Flowers bloomed all over the courtyard, Chaos Aura filled the air, and the fragrance of herbs permeated the air.
Jiang Yirou picked the Divine Medicine she needed in the herb field, occasionally letting out a gasp of amazement.
She went to the Divine Continent, and when she came back, she found that her home had changed drastically. The prices of all kinds of rare medicines had skyrocketed, many of which she had never even seen before.
Jiang Ping leaned against a couch under the locust tree, perusing ancient books, while Chen Qingyan beside him brewed tea.
Not far away, Jiang Yao and Jiang Hao were sparring in the Same Realm, and the clanging of their swords could be heard from time to time.
Jiang Ping would occasionally glance up and point out the two men's shortcomings.
His wife handed him a cup of tea, which he sipped and smiled contentedly.
However, this warm feeling was very short-lived. After the selection, there were only three days of free time before they had to go to the Xuanhuang First Land.
Therefore, in contrast to Jiang Ping's tranquil and leisurely life, the outside world is experiencing a great deal of change, and the situation is being hotly debated everywhere.
With the Initial Land to the outside world, the selection of talent became a matter of public interest, and the details of this process were no longer a secret.
A lot of information has been disclosed.
"The Initial Land has abundant resources, and while there was competition at first, it wasn't too fierce. However, with the entry of this hundred prodigies, various disputes are bound to arise, accompanied by blood and fire."
Elder Ming spoke, sounding somewhat worried.
Cui Yue frowned and said, "It is said that most of the resources in the Initial Land are guarded by those Fate Child. Now that they are asked to give up some of them, do you think those people will do so willingly?"
Originally, the resources of the Initial Land were controlled by the Child of Destiny, holding a dominant position. However, this time, in order to cultivate more Dao Monarch, the Ancestral Artifact further subdivided the resources, dividing them into two major regions.
The core area is a battleground for Mid-Rank Dao Monarch, while the middle and outer areas are divided among Early-Rank Dao Monarch and below.
The Initial Land are mostly resources for Dao Monarch; True Saints are not even qualified to compete for them yet, unless their own strength is extraordinary enough to allow them to fight against them.
"We hope that resources can be allocated fairly and reasonably, or that those with greater potential can receive more, which would also reduce internal strife."
Elder Ming continued.
Venerable Qi Shan shook his head and said, "My disciple has already sent word that the resources relinquished by the Mid-Rank Dao Monarch will be contested by the remaining Dao Monarch or True Saints."
Cui Yue's expression changed slightly. "Isn't this the same as raising a Gu poison?"
"With a formidable enemy at hand, extraordinary measures are needed in extraordinary times. If our strength is insufficient, we can only endure the hardship in the Initial Land or eat scraps."
Qi Shan sighed.
His disciple wasn't worried, as he had already made connections with important figures.
In the past two days, geniuses from all over the country have been seeking friends and guests, hoping to form a powerful team so that they can have a place in the Initial Land.
"We won't discuss the resources that the Mid-Rank Dao Monarch are involved in. As for the remaining resource areas, Chaos Dao Monarch Yu Changqing will definitely take the biggest share every time."
"Secondly, there's the Wendaomeng. This organization has a base in the Initial Land, and it's said that its top leaders are connected to the two Fate Child."
"Furthermore, there are the various elite teams that are involved with other Child of Destiny. These teams are deeply entrenched, with numerous factions, and their ambitions are certainly not small."
Qi Shan slowly opened his mouth. His disciples Zhu Xuan and Wang Ping were in the third row. They were surrounded by geniuses from the holy land, and there was also Mid-Rank Dao Monarch sitting above them.
As for Xiao Ran and Fang Xin...
"Xiao Ran and the others don't need to worry too much. They have Jiang Ping protecting them, right? His strength is almost invincible among the Early-Rank Dao Monarch."
"You can't say that. Some special resources are not limited by cultivation level; anyone can participate. No matter how strong Jiang Ping is, can he be stronger than several Mid-Rank Dao Monarch working together? Besides, he offended two Fate Child before even going to the Initial Land. How could those people let him off easily?"
"So, does that mean Jiang Ping also has to go and pay homage to some Fate Child?"
