Cultivation of Immortality: Start by Improving Spiritual Root Qualifications

Chapter 929 The discord among the Que clan, the magic array is complete!
Zhou Xun then took Que Ming's warrant and went to the Que Clan Treasury to collect the materials for refining the teleportation array.

The clan's storehouse was located in another part of the island. Zhou Xun rode his escape light, and the spiritual peaks and beautiful waters rushed past beneath his feet.

Soon, a magnificent complex of buildings gradually came into view in the distance.

The building was made entirely of jade, with upturned eaves that resembled dragons soaring to the heavens. The four gilded characters "Que Clan Treasury" at the main entrance gleamed in the sunlight.

What is most striking is the array of light patterns flowing on its surface, which is actually woven from the spiritual power of five attributes, forming an indestructible protective barrier.

"What an exquisite Five Elements Rotation Array!" Zhou Xun thought to himself in admiration.

His gaze swept over a dozen equally magnificent buildings nearby, where cultivators frequently entered and exited; these were none other than the renowned library of the Que family.

Zhou Xun was deeply moved and secretly resolved to come here to study it carefully once the teleportation array was set up.

His understanding of the immortal realm was still superficial, and these ancient texts were exactly what he needed.

With the warrant, Zhou Xun successfully passed the guard's inspection.

As soon as they stepped into the clan's storehouse, an old man in a dark green robe with five golden clouds embroidered on his chest approached them. He was clearly a Nascent Soul stage manager.

"This must be Senior Wangchuan, right? Old Que Jinsheng is the steward of the clan's treasury." The old man bowed respectfully, his attitude almost fawning.

"The patriarch has already sent word that you, senior, are coming to collect the materials. What materials are needed?"

Zhou Xun handed over the list that he had prepared beforehand.

When Steward Que took the document and looked at it, his smile froze on his face. He checked it three times, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

"Senior, the fifth-tier materials on this list, especially the superior-grade Yuan Kong Crystals..." Steward Que's voice hesitated slightly.

"It requires the Ninth Elder's personal approval. However, the Ninth Elder went out to visit a friend three days ago and has not yet returned."

Zhou Xun frowned slightly, but quickly relaxed:

"It's alright. Do you know how to contact Elder Ninth, young friend?"

"I'll contact the elder right away!" the old man said hurriedly, taking out a jade talisman and whispering a few words.

Meanwhile, in a cave not far from here,

A portly middle-aged man sat in the main seat, one arm around a beautiful maid, his expression lewd.

Before him, a dozen or so women, their clothes half-undone, were dancing gracefully.
Suddenly, the communication talisman at the middle-aged man's waist moved.
He impatiently unleashed a burst of spiritual light to cover the jade talisman, then continued to immerse himself in the feast of wine and meat before him.

"How is it?" Zhou Xun asked.

"Elder E should have already received the news and is on his way!" the old man said with a smile.

"Very well, then I'll wait!" Zhou Xun picked up a cup of spiritual tea and slowly sipped it.

The old man bowed as he left the reception room, beads of sweat already forming on his forehead.

He strode through the clan's treasury corridors, hurrying towards the Ninth Elder's cave. The protective light barriers along the way sensed the token at his waist and automatically parted.

The guards outside the cave looked troubled when they saw the old man: "Steward Que, the elder is receiving guests and has ordered that we not disturb him."

"This concerns the patriarch's decree, and cannot be delayed!" Steward Que gritted his teeth and stuffed a high-grade spirit stone into the man's hand. "Please inform him."

They waited for three hours.

As the sun began to set, the cave's protective barriers slowly opened. Steward Que straightened his clothes and cautiously stepped inside.

The cave was filled with a sweet, cloying fragrance of cosmetics, and broken wine jugs and fruit pits were scattered on the ground.

The Ninth Elder leaned back in his seat, his face grim: "Jin Sheng, you'd better have something important to say."

