Chapter 396: I Wish to Reincarnate and Break Free from the Cage

Stepping through the archway of the Shangluo Daoist Academy felt like entering another world. Outside, the world was peaceful and quiet, but inside, it was bustling with activity.

Some summoned wind and rain, thunderclouds flew across the sky, carrying realm stars within them. Others stood on scrolls that unrolled forward, while the writings and paintings behind them disappeared, extending infinitely ahead. Some practiced sword fighting on ghosts in a lake, while others forged metal underground, igniting fires.

Boom! Just as everyone watched, mesmerized, a spired palace beside the academy's gate suddenly rose from the ground, its aura pushing outwards as it moved forward. Thump-thump-thump! Then, burly giants sprinted past, carrying small mountains. In the blink of an eye, pavilions, towers, palaces, and strange peaks seemed to come alive, full of vigor.

"These historical tableaux record the past glory of Shangluo Academy," a starry sky historian remarked, gazing at the scrolling pictures in the sky. "It's incredible that they remain fully preserved after countless ages."

Du Qing sighed, "The Scholar Puppets seem so real. The scholars of the Lunar Kingdom truly possessed remarkable abilities."

The others also discerned some mysteries, and even a glimpse was enough to leave them astounded.

"Let's split up," Du Qing and Peng Yuan suggested. "We've passed three trials and entered the Daoist gate; the risk factor should be low now. We can each seek our own opportunities."

You Yitian and Fan Yu exchanged glances and nodded. "Alright, everyone, act independently. If there's any danger, you can request help through Immortal Fan."

Fan Yu possessed a minor divine ability called 'Bridge of Minds.' This technique could connect all team members. Even when separated, they could communicate over long distances. Of course, this was weaker than causal communication. Its range was smaller, and the distance was not as far. Bridge of Minds was typically used for local area connections, whereas causal communication could span galaxies.

"Bridge of Minds!"

Fan Yu formed hand seals, and fifty-two white lights condensed into bridges behind her, connecting everyone. Zhao Xing didn't resist the spell, and soon he felt a wondrous connection with Fan Yu, as if their minds were linked.

Then, Fan Yu formed hand seals again. With the second set of seals, she specifically created five more bridges, connecting You Yitian, Du Qing, Peng Yuan, and the two physicians. During the first casting, everyone could only communicate with her. With the second casting, those five individuals gained bidirectional mental bridges. This meant that even if Fan Yu was distracted by something, or simply, if she died, the others could still communicate with You Yitian, the two scholars, and the two physicians to request assistance.

"Fan Yu's Bridge of Minds divine ability is still a bit weak. If it were the higher-ranked minor divine ability, 'Hall of Minds,' it wouldn't be this troublesome."

After Fan Yu finished casting, everyone split into teams of two or three to search for opportunities.

You Yitian didn't move immediately but asked Zhao Xing if he was interested in joining him. Accompanying a Great Divine Ability Realm expert would surely lead to better finds and greater safety. However, Zhao Xing politely declined: "I have already benefited greatly and wouldn't dare trouble Brother You further."

Seeing this, You Yitian didn't insist. "If you encounter any danger, brother, notify us immediately, and we will surely come to your rescue."

"Thank you."

In the Eocene year 1204, Zhao Xing's main body arrived at Shangluo Daoist Academy to seek opportunities. In the same year, the first phase of the mission on Hulrui Continent was completed. Zhao Xing sent his clone to Hulrui to collect the reward, reported his movements to Lei Yunde, who was under the Heavenly Pivot King Demon, and then accepted the second phase of the hundred-year garrison mission. This allowed him to legitimately remain in the Southern Luo Cluster 21.

It was also in this year that the Great Yang clone finally emerged from the Lunar Mausoleum's starry sky formation with the members of Starfire.

"Everyone," Bai Yang smiled, "we have landed on Yanshan Star Continent. I declare Starfire's mission a complete success. Thank you all for your assistance on this journey."

Chen Xuan, Yue Nu, Yu Tianqing, Jing Yan, Lan Hai, and Immortal Peach — everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Especially Zhao Xing; his clone carried a priceless treasure, and he hadn't felt truly safe within the mausoleum until now, when a weight finally lifted from his heart.

