Chapter 689: The Fires of War Ignite
Inside the grand hall of the palace, Mandala sat gracefully on her throne. Surrounding her was a vast river of spiritual power, composed entirely of Sovereign Spiritual Liquid, amounting to several million drops.
The radiant glow illuminated her petite figure, making her appear almost crystalline. Among the shimmering light, faint golden hues stood out. Upon closer inspection, one could discern that the golden light emanated from fiery divine patterns engraved across her entire body.
These intricate markings highlighted Mandala's sacred and ethereal presence, further emphasizing her transcendent aura.
Sensing something, her golden eyes flickered open, releasing an imposing pressure that filled the hall. The regal majesty in her gaze made it clear that disobedience was not an option.
However, when her eyes fell upon Xiao Ze, her sternness softened into calmness. With a slight motion, she withdrew the river of Sovereign Spiritual Liquid into her spatial storage ring.
Xiao Ze, unable to suppress his admiration, briefly glanced at the massive river of resources. Even from a quick look, he estimated its worth to exceed three million drops of Sovereign Spiritual Liquid, a casual amount for Mandala's daily cultivation.
"She truly is a mighty Earth Sovereign," Xiao Ze thought, a hint of envy flashing across his face.
Mandala's clear voice broke the silence.
"What's on your mind?"
She stood and stepped forward, her long black dress flowing behind her. The hemline reached her ankles, revealing her bare, flawless feet. Her pure and refined body, long cleansed by the energy of an Earth Sovereign, radiated perfection.
Even her feet appeared to be works of art, so exquisite that they could have been sculpted by the heavens.
Xiao Ze's gaze lingered briefly before meeting Mandala's golden eyes.
"I've recently taken an interest in spirit arrays and discovered I have some talent for them. I was hoping to purchase a few array diagrams from the library," Xiao Ze said earnestly.
Mandala raised her delicate eyebrows, a small smile forming on her face.
"I thought you'd simply take what you wanted from the library using my token," she teased.
Xiao Ze shook his head firmly.
"I'm here as your Alchemy Guest Official, and the token you gave me is meant to assist with alchemical matters. I wouldn't dare overstep my bounds."
Mandala chuckled softly.
"Go ahead and take whatever you need. While our library contains treasures accumulated over years of conquest, spirit array diagrams aren't particularly rare. There aren't even any Heaven Tier arrays stored there."
In the world of spirit arrays, practitioners were divided into three grades: Earth, Heaven, and Human. Each grade was further divided into three sub levels, corresponding to the nine tiers of the Sovereign Realm.
The absence of Heaven Tier diagrams meant that the most powerful arrays in their collection posed no threat to late stage Sovereign experts. It was no wonder Mandala regarded them as insignificant.
"Very well, thank you for your generosity." Xiao Ze bowed slightly, accepting her offer.
Mandala smiled faintly, appreciating his humility.
"I'll continue crafting more pills to help strengthen Daluo Heavenly Territory. However, I'm concerned that the territory might not be able to absorb all the pills I can produce. Would it be possible to hold a public auction in one of your cities? Or would that risk empowering enemy forces?" Xiao Ze asked.
Mandala's eyes glimmered as she listened, clearly intrigued.
Although she had already received reports of Xiao Ze's astonishing alchemical efficiency, she hadn't expected him to surpass her initial expectations.
"There's no harm in it," Mandala said after a moment. "Even if enemy forces purchase our pills, they'll have to pay exorbitant amounts of Sovereign Spiritual Liquid. Ultimately, it's a win for us."
With a light step, Mandala floated to Xiao Ze's side, her petite frame at his eye level. She gazed at him intently, her golden eyes filled with curiosity.
"You seem desperate for Sovereign Spiritual Liquid. Even as a skilled alchemist, why are you pushing yourself to such extremes?"
Xiao Ze nodded, giving a vague explanation.
"My techniques from the lower plane require an immense amount of Sovereign Spiritual Liquid for refinement."
Mandala contemplated his words before speaking again.
"So you're worried about our territory's ability to digest your output... It seems the Daluo Heavenly Territory has been underestimated."
Her tone was light, but a playful smirk tugged at her lips.
"For now, there's no rush for an auction. If the kings under my rule can't absorb your pills, then Daluo Heavenly Territory will simply purchase them ourselves."
Xiao Ze hesitated.
"Mandala, the pills I produce are of little use to you."
Mandala rolled her eyes.
"I wouldn't take them for myself. They'd be used to reward my subordinates."
She paused, her golden eyes sharpening.
"With my curse suppressed, it's time to teach our neighbors some manners. Recently, their activities have been far too brazen. They've mistaken my silence for weakness, but now it's time to remind them of Daluo Heavenly Territory's might."
As she spoke, a regal authority emanated from her petite form, making her intentions unmistakably clear.
Xiao Ze nodded, understanding her strategy. War was the most direct means of acquiring resources.
While most of the spoils from conquests would bolster Daluo Heavenly Territory's overall strength, the remaining gains would enrich the kings under Mandala's rule, enabling them to afford more of Xiao Ze's pills.
With Mandala funding the purchases, Xiao Ze would have an outlet for every pill he crafted, allowing him to rapidly accumulate Sovereign Spiritual Liquid.
Mandala didn't provide specific instructions on the volume of pills she needed, but her departure marked the start of a grand campaign.
As Daluo Heavenly Territory mobilized, its vast war machine began to roar to life.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ze returned from the library with several array diagrams in hand. Balancing his time, he dedicated himself to both alchemy and the study of spirit arrays.
Pills emerged one by one from his cauldron, while his mastery of spirit arrays advanced steadily.
The stage was set. War had begun, and with it, the ambitions of both Mandala and Xiao Ze were poised to bear fruit.
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