Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1014 - 706: Void Spirit Insect (Extra - for Alliance Leader 3842 Book Friend 3)

Unlike typical mortal oases that are progressively ruined by the harsh winds and sand, becoming barren over time, this place offers a different spectacle. Survival for ordinary mortals here is an immense struggle.

However, within the verdant oasis of the Extreme West Desert Sea, the scenery dramatically shifts; it flourishes with greenery the deeper one ventures.

Towering mountains and flowing water are not mere phantasms but tangible realities.

This thriving environment is sustained by a wide perimeter of sandthorn wood encircling the oasis. Its vast, dense foliage acts as a formidable barrier against the wind and sand, creating a natural fortress that conserves water.

An additional Wind Attribute Array permeates the entire oasis within the city, actively directing wind and sand away from the settlement.

This ensures the oasis remains protected from erosion.

The water source itself is stabilized through intricate arrays, providing a continuous, sweet, and refreshing flow.

While not extravagant enough for cultivating water-intensive crops, planting hardy, drought-resistant varieties is entirely feasible.

Consequently, the mortal inhabitants of this oasis, despite their frequent encounters with cultivators, harbor a deeper reverence for them compared to those in the Eastern Domain's Yan Kingdom.

This respect stems from the hardships faced by oases without cultivators, which not only battle constant wind and sand erosion but also live under the perennial threat of diminishing water sources and eventual disappearance.

Recently, with the advent of the grand auction, these mortals have been astonished, witnessing a constant stream of Escape Lights, enormous green birds, and sky-obscuring Spiritual Ships traversing the skies.

Within the Immortal City, structures of two or three stories are ubiquitous. At this moment, the density of cultivators is so profound that, were it not for the presence of Spiritual Energy, many unaffiliated cultivators might mistakenly believe mortals had infiltrated the area.

Indeed, the sheer volume of cultivators present far eclipses that of the previously dominant Zhang and Jia families.

Even the Independent Cultivator Square is abuzz with unprecedented activity.

Any lingering signs of past conflicts have been completely erased by the passage of days and nights.

Those unaffiliated cultivators who had previously fled have now returned, repurchasing their shops and residences.

The very restaurant that once bore the Ye Family's insignia, now under a new name, has similarly drawn in a fresh wave of cultivators.

They are observed seated in groups, their conversations now filled with an uncommon cheerfulness.

"If you ask me, the Zhang and Jia families ought to have vanished ages ago. They’ve held dominion over the Desert Sea for countless years, hoarding resources like Purple Mansion Jade Liquid, Earthly Fiend Qi, and Celestial Spirit Qi, all under their strict control. Have you ever witnessed a Purple Mansion domain within the Desert Sea that doesn't bear their crest?"

"Precisely! And now, with the Ye Family redistributing the oases, this is the true dawn of the era of cultivation. If the cultivators of the Zhang and Jia families weren't skulking like Sand Worms, I would have personally hunted down a few to vent my frustrations!"

"It’s not merely that. Consider the prices, for instance. Red Dragon Fish Spirit Cuisine and Cloud Deer Spirit Cuisine have plummeted by at least half. And the newly introduced Spring Tea? Just one Spirit Stone for an entire pot! This is the quality of Immortal Tea that we cultivators deserve!"

"Furthermore, it is said that the Celestial Phoenix Ye Family originally established their presence in the Desert Sea centuries ago, only to have it usurped by the Zhang and Jia families through insidious schemes. The current state of affairs, their retribution and reclamation, is entirely a consequence of the Zhang and Jia families’ own actions."

"Naturally, any resources or territories unearthed by the Zhang and Jia families were ruthlessly annexed, leaving no room for other cultivators to thrive. When a High Tier resource ore vein was discovered, the situation was even more dire; within a hundred-mile radius, no life would exist beyond those affiliated with the Zhang and Jia families!"

...

The lively chatter echoing within the restaurant is hardly distinguishable from the boisterous atmosphere of establishments catering to mortal storytelling.

From a window seat, two young cultivators are observed seated opposite each other.

Their table is adorned not with elaborate spiritual cuisine but with a simple pot of Spring Tea and a flask of Red Glaze.

