The Great Xia Dynasty's Longevity Begins with Connecting to the Swallowed Starry Sky

General Crab had also realized what was happening by this time.

Qin Hao did not actively awaken the Crab General.

This was a good opportunity to gain enlightenment, and Qin Hao realized it too.

In terms of realm, the Crab General and the Dragon King of Falling Star Lake should actually belong to the same realm.

They are all one step away from the peak of the fourth realm.

However, in terms of understanding the Dao, the Dragon King of Falling Star Lake is superior.

"Perhaps it's not quite right to say that, as the perspectives of innate gods and demons are different. They were born before heaven and earth, watching the creation and destruction of the world, the decay of the world while they themselves remain immortal."

This is the realm of innate gods and demons.

Perhaps we could say that we can learn from others' experiences to improve ourselves?

But in terms of combat power, General Crab is probably far inferior.

As for the portion of fortune that was handed over, it was not a permanent relinquishment.

Besides, it was only a tiny bit, not much at all.

Otherwise, the Dragon Palace's Dragon Cleansing Ceremony could not have continued.

There were just a lot of people coming, and each person had to borrow a little bit.

The total amount also increased.

"That's a fair price."

The Dragon King of Falling Star Lake is demonstrating his Dao to everyone; those who want to see it must pay the price.

The price here is not something like spirit stones.

It's not about luck, but about destiny.

The gains and losses in this matter depend on individual understanding.

In any case, Qin Hao felt that he didn't need to rush his understanding of the Dao.

It has now far surpassed its own level.

As for General Crab, although he was his own guard.

But this kind of private matter is something that General Crab should handle himself.

General Crab is an aquatic creature, but he walks the path of the demon race.

However, there are also requirements for understanding the Tao.

After he awakened from the other fourth realms, he knew that the path of the innate gods and demons he had just encountered was very inspiring and attractive to him.

As for abandoning one's own path and instead following someone else's?

Once you reach the fourth realm, it's practically impossible to do such a thing.

This risk does exist for the younger generation.

However, the Dragon King of Falling Star Lake only demonstrated a part of the path. If one wants to rely on this to embark on the path of innate gods and demons?

That's clearly wishful thinking.

Of course, if someone really wants to take this path.

That would also be a good thing for the Dragon Palace of Falling Star Lake.

Those who come here are all from relatively large factions.

Those who are not up to standard should not come at all.

Among independent cultivators, unless they are exceptionally outstanding and possess extraordinary luck, they are not allowed to participate at all.

The Dragon Palace of Falling Star Lake also favors people with great fortune.

If a rogue cultivator like this can be absorbed into the Dragon Palace of Falling Star Lake, then that would be a win.

"Dragon King." General Crab saw that Qin Hao had already realized what was happening and broken free from the Dragon King of Falling Star Lake's control.

I was deeply moved.

This requires extreme confidence in one's own path and a firm resolve to follow it.

He was not the last to awaken to the fourth realm; at this time, there were still several others immersed in the fourth realm.

This shows how difficult it is.

Qin Hao nodded, without saying anything more.

The aquatic race's talent for enlightenment is inherently inferior, not as good as the dragon race, and even less so than the human race.

The number of aquatic creatures is many times greater than that of humans.

However, the number of humans who have entered the Dao may not be less than that of the aquatic race.

Those who can cultivate to the fourth realm are all people with strong natural talent and firm Dao heart.

Perhaps seeing the path of others can enlighten us and spark a connection between our souls.

But they only grasp a little bit of it and don't really get hooked on it.

Unless it's a celestial being performing magic, that's a realm on a completely different level.

Only in the fourth realm can one become truly engrossed in it.

"Wait, perhaps this is one of the reasons why Chaos City only gives seven days to comprehend it?"

The saying goes, "Those who imitate me will die, while those who merely resemble me will live."

Although the Chaos Monuments of the Swallowed Star World were all created by the Lord of the Universe, or at least by the Venerable One of the Universe.

By analogy, that's a realm beyond immortals.

But can following someone else's path truly lead to complete replication, thus paving the way to becoming the Lord of the Universe and ascending to that position?

Qin Hao thought it was impossible.

Therefore, even for geniuses, they are only given a certain number of opportunities to comprehend the truth.

When geniuses encounter bottlenecks, they may be able to comprehend the path of the Lord of the Universe and receive guidance.

However, one cannot keep meditating on it indefinitely, and only seven days are given at a time.

