"Lord of Yellow Sand Mansion, I am Yuan Yetuo, a member of the Clear Wind Society and the head of the society in Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom." A figure clad in green appeared inside the Yellow Sand Mansion and bowed slightly to Du Yun.
Du Yun looked at the man and couldn't help but be surprised. This guy wasn't wearing anything at all—his entire body was covered in green patterns and symbols that had been painted on.
"What is this Clear Wind Society?" Du Yun transmitted his voice to his attendant, Jiu Li.
"It's a nature conservation group that emerged during the early years of the Barren Domain Era," Jiu Li explained. "They oppose the excessive exploitation of life-bearing star systems by various nations. Their core belief is in protecting underdeveloped indigenous races and certain void beasts. They've also proposed that nations donate powerful void plant species to be cultivated en masse and distributed across the barren domains."
"Oh? That does ring a bell." Du Yun suddenly remembered something. "Wasn't there an ancient kingdom that agreed to their request back then?"
"Yes, the Liya Ancient Kingdom. Around the mid-era of Barren Domain 1, they were convinced to hand over twelve Imperial-grade plant lifeforms. That kingdom has since fallen out of the top 500 rankings of the Alliance of Ancient Kingdoms."
Du Yun let out a chuckle, as if he had just heard a ridiculous joke.
"Master, while Yuan Yetuo might seem unreliable, he does have an extensive network of connections. That's why we allowed him to meet with you."
Du Yun nodded slightly. A mere Dao Domain Realm cultivator wasn't worth his attention, but since the Clear Wind Society was an international organization, he was willing to listen.
Even though he knew Yuan Yetuo was here to solicit funds, Du Yun patiently listened to his speech about the society's ideals.
"Sir Yuan, I admire your spirit. I am willing to donate five billion Red Star Coins to the Clear Wind Society," Du Yun said. "However, I won't be joining your organization. For the next epoch, I'll be focusing on advancing to the Dao Domain Realm, and I don't want to divide my attention."
Yuan Yetuo cupped his hands. "The Clear Wind Society sincerely thanks you for your generosity, Lord of the Yellow Sand Mansion. We also offer our congratulations in advance on your breakthrough. If you ever have the time, we welcome you to visit our headquarters."
"Alright." Du Yun smiled and nodded.
"I shall not disturb you any further." Yuan Yetuo clasped his hands again and took his leave. He had waited five years for this meeting, yet he only got a few moments with Du Yun. Still, it was worth it—Du Yun had donated five billion Red Star Coins, at the very least, leaving him with a solid impression.
As soon as Yuan Yetuo left, another person was teleported before Du Yun.
"Ucheng of the Dayong Dynasty greets the Lord of the Yellow Sand Mansion." The man wore an unusual suit of armor and was a Third Realm cultivator.
Du Yun had never heard of the Dayong Dynasty before, but that didn't matter. To him, these kinds of figures were all just wandering cultivators.
Wandering cultivators came to see Du Yun in the Tiger Head Star Continent for only one reason—trade.
Before the Phantom God Star System increased in importance, it had been easy for wandering cultivators to explore it. As long as they paid the fee, they could enter.
However, official transactions were heavily taxed.
Many people didn't care about accumulating official contribution points for an ancient kingdom. They only wanted to make money, acquire treasures, and return to their own dynasties to strengthen them. Yu Tianqing was one such example.
Du Yun's Yellow Sand Mansion was highly renowned in the Tiger Head Star Continent, and he had a good reputation. Many wandering cultivators preferred to do business with him.
But only those with something of value could meet him in person.
"Ucheng, what business do you have with me?" Du Yun asked.
"Lord, these are three treasures I obtained from the Moonfall Mausoleum. Please have a look." Ucheng took out three gleaming artifacts from his storage pouch—one was a small boat, while the other two were shaped like a sword and a weapon.
Du Yun reached out and examined them. "Not bad. This ancient boat was a ceremonial vessel used exclusively by the Moonfall royal family. It was typically deployed for grand rituals. Though its actual functionality is mediocre, it is still considered a rare lower-tier Taiyin Dao Weapon."
"As for the other two, they are relatively common. If you want to sell them, I'll offer you 20% above the official post-tax price set by Yuanhai."
Ucheng bowed respectfully. "Lord, would it be possible to exchange them for something other than money?"
"Oh? What do you want?"
