This place is fun

Chapter 191 Meeting
In the silence, even the light in the tea room seemed to dim suddenly.

Suddenly, the streak of stars he saw in the night sky every night appeared in Su Daoshan's mind. At this moment, he repeatedly recited a passage from the original owner's memories about that time.

"A celestial demon realm sought to seize the human world and replace it. At that time, the heavens, like a canopy, suddenly cracked open. The earth's axis collapsed, mountains and rivers crumbled, spacetime became disordered, heaven and earth were reversed, the four dimensions separated, and all things were in chaos..."

This passage records the initial and most terrifying scene of the cataclysmic catastrophe—the barrier between dimensions was breached, and the extraterrestrial demon realm descended. Two invisible dimensions collided, causing the heavens and earth to shatter.

This is the origin of the star mark.

Although Fengyuan Palace later found and activated the miracle left by the creator god Lanzhuo, stopping this trans-temporal possession, the Lanzhuo continent was also largely destroyed.

Countless prosperous kingdoms and dynasties were reduced to fragments in the cataclysm, swept into the turbulent currents of time and space. Now, only occasionally in secret realms can one glimpse the splendor of those days.

To Su Daoshan's surprise, on his very first day joining the Ember Society, he heard such a shocking secret.

The Netherworld has descended!

Yes, this time it wasn't the demonic warriors emerging from the mist that came, nor those strange-looking extraterrestrial races, but the extraterrestrial world itself!

"Does anyone even want to live?!" Su Daoshan felt a bit dazed.

Since I came into this world, I haven't had a moment's peace. I'm either struggling on the edge of life and death or preparing to deal with life-or-death crises.

If you're facing a definite enemy, that's fine. But what if you're facing a world that suddenly appears out of nowhere?

Spitting?

"Is the news true?" the paper-cut magpie asked, a worried, mature female voice.

Porcelain Fish said, "The imperial courts of various countries and the major super sects have already sent people to the northern part of Jing Kingdom. We'll probably only know the specific situation in a few days. However, the Grand Priest of Fengyuan Hall has already said that this matter is most likely true..."

As she spoke, Porcelain Fish looked around at everyone and said, "...According to Fengyuan Hall, the fact that the You Clan was able to conquer eight cities in one night means that the exorcism arrays in all eight cities failed at the same time. The only explanation is that the rules of spacetime have changed due to the arrival of the You Realm."

Everyone exchanged glances, a chill running through them.

If the Netherworld were to invade, it would inevitably erode and replace the original spacetime rules of the Lanzhuo Continent with its own spacetime rules. Even if this erosion is only in its initial stage, its power would be enough to change the course of the war.

For example, the fog appears directly in only a few cities...

This thought sent chills down everyone's spine.

Previously, the Netherworld only used the method of projecting Nether Mist to project a small amount of power, which was enough to sweep across most of the Lanzhuo Continent. Now that the Netherworld has descended directly, who can stop the advance of the Netherworld army?

Once the lost lands north of Mount Aery become the domain of the Netherworld, countless Nether armies will advance in all directions, and the Netherworld mist will blot out the sky and the sun—what a terrifying sight that will be.

The teahouse remained quiet for a long time before Tao Zhu finally spoke up: "Now we can only wait for news... In any case, everyone should be careful these days, and it's always better to be prepared for anything."

Porcelain Fish said, "I will notify everyone through the teahouse's secret mail as soon as there is any new information."

Everyone nodded in agreement. This matter was extremely important to everyone; even receiving the news a day or two earlier would be beneficial.

Su Daoshan observed silently, inwardly raising his assessment of the Ember Society's power once more—only two things had been discussed since the meeting began. Yet, the first involved hunting down a deacon from the Investigation Bureau, and the second was an even more significant and confidential matter…

Su Daoshan didn't know the real identities of the people present, or what kind of connections and channels they had, but from these two incidents, he realized that the power these guys displayed far exceeded his imagination.

Thinking about it, Su Daoshan couldn't help but turn his head to glance at Song Xier. The ferret was lying on a straw cushion, one paw propping up its head, seemingly lost in thought.

Now that things have come to this, how could Su Daoshan not understand that this was a great gift from Song Xier?

"...In her eyes, I was just a newcomer after all. Having an organization backing me up, even if it was just providing some information or guidance, would be more than enough for me. What's more, this Ember would be far more powerful than I imagined."

The ferret seemed to sense something and turned its head to look. Su Daoshan withdrew his gaze, continuing to focus on his own thoughts, feeling somewhat curious about what other surprises the embers would bring.

Next, under the chairmanship of Porcelain Fish, some information was released at the meeting.