Therefore, the Chaos Monument is merely a guide, not a means for geniuses to directly embark on that path.

"Brother Qin."

Surprisingly, yet predictably, Song Fugui was the first to realize this, aside from Qin Hao, below the fourth realm.

Qin Hao's Primordial Spirit Eyes saw that Song Fugui's soul was also slightly swaying at this moment.

Above the primordial spirit, a money tree stands tall, constantly dropping gold ingots.

This is actually the path taken by Song Fugui and his lineage of wealth-generating cultivators.

That money tree is the core of their philosophy.

What Qin Hao saw was only the evolution of this core.

The falling ingots, ever-changing, combined with the Great Xia Tongbao coins, became Song Fugui's magic materials.

This thing can evolve into all kinds of magic; you just need to understand the spell to cast it.

They took the easy path.

Yi (易) represents both transactions and changes.

Or rather, trading is a form of change.

Your wealth will become my product.

Qin Hao withdrew his gaze, nodded, and waited for the Dragon Cleansing Assembly to end.

Dragon eggs were constantly being broken, and dragons emerged from them, flew in a circle in the air, landed, and ate their own eggs.

Crunchy.

Just like the seven-colored dragon's clone, it devoured the dragon egg and its strength continued to soar.

However, the foundation of these dragons is not as strong as that of the Seven-Colored Dragon.

Therefore, it is impossible to be born at the second realm and directly reach the peak of the second realm.

Most of them are only at the first level or the second stage.

But this is just the beginning.

The nutrients in the dragon egg have not yet been fully digested.

It was simply stored away, and slowly integrated and absorbed as the dragons grew.

Just like the current seven-colored dragon clone, it's the same.

It's just one step away from the third realm.

The Golden Bridge connects the interior and exterior views, showcasing a myriad of phenomena.

That's the third realm.

The same is true for these dragons.

These dragons include Azure Dragons, Yellow Dragons, and others, and they have some differences in their innate attributes.

But flying is an instinct of dragons.

Clouds follow dragons, winds follow tigers; the dragon race is born with the ability to ride the clouds and mist.

Qin Hao's Primordial Spirit Eye kept its eyes fixed on the Dragon Washing Pool, where a blue dragon appeared to be behaving normally.

But in Qin Hao's Primordial Spiritual Eye, everything was a problem.

"Their souls are not yet fully compatible, and the quantity and quality of their souls far surpass those of other dragons. So, is this the demonic dragon that Master Lu previously slew?"

Qin Hao was somewhat shocked, wondering what these big shots were doing.

He did not express any opinion, nor did he show any unusual behavior.

He's currently just a nobody in the second realm, although his overall strength isn't worse than someone in the third realm.

There are even fourth-realm guards.

However, Qin Hao does not plan to get involved in such a major event for the time being.

"It's of no use to me, so I'll pretend I didn't see it."

However, he knew the actual situation.

Even if you pretend not to see it, if at some point it conflicts with your own interests, or if you can benefit from it.

That doesn't necessarily mean they won't participate.

"how?"

"Is there any harvest?"

After they all woke up one by one, Qin Hao asked them questions.

Although he had already seen it all with his Primordial Spirit Eye.

This time, Qin Hao also gained a lot from the observations made by the Hongmeng Spirit Eye.

Everyone practices different methods and has a different understanding of the Tao.

The observations of the Primordial Spirit Eye are only superficial.

It still gave Qin Hao a lot of inspiration.

"good."

"A great success."

Although some of their luck was sacrificed, it's clear that everyone reaped good rewards.

Moreover, according to Qin Hao's observation, they did not lose much luck.

Of course, people from different factions lose different amounts of luck.

The more powerful a force is, the less fortune its members lose.

Of course, the quality of this kind of luck will also be higher.

They are generally the same.

If you want to gain something, you have to give something in return.

There's no such thing as a free lunch.

As people awoke one by one, the hatching of the dragon eggs in the Dragon Washing Pool gradually slowed down.

At first, within just a few breaths, a dragon egg hatched.

Even now, it might take several minutes for a single dragon egg to hatch.

There are quite a few dragon eggs in the Dragon Washing Pool.

"It seems that this Dragon Cleansing Ceremony is almost over," Song Fugui remarked.

He looked around and saw that most of the people had already woken up.

Not to mention the third and fourth realms, even the geniuses of the second realm have basically broken free from the attraction of the innate divine and demonic path.

In fact, this path to the fourth realm is still too advanced for those in the second realm.