"Lord, I have seven friends trapped in the Northfall No. 33 Minor World. That place is currently surrounded by forces from Tianyou Ancient Kingdom."
"I would like to request your help in rescuing my friends."
"Tianyou Ancient Kingdom? Northfall No. 33?" Du Yun pondered for a moment. "That will not be possible."
Ucheng grew anxious. "Lord, all my friends are in one place. You wouldn't need to send people on multiple missions…"
"It's not that I don't want to help, and your treasures are indeed valuable enough," Du Yun said. "However, one year ago, a conflict broke out between Tianyou Ancient Kingdom and the Tianyao Kingdom. Northfall No. 33 Minor World was shattered in the battle and was swept away by the void turbulence. The news just hasn't spread yet."
"Your friends… could not have survived."
"What?!" Ucheng's eyes turned bloodshot, his teeth clenched so hard they were about to shatter. Those seven people were Third Realm cultivators that the Dayong Dynasty had painstakingly nurtured. Now, they were all dead. He was the only Third Realm cultivator left in the entire Dayong Dynasty.
Yet even though he was consumed by hatred, he had no idea who to blame.
To take revenge on an ancient kingdom? Or against the Tianyao Kingdom? Either way, it would be suicide.
"Jiu Li, take him to rest." Du Yun was used to seeing such scenes. He knew that Ucheng was currently in no state to negotiate.
Ucheng gave a stiff bow and withdrew.
More visitors stepped forward before Du Yun.
Most of them were members of the Yellow Sand Mansion itself.
Du Yun ruled over an entire star system. His title as the Lord of the Yellow Sand Mansion was essentially equivalent to an emperor. However, he did not concern himself with affairs below the Origin Stage—those matters were managed by his thirty-six planetary governors.
Most of the people who came to see him were involved in the exploration of the Phantom God Star System.
Originally, Du Yun didn't have much to deal with, but now, with so many factions pouring into the Phantom God Star System, the situation had grown increasingly complex. There were many matters that he, as the Lord of the Yellow Sand Mansion, had to personally decide.
One of the most pressing issues was regulating the entry and exit of people from the Moonfall Mausoleum.
Du Yun looked at the man in black armor before him, his aura as vast and cold as the universe itself. "Brother Yuanchen, isn't your appetite a bit too big?"
"I'm only asking you to open a path so my people from Purple Divine Mansion can retreat, and yet you're demanding such a high price?"
Du Yun was negotiating with Xingye Island, one of the top-tier factions in the Flame Moon Ancient Kingdom. Within the Flame Moon Ancient Kingdom, Xingye Island held a status comparable to that of Purple Divine Mansion in Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom.
"Du Yun, I'm only making this offer out of respect for you," Yuanchen said flatly. "If it were anyone else, there wouldn't even be a discussion. Everything would proceed according to the official rules of the Flame Moon Ancient Kingdom."
"This price is already the lowest I can offer."
"Your price is far from low," Du Yun countered. "You're charging 50 million Red Star Coins for a small boundary ship to pass. How is a cultivator at the Origin Stage supposed to afford that?"
The official tolls set by the Flame Moon Ancient Kingdom were as follows: one billion Red Star Coins for a small boundary ship, ten billion for a medium-sized one, and a hundred billion for a large one.
Yuanchen's price was a fifty-percent discount, but even then, it was still an enormous burden for anyone at the Origin Stage.
The exchange rate for Red Star Coins to Yuanhai Coins was 1:350. How could an Origin Stage member of Purple Divine Mansion possibly afford this toll? Even for someone at the Third Realm, paying this price would cost them most of their wealth.
"Cut it in half again," Du Yun said. "I'll owe you a favor."
"Apologies, Du Yun. I can't do that." Yuanchen shook his head.
The Flame Moon Ancient Kingdom had spent a fortune to seize this strategic route, and they needed to recover their investment in this wave of toll collection.
He was confident that Purple Divine Mansion would pay the price.
"Du Yun, you should discuss with the other mansion lords. If the situation continues to deteriorate, the price will only rise."
Du Yun was about to respond when he suddenly sensed something and vanished on the spot.
Yuanchen remained still, waiting patiently.
In a side hall, Zhao Xing activated Thousand Li Yellow Sand Crossing. A ripple spread through the grand palace, and in an instant, the surroundings transformed into a vast starry sky, with a void river stretching beneath his feet.
A thousand li away, on the other side of the river, was Du Yun.
