However, their sects were now mired in a crisis. Once their sects were breached, even if the two of them survived, they would inevitably become unaffiliated cultivators with no spiritual land left for cultivation.
For cultivators like them, who had only just entered the Golden Core Realm and still had great potential ahead of them, this was no different from being sentenced to death. Their future Dao Paths would surely not stretch far.
Golden Core unaffiliated cultivators had a hard time getting by in this world.
Moreover, when they had left their sects, their sect masters had already told them to seek aid from the Ling Clan at any cost.
Otherwise, they would not have been willing to hand over the foundational inheritances upon which their sects stood.
Therefore, the Turtle Control Sect Golden Core cultivator endured the ache in his heart, gritted his teeth, and broke the silence.
"Senior Ling, our sect has already offered up its inheritance. Can those spirit stones be reduced somewhat?"
Ling Pengyun replied flatly.
"No bargaining. If you can provide this sum of spirit stones, I will send people to help you hold your respective sect territories and keep Thunder Essence Country in this world."
"If you cannot afford this sum, why should my clan risk the destruction of my clan—or even Yan Kingdom itself—for the sake of a few inheritances and go support your sects?"
The Golden Core cultivators from the Turtle Control Sect and Heavy Sword Sect both sighed helplessly.
They could only agree to Ling Pengyun's terms.
"However, Senior, neither of our sects possesses that many spirit stones. May we use spiritual objects as collateral?"
Ling Pengyun nodded.
"You may, but I will only accept three types: Third Rank spirit plants, medicinal pills, and Spirit Talisman Caves. I will not accept