Chapter 189 Plotting for the Earth Veins of 1's Own Land

As he spoke of the distribution of benefits in the Borderlands, varied expressions flickered across everyone's faces.

Xu Daoyuan and Yang Yuanhe both wore somewhat helpless expressions, while Percival (Person Name) revealed a flicker of delight.

Percival immediately chimed in with a light laugh, "Fellow Daoist Chen speaks wisely. Our 4 great clans of Bianzhou ought to advance and retreat as 1. The spirit stone mine and that very vein of Gengjin ore in Bianzhou should rightly be guarded by us all."

Yang Yuanhe furrowed his brow and glanced at Percival (Person Name), saying, "The Chen Clan is, after all, a local immortal family of our Bianzhou. Having taken root here for many years, they still hold legitimate standing when it comes to the distribution of spirit stone mines."

"But Fellow Daoist Pan, you've only just arrived and are already eager to claim a share of the spoils. Isn't that somewhat excessive?"

Xu Daoyuan also nodded in agreement. Since the Pan Clan had joined Yu County, they had truly invested both funds and effort, transforming the county into a thriving hub that gradually became the center of Bianyang’s 2 provinces.

However, this brought little benefit to Fengling's 2 prefectures, and they naturally had no desire to let the Pan family take a share of the profits.

At that very moment, Percival's eyes flickered slightly as he scanned his surroundings, then secretly sent a voice transmission to several Zifu Elders.

"As you are surely aware, during the recent chaos of the demon beast invasion, our Pan family lost 2 Violet Mansion Elders and over 20 Foundation Establishment cultivators in battle."

"I understand the matter." The old clan leader stroked his long beard, his expression grave as he spoke. "The Qingyang Sect has disregarded the Qingyang Pact, and to this day, they haven't distributed a single spirit stone in compensation to your families."

"Indeed."

Percival's eyes glinted with killing intent, his face icy as he declared, "Since the Verdant Sun Sect shows no mercy, we shall not remain lambs for the slaughter."

"As far as I know, the Qingyang Sect has occupied the only third-grade superior earth vein in Bianzhou at Cangkun Mountain (Location) within Lingjun."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions shifted slightly. The Earth Vein of Jitu at Cangkun Mountain (Location) was the only upper-third-grade earth vein in Bianzhou.

That Jitu Earth Vein could not only produce vast quantities of earth-attribute resources, but also nurture 1 Jitu Crystal every 30 years. Most crucially, within that earth vein lay a rare pool known as the Purple Sun Pool.

It is said that within the Violet Sun Pool, a single Violet Sun Jade is nurtured every 100 years—a treasure coveted by all, 1 that not even the underground fire veins of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) could yield.

At this thought, Eldrin's pupils contracted slightly. "What do you mean by that?" he asked.

"Now that the Azure Sun Sect has lost its virtue, it has long forfeited the people's hearts." Percival's expression was stern, his gaze profound as he spoke: "To be frank, I intend to use the debt collection as pretext to join forces with all of you in seizing Cangkun Mountain."

Xu Daoyuan exchanged glances with Eldrin and the others, a faint glimmer flashing in his eyes as he nodded in agreement.

"During the Beast Tide, the Qingyang Sect didn't send a single soldier to support our Border Province."

“We risk our lives to protect all living beings in Border Province, yet they monopolize the largest spiritual vein here, profiting tens of thousands of spirit stones annually. This is truly excessive.”

Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) felt a stir in his heart. The heavily injured Elder Xu (Person Name) had secluded himself behind closed doors, and the number of Purple Mansions (Cultivation Realm) in the Qingyang Sect (Sect Name) had dwindled to merely 10.

Among these 10 individuals, more than half were stationed in Yang Province to resist the Green-Maned Lion King of Scorched Sun Mountain (Location). This was indeed the perfect opportunity to seize Cangkun Mountain (Location).

The Verdant Sun Sect was now in dire straits. Internally, 7 or 8 Violet Palace immortal clans from the 2 provinces under their jurisdiction were already eyeing them with predatory intent. Externally, the Azure Sky Sword Sect and the Abyssal Violet Sect both deemed them to have lost their virtue.