With a flash of light, Du Yun appeared before him, and the surroundings reverted to normal.
Feeling a lightness in his hand, Zhao Xing realized that the Thousand Li Yellow Sand Crossing artifact was now in Du Yun's grasp.
Sensing Du Yun's displeased expression, Zhao Xing quickly said, "Mansion Lord, I have urgent news to report. The situation was dire, so I had no choice but to use the artifact you gave me."
Du Yun eyed him. "This had better be important."
"I just returned from Northfall and discovered an unguarded void passage. It allows free entry and exit from the Moonfall Mausoleum without being restricted by the starry sky formations," Zhao Xing reported.
"Oh?" Du Yun was intrigued. He recalled that Zhao Xing had been adventuring in Southluo, yet he had returned from Northfall. That meant there was a high probability that his discovery was legitimate.
"I am willing to report the star coordinates of this passage and the key insertion points along the void river to you, Mansion Lord," Zhao Xing continued.
"How long did it take you to return?" Du Yun asked.
"Thirty-six years. If I hadn't been extra cautious, it could have been faster," Zhao Xing admitted.
Du Yun gave him a surprised look.
He didn't doubt Zhao Xing's honesty—rather, he was astonished at his luck. Not only had Zhao Xing survived the numerous layers of blockade unscathed, but he had also discovered a void passage.
Given the current circumstances, a stable void passage into the Moonfall Mausoleum was an incredibly valuable asset.
"What do you want?" Du Yun asked.
There was currently no official "void passage exploration mission," but as Mansion Lord, Du Yun could issue one at any time.
Zhao Xing didn't name a price outright. Instead, he handed over the star chart and then stated his request, leaving room for negotiation.
"Mansion Lord, I would like to exchange this for a portion of official merit points from the ancient kingdom, as well as guidance from a preaching scholar."
Du Yun pondered for a moment. "Official merit points from the ancient kingdom? What rank are you aiming for?"
"Second-class Earl," Zhao Xing replied.
He didn't want to exchange all of it for merit points. If he converted everything at the Cangyu exchange, he feared that his hundred-plus years of gains in Southluo might not be enough.
Currently, he was a first-class Viscount, and he was still a significant distance away from achieving second-class Earl.
Du Yun nodded. "And the preaching scholar—what level are you looking for?"
"If it's a Great Divine Ability Realm scholar, I would like a hundred sessions."
"If it's a Dao Domain Realm scholar, then just one session. However, that one session will guarantee that you reach the Third Realm and master one to three Lesser Divine Abilities."
Zhao Xing was visibly surprised by the offer. He hadn't expected the deal to be this generous.
"It seems the situation is worse than I imagined…"
The more severe the situation, the more valuable his discovery became.
But Zhao Xing didn't feel like he was making a loss. After all, he had only discovered the passage; he wasn't qualified to hold it and charge tolls. That wasn't something he could manage, and the earlier he sold this information, the better.
After some thought, Zhao Xing said, "I choose the Dao Domain Realm scholar."
A Great Divine Ability Realm scholar could provide direct enlightenment, but its effectiveness was limited.
It might be enough to push his Dao Body to the Third Realm, but the spell cultivation path was different from the martial path. When a martial artist's body advanced to the Third Realm, it naturally awakened Divine Abilities. Spell cultivation, however, required comprehension.
Zhao Xing had seen Great Divine Ability Realm scholars before—Hong Qi was one of them.
He had discussed this with Hong Qi, and the latter had claimed that he had a 100% success rate in pushing a First Realm cultivator to the Second Realm. However, the success rate of advancing to the Third Realm was much lower.
Du Yun returned Thousand Li Yellow Sand Crossing to Zhao Xing and gave him a final reminder. "Don't use it recklessly again. I'll have Jiuli grant you permission so you can request an audience with me anytime."
He was about to leave but noticed Zhao Xing hesitating to speak. "What is it?"
Du Yun was more patient with Zhao Xing now. After all, this void passage he discovered could not only recover the losses for Purple Divine Mansion but also turn a significant profit. As long as the situation remained unstable, this passage could generate an immense amount of wealth.
Zhao Xing hesitated for a moment before saying, "During my time fleeing through North and South, I accidentally came across some suspicious tomb entrances."
"How suspicious?" Du Yun asked casually.
"Suspected Dao Domain Realm tombs."