"We're finally here," Jing Yan sighed. "It took decades to get back. The core region was truly difficult to reach."

"It wasn't easy, taking such a huge detour," Zhao Xing also mused.

They had exited from the north of the Lunar Mausoleum. The current Yanshan Star Continent belonged to the territory of the Ancient Tianyou Kingdom. They had people waiting here to meet them. Starfire would return to Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom from here; it would be quick now, less than a month until they reached Tigerhead Star Continent.

After landing safely, Bai Yang, Chen Xuan, and Yue Nu each began to speak with their respective 'contacts.' This was the stage for assessing merits and awarding rewards. Jing Yan, Yu Tianqing, and Zhao Xing were together. After landing, Bai Yang found a secret room and invited the three of them to talk.

"Yu Tianqing," Bai Yang said, "you will receive the status of a Red Star Empire citizen. You are permitted to bring five family members with you. In the future, if Starfire has more missions, and you contribute a few more times, there is great hope for you."

"Thank you, Captain Bai Yang," Yu Tianqing nodded. He felt he hadn't performed exceptionally on this trip, so receiving such treatment was quite good. He had also awakened a natural great divine ability, and he was quite satisfied with the gains from this journey. Although he couldn't completely settle the Pangze Dynasty's relocation in one go, at least there was hope!

"Zhao Xing, your home, the Great Zhou Dynasty, can now fully relocate and settle," Bai Yang said. "This matter has been approved by the higher-ups, but it will take some time to prepare the specific plan."

"Thank you, Captain," Zhao Xing showed a slight smile. Next, only the site selection, verification of specific numbers, and some detailed regulations for settlement remained.

Yu Tianqing's eyes held a hint of envy. Zhao Xing had made the same request as him, but he still needed to complete several missions for Starfire.

"Captain, what about my matter?" Jing Yan asked.

"It's been reported," Bai Yang said, "but I think it's unlikely. Even if you use your royal quota, it's still uncertain." Jing Yan's face immediately fell.

Zhao Xing knew what Jing Yan wanted: Starfire's headquarters in the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom possessed a Great Evolution Divine Weapon, an artifact-type Primeval Divine Weapon capable of deducing the Dao of Constructs! It was essentially a 'supercomputer' for formations. Jing Yan's request was to gain an opportunity to observe and use it to perfect his Myriad Law Dao Soldier. The Myriad Law Dao Soldier was capable of growth, and as a Dao Soldier cultivator himself, research into formations was essential for him. If he could use the Great Evolution Divine Weapon for a single deduction, it would undoubtedly bring him immense benefits. However, not everyone had the chance to use this item. Even if Jing Yan's application was approved, he would still have to wait in line. Given his contribution this time, it was undoubtedly difficult for it to be approved.

"I suggest you change your request, perhaps to help you break through to the Third Realm," Bai Yang asked.

"The mere Third Realm? I could break through in the blink of an eye; why would I need Starfire's help?" Jing Yan sighed. "If my Spirit Wandering Dao doesn't break through, and my Myriad Law Dao Soldier doesn't grow, my combat power won't change much by entering the Third Realm."

"Then there's nothing that can be done," Bai Yang said. "Rules are rules."

"Fine, I'll change my request," Jing Yan said. "I want to buy a copy of the 'Heavenly Net Seven-Track Realm Formation Map' from the Origin Heavenly Palace. Including my current merits and my royal member quota, what's the minimum I'd still need to pay?"

Bai Yang calculated for a moment, then replied, "You'd need to pay another 150 million Red Star Coins."

Jing Yan's face immediately turned green. "Still so much?" Even if Jing Yan were dismantled, he couldn't produce that much money.

"I'll lend it to you," Zhao Xing offered. "I still have some money."

"That's not right," Jing Yan shook his head.

"What's 'right' or 'not right'? It's settled then," Zhao Xing said.

"You're that rich?" Bai Yang was somewhat surprised. He had no idea that Zhao Xing had previously amassed a fortune comparable to a Five Elements Dao Domain Realm expert.

"I am the Marquis of Wuling of the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom," Zhao Xing smiled.

"I see," Bai Yang realized. Typically, only Dao Domain Realm experts could earn the merits for a Marquis title. Zhao Xing had dug himself into a Marquisate through grave-robbing, so of course he was rich! However, that money was almost spent now. His original 2.8 billion Red Star Coins were nearing depletion.

