You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

Upon hearing this, Li Rou smiled gently.

"Master, have you forgotten where we are? This trial ground itself is an excellent 'filter' and 'guiding channel'."

Chen Yang was taken aback, then suddenly realized.

"You mean... pass the trials here?"

"Exactly."

Li Rou affirmed.

"One of the essential aspects of this ancient trial ground is that it serves as a place for numerous blessed lands to select and guide qualified new blood and inheritors. After undergoing trials and reaching the core area, the trial participants may receive the 'recognition' or 'guidance' of a certain blessed land."

This recognition is not an unconscious choice made by the blessed land itself; rather, it is often influenced by the standards set by the current lord of the blessed land or by its legacy rules.

Li Rou paused, her voice carrying a hint of profound meaning.

"Now, Master, you also possess a blessed land and are located in the core area of ​​this trial. You can use your 'realm master' authority to sense and contact those trial participants who have completed the basic trials and demonstrated sufficient potential and character, send them 'guidance' messages, or set 'final tests' that suit your wishes."

If they pass, they will be able to enter your realm and become the first 'residents' or 'disciples'.

Chen Yang was stunned, and then a more specific question, which also made him somewhat alert, popped up.

"Wait! Li Rou, if you're saying that, then in this trial grounds, I'm not the only 'realm master' or 'candidate realm master' who possesses a blessed land and can 'select people' here? Could it be that the realm masters or their agents of other blessed lands with unbroken lineages might also be here, 'competing' with me for people? Or even... we might actually meet face-to-face?"

Li Rou's voice rang out calmly in Chen Yang's mind, yet it carried a hint of solemnity that could not be ignored.

“The master’s concerns are very valid.”

This trial ground, having existed for a long time, is a 'talent selection place' jointly built by multiple ancient sects. Its rules allow and encourage blessed lands to receive inheritors here.

Therefore, beings like the master, who possess complete 'authority' or 'credential' for blessed lands, are rare, but certainly not unique.

In some ancient blessed lands where traditions have never been broken, the current realm master or their designated agent may indeed be active there, secretly observing and selecting suitable talents. Encounters with them, and even conflicts arising from competition for outstanding candidates, are entirely possible.

Chen Yang frowned slightly.

"And my current strength..."

"That's the key."

Li Rou speaks frankly and without reservation.

"Master, you have just obtained this blessed land, and your cultivation is still in the critical period of breaking through from the Foundation Establishment stage to the Golden Core stage. Your control over this new world is only at the very beginning."

The other realm lords or agents who can exercise the right of 'guidance' in the trial grounds are all people with profound cultivation and rich experience. They are at least in the middle or late stages of the Golden Core stage, and there may even be old monsters in the Nascent Soul stage secretly watching them.

"In your current state, trying to compete with them head-on is like throwing an egg against a rock."

Chen Yang pondered for a moment.

"So, the path of attracting talent through formal channels of trials is temporarily blocked? Does that mean my world will remain empty forever? Aren't the incense offerings, vows, and world feedback you mentioned just castles in the air?"

"That's not necessarily true."

Li Rou then changed the subject and proposed another approach.

“A proper trial requires strength and authority, but there are other ways to ‘recruit’ people. Master, you can find another way and proactively ‘open’ your blessed land.”

"Open? How will it be opened?"

Chen Yang was curious.

"For example, you can artificially create an 'entrance' here, spread the word that you have discovered an unclaimed, resource-rich 'secret realm' or 'ruin', and attract trial participants to explore it on their own."

Li Rou explained.

"Those who enter in this way, without being screened by the core rules of the trial, may have varying qualities and temperaments, and their overall strength will be relatively weak."

The advantage, however, is that you have the initiative; you can set entry conditions, control the entrance location and opening hours, making the risk relatively manageable.

Chen Yang's eyes lit up, and a bold plan instantly took shape in his mind.

"You mean... I could find an existing immortal abode ruin, 'nest' my own entrance inside, and disguise it as part of the ruin? That way, I could secretly 'guide' all the people exploring the ruin to my blessed land!"

Li Rou remained silent for a moment, seemingly assessing the feasibility of the plan, before cautiously speaking.

"Theoretically... it's feasible. Using existing ruins as cover can indeed greatly reduce the risk of being detected by other realm lords or the trial rules."