Du Yun chuckled. "When traveling through the void rivers, you often see strange and fantastical sights. Are you really lucky enough to stumble upon Dao Domain Realm tombs?"
Zhao Xing cupped his hands. "You may be right. Perhaps I misjudged. But if I confirm the information—"
"Then just use Thousand Li Yellow Sand Crossing to summon me." Du Yun agreed without hesitation.
A Dao Domain Realm tomb was worth taking a look at.
After all, King Tianji once discovered the Thousand Star Vine in a Dao Domain Realm tomb.
It was said that the Thousand Star Vine had only been a seed many years ago, and even the tomb's owner might not have realized it was an Emperor-grade seed.
But after countless years, the Thousand Star Vine had germinated and entered its growth phase.
A Dao Domain Realm tomb was something worth his time.
"Understood," Zhao Xing replied, understanding Du Yun's priorities.
If it was a Dao Domain Realm tomb, Du Yun would investigate. But if it was just a Third Realm tomb, then there was no point in bringing it up.
"Yuanchen, the Mansion Lord requests that you leave," Jiuli said to the waiting envoy.
"What?" Yuanchen reacted instantly. "Du Yun doesn't want to negotiate anymore?"
"That's correct. There is no need for it," Jiuli replied.
"I suggest he reconsider," Yuanchen sneered. "If I leave now, the price won't be the same when I return."
"Please leave." Jiuli repeated himself emotionlessly, like a machine.
Seeing this, Yuanchen flicked his sleeve and left without another word.
After he departed, Du Yun reappeared inside the hall. He looked at the star chart and couldn't help but smile. "I thought this would cost me a fortune, but I never expected this guy to bring me such a surprise."
"My Lord, what is this?" Jiuli asked.
"A star chart," Du Yun replied. "We don't need to beg anyone anymore. In fact, we might even make a fortune from this."
"Go, send someone to follow this route and enter Moonfall Mausoleum."
"Yes, my Lord."
Zhao Xing quickly received a special mission in Starrealm.
It was a custom-made task by Du Yun—Void Passage Exploration Mission.
The reward was five million merit points, plus an additional 20 billion Yuanhai Coins.
The Dao Domain Realm scholar guidance wasn't listed as part of the mission since there was no formal procedure required for that. Once Du Yun found the right person, he would inform Zhao Xing directly.
A Dao Domain Realm scholar couldn't be found in the public star seas. No Dao Domain Realm scholar would casually leave their country since they had no combat capabilities—if they fought, they would be as good as dead.
Losing a Dao Domain Realm scholar was something that any ancient kingdom would feel the pain of.
That was why there was no official merit exchange for Dao Domain Realm scholar guidance in Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom. Du Yun had to find someone privately.
However, the merit points required an official process since they were part of the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom's official system.
"Du Yun gave me an extra 20 billion?" Zhao Xing stared at the transaction notification in his account. "It seems this passage is even more valuable than he expected."
After leaving Du Yun, Zhao Xing headed toward Yuanhai Hall.
"Honorable Earl, it is a pleasure to see you return safely." Yuan Forty-Six greeted him warmly. "I never expected that after two hundred years, you would already be a second-class Earl."
Zhao Xing smiled slightly. "Prepare a quiet evaluation chamber for me, and summon Lord Cangyu."
"Understood." Yuan Forty-Six quickly departed.
Small treasures and low-value information weren't worth Du Yun's time.
Zhao Xing had no choice but to sell them to the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom's official channels.
Over the past hundred years of working with Lu Yuehan in Southluo, Zhao Xing had accumulated quite a few treasures. Now, it was time to sort them all out.
Before long, Cangyu arrived at the exclusive evaluation chamber.
"Zhao Xing, we meet again," Cangyu said.
"Lord Cangyu." Zhao Xing greeted him with a slight bow.
"It seems you've had quite the harvest this time."
"Lord, here are the treasures I wish to sell." Zhao Xing got straight to the point, taking out several storage pouches.
"The total value is 27.5 billion Yuanhai Coins, after tax," Cangyu calculated quickly. "As for merit points, you'll receive only 300,000, keeping you at second-class Earl."
Zhao Xing nodded. Merit points were always harder to obtain.
"Lord Cangyu, I also want to complete some intelligence-related missions."
Intelligence missions were one of the best ways to earn large amounts of merit points—far more than selling treasures.
"That is possible, but the information must be verified first," Cangyu reminded him. "Considering the current situation in Moonfall Mausoleum, you may need to wait a while before receiving the points."