"Alright, it's settled then," Bai Yang nodded.

In the Eocene year 1207, three years later, Zhao Xing, Jing Yan, and Yu Tianqing returned to Tigerhead Star Continent and separated from Starfire. Zhao Xing's Great Yang clone finally returned to the Marquis Wuling's estate and met with the people of Great Zhou.

"Che, how is Ji Si's cultivation progressing?" Zhao Xing's Great Yang clone entered the Xuanhuang Realm Ark where the Great Zhou people resided.

"Ji Si has already reached the Consummation of the Minor Divine Ability Realm," Ji Che introduced. "Of the five hundred million Red Star Coins, half were spent hiring preaching scholars, and another one hundred million Red Star Coins were used to purchase resources, including spiritual materials and secret techniques. She now possesses seven minor divine abilities—four Scribe abilities and three Fate Official abilities—and is currently cultivating her eighth."

"Oh? That's quite fast," Zhao Xing commented, a little surprised. He had given Ji Si five hundred million Red Star Coins without considering cost-effectiveness, simply wanting to quickly elevate Ji Si's cultivation. However, Ji Si's cultivation achievements greatly surprised him. He had anticipated Ji Si mastering only two divine abilities, but she had now mastered seven and reached the Consummation of the Minor Divine Ability Realm. More importantly, 150 million coins were still left. For the same amount of money, Ji Si's results far surpassed others; she could be said to be very promising.

"I'll go see her."

"She's in the Heavenly Tomb Manor in Fengjing."

"Understood."

With a thought, Zhao Xing transformed into a streak of light and headed towards Heavenly Tomb Manor. The Realm Ark where Great Zhou now resided was naturally not the dilapidated vessel from before, which could only accommodate three continents. The current Realm Ark's internal layout completely replicated the nineteen continents of the Xuanhuang Realm, even including the four seas.

Whoosh!

Zhao Xing appeared by a spiritual lake, where Ji Si was cultivating, facing the water, seated on a lakeside reef.

"Greetings, Grand Minister of Agriculture." Ji Si rose and bowed.

"You seem somewhat surprised," Zhao Xing asked.

"Yes," Ji Si replied. "I didn't foresee meeting the Grand Minister of Agriculture today."

Zhao Xing was only in the late stage of the Minor Divine Ability Realm, while Ji Si already possessed seven divine abilities, capable of seeing the past and future. Logically, she should have been able to predict the arrival of a cultivator of a lower realm, yet she couldn't foresee Zhao Xing's visit today.

"Hahaha, if you could predict that, I'd have died violently outside long ago," Zhao Xing couldn't help but laugh. Especially his Great Yang clone, which now carried a page from the Profound Spirit History Book. If Ji Si could have predicted that, he would likely be utterly finished.

"Ji Si, the Great Zhou is expected to relocate in a hundred years, but you will need to stay behind to help me," Zhao Xing said.

"I am prepared," Ji Si nodded.

"You're not going to ask what it's about?"

"Even if it's serious, it's merely death," Ji Si calmly stated. "I am ready for that."

"It won't come to that," Zhao Xing waved his hand. "On the contrary, you must do everything possible to preserve yourself, for I will place my life and death in your hands."

Ji Si was stunned; he hadn't expected Zhao Xing to entrust him with such a heavy responsibility. The Grand Minister of Agriculture's life and death, in his hands?

"Keep this Qiankun Ring safe," Zhao Xing said, producing a ring. "Normally, you don't need to concern yourself with it, and you won't be able to open it. You will know when to use it, of course—I hope you never have to."

"Yes," Ji Si put it away solemnly. Zhao Xing did not let Ji Si know about the Time Page for now. The condition for opening this Qiankun Ring was the moment his main body died. Normally, he would constantly transmit his map coordinates to Ji Si. Upon his death, the ring would open, and Ji Si would then do everything possible to rush to the location and use the Time Page to reverse time in the corresponding coordinate area.

"Alright, you continue your cultivation," Zhao Xing said. "You don't need to concern yourself with the affairs of Great Zhou for now, and you don't need to worry about your cultivation resources. I will fully support you."

