord Cang Yu to come."

"Yes," Yuan Forty-Six quickly departed.

Small treasures and low-value information were beneath Du Yun's notice.

Zhao Xing could only sell them to the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom's officials.

During his more than a century spent with Lu Yuehan in Nanluo, he had also acquired many treasures, all of which now needed to be processed.

Cang Yu quickly arrived at the exclusive acceptance chamber.

"Zhao Xing, we meet again."

"Lord Cang Yu," Zhao Xing bowed slightly. "It seems you've had a substantial harvest this time."

"My lord, these are the treasures I wish to sell." Zhao Xing went straight to the point, producing several Qiankun bags.

"A total value of 27.5 billion Yuanhai Coins, after tax," Cang Yu quickly calculated. "Your merit points are only 300,000, so you remain a Second-class Count."

Zhao Xing nodded; acquiring merit points was indeed quite difficult.

"Lord Cang Yu, I wish to complete some intelligence information missions."

Information and intelligence missions usually awarded a significant number of merit points, much more than selling treasures.

"You may, but this will require time for verification," Cang Yu reminded him. "Given the current situation in the Lunar Tomb Garden, you might need to wait for some time before receiving them."

"No problem, I can wait." Zhao Xing was also planning to cultivate next. His account already held over 50 billion Yuanhai Coins, which translated to over 100 million Red Star Coins.

"Nanluo No. 122, coordinates: Lunar 23, Military Gate 55, Earth Vein Li Huo 4, Renyin Hour. There is a small world entrance here."

"Nanluo, Taobei Star, coordinates: Lunar 153, Solar 4, Sky Hook 25. It's in the shattered star belt, a small realm star with a living spatial tomb."

"Beiluo, Lunar 2, Solar 34, Star Dipper 155—"

Cang Yu interrupted, "The Luoling Stone mine at these coordinates has already been discovered; this information is invalid."

"Understood," Zhao Xing nodded, then continued to report.

The universe was vast, and the Illusion God Star System contained an unknown number of planets, star continents, and small worlds.

After more than seven millennia of excavation, only the tip of its iceberg had been explored.

Only five Dao Domain Realm tombs had been discovered so far.

As it was a garden of tombs, it was highly probable that this was the royal necropolis of the Ancient Lunar Kingdom, where royalty and great nobles were qualified to be interred.

With only five Dao Domain Realm tombs found, it was clear that exploration was still in its early stages.

Zhao Xing reported for three days and three nights straight.

The sheer volume of information astonished Cang Yu.

However, Zhao Xing managed it well; he didn't report any Dao Domain Realm tombs.

This was because the excavation progress for Dao Domain Realm tombs was very slow, so he wasn't afraid of them being fully excavated by others.

If he had reported multiple Dao Domain Realm tombs, it would have been easy to deduce the locations of other high-ranking tombs, as high-status individuals were often buried together in one area, specifically the imperial tombs within the Illusion God Star System!

Zhao Xing naturally wasn't willing to let others benefit for free. Furthermore, if he reported a Dao Domain Realm tomb all at once, he would be invited for a "tea session" the very next day.

Even so, Cang Yu was sufficiently amazed.

Because Zhao Xing had provided too much information, with very detailed coordinates. If every piece of information proved accurate, he would acquire astonishing wealth.

"That's all, Envoy," Zhao Xing said respectfully.

"Alright, you will be notified promptly as each piece of information is confirmed," Cang Yu said.

"Thank you, Envoy."

Outside the Illusion God Star System, in the vast cosmic void, a void wind suddenly appeared. Its massive spiral arms stirred the starry sky, tearing the void itself.

*Buzz*

The next moment, the void wind suddenly vanished, and a dark-red, rhomboid Realm Boat appeared in the starry sky.

Inside the rhomboid Realm Boat was a silver-haired, aquiline-nosed man. He wore a gilded magic robe adorned with swirling secret runes, and the top of his staff was set with a miniature solar star, though its color was an eerie blood-red.

"150 billion Red Star Coins, just to capture a mere Second Realm cultivator," Jiu murmured, looking at a distant continent in the starry sky. "Yet the Dark Hall rated this mission as six-star."

"The difficulty of the entire mission lies in Du Yun's protection; he even bestowed the Yellowsand Ferry upon the target."

Jiu muttered.

Because of the Yellowsand Ferry, there was no real difference for Zhao Xing whether he was inside or outside a base.

On Tigerhead Star Continent, there were twenty stellar fortresses, with twenty Dao Domain Realm cultivators permanently stationed.