There are benefits to watching it.

However, it is not without obstacles.

It all depends on the individual's choice.

In the end, only a few rogue cultivators remained, still engrossed in it.

Vajra Sword sighed, "When independent cultivators don't know the proper methods and have no one to guide them, they can only explore on their own. It's normal for them to become engrossed in such a straightforward demonstration of the Dao."

This is a manifestation of the Daoist mind.

Unfortunately, the geniuses of powerful forces are always more powerful than those of independent cultivators.

Among these, besides the fact that the methods practiced by powerful forces are more profound.

The Daoist mind is also a manifestation of this.

Although, in terms of the time it takes to wake up, it's not necessarily better to wake up as quickly as possible.

If Qin Hao hadn't possessed the functional structure of the Primordial Mirror, he might not have had a more steadfast Dao heart than others.

"The Dragon Cleansing Ceremony has come to an end."

With the last dragon egg hatching, the few remaining rogue cultivators, even if they drained all their luck, were unable to hatch another dragon egg.

With a wave of his hand, the Dragon King of Falling Star Lake withdrew his Dao, severing the connection between the rogue cultivator and the Dragon Washing Pool.

At times like this, continuing would be pointless.

It would be better to demonstrate the appropriateness of Luoxing Lake Dragon Palace.

A phantom appeared on the distant horizon.

The Dragon Washing Pool slowly descended, and many dragon eggs within it remained unhatched.

But if you miss this opportunity, it will be virtually impossible to incubate it again later.

Even with assistance, they were unable to break through.

Without any assistance, relying solely on the power of the dragon soul within, it is virtually impossible for it to hatch again.

"Brother Ao..."

Some people started to make talks.

Qin Hao withdrew his gaze, refraining from prying. Given his fourth-realm level of awareness, his attempt to spy would likely be discovered.

These people simply want to trade those dragon eggs.

Some people may want to create a second incarnation.

Some people may have a bit of a sweet tooth.

Just like some people like to eat balut (fertilized duck egg), some people with special fetishes like to eat balut made from dragons.

Since they are all dragon eggs that cannot be hatched, some dragon palaces are willing to let people spend a lot of money to buy them.

The premise is that it cannot be used for activities such as cursing.

These are usually accompanied by a Heavenly Contract.

Qin Hao's attention had already been drawn to the distant phantom.

“It seems that the Cangling Secret Realm is about to be revealed,” Song Fugui said at the opportune moment.

The distant phantom was initially difficult to discern.

But soon, a lush and verdant scene appeared.

The most prominent of them all is an extremely tall sacred tree.

"That's the Sky Tree. It's said that in its prime, each leaf contained a secret realm. Within these realms, various resources could be cultivated. It soared into the clouds, connecting to the sky, hence its name, Sky Tree."

Song Fugui was indeed from a family with a strong academic background; one could see the undisguised desire in his eyes.

If he gets his hands on this Skywood, he can use it for farming.

I wonder how many good things I'll get.

If he then uses it for trading, his foundation will be incredibly solid.

Moreover, the journey was incredibly smooth.

The Vajra Sword asked, "This description... it looks so much like the legendary Jianmu tree."

Song Fugui nodded: "It is also related to Jianmu. It can be considered a lower-level spiritual plant of Jianmu. Jianmu is the higher-level spiritual root of this lineage of spiritual plants, but in reality, no one has ever actually seen Jianmu."

It is said that the Jianmu tree was already destroyed in ancient times.

Qin Hao nodded, without saying anything more.

He also received a lot of knowledge and skills from Ao Hui.

He knew as much as Song Fugui about these secrets.

But there's no need to say everything.

"I have met the Dragon King of Pengze Lake."

At this moment, someone transmitted a message, and Qin Hao frowned, quickly identifying the person who transmitted the message.

"I am Qiushui Paisuo Qianqiu. The Wise King asked me to send his greetings to you."

Qin Hao nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.

But there was no further indication.

He knew the Qiushui School; it was a top-tier school.

Unexpectedly, they've now sided with the wise king?
The Wise Prince is the seventeenth prince of the Great Xia Dynasty. If the selection of the Holy Son begins, the Wise Prince is considered one of the more popular candidates.

Several other princes were also listed.

If the selection of the Holy Son begins, all the major noble families in the capital will, to varying degrees, sooner or later, have to choose sides.

Very few people are completely independent and do not make choices.

Therefore, every millennium, the noble families in the capital city must make a choice.