"Yes."

After giving his instructions, Zhao Xing's Great Yang clone remained on Tigerhead Star Continent to rest.

Shangluo Daoist Academy, back mountain.

Within the vast, undulating mountain range, a figure appeared, accompanied by clouds and mist. "It took three years, avoiding dangers along the way, but I finally found the place," Zhao Xing thought, looking ahead. Ahead was a barrier, constructed from dense spiritual energy. It was a pale blue cube, like a water cube embedded within the mountains.

"No one else should come here," Zhao Xing scanned the surroundings. "Whether it's the Scholar Puppets or the exploration teams, there were many 'opportunities' blocking the way."

Zhao Xing slowly approached the Water Cube Spirit Realm. As he drew within ten thousand miles, the Water Spirit Realm suddenly rippled, waves emanating from within the cube and then spreading into the void. As they propagated outwards through the void, Zhao Xing's vision blurred. When his vision cleared, he found himself back at his original position, thirty million miles away from the Water Cube.

"What a powerful illusion! I didn't even realize I was affected." Zhao Xing realized he had flown away on clouds and then flown back on clouds. There were two very distinct traces of cloud techniques.

"Again." Zhao Xing once again advanced on clouds. His main body didn't fly as fast as his Great Yang clone, only about eight times the speed of light, primarily because his cloud technique was merely a void technique, whereas the Great Yang clone exceeded sixteen times the speed of light. Thirty million miles was not a great distance for Zhao Xing, but after he approached the ten thousand-mile range, just as he was about to enter in the next second, he involuntarily used his cloud technique to retreat.

After failing twice in a row, Zhao Xing didn't force it but stood thirty million miles away in the air, contemplating. "No matter how fast I am, it's useless. As soon as I get close, I'm affected, and then I involuntarily fly backward. This is a Mind Illusion! It's very simple: it influences my thoughts, making the idea of 'retreating' occupy my entire mind, and then I can't help but act on it. This move is simple and brutal, with no fancy tricks, purely suppressing people by sheer power level. Many illusions are very flashy, such as creating a false world to immerse people, or unearthing people and objects that the opponent fears and manifesting them. Such methods can be called Soul Illusion Stream. Mind Illusion, however, acts directly on the mind, much like the Qi Sect among martial artists—simple and brutal. Those affected are even conscious, knowing they are affected, but simply cannot resist. Illusion Stream, on the other hand, is like the Sword Sect among martial artists, emphasizing technique, and even utilizing talismans, illusionary paintings, and formations to support the illusion. People affected by it don't know they've entered an illusion."

"I'll try using a Will Divine Ability." Zhao Xing decided to push through. He hadn't used a Will Divine Ability before, mainly because he was unsure if he would encounter a stronger counterattack. But after two consecutive attempts without suffering any harm, he decided to try with a Will Divine Ability.

This time, Zhao Xing flew slower. When the Water Cube's ripples reappeared, Zhao Xing immediately cast his Will Divine Ability, 'Slaughter Thought Blade.' "Blade severs the body, mind severs the soul. Slaughter Thought Blade, no self, no other." Zhao Xing's eyes became cold, filled with killing intent. His mind was like a battle-hardened blade that had tasted countless blood, eager to slay all enemies in the world. The pain of flesh and soul, the fear of death, would all be suppressed by this monstrous killing intent, and all other thoughts would be eliminated. This divine ability was not a traditional method of mind cultivation but rather an unconventional one. Using this type of Will Divine Ability had a small drawback: if engaged in combat with an enemy, it would be difficult to hold back; one would inevitably go all out to kill the opponent.

Whoosh~ The water ripples spread again, transmitting their influence. Zhao Xing's mind immediately wavered. Besides the killing intent, he still had the thought of retreating. The killing intent gained the upper hand, and his body continued to fly forward. He flew again, approaching the ten thousand-mile range. The Water Cube's ripples vibrated even more intensely, and the Slaughter Thought Blade collapsed after holding on for ten breaths. Zhao Xing was once again unable to resist and flew back to the thirty million-mile mark. But this time was not without effect. A line of text from the Lunar Ancient Kingdom appeared on the Water Cube: "Do not try again. This is not your place of destiny."