However, the number wasn't the issue. As long as Du Yun was a factor in the mission, adding nineteen more Dao Domain Realm cultivators wouldn't change the difficulty.

Adding nineteen people wouldn't increase the difficulty, nor would removing them decrease it!

*Swish!*

Jiu flipped his hand, and the remains of a straw effigy appeared before him. This was the 'mission item' given to him by the Sacred Hall.

Jiu himself was a Dao Domain Realm Mind Caster.

"I mustn't clash with Du Yun. I need to control the target's mind, entice him to leave on his own, and return the Thousand-Mile Yellowsand Ferry to Du Yun. Then the mission will be complete."

Jiu smiled faintly, then a beam of light fell upon the straw effigy's remains. The effigy had burned from the bottom up, with its upper half still preserved, revealing Zhao Xing's likeness.

"Myriad Law Spell, Fortune's Heart Manifest!"

The light fell onto the effigy's remains, transforming into a shimmering golden glow that enveloped its entire body and began to undulate.

"Connecting with his main body through karma will give the target a powerful feeling of 'sudden inspiration',"

"as if he is about to gain a great opportunity."

"Inside the Lunar Tomb Garden, the target might sense opportunities everywhere, making this spell less effective."

"But now that he's out, and with conflict erupting in the Lunar Tomb Garden, the probability of him seeking me out is very high."

Jiu was very confident that Zhao Xing would soon experience a strong 'sense of opportunity.'

To make this sense of opportunity more authentic, Jiu set its intensity to enable a breakthrough to the Third Realm and the acquisition of a Minor Divine Ability.

In his opinion, the target would certainly not be able to resist such a temptation.

After all, the records indicated that Zhao Xing had only broken through to the Second Realm just over two hundred years ago.

How much progress could one make in just over two hundred years?

Even if he had gained something in the Lunar Tomb Garden, it wouldn't be enough for a qualitative leap.

"All I need to do is wait for him to come to me."

Jiu sat there, sipping his wine, quietly waiting for Zhao Xing to fall into his trap.

"Hmm?"

Zhao Xing, who was cultivating in the Yuanhai Palace, suddenly opened his eyes.

Just moments ago, he had rented the most expensive Dual Star Origin Space for cultivation, only to suddenly feel a surge of intuition, as if something great was about to happen.

"I sense an opportunity is coming, enough to break through to the Third Realm, and even gain a Minor Divine Ability."

"Could it be that Du Yun is so fast he's already found the right person for me?"

"Is Old Du really that efficient?"

Zhao Xing thought to himself, pleased.

He sensed the opportunity coming from outside the Illusion God Star System, which aligned with his expectations; Dao Domain Realm scholars certainly weren't found on Tigerhead Star Continent, so they must come from beyond the stars.

"No wonder they say he has a good reputation and handles matters diligently."

Zhao Xing suppressed this feeling and continued to cultivate.

He was currently only in the mid-Second Realm, and to receive enlightenment, he naturally needed to reach the perfected Second Realm.

That way, neither of them would waste time.

"I need to cultivate quickly too, lest Du Yun summons the person before I'm ready," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Inside the Dual Star Origin Space, Zhao Xing set the spiritual energy index to 1000, essentially pouring money into accelerating the progress of his Origin Dao Body.

Since the year 1030 of the Eocene Era, he had been cultivating the third layer of the "Purple Yin" and "Purple Yang" techniques here.

The improvement of the Dao Body was an enhancement of one's own being by the spiritual energy essence.

Now, of the 840 million stellar acupoints, half radiated purple solar light, and the other half emitted lunar light.

It was as if there were truly 840 million Yin-Yang Origin Stars within his body!

Purple Yang Third Layer: 55Purple Yin Third Layer: 55

Zhao Xing opened his eyes and checked his progress, frowning slightly.

"I was at 50 before cultivating, and I've only progressed this much now."

He closed his eyes and opened them again; ten years had passed.

In ten years, his progress had only increased by 5!

He had just entered the late Second Realm; if his progress reached 75 or higher, it would mean he had entered the perfected Second Realm stage.

"It seems my innate talent isn't heaven-defying after all; this accelerated cultivation effect is only considered upper-average," Zhao Xing thought to himself. The Second Realm was still a process of perfecting accumulation, with essentially no major bottlenecks. He had spent a lot of money to accelerate, but the effect wasn't as good as before.

"I haven't been focused enough lately. Why am I always thinking about opportunities?"

Zhao Xing was completely unaware that he was being influenced by Wei Jiu.

A Dao Domain Realm Mind Caster had cast a powerful spell from afar. Although Zhao Xing wouldn't be tempted into action, he would constantly be reminded of this matter.

