Spirit-Bearing Daoist

"I don't know," Zhu Qingjian said succinctly, "But to be able to ascend to the position of elder at the top, one must at least have the cultivation of the Dao Foundation Late Stage."

Dao Foundation Late Stage?

Chen Lingxi raised an eyebrow; he had never seen a Dao Foundation Late Stage cultivator before.

Emperor Daye and Zhao Duanxuan were only at the Dao Foundation Middle Stage Realm, yet they were already incredibly powerful. How powerful would they be at the Dao Foundation Late Stage?

Just then, Cheng Shiyan suddenly said, "I have heard of Elder Liu Zhi's reputation."

This person is extremely adept at accumulating wealth, Azure Pool Peak was able to obtain Elder Liu Zhi's advice...

Perhaps it wasn't Elder Liu Zhi took a liking to Azure Pool Peak.

It's highly likely that Azure Pool Peak offered tribute to this elder.

Chen Lingxi pondered for a moment, then asked, "I've heard that the two hundred peaks of the Dragon-Offering Sect are constantly fighting and vying for power among themselves, while the seven inner peaks and the main sect of Dragon-Offering never interfere."

In the hierarchy, both superiors and subordinates, strength has always been the deciding factor.

"So now, in the struggle for spirit fields and Spirit Vein, do we still need the Yangjue Upper Sect to speak up?"

Zhu Qingjian explained, "That's right. Just like the conflict between Yellow Luminary Peak and Sun-Watching Peak, the trouble also stemmed from the dispute over the spiritual fields."

As long as the subordinates within their jurisdiction pay their tribute on time, the higher-ups will not interfere too much.

Just like when my Uncle Changle Le died at the hands of Zhuo Jiaowu, no one cared.

Chen Lingxi frowned. "The higher-ups accept tribute, yet they offer no protection?"

Zhu Qingjian and Cheng Shiyan couldn't help but give a wry smile.

Hua Liuli blinked and said in a low voice, "This tribute is not in exchange for protection, but rather for these superiors to refrain from plundering their subordinates."

Chen Lingxi then understood.

The underworld of the cultivation world, huh?

It's called a protection fee, but it's actually a fee to avoid vandalism.

Zhu Qingjian added, "Thinking about it this way, Elder Liu Zhi probably did receive benefits from Azure Pool Peak, otherwise he wouldn't have made Sun-Watching Peak relinquish its spiritual Spirit Vein."

That concludes the discussion.

Chen Lingxi already had some understanding of the Dragon-Offering Sect.

His eyes flickered as he looked at Cheng Shiyan and Zhu Qingjian: "Now that Elder Liu of Sun-Awakening Upper Peak has spoken, what should we do if Sun-Watching Peak is unwilling to make the deal?"

Cheng Shiyan lowered his head and thought for a moment, then said softly, "A person in the Dao Foundation Late Stage can cause mountains to crumble and rivers to be blocked with a single word."

Since such a person has spoken, if we don't obey... there might be...

Zhu Qingjian continued, "I'm afraid there will be a catastrophic disaster."

Cataclysmic disaster?

As Chen Lingxi pondered, she turned to look at the sea of clouds.

At the edge of that sea of clouds, streaks of Dao Origin energy were approaching.

Chen Lingxi glanced at it for a while, then ignored it. After thinking for a moment, she suddenly looked up and said, "Since Elder Liu Zhi is good at accumulating wealth, what if our Sun-Watching Peak also gives him some benefits?"

Cheng Shiyan and Zhu Qingjian exchanged a glance.

"Dragon-Offering is not bound by many of the rules of the outside world. If we can truly persuade this elder, there is still room for maneuver in this matter."

However, seeking the protection of Elder Liu Zhi would likely be quite expensive.

But now, there's nothing of value left on my Sun-Watching Peak..."

Zhu Qingjian sighed as he finished speaking, "Uncle-Master Changle once used his own Spirit Artifact to seek refuge with a Rogue Cultivator."

As a result, that Rogue Cultivator only made one move... In Dragon-Offering Territory, there are absolutely no rules.

Chen Lingxi gently shook her head. "I don't need Elder Liu Zhi's protection."

The crowd looked surprised, their eyes filled with confusion.

Chen Lingxi said softly, "Then we just need Elder Liu Zhi to not hold a grudge against Sun-Watching Peak Sun-Watching Peak refusing the deal."

Each person on the mountaintop was lost in their own thoughts.

Now, the spiritual Spirit Vein of Sun-Watching Peak are coveted by Azure Pool Peak, and Yellow Luminary Peak is also eyeing them covetously.

Even if Elder Liu Zhi doesn't punish Sun-Watching Peak.

How has Sun-Watching Peak managed to survive today, under the watchful eyes of Azure Pool Peak and Yellow Luminary Peak?

Just then, a wisp of cloud drifted in from afar.

In the blink of an eye!

Thick fog enveloped the Sun-Watching Peak, and waves of oppressive power flowed in, making the Void appear much gloomy.

Everyone was surprised and looked up.

But then, a female cultivator appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, standing atop the clouds.