Seeing this sentence, Zhao Xing immediately bowed towards the Water Cube: "Senior Qianhuan, it was Senior Divine Flame Turtle who sent me here." He guessed this was the Qianhuan Tree transmitting information; otherwise, it wouldn't be so colloquial. The Water Cube indeed vibrated, and verdant afterimages appeared on its walls. "What proof do you have?"

Zhao Xing thought for a moment and said, "Senior Divine Flame Turtle said you are his friend, and that you haven't seen each other for a long time. Senior Divine Flame Turtle wants me to help you escape and reunite with him." The Divine Flame Turtle was unable to leave the Heavy Water River due to some rules, so Zhao Xing guessed the Qianhuan Tree was in a similar situation. Zhao Xing detected a hint of longing for freedom in the old turtle's words. The tomb owner had been dead for who knows how long; who would want to spend their entire life here alone?

The Water Cube remained silent for a long time. Much later, another line of text appeared: "Your cultivation is too weak; you cannot help me."

Zhao Xing thought for a moment and then asked, "What conditions are required to help you escape, Senior?"

"The Water Spirit Realm and I are one; I am the eye of this formation. To save me, you must first destroy the Water Spirit Realm. If the Water Spirit Realm is destroyed, I must immediately move, or I will quickly die. And your Origin Space cannot accommodate me at all."

Zhao Xing summarized: to take the Qianhuan Tree, two conditions must be met. First, destroy the Water Spirit Realm. Second, his own Origin Space must be large enough to immediately transfer it.

"The second condition is easy to meet, but the first is somewhat difficult," Zhao Xing thought to himself. His cultivation, the Yuanhai Realm, had three layers in total. It had no other special characteristics except being vast. After all, this cultivation method was built by spending money and piling up resources. What aspect did these resources go into? Expanding space. Even Huangfu Yun, a Grand Minister of Agriculture who specialized in the path of the true self, said Zhao Xing's Origin Space gave him a 'majestic' feeling. As for the rudimentary Five Elements Grand Dao within, or other characteristics, they were quite conventional.

"The difficulty lies in breaking the Water Spirit Realm, but escaping isn't just about my effort. Let's see if the Qianhuan Tree itself can solve some problems." Zhao Xing immediately cast his Origin Projection, expanding it to its maximum: "Senior Qianhuan, please observe. My Origin Space has a stable spiritual energy index of 215, and the Five Elements Grand Dao is relatively balanced, but the space itself is not small. Can it accommodate you?"

The Qianhuan Tree quickly replied: "Yes, but it's useless. You are only in the Origin Realm; it will be very difficult to destroy the Water Spirit Realm."

"Senior, though I am weak, I am quite wealthy and have connections. If you have a plan for escape, perhaps I can think of a way." Zhao Xing deliberately let the Cloud-Grinding Vine appear to show off its strength. The Third Realm Cloud-Grinding Vine spread out, covering the sky and sun, almost completely enveloping the Water Cube. The Qianhuan Tree was not a Void species. Although the Cloud-Grinding Vine was one grade lower than the Qianhuan Tree, from the perspective of life essence, the Cloud-Grinding Vine's Void Origin was something the Qianhuan Tree couldn't help but envy. Furthermore, this also indirectly proved Zhao Xing's capability: 'I am indeed just a minor Origin Realm cultivator, but I can afford to use the Cloud-Grinding Vine!'

Seeing that the Qianhuan Tree didn't reply for a long time, Zhao Xing stopped trying to persuade it. "It seems I am not destined to assist you, Senior. My apologies for disturbing you." With that, Zhao Xing turned and walked away, his steps very resolute.

"Wait a moment." This time, the Qianhuan Tree spoke. There was no other way; the Qianhuan Tree had been here for a very, very long time. It was from the same era as the old turtle, similar in age, and its lifespan was also nearing its end. When plant life develops thought and will, the desire to live is an instinct. The Qianhuan Tree did not want to wither and die here. Having waited so long to encounter someone like Zhao Xing, the Qianhuan Tree didn't want to lose this opportunity. However, Zhao Xing was a bit too weak and not a suitable candidate. Originally, the Qianhuan Tree had intended to wait for the next wave of people. Since one challenger had arrived, there should be more people entering the Daoist trove. But... what if Zhao Xing was the only one to enter this time? How much longer could it wait?