Qi Shan shook his head again. "Given this boy's character, how could he possibly bow down to his Peers? Oh well, I've already sent a message to Zhu Xuan, asking him to look after Xiao Ran Fang Xin in Initial Land."
Jade Palace Prefecture.
The higher-ups of the Dao system also learned some inside information about Initial Land and hurriedly summoned Daozhen Li Li and others to discuss it.
Tang Sheng's grandfather immediately advised him:
"Isn't Fairy Ling of the Kaiyang Sacred Land in dire need of manpower? She's a Mid-Rank Dao Monarch, and she has two other equals by her side. She'd be perfect for you to join."
Li Li interjected, "Old Tang was rejected a long time ago."
Tang Sheng: "..."
If they weren't classmates of many years, he would have really wanted to turn against them.
However, it was true that before deciding to follow Jiang Ping, he visited Ling Qinghe, but he couldn't even see her.
Daozhen invited by that person, but from the beginning he was determined to be with Jiang Ping's group.
Tang Sheng said, "We haven't even gone to the Initial Land yet, so there's no need to rush to conclusions. Senior Brother Lei Fang from Kaiyang also plans to go with Jiang Ping, so their strength is quite considerable."
The Destiny Hall.
Jiang Yourong received many letters, some from her genius best friend, and others from legendary figures, all inviting her to become their companion.
After reading them, she burned them all, which greatly displeased the elders nearby.
"You've gone mad, You Rong! There are two letters from the Fate Child."
Jiang Yourong's eyes were deep and unfathomable. "I control destiny and can determine my future. This time, I will decide my own future."
Kaiyang Sacred Land.
Lei Fang and Ling Qinghe sat facing each other. He looked at his Junior Sister, whom he had only met a few times, and felt a strange feeling in his heart.
Last time, when he introduced Jiang Ping to the other party, Jiang Ping was indifferent. This time, however, the other party hoped that he would persuade Jiang Ping.
In response, he said, "If Junior Sister truly wishes to work together with Jiang Ping, she should go and see him in person."
In fact, Lei Fang had some things he didn't say. If he wanted to invite Jiang Ping to join the army, he should lower himself, prepare generous gifts, and personally visit to show his sincerity.
However, Ling Qinghe's attitude was too aloof; Lei Fang felt that she wasn't even willing to personally invite him.
Ling Qinghe said, "You are familiar with him. As long as you explain the pros and cons, he should understand the principle that a wise bird chooses a good tree to perch on."
I've already tried to persuade them twice.
Ling Qinghe: "..."
Lei Fang chuckled lightly, "Jiang Ping and I are friends, that's true, but we're also from the Kaiyang Sacred Land. Naturally, I'd like to bring that person to my Junior Sister's side. I believe the elders who nurtured us would be happy to hear that, but the key is that she's unwilling."
On the eve of departing for the Initial Land.
Qingling became lively again, as the grand gathering of prodigies, which Jiang Yirou was eagerly anticipating, was about to take place, with her father still playing the leading role.
Below, on either side, Fang Xin Xiao Ran sat upright, exchanging words with Li Li and the others from the Jade Palace Prefecture.
Jiang Yourong Jiang Yirou from the Destiny Hall arrived, and was let in by Jiang Yirou, who was in charge of organizing the banquet.
The woman, carrying a long sword, looked dashing and attracted the attention of many.
She didn't mince words or put on airs; she stated directly that she wanted to follow Jiang Ping.
Jiang Ping was about to refuse without even thinking, but Jiang Yourong took out a jade bracelet and presented it to Chen Qingyan at the family members' table, explaining:
"This is a Monarch- level artifact forged by Dao Monarch. It can determine one's future, foresee one's destiny, and ward off calamities."
Jiang Ping smiled and said, "Guests are welcome, please have a seat."
The longsword behind Jiang Yourong transmitted a voice. "You're really willing to give up such Supreme Artifact just to join us. If your elders found out, they'd be furious."
Jiang Yourong responded, "Haven't there been few people bringing gifts to join us these past few days? If they're angry, it just means they don't think highly of Jiang Ping."