The former is a specialty of the Ye Family's Spirit Tea, while the latter is a renowned Spirit Wine originating from the Desert Sea.

"Brother Jie, this strategy you devised is absolutely brilliant!" These two individuals are part of the contingent of ten from the Wan Family.

During their time in the Eastern Domain, they had partaken in the Ye Family’s Spirit Fish Cuisine and Cloud Deer Cuisine, and the Spring Tea was even provided gratuitously.

It was unexpected, after altering their identities in the Desert Sea, to find the prices had escalated severalfold.

Yet, in this very moment, universal acclaim is being showered upon the Ye Family.

Their praise for 'powerfulness' implicitly refers to the Ye Family.

However, a palpable sense of apprehension prevents them from discussing both families with complete candor.

Their eyes betray a lingering fear.

Moreover, one of them occasionally hesitates, contemplating whether the Wan Family could truly achieve prosperity in the Desert Sea with such a formidable Ye Family in existence.

"Broaden your perspective, Brother. The nuances of the Desert Sea’s sands are of little consequence. The true objective lies with the Spirit Mountain situated in the Celestial Departure Grassland," Wan Chengjie remarked, taking a measured sip of Spring Tea as he subtly conveyed his thoughts.)

The presence of numerous Ye Family plants within the restaurant was unmistakable to him.

He found himself questioning the swift and deep integration of the Ye Family into the loose cultivator community, especially considering their relatively recent arrival.

It seemed that within this Desert Sea, no significant event could evade the Ye Family's notice for more than a year.

Consequently, even if remnants from the Zhang and Jia families were to emerge from some Mini World or Secret Realm, their presence would be instantly revealed to the Ye Family.

Furthermore, the continuously expanding number of cultivators was bound to exert pressure on the Celestial Departure Grassland.

Combined with the Ye Family's unique Beast Taming techniques, they could potentially bypass the Celestial Departure Grassland altogether and establish dominance in the Hundred Thousand Mountains in the future.

This thought was truly chilling.

Thus, despite his reluctance to admit it, he understood that until they reached the Golden Core stage, they would remain insignificant in the Ye Family's grand scheme.

"Brother Jie, what course of action should we take then?"

"We must make every effort to eliminate the Zhang Family cultivators and locate their hidden bases. At this juncture, our focus shouldn't be on long-term planning, but on securing our passage to the mountains!" Wan Chengjie continued their telepathic exchange.

The individual before him, Wan Chengming, was recognized as the most promising among the ten members of the Wan Family, being the youngest.

"Let us not forget the considerable advantage our Spirit Insects possess within this very Desert Sea!"

A minuscule, grain-sized insect materialized in Wan Chengjie's hand.

Despite its diminutive size, the insect radiated a spiritual luminescence, akin to rippling water, intermittently vanishing and reappearing within the void.

This remarkable creature was aptly named the Void Spirit Insect.

While these spirit insects exhibited an acute sensitivity to Mini Worlds and Secret Realms, their utility was somewhat limited in the Yan Kingdom, where most such locations were already claimed.

However, the Desert Sea presented a different scenario; these insects could now aid the Ye Family in pinpointing undiscovered Secret Realms and Mini Worlds.

This would, in turn, facilitate the hunt for the remaining Zhang Family and Jia Family cultivators.

The sole constraint was the limited detection range of the Void Spirit Insect. In the vast expanse of the Desert Sea, a comprehensive search would prove exceedingly time-consuming, rendering the Wan Family's current methods somewhat impractical for the Ye Family's objectives.

Wan Chengming acknowledged this point with a nod.

"We shall observe for now," Wan Chengjie advised.

Not long after, two middle-aged Daoists took seats at their table.

"This is Daoist Wan, and this is Daoist Xu," the broad-faced man introduced with evident eagerness.

"Daoist Wan, allow me to introduce Xu Changkong, one of the six prominent Loose Cultivators within the Desert Sea. Daoist Xu achieved a breakthrough by consuming a Longevity Spirit Fruit in his youth, establishing him as one of the most seasoned cultivators here. He should be able to assist you with your objective!"

Upon hearing this, Wan Chengjie and Wan Chengming rose from their seats.

"Daoist Xu, Daoist Jiang, I have already secured a private room upstairs. Perhaps we could continue our discussion there?"

