A technologically powerful nation: The national treasure is actually myself.

"That old bastard got off easy."

After chasing Bai Xiuyuan for a while, Zhao Yuan gave up and turned to Lin Yang.

Bai Xiuyuan immediately burned his Dao power to escape, and only if he also burned his Dao power could he possibly catch up.

However, burning one's Dao power might not be enough to completely kill Bai Xiuyuan, who is only focused on escaping.

So Zhao Yuan gave up.

Today's harvest has been substantial and exceeded expectations.

The raid was a success, and they even killed Bai Chen, a senior member of the Bai family who was at the Yuanhe Realm.

This was a huge surprise that Zhao Yuan hadn't expected before the operation.

He looked at Lin Yang, and was also very surprised.

The probing gaze swept over Lin Yang several times before confirming that Lin Yang was indeed at the Nirvana Realm, and not the Yuanhe Realm.

This prompted Zhao Yuan to exclaim in amazement, "Guest Elder Lin's strength is truly astonishing! It has broadened my horizons and I am truly impressed!"

Lin Yang smiled slightly: "Elder, you flatter me. It's a pity we couldn't kill Bai Xiuyuan. That old guy will definitely seek revenge."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuan replied, "Guest Elder Lin can just call me Fellow Daoist Zhao. We can be friends as equals."

"As for that old bastard Bai Xiuyuan, he will definitely bide his time and look for an opportunity to take revenge. But there's no need to worry for now. This time, they lost Bai Chen and had several elders killed in our sneak attack. They can't stay in Xiwu City anymore. His revenge will have to wait until later."

Lin Yang nodded: "Then I'll have to take your word for it, Fellow Daoist Zhao."

He didn't take Bai Xiuyuan's revenge to heart.

Just as the Zhao family's original plan for this operation was to withdraw from Xiwu City after the operation.

Now that the Bai family has suffered heavy losses, they naturally become the ones who need to withdraw from Xiwu City.

Even if Bai Xiuyuan really wanted revenge, he wouldn't have the chance in the short term.

Besides, he wasn't afraid of retaliation from someone at the mid-stage of the Yuanhe Realm; he just mentioned it casually.

"Guest Elder Lin has done my Zhao family a great favor this time. I will remember this kindness. If you have any needs, my Zhao family and I will do our utmost to help you," Zhao Yuan said solemnly.

Lin Yang smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhao, you don't need to be so polite. This is my way of repaying the favor that Elder Zhao Chen and the others did back then."

Zhao Yuan laughed heartily: "How can these be compared? If it weren't for Elder Lin's help today, my Zhao family would have had to slink out of Xiwu City in disgrace!"

As he spoke, he looked around and said, "Guest Lin, you've had a hard time. Let's go back to the clan first. This isn't the place to talk."

"Okay," Lin Yang replied.

The two returned to Xiwu City together.

When they returned to the Zhao family, the elders and some clansmen who had been sent to carry out the raid had already returned.

Only one elder and a few disciples died.

But compared to the gains, these sacrifices are nothing.

The Zhao family was overjoyed.

He also began to feel awe towards Lin Yang.

"Guest Lin, you've worked hard tonight. Please rest first. I'll take care of the funeral arrangements and then host a banquet to thank you later."

Zhao Yuan personally escorted Lin Yang to the outside of Yunshui Villa.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, please go ahead and get busy." Lin Yang knew that Zhao Yuan was going to the Bai family to reclaim the assets that had been taken from him before.

Zhao Yuan left in a hurry.

The entire Zhao family was in a flurry of activity.

When the decision to evacuate was made, relevant preparations had already been made.

Now, suddenly, there's no need to evacuate, and they're even able to regain control of the industries they lost.

This will naturally require quite a bit of work.

Meanwhile, news of the Bai family's newly promoted Yuanhe Realm cultivator being killed gradually spread throughout Xiwu City.

Yuan Hejing is a top-tier existence in Xiwu City, so the death of one of them is quite noteworthy.

However, detailed information has not been released.

The Zhao family naturally wouldn't put Lin Yang in the spotlight.

The Bai family didn't say anything for some reason.

Perhaps it was because they felt it was too shameful for their Yuanhe Realm cultivator to be killed by the Nirvana Realm cultivator.

In short, the Bai family did not make a fuss, but instead moved away from Xiwu City as a whole clan.

This matter did not cause much of a stir.

Within Xiwu City, apart from the five major families, which have remained unchanged for a long time.

Changes are not uncommon in other first-rate families or second-rate families.

If an elder in the clan at the Yuanhe Realm encounters an accident, it is quite normal for the clan to be unable to maintain its original business.

Even a small, insignificant family that was originally not considered a prominent one can suddenly become a well-known figure in the city if it is fortunate enough to produce a clan elder at the Yuanhe Realm.