Although it won't lead to a post-event reckoning or complete annihilation.

But many will also weaken.

However, none of these sects have ever been eliminated so early.

And it wouldn't be so clearly stated.

"Is it Emperor Hengming's clinging to power and refusal to step down that triggered a chain reaction?"

Qin Hao declined to comment, as he wouldn't be leaving the game so soon.

If nothing unexpected happens, he might not even want to leave the field.

It would be best if the Marquis of Anyuan's family didn't get involved.

Even if you successfully choose a side, you won't gain much.

With multiple worlds at his disposal, Qin Hao has countless ways to profit.

Why engage in actions that involve too much input and too little output?
"Brother Qin."

Xie Lingyun's voice rang out: "Suo Qianqiu of the Qiushui Sect just sent me a telepathic message, saying that the Wise Prince sends his greetings to me."

Qin Hao wasn't surprised at all. He looked at Xie Lingyun and asked, "So, what's the Diancang Sect's choice?"

His tone was completely impartial, but Xie Lingyun felt a bit pressured.

"Of course I will stand with Brother Qin through thick and thin."

Qin Hao nodded in agreement with Xie Lingyun's words: "What does the so-called selection of the Holy Son have to do with us? It's just a game played by the Li family of Great Xia. If we develop on our own and get involved, it will only disrupt our rhythm. Do you understand?"

Previously, Xie Lingyun was not confident that she could persuade her master and elders.

But now the Diancang School and Pengze Lake Dragon Palace are cooperating.

The Diancang School was already self-sufficient and even had surplus resources.

Xie Lingyun was not an ambitious person and naturally did not want to get involved in that trouble.

It would be best if it were to become natural, but the reward wouldn't be particularly substantial.

Could it possibly elevate the Diancang Sect to the status of a top-tier sect?
Without improving its high-end combat capabilities, the Diancang Sect cannot advance.

This is a level that cannot be determined by the combat effectiveness at the grassroots level.

However, Qin Hao was not reassured by this.

Xie Lingyun does not represent the Diancang School.

For now, Qin Hao can still control the situation.

He needs to cultivate his own talent.

This includes practitioners of spiritual plants, geomancers, and others.

"Thank you, Junior Sister. Please convey this message to your sect leader."

Pengze Lake Dragon Palace will never participate unless absolutely necessary.

Even if the Diancang Sect takes the initiative to intervene, they absolutely cannot drag the Pengze Lake Dragon Palace into the fray.

As the Dragon King, Qin Hao also had to consider the interests of the Dragon Palace.

In addition, there is the Anyuan Earl's Mansion in the capital city.

"It seems I still need to remind my grandparents."

Both of them are shrewd and calculating; they are unlikely to get involved easily.

"If the Grand Duke of Shenwei doesn't express his opinion, then his subordinates probably won't either. Although my grandfather's rank isn't high, the presence of the Grand Duke of Shenwei's wife at the last banquet was enough to intimidate a number of people."

Xie Lingyun understood the implication in Qin Hao's words.

Pengze Lake Dragon Palace will not be coerced by the Diancang Sect.

Xie Lingyun could understand such a significant matter.

The selection of the Holy Son is such a momentous event.

Each time, many families are involved, although the reckoning afterwards is not too strict.

But if you get caught up in this catastrophe, you could very well die on the spot.

Xie Lingyun nodded: "I understand."

Song Fugui didn't know what the two talked about, but when it came to taking sides, Futong Bank was the least willing.

As one of the four major money houses in the world, and the largest one at that.

The daily gains are countless.

Getting involved not only affects making money.

If we fail, we don't know how much we'll lose.

Qin Hao didn't say much.

"It's about to start, everyone get ready."

As Qin Hao spoke, the Sky Tree over there finally appeared.

In Qin Hao's Primordial Spirit Eye, the Sky Tree was indeed majestic, but what made Qin Hao frown was...

The interior of that Skywood doesn't seem to be as the legend describes.

"Demon energy?"

It truly is a place to suppress demons.

Ever since I learned that Ao Hui was stationed at Pengze Lake to suppress the demon realm passage, I have been aware of this.

Qin Hao also learned some things about the Demon Realm and the Demon Race.

After Qin Hao gave him many puppets, Ao Hui also passed on a lot of information to Qin Hao.

This includes information about the demon race.

Looking back now, Ao Hui probably understood that some of the demon-suppressing areas would likely be opened up one after another.