The steward knelt down with a thud: "Reporting to the elder, Senior Wangchuan has sent a warrant from the family head to collect materials, including high-grade Yuan Kong Crystals."

"You bother me with such a trivial matter?" The Ninth Elder slammed his hand on the table, shattering it, which startled the maid beside him, causing her to tremble.

"But...but that person is a fifth-tier array master!" Steward Que pressed his forehead to the ground.

"What needs to be set up is an inter-island teleportation array."

The Ninth Elder's expression changed slightly, and he narrowed his eyes: "A fifth-tier array master?" He pushed away the maid in his arms, then suddenly thought of something and smiled slightly.
"Then let's meet him. Lead the way." He finally stood up, the lingering rouge stains on his brocade robe particularly glaring.

Zhou Xun sat in the elegant room and waited for a long time.

Finally, the Ninth Elder showed up.

He wore a dark gold robe, and the jade pendant at his waist jingled with his steps. He had a smile on his round face and his attitude was quite warm.

"This must be Fellow Daoist Wangchuan! I've heard so much about you!" The Ninth Elder bowed respectfully, his voice booming like a bell.

Zhou Xun noticed that there was still a trace of rouge on his fingers, and a faint smell of alcohol wafted in the air.

His expression remained unchanged; he simply took out the warrant and handed it over calmly: "Ninth Elder, this is the Patriarch's edict."

At this moment, Zhou Xun just wanted to get the materials and leave as soon as possible.

However, after receiving the order, the Ninth Elder leisurely sat down in the main seat, showing no intention of getting up to retrieve the materials.

"Fellow Daoist Wangchuan, please have a seat." The Ninth Elder gestured with a smile.
"I've heard that you are a fifth-tier array master, and even capable of setting up inter-island teleportation arrays? Truly admirable!"

"Ninth Elder, you flatter me. I was merely following orders!" Zhou Xun replied.
"Speaking of which, my Spirit Island is nearly ten million miles away from the main island, and each round trip takes a long time."

Zhou Xun frowned almost imperceptibly.
"If we could set up a teleportation array on my spirit island, that would be much more convenient," the Ninth Elder said eagerly, rubbing his fingers together.
"At that time, I will request credit from the Third Supreme Elder."

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Zhou may not know this, but the Third Supreme Elder is my grandfather. If this formation is set up properly, my grandfather will use it frequently!"

A knowing glint flashed in Zhou Xun's eyes.

It turns out that behind the Ninth Elder is the Void Refinement stage ancestor of the Que clan, no wonder he is so unscrupulous.

"Setting up a teleportation array is certainly possible," Zhou Xun said calmly.
"As long as you prepare the materials, I can offer a 20% discount on the transaction fee."

The Ninth Elder's smile froze, and the fat on his face jiggled.

"You still have to pay?"

He chuckled, then his voice suddenly rose: "Fellow Daoist may not have understood, but this teleportation array is intended for use by the Third Primordial!"

As he spoke, he suddenly unfolded Zhou Xun's material list: "Moreover, the materials you need, fellow Daoist, are enough to refine seven teleportation arrays, right? The patriarch only requires materials for setting up five arrays, with two more to spare, isn't that just right!"

Zhou Xun smiled faintly. The extra 20% of materials on the list were meant to offset the losses during refining.

This Ninth Elder not only wanted to get a teleportation array for free, but also wanted to deduct his legitimate income!
“I have no authority to decide this matter.” Zhou Xun stood up. “The material quota was personally approved by Patriarch Que.”

The Ninth Elder's smile vanished completely. He slammed his hand on the table, making the teacups rattle and clatter: "If that's the case, as the clan's treasurer elder, I'm afraid you won't be able to take these materials!"

"In that case, I'll take my leave." Zhou Xun smiled faintly, cupped his hands, and turned to leave without the slightest hesitation.

Without turning his head, he rode away in his escape light, sneering to himself: It's better to leave such scheming and intrigue to Que Ming.