But master, this matter must be done in utmost secrecy and thoroughness.

Once implemented, everyone who sees or enters that 'entrance' must 'receive' it completely, without exception, and ensure they cannot transmit the true situation inside. Otherwise, if the news leaks, it will not only attract the frenzied covetousness and attacks of other trial participants, but may also alarm the true realm lords or the guardian rules of this place, with unimaginable consequences.

"Don't worry, I understand."

A confident smile curved Chen Yang's lips.

"Once you enter my territory, whether it's round or flat is entirely up to me. I can isolate internal and external communication, confuse spatial perception, and even modify some memories... Once I have a deeper grasp of this realm, I should be able to do all of these things."

Even if it can't be perfect for the time being, just get people in first and work it out slowly.

This is called "luring the enemy into a trap, then trapping the dog behind closed doors."

Li Rou sensed the eagerness and a hint of... cunning in Chen Yang's tone, and helplessly reminded him.

"Master, the plan is good, but don't play with fire and get burned. Human hearts are complex, and the exploration of ruins is often a mixed bag. There might be someone with a powerful background or who possesses rare treasures who can see through your plan."

If a mistake is made, the trouble could be huge.

"I know what I'm doing."

Chen Yang waved his hand, clearly having made up his mind.

"Risks and opportunities coexist."

"That's settled then. We'll discuss the specifics when the time is right. But you, Li Rou, you just said you wanted to find a place to establish a sect? You're a soul now, how can you establish a sect? Are you suggesting you find a 'ghost cultivator' to be your leader?"

When this was mentioned, Li Rou's voice revealed a rare hint of anticipation and seriousness.

"Master, have you forgotten your current status? You are the ruler of this realm!"

Although the world is newly formed and its origin is still immature, it is not difficult to grant me some of the power of the origin and reshape me into a temporary 'spiritual body' that can move freely in this world.

This is similar to the principle of 'Nezha's lotus incarnation' in popular legends, except that it relies on the fundamental rules of your world.

With a spiritual body, I can truly walk and plan in this world, manage this world for you, and recruit and cultivate talent.

"You can do that?!"

Chen Yang was both surprised and delighted, then he thought of something even more exciting. "Then... what about my wife, Shen Bingyao? Her physical body is still alive, but her soul is injured and dormant. Could we use this method to rebuild her spiritual body in this world and nurture her soul, so that she can be fully revived in the future?"

"Theoretically, it's entirely possible."

Li Rou affirmed.

"In fact, because Miss Shen's physical body is still intact and her soul foundation is not scattered, the difficulty and consumption of reshaping her spiritual body is lower than mine."

If she can awaken in this realm in her spiritual form, not only will she be safe, but she can also use the spiritual energy and origin of this realm to nourish her and accelerate her recovery. At that time, she can join me in establishing a foundation in this realm, creating a true 'sect' or 'family' that belongs to you, as part of the foundation of your future power.”

This idea thrilled Chen Yang.

In this way, not only did Li Rou have a better "home" and a platform to give full play to her abilities, but the path to treating Shen Bingyao also became clearer!

"That's wonderful! Li Rou, what do I need to do? How can I bestow upon you my primordial power and create a spiritual body for you?"

Chen Yang asked eagerly.

"It's very simple, just exercise your right as the realm lord to 'appoint' someone."

Li Rou guides the way.

"You can assign me an 'identity' within the fundamental rules of this realm, such as a formal title like 'Guardian of the Realm' or 'Elder of the Legacy'."

When you complete the investiture, a portion of the primordial power and authority will naturally be bound to me, allowing me to condense a spiritual body and possess corresponding actions and spellcasting authority in this realm.

Essentially, this is the world lord 'delegating' some of the world's administrative authority to trusted assistants.

"Imperial conferment? How exactly does it work?"

Chen Yang was still quite unfamiliar with this kind of "divine" operation.

"Concentrate your mind and communicate with the core of this world's origin—the vast will you sensed when you were refining and fusing it just now."

Then, as the Lord of the Realm, simply issue your 'decree.' I will cooperate with you and receive that power.

Li Rou provided detailed guidance.

Chen Yang did as instructed, closed his eyes, and immersed his mind in the depths of this world.

Soon, he once again felt that vast, intimate yet supremely majestic primordial will, which seemed to be the very essence of this world.

