Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 1856 - 1397: Identity

The moment Li Zhirui crossed the border into the Southern Domain, he immediately detected the distinct atmosphere of the region.

While the Northern Domain is characterized by its vast, freezing reaches and the Eastern Continent by its flourishing life, the Southern Domain is defined by a primal wilderness saturated with evil qi!

It appeared as though bloodshed and conflict were inseparable from this land, woven into its very fabric.

Historically, the Southern Domain served as the habitat for the Ten Thousand Spirit Race, where skirmishes over resources were a common occurrence. However, the arrival of the Human Tao Dynasty caused the frequency of warfare to skyrocket!

Battles erupt nearly every month. Whether the cause is territory, resources, or simply a spark of friction that spirals into a massive engagement, peace is a rarity.

These conflicts are not limited to clashes between the human race and the Ten Thousand Spirits; the various dynasties within the Human Tao Dynasty fight amongst themselves as well!

Aggression is a hallmark of the Human Tao Dynasty. To grow in power, they require an ever-expanding population and more land. While the former can be achieved through internal development, the latter can only be secured through relentless outward expansion!

Following years of continuous warfare, the Human Tao Dynasty has seized more than half of the Southern Domain. This has pushed the Ten Thousand Spirit Race back toward the Undying Volcano in the Far South.

This expansion, however, has reached its threshold. The more compressed a territory becomes, the simpler it is to hold against invaders.

Furthermore, the logistical burden of transporting supplies from the core territories of the great dynasties is staggering. If ten stones of grain are sent out, only four stones typically reach the front lines!

Because the losses are unsustainable, the dynasties have ceased their proactive assaults on the Ten Thousand Spirit Race. Instead, they have shifted to a defensive strategy, erecting fortified cities along the mountain ranges.

Beyond the primitive violence and constant war, the Southern Domain instilled in Li Zhirui a sense of heaviness, austerity, and profound irritation!

Because of the Human Tao Dynasty's dominance, the area is blanketed by a Human Dao magic network. To an orthodox Immortal Dao Cultivator like him, the environment was stifling.

Fortunately, he possessed a method to neutralize the effects of the Human Dao magic network: a jade seal infused with a dynasty’s dragon energy!

Li Zhirui had carried this jade seal for many years. He had acquired it shortly after the establishment of Daqian, the very first Human Dao Dynasty in the Primal Spirit Realm.

Since all subsequent Human Dao dynasties in the Primal Spirit Realm originated from Daqian, the dragon energy from that era is regarded as the Ancestor Dragon Qi of the human race for this realm.

A jade seal containing even a fragment of Ancestor Dragon Qi is a priceless treasure. Now, it served as the perfect tool to shield him from the suppression of the Human Dao magic network.

It worked perfectly!

As soon as Li Zhirui fastened the jade seal to his belt, the oppressive weight vanished instantly. He could now travel through the Southern Domain without hindrance.

Moreover, since cultivators exist within the Human Tao Dynasty, his presence did not draw undue attention.

That said, these practitioners are fundamentally different from traditional Immortal Dao Cultivators!

While both paths involve absorbing spiritual energy and seeking an understanding of the Heavenly Dao to advance their Cultivation and realm, Human Dao practitioners face a unique restriction.

Their progress is entirely dependent on talismans!

From the very start of their journey, they must have talismans implanted into their Dantian. To ascend to a higher realm, they must obtain a talisman of superior quality.

Advancement is not something they can achieve through solitary effort; it requires the authorization of the Human Tao Dynasty. A specific government body known as the Taoist Register Office manages these cultivation talismans.

Naturally, this system offers its own advantages to Human Dao cultivators.

Primarily, they do not require the high level of natural talent demanded by the Immortal Dao; the grade of their talisman is the primary factor limiting their growth. Additionally, holding a Taoist official rank allows them to tap into the dynasty's collective luck, granting them immense combat power.

Rumors suggest that the Human Dao cultivation system was inspired by the Divine Path, a connection made evident by their shared reliance on talismans.

Moving forward!

Disguised as a local, Li Zhirui easily slipped into the Dayan Dynasty, a minor power within the Human Tao Dynasty's sphere.

This small nation is sandwiched between the Daqian and Great Zhou Dynasties. Despite its lack of military might, its position as a vital trade hub between the two giants ensures that the people of Dayan enjoy a relatively high standard of living.

He targeted a smaller dynasty because their security is weaker, making it easier to infiltrate and secure a legitimate identification. Having a valid identity would make navigating the Southern Domain much simpler.

Furthermore, because the Dayan Dynasty sits at a crossroads, it is a frequent destination for fugitives seeking sanctuary, providing Li Zhirui with a perfect cover story for his origin.

He arrived at a minor border settlement. A few sentries stood at the gate, but they were unkempt and lethargic. They barely glanced at the travelers passing through, their presence appearing more symbolic than functional.

Li Zhirui was pleased by this laxity. It allowed him to enter the town without difficulty and begin his search for a way to secure papers.

He masked his power, appearing only as a cultivator of the Individual Immortal Realm. Even so, he drew some looks, as even an Individual Immortal is a rare sight in a minor dynasty like Dayan.

The locals quickly surmised that this Individual Immortal was an outsider, likely a refugee fleeing trouble from a neighboring dynasty.

However, no one moved to stop him as he walked into the town.

For those who facilitate refugees, a higher level of Cultivation meant a higher price for their services—and a bigger profit for the fixers!

Sure enough, he had not walked far before a figure approached him, asking in a low voice, "Are you here looking for a safe harbor?"

Though briefly surprised, Li Zhirui caught the man's meaning immediately. He nodded and asked, "Do you have the means to provide one?"