"Senior, please instruct me," Zhao Xing turned back. He wasn't afraid that the Qianhuan Tree wouldn't take the bait. A drowning person would grasp at a straw, let alone someone who was somewhat of a rope.

"The formation of the Water Spirit Realm is from the 'Heaven and Earth Transforming Yuan Grand Formation.' I was planted here long ago, and it provided me with abundant nutrients and spiritual energy. But after I reached my peak, this formation reversed. It constantly extracts my origin, sending it elsewhere to be crafted into treasures. The reason I cannot escape is that the stronger I am, the stronger the formation's restraint becomes."

Zhao Xing nodded repeatedly, indicating he understood. He hadn't heard of the Heaven and Earth Transforming Yuan Formation, but as long as the Qianhuan Tree explained its function, he would understand the principle behind it. Once he understood the principle, he would know far too many similar formations.

"So, Senior, you can never escape by your own strength, because this formation's restraint is based on your own origin as its core."

"Yes." Because the power of this formation always grows in real-time with the Qianhuan Tree's strength. Even if the Qianhuan Tree reached its peak, it still couldn't break the Water Spirit Realm's restraint. It's like a mortal trying to lift themselves by pulling on their own bootstraps or lifting themselves into the air by stepping on their own left foot with their right. An external force must intervene.

"May I ask what realm you are in, Senior?"

"So, an external force from the Dao Domain Realm is required to intervene?"

"No, it doesn't need to reach that level of power. While I'm wrestling with the formation, the power of a Yin-Yang Dao Domain Realm expert is enough to break it."

"Perhaps even lower," Zhao Xing thought to himself. He was very familiar with such formations. Some non-Grand Minister of Agriculture professions also liked to cultivate trees, but couldn't subdue them, so they often used similar formations to bind them. Of course, even Grand Ministers of Agriculture might not be able to subdue them; it depended on the power difference between the two parties.

Before Zhao Xing agreed to rescue the Qianhuan Tree, he still needed to prepare thoroughly. Otherwise, if the Qianhuan Tree tried to harm him, it could easily burst his Origin Space. Moreover, it specialized in Mind Illusions. There was a risk of things backfiring, where instead of the Qianhuan Tree becoming his battle-type subordinate, he would become the Qianhuan Tree's slave. Plant life growing in the wild usually develops self-awareness upon reaching maturity or peak, which arises from a need. If in a relatively safe environment where survival isn't a concern, self-awareness develops later, and the resulting consciousness is more gentle.

'The Qianhuan Tree has existed for so long; it must be untamed, and it specializes in Mind Illusions. My mental will is far from enough to suppress or control it. To rescue it, I must also consider my own safety.'

Zhao Xing quickly formed a plan in his mind and then replied, "Senior, please wait patiently; I will go and find a way to save you now." Zhao Xing ran outside the Shangluo Daoist Academy, and the moment he dispelled his Divine Turtle Transformation, he was expelled, his figure reappearing in the cold pond. The unnamed star continent had changed its appearance again, with increasing levels of defense, though the number of explorers hadn't significantly increased.

"Zhao Xing, you're out. Did you gain anything?" Scholar Du Wen was still in the center of the nine light gates, teaching nutritional supplement methods to others.

"Not much," Zhao Xing shook his head. He had only acquired a Soul-Nourishing Yuanluo Pill during the second trial, worth a little over ten million Red Star Coins—hardly a significant gain.

"Haha, you don't need to look so glum," Du Wen chuckled. "The Estate Lord has been out for two years now. Even if you gained nothing, there's still a 10% share from the Estate Lord."

"The Estate Lord is out already?" Zhao Xing's heart also leaped with joy. The profit share from Du Yun was the main prize! He was just worrying about not having enough money!

"Yes, the Estate Lord said to tell you to go see him when you came out," Du Wen smiled. "He wants you to come get your share of the money."

"Thank you for letting me know, sir!" Zhao Xing swiftly flew towards the base.

"Zhao Xing, you're here," Du Yun was speaking with several guest elders. Seeing Zhao Xing approach, he waved his hand, dismissing the guest elders. When the guest elders saw Zhao Xing, their eyes held a hint of envy. Clearly, Du Yun had gained a great deal this time. Zhao Xing's 10% share was an immense benefit!