Compared to the previous two news items, these are more complex. Some concern the political movements of the imperial court. Some concern the secrets of a certain elder of a super sect. Some concern the whereabouts of a certain person. Some concern the business dealings of a certain aristocratic family in the south…

During this time, Su Daoshan also heard news about unusual activities by the demonic sects in Xia Prefecture, and that the Blazing Fire Army and experts from various sects were rushing to Wanchang City.

He couldn't help but glance at Song Xier at that moment.

The messages were a jumbled mess, and Ciyu simply read them aloud, leaving the impression that they were disjointed and incomplete. As for the people mentioned and the events discussed, Su Daoshan didn't recognize a single one of them, nor did he know anything about any of them.

However, Su Daoshan listened with great interest.

Because he knew that this was how the Ember Society operated.

It's clear that these messages couldn't all have come from Ciyu. He was just a host. The source of these messages was the people present.

Everyone gathers this information through their own channels, and then, like ingredients, lays them out on the table at the meeting for those hidden in need to choose from. Then, naturally, someone will turn it into a dish.

Even if those present cannot take action themselves, they will push from behind the scenes and utilize other forces.

The police officer named Dong Xiujie died because of this kind of operation.

Of course, this is just one of the most basic ways of cooperation among the members of the Ember Society. Su Daoshan believes that these people must have other, closer ways of cooperation in private.

As Su Daoshan was thinking, he heard the porcelain fish say, "Alright, now it's free time."

"Looking to buy a diagram of supernatural visualization techniques, a concealment talisman, and a battle spirit rebirth pill..." The sudden voice on his shoulder startled Su Daoshan. He turned around and saw a white-haired crow hopping around, asking for things while gossiping, "By the way, have you heard about that powerful newcomer from outside the realm these past few days?"

"What do you need the diagram of supernatural visualization techniques for? With your level of cultivation, this thing isn't something you can just use casually..." The upside-down bat's voice was clear and its tone was disdainful. "Are you talking about that guy in Xianlai Town who's called 'If you can't reach an agreement, then chop him down'?"

"Mind your own business!" the crow spat, then nodded. "It's him."

“Yes, yes, I heard about it too.” Origami White Crane joined in, a young male voice, “It is said that this guy fought against more than fifty martial artists by himself and slaughtered them all in just a few minutes. More than ten of them were from the Fifth Spirit Domain.”

The white-haired crow exclaimed excitedly, "Let me tell you, our Burning Heaven Society has already issued an internal reward to find this guy. Anyone who can provide detailed information can receive two thousand spirit essences or items of equivalent value."

The Burning Heaven Society?
Su Daoshan's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected that the white-haired crow was actually a member of the Burning Heaven Society.

However, he quickly relaxed – the Burning Heaven Society, to put it bluntly, was just a collection of interests within the Spirit Realm. It was perfectly normal for members of the Ember Society to join it.

This is no different from my roommate in my previous life joining a gaming guild online.

There will be no conflict of interest.

But before the crow could finish speaking, the bat immediately exposed it: "Bullshit! What I received said that your Burning Heaven Society offered three thousand spirit essences?"

The crow said irritably, "Then if I act as the middleman, shouldn't I get some benefits?"

"Shameless..." The bat spat at the crow, then shouted, "Our Dayue Hall is asking for two thousand two hundred."

“The Wanxiang Gang is offering a thousand,” said Bu Xiaogou.

Porcelain Fish chimed in, "The Authority Building is asking for 1,500..."

Su Daoshan's scalp tingled instantly. The Spirit Realm World had four most famous organizations. Besides the Burning Heaven Society, the other three were the Great Yue Hall, the Myriad Manifestations Gang, and the Authority Tower.

He hadn't expected that the Ember Society would have members from all four of these organizations. Even more unexpected was that these organizations had all issued bounties on him.

“They’re certainly willing to spend the money,” Tao Zhu chuckled, “but the bounty isn’t so easy to collect. I heard that at least two hundred people have gathered in Xianlai Town, and all the intersections in the east, west, south, and north have been cordoned off. But we still haven’t seen anyone.”

"If that guy is deliberately trying to avoid the limelight, he might not enter the Spirit Realm for ten days or half a month," the bat nodded. "But after all, he's a newcomer, and it's precisely the time when he needs to explore and improve his strength as soon as possible. I estimate he'll emerge on his own in a few days."

“I don’t think this guy is as simple as an ordinary newbie,” the ferret suddenly said. “I heard about what happened during their fight. Putting aside his mysterious weapon, just in terms of combat strength alone, he’s at least sixteen meters tall…”

As the ferret spoke, it raised an eyebrow and looked at everyone: "And a newcomer with a combat strength of sixteen meters means at least two things... First, their Dao Seed is at least at the eighth grade. This is the most top-tier talent among extraordinary martial artists." Everyone nodded in agreement.