Later, some exceptional talents came to his door, attracted by Jiang Ping's strength, hoping to band together for mutual support.
However, all were rejected.
"Most of them came after failing to join other teams; some didn't even bring any gifts."
Jiang Yirou had a set of standards in her heart. If you wanted to follow her father, you had to be sincere. Unfortunately, none of the people who came had Aunt Jiang's courage.
Lei Fang failed to appear as promised.
The woman who arrived was beautiful, no less so than Jiang Yourong, and came from the Kaiyang Sacred Land. Her name was Yun Shuang.
Yun Shuang explained, "Senior Brother Lei Fang has already gone to the Initial Land with Junior Sister Ling."
She presented a generous gift and handed a letter to Jiang Ping.
Jiang Ping opened the letter; it was written by Lei Fang, explaining why he couldn't go with her—he was being pressured by his Lineage and sect to help Ling Qinghe.
Although Lei Fang was unable to attend, he hoped that Jiang Ping would recruit Yun Shuang into his ranks.
For some reason, this beautiful woman was unable to enter the Initial Land with Ling Qinghe ahead of time.
"Since you're here, please have a seat."
Jiang Ping said.
In fact, Yun Shuang had visited Qingling Palace with Lei Fang Daozhen before, and Jiang Ping had also drunk with her, so they were acquainted.
"Miss Yun."
Tang Sheng greeted him with a smile. He was disappointed that Lei Fang couldn't come, but at least he had a good companion.
Yun Shuang is very famous in the Kaiyang Sacred Land. She is an unparalleled genius and is only a little bit away from achieving enlightenment.
"Brother Tang."
Yun Shuang nodded, but her smile looked somewhat forced.
She glanced around, sighing inwardly, "Aside from Jiang Ping, a top-tier Combat strength, there's only one Dao Monarch, and two monster-level prodigies in total."
She thought of her other fellow disciples and felt envious. Those people followed Junior Sister Ling and the other two Child of Destiny, and they had several Dao Monarch under their command, as well as five monster-level geniuses. The competition among them was fierce.
Tang Sheng noticed Yun Shuang's concerns and comforted her, saying, "More people isn't necessarily a good thing; it means less resources will be allocated to each person."
Yun Shuang shook her head and said, "You don't understand. We can certainly obtain ordinary resources, but some opportunities are highly valued even by the Child of Destiny, and they are also things we must compete for."
"For example, certain herbs that enhance the potential for growth."
Tang Sheng frowned. "I've taken countless of these secret medicines; how could they possibly enhance my foundation?"
Yun Shuang smiled and said, "It seems you've underestimated Initial Land."
She continued, "Take Ren Ran from the Ziwei Sacred Land for example. Her talent was only about the same as that of Daozhen Fairy. It was only because she took the innate medicine from the Initial Land that she surpassed all the monsters and greatly increased her chances of becoming Dao Ancestor."
Upon hearing this, Tang Sheng was greatly surprised, and then his breathing became rapid.
If he takes this type of drug, could he be comparable to Daozhen Zhang Daowei?
Yun Shuang nodded. "It's not impossible."
She added, "Everyone thinks that Yu Xi's Xuanhuang is Gu Shuo, but little do they know that she has taken too many Potential Secret Medicine by taking advantage of her brother's connections."
She was unaware of these things at first; it was only when the area was Initial Land opened up and the secrets gradually spread that she learned of them.
Yun Shuang also mentioned several kinds of Dao Elixir, which are even rarer than the Great Dao Rare Treasure. They are Realm-Breaking Divine Medicine. Even if Chaos Dao Monarch Yu Changqing took them, he could reach a higher level in a short period of time.
Therefore, these resources are also closely watched by Mid-Rank Dao Monarch, and no one wants to miss them.
"I heard from Junior Sister Ling that a certain Dao Elixir will mature in a few years, at which time there will be a great event. We can be kings in Xuanhuang, but if we go to the Initial Land, it will be difficult to compete with the alliance of those Fate Child."
Yun Shuang spoke slowly.
It wasn't that she felt Jiang Ping wasn't strong enough, but rather that one man's fists couldn't fight against four hands. Even in the Initial Land, in order to compete for resources, the Fate Child would band together for warmth and fight fiercely.