Chen Yang tried to convey his thoughts to the other person.

"I, the Lord of this Realm, hereby bestow upon the spirit Li Rou the title of 'Guardian Star Venerable,' granting her the blessing of this Realm's origin, enabling her to form a spiritual body, assist in managing all affairs within the Realm, and guard this region!"

As he declared his will, a pure and gentle primordial power, as if summoned, converged from all directions of heaven and earth, swirling and condensing at the location of Li Rou's illusory soul. Li Rou's soul body actively met this power, merging seamlessly with it.

As the light intensified, Li Rou's previously somewhat ethereal figure became solid and lifelike at a visible speed. First, it was the outline of a woman's body, exquisitely shaped by pure spiritual light. Then, the details of her facial features gradually became clear, her skin became radiant, her long hair flowed like a waterfall, and finally, even the patterns on her clothes became lifelike.

In just a few breaths, a "spiritual body" that was exactly the same as Li Rou's original soul appearance, but full of vitality and agility, stood gracefully in front of Chen Yang.

She stretched her arms and legs, a look of satisfaction and curiosity on her face, and gave Chen Yang a graceful bow.

"Li Rou, thank you for the Lord of the Realm's grace."

At this moment, Li Rou looked no different from a real person, except that a faint layer of starlight flowed around her, revealing the essence of her spiritual body and her close connection with this world.

How are you feeling?

Chen Yang asked with concern.

"very good."

Li Rou felt the primal power flowing within her body, belonging to this world, and the tangible sensations she perceived through her spiritual body.

"Although the strength of this spiritual body is limited by the current source strength of this world and your cultivation level, and it cannot leave this world for a long time, it can move freely within this world and handle many affairs. It can also begin to set up the mountain gate and cultivate the foundation."

"Great!"

Chen Yang was genuinely happy for Li Rou.

"What about Bingyao..."

"Once your cultivation improves further and your control over this realm becomes more stable, you can repeat the process at any time to create a more suitable spiritual body for Miss Shen to nurture her soul."

Leaving Judo.

"Right now, I will first find a blessed land with abundant spiritual energy and suitable terrain to begin preliminary planning and construction. Master, you can proceed according to the plan after returning to the outside world, but remember, safety comes first."

Chen Yang nodded.

“I understand. Please be careful, and if you need to, contact me through your soul.”

After exchanging a few more words, Chen Yang glanced at the time outside, and with a thought, his figure disappeared from the blessed land and reappeared in a secluded corner of the cliff.

By this time, the sky was already bright, with the first rays of dawn.

As Chen Yang walked back to the vicinity of the camp, he saw that Liu Piaopiao had already woken up and was sitting on a rock, gazing into the distance in a daze.

Hearing footsteps, she turned around and saw Chen Yang, a hint of concern and doubt flashing in her eyes.

"Brother Chen, where did you go last night? We haven't seen you since the middle of the night, and everyone was a little worried."

Chen Yang remained calm, walked over and sat down next to her, and casually said...

"It's nothing. I went down to the ravine to see if anyone needed help and to keep an eye on the monsters on the other side. I got back a little late, and since you were all asleep, I didn't want to disturb you."

Liu Piaopiao said "Oh," and although she felt that Chen Yang's explanation was a bit brief, she didn't ask any further questions.

At this time, others also gradually woke up from their breathing exercises or sleep.

Jiang He stretched, looking much better. He stood up, surveyed the vibrant core area, and his eyes gleamed with a sharp light.

"Have you all rested enough? Since this is the core trial area, there must be many opportunities. Let's prepare to set off and explore!"

With so many people gathered together, the target is too large, and the gains will be limited. I suggest we split up and work separately to improve efficiency.

Uncle Li stroked his beard and nodded.

"Minister Jiang is absolutely right. Exploring separately will cover a wider range and increase the probability of discovering opportunities."

We just need to agree on a way to contact each other and a meeting place.

Chen Yang followed suit.

"Minister Jiang and Uncle Li are experienced, so why don't you two form a group? Qiu Niu, Xing San, and Su Meng, you three can form a group and look out for each other. Piao Piao and I will form a group and continue exploring eastward. We'll give ourselves three days, and regardless of whether we find anything, we'll return to this cliff to meet up. How does that sound?" (End of Chapter)