Zhou Xun came here only to set up an array, not to play power games with these spoiled brats.

Just as he stepped out of the clan storehouse gate, he bumped into Steward Que, who was rushing towards him. "Senior, please wait!" Steward Que said in a low voice, his face full of fear.

"The Ninth Elder is the direct grandson of the Third Elder and has always been arrogant and domineering in the clan. Perhaps... perhaps we should have the patriarch mediate?"

Zhou Xun gave him a half-smile:
"Please tell Patriarch Que that the material collection has been hindered and the teleportation array project will probably have to be postponed."

After saying that, Zhou Xun turned and left. From now on, all he needed to do was ask Que Ming for the materials; he couldn't care less about anything else.

I don't want to interfere.

After leaving the clan storehouse area, Zhou Xun did not return directly to the guest courtyard, but instead headed towards the library.

Since we have nothing to do for the time being, we might as well read some classic texts.

The steward guarding the library had obviously received the news, and upon seeing Zhou Xun, he immediately led the way respectfully.

"What kind of books would you like to see, senior? My Que family's collection is divided into four categories: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. The Heaven category contains cultivation techniques and secret arts of the fifth rank and above."

"Let's take a look at the geography and formation categories first," Zhou Xun said casually, his eyes already drawn to the dazzling array of jade slips.

These jade slips are categorized according to their properties and neatly arranged on specially made cold jade shelves, each shelf equipped with a small protective array.

The steward led him to the Xuan section and pointed to the bookshelves on the west side, saying, "These are the geographical records of the Thousand Star Chaotic Sea, including the distribution of spiritual veins on each island, and special spiritual products."

He then pointed to the east: "Over there are the classic texts on formations, and on the top layer are several volumes of ancient fragments of formation techniques."

Zhou Xun first picked up a copy of "The Record of a Thousand Star Spiritual Objects," scanned it with his divine sense, and read it intently.
Before you know it, half a day has passed.

Just then, the communication jade talisman at his waist suddenly vibrated, and Que Ming's voice came: "Fellow Daoist Zhou, please come to the council hall for a chat as soon as possible!"

Zhou Xun closed the "Records of a Thousand Star Spiritual Objects" and took out a blank jade slip.

Then, with a light stroke of his fingertip across the jade slip, a flash of light appeared, and the contents were completely copied into the blank jade slip.

As a guest elder of the Nascent Soul stage, one still has the authority to copy such ordinary classic texts.

Dusk had fallen outside the library, and the evening glow on the horizon was as red as blood.

Zhou Xun descended the jade steps and walked out of the library.

Then he leaped into the air, his robes fluttering in the breeze.

Before long, they returned to the council hall.
As soon as he stepped into the main hall, Que Ming quickly came forward, his face showing some apology: "Fellow Daoist Zhou, I am truly sorry for what happened today. It was my poor planning."

He was dressed in a plain brocade robe, with only a jade token hanging at his waist, a stark contrast to the extravagant style of the Ninth Elder.

Inside the hall, the air was filled with the soothing fragrance of sandalwood, and steam rose from the teacups on the tables, clearly indicating that everything had been prepared and was waiting for them.

Zhou Xun returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Patriarch Que, you flatter me!"

If it weren't for this, he would suspect that he had been set up by Que Ming and made into a tool of the Que family head.

Que Ming sighed and took out a jade storage ring from his sleeve:

"Here are the materials for seven complete teleportation arrays, including all the items listed on your list."

The ring is engraved with delicate cloud patterns, which shimmer faintly under the light.

Zhou Xun took the ring and scanned it with his divine sense, and sure enough, he saw a mountain of rare materials.

The most eye-catching items were the seven three-foot-sized high-grade Yuan Kong crystals, which were transparent like crystals, yet seemed to contain flowing galaxies and emitted mysterious spatial fluctuations.

