New concept of the mysterious way to ascend to immortality

Chapter 122 Stock Option Incentive! 8.3% upon joining
After using [Shadow Dream Hole] as a server and control background, and remotely operating [Shadow Domain], Yuan Zhu finally confirmed that his "ultimate magical power" was indeed successful!

And it was completed very smoothly in one go. He didn't even have to put in much effort, and he easily created his first [Dharma Domain]. He was simply a genius!

The genuine [Domain of Law] requires the Tiger Demon to cultivate diligently and incubate it, using his own magic power to temper the strength of the magic circle, constantly consuming individual energy, driving the minions to push the magic circle, accumulating and superimposing the "underworld" attributes, and finally completing the connection with the underworld.

And preserve this "spark", continue to grow, completely penetrate the Yin and Yang worlds, consolidate this "Yin and Yang channel" to nourish the growth of the Dharma domain.

Now, everything has been reversed. The [Shadow Dream Hole] spontaneously connects the three realms, now located in the [Shadow Layer], connecting the Underworld and the Nightmare Layer. It spontaneously draws on the power of the shadows, absorbing the pollution of the Underworld, and feeding back the Nightmare energy to strengthen the [Law Domain].

Therefore, Yuan Zhu only needed to wait and let the [Shadow Dream Hole] run at full power. This would reversely temper and strengthen the still immature [Law Domain], gradually increasing the strength of the [Shadow Law Domain] until a balance was achieved.

If there were any regrettable flaws, it would probably be the limited power of a single Shadow Dream Hole. Its current 1km diameter domain was its limit.

Compare this to the much grander [Cicada City], divided into three areas: upper, middle, and lower, with crisscrossing roots and veins. Compared to this small underground cavity, the difference isn't that great.

This [Shadow Dream Hole] is really disappointing to Maomao!

The spiritual healing master intervened in time and said, "Don't be discouraged, my king! Our [Shadow Realm] is fundamentally different from Chan City! The [Realm] is your absolute domain. Although it is currently at level 0 and your experience level is zero, as [Shadow Dream Hole] works diligently for you, the level of the [Realm] will be gradually raised."

"On the other hand, [Chan City] is just a simple city. It has a lot of space, but it's just a place where professional magic arrays are arranged and more [Dream Holes] are opened to maintain ecological balance. If you make a lot of money in the underground world in the future, you can also purchase magic array services. You can also train traitors like Zuo Tongling to work for you, break through the heavenly realm, open more 'Shadow Dream Holes', and further expand the scale of the magic domain."

Latiao concluded, "Others build cities, manage them, and use the [Higher Dao Seeds] to rule their people. But you are the master of the [Shadow Law Realm], the god who controls the rules!"

Yuan Zhu's frown immediately relaxed. "Well said! I will grant you the management rights of the [Law Domain]. This kingdom will be ruled by you and me!"

After saying that, Yuan Zhu handed over 40% of the control of [Shadow Domain] to Xiao Latiao.

Aside from some fundamental legal domain rulemaking and resource regulation, Xiao La Tiao already has nearly 9% of the daily management authority over the Shadow Domain.

As for [Simulated Dungeon], let Xiao Latiao play it.

"Oh! Long live Lao Da! Good luck to the boss! Happy New Year to the boss!" After a round of cheers, Xiao La Tiao couldn't wait to drive the 'cyborg rat' that couldn't contact his teammates, and rushed out a long distance.

Now, as long as she is within the [Domain of Law], the soul signals between her and Yuan Zhu will not be disconnected. She can run away freely and enjoy the happiness of having legs.

So the half-mechanical mouse held its head with both hands, and its mechanical single eye pulled out a red stream of light, controlling its eight insect legs to scurry around on the ground, drilling into any hole it saw, running wild and having a lot of fun. The scene was also extremely terrifying.

Is this what it feels like to have legs? Is this what it feels like to breathe freely? Is this what it feels like to run? It's amazing!

...

Yu Jingzi took over Shushu's body and disappeared into a cave.

Yuan Zhu continued to inspect his territory. This [Law Domain] was newly formed, with little wealth or accumulation, and was slowly drawing shadow power from the shadow layer through the [Shadow Dream Hole].

The [Dharma Domain] itself is a battery, accumulating shadow pollution until it reaches an internal and external balance with the [Shadow Layer]. This absorbed shadow pollution can then refine the existing "Immortal Tree Roots" within the soil, gradually twisting them into a dedicated "transmission channel + battery" for shadow power.

