Primordial Era: I am a treasure trove, full of magical treasures.

After bidding farewell to Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun, Xuanbao did not rush to Mount Ling to pay respects to the two Western Saints. Instead, he turned southwest on a whim. The vast western wilderness was not limited to Mount Ling as the only sacred land. Further west, in the ancient mountains near the foothills of Mount Buzhou, lay a perilous place shrouded in a pale golden aura of malevolent energy, a place that ordinary creatures dared not tread. Yet, it was the homeland of the White Tiger clan, a primordial divine beast.

Repairing the western ley lines is no trivial matter; it's impossible for Xuanbao to do it alone. Fortunately, the western region has its own henchmen, the White Tiger Clan, who can be of great use.

Back then, Xuanbao made the White Tiger Clan one of the Five Innate Spirits, directly changing their predicament of potential extinction. He also naturally gained access to the Three Pure Ones. Later, under Xuanbao's orders, along with the other four spirit clans (Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, and Qilin), they established their own sects, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the primordial world. The sect to which the White Tiger Clan belonged was renamed the "White Tiger Sect," dominating the western mountains shrouded in malevolent energy. They used a unique Geng Metal method to temper their physique and supernatural powers. Although their development was limited by the barrenness of the west, making them the weakest of the five major sects, their members were brave and skilled in battle, proficient in killing and the metal element, and still held considerable prestige in the western region.

Xuanbao's journey is due to the fact that the White Tiger Sect has been rooted in the West for countless eons, and is probably more familiar with the Western terrain, ley lines, and even some hidden demonic relics and special areas than anyone else. With the assistance of someone familiar with the local land's advantages, the task of repairing the ley lines will undoubtedly be much more efficient.

Riding the escape light, the iconic pale golden aura of malevolence soon appeared at the edge of the field of vision. The mountains, like swords, pierced the sky, and even from a distance, the chilling aura of Geng metal could be felt, its sharpness piercing to the bone. Xuanbao concealed his aura, descended from the clouds, and landed before a giant peak shaped like a tiger's head and entirely dark gold on the outer edge of the mountain range.

At the foot of the mountain stood a towering, dark black stone tablet, a hundred feet high, inscribed with three large, ancient seal characters in a vigorous, almost martial style: "White Tiger Sect." Beside the tablet, two guards clad in silver armor, their backs bearing faint, tiger-striped shadows, stood ramrod straight, exuding a powerful aura, both possessing the cultivation of a Taiyi Xuanxian. Seeing the sudden appearance of Xuanbao, whose aura was unfathomable, they immediately became alert, their long halberds crossed. One of them shouted in a deep voice, "Who goes there? This is the White Tiger Sect's sacred grounds! All unauthorized personnel, retreat immediately!"

Xuanbao smiled slightly, without releasing any pressure, and said calmly, "I am Xuanbao, an old friend of the White Tiger Clan Chief of your esteemed sect. I am passing through the west today and have come to pay my respects. Please inform him of my arrival."

"Xuanbao?" The two guards exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise and doubt in each other's eyes. This name was legendary within the White Tiger Sect. Back then, it was Xuanbao Daoist who enlightened the clan leader, enabling the White Tiger Clan to become one of the Five Innate Spirits, alleviating the clan's predicament. Moreover, Xuanbao was the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones, and even more so, the "Great Emperor of Fengdu" who had recently shaken the prehistoric world... Could it really be the real Xuanbao himself?

The two dared not delay. One of them immediately bowed and said, "So it is Senior Xuanbao! This junior was blind and has no right to know. Please forgive me! Please wait a moment, senior. I will immediately inform the sect leader!" After saying that, he took out a tiger-shaped jade talisman, poured his divine sense into it, and said a few words in a hurry.

Almost the instant the jade talisman sent the message, a powerful and violent aura surged into the sky from the depths of the White Tiger Sect. Accompanied by a tiger's roar that shook the mountains, a blazing white streak of light pierced through the golden clouds of malevolent energy and landed in front of the mountain gate in an instant.

The light faded, revealing a middle-aged man, nine feet tall, robust and imposing, with a face as resolute as if carved by a knife. He wore a set of imposing armor, silver and white, intricately carved with tiger stripes. His hair stood on end like steel needles, and his eyes shone like bright stars, exuding a commanding presence. His cultivation had clearly reached the mid-stage of Quasi-Saint. He was none other than the current sect leader of the White Tiger Sect, and also the patriarch of the White Tiger Clan.