In addition, there are three fifth-tier spiritual herbs.
Seeing this, Zhou Xun glanced at Que Ming, knowing that this was his apology gift, and smiled faintly, accepting it!
"What about Elder Ninth?" Que Ming hesitated, then stopped himself.

Zhou Xun put the ring away, his expression calm:

"I am not a member of the Que family, and it is inappropriate for me to interfere as the head of the Que family is handling clan affairs. As long as the materials are complete, the teleportation array will be completed on schedule."

A hint of appreciation flashed in Que Ming's eyes as he personally poured Zhou Xun a cup of spiritual tea.

"If you have any further needs in the future, please just send me a message." The tea soup was emerald green, and the leaves unfurled like orchids in the cup, with a refreshing fragrance that soothed the soul.

Today's events were indeed due to his lack of foresight; he hadn't expected the Ninth Elder to be so blatant.

As we left the council hall, the night sky was dotted with stars.

Zhou Xun rode his escape light back to his cave. Along the way, he saw that Tianque Island was brightly lit, and various array light screens intertwined in the night to form a magnificent picture.

Inside the cave, Sun Yuanxuan was tidying up the herb garden.

Seeing Zhou Xun return, she wiped the sweat from her brow and smiled.
"Young master is back." The moonlight shone down, making her look exceptionally beautiful in her light gauze dress.

Zhou Xun was moved involuntarily. He grabbed the beauty's slender waist and, in a flash, appeared in the bedchamber.
As the curtains around them fell, only two shadows intertwined and swayed in the candlelight.
The next day,

Zhou Xun stepped into the quiet room, and with a wave of his sleeve, seven sets of materials were neatly arranged on the ground.

He first took out a Yuan Kong Crystal and placed it in his palm, closing his eyes to feel the mysterious spatial power within. His divine sense probed into the crystal's interior, and he seemed to see countless tiny spatial fissures arranged in an orderly fashion.

"let's start."

Zhou Xun formed hand seals, and a wisp of purple flame leaped from his fingertips, enveloping the Yuan Kong Crystal. The crystal slowly softened in the flame, and fine silver patterns appeared on its surface.

With his other hand, he drew talismans in the air, and spatial array patterns were injected into the crystal.

The refining process lasted for three days and three nights.

When the last array pattern was completed, the entire Yuan Kong Crystal had transformed into a palm-sized silver array disc, its surface shimmering with star-like points of light. This was the core component of the teleportation array: the spatial anchoring disc.

Next came the refining of the array base. Zhou Xun took out pieces of fifth-tier "Mysterious Spirit Jade," melted them into liquid with true fire, and then shaped them into 3,600 array bases.

Each array base is engraved with intricate array patterns.

Six months later, when all five sets of teleportation arrays were completed,

Looking at the neatly arranged teleportation array components, he nodded in satisfaction.
The next step is simply to go to each island and make the necessary arrangements.

He pushed open the stone door to the quiet room, and the morning breeze carrying the salty, damp scent of the sea rushed towards him.

Sun Yuanxuan was meditating in the courtyard, her graceful figure silhouetted against the rising sun.

Noticing that Zhou Xun had emerged from seclusion, she stood up, her eyes filled with joy: "Young Master, you succeeded?"

Zhou Xun smiled slightly and took out a silver array plate, handing it to her:
"This is a simplified version of a small teleportation array, capable of instantly transporting you thousands of miles. Keep it with you for self-defense."

Sun Yuanxuan took the array plate. It was shimmering with starlight and felt cool to the touch, like jade. She carefully tucked it into her bosom and whispered:
"When will you depart, young master?"

"We'll set off tomorrow for Dongji Island." Zhou Xun gazed at the distant horizon where the sea met the sky.
"Once the five teleportation arrays are completed, the Tianque Sea area will be connected as one."

"And what about today!"

"Of course we should celebrate properly, haha—"

(End of this chapter)