"That's fine. I can wait," Zhao Xing replied.
Over the next period, he would focus on cultivation. His account already had over 50 billion Yuanhai Coins. Even if converted to Red Star Coins, it was worth more than one billion.
"Southfall 122, coordinates: Taiyin 23. Military Gate 55. Earth Vein Lihuo Four. Hour of Renyin. There is an entrance to a small world here."
"Southfall, Taobei Star, coordinates: Taiyin 153. Solar 4. Celestial Hook 25. It is located in the Fragmented Star Belt. This is a small boundary star with a living spatial tomb."
"Northfall, Taiyin 2. Solar 34. Star 155—"
Cangyu interrupted, "The Luoling Stone Mine at these coordinates has already been discovered. The information is invalid."
"Understood," Zhao Xing nodded and continued reporting.
The vast universe, the Phantom God Star System, held an unknown number of planets, star continents, and small worlds. Even after seven thousand years of excavation, only a fraction had been explored. So far, only five Dao Domain Realm tombs had been discovered. Since this was a mausoleum, it was highly likely that it was the royal burial ground of the ancient Moonfall Kingdom. The royal family and high-ranking nobles were eligible to be buried there.
With only five Dao Domain Realm tombs discovered, it was clear the exploration was still in its early stages. Zhao Xing continued his report non-stop for three days and nights. The sheer amount of information even left Cangyu somewhat shocked. However, Zhao Xing was careful—he didn't report a single Dao Domain Realm tomb.
Dao Domain Realm tomb excavations progressed very slowly. He wasn't worried about others getting ahead of him. If he reported multiple Dao Domain Realm tombs at once, it would be easy for others to deduce the locations of the rest. High-status figures were usually buried together in a designated area, likely the royal mausoleum of the Phantom God Star System.
Zhao Xing had no intention of handing such a huge opportunity to others for free. Besides, if he reported too many Dao Domain Realm tombs at once, he'd probably be summoned for questioning the very next day.
Even so, Cangyu was thoroughly impressed. Zhao Xing provided so much detailed information, with exact coordinates. If every report proved to be accurate, he would be set to gain an astronomical fortune.
"That's all, Envoy," Zhao Xing said respectfully.
"Very well. Each piece of verified information will be confirmed with you in time," Cangyu replied.
"Many thanks, Envoy."
Beyond the Phantom God Star System, in the boundless cosmic starry sky, a sudden gust of Void Wind appeared, stirring the stars with thick spiraling arms that tore through space.
"Buzz—"
The next moment, the Void Wind vanished as suddenly as it had come, revealing a dark red, rhombus-shaped boundary vessel emerging in the starry sky. Inside the vessel stood a silver-haired man with deep-set eyes, dressed in a robe woven with golden threads. The robe shimmered with intricate mystical patterns. In his hand, he held a staff topped with a miniature solar star—though instead of bright golden light, it emitted a strange blood-red glow.
"One hundred and fifty billion Red Star Coins, just to capture a mere Second Realm cultivator?" Kui Jiu glanced at a distant star continent. "The Dark Hall actually rated this mission at six-star difficulty."
"The real challenge isn't the target himself but Du Yun's protection. He even granted him Thousand Li Yellow Sand Crossing," Kui Jiu muttered.
Because of Thousand Li Yellow Sand Crossing, Zhao Xing had nearly the same level of security outside a base as he did inside one. On Tiger Head Star Continent, there were twenty permanent star fortresses, each garrisoned with twenty Dao Domain Realm experts.
But numbers weren't the issue. As long as Du Yun was involved, even adding nineteen more Dao Domain Realm experts wouldn't increase the difficulty. And removing nineteen wouldn't make it any easier.
"Shua!"
Kui Jiu flipped his hand, revealing a tattered straw puppet in front of him. It was a "mission item" given to him by the Sanctuary.
Kui Jiu himself was a Dao Domain Realm Mind Curse Master.
"I can't afford to clash with Du Yun directly. Instead, I'll control the target's mind and lure him out, making him willingly return Thousand Li Yellow Sand Crossing to Du Yun. That way, the mission is complete."
Kui Jiu smirked as a beam of light descended onto the straw puppet remains. The puppet burned from the bottom up, with only its upper half remaining intact. The features were still recognizable as Zhao Xing.
"Ten Thousand Spells Curse: Fortune's Call!"