Within the Sky Sword Sect, it was said that even a Golden Core Elder had voiced the opinion that the Verdant Sun Sect might not be able to defend its rear flank next time. He suggested it would be better to absorb the Verdant Sun Sect to bolster their own strength and avoid the peril of being attacked from behind in the future.

As the foremost of the 3 Great Sects of the Chu Kingdom, the Azure Sky Sword Sect had boasted 3 Golden Core Elders ever since Patriarch Jingxu achieved his breakthrough 60 years ago.

For nearly a century, bolstered by their soaring power, the Firmament Sword Sect had even managed to suppress the Demonic Abyss Cavern within the Cerulean Peaks Range, ensuring that no major demonic calamity had befallen the Chu Kingdom in 1 100 years.

In such circumstances, the crowd began to share the mentality of kicking someone who was already down. With the 4 great Violet Manor clans of Bianzhou now boasting a total of 7 Violet Manor cultivators, even if the Qingyang Sect wished to retaliate, they would likely find it difficult to pose any real threat to them.

Seeing that everyone had reached a tacit understanding, Eldrin said, "Since we're taking action, we must ensure a single decisive strike."

"I have already investigated this matter."

Percival was clearly well-prepared. With a grave expression, he stated solemnly, "All of Qingyang Sect's forces have now withdrawn to the 2 provinces of Qingyang. Only Li Heyuan remains guarding Cangkun Mountain."

Eldrin’s brow twitched faintly at these words. Li Heyuan was a Zifu Elder of the Qingyang Sect. Having broken through to the Zifu realm less than 30 years ago, his cultivation remained merely at the 2nd Heaven of Zifu.

However, he did not let his guard down. Instead, he spoke gravely, "Li Heyuan (Person Name) is not worth worrying about, but the third-tier formation array on Cangkun Mountain (Location) poses a serious problem."

Cangkun Mountain (Location) was no ordinary earth vein. In those days, to protect this very earth vein, the Qingyang Sect (Organization) not only deliberately cultivated a third-order spirit vein, but also deployed the third-tier medium-grade Jitu Tianyin Grand Formation (Formation).

With Li Heyuan's Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivation fueling a third-grade mid-tier formation, even 1 or 2 Purple Palace, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) experts would likely struggle to breach it easily.

At that very moment, Xu Daoyuan (Person Name) spoke up, "Though the formation poses a significant challenge, it is not without its countermeasures."

"Our Xu Clan has preserved a single Grade 3, Superior Rank Spirit-Breaking Talisman. It can weaken a Grade 3, Superior Rank formation by 30 percent, and this Grade 3, Medium Rank formation by 50 percent."

"However, the Disabling Talisman is valued at 100,000 spirit stones. If you wish for us to produce this treasure, each of you must concede some benefits in return."

Eldrin exchanged a glance with the old clan leader, then looked briefly at Percival and Yang Yuanhe before finally nodding and speaking.

"In that case, each of our 3 families will compensate you with 20,000 spirit stones or equivalent resources."

"After the matter is concluded, the Pan Family will take 15 percent of Border Province's profits. Our Chen Clan and the Yang Clan will each take 20-5 percent, while your Xu Family will exclusively hold 30-5 percent. What do you think?"

Xu Daoyuan gave a slight nod. The Xu family possessed 2 Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivators, making them the most powerful force in Bianzhou. However, claiming this lion's share of benefits still stretched their capabilities somewhat.

However, after a moment of contemplation, he still spoke up: "Our Xu family possesses the strongest martial prowess and will contribute the most in this battle. Therefore, the first Terran Crystal of Self-Earth produced from the earth vein should rightfully be claimed by my Pan family first."

Hearing this, no 1 voiced any objections.

After finalizing the specific details with urgency, the group concluded this Zifu Banquet.

After the banquet concluded, the guests gradually dispersed, and the several great Zi Mansion immortal clans returned to their respective families to begin gathering their personnel.