Even further, even the polluted spiritual energy is distorted and assimilated.

However, Yuan Zhu felt that it was more likely that the roots of the local fairyland trees would gradually adapt to the [Shadow Domain], coexist with the domain, and eventually acquire and absorb it!
The [Garden of Disease] can absorb the Holy Cough Goblins, and the 'Roots of the Fairyland Tree' that occupies the entire underground world can't eat a mere 'Shadow Realm'?

He was not so arrogant as to think that the [Shadow Realm] could just swallow up an elephant like a snake and devour the [Root Network] of the underground world.

The final outcome of one's own legal domain will inevitably be to be incorporated and assimilated into the bubble world, which is also the purpose of the "world will".

By investing in the Tiger Demon, a new 'shadow branch' will be opened up for the planet's underground ecosystem. This will provide more variables and possibilities, further addressing the world's vulnerabilities. This is a means of self-preservation.

[Shadow Domain] The essence of the Tiger Demon will not change, and the shadow pollution as the main body will not change, but it will inevitably be bent into the shape of the land and merge with the 'Insect System, Kunlun System' and even the 'Knight System' on the surface.

They blend and influence each other, and evolve a new path according to the Tiger Demon's ideas. If the Tiger Demon can't do it, kill it and replace it with a new spokesperson to continue the work.

There are some local township governments that support entrepreneurs from other places to open factories.

Yuan Zhu invested in the company with [Shadow Technology], providing local jobs, bringing new technological innovations, enhancing the competitiveness of local companies, and opening up new foreign markets... He even sold local specialties to other places, stimulating new vitality in the township (saving the world).

All the bubble world needs to pay is a mere [Shadow Dream Hole].

Yuan Zhu has a lot to consider, from territory construction, investment planning, recruiting employees... On the other hand, he also shoulders the expectations of [Maomao King].

"It's so hard for me, I have so much responsibility! Come on, build your career!"

...

After going out, he called Commander Zuo and Shopkeeper Lu to accompany him, and took his right and left hands with him to inspect the countryside and tour the [Shadow Realm].

A group of country bumpkin bosses went to the front-line construction site, giving orders and making decisions.

"Old Zuo, Old Lu, I plan to use the twelve [Insect Pillars. Suppressing Stones] as the starting point and divide the [Dharma Domain] into 12 sectors. Areas 123 can be used as breeding areas for insects, while area 456 can be used for crop cultivation to provide food for the camp."

Lu Yan, who had been appointed Chief Sheriff, quickly pulled out his notebook and began recording. His business in Chancheng had ceased, and the shop had been saved by Commander Zuo. Now that there was no turning back, he could only focus on accompanying Yuan Zhu on his business.

Yuan Zhu took a deep breath, and the miasma in the air cleared away, filled with a faint fragrance of shadows, which was refreshing and pleasant. "The [Dharma Domain] has been initially formed and already has a defensive effect, providing a safe haven. It can spontaneously cleanse and absorb the 'demon insect infestation and polluting miasma' common in the underground world. Once the [Shadow Dream Hole] is opened, it can be forcibly exiled into the nightmare and receive rewards."

While sensing the basic functions of [Law Domain], Yuan Zhu introduced it to his two subordinates.

At this time, he deliberately came to a stone that symbolized a 'cicada larva' and reached out to sense and touch this [Insect Pillar. Array Base].

It was discovered that the stone base buried in the soil had connected and merged with a few 'roots of the fairyland tree', assimilating their pollution and transforming it into an exclusive shadow pollution transmission and storage pipeline, and the scope was still expanding to the surrounding areas.

Great, very motivated!
Not only that, he also confirmed that the [Insect Pillar] possessed weak biological characteristics, able to absorb the power of shadows and nightmares, slowly grow, temper itself, and enhance the potential of the [Domain].

Each [Suppressing Stone] is a core node of the Shadow Domain, an energy hub, a charging station... and even has enormous potential to be explored and developed. He waved to Zuo Fan, "Commander Zuo, please come here."

The other party stepped forward, came to the front of the Insect Pillar, and asked, "What are your orders, my lord?"

"Place your hand upon the [Stone], and I grant you control of the [Law Domain]."

"Oh?"

Zuo Fan raised his eyebrows and looked at Yuan Zhu in surprise and expectation. Was he starting to delegate power to himself?
Yuan Zhu said, "As you know, the current domain is composed of the [Shadow Dream Hole] and 12 [Insect Pillars]. These twelve stone guardians each possess the authority to control a sector. Not only that, they also have the right to enjoy and mobilize 1/12 of the energy in the domain."

