Beast Taming Immortal Clan

Wilderness.

Not long after Zhou Chun returned from the Great Zhou Kingdom, he quietly arrived in the wilderness through the underground waterways of Lanzhou.

With Yunzhou being occupied by demonic beasts and transformed into a demon realm, the importance of this underground waterway has become even more apparent.

Previously, due to the unclear situation and the concern about whether the takeover of the Qinglian Mountains would be successful, Zhou Chun came to the wilderness immediately after the war ended.

The Zhou family cultivators who were holding out here were still unaware that the war had ended.

When Zhou Chun arrived near the Caiyushan stronghold, he breathed a sigh of relief as he looked at the Caiyushan stronghold, which was still operating normally.

Now that the Zhou family is developing the Qinglian Mountains, the expenses are enormous, and they are spending money like water.

Even with the profits gained from killing a large number of monsters during this beast tide, it's far from enough to sustain us.

Therefore, the importance of the Caiyushan stronghold became apparent.

If even this stronghold is lost, given the current need for manpower everywhere, the Zhou family will have virtually no chance of being able to spare any more manpower to rebuild and reclaim the stronghold in the wilderness.

Seeing that the stronghold was safe, Zhou Chun immediately revealed his identity and easily entered the stronghold.

"Your subordinate pays respects to the clan chief."

Inside the stronghold, Xu Fu learned of Zhou Chun's arrival and hurriedly came out of the pass to greet him.

"You've had a tough time these past few days. Now that the beast tide is over, you don't need to worry too much anymore."

Zhou Chun looked at the son-in-law of the Zhou family in front of her, nodded slightly, and delivered the good news in a gentle tone.

Upon hearing this, Xu Fu's face immediately lit up with a relieved joy, and he quickly replied respectfully, "This subordinate hasn't had much trouble. No demonic beasts have come by during this time; what happened back then was probably just an accident!"

"Since it was just an accident, there's no need to stay cooped up in the base any longer. We should prepare to resume the production that was halted earlier."

"Furthermore, this beast tide has taken away most of the monsters in this area. Over the next few decades, the number of monsters in the surrounding areas should decrease significantly. We can try sending people to explore more distant, undeveloped areas to find more resources worth gathering!"

Zhou Chun's eyes flashed, and he immediately expressed his opinion.

What he called an opinion was, in his capacity, essentially an order.

Therefore, upon hearing his words, Xu Fu immediately replied respectfully, "Yes, Your subordinate will obey the clan chief's orders."

"There are some things you may not be aware of yet, and the burden on your side may become quite heavy from now on."

As Zhou Chun spoke, he revealed that the Zhou family had already taken control of the Qinglian Mountain Range.

Upon learning of this, Xu Fu was indeed both surprised and delighted, and quickly understood his meaning.

He immediately and solemnly replied, "Your subordinate understands. From now on, your subordinate will do his utmost to manage and develop this source of wealth for the family, and will never hold the family back!"

"Hmm, I still have faith in your abilities. During this beast tide war, the family obtained quite a few third-tier demon cores. I've already had someone refine those pills to enhance mana. Besides giving a portion to Ying'er, the rest of you can exchange for them with your contribution points!"

Zhou Chun nodded in satisfaction, demonstrating his mastery of managing subordinates, and immediately offered a reward that was expected to be given.

After inspecting the strongholds again, Zhou Chun left some pills and talismans before departing.

He's in the spotlight quite a bit these days, so he can't easily leave the public eye for too long, lest someone discover something about him.

Moreover, the Zhou family still has many matters that require his attention.

For example, he had to bring the Wood Spirits to replant the spiritual trees and herbs that had been transplanted to Bamboo Leaf Island in Le Kingdom.

He also needs to be involved in communicating with the Su family and other families to borrow manpower.

He will still be the main force in collecting materials for setting up the mountain protection formation.

In short, he will likely be very busy for the next few years.

For the next six months, Zhou Chun was indeed busy running around, and he maintained his daily cultivation by squeezing out time.

Not only him, but Lin Hongyu and Zhou Mingde also had their own things to do.

Apart from some juniors who had just begun their cultivation journey, almost every cultivator in the Zhou family was burdened with worldly affairs and had their own jobs.