"Greetings, Estate Lord."

"Hahaha, don't be so polite," Du Yun chuckled, waving his hand to stop Zhao Xing from bowing. "You brought me such a huge gain, why be so courteous? From now on, don't bow when you see me. And don't call me Estate Lord; just call me by my name."

It seemed Du Yun had made excellent gains, otherwise, he wouldn't be in such a good mood.

"Alright, I called you here this time to divide the money," Du Yun said, inviting Zhao Xing to sit. "Guess how much this Daoist trove is worth?" Du Yun was playing coy with Zhao Xing.

"It should be over 1 trillion Red Star Coins?" Zhao Xing estimated.

"Hahaha, guess again! Be bolder!" Du Yun laughed.

"Ten trillion?"

"Correct. I had someone appraise it, and this Daoist trove is worth about fifteen trillion!" Du Yun said.

"That much?" Zhao Xing was immediately shocked.

"In the two decades I was inside, I acquired a Primeval Divine Weapon," Du Yun smiled. "Thanks to you, this is the third Primeval Divine Weapon I've obtained in my life! That's why I said the total estimated value of this Daoist trove reached fifteen trillion Red Star Coins."

"No wonder—" Zhao Xing muttered to himself. Above Boundary Star Dao Soldiers were Grand Yin Dao Soldiers, Grand Yang Dao Soldiers, and Primeval Divine Weapons. Great Divine Ability Realm / Five Elements Dao Domain Realm cultivators usually used Grand Yin Dao Soldiers as weapons, as they could fully unleash their power. Grand Yang Dao Soldiers corresponded to the Yin-Yang Dao Domain Realm. Primeval Divine Weapons corresponded to the Void Dao Domain Realm. Beyond that were Samsara Dao Soldiers, which, besides possessing infinite power, were also indispensable for active reincarnation. If a Samsara Realm cultivator didn't possess a Samsara Dao Soldier and attempted active reincarnation, it would be akin to suicide, with an extremely slim chance of successful reincarnation. Samsara Dao Soldiers were exceedingly rare. In the Profound Spirit Star Domain's hundred thousand ancient kingdoms, a single ancient kingdom typically had only a handful of Samsara Realm cultivators; weaker ones might only have their monarch in the Samsara Realm, while super-powers would have more. The higher the tier of the weapon, the rarer the materials became. At the level of Primeval Divine Weapons, many of the materials used to forge them were 'non-renewable.' Lower-grade Grand Yin Dao Soldiers generally cost over 100 million Red Star Coins. Lower-grade Grand Yang Dao Soldiers generally cost over 10 billion Red Star Coins. Primeval Divine Weapons, even the lowest grade, started in the trillions.

Back then, Du Yun had arranged for someone to say that it would take five trillion Red Star Coins to get a word in at the Samsara Divine Temple, simply to offer a slightly better Primeval Divine Weapon as a gift. Other items wouldn't be valued, and they wouldn't want to get involved in such muddy waters. Du Yun originally only had two Primeval Divine Weapons. Now that he had acquired a third, and not a low-quality one, he was naturally delighted. He had explored the first wave and concluded that the entire Daoist trove was estimated at fifteen trillion Red Star Coins. How could Du Yun not be happy?

"Zhao Xing, according to our previous agreement, you will receive 10%, which is 1.5 trillion. Of course, this will be given in stages, as it's only an estimated value and not yet fully acquired. But I have already acquired a Primeval Divine Weapon, so you can immediately receive one hundred billion Red Star Coins now. Tell me, do you want money or treasures?" Du Yun asked.

Zhao Xing understood: if he wanted money, Du Yun would give him money, but Zhao Xing didn't have the channels to buy many good things himself. So Du Yun thoughtfully acted as a 'personal shopper'; Zhao Xing lacked channels, but Du Yun had plenty. Du Yun's share came at a perfect time; Zhao Xing was just wondering how to subdue the Qianhuan Tree.

"Estate Lord, I want treasures," Zhao Xing bowed. "Please purchase them on my behalf."