Golden light enveloped the remains of the straw puppet, forming shimmering ripples.
"Through karmic connection, this will give the target a strong sense of 'fortune intuition,' making him feel that a great opportunity is coming his way."
"In Moonfall Mausoleum, he might constantly feel the presence of opportunities, so the spell's effect there would be weaker."
"But now that he has left, and with the ongoing turmoil in Moonfall Mausoleum, the likelihood of him seeking me out is much higher."
Kui Jiu was confident. Zhao Xing was about to experience an overwhelming sense of "opportunity."
To make the illusion even more convincing, Kui Jiu set the fortune intensity to include a breakthrough to the Third Realm and the acquisition of a minor divine ability.
In his opinion, there was no way Zhao Xing could resist such a temptation.
According to intelligence reports, Zhao Xing had only broken through to the Second Realm two hundred years ago.
What kind of progress could he possibly make in just two hundred years?
Even if he gained something in Moonfall Mausoleum, it wouldn't be enough for a fundamental transformation.
"Just need to sit back and wait," Kui Jiu thought, sipping his drink, patiently awaiting Zhao Xing to walk right into his trap.
"Hmm?"
Inside Yuanhai Hall, Zhao Xing suddenly opened his eyes.
He had just rented the most expensive Dual-Star Origin Space for cultivation, yet out of nowhere, he was struck with a powerful intuition—a strong sense that something great was about to happen.
"I feel an imminent fortune coming my way, enough to push me into the Third Realm and even grant me a minor divine ability."
"Could it be that Du Yun has already found someone for me this fast?"
"That old man is really efficient."
Zhao Xing was in a good mood.
His sense of opportunity was coming from outside the Phantom God Star System, which aligned with his expectations. A Dao Domain Realm scholar wouldn't be found on Tiger Head Star Continent—they had to come from beyond the stars.
"No wonder people say he has a great reputation and handles matters meticulously."
Zhao Xing suppressed the feeling and continued cultivating.
Zhao Xing was only at the mid-stage of the Second Realm. To fully absorb the enlightenment, he needed to reach the peak of the Second Realm. Otherwise, it would be a waste of time for both parties.
"I have to hurry up and cultivate. If Du Yun brings the person over, and I'm not ready, that would be embarrassing," Zhao Xing muttered to himself.
Inside the Dual-Star Origin Space, he adjusted the spiritual energy index to 1000, purely accelerating his Dao Body progress by burning money. Since the year Jingxin 1030, he had been cultivating here, focusing on the third layer of Purple Yin and Purple Yang. The enhancement of the Dao Body was a refinement process, using the fundamental essence of spiritual energy to upgrade himself.
Now, within his body, 840 million stellar acupoints were radiating two different lights—half emitted the radiant glow of the sun, while the other half shimmered with the cold brilliance of the moon. It was as if there were truly 840 million Yin-Yang origin stars inside him.
[Purple Yang, Third Layer: 55%]
[Purple Yin, Third Layer: 55%]
Zhao Xing opened his eyes and checked his progress, frowning slightly.
"Before I started training, it was at 50%. After all this time, it has only increased by this little?"
He closed his eyes, then reopened them—ten years had passed.
In ten years, his progress had only increased by 5%!
He had just entered the late stage of the Second Realm. If his progress exceeded 75%, it would signify reaching the peak of the Second Realm.
"So my talent isn't exactly heaven-defying. This accelerated cultivation effect is only slightly above average," Zhao Xing thought. The Second Realm was still a stage of gradual accumulation, with no significant bottlenecks. He had spent a lot of money to speed up his training, yet the results were not as impressive as before.
"Maybe I haven't been focused enough lately. Why do I keep thinking about opportunities?"
What he didn't realize was that he had been unknowingly influenced by Kui Jiu's spell.
A Dao Domain Realm Mind Curse Master had cast a powerful spell from afar, subtly affecting him. While Zhao Xing wouldn't be driven to act impulsively, he couldn't stop thinking about it.
"Seems like I need to temper my mind and willpower. If I want to tame powerful plant soldiers in the future, I'll need to go through proper training," Zhao Xing decided.
He believed his rapid cultivation progress had caused a lapse in his mental discipline.
Zhao Xing felt a little ashamed and disappointed in himself.
"How could I let myself be like this?"
"I have to stay vigilant at all times."