"It seems I need to temper my mind and will another day. To subjugate powerful plant soldiers in the future, I'll need relevant training," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

He believed his cultivation progress was too rapid, leading to a weakening of his mind and will.

Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel a sense of self-reproach and shame.

"How could I be like this?"

"I must always be vigilant."

He had no awareness of Jiu's presence, and the Purple God Star Talisman hadn't triggered at the base because there were over a dozen Dao Domain Realm cultivators present, which didn't meet the trigger conditions.

Zhao Xing merely assumed he had become lax, so he increased the difficulty of his cultivation mode. He moved closer to the Dual Star Origin, allowing the scorching heat and icy cold to invade his body.

"Ah~"

Pain. The invasion of excessive Origin power caused agony.

Zhao Xing used this ascetic cultivation method, simultaneously cultivating his techniques and tempering his willpower.

Ten years passed, and Jiu finished a small cup of wine.

He glanced at Zhao Xing's straw effigy remains and couldn't help but feel a bit strange.

"Ten years, and he hasn't come out? Is something holding him back?" Jiu wondered. If a significant figure had summoned him for an inquiry or something similar, Zhao Xing wouldn't be able to leave even if he wanted to. Such situations were possible.

However, as long as Zhao Xing had an opportunity to leave, he would undoubtedly recall this 'opportunity' and feel an unbearable itch to pursue it.

"Hmm, I'll wait a bit longer."

Jiu wasn't in a great hurry; ten years wasn't a long time for him.

Of course, the mission had a time limit: he had to complete it within one hundred years.

Failure would mean a demotion in the Dark Hall; he wouldn't receive the bonus and would lose his deposit.

*Hoo-hoo*

Zhao Xing was panting heavily, one half of his body flushed red, the other covered in hoarfrost.

His cultivation progress appeared on the interface.

Purple Yang Third Layer: 62Purple Yin Third Layer: 62

"Another ten years have passed. This is 100 times acceleration, meaning I've cultivated for a thousand years. How have I only increased by 7 points?"

"My cultivation speed is only slightly better than that of a cultivator with ordinary talent; I can't be called a genius at all."

Zhao Xing felt a bit of an existential crisis.

From the Ascension Realm to the First Realm, and from the First Realm to the Second Realm, he had demonstrated talent.

"Could it be that what's being displayed now is my true cultivation aptitude?"

Zhao Xing felt a bit agitated.

He began to experience the frustrations of 'ordinary cultivators.'

At this point, he once again thought of the 'preaching scholar.'

"I wonder when Du Yun will arrange it. Preferably, it would be later."

"Sigh, this is too embarrassing."

Zhao Xing shook his head and forced himself to focus.

"Another ten years have passed." Wei Jiu finished his second cup of wine and glanced at the straw effigy's remains. "What's going on? He's still not coming out?"

Jiu also began to frown.

Logically, after he cast his spell, he should have seen Zhao Xing soon.

After all, his effect was potent; unless life-or-death matters caused a delay, the target would rush over without hesitation.

"Could my spell have been discovered?"

"Impossible, there's no issue with the spell's medium."

Jiu glanced at the straw effigy's remains.

"Even if he cultivated the Three Divine Life Palaces, my spell isn't based on karmic transmission."

"Never mind, I'll wait a few more years."

Although Jiu was somewhat surprised, he didn't take it to heart.

However, by the time he finished his third cup of wine, Jiu began to feel that something was amiss.

"Another ten years have passed."

"A full thirty years, and still no movement?"

"Could he have successfully resisted my spell?" Jiu murmured to himself. "That shouldn't be possible; he's only at the Second Realm. How could he?"

Jiu began to doubt himself.

"It seems I need to intensify the spell," Jiu thought to himself. "However, doing so increases the chance of being discovered and exposed."

"Hmm?"

Inside the Yuanhai Palace, Zhao Xing's eyes widened involuntarily.

His heart pounded rapidly, his blood boiled, as if some great fortune was descending upon him.

"I sense an opportunity to become a Dao Domain Realm cultivator?"

"Hiss, and it's coming from outside the Illusion God Star System. Could some treasure have floated out of the Lunar Tomb Garden?"

At this moment, Zhao Xing's hands and feet trembled, and his entire body shivered.

Immersed in Jiu's spell, he completely disregarded logic, becoming utterly overwhelmed with excitement.

Jiu also hadn't anticipated that he would need to intensify the 'sense of opportunity' to such a degree to pique Zhao Xing's interest. Was his ambition truly so vast? He didn't even care for opportunities at the Third Realm; only those leading to the Dao Domain Realm tempted him.

