Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1060 - 740: Ingenious Uses of the Insect Cultivator, The Grand Auction

As the array surged to life by Qingliu Lake, the water's surface violently heaved, splitting as if sliced by an unseen blade. The vast expanse of lake water rushed towards the shores, tearing ancient Qingliu trees from their roots on both banks. This dramatic display fully exposed two Blood Jade Eels, their gills swelling menacingly. A fierce crimson light emanated from them, hinting at an imminent escape into the void. These formidable creatures displayed an agility akin to spirit snakes, seemingly unbound by water or land. However, their escape was hampered by their reduced speed away from their aquatic domain.

Ye Jingyong, mounted atop his Tier Two Peak Silver Moon Python, was the first to strike, achieving incredible velocity. A barrage of water arrows was unleashed towards the two eels, while the immense silver moon's eyes blazed with potent spiritual light. In the subsequent moment, the Blood Jade Eels inflated their gills once more, their barbels standing erect. An unfathomable suction force erupted, causing the Silver Moon Python and Ye Jingyong himself to falter momentarily.

Surprisingly, the peculiar magic exerted by these eels bore a resemblance to the Qi and blood aura of Ye Jingcheng’s Five-Colored Cloud Deer. Both abilities drew upon the vital Qi and blood of cultivators or demonic beasts. While not causing fatal damage, this power could disrupt cultivators' secret techniques and demonic beasts' assaults at crucial junctures.

As Ye Jingyong contained them, Ye Xingqun deployed two Silver Ring Artifacts, Ye Jingli readied a Mystical Jade Bottle Artifact, and Ye Jingyun expertly maneuvered the surrounding array. Being merely in the late stage of Tier Two, the Blood Jade Eels, overwhelmed by the multiple coordinated attacks, could only express their frustration through furious roars.

"Perhaps, you are the Ye family's fortune!" Ye Jingyong exclaimed, recovering his composure and charging decisively towards the two spirit eels. Now in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, his sights were set on advancing to the peak of Foundation Establishment and subsequently to the Purple Mansion realm, aiming to become another distinguished Body Cultivator of the Ye Family.

With a sharp cry, Ye Jingyong made a direct lunge for the vital seven-inch mark of one Blood Jade Eel. However, the slick creature evaded him, only to be promptly ensnared within the Mystical Jade Bottle. The remaining Blood Jade Eel emitted continuous mournful cries, displaying both anger and sorrow. Facing a shrinking confinement from the array and the unrelenting advance of the Silver Ring Artifacts, it was eventually bound tightly, rendered immobile. Thus, both Blood Jade Eels were successfully captured by the Ye family.

While these two formidable Tier Two Blood Jade Eels were being subdued, the other thirty-eight juvenile Blood Jade Eels were efficiently apprehended by the remaining Ye family members. "The bounty from this endeavor is quite substantial!" Even Ye Jingyong couldn't help but express his astonishment. Here, he was the sole Body Cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage. Had it not been for the potential benefits of breeding, Ye Jingyong might have been tempted to prepare a spiritual feast on the spot to nourish his physique. After all, he had lingered in the late stage of Foundation Establishment for a considerable period, fully capable of making a sprint towards the peak.

Yet, compared to the significant advantages offered by breeding these creatures, that prospect seemed rather insignificant. Consequently, Ye Jingyong leaned more towards the breeding strategy. This particular type of spirit fish and eel lacked potent offensive capabilities, requiring only measures to prevent their escape. Breeding them proved far simpler than managing adult Cyan Wind Wolves or Silver Moon Pythons, along with other formidable demonic beasts.

"Brother Liu, you will lead a contingent to remain here and guard Qingliu Lake diligently. Ensure its security, lest Young Master Jingcheng returns and disparages your efforts!" Ye Jingyun instructed at this moment. Having already incurred a five-day delay, he intended to conclude the clearing of the beast tide at Lingyun Peak promptly. Ye Jingyong, Ye Xingqun, and Ye Qingyan would accompany Ye Jingyun. Following the completion of this task, they would proceed to Taixing or Taichang Market as circumstances dictated.

However, before their departure, the Ye family could indeed benefit from refining a batch of spirit pills using the demon cores acquired. Ye Qingyan possessed pill formulas obtained from the East Sea and now felt confident in his ability to refine Tier Two Top-Grade Spirit Pills. His alchemy skills surpassed those of Ye Jingyun, ensuring both practical experience for Ye Qingyan and a reliable rate and output for the spirit pills produced.

