With the rise of my family, I can summon the Daoist Soldiers' Nest.

The Qingyuan Sword Sect's ships sailed for five days straight.

Over the past five days, the boats that had set off together from Feiyun Ferry have gradually dispersed in all directions. Some turned to other tributaries, while others stopped at islands they found along the way to resupply and rest.

Gradually, as they looked around, they realized that their boat was the only one left in the surrounding waters, and they could no longer see any of their fellow travelers.

This is understandable, as Raize is simply too vast.

Although tens of thousands of martial artists flood in each time the area opens, compared to this vast and boundless marshland, even if many people are scattered, they are still just a drop in the ocean, and the area remains sparsely populated.

Finally, the mist in front of us dissipated, revealing the outline of a huge island.

The island was vast; from the ship, it was covered in lush forests and had undulating terrain, stretching as far as the eye could see.

However, islands of this size are not uncommon in Leize; they had passed by several similar landmasses a few days ago.

Following Liang Feiyu's instructions, the boat slowly sailed into a secluded bay and quietly came to a stop.

Immediately, the group made arrangements, leaving two disciples and an elder to guard the ship, while the rest prepared their equipment and went ashore to investigate.

"This island has no official name," Liang Feiyu said slowly as he stepped onto the soft sand and looked around.

"About four hundred years ago, it was discovered by a senior member of our sword sect. In commemoration, the sword sect privately named it Qingyuan Island. Of course, this is just our internal name, and outsiders do not know it."

Liang Feiyu paused briefly, then turned his gaze to the dense forest deep within the island before continuing his story.

"Ever since that senior made a contract for a nest on this island, this place has become an important stronghold for the Sword Sect to explore the Thunder Swamp."

For the past four hundred years, whenever the Thunder Swamp opens, our sect has sent people to garrison here, hoping to find more acquired nests.

Unfortunately, despite some success—contracting two first-rate nests and three third-rate nests—luck ultimately ran out, and they were unable to find any new acquired nests.

"Qingyuan Island is still some distance from the core area of ​​Leize, so the danger level is not too high for us."

"However, now that we've ventured deep into the heart of Thunder Swamp, we can't let our guard down," Liang Feiyu reminded everyone with a serious expression.

"According to the ancient records of the Sword Sect, there have been signs of innate demonic beasts appearing on this island. Everyone must be vigilant and not be careless."

After giving his instructions, Liang Feiyu took out a yellowed sheepskin map, unfolded it, and, referring to the terrain, led the way. Ning Wuji silently brought up the rear, guarding the flanks of the group.

The group circulated their inner energy, used their lightness skills, and with their toes barely touching the ground, their figures darted through the jungle like arrows, speeding towards the depths of the island.

The group hurried along, searching their surroundings while remaining highly vigilant.

Apart from the occasional monster that darted out along the way, they gained almost nothing.

The team's strategy towards these monsters was very clear: avoid them if possible, and only attack when there was no other way to avoid them.

After all, killing monsters doesn't bring any real benefits; there are neither spiritual plants nor treasures, only increased consumption.

After searching for a whole day, everyone still came up empty-handed.

Although they killed several spirit beasts during this period, they were all second- or third-rate.

The physical bodies of these spirit beasts might offer some minor benefit to true disciples like Lin Ye, but for elders like Liu Zhenghua who had already reached the peak of the second tier, their effect was negligible, not even enough to fill a tooth gap.

The team continued their search the following day.

During the journey, a disciple suggested that they split into several groups to explore separately, which would be more efficient. Once a target or special situation was discovered, they could use signal flares to contact each other and regroup.

However, Liang Feiyu immediately rejected the proposal.

“This place may not be the only one with our power,” Liang Feiyu said solemnly. “Once we send out a signal, it will be like telling everyone our exact location.”

We had suffered similar losses before. The sword sect's team was ambushed by other forces in the shadows, resulting in heavy casualties. The lesson was profound.

Moreover, the island is teeming with demonic and spiritual beasts. Your cultivation is still shallow, and it would be extremely dangerous if you were alone, especially for you true disciples. You must not act recklessly.

Since that's the case, everyone can only maintain their formation and advance or retreat together.

And so, the search continued for three more days.

Hard work pays off. The biggest gain during this period was killing two top-tier spirit beasts.

The corpses of the two spirit beasts were divided and eaten by the crowd on the spot.

It was only then that Lin Ye truly understood the value of a top-tier spirit beast.

Before this, he had only eaten second- or third-rate spirit beasts, which had little effect on a second-rate martial artist like him.

This time, the effects of a top-tier spirit beast were comparable to those of a precious top-tier spirit plant.

Although second-rate martial artists cannot consume large quantities, even a small amount will immediately and significantly nourish and strengthen their internal energy.

The feeling was like warm energy continuously flowing into the meridians, washing over the limbs and bones, which was more direct than the usual meditation.

Most importantly, this is practically free money. Top-tier spiritual plants usually only grow in top-tier nests, requiring not only a specific environment but also meticulous care from dedicated Dao soldiers to survive.

And these spirit beasts, as long as you have the ability to hunt them, can be immediately converted into your own cultivation.

Lin Ye couldn't help but think to himself, how wonderful it would be if all the demonic beasts in the world could be eaten like spirit beasts.

I'm afraid that by then, the monsters won't even need to grow up to be fully formed. As soon as they are born, they will be swarmed by countless martial artists and devoured in an instant. What need will there be for any nests to suppress them?

The reason why the lair is so important, and why major forces fight over it at all costs, is ultimately because hunting monsters is unprofitable and a pure waste of effort.

That day, Lin Ye and his companions were traveling deep into the dense forest when they suddenly heard the faint sound of rushing water ahead.

The sound was crisp and clear, like a mountain stream rushing through the silence of the Thunder Marsh.

Everyone perked up and was about to follow the sound when Liang Feiyu, who was leading the way, suddenly stopped, turned around, and gestured for everyone to quickly gather together.

"There's something up ahead." Liang Feiyu lowered his voice, his sharp gaze fixed on the source of the sound.

"There are three acquired demonic beasts: the Water Ape, two large and one small. There is also a lotus flower blooming in the river; judging from its shape, it should be a Jade Lotus, a spiritual treasure of heaven and earth."

With this spiritual treasure, the Sword Sect can hope to gain another acquired martial artist; this treasure must not be lost.

He looked around at everyone, his gaze sweeping over the nine first-rate elders, including Liu Zhenghua, and continued, "When we return to the Sword Sect, I will report today's achievements to the sect leader truthfully."

This jade lotus will be awarded as a reward to the one among you who performs the best.

"However, the water apes live in the water and rely on the water's power to increase their combat strength, while we are actually constrained in the water."

Thus, Elder Ning and I joined forces to deal with the largest and strongest male ape.

Nine elders, you are responsible for restraining that female ape.

As for the baby ape, judging from its size, it should only be of first-rate level. True disciples, if you work together, you should be able to hold it off.

Liang Feiyu specifically instructed, "Remember, no matter what, you must hold off the smaller one until the two of us deal with the male ape. Then we can be free to support you."

At this point, his tone suddenly turned stern, each word ringing out: "If anyone dares to back down in the face of battle, they should not expect to return to the Sword Sect for trial."

The sect leader gave instructions before leaving, and I am in charge of handling everything. If anyone ruins this important matter, don't blame me for showing no mercy!