On this day, Zhou Chun had a rare moment of free time, so he immediately went to the Qinglian Mountains to find the Gongsun siblings and inquire about the arrangement of the mountain-protecting formation.

Half a year is not a long time, but it's not short either.

Moreover, the Zhou family had already conducted relevant explorations of the topography, spiritual veins, and earth veins of the Qinglian Mountains, which saved them a lot of trouble in advance.

"Senior, you are wise. After six months of exploration, we have discovered that the spiritual veins of the Azure Lotus Mountains belong to the Wood element, with Wood as the primary element and Earth as the secondary element, accompanied by Metal and Water, and Fire element is weak. This makes them suitable for setting up some forbidden formations that are primarily for defense and trapping enemies!"

On Qinglian Peak, the main peak of the Qinglian Mountains, in response to Zhou Chun's question, Gongsun Yuanji, after exchanging views with his sister Gongsun Yuanzhi, respectfully expressed their opinions.

Compared to his time in the Great Zhou Kingdom, his current respect for Zhou Chun is truly heartfelt.

Over the past six months, they had heard various legends about Zhou Chun from the Zhou family cultivators who accompanied them.

Especially during the recent beast tide battle, Zhou Chun single-handedly killed two fourth-tier high-grade demonic beasts, which greatly shocked Gongsun Yuanji.

This also explains why Zhou Chun dared to be so assertive when facing Gongsun Xuanlu, who could mobilize the mountain-protecting formation, inside the Gongsun family's mountain gate!

Faced with such a powerful figure, he dared not be negligent in the slightest.

After hearing his analysis, Zhou Chun nodded first, then asked, "In your opinion, what kind of formation should be set up here?"

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yuanji looked up at Zhou Chun, then lowered his head and slowly expressed his opinion in a low voice.

"My sister's opinion is that if Senior Zhou could find nine fourth-tier Stoneheart Wood trees and transplant them to nine spiritual energy nodes in the mountains as array bases, and then use materials such as [Earth Element Crystal Jade], [Earth Profound Stone], and [Centennial Brass] to forge three array platforms, and supplement them with fourth-tier superior spiritual wood, fourth-tier spiritual silk, and [Wood Essence] to forge a main array flag, then we could set up our Gongsun family's secret grand array, the [Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Array]!"

"This [Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Array] uses the flow of wood and earth energies. In addition to its powerful defensive and enemy-trapping effects, it can also lock spiritual veins and stabilize earth veins, making it difficult for many array-breaking techniques that shake spiritual veins and earth veins to work. Furthermore, it can regulate the four seasons' climate and the distribution of spiritual energy within the mountain gate. Its uses are endless!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Chun's expression changed slightly, and he remained silent for a long time.

To be honest, although he knew that setting up the mountain-protecting formation wouldn't be easy, Zhou Chun didn't expect it to be this troublesome.

Indeed, the "Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Array" mentioned by Gongsun Yuanji is extraordinary, far surpassing the forbidden array "Nine Palaces Yellow Dragon Array" that the Zhou family once used to protect Tuyun Ridge in terms of its profound mystery.

If such a formation could truly be set up, even a Nascent Soul stage cultivator would find it difficult to break through it easily.

But where could Zhou Chun find the materials to set up such an array?

Stoneheart Wood is a relatively rare spiritual wood. A fourth-tier Stoneheart Wood must grow in a place rich in spiritual energy for at least a thousand years.

That's fine then.

If Zhou Chun were willing to part with some treasures, it wouldn't be difficult for him to collect one or two fourth-tier Stoneheart Wood plants.

But asking him to transplant nine fourth-tier Stoneheart Wood plants would be too much to ask!

Unless he just happened to discover a secret cave where Stoneheart Wood grows in abundance, where else could he find so many Tier 4 Stoneheart Wood?

Therefore, Zhou Chun remained silent for a long time before shaking his head slightly and saying, "The other materials are easy to obtain; it won't be too difficult for me to get them. However, the number of nine Stoneheart Woods is simply too large. Even if I could provide the corresponding exchange items, I have nowhere to find these spiritual woods!"

