Vol 5 Chapter 73: Pain, Such Pain

"It seems he has considered everything thoroughly." Ling Daozi stroked his white beard and said, "If this Star Heaven Veil Array truly functions as you describe, then Tianyuan Realm could indeed monopolize the resources of Origin Realm."

The other Seeking the Way cultivators also realized - since no other cultivation realms could locate Tianyuan Realm, what did it matter if they angered everyone? The only place outsiders could reach was Origin Realm, and there, Lin Jing possessed such overwhelming strength and influence that no one could oppose him.

Many cases existed of cultivators in Origin Realm achieving Postnatal Immortal Physique through Origin Sources. It was impossible for these Tianyuan cultivators not to covet such opportunities.

However, these elders also understood Lin Jing's nature. As the Holy Son of the Demon Court who even demanded protection fees for Golden Ranking slots, he wouldn't let them gain significant advantages easily.

"What conditions does Benefactor Lin propose?" The Sun Temple's Buddha Master inquired.

Dao Hui clasped his hands and replied, "Buddha Master, after our return, Tianyuan Realm will have ten vacant slots. Lin Jing wants all of them."

"He intends to use the Beast Taming Art to contract creatures from Origin Realm and bring them to Tianyuan. These Origin Realm creatures possess extraordinary talents, potential, and strength - nearly every one is guaranteed to reach Void Mystical Stage, with even higher chances of achieving Seeking the Way than ordinary cultivators."

"If we can integrate these trapped creatures into Tianyuan, our realm's overall power will grow tremendously. We'd no longer need to fear the Heavenly Demon Realm, and could even elect someone to lead the Cultivation Alliance."

"Lin Jing could subdue these creatures precisely because he promised to eventually free them from Origin Realm..."

"So his proposal is this: elders contribute their power to regularly send Beast Master Sect disciples into Origin Realm, while Lin Jing compensates you with Origin Sources."

"Preposterous! Inviting those foreign creatures to Tianyuan?" The Second Ancient Emperor frowned. "With their talents, in ten thousand years, would Tianyuan still belong to human cultivators?"

Moreover, implementing this plan would rapidly strengthen both the Beast Master Sect and Demon Court. Though he'd recently accepted a disciple with Innate Immortal Physique and arranged a political marriage to bind them to the Ancient Kingdom, the Second Emperor still hoped his nation would remain Tianyuan's hegemon.

"Enough dithering!" An old man with a turtle shell suddenly appeared in the hall, making the Second Emperor grimace - it was the First Ancient Emperor. "Having these creatures come is far better than facing the Heavenly Demon army! Their presence would enrich Tianyuan's natural energies too!"

"Grandfather Emperor..." Gu Xinghe and his companion immediately bowed. "Lin Jing mentioned that talented individuals from other factions could enter Origin Realm to contract creatures, even without joining Beast Master Sect - provided our sect lacks sufficient qualified disciples."

"This arrangement seems acceptable," some elders nodded, relieved the creatures wouldn't exclusively serve the Beast Master Sect and Demon Court.

"Given the gravity, let's reconvene in three days with our true bodies," the Second Emperor proposed, needing to consult his princes and princesses further. As the elders departed with their disciples, only the Tongtian Tower Master remained without anyone to collect.

..........

"That brat Lin Jing didn't have you bring me anything good, did he?"

In the Demon Emperor's palace, she pulled Xu Qingyao into her private quarters, eagerly leaning close.

"Your Majesty," Xu Qingyao nodded. "Junior Brother obtained an immortal merit and artifact from Origin Realm for you."

"Let me see!" The Demon Emperor's heart leapt - she knew doting on her Holy Son would pay off!

"The immortal merit is called 'Nine Dances of the Celestial Zither'..."

"What?!" The Demon Emperor stiffened. "Zither? Music Dao? What useless technique! Do I look like some dancing girl?"

Xu Qingyao sighed. "Junior Brother said since Your Majesty gifted him a bell-shaped Imperial Weapon, you might have aptitude... And with the Glazed Immortal Eye's mutated Bodhi Leaf, you could learn it regardless. Most importantly, it's an Immortal Lord-level technique created jointly by an Immortal King and several music-specialized Immortal Lords for his consort."

The Demon Emperor's expression shifted. The technique's rank was indeed supreme, but changing cultivation methods was troublesome, and this one didn't suit her tastes.

"What about the artifact?"

Xu Qingyao produced a sword sheath.

The Demon Emperor blinked. "Where's the sword? Just a sheath?"

"Junior Brother said the sheath itself is the immortal artifact. It specializes in suppressing swords - even immortal swords - and can easily neutralize sword intent attacks."

"So he wants me to raid the Heavenly Sword Sect?" the Demon Emperor muttered.

"Originally, he hoped Your Majesty could block Demon Emperor Tianchou. But after obtaining the Star Heaven Veil Array, that became unnecessary."

"In return, he prepared a millennium-grade Premium Immortal Source to help Your Majesty breakthrough to immortal-blooded status and become Tianyuan's foremost expert!"

The Demon Emperor's eyes finally shone. At last, something worthwhile!

"Where is it?"

"Here!" Xu Qingyao presented a jade box. "Junior Brother intended to use this himself, but since advancing in Origin Realm isn't urgent, he offers it to Your Majesty first, hoping it will elevate you to Celestial Beast status!"

"Moreover, activating the Star Heaven Veil Array requires immortal energy only Your Majesty can provide using this Premium Immortal Source."

"Most crucially, strengthening Your Majesty quickly will help dominate Tianyuan and support his plans."

The Demon Emperor snatched the Immortal Source, eyes gleaming as she hugged the box. "I can smell its quality! My Holy Son is so thoughtful. Does he need anything else? My full support for all his plans in Origin Realm!"

Xu Qingyao lowered her head, withholding Lin Jing's mutterings about how much giving up the Premium Immortal Source pained him, and his wish that after reaching Void Mystical Stage, he could contract the Demon Emperor herself. She understood - such supreme treasures came only once in millennia. The agony was real.