He was completely unaware of Kui Jiu's influence. The Purple Divine Star Talisman at the base hadn't activated either, as there were over ten Dao Domain Realm experts present, preventing the conditions for activation.
Zhao Xing assumed he had just grown complacent. To counter this, he adjusted his cultivation method to make it more challenging. Moving closer to the Dual-Star Origin, he allowed the searing heat and bone-chilling cold to invade his body.
"Ahh—"
The pain was excruciating. The influx of excessive origin energy into his body caused immense suffering. Zhao Xing used this extreme cultivation method to both train his techniques and temper his willpower.
Another ten years passed, and Kui Jiu had only finished a single cup of wine.
He glanced at Zhao Xing's straw puppet remnant, frowning in confusion.
"Ten years, and he still hasn't come out? Did something delay him?" Kui Jiu wondered.
If some high-ranking figure had summoned Zhao Xing, then he wouldn't be able to leave even if he wanted to. This was a possible situation.
But as long as Zhao Xing had the chance to leave, he would surely remember the "opportunity" and find it hard to resist.
"Hmm, I'll wait a little longer."
Kui Jiu wasn't in a hurry. Ten years wasn't a long time for him.
Of course, this mission had a deadline—he had to complete it within a hundred years.
If he failed, he would be demoted within the Dark Hall, lose his reward, and even have his security deposit deducted.
"Huff… Huff…"
Zhao Xing panted heavily, his body half covered in searing heat while the other half was enveloped in icy frost.
The system panel displayed his cultivation progress.
[Purple Yang, Third Layer: 62%]
[Purple Yin, Third Layer: 62%]
"Another ten years… This is at a hundred times the usual speed, which means I've effectively cultivated for a thousand years. And yet, my progress has only increased by 7%?"
"At this rate, my cultivation speed is only slightly better than an average cultivator. I wouldn't call myself a genius at all."
Zhao Xing started doubting himself.
From the time he ascended to the First Realm and then from the First Realm to the Second, he had always been considered a prodigy.
"Could it be that this is my real aptitude?"
Zhao Xing felt somewhat restless.
For the first time, he was experiencing the struggles of an "ordinary cultivator."
At this moment, he once again thought about the Transmission Scholar arrangement.
"I wonder when Du Yun will finalize it. Hopefully, not too soon."
"Sigh, this is embarrassing."
Shaking his head, Zhao Xing forced himself to focus.
"Another ten years," Kui Jiu muttered, finishing his second cup of wine as he glanced at the straw puppet remnant. "What's going on? He's still not coming out?"
Kui Jiu frowned.
Normally, once he cast his spell, the target would show up soon after.
His technique was incredibly potent—unless the target was caught up in a life-or-death situation, they would almost certainly rush over immediately.
"Could my spell have been detected?"
"No, that's impossible. The spell's medium is intact."
Kui Jiu studied the straw puppet remnant carefully.
"Even if he has cultivated the Three Divinities Destiny Palace, my technique isn't based on karmic transmission."
"Forget it, I'll wait a few more years."
Although slightly surprised, Kui Jiu wasn't too concerned.
But by the time he finished his third cup of wine, he started sensing something unusual.
"Another ten years."
"Thirty years in total, and still no movement?"
"Could he have actually resisted my spell?" Kui Jiu murmured to himself. "That shouldn't be possible. He's only at the Second Realm. How could he do that?"
Even Kui Jiu started to doubt himself.
"Looks like I'll have to increase the intensity," he thought to himself. "But if I push too hard, I risk being discovered and my spell being exposed."
"Hmm?"
Inside the Yuanhai Hall, Zhao Xing's eyes widened in shock. His heartbeat pounded fiercely, his blood surged as if something immense was descending upon him.
"Am I sensing an opportunity to break into the Dao Domain Realm?"
"Hiss… and it's right outside the Phantom God Star System? Could some treasure have drifted out from the Moonfall Mausoleum?"
At this moment, Zhao Xing's hands and feet trembled, his whole body shivering. Under Kui Jiu's illusion spell, he completely ignored any logic. His entire being was overcome with excitement.
Kui Jiu hadn't expected that he would have to amplify the "opportunity perception" to such an extreme level just to make Zhao Xing react.
"A Second Realm cultivator with such wild ambitions? He doesn't even care about Third Realm opportunities? Only a chance at Dao Domain Realm is enough to tempt him?"
