Vol. 1 - Ch. 339 - Saving the Clan

【Name: Ji Yang】

【Race: Netherworld Locust Tree】

【Vitality: 3002】

【Divine Abilities: Eye of Insight, Reversing Dan Progress, One Leaf Obscures the Sight, Soul Condensation, Protecting Armor, Thousand Mile Red Land, Spirit Awakening, Withered Tree Meets Spring, Soul-Seizing and Spirit-Taking, Deliverance, Qi Observation, Flourishing Branches and Leaves, and Mist Formation】

【Cultivation Techniques: Lunar Eclipse, Yin Gathering, Incense Golden Body, Spirit Devouring, Sun Eclipse】

【Combat Techniques: Taizu Long Fist, Seven Emotions and Six Desires Severing Sword (incomplete), Great Taiyi Seal, Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper Fist, Five Poisons Yin Wind Palm, Cloud-Cleaving Nine Shears (incomplete)】

【Qi and Blood: 518 (convertible to Vitality)】

【Spiritual Power: 65】

【Simulation Points: 82】

【Available for Simulation】

【Status: Absorbing Solar Essence】

Ji Yang lowered his gaze, looking at the increase in Qi and Blood and Spiritual Power he had gained just from devouring this gray stone. He could not help but marvel at it.

Previously, his Qi and Blood were only 375 points, and his Spiritual Power was merely 20 points.

Now, however, his Qi and Blood had increased by over a hundred points and his Spiritual Power by more than forty.

This was over twice what he had gained from absorbing the green bamboo before and far superior to that of many ferocious beasts.

If he could obtain a few more stones like this, he would no longer need to worry about Qi and Blood, or Spiritual Power.

Yet, objects imbued with spirit were rare. Obtaining this gray stone had been extremely difficult. However, as the clan grew stronger, Ji Yang believed that he would eventually be able to absorb even stronger totems.

Although he now had enough for a tenfold deduction, Ji Yang chose to remain in seclusion once again.

He intended to perform two consecutive deductions to increase his chances of gaining greater rewards.

Below, seeing that the Divine Tree showed no further reaction, several people quickly dragged over the previously captured ferocious Innate Realm giant python and began the sacrifice.

Ji Yang was momentarily stunned upon seeing this.

There’s more?

But he soon perceived the uniqueness of this ferocious beast. After the giant python was sacrificed, a new remnant soul quickly appeared in the air.

Even without the enhancement of the remnant soul, this ferocious beast had actually reached the Innate Realm. This greatly surprised Ji Yang.

After being released, the remnant soul still did not regain its memories, leaving only pure Yin Qi behind.

This made Ji Yang beam with joy. Setting aside other matters, such ferocious beasts were truly supreme nourishment for him. They could provide him with Qi and Blood, and Spiritual Power while yielding gains in Yin Qi and Soul Qi.

They were perfect sacrificial offerings. The only drawback was that this Innate Realm ferocious beast contributed very little Spiritual Power, only two points, which was less than some Blood Coagulation Realm ferocious beasts contributed.

Still, Ji Yang was satisfied.

…

"Uncle Qingcheng, let's go to the clan square to spar and practice our combat techniques!"

Several boys and girls who appeared to be around ten years old extended an invitation to Chen Qingcheng in the clan.

"No, my father still has some matters to attend to. You go ahead. I’ll come next time!”

Chen Qingcheng declined their invitation, then turned and quickly walked away.

The several who had been rejected all wore puzzled expressions.

"What's wrong with Uncle Qingcheng lately?"

"Ever since he returned from Chaotic Burial Mountain, he hasn't practiced or sparred with us anymore."

"Never mind. Let's go first!"

They scratched their heads in confusion but did not dwell on it further.

Meanwhile, Chen Qingcheng had already reached the rear mountain of the clan. Recalling the disappointment in the eyes of those who were rejected, he sighed softly.

Yet, at that moment, an old voice slowly echoed in his mind.

“Boy, a brief sacrifice is worth it!

"Don't you want to save your clan? Don't you want to save your companions who have been harmed by your clan’s Divine Tree?"

Chen Qingcheng hesitated briefly before asking,

“Was everything you said before true?”

A faint laugh echoed in his mind.

“Do you think I am deceiving you?

"But you have also been to Yong'an City and seen it for yourself. Look at the children your age what are they doing? They're still growing up carefree in their parents' embrace, enjoying the beautiful times of childhood.

"And look at you? At only three or four years old, you already have the bodies and minds of normal eleven- or twelve-year-olds. Do you think this is a good thing? But let me tell you, the sun and moon wax and wane, and the stars array themselves in the sky. All things between Heaven and Earth have their own laws. This act may seem to allow the clan to grow strong quickly, but it is actually exhausting your potential, consuming your limited lifespans, and leading your clan toward an inescapable abyss."

“That is not a divine tree. It is the chief culprit leading your clan to decline. Ultimately, your entire clan will become nourishment for this so-called divine tree.

“If you don't believe me, observe other clans or ask your elders if they've ever had such experiences.”

These words plunged Chen Qingcheng into silence. For a long time, he did not speak.

Soon, the voice in his mind sounded again:

"Boy, if you wish to save your clan, you must possess great strength. You cannot rely on your clan's divine tree. Only then is there hope. Otherwise, the clan will sink deeper and deeper. When that time comes, even I will be unable to help you."

Chen Qingcheng, who had originally been somewhat bewildered, quickly became resolute. He nodded and said, “Elder Mu, I understand! I will work hard!"

"It's good that you understand. This place is very safe. Begin practicing the combat technique I taught you!"

"Mm!"

…

Time flew swiftly. In the blink of an eye, three months had passed.

"Clan Leader, business at Hidden Mountain Pavilion has been extremely good recently. The quantity of medicinal herbs is somewhat insufficient!"

In Yong'an City, Chen Yihu's report came through soon.

Upon hearing this news, a trace of joy appeared on Chen Tianjing’s face as well. Although the medicinal herbs that the clan had excavated at Chaotic Burial Mountain were of good quality, most of the people in the city were ordinary citizens, and there were few martial artists. This made it difficult to sell many medicinal herbs.

Recently, however, many unfamiliar faces had appeared in the city. The clan was initially cautious, but these people seemed to have come specifically to spend money, and they had brought many jade coins. This greatly improved the clan’s business.

After pondering briefly, Chen Tianjing asked,

"Which medicinal herbs are selling the fastest? Do you have any statistics? In two days, I will have the clan send another batch.”

"Reporting to the Clan Leader, the best sellers are Blood-Benefiting Grass, Purple Pearl, and White Atractylodes."

Upon hearing these names, the joy on Chen Tianjing’s face quickly faded, replaced by puzzlement.

These herbs were mostly used to stop bleeding and replenish qi, i.e., to treat injuries. Previously, when clan members were injured, the clan would use these herbs.

Although the clan now possessed the power of the Divine Tree, their reserves of these herbs were substantial. Usually, they could not sell too many. Why, then, had they suddenly sold out now?

Seeing that Chen Tianjing was lost in thought, Chen Yihu spoke up: “Clan Leader, I have also indirectly inquired about why they purchased these herbs. They all said that someone in their clan had recently been injured. Moreover, the people who came to buy the herbs were not the same group, so I did not ask further.

"Should I investigate further?"