After speaking, he looked at Gongsun Yuanji and his sister and asked, "Besides this [Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Array], do you two young friends have any other alternative plans? Preferably one that doesn't require too much time to gather materials!"

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yuanji immediately replied, "The [Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Array] is the most suitable array for this location among the arrays my sister knows. If we don't use this array, we can only set up the much less effective [Thousand Layer Forest Array] or [Yi Wood Coiling Dragon Array]!"

"However, to be honest, neither the [Thousand Layer Forest Formation] nor the [Wood Coiling Dragon Formation] can pose any obstacle to a Nascent Soul stage cultivator. The former cannot even trap a Nascent Soul stage cultivator for a quarter of an hour, and the latter, which focuses more on attack, is even less able to withstand the invasion of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator!"

It's not hard to tell from Gongsun Yuanji's words that he does not agree with Zhou Chun's arrangement of the latter two formations.

Whether he felt that setting up such a formation in the spiritually blessed land of Qinglian Mountain Range was a waste of resources, or whether he could obtain more rewards by setting up the [Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Formation], Zhou Chun had no idea.

However, Zhou Chun immediately asked him about the materials required for the latter two formations.

Obviously, compared to the [Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Array], both the [Thousand Layer Forest Array] and the [Yi Wood Coiling Dragon Array] require much easier materials to set up.

If he chooses either of these two formations, Zhou Chun is confident that he can gather the necessary materials within three years.

This immediately piqued his interest.

For him, whether the formation could withstand a Nascent Soul stage cultivator was not actually that important.

He only wanted to establish a decent formation to build the mountain gate and start construction as soon as possible.

As for the mountain-protecting array such as the [Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Array], once he successfully forms his core and nascent soul, he will have plenty of time to slowly collect materials and set it up.

Even Gongsun Xuanlu would certainly not dare to refuse his invitation at that time.

But just as Zhou Chun was about to speak his choice, Gongsun Yuanzhi suddenly said, "Senior Zhou, if you only find fourth-tier Stoneheart Wood difficult to find, then I know of a place where there is definitely a large quantity of Stoneheart Wood. With your cultivation level and strength, perhaps you could try to exchange for some!"

"Oh, is what you say true, young friend Gongsun?"

Zhou Chun's expression changed slightly, and he looked at this formation prodigy with considerable surprise. He immediately followed up on the question and asked, "But may I ask where this place, young friend Gongsun, is?"

Gongsun Yuanzhi immediately replied, "Senior, you are wise. Our Gongsun family ancestors once searched for fourth-tier Stoneheart Wood in order to study the [Wood and Stone Locking Spirit Array]. After many years of investigation, they learned that there is a powerful force called the Earth Mother Sect in Wuyang Kingdom, near the far west. This sect controls a secret realm that is rich in Stoneheart Wood. It is said that there is a vast Stoneheart Wood forest there, and it is even possible that there are ten-thousand-year-old Stoneheart Wood of the fifth tier!"

Upon hearing her words, Zhou Chun immediately showed a thoughtful expression.

Gongsun Yuanzhi probably doesn't know that Zhou Chun went to the cultivation world in the far west, and passed through Wuyang Kingdom on his way back.

Although Zhou Chun was busy traveling and did not stay long in Wuyang, he had learned about the situation of some countries on his way back while he was in the far west, and had also heard about the Earth Mother Cult.

Therefore, as far as Zhou Chun knew, the Earth Mother Sect was a powerful force with a very long history. Although it was not the largest force in Wuyang Kingdom at present, it was still a powerful force with two Nascent Soul stage cultivators, one of whom was even at the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

Even if a powerful force of this caliber could indeed produce nine fourth-tier Stoneheart Woods in one go, Zhou Chun would not dare to approach them for an exchange!

However, he remembered this information.

Once he has the strength to not fear the Earth Mother Cult, he can go to their door to find someone to exchange with, and then quickly set up a mountain-protecting array like the [Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Array].

He nodded slightly and said, "I understand. The information provided by young friend Gongsun is very valuable. I will give you an additional reward. Now, young friend, please begin preparing to set up the [Yi Wood Coiling Dragon Formation]!"