The ferret said, "Secondly, since he has already raised his combat power to sixteen meters, it means he entered the Spirit Realm more than just a day or two ago. After all, raising combat power also requires spiritual energy and time..."

“Time isn’t a problem,” the bat interjected, “we can just use stardust…”

"Easy for you to say. Stardust doesn't need to be bought with spiritual essence, does it?" the crow retorted. "And doesn't earning spiritual essence take time... in the end, isn't it all the same?"

Bai He, standing to the side, said, "That's right. Everyone's spiritual energy is insufficient to cover their needs, but they have plenty of time. Apart from Heavenly Realm experts who need Star Sand, who would be foolish enough to use Star Sand to accelerate their combat power increase? Especially newcomers."

The bat pursed its lips and muttered, "I was just saying it offhand..."

Tao Zhu waved his hand and said, "Xiao Fu's guess is not entirely impossible. This person was able to raise his combat power to sixteen meters. Besides having entered the Spirit Realm long ago and keeping a low profile, there is another possibility: that he has some kind of background supporting him."

“Isn’t there a rumor that this person is a descendant of the Xiao family?” the paper-cut magpie said. “It is said that the weapon his battle spirit uses is the legendary Rainstorm Pear Blossom Nails.”

“That’s the most interesting part of this matter,” Porcelain Fish said with a smile, “As everyone knows, the Xiao family was destroyed back then for colluding with the demonic path. But even now, many people still feel indignant on behalf of the Xiao family. Moreover, the timing of the Xiao family’s destruction was so coincidental, right before the Crown Prince case broke out…”

As he spoke, he couldn't help but chuckle, but instead of delving deeper into the connection between the Xiao family and the Crown Prince case, he changed the subject, saying, "If this person is truly an orphan of the Xiao family, then such a background is not surprising. The Xiao family is powerful and deeply rooted. Even if Xiao Yuting is dead, no one in reality dares to have any dealings with the Xiao family, but in this spiritual realm, if former members of the Xiao family want to help an orphan, I'm afraid even the Heavenly King himself can't interfere..."

Su Daoshan was both amused and exasperated. He felt that his identity as the last surviving member of the Xiao family had been thoroughly explained by various rumors.

Thinking about it, a thought struck him, and he whispered to Song Xier, "What is star sand?"

"Star-Shifting Sand is a treasure only produced within the Fourth Spirit Realm. It can be used to shorten the time required to enhance one's Dao Seed combat power," Song Xi'er whispered back. "One grain of Star Sand contains fifty spiritual essences and can shorten the time by one day. How about it, are you interested?"

The last sentence was naturally sarcastic.

She knew better than anyone when Su Daoshan entered the Spirit Realm, and she also knew better than anyone the plight of newcomers at this stage. It's no exaggeration to say that out of a hundred newcomers, ninety-nine of them couldn't even pull out fifty coins of spiritual essence.

Besides, even if they could take it out, who would be foolish enough to exchange fifty spirit essences for a single stardust?
Meanwhile, Su Daoshan was already calculating in his mind: "The speed of combat power improvement is calculated based on each person's Dao Seed grade, and the further along the line, the longer it takes."

"Currently, I need ten days to raise my combat power to the twenty-second level, then a month to the twenty-third level. And it will take another three months to raise my combat power to the twenty-fourth level."

"If you add it all up, that's 130 days, requiring 130 stardust... which translates to 6500 spirit essence!" Su Daoshan's eyes lit up. "So, as long as I spend 6500 spirit essence, I can definitely make it in time for the opening of Heavenly Dao Mountain this time..."

Almost instantly, Su Daoshan had made his decision.

"Let's do it!"

Although spending 6500 spirit essences is a bit painful, it saves a full 130 days of spirit realm time.

For ordinary martial artists, 130 days might not seem like much. They might not even be able to gather the 200 spiritual essence needed to increase their combat power by one meter each time, so what difference does it make if the time is faster or slower?

It's like cooking. If the main dish takes an hour to prepare, what's the point of cooking the other dishes quickly?
But for Su Daoshan right now, time is incredibly precious. Given the current turbulent war situation and the Su family's predicament, even improving his strength by just a second or a tiny bit earlier would be beneficial.

Besides, it's not like he can't come up with those 6500 spiritual essences.

Su Daoshan quickly calculated the costs in his mind.

While in Xianlai Town, he plundered a total of approximately 50000 spiritual essences. Of these, 16000 came from the contributions of Fu Sheng, a great demon from Huangzhu Mountain, and 13000 from the great demons of the three tribes of Wild Grass Valley, Wutong River, and Deer Mountain. The remaining 20200 came from ransoms paid by Bu Chi, Huangzhu Hermit, and others.

"Mr. Qi handled all the accounts, so I temporarily left the 20200 ransom in the Gu Rong tribe's account. After all, Mr. Qi helps me manage Xianlai Town and runs the Shangqing Palace, so there will inevitably be times when he needs spiritual energy."