To settle this swiftly while all the family’s Foundation Establishment cultivators were present, the Old Patriarch and Eldrin (Person Name) immediately summoned the clan’s Foundation Establishment members to stay behind that very day.

After informing them of the matter, they decided to leave only 4 Foundation Establishment cultivators to guard the 4 key spirit veins of the clan, then boarded the treasure ark carrying 9 Foundation Establishment cultivators to head for the Pan Family.

The Pan Clan had long harbored resentment toward the Green Sun Sect. Upon hearing of the plan to confront them, every Foundation Establishment cultivator anxiously volunteered for battle.

Chapter 1: Rebirth of the Immortal Monarch The sky tore open with a thunderous roar, crimson lightning dancing across the heavens like vengeful serpents. Amidst the raging storm, a figure stood tall upon the peak of Mount Celestial, his white robes stained with blood. "Fellow Daoists, have you truly come this far just for my Eternal Heaven Scripture?" Lin Xuan's voice remained calm, though his spiritual energy was nearly depleted. Before him stood the united forces of the 3 great immortal sects—over 3 100 cultivators who had besieged him for 7 days and nights. "Lin Xuan, hand over the scripture and we might spare your soul!" bellowed the white-bearded elder leading the charge, his voice echoing with the power of his late-stage Soul Transformation realm. Lin Xuan laughed, a bitter yet defiant sound. "The Eternal Heaven Scripture chooses its master, not the other way around. Since you all crave it so deeply..." His hands suddenly formed an ancient seal, his body beginning to glow with an ethereal light. "Then let us perish together!" The cultivators' faces changed dramatically. "He's going to self-destruct!" But it was too late. A blinding light erupted, swallowing mountains and rivers in its wake. The very fabric of space twisted and tore, creating a massive vortex that consumed everything. *** Lin Xuan's eyes snapped open. Sunlight filtered through the wooden window, casting dancing dust motes in the air. The familiar scent of medicinal herbs filled his nostrils—the same scent that had permeated his childhood. "This is... my old room in the Lin family residence?" He sat up, examining his slender, youthful hands. A wave of disbelief washed over him as he realized what had happened. He had returned. Returned to 3 100 years ago, when he was still a 15-year-old youth in the tiny cultivation clan of the Azure Spirit Realm. Memories flooded back—of how his mediocrity had led to the Lin family's decline, of how he had watched his loved ones perish 1 by 1, of his eventual rise to become the legendary Immortal Monarch who dominated the 9 heavens. And now, he had returned to the beginning. A faint smile touched his lips. This time, things would be different. "Young master, you're awake!" A young maid rushed in, her face brightening. "The family council has summoned all disciples to the main hall. They're selecting participants for the upcoming Cloud Wilderness Expedition." Lin Xuan nodded. The Cloud Wilderness Expedition—this was where his tragic fate had begun 3 100 years ago. During this expedition, he had suffered severe injuries that damaged his spiritual roots, condemning him to a lifetime of mediocrity. But now... He closed his eyes, sensing the faint spiritual energy within his body. Though weak, it pulsed with a unique rhythm. More importantly, he could feel the Eternal Heaven Scripture slowly revolving in his consciousness—the very scripture that had cost him his life in his previous incarnation. "Tell them I'll be there shortly," Lin Xuan said, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority that made the maid pause for a moment before bowing and leaving. Alone again, Lin Xuan began to circulate the Eternal Heaven Scripture. The surrounding spiritual energy surged toward him, forming visible vortexes that poured into his body. In the Azure Spirit Realm, cultivation realms were divided into: Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Soul Transformation, and Void Tribulation. Each major realm contained 9 minor stages. An ordinary cultivator might take 10 years to reach the peak of Qi Refining, but with the Eternal Heaven Scripture... Crack! A crisp sound came from within his body as his cultivation broke through to the second level of Qi Refining in mere moments. Lin Xuan exhaled deeply, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. In his previous life, he had been stuck at the first level of Qi Refining for 3 years, earning him the title of "trash" among the Lin family