Seeing that he ultimately gave up on the [Wood and Stone Spirit Locking Array], Gongsun Yuanji couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

However, not daring to question Zhou Chun's decision, he could only helplessly reply, "This junior understands. My sister and I will begin construction according to your instructions, senior. Please also arrange sufficient manpower for our use!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chun immediately nodded without hesitation and said, "This is easy to arrange. I will have Zhang Liang bring all the array masters and apprentices of the Zhou family to your command. If there are still not enough people, Zhang Liang can also ask the person in charge of the Zhou family to borrow them!"

Then he asked Gongsun Yuanji for a list of materials needed to set up the [Yi Wood Coiling Dragon Formation] and went to prepare the materials himself.

The materials needed to set up this [Yi Wood Coiling Dragon Formation] are mostly various kinds of spirit wood. The most essential material must be fourth-tier dragon blood wood or dragon scale wood, but only one tree is needed.

As far as Zhou Chun knew, there were originally several fourth-tier Dragon Blood Wood trees inside the Hualong Sect's mountain gate, but he didn't know who eventually took them away.

He planned to use his network to inquire whether he could exchange it back from the cultivators who had originally taken it, if they hadn't used or sold it yet.

As for the other materials, the Zhou family has already collected most of them, and Zhou Chun will definitely be able to collect the rest by making a trip to the Great Zhou Kingdom.

In this way, once the fourth-tier Dragon Blood Wood is obtained, the arrangement of the [Yi Wood Coiling Dragon Formation] will depend on when the Gongsun siblings can complete it.

After some investigation, Zhou Chun gained a detailed understanding of the whereabouts of the several fourth-order Dragon Blood Trees from the Dragon Transformation Sect, and then began to visit the owners of those spirit trees one by one.

These people were all Golden Core cultivators, and even those from major sects would give Zhou Chun some face in his presence.

However, many years have passed, and some people have already used the fourth-tier Dragon Blood Wood to refine treasures or traded it away.

In the end, it was obtained in exchange from a late-stage Golden Core cultivator in Shen Kingdom. For this, he reluctantly gave up the dragon horn from the mid-grade fourth-tier blue dragon as an exchange!

Having obtained this crucial material, Zhou Chun handed it over to the Gongsun siblings and then headed straight to the Great Zhou Kingdom to purchase the remaining materials.

Upon arriving at Tianyuan Immortal City, Zhou Chun did not rush to purchase materials, but instead went to Luo Qingni's "Qingni Residence" first.

Judging by the time, it has been more than half a year since he last left Tianyuan Immortal City, so Luo Qingni's [Jade Dew Golden Glow Pill] should have been refined long ago.

Zhou Chun was also looking forward to the results of her alchemy.

However, when he knocked on the door of "Qingni Residence", he did not receive a response. He wondered if the owner was not at home or was in seclusion refining elixirs.

Seeing this, Zhou Chun had no choice but to leave behind a communication talisman and then go ahead to purchase the necessary supplies.

After he had stayed in Tianyuan Immortal City for more than a month and had purchased all the other materials needed for the [Yi Wood Coiling Dragon Formation], Luo Qingni's message finally arrived late.

Upon receiving the message, Zhou Chun quickly arrived at "Qingni Residence".

"I apologize for keeping Fellow Daoist Zhou waiting. Qingni was in seclusion refining pills and was unable to sense the outside world, which is why I was unable to reply to you in time."

Inside the cave, Luo Qingni, whose eyes showed signs of fatigue, welcomed Zhou Chun into the cave and then explained to him apologetically why she had replied so late.

Zhou Chun waved his hand and said, "Fellow Daoist Luo, you're too kind. We've known each other for many years, so this is nothing to worry about."

Then, looking at her expectantly, he asked, "Has Fellow Daoist Luo successfully refined that batch of Jade Dew Golden Glow Pills? What was the result?"

Upon hearing his question, Luo Qingni smiled and said, "Thanks to Fellow Daoist Zhou's trust, I have not failed in my mission. This pill was successfully produced several months ago, and the quantity is the same as last time, six pills!"

Last time, when she successfully produced six pills, she used many auxiliary methods and even damaged some of her vital energy.

This time, however, his alchemy performance was as expected.