"Even the heavens are on my side," Zhao Xing thought, his heart racing. "If I can obtain this Dao Domain Realm opportunity, I could directly escape with that Great Zhou star. I wouldn't have to worry about the schemes of Purple Divine Mansion or the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom's authorities. Damn it, I could just leave immediately! Whatever conspiracy they're cooking up, it won't have anything to do with me."
Without hesitation, he ended his cultivation session inside Yuanhai Hall and prepared to set out.
The moment he stepped outside, he noticed Jing Yan waiting for him in his private reception hall.
"Zhao Xing, you're finally out!" Jing Yan exclaimed, rushing forward and punching Zhao Xing lightly on the shoulder. "I've been waiting for years. Have you been cultivating this whole time?"
"Yeah," Zhao Xing replied absentmindedly. "Jing Yan, whatever it is, let's talk later. I have something important to do."
"What's up with you?" Jing Yan asked in surprise. "Where are you going?"
"That's none of your business!" Zhao Xing snapped impatiently. "I don't have time for this."
Jing Yan frowned, immediately catching up to him and grabbing his shoulder. "Hold on."
"What are you doing?" Zhao Xing shook off his hand. "I told you, I'm busy. We'll talk later."
"You're acting strange." Jing Yan's hands glowed with two sharp spikes, which he pressed into Zhao Xing's flesh. His eyes flashed as an information stream flowed through them. His expression quickly turned serious.
"What's strange about me?" Zhao Xing frowned. He was really starting to resent Jing Yan's interference.
"You paid for a 100-times accelerated cultivation space. It's been thirty years. I just analyzed your bloodline energy and backtracked your Dao Body's progress—you're still only at the late stage of the Second Realm." Jing Yan said gravely. "That doesn't make sense."
"You're not the type to slack off. Except for those few years you wasted gambling, you've never once neglected your cultivation. You spent a fortune on training. There's no way you would just mess around inside that space… I'm right, aren't I? Your cultivation speed has suddenly plummeted."
Zhao Xing's frown deepened, and after a moment, he nodded.
"So, where exactly are you trying to go?" Jing Yan pressed. "You don't have to tell me the details, but are you leaving Tiger Head Star Continent?"
"I… Yes." Zhao Xing hesitated slightly.
Jing Yan took a deep breath, then suddenly shouted, "Cang Yu! Cang Yu Messenger! Help! Help!"
"Are you insane?" Zhao Xing shook off his grip. "Why are you shouting in public?"
Jing Yan ignored him and kept holding onto his arm while loudly yelling in front of the Yuanhai Hall plaza. "Help! Someone's trying to assault me!"
The crowd: "…"
Zhao Xing: "…"
Cang Yu Messenger quickly arrived, frowning as he looked between Jing Yan and Zhao Xing. With a wave of his hand, he transported them both inside Yuanhai Hall.
Once inside, Jing Yan calmed down and turned serious. "Messenger, something's wrong with my friend. Please investigate him."
Cang Yu shook his head. "I already checked. Nothing seems unusual."
"Jing Yan, listen to me—" Zhao Xing started, trying to brush it off.
"No, something is definitely wrong!" Jing Yan shouted. "Your Tiger Head Star Continent's defense system can't block every kind of attack. He has definitely been affected by some kind of spell!"
"Cang Yu!" Jing Yan roared, "If you can't detect it, then find someone who can! Otherwise, this could have serious consequences! I am a royal of the Red Star Empire!"
Cang Yu studied Zhao Xing carefully, then glanced at Jing Yan. "I have already contacted the Lord of Yellow Sand Mansion. He will arrive shortly."
"Good, good!" Jing Yan instantly switched to a polite smile. "Thank you, Cang Yu sir. Thank you. I was just joking earlier. Hehe… You're so gracious. Please don't hold a grudge against me."
Cang Yu didn't bother arguing with him. Instead, he glanced at Zhao Xing. "Your friend is very loyal. Just now, I compared your cultivation records."
"There is indeed an issue."
Cang Yu's arm transformed into two steel needles, which he plunged into Zhao Xing's Heavenly Spirit Acupoint. "I'll try waking you up. Not sure if it'll work."
Zhao Xing groaned as a cool sensation spread through his body. The overwhelming excitement he had felt before slightly faded, but the lingering influence remained.
At that moment, two figures appeared inside the chamber—Du Yun and an elderly scholar dressed in academic robes.
The old man took a single glance at Zhao Xing before turning to Du Yun. "He's under an illusion curse."