"Young friend Xuanbao! It really is you!" Upon seeing Xuanbao, the White Tiger Clan Chief's tiger eyes blazed with joy. He stepped forward, excitedly clasping his hands in a respectful greeting. "Since our parting years ago, your demeanor has only grown more impressive than before! I and the entire clan have never ceased to feel grateful for your guidance back then! Please! Please come inside!"

Xuanbao returned the greeting with a smile, saying, "Sect Leader Bai, you are too kind. My words back then were merely insignificant, yet they have been of some benefit to your sect, for which I am truly gratified. Seeing the progress in your cultivation and the remarkable achievements of your sect, Sect Leader Bai, is truly a cause for celebration."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the White Tiger Clan Chief personally led the way, guiding Xuanbao through layers of protective arrays into the core area of ​​the White Tiger Sect. Along the way, one could see that the mountain buildings were mostly constructed of hard metal-elemental spiritual materials, their style rugged and bold, their lines sharp and powerful, exuding a sense of edge and strength. Disciples within the sect were either practicing martial arts in the plaza, their killing intent palpable, the clash of weapons echoing; or meditating in their caves, exhaling and exhaling the energy of metal, with the faint phantom of a white tiger rising and falling behind them. Although their overall strength, limited by resources, could not compare to the major sects and factions of the East, their fierce, elite, and disciplined aura was not to be underestimated.

Upon arriving at the main hall, guests and hosts took their seats, and members of the White Tiger Clan served spirit tea—not the spirit tea commonly found in the East, but made from the stamens of a metallic spirit flower called "Ruijinlan," a specialty of the West. The tea was pale gold in color, slightly astringent upon entry, yet a sharp spiritual energy surged through the body, giving it a unique flavor.

The White Tiger Clan Chief waved his hand to dismiss his attendants, leaving only a few trusted elders to accompany him. He then asked with concern, "Young friend, you are now the Emperor of Fengdu, in charge of the Netherworld. You are busy with countless affairs every day. How could you have time to come to this remote place in the West? Could it be that you are inspecting the Underworld and just passing by?" Although he lived in the West, he was not out of touch with the world. He had heard about the major events such as the establishment of the Netherworld, Xuanbao's investiture as the Emperor of Fengdu, and even the creation of the Holy Spirit Clan to complete the cycle of reincarnation.

Xuanbao took the teacup, took a small sip, and felt the unique sharp metal spiritual energy flowing through his meridians. "Not bad," he thought, "this tea gives me strength." With a slight smile, Xuanbao put down the teacup and asked, "How is the White Tiger Sect developing these days?"

Upon hearing this, the White Tiger Clan Chief's expression turned solemn, then softened with a hint of emotion and pride. He sat up straight, his gaze sweeping over the other elders in the hall who also wore expressions of concern, before slowly speaking:

"Thanks to your guidance back then, my clan was able to integrate the scattered branches, gather together those of the same origin, and establish the White Tiger Sect. In recent years, although we dare not say that we have made great strides, we have managed to gain a foothold and have a foundation in this barren western land to settle down and pass on our lineage."

At this point, a hint of sadness flashed in the White Tiger Clan Chief's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination: "The West is barren, and its spiritual veins are mostly damaged, making its cultivation resources far less abundant than those of the East. The disciples of my White Tiger Sect primarily rely on the Geng Metal Qi emanating from the unique 'Innate Geng Metal Earth Vein' in this ancestral mountain range, supplemented by hunting metal-attribute demonic beasts and collecting special mineral materials. In terms of cultivation techniques, we use the 'White Tiger Seven Killings Technique,' inherited by my White Tiger Clan, as the core, incorporating some insights into the Great Dao of Metal, thus forming a system of its own. We currently have approximately three million disciples, of whom only about 1500 are inner disciples, the rest being outer disciples. Besides myself, the highest-ranking among them are 40 elders who have barely reached the Great Luo Realm, over 400 Taiyi Golden Immortals, and over 6000 Golden Immortals. Overall, we are neither the best nor the worst... In this western land, apart from Mount Ling, no one dares to insult us."