The fact that she was able to produce six pills in this way shows that her alchemy skills have improved compared to last time.

Of course, this is also related to having had the experience before.

After all, practice makes perfect.

Zhou Chun understood the reasoning behind this, and couldn't help but clap his hands in delight, exclaiming, "Excellent! Fellow Daoist Luo's skills are truly superb! I knew I hadn't trusted the wrong person!"

"We should really thank Fellow Daoist Zhou for giving us these opportunities."

Luo Qingni smiled and replied, then raised her hand and patted the storage bag at her waist, taking out several pill bottles and handing them to Zhou Chun.

He said, "Besides the Jade Dew Golden Glow Pill, there are also two batches of Vitality Enhancement Pills and one batch of Dragon Spirit Pills. All the pills are here."

"Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Luo!"

Zhou Chun nodded, and without even opening them for inspection, he simply waved his hand and put all the elixirs into his storage bag.

After a moment's thought, he looked at Luo Qingni and asked, "Regarding the pill I used, when will that alchemy master be able to produce it?"

"Master Xu is still collecting the remaining auxiliary materials, and it is estimated that it will be another year or two before he can start refining pills."

Luo Qingni looked at him seriously and said, "If Fellow Daoist Zhou is in a hurry to use it, I can personally deliver it to you after the pill is completed."

Hearing her say that, Zhou Chun felt a little embarrassed, realizing that he had indeed been a bit too hasty. So he quickly waved his hand and said, "No need for that. Once the pill is completed, Fellow Daoist Luo only needs to give it to my great-uncle."

"Qingni understands. Since Fellow Daoist Zhou trusts Qingni, Qingni will definitely take full responsibility for this matter!"

Luo Qingni nodded solemnly and made her promise in a serious tone.

Seeing this, Zhou Chun was very gratified, feeling that he had not misjudged the person.

After exchanging information with her about collecting materials for refining the [Four Spirits Barrier-Breaking Pill], Zhou Chun decided not to disturb her any further and took his leave.

After leaving Qingni Residence, Zhou Chun went to Zhou Daoyi's cave and gave Zhou Zhiying eight [Zengyuan Pills] and seven [Longling Pills] to slowly consume and improve her cultivation.

He then spoke with Zhou Daoyi about the current state of the family's reconstruction and his own choice of the mountain-protecting formation.

After listening to his explanation, Zhou Daoyi suddenly said, "In another year or two, Qingqing should be able to digest the low-grade fourth-order demon core that Hongyu gave us. When it successfully advances to the fourth order, let it return to the family. There should be many suitable places for it to build its nest and live in the Qinglian Mountains!"

Hearing this, Zhou Chun was also taken aback.

After careful consideration, I understood his intention.

He couldn't help but say, "That won't be necessary. The Azure Dragon has lived with you for hundreds of years; it would be inappropriate to separate us!"

However, Zhou Daoyi seemed to have already seriously considered this matter, and quickly waved his hand, saying, "There's nothing inappropriate about it. If it stays by my side, it can only live in the cramped spirit beast room, which is even more unfair to it. It's better to let it return to the family, which can be considered as me contributing to the reconstruction of the family!"

"Well... alright, then when I get back, I'll have someone find a suitable place to build a nest for it!"

Zhou Chun hesitated for a moment, but still nodded in agreement.

It wasn't that he and the Zhou family needed the benefits of a fourth-order azure dragon, but they simply didn't want to go against Zhou Daoyi's good intentions and his desire to repay his clan!

However, this incident did remind him of something.

The Azure Lotus Mountains are so vast, perhaps he should also find a good place to build exclusive nests for his spirit pets.

At the very least, Lei Jiao can no longer be kept in the small lake belonging to the Su family.

However, the Golden Armor Mountain Tortoise Stone and the Wood Spirit cannot yet be seen in front of the Nascent Soul Realm True Person Tianjing. Perhaps they can only be kept in Tuyun Ridge.

Zhou Chun then spent another half a month in Zhou Daoyi's cave, reconnecting with his disciple Zhou Zhiying to strengthen their master-disciple bond. Afterward, Zhou Chun returned to his family with his harvest.

I'm getting ready to change the book title this Friday!