"Along the way, I brought a total of 30000 spirit essences, including what I already had. 21000 were consumed in refining the spinning top compass, and another 3000 were consumed in capturing and copying the form and skills of the ghost ape. If you add the spirit essences I used to replenish my stamina during daily martial arts training and those consumed when entering the spirit realm, then I now have a little over 5,000 spirit essences left."

"Still 1500 short."

This difference is not a problem for Su Daoshan at all.

With the Gyroscope Compass and his own twelve-level Dao Seed Spiritual Awareness, the Chaotic Land is an open treasure trove. Gathering more than a thousand spiritual essences is not difficult.

Moreover, in an emergency, he could ask Mr. Qi for a loan. Not to mention, getting 10,000 spirit resources for short-term use would be easy. It wouldn't affect anything.

While Su Daoshan pondered, the discussion in the tea room remained heated. In just a few minutes, the topic had shifted from speculating about the identity and background of the "If we can't reach an agreement, we'll kill him" to his battle spirit.

Everyone was incredibly interested in this newcomer who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

When Su Daoshan came to his senses, he heard Cloth Tiger say, "...It is said that his battle spirit is a spirit demon still in its infancy. Moreover, it takes the form of a large tree when fighting, and a giant crocodile when riding it..."

As he spoke, Cloth Tiger frowned and said, "I've seen quite a few dual-form battle spirits, but most of them are mutated varieties that have fused with spirit beasts. This is the first time I've seen a dual-form battle spirit that is itself a spirit demon."

At this moment, the bamboo snake beside Su Daoshan spoke up: "What, Old Wang, you don't suspect his battle spirit...?"

“I suspect it’s a spirit demon with the ability to devour.” Cloth Tiger’s words were startling.

The crowd erupted in uproar.

The bat was the first to retort, "How could that be? Spirits with the ability to devour are one in a million. Once they grow up, they will at least become powerful demon kings who dominate a region. It's not impossible for them to even become demon emperors. Have you ever seen anyone serve as a battle spirit for humans?"

The crow said, "I also think it's impossible."

But the bamboo snake said, "When I first heard this news, I shared the same opinion as Old Wang. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain why this person's battle spirit is both a spirit demon and a dual-form."

Su Daoshan touched his nose and suddenly wanted to get away from the snake beside him.

After hearing about the cloth tiger and the bamboo snake, the others were also a bit unsure, and there was a flurry of discussion. The assessment of this "cut it if we can't reach an agreement" approach was raised even higher.

If his battle spirit really possesses the devouring skill, then even if this person is an idiot, he would still be the most powerful, unique, and most untouchable idiot in the Spirit Realm!

"So, what's our stance?" the ferret asked. "Should we try to make contact with this guy?"

“I agree,” Porcelain Fish was the first to agree.

The others agreed. Finally, Cloth Tiger made the final decision: "Then let's try to contact this person through our own channels. However, given that this person's identity is unknown, let's not reveal our Ember Society's identity and observe first."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and after discussing it for a while, the topic gradually shifted.

Besides gossiping, the most important function of the free exchange time is for members to trade with each other.

Besides the crow's previous offer, others also announced their needs and what they had to sell. The list on the table was quickly passed around.

Soon, Raven received the stealth talisman she needed from Iron Turtle.

Su Daoshan knew that the purpose of this talisman was not to conceal his form, but to hide the aura of the spiritual seal fragments on his body for twelve hours, so that they would not be perceived by other people's spiritual senses.

The five realms are constantly fighting for the Spirit Seal, and being able to temporarily conceal the aura of the Spirit Seal fragments on one's body is an important means of survival. Especially when being chased, activating the talisman is like extinguishing a torch in the dark.

Seeing the ferret idly resting its chin on its hand, Su Daoshan whispered to her, "Senior Sister, I have a Battle Spirit Rebirth Pill. Could you ask the crow how much it's worth in spirit essence? Also, could you help me collect some things..."

"A Battle Spirit Rebirth Pill?" The ferret's eyes widened in disbelief. "How did you get it?"

No one in the world knew better than her when Su Daoshan entered the Spirit Realm. And how could something like the Battle Spirit Rebirth Pill possibly be in the hands of a newcomer from another realm?

He might not even be able to dream of it, let alone obtain it.

Most of the newcomers who have only been in the Spirit Realm for a few days are probably still wandering around in the wild and haven't even heard of the Battle Spirit Rebirth Pill.

“I was lucky to find it in a spiritual energy rift,” Su Daoshan said casually. “Also, in your name, please collect 130 star sand for me.”

"How many?!"

Upon seeing this, Su Daoshan noticed that the ferret immediately stood upright.

(End of this chapter)