Xuanbao nodded slightly. Given the harsh environment of the West, it was truly remarkable that the White Tiger Sect had developed to this point. One Quasi-Saint, 40 Great Luo Golden Immortals, and over 400 Taiyi Golden Immortals—this strength was considerable in the West. More importantly, the White Tiger Clan, as innate divine beasts, possessed incredibly strong physical bodies, sharp innate abilities, and were particularly adept at combat and warfare; in a fight, each member was a formidable tiger.

"Resource scarcity is indeed a constraint," Xuanbao pondered. "How do you usually obtain cultivation resources? Do you have a fixed channel? What is your relationship with other Western powers, especially Mount Ling?"

Mentioning Mount Ling, the White Tiger Clan Chief and several elders' expressions darkened slightly. One elder, with a lean face and sharp eyes, snorted coldly and said, "Mount Ling? Hmph, those two sages are certainly 'enthusiastic,' frequently sending envoys to claim the West is barren and all beings suffer, inviting our White Tiger Sect to study the wondrous Western Dharma and share in ultimate bliss. Their words are nothing more than a ploy to have our entire sect submit to them, merging our ancestral land into their Buddhist Pure Land, euphemistically calling it 'sharing the fortune of Mount Ling and receiving the protection of the Buddha's teachings.' Although our White Tiger Sect is not wealthy, we know how to be self-reliant. How could we willingly hand over our ancestral legacy to others? We also do not wish for our disciples to spend their time chanting scriptures and cultivating for the next life! Therefore, we have always politely declined. Although they haven't used force, their overt and covert exclusion and blocking of resource channels are undeniable."

Upon hearing this, Xuanbao felt that Zhunti and Jieyin were truly audacious. Who in the entire prehistoric world didn't know that the White Tiger Clan was now Xuanbao's lackey? To poach his own members was like slapping him in the face. It seemed that he needed to cause them some trouble.

Another elder, a burly man with a full beard, spoke up, his voice booming: "Resource acquisition mainly relies on three paths. First, we organize disciples to venture into deep mountains and dangerous places to hunt demonic beasts and mine spiritual ores. Second, we engage in limited barter with a few ancient races and independent cultivation groups in the west who are also unwilling to submit to Mount Ling. Third..." He glanced at Xuanbao, hesitated slightly, and then continued, "To be honest, young friend, sometimes we also organize elites to travel to some gray areas bordering the west, north, and central regions, and even occasionally... risk venturing into some remnants of ancient battlefields and the edges of secret realms to search for lost treasures and spiritual materials. This method is extremely risky and results in considerable losses, but the rewards can sometimes be quite substantial."

The White Tiger Clan Chief sighed, "Yes, resources have always been the biggest problem. The ancestral land can still supply the Geng Metal Qi needed for the disciples' cultivation, but auxiliary pills, healing elixirs, other attribute spiritual materials for refining magic weapons, and even rare and precious materials to enhance enlightenment are extremely scarce. Many talented disciples are progressing slowly due to insufficient resources. The sect's treasury is often stretched thin."

Xuanbao listened quietly, understanding dawning on his mind. The White Tiger Sect's predicament was a microcosm of the overall poverty of the West, and also bore the marks of the intentional or unintentional squeezing by the two Western Saints. This, in turn, made his subsequent proposal seem even more logical.

Xuanbao put down his teacup, his expression becoming solemn. "To be honest, my journey to the West is not by chance, but specifically for a major event concerning the future of billions of living beings in the West, and even the entire prehistoric world."

The expressions of everyone in the hall tightened, and their gazes all focused on Xuanbao.

"I wonder what important matter you are referring to, young friend?" Bai Xiao asked in a deep voice.

"What I wish to do is to repair the damaged spiritual roots of the earth veins in the West and restore the vitality of the Western land," Xuanbao said clearly, word by word.

"Repairing the ley lines?!"

A collective gasp filled the hall. The elders exchanged bewildered glances, their faces filled with shock and disbelief. Bai Xiao, too, shuddered, his pupils contracting as he stared intently at Xuan Bao: "Young friend... is this truly the case? The Western ley lines have been severely damaged and devastated since the conflict between the demonic and spiritual realms, a great tragedy for the world. Even the two saints, Jieyin and Zhunti, who have overseen this for countless eons, have only managed to barely maintain it, with no fundamental improvement in sight. Although you possess extraordinary abilities, this matter is truly... inconceivable!"

Xuanbao calmly recounted the plan to repair the earth veins. As Xuanbao spoke, the expressions of the people in the hall gradually changed from initial shock and doubt to solemnity and contemplation. Finally, a burning light ignited in the eyes of Bai Xiao and several elders!