The female cultivator was extremely tall, dressed in a blue Daoist robe with a silver belt around her waist, and a sword on her back. Even before it was drawn, its sharpness was already evident.

She was stunningly beautiful, with cool and aloof eyes. She wore no makeup, only her black hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, revealing her sharp features.

The female cultivator above the clouds stood in the Void, looking down at the people on the mountain peak.

She first glanced at Cheng Shiyan and the other three, then her gaze fell on Chen Lingxi, pausing slightly.

At the same time, an aura emanated from her, creating clouds and mist that made the Void clouds and mist around Sun-Watching Peak even denser.

The clouds and mist grew thicker and thicker, like the white steam rising from boiling water, silently spreading in all directions.

Fine water droplets condensed on the stone steps, pine branches, and even the half-withered grass leaves.

This is some kind of great Divine Ability.

Chen Lingxi was able to keenly sense that there seemed to be murderous intent intent lurking within the thick fog.

The murderous intent intent was hidden in the thick fog.

However, since he began cultivating, Chen Lingxi had experienced life and death, and his perception of killing intent had become extremely keen.

"This is a Killing Power Divine Ability."

only...

Chen Lingxi was somewhat surprised as she observed the flow of Qi through her eyes.

"This person's Profound Root Wonder Tree level is profound... but why is his Dao Origin so weak, and why does his great Divine Ability power not seem particularly strong?"

Chen Lingxi with doubt.

There is actually no distinction between the twenty-four Divine Ability. Apart from the Killing Power Divine Ability power which is extremely powerful in combat, the other Divine Ability each have their own wonders. How much power can be exerted depends on the cultivator's cultivation level and comprehension.

However, this female cultivator seemed to be practicing some kind of Killing Power Divine Ability, but the power she was displaying was far weaker than the Dao Foundation Realm opponents that Chen Lingxi had encountered before.

"They've been hiding their strength?"

Chen Lingxi these thoughts in her heart, but her face remained expressionless.

But then she saw the female cultivator standing on a cloud, bowing to Chen Lingxi from afar and calling out "Fellow Daoist."

Chen Lingxi thought for a moment, then stood on the mountaintop to return the greeting.

The female cultivator remained standing on the cloud and said softly, "Elder Min Qin of Azure Pool Peak greets fellow Daoist!"

Chen Lingxi, without changing his expression, said, "Spirit-Bearing Daoist greets fellow Daoist!"

Min Qin asked, "Fellow Spirit Bearer, have you come here to pay respects to Fellow Changle Le?"

Chen Lingxi stated directly, "It's both to pay respects to Fellow Daoist Changle Le and to protect the disciples of Sun-Watching Peak at Changle's request."

Shelter from the Sun-Watching Peak?

Min Qin frowned slightly. "The Sun-Watching Peak and the Azure Pool Peak are from the same sect."

Now, the Dao Foundation Realm cultivators of Sun-Watching Peak have perished, and no strong ones remain.

"If Azure Pool Peak doesn't take away the spiritual Spirit Vein, it will surely invite many troubles."

"This is not robbery; Clear Pond Peak has prepared many pills and Spirit Artifact for the transaction."

Chen Lingxi silent for a few moments, then suddenly turned to look at Cheng Shiyan, Zhu Qingjian, and the others.

"Are you willing to trade with Azure Pool Peak for spirit fields and Spirit Vein in exchange for elixirs and Spirit Artifact?"

All four of them were taken aback for a moment.

Cheng Shiyan and the other person looked at each other.

Ning Ya, who was usually quite taciturn, spoke first this time.

"Sun-Watching Peak is where we grew up. The spiritual fields and Spirit Vein are related to the foundation of a cultivator's cultivation. They are also the result of the sect leader's and uncle's hard work."

If there is a way, we would naturally like to keep this spiritual field Spirit Vein within the territory of Sun-Watching Peak."

Cheng Shiyan, Zhu Qingjian, and Hua Liuli all nodded.

Zhu Qingjian gritted his teeth and transmitted his Divine Sense, saying, "This matter has many difficulties. Senior, you don't need to ask us. You should also consider your own safety."

"Changle Uncle Chang Le trusts you, so naturally we also trust you. Everything is up to you to decide."

Upon hearing this, Chen Lingxi slowly turned around.

His gaze passed over Min Qin, past the increasingly thick clouds, and landed on the distant horizon.

"Elder Min, please return. I will personally come to the Clear Pool Sect in ten days to give you an answer."

Min Qin frowned.

She hadn't expected this person to be so difficult to deal with.

"What school of Daoist masters do you follow?" she asked.

Chen Lingxi his head. "Just a Rogue Cultivator."

The mist surrounding Min Qin's body grew increasingly dense.

"As Rogue Cultivator, how dare you so easily interfere in the affairs of my Dragon-Offering Sect?"

Chen Lingxi suddenly stopped and turned around to look directly at Min Qin.

Lightning flashed in his eyes, and at the same time, a terrifying aura emanated from his body.

That aura came and went extremely quickly; though it lasted only a moment, it was like the sky collapsing and the earth splitting apart, or like an ancient bell tolling in the night!

It was precisely that Heaven-Inviting Might!