"Commander Zuo, you are currently opening the 'Heaven-Earth Bridge' and striving for the 'Heavenly Realm'. I would like to place this 'Insect Pillar' under your control, allowing you to freely draw upon the 'Nightmare Power' to refine the 'Innate Qi'. Furthermore, by controlling this 'Insect Pillar', you will also gain access to the 'Shadow Dream Hole', allowing you to open it independently without my permission, facilitating your retreat and cultivation. Later, I will also transfer more of the camp's management rights to this Insect Pillar."

Zuo Fan was overjoyed when he heard this. This boss was indeed reliable! He vowed, "I will definitely live up to your trust!"

"Ok!"

Yuan Zhu patted the other person's shoulder and looked at the shop owner Lu who was also full of desire, but did not make a promise easily.

The power of having a role model is enough. First, learn from the bad girl, whet the appetite of the lickspittle, stimulate the other party's subjective initiative, and then talk about the subsequent rewards later.

...

In this way, the three continued to patrol the desolate, gloomy, dark, and sceneryless underground cavity, but their hearts were burning with enthusiasm. Because they all had a bright future!
Yuan Zhu continued pointing and saying, "Although my [Dharma Domain] has various strange abilities, it is currently only able to preserve itself. Whether it draws on the gathered 'Shadow Power' or the 'Nightmare Power' fed back by the Dream Hole, neither of them is of direct help to orthodox Qi cultivators."

"The [Dharma Domain] can spontaneously gather polluted miasma, but it lacks the ability to purify it. It can only be expelled into the [Nightmare Layer], which is of no help for 'breathing and refining Qi', and may even be harmful, as all the polluted spiritual energy is expelled. Furthermore, my Dharma Domain doesn't seem to be helpful for 'cultivation', and can only provide a safe haven. If the ration problem isn't resolved, the camp's population won't increase."

Zuo Fan, who had obtained 1/12 of the management rights of the [Law Domain], immediately promised: "I will continue to deliver food and purchase slaves proficient in mushroom cultivation to cultivate basic rations in the camp."

Yuan Zhu complained, "Don't forget the fluorescent slime mold. The visibility in this crappy place is too low. I'm going to plant glowing colorful slime mold all over the top of the underground cavity!"

Lu Yan quickly said, "That's easy, leave it to me!"

Zuo Fan, drawing on his own experience using Nightmare Power (Shadow + Nightmare) to impact the [Heavenly Realm], analyzed the situation and offered his advice: "Master, perhaps we could control a group of lower-level cultivators and have them switch to practicing [Shadow Breathing]. This way, we could utilize the basic benefits of Shadow Power in the camp, deepen our connection, and establish a bond."

"Once you join our camp and learn the [Shadow Breathing Technique], you won't be able to defect in the future. Other insect cities rarely offer this unique 'Shadow Power.' Furthermore, we can also open the [Shadow Dream Hole]. To utilize the Shadow Dream Hole, you must master the 'Shadow True Qi' and ultimately be tied to our ship."

"One more thing. From what I've observed, our camp has only addressed the primary dangers: the risks posed by demonic insects and miasma. However, our defenses are still insufficient, as we still face the risk of attacks from demonized giant insects, demon-possessed warriors, other insect-searching teams, and root-nodular demon fetuses. We should open the [Shadow Dream Hole] to attract more powerful wild warriors."

Yuan Zhu waved his hand: "The camp has never lacked defensive power. You have also felt the power contained in the [Insect Pillar], right? As long as the [Shadow Dream Hole] is not damaged, the camp can continue to draw power from the [Shadow Layer and Nightmare Layer] until the internal and external are balanced. And I have another ability, which is to refine 'Ghosts'."

"Each Insect Pillar can house a demon, ready for your command. Normally, the demon can move freely within the domain, providing defense. When not in action, it draws upon the power of shadows to continue its growth... I'd like to call them the Zodiac!"

Commander Zuo asked, "How powerful is this [Zodiac]?"

Yuan: "That depends on how strong they were in life. The stronger the condemned prisoners provided by the commander, the more terrifying the resulting ghosts will be. The stronger the [Insect Pillar] is tempered, the stronger the ghosts will be. The greater the [Dharma Domain] grows, the greater the potential of the ghosts."

Zuo Fan immediately thought of the origin of these [Insect Pillars]. He had never provided Yuan Zhu with any 'demonized giant insects'. Therefore, these 'Giant Insect Stones' could only have come from those executed prisoners.