They have lived in the West for generations, and more than anyone else, they understand the suffering caused by the damaged ley lines. Sparse spiritual energy, scarce resources, frequent disasters, and arduous cultivation... If they could repair the ley lines and restore life to the West, what immense merit that would be! The White Tiger Sect, and indeed all living beings in the West, would be reborn!

"Young friend... Emperor Bu Fengdu!" The White Tiger Clan Chief stood up excitedly, his voice trembling slightly. "If this matter succeeds, you will be the rebirth parent of billions of lives in the West! The entire White Tiger Clan is willing to serve you like dogs and horses, at your beck and call! Whatever is needed, we will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

The elders also rose, clasped their hands in greeting, and bowed, saying in unison, "We are ready to obey the Emperor's commands!"

Xuanbao raised his hand and gestured for everyone to sit down: "Sect Leader Bai, elders, there's no need for such formalities. This matter is difficult and cannot be accomplished in a day, nor can it be done by one person or one sect alone. I do need your sect's full support, and in addition, all other forces that can be mobilized should be mobilized."

"Your Majesty, please speak!" Bai Xiao said without hesitation.

"Firstly, there's the advantage of location," Xuanbao said. "Your sect has been rooted in the West for countless eons, and you must be intimately familiar with the Western terrain, the contours of the mountains and rivers, the flow of the earth's energy, and even which areas have suffered the most severe damage to the earth's veins, where there are still lingering demonic threats, and which regions may have hidden spiritual vein nodes or dangerous restrictions. I need your sect to provide the most detailed information on the location and to send elite disciples familiar with the area as guides to assist in the survey."

"This is easy!" Bai Xiao immediately agreed. "My White Tiger Clan has always lived in the West, so we naturally know quite a lot. Although it's not as profound as the Book of Earth, it's still quite detailed. We can also send disciples skilled in exploration and burrowing to assist the Great Emperor in conducting on-site investigations. In the clan's treasury, there are also some ancient records about the Primordial Demonic Battlefield, anomalies in the earth's veins, and dangerous forbidden areas, which we can also present."

"Secondly, manpower and guards," Xuanbao continued. "Repairing the ley lines requires setting up arrays across a vast area, channeling the earth's energy, and purifying demonic energy. It's a massive undertaking and may trigger some dormant hidden dangers, causing the earth's energy to tremble, demonic backlash, and even... the covetous eyes of those with ill intentions. I need the White Tiger Sect to send a group of elite disciples to be responsible for setting up arrays, protecting the formations, patrolling, and eliminating any potential threats. The White Tiger Sect disciples are proficient in metal-elemental killing techniques and possess formidable combat power, making them perfectly suited for this task. Of course, we will also need to notify other allies to come along."

Since it's obviously a public affair, Xuanbao still wants to bring his own people along.

"That's only right!" The bearded elder of the outer hall patted his chest and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, the men of my White Tiger Sect may not be good at much else, but they've never backed down in battle! We will select the most capable disciples to serve Your Majesty! Anyone who dares to cause trouble will have to get past the Golden Fiend Blade in my hand first!"

"Thirdly, there's the matter of resource transit and strongholds," Xuanbao said. "Once the repair project begins, we'll need a large amount of array materials, auxiliary spiritual items, and even personnel supplies. I plan to establish several core strongholds in the west as central hubs for resource storage, personnel rest, and information transmission. Your sect is located in a strategic western location, with a treacherous terrain that's easy to defend and difficult to attack. Furthermore, your sect itself is quite large. Could you serve as an important stronghold there? And simultaneously assist in the management and allocation of some resources?"

The White Tiger Clan Chief not only didn't see it as a burden, but was overjoyed: "This is the glory of my White Tiger Clan! The Great Emperor is willing to use our clan as a base, which shows that he trusts our White Tiger Clan! All members of the clan, including myself, must obey orders. If anyone is perfunctory, the Great Dao will not tolerate it."

Xuanbao was pleased to see the White Tiger Sect agree so readily. He continued, "After I inform the other allies, I will come to the West together. At that time, the White Tiger Clan and the elders will need to coordinate with all parties to ensure the smooth progress of the project." Bai Xiao nodded emphatically, "Your Majesty, rest assured, the White Tiger Sect will fully cooperate."

……

Next comes the time to showcase your network.