The four individuals promptly ascended to the second floor.

Within the private room, a lavish spread of Spiritual Cuisine graced the table, with each dish exuding an aura of exceptional richness.

After courteously inviting Xu Changkong to be seated, Wan Chengjie dispensed with any pleasantries.

He directly addressed the purpose of their meeting:

"Daoist Xu, are you inclined to partake in a significant venture?" Wan Chengjie inquired.

Before Xu Changkong could formulate a response, Wan Chengjie continued:

"From what I understand, the spiritual veins within the oases currently managed by the Ye Family do not surpass Tier Two Lower Grade. However, in addition to the four primary oases, there are three more possessing spiritual veins of Tier Two Top-Grade!"

"Daoist Wan jest; even if I desired such a thing, I would require the necessary capabilities and resources," Xu Changkong remarked, a flicker of greed crossing his features. For cultivators of advanced age, the prospect of ascending to immortality represented the culmination of their life's pursuit. While the former remained an elusive dream, the latter now presented a tangible opportunity; naturally, he harbored a desire for it, which was the very reason he had journeyed from the Celestial Departure Grassland.

Nevertheless, he lacked the means to ascertain the whereabouts of the Zhang Family's hidden sanctuary.

"My sole requirement is for you to guide me towards locations where Secret Realms and Mini Worlds are most likely to be found!" Wan Chengjie stated, opening his palm to reveal a Void Spirit Insect, its form shimmering with spiritual light.

Numerous Mini Worlds and Secret Realms might remain undetected unless they were actively opening or closing; even proximity might not reveal their presence.

Xu Changkong himself could not perceive them.

Yet, the Void Spirit Insect possessed this very capability.

What Wan Chengjie needed was simply Xu Changkong's guidance!

"Very well, then after the auction concludes..."

"Daoist Xu, procrastination breeds risk. If we await the auction, the opportunity will be lost. Do you truly believe you can contend for the Celestial Spirit Qi being offered? To my knowledge, the Ye Family's Purple Mansion lacks substantial reserves!" Wan Chengjie interjected, cutting off Xu Changkong's statement.

...

At Yuanling Oasis, three days hence, the day of the official commencement of the auction had arrived.

The entire auction grounds were established at the heart of the oasis, encompassing a vast area, significantly larger than when the Zhang and Jia families were in charge.

In stark contrast to the ten Spirit Stones entrance fee levied by the Zhang and Jia families, the Ye Family only requested a single Lower Grade Spirit Stone for admission.

This proved to be an enormous boon for numerous Loose Cultivators seeking enlightenment.

For those who practiced Qi Cultivation, acquiring ten Spirit Stones was no small feat.

Upon entering the auction hall, the first floor alone boasted an impressive capacity of over five thousand seats.

The second floor featured more than twenty private rooms, and even the third floor had five rooms available.

Despite the first floor being completely full, less than half of the private rooms on the second floor had been claimed.

A smile touched Ye Haicheng's lips as he observed this spectacle.

He understood that certain cultivators harbored a degree of apprehension towards the Ye Family, perhaps fearing that revealing their full might might compel the Ye Family to adjust their strategies.

"There are indeed many hidden cultivators within the Celestial Departure Grassland and the vast Desert Sea!" Ye Haicheng commented to himself at that precise moment.

His Divine Sense had already conducted a thorough sweep, discovering a considerable number of cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage who were maintaining a low profile.

Some had even reached the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment.

While the Desert Sea might be deficient in Foundation Establishment Pills, the presence of Earthly Fiend Qi was relatively widespread.

Consequently, the number of cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage in the Desert Sea was not insignificant.

Ye Haicheng swiftly conducted a survey, identifying more than fifty Foundation Establishment cultivators within the confines of the auction hall.

This figure aligned perfectly with the number of oases they had designated.

"Grandfather, the appointed time is drawing near!" Ye Jingfu approached Ye Haicheng, offering a gentle reminder.

"Indeed, it is time to formally announce the Ye Family's regulations to them!" Ye Haicheng responded with a nod, then made a grand gesture, unleashing a formidable Purple Mansion aura that caused the cultivators present to inhale sharply in a mixture of awe and apprehension!