Everyone took a deep breath. They had never heard of the resources Yun Shuang mentioned, but the magic of these resources made even the monstrous Daozhen and Jiang Yourong breathe heavily.
Jiang Yirou's eyes were also burning with desire; she felt that she might be able to own these items in the future.
Jiang Ping was slightly surprised and asked, "Doesn't that mean Yu Changqing has broken through to the second level of Dao Monarch?"
Yun Shuang shook her head. "The Realm-Breaking Divine Medicine is coveted by all the Fate Child. Before Yu Changqing achieved Dao, he risked injury to seize half of it. However, after breaking through to Dao Monarch, he is already a dominant figure in the Initial Land and is determined to obtain it."
"Let's not think about this medicine for now. Breaking through to the Dao Monarch as soon as possible will be more helpful to the team."
Xiao Ran said.
His foundation is solid; once he breaks through to the Dao Monarch level, even the Years Monarch is not someone he can't touch.
On Jiang Ping's shoulder, the Turtle Shell sounded somewhat surprised:
"The herbs that little girl mentioned were difficult for me to gather even in my prime, yet they seem so easy to find now. That Initial Land True God."
"Or perhaps, with a formidable enemy truly approaching, Xuanhuang has given up entirely, resorting to desperate measures like drinking poison to quench his thirst?"
Afterwards, Yun Shuang mentioned several other wondrous substances or ideal places for secluded cultivation, which made everyone feel that the wine in their mouths was no longer strong, and they wished they could appear in the Initial Land immediately.
Jiang Ping was also somewhat hopeful. If he could gather enough Dao Elixir, would he be able to break through his cultivation barrier again?
With a whoosh, his figure shifted, and he vanished from the party in the blink of an eye.
A void, where the sky displays myriad phenomena, but the laws of the four directions are not manifest, Order is incomplete.
It felt as if we had entered the Age of Doomsday.
Jiang Ping had seen this method twice before: once with the Old Spear from the Ziwei Sacred Land, and once with Zhou Huang.
However, in terms of power, the current domain is far superior.
Turtle Shell appeared above Jiang Ping's head, calmly stating, "It should be a seasoned Dao Monarch at the fifth level of cultivation, but unfortunately it's just an Incarnation, less than half the Combat strength of the real body."
Jiang Ping nodded, his expression indifferent, finished his wine, and toyed with the glass.
"Brother Jiang, you are truly composed. Even Xu Yuan is extremely wary of my domain, yet you have taken the initiative to enter."
A grand voice resounded, its words carrying divine power, stirring the very fabric of heaven and earth, causing all things to change, and lightning and thunder to flash in the distant sky.
Jiang Ping looked in the direction the voice came from and said, "Speak, what do you want with me?"
At the edge of the earth, a tall figure appeared, his Dharma Image Heaven Opening, the folds on his robes resembling turbulent rivers, flowing with a majestic Dao Rhythm.
The newcomer looked down at Jiang Ping, his voice filled with authority and solemnity. "My name is Zhan Yin. You should have heard of me."
With a deafening roar, a chaotic, wondrous light shot into the sky, causing the entire world to crack and gradually fall silent.
Zhan Yin's face stiffened, his body staggered slightly, and alarm bells rang in his mind.
He looked up and saw a celestial Dharma Image, taller than himself, standing majestically.
Jiang Ping looked down at him. "Zhan Yin? Never heard of him."
Zhan Yin's face stiffened further. He said, "The Child of Destiny, born to face calamity."
Jiang Ping pointed at the other person, his posture condescending, and coldly asked, "So, what do you want from me?"
Zhan Yin suppressed his displeasure. He was Fate Child, and pride was ingrained in his bones. He had also seen too many unruly peers.
But no one was as domineering and arrogant as the person before them.
His Zhan Yin was brilliant; why should he need to ask anything of others?
If it were anyone else, even if Ren Ran and Xie Wen were face to face, if they displeased him, he would have slapped them long ago; not killing them would be considered giving him face.
But the person before him was slightly different, and deserved his patience in offering a few kind words.