"Naturally!" Ye Jingli responded with immense excitement. Although Ye Jingyun would entrust him with only seven or eight Qi Cultivation stage members of the clan, the remaining responsibilities were significant. These included clearing nearby demonic beasts and locating mortal populations, striving to preserve as many lives as possible. Naturally, Ye Jingli surmised that the Jin family's core mortals had likely been relocated by them already. However, the mortals belonging to the Mo family could still be found, and they held a considerable chance of possessing spirit roots.

"If Uncle Xinghan were present, it would be truly wonderful; these willow trees possess a unique spirit. If they were all to transform into Spirit Willows, combined with the lakeside willow branches, swaying in the mountain breeze, and a few cups of rustic wine, what a delight that would be!" Ye Jingli gazed towards the lake's edge, recalling Ye Jingcheng's preferences.

Concurrently, his thoughts drifted to Ye Xingqun's bamboo grove and Ye Jingcheng's tea plantation; now, Ye Jingli too could claim ownership of a secluded willow forest.

"Excellent, I believe Jingcheng would greatly anticipate this!" Ye Jingyun offered a smile and a nod.

With the Ye Family's domain now expanded, the associated responsibilities naturally grew heavier.

Therefore, without further delay, he guided the majority of the family members towards Lingyun Peak.

While aboard the spiritual ship, Ye Xingqun diligently continued his task of documenting the spirit beasts identified with special marking powder.

These marked creatures represented the primary objective for the Ye Family's future demon-hunting expeditions within the Taihang Mountain Range.

Many of these were exceptionally precious demon beasts.

Whether the Ye Family chose to nurture them or refine them into bonded spirit beasts, the prospects appeared exceedingly promising.

Furthermore, this was another strategic advantage that occurred to him concerning Insect Cultivators.

"Here we have the Tricolor Finch..."

"And this is the Long-armed Silver Ape..."

Ye Xingqun meticulously took notes, while Ye Qingyan, aboard the same spiritual ship, focused on organizing the diverse array of demon beast inner cores and the spirit medicines meticulously gathered by the Ye Family over the preceding years.

Following the upheaval of the beast tide, the family's development would necessitate a steady supply of spiritual pills for cultivation.

Presently, the burdens placed upon him were significant.

After all, his duties encompassed not only refining the essential spirit pills for the family's needs but also those required for the Taihang Mountain Range itself.

Upon completion of the refining process, he also needed to prepare himself for a period of secluded cultivation to achieve a breakthrough to the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment.

...

Within the Eastern Domain, aboard a spiritual ship, Master Xi Wang and True Monarch Beihai found themselves in attendance.

At this juncture, it was only natural that both harbored feelings of profound discontent.

The East Sea Beast Tide had scarcely subsided, and now, human cultivators were compelled to venture into the Cyan Cloud Sea Domain to breach the Celestial Horse Pass. The considerable time investment required for such extensive travel was a significant concern.

Moreover, the vexing complexities presented by the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea added to their disquiet.

"Uncle Beihai, could we perhaps leverage the pretext of damage to our forces to remain in the Yan Kingdom this time?" Master Xi Wang voiced his query.

His most significant apprehension stemmed from the possibility of counterattacks where the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Four Sects of Qilu might instigate the Qinghe Sect and the Cyan Spirit Trading Association to advance first.

In such a scenario, they would inevitably be relegated to the role of mere cannon fodder.

And amidst such circumstances, the demise of Golden Core cultivators was an all-too-common occurrence.

"We cannot. This time, even the revered Divine Monarch seniors will be personally overseeing the engagement on the front lines!" True Monarch Beihai admitted with a trace of helplessness.

While he was naturally disinclined to participate, once these directives were issued, regardless of their reluctance, there was simply no recourse.

Over the years, the transformations observed within the Eastern Domain sects had invariably borne the discernible imprint of the Immortal Sect.

"What about the matter concerning the Beast Desolate Wasteland?"

"Let us not broach that subject for the present. We are already aware of the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea's territorial expansion aimed at facilitating the Demon Emperor's breakthrough, so there is no necessity to press the issue further. The primary responsibility for the beast tide does not rest with our Qinghe Sect, and I suspect True Monarch Tai Peng has been discreetly present within the Taihang Mountain Range!" True Monarch Beihai disclosed, a hint of apprehension coloring his tone.