Not many people pay attention to the rise and fall of these second-rate families.

It's just something to talk about.

It will soon be forgotten.

……

Yunshui Bieyuan.

"Brother Lin Yang, we've brought back the treasure land of the Cave Heaven Secret Realm. Would you like to go and take a look?" Zhao Hu called out from outside the courtyard.

Lin Yang came out: "You've already gotten it back? How much did you get back?"

Zhao Hu said, "We only took the three pieces that originally belonged to us."

"Oh? What about the Bai family's three pieces?" Lin Yang asked.

“Let other families go and rob them,” Zhao Hu answered truthfully.

"Oh...why didn't you take them all at once?" Lin Yang asked curiously.

Zhao Hu chuckled: "The Supreme Elder said that our Zhao family's foundation is not enough. This time, we are only able to get back what we originally owned thanks to Brother Lin Yang."

"If we are too greedy, we will easily be targeted. It is better to give up some and let other families compete for them. This way, other families will not turn their attention to us out of jealousy."

Lin Yang suddenly realized and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhao is quite insightful. In that case, you didn't take much of the Bai family's assets, did you?"

“Yes, we only got back the three plots of land that originally belonged to our Zhao family. Besides getting back the properties that originally belonged to us, we only got an extra 20%. The rest was left for other families to divide and fight over,” Zhao Hu said.

Lin Yang nodded, somewhat admiring Zhao Yuan.

It is actually very difficult to remain refrain from greed and robbery at such a critical juncture.

However, he could understand Zhao Yuan's actions.

Ultimately, he wasn't a member of the Zhao family.

Zhao Yuan was still somewhat unsure about competing for too much, fearing he would be targeted by other second-tier families.

But this is for the best; at least the Zhao family is back on track.

"Take me to see the hidden paradise," Lin Yang said.

Zhao Hu laughed heartily: "Brother Lin Yang, you were interested in that secret cave before, but we lost our treasure land back then. Now that we've got it back, I came to call you as soon as possible."

Afterwards, the two left the city together and headed to that hidden paradise.

The entrance to the hidden cave remains the same, with strict management.

Zhao Hu presented some proof before Lin Yang was allowed to enter with him.

"Such a rich power of heaven and earth."

After entering the secret realm, Lin Yang sensed its extraordinary nature and immediately realized it was extraordinary.

It is indeed a good place.

"Brother Lin Yang, come with me. Our Grade C treasure land is near the edge."

Zhao Hu led the way.

The scenery inside this hidden paradise is also quite beautiful.

Lin Yang soon saw large tracts of precious land, all guarded and planted with different medicinal herbs.

It looks like it's growing well, and there's a strong medicinal fragrance in the air.

Just one whiff of it gives you a refreshing feeling.

Clearly, those herbs were no ordinary ones. "These are all top-tier treasure lands of the five great families, where priceless rare herbs are grown," Zhao Hu said with a hint of envy.

Lin Yang wanted to experience the difference of a Grade A treasure land, but he soon discovered that there was an invisible restriction blocking his way.

Without a doubt, this was a scheme orchestrated by the five major families.

Lin Yang then refrained from forcibly investigating.

After passing through several more treasure lands, Zhao Hu finally arrived at the Class C treasure land area.

The herbs here are clearly of a lower grade.

"Brother Lin Yang, those three pieces are ours."

Zhao Hu pointed to three of the prime locations and led Lin Yang closer.

An elder and several disciples from the Zhao family were already guarding the sacred ground.

Upon seeing Lin Yang arrive, the group quickly stepped forward to greet him.

Lin Yang probed the treasure land with his divine sense, but found nothing special.

It looks much like ordinary land.

"Brother Lin Yang, these treasure lands are strange. They look the same, but the things grown there are exceptionally good."

Zhao Hu watched Lin Yang's actions and couldn't help but say something.

“It is very strange.” Lin Yang nodded.

Zhao Hu added, "The five major families had previously tried to study these treasure lands, hoping to find out the reasons and attempt to turn more land into treasure lands, but they all failed."

"That's pretty amazing," Lin Yang exclaimed.

"Some speculate that this hidden paradise may have been created by a powerful being from ancient times, which is why it possesses power that we cannot comprehend today," Zhao Hu continued.

"Ancient times?"

Lin Yang repeated those four words, then suddenly said:
"Brother Zhao Hu, do you know anything about ancient times?"

He had not previously paid attention to the history of the ancient continent at the beginning of the Proterozoic Era.

Because subconsciously I thought there shouldn't have been any fault lines here.

But after the ancient ruins appeared, he had some doubts.

Perhaps the ancient landmass of the early Yuan Dynasty also experienced a historical break.

Although it sounds incredible.