He knew the basic information of the prisoners clearly. Among these ordinary death row prisoners, there were Qi cultivators who were not from the Cicada clan.

Then he thought of the first Mantis Stone, and the 'Cockroach Brothers' who had committed thefts in the lower levels, and the 'Water Scorpion Assassin' who had committed crimes in other insect cities, joined a raiding party, and was captured.

For a moment, he felt a slight chill on his back. This new lord was truly a ruthless person, capable of transforming death row prisoners into giant insects, enhancing their potential, and then refining them into magical instruments to deploy in formations.

If I hadn't begged for mercy in time, would there have been an unprecedented super [Insect Pillar] or a celestial ghost in the camp?!

Then, if I can send 12 [Earth Rank] strong men, can't I refine them into more terrifying 'Dao Soldiers (Ghosts)'?
Considering the area of this camp, with a diameter of only 1km, it is guarded by 12 powerful 'Earth-level Perfect Dao Soldiers'. The defense force is indeed sufficient, even saturated.

Commander Zuo, understanding his boss's hint, whispered, "I'll find a way to gather the tribute! However... my frequent mobilization of my men to extract death row prisoners has drawn some attention."

Yuan Zhu: "There's no rush, take your time. I have five Earth-rank prisoners on hand, which is enough for now. Just pay more attention to it later."

Lu Yan, who had always lacked opportunities to show off, also spoke up: "Master, I am willing to return to the city to contact the [Technician Alliance] and find a way to raise a batch of tube worms to purify and refine 'spiritual energy' for the camp's consumption. If there is sufficient funds, I can also hire a professional 'magic array technician' to lay the 'tube worm magic array' for the camp."

Yuan Zhu: "Spiritual energy and food are both big problems. I will try to use the [Domain] to solve them. But you also have to pay attention. Insufficient population will restrict the expansion and development of the camp."

Shadow Domain is indeed great, but it is essentially a combination of Shadow Pollution and a small amount of Nightmare Power. It has little connection with Insect, Kunlun, and Knight.

Now that the [Dharma Domain] is spontaneously expanding and polluting the 'root network', it is possible to digest and absorb the 'spiritual pollution', but this will take a lot of time to refine it bit by bit.

Furthermore, once the "pollution intake" reaches its limit, it must be stopped. Even further investment is needed to increase the proportion of "Shadow Pollution" in order to ensure the dominance of "Shadow."

Otherwise, the consequence of excessive intake of the roots of the Immortal Realm Tree is that the entire [Dharma Realm] will be contaminated and refined by the roots of the Immortal Realm Tree.

Yuan Zhu continued, "Also, we can recruit a group of children similar to the 'Little Sisters'. On the outskirts of Upper City, a group of missing children who no one cares about wouldn't be a big deal. Once they arrive at the camp, Shopkeeper Lu will teach them the Shadow Breathing Technique. I'll quickly make a batch of Shadow Eggplants to help them improve their physiques."

Yuan Zhu lacked the "Higher Dao Seed" to control his subordinates, nor did he have the "Singing Insect, Infant Insect, or Mantis Insect" to control life and death. Instead, he was able to devise a new method, allowing his minions to continuously split "Shadow Eggplants" and parasitize their bodies. These were then subdued and refined by the "Dao Seed," imbuing them with shadowy physiques. This, in harmony with the "Shadow Realm," enabled him to obtain the first batch of reserve subjects.

"Also, the Law Domain has a direct connection to the [Shadow Dream Hole]. Commander, you also have control over the [Dream Hole]. You can consider creating small-scale 'pollution riots' in the underground tunnels, controlling their scale and introducing them into the camp. Utilizing the uniqueness of the [Law Domain], you can absorb them all into the [Nightmare] and gain a large amount of feedback. Whether you use it for cultivation or to further strengthen and refine your territory, it will be an excellent tonic!"

Commander Zuo's eyes lit up. He suddenly understood why the masters of Chan City liked to burn the "demon insects".

He claimed to be reducing the underground world's "polluted disaster air," protecting the people's safety, and increasing the concentration of pure spiritual energy. But now it seems that he was more concerned about himself!

Discharge the black smoke from the burning magic insects into the nightmare, gain the power of feedback to strengthen your own cultivation, and inject more power into the magic circle to maintain the operation of the magic circle in the lower city!
Now, I am also a 'master', awesome!

(End of this chapter)