"Name them," Du Yun said confidently. Below the Primeval Divine Weapon level, items could be bought with common currency. At the level of Primeval Divine Weapons and Samsara Dao Soldiers, it was bartering—for example, using Five Emperor Coins or Profound Spirit Ancient Coins. Furthermore, a single transaction would take a very long time to complete, because the seller's desired items would certainly not be easy to gather.

"I want a Mana Talisman," Zhao Xing made his first request.

"Mana Talisman?" Du Yun nodded. "No problem, what level and type?"

A Mana Talisman was a very simple type of talisman. When a spell cultivator reached the Dao Domain Realm, their spiritual energy combined with their spells, transforming into 'mana.' In the Five Elements Dao Domain Realm, mana also had various elemental origin attributes. Mana possessed inherent power, and when stored in a talisman, it could unleash Dao Domain Realm level attacks. It was a very simple and unadorned type of talisman.

"Fire-element, Yin-Yang Dao Domain Realm level," Zhao Xing said. Fire-element countered Wood-element. The Qianhuan Tree had said Five Elements Dao Domain Realm would suffice, but Zhao Xing wouldn't completely trust the Qianhuan Tree's words. It was best to be fully prepared and take precautions. Of course, a standard Mana Talisman wouldn't be enough, unless he intended to kill the Qianhuan Tree and sell it for materials.

"That's not difficult, at most a billion Red Star Coins," Du Yun said casually. Yin-Yang Dao Domain Realm Mana Talismans could be produced repeatedly and regenerated continuously, so they wouldn't be too expensive. After all, they were single-use consumables; if they were too costly, no one could afford to use them. The Purple Divine Talisman Du Yun gave Zhao Xing was a type of Mana Talisman. The Purple Divine Talisman was slightly more powerful, costing more than a few hundred million.

"Anything else?"

"I also want a set of 'Water Origin Life Contracts,' preferably produced by a master of the Origin Heavenly Palace," Zhao Xing said. Life Contracts were a type of contract treasure. Ordinary restraints, like karma or soul binding, could be done with a simple oath. But a Life Contract was a contract with a physical carrier. The Water Origin Life Contract was a tangible contract item specifically for 'aquatic species' among plant life. It was equivalent to putting a collar on the Qianhuan Tree, controlling its life and death.

'Water Origin Life Contract? What's that? Sounds like a contract item,' Du Yun thought to himself. Expertise in one field didn't necessarily mean understanding another. He wasn't very familiar with what Zhao Xing was describing. But his lack of understanding wasn't an issue, as long as such an item existed. Since Zhao Xing said 'preferably crafted by a master of the Origin Heavenly Palace,' it surely existed.

"Alright, that's fine too," Du Yun nodded. "If you have no other requests, should I convert the rest into money for you?"

Zhao Xing thought for a moment and said, "I have one more reluctant request."

"Speak."

"Brother Du, please transfer 5 billion Red Star Coins to me; I'd like to store the rest with you for now."

Du Yun was taken aback. "What are you doing? Are you afraid I'll kill you and renege on our agreement?"

"No, how could I think so little of Brother Du? It's exactly as it sounds," Zhao Xing quickly said. "If I suddenly possess so much money, I fear I'll be targeted. Keeping it with Brother Du is safer than keeping it with me." He, a minor Marquis of Wuling, suddenly possessing trillions of Red Star Coins? A Minor Divine Ability Realm cultivator, yet owning so much money? Even newly advanced cultivators might not have trillions in liquid funds. Without a powerful background, he'd simply be a fat target! Back then, Spellcaster Jiu easily breached Tigerhead Star Continent's defense system, and Marquis Heyin casually tracked his whereabouts—Zhao Xing completely distrusted the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom's ability to protect him as Marquis Wuling. It could barely protect itself! Du Yun's protection? That wouldn't be worth the trouble for nothing.

"If the money is on me, many would dare to rob me. If Brother Du holds it, no one would dare," Zhao Xing stated. Everyone knew Du Yun possessed two Primeval Divine Weapons, the Evening Cloud Sword and the Sunset Armor, yet no one had dared to rob Du Yun for many years.

"Indeed, I hadn't considered that fully," Du Yun nodded. Giving treasures or buying on his behalf was fine; it was more covert. But direct transfers were tricky. Zhao Xing having 5 billion Red