After all, this place has the most powerful cultivators, so it is unlikely that there will be a historical break like in the mortal world.

But Lin Yang doesn't think that way anymore.

Whether it's ancient ruins or ancient sites, they all indicate that there may indeed have been some kind of historical break in the ancient landmass at the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty.

Otherwise, Zhao Hu wouldn't have used the term "ancient times."

Zhao Hu paused slightly: "The ancient times? That's almost impossible to verify. There are hardly any rumors about it. I know very little about it. I've only heard that there might have been an even more glorious era of cultivation before, and some ancient relics are remnants from that era."

Lin Yang nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Zhao Hu clearly has limited knowledge, so there's no need to make things difficult for him.

“By the way, Brother Lin Yang, would you like to cultivate here? This secret realm also has Daoist energy flowing through it, much better than some of the cave dwellings outside. There’s a cultivation area in the center of this secret realm, and we have one spot available,” Zhao Hu suddenly said.

"No need, I just came in to take a look." Lin Yang waved his hand.

The reason this hidden paradise is so strictly managed is because it contains an area with an extremely rich Taoist atmosphere.

The area was also divided into cave dwellings of varying sizes for use by the major families within Xiwu City.

However, each family has a limited number of slots. Second-rate families like the Zhao family can only be allocated one slot for cultivation in that area.

Lin Yang's cultivation level no longer needs to be improved through seclusion.

He needs an opportunity to break through to the Supreme Origin Realm.

Therefore, there is no need for them to occupy the Zhao family's only spot.

Zhao Hu said nothing more after hearing this.

Lin Yang then went to explore other parts of the Cave Heaven Secret Realm.

However, most other places are guarded.

This hidden paradise is vast and rich in resources, but unfortunately, over 80% of its resources have been monopolized by the five major families.

They only left some soupy dishes for second-rate families like the Zhao family to skim off.

After the visit, Lin Yang prepared to leave this secluded paradise.

However, he suddenly realized that the "boundary" was gradually absorbing the power of the secret cave.

The absorption was very slow, as if I had a guilty conscience.

If it weren't for his quick reflexes, he wouldn't have noticed.

"Is the realm stealing the power of this hidden realm?" Lin Yang was a little puzzled.

It's less about absorbing and more about stealing.

Because it gave him a really strong sense of theft.

Unlike before, when I absorbed certain powers, I can now absorb them all at once.

It's absorbing it little by little now, which is no different from stealing it.

This piqued Lin Yang's interest.

He decided not to leave anytime soon.

There are actually not many things that can be selected by the "boundary".

Since the power of this hidden realm can be absorbed by the "realm," it is natural that he should leave it behind for the "realm" to absorb slowly.

"Brother Zhao Hu, why don't you help me apply for that spot?" Lin Yang said somewhat awkwardly.

He needs to stay; he can't just sit around doing nothing, or it will arouse suspicion.

The spot that Zhao Hu just mentioned can come in handy.

By secluding oneself here, one can perfectly avoid all scrutiny.

Zhao Hu was taken aback for a moment, seemingly not expecting Lin Yang to change his mind again, but then said, "Okay, Brother Lin Yang, I'll make the arrangements right away."

He didn't ask Lin Yang why he suddenly changed his mind.

We arrived at the central area quickly and completed the necessary procedures.

Then Lin Yang obtained the qualification to cultivate here.

The cave dwelling assigned to the Zhao family was located on the edge of the central area.

Although it's called a cave dwelling, it's actually a very small room.

Moreover, one needs to pay regular fees to cultivate here.

It's not free.

This left Lin Yang speechless.

It can only be said that the five major families and the Xiwu City government are quite adept at making money.

He originally thought that having assets in the secret realm would allow him to use the cultivation caves there for free, never expecting that he would have to pay.

Zhao Hu, observing Lin Yang's calm expression, whispered:

"It's already quite good to be able to pay money to get such a good place for cultivation. There are countless people outside who want to pay money but can't get in."

Lin Yang was speechless.

As the saying goes, if you're not willing to pay, there are plenty of others who are!
He said nothing more and went into the cramped cave.

Before entering the cave, he wanted to return Yuan Sha to Zhao Hu, but Zhao Hu refused, saying that he could stay in seclusion here for as long as he wanted, and all expenses would be covered by the Zhao family.

Lin Yang then stopped insisting.

Sitting cross-legged inside the cave, Lin Yang did not cultivate, but instead kept a close eye on the situation in the "realm".

After entering this cave, the speed at which the "boundary" absorbs the power of the secret realm remains unchanged.

Lin Yang didn't know how long it would take for the "boundary" to absorb, so he could only wait patiently.

a few days later.

Zhao Hu suddenly brought him some news.

The ancient, malevolent ruins of Baichi City have expanded once more, swallowing up another city. (End of Chapter)