disciples. But now, everything had changed. He stood up and walked toward the main hall. Today, he would begin rewriting his destiny. The Lin family main hall was already crowded with people. Dozens of young clansmen stood in orderly rows, their faces a mix of anticipation and anxiety. At the front, the clan elders sat solemnly. The Great Elder, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, spoke in a deep voice, "The Cloud Wilderness Expedition is both an opportunity and a trial. Those who perform well will receive additional cultivation resources. But remember—the wilderness is fraught with danger. Spiritual beasts lurk everywhere, and the other families are no allies." "Now, we will select 10 participants based on your cultivation levels and performance in recent assessments." 1 by 1, names were called out. Those selected beamed with joy, while the others looked disappointed. "Lin Feng—third level of Qi Refining, qualified!" "Lin Yu—second level of Qi Refining, qualified!" ... "Lin Xuan—first level of Qi Refining, disqualified!" The Great Elder's voice held a hint of disdain as he read the last name. Murmurs rippled through the crowd. "Of course Lin Xuan didn't make it. He's been stuck at the first level for 3 years." "What a disgrace to the main family line." "If not for his father being the clan leader, he wouldn't even have a place in the family." Lin Xuan stood calmly amidst the whispers, his expression unchanged. Just as the Great Elder was about to announce the end of the selection, a clear voice rang out. "Great Elder, I wish to challenge the rules of selection." All eyes turned to Lin Xuan in shock. The Great Elder frowned. "What do you mean?" Lin Xuan stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the crowd before landing on a tall youth. "I challenge Lin Feng. If I win, I take his spot." The hall erupted in uproar. Lin Feng, ranked among the top 3 young cultivators in the family, stood at the third level of Qi Refining. Challenging him was nothing short of madness. The Great Elder was about to refuse when Lin Xuan added, "According to family rules, any clansman has the right to challenge for qualification spots." The elder's face darkened, but he couldn't refute this. After a moment's silence, he turned to Lin Feng. "Do you accept?" Lin Feng stepped forward, a contemptuous smile on his face. "Since younger brother Xuan wishes to learn, I'll gladly teach him." The crowd quickly cleared a space in the center of the hall. Lin Feng stood with his hands behind his back, radiating confidence. "Younger brother, I'll go easy on you. I only need 3 moves to defeat you." Lin Xuan responded calmly, "No need. Please use your full strength." "You're overestimating yourself!" Lin Feng's expression turned cold. Spiritual energy surged around him as he executed the family's Flowing Cloud Palm technique, his palm striking toward Lin Xuan with formidable power. This strike contained the strength of the third level of Qi Refining—enough to shatter stone. In the eyes of the spectators, Lin Xuan stood no chance. But just as the palm was about to connect, Lin Xuan moved. His figure blurred, leaving afterimages as he effortlessly dodged Lin Feng's attack. Then, with a finger pointed like a sword, he tapped lightly on Lin Feng's shoulder. Poof! Lin Feng felt a tremendous force transmitted through that single finger, his entire arm going numb as he was sent flying backward, landing heavily on the ground. Silence. Complete silence filled the hall. No 1 had seen clearly how Lin Xuan made his move. They only saw Lin Feng charging forward, then flying backward. "How is this possible!" The Great Elder stood up abruptly, his face filled with disbelief. Lin Feng struggled to his feet, his expression shifting between disbelief and humiliation. "You... how did you..." Lin Xuan paid him no mind, turning instead to the Great Elder. "Great Elder, may I take his spot now?" The elder stared intently at Lin Xuan for a long moment before finally speaking in a deep voice, "You've been hiding your strength?" "Just a lucky breakthrough," Lin Xuan replied casually. The Great Elder fell silent for another moment before finally announcing, "Lin Xuan will replace Lin Feng in participating in the Cloud Wilderness Expedition!" This declaration caused another stir, but no 1 dared object after what they had just witnessed. Lin Xuan bowed slightly, then turned and left the hall under everyone's complex gazes. He knew this was only the beginning. The Cloud Wilderness Expedition hid many secrets, including an opportunity that would completely change his fate. And this time, he would claim it all.