Even a Great Cultivator at the Late-Stage True Monarch realm had found no trace upon venturing into the Taihang Mountain Range.

Consequently, those he had deployed were equally incapable of uncovering anything.

Moreover, even if they were to discover the truth, such revelations might prove even more detrimental to the Qinghe Sect's standing.

"We must await the expiration of True Monarch Tian Dao's extended lifespan before contemplating any action. Currently, a low profile is absolutely imperative!" True Monarch Beihai emphasized.

Master Xi Wang's eyes held a discernible glint of anticipation.

If they were forced to wait, would this not signify the imminent arrival of his own opportunity?

"Once this current beast tide concludes, I shall endeavor to procure certain treasures to aid you in your breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage. However, bear this in mind: during this ongoing beast tide, we absolutely cannot afford any missteps!"

"Thank you, Uncle!"

...

Within the Wei Kingdom, another spiritual ship was also charting a course towards the East Sea.

A cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage piloted a Tier Five spiritual ship, directly bound for the East Sea, a journey that would not consume an excessive amount of time.

Regarding the use of teleportation arrays, it was deemed inadvisable at this particular moment. Firstly, it presented a significant risk of exposure, and secondly, there was the possibility of being teleported directly into a massive horde of demon beasts, leading to a disadvantageous encirclement.

By positioning the teleportation array amidst the territory of the Four Sects of Qilu, they naturally feared these sects might covet the spatial nodes embedded within the teleportation array's spatial jade. Thus, a direct flight to the East Sea seemed the more prudent choice.

Aboard the spiritual ship at this very moment were True Master Zitian and True Monarch Zi Ming, accompanied by True Master San Yuan, Master Miaofa, and others of considerable standing.

The entirety of Taiyi Sect's formidable combat power was present within the spiritual ship's chambers.

A general sense of bewilderment permeated the air; though the beast tide had emerged unexpectedly, True Monarch Zi Ming's decision to summon so many to the East Sea risked leaving the sect's defenses somewhat vulnerable.

It was also crucial to remember that Fairy Linghong was currently in the throes of her breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage within the Taichang Mountain Range.

"The Immortal Sect is slated to host an upcoming auction and trade fair, anticipated to be the grandest of its kind. A multitude of cultivators will converge, presenting a significant opportunity for all of you!" True Monarch Zi Ming elaborated.

"Our sect currently possesses no surplus Nascent Soul Treasures. Should any of you manage to acquire a few independently, it would be a most auspicious development, especially considering the rampant fury of the Chenjing Sea, which has likely resulted in substantial losses of Chenjing Jade!"

At these words, True Master San Yuan's countenance visibly brightened.

Within Taiyi Sect, the leadership had historically been a shared endeavor among the Five Peaks. Although the Purple Peak had ascended to a more dominant position in recent years, bolstered by True Monarch Zi Ming's advancement, the Sword Peak had not suffered any significant erosion of its resources.

In terms of sheer financial potency, the Sword Peak stood nearly on par with the Purple Peak.

The prospect of such a colossal auction presented a valuable chance for him as well.

Only Master Miaofa posed a question at this juncture, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Esteemed Zi Ming, while I comprehend the urgency of the beast tide, given the current standing of the Ye Family, does their extensive control over a Commandery not grant them excessive influence?"

Heeding this inquiry, True Master San Yuan also turned his attention, becoming attentive.

True Monarch Zi Ming simply offered a dismissive wave of his hand.

"There is no necessity to concern yourselves with the Ye Family!"

Though others harbored further questions, they found themselves unable to voice them.

Yet, in this moment, their conviction solidified: the Ye Family was undeniably under the sway of Master Tianfu.

Such an arrangement rendered any lingering anxieties about them entirely superfluous.

"On a related note, esteemed colleagues, in addition to reinforcing the East Sea Four Sects, our Taiyi Sect intends to establish a subsidiary sect within the Celestial Cloud Islands, located in the Cyan Cloud Sea Domain. This strategic move aims to consolidate our influence over the region's resources. For years, the Qinghe Sect has capitalized on a first-mover advantage across various fronts due to our lack of a functional teleportation array!"

"Otherwise, how could the Qinghe Sect possibly have amassed such power and influence?"