Only then did it tempt him?

"Heaven truly is on my side," Zhao Xing thought excitedly. "If I can seize the opportunity to become a Dao Domain Realm cultivator, then I can just directly take the Great Zhou planet and completely ignore the Purple God Prefecture and the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom's officials. I'll just leave, damn it. Whatever schemes the Purple God Prefecture and the Ancient Dongyan Clan have, they won't involve me."

He immediately ended his cultivation in the Yuanhai Palace, intending to investigate further.

As soon as he emerged, he found Jing Yan waiting in his exclusive reception room.

"Zhao Xing, you're finally out!" Jing Yan rushed to Zhao Xing's side and playfully punched him. "I've been waiting for you for years. Have you been cultivating all this time?"

"Hmm," Zhao Xing nodded absentmindedly. "Brother Jing, let's talk later about anything else. I have matters to attend to right now."

"What's wrong with you?" Jing Yan asked curiously. "Where are you going?"

"Where I go is none of your business!" Zhao Xing snapped impatiently. "That's it."

Jing Yan's brows furrowed. He immediately caught up to Zhao Xing and grabbed his shoulder. "Wait."

"What do you want?" Zhao Xing shook off Jing Yan's hand. "I said I have something to do; let's talk later."

"You're not right." Two sharp spikes emerged from Jing Yan's hands, piercing into Zhao Xing's flesh. A stream of information flashed in Jing Yan's eyes, and his expression quickly turned serious.

"What's not right?" Zhao Xing frowned. At this moment, he hated Jing Yan for wasting his time.

"You've rented a 100x cultivation acceleration space for thirty years now. I just analyzed your bloodline power,"

"and deduced that your Dao Body is currently only in the late Second Realm." Jing Yan said seriously, "This is very unusual."

"You're not a lax person. Except for those few years you spent playing cards, you've never abandoned cultivation."

"Now that you're spending a fortune to cultivate, you couldn't possibly be wasting money in there. Did I hit the nail on the head? Your cultivation speed has suddenly plummeted."

Zhao Xing frowned deeply and nodded.

"So, where exactly are you going?" Jing Yan asked seriously. "You don't have to tell me the specifics, but are you planning to leave Tigerhead Star Continent?"

"I—yes," Zhao Xing struggled to admit.

Jing Yan took a deep breath and immediately yelled outwards, "Cang Yu! Envoy Cang Yu! Help!"

"Are you insane?" Zhao Xing shook off Jing Yan's hand. "What are you shouting about in public?"

Jing Yan ignored him, still firmly holding Zhao Xing's hand, while shouting in the plaza in front of the Yuanhai Palace, "Help! Rape—!"

Everyone present: "..."

Zhao Xing: (silence)

Envoy Cang Yu quickly appeared, frowning as he looked at Jing Yan and Zhao Xing. He waved his hand, teleporting both of them inside the Yuanhai Palace.

Once inside, Jing Yan regained his composure. "Envoy, my friend is not well. Please investigate thoroughly."

Cang Yu shook his head. "I've already checked; I found nothing amiss."

"Jing Yan, listen to me—" Zhao Xing still tried to brush it off.

"No, something is definitely wrong!" Jing Yan exclaimed. "Even Tigerhead Star Continent's defense system can't guard against all types of attacks. He has absolutely been hit by some kind of spell!"

"Cang Yu!" Jing Yan roared loudly. "If you can't see it, then find someone who can! Otherwise, the consequences will be severe! I am royalty of the Red Star Empire!"

Cang Yu looked at Zhao Xing, then at Jing Yan. "I have already contacted the Lord of Yellowsand Prefecture; he will arrive shortly."

"Alright, alright," Jing Yan's face immediately broke into a smile. "Lord Cang Yu, thank you, thank you. I was just joking earlier, heh heh. You're a great person who doesn't hold grudges against minor offenses."

Cang Yu didn't dwell on Jing Yan's behavior. He simply glanced at Zhao Xing and said, "This friend of yours is quite good. I just conducted an urgent check and compared it with your cultivation records."

"You indeed have a problem."

Cang Yu's arms transformed into two steel needles, piercing into Zhao Xing's Heavenly Spirit acupoint. "I'm going to try to clear your mind now. I don't know if it will work."

Zhao Xing let out a muffled groan as a cool sensation invaded his body. His excited feeling subsided slightly, but the influence remained.

At this moment, two light figures appeared in the secret room: Du Yun, who had rushed over, and an elder wearing a great scholar's robe.

The elder simply took a glance and then told Du Yun, "He has been afflicted by an illusion spell."