The so-called Demon-Suppressing Ground is where powerful demons are suppressed.

Or perhaps a demonic passage has been suppressed.

Similar to Pengze Lake, it is also a place for suppressing demons.

This opening of the secret realm is probably not just about exploring and finding treasures.

There are probably some other tasks as well.

For example, slaying demons?

Qin Hao remembered the secret method he had used to apply for the Yin-Yang Taiji Diagram, and the condition given by the Free and Unfettered Cave was to slay demons.

Judging from the state of the Azure Sky Tree, perhaps the seal on the Demon Realm passage has also loosened?

Or perhaps, there are a large number of demons inside?

The Dragon Washing Pool was completely put away, and as for the dragon eggs inside, Qin Hao was neither qualified nor would he inquire about them.

The Dragon King of Falling Star Lake did not leave immediately but returned to his Dragon Palace.

Instead, they looked towards the horizon.

"Anyone else coming?"

Why didn't you come before?

Is it to avoid affecting the Dragon Washing Ceremony, or is there another reason?

"It's him?"

In the distance, a palace flew in.

Qin Hao felt a strange sense of familiarity.

As the palace flew closer, two Taoist priests landed from within it.

One of them was none other than Qin Hao's nominal master, Master Yunhua.

What is he doing here?
"Greetings, Brother Yunhua; greetings, Brother Feiyun."

The two nodded and looked at the Sky Tree again.

Master Yunhua said, "The five-hundred-year period has arrived again, and we need to cleanse the Cangling Secret Realm. At the previous Dragon Cleansing Assembly, anyone who awakened within three thousand breaths could participate. However, they needed to accept a mission to slay more than three hundred demons, or they would have to hand over all the spoils from the secret realm..."

Song Fugui stepped forward and transmitted his voice, "I didn't expect it to be Brother Qin's master who came this time. It seems we still have some advantages."

Qin Hao nodded, and Song Fugui, seeing that the others looked somewhat confused, smiled and said, "I just got the news too."

This Cangling Secret Realm appears only once every five hundred years, and each time it requires someone to enter and slay the demon.

Heavenly Refinement Valley will provide a Demon-Slaying Token to assist cultivators entering the valley in slaying demons.

Of course, it's also an item that records the number of demons you've slain.

Tianlai Valley will provide a Qingyin Bell.

This is used to stabilize one's Dao heart and prevent being corrupted by the demonic energy of the demon race, thus avoiding becoming a demon.

Generally speaking, these are standard, effective methods.

But as you all know, even among the same batch of magical treasures, there are good and bad ones.

You know that, right?

After a pause, Song Fugui added, "The person in charge over there is Master Yunhua of Tianlian Valley. He is also Brother Qin's master."

The person next to him is Master Feiyun from Tianlai Valley.

It seems that this time, it will be the two of them leading the demon-slaying operation in the Cangling Secret Realm.

Xie Lingyun and Jingangjian both suddenly realized.

Having connections in the central government makes things easier.

The magical treasures of Tianlian Valley are indeed excellent.

However, if they have acquaintances, the Demon-Slaying Tokens they receive are naturally better than those of others.

Sure enough, Master Yunhua over there was already spreading the word.

"Having received the Demon-Slaying Token from Tianlian Valley and the Clear Sound Bell from Tianlai Valley, one-tenth of their harvest must be given to Tianlian Valley, and half a tenth to Tianlai Valley."

Of course, you can choose not to claim the Cleansing Bell, but you must claim the Demon-Slaying Order.

"Among them, the Dragon Palace of Falling Star Lake grants several spots that do not require payment of rewards..."

It seems there's also a power struggle and deal involved between the Falling Star Lake Dragon Palace and the Heavenly Refinement Valley.

The Demon-Slaying Token from Tianlian Valley wouldn't be given away for nothing.

Qin Hao didn't know the specifics and didn't intend to ask.

Qin Hao turned around and said, "Let's go forward and receive the Demon-Slaying Order."

I just received news that there are six that don't require payment of harvest, just as we agreed before.

Others who wish to enter can also receive a Demon-Slaying Token and a Cleansing Bell.

It's best to claim both magical artifacts.

The demonic energy of the demon race is extremely difficult to deal with; this must not be overlooked in the slightest.

"I know, Dragon King."

Those who cultivate themselves will never be careless.

At least not in their line of work.

"Master, I've come to collect the Demon-Slaying Tokens and the Pure Sound Bells, fifteen in total." (End of Chapter)