The "Heaven Shaking Seal" treasure, if it were the original artifact, would naturally possess numerous profound uses, but this inferior version only has one function: a square block of stone suddenly becomes massive and crashes down upon the target! Its power is what it is—simultaneously potent and weak.

The root reason Ye Wen considered equipping his disciples with this treasure was the disciples' lack of effective long-range attack methods before reaching a certain cultivation level. Without it, even if opponents couldn't defeat his disciples in a direct fight, they could wear them down from a distance using magic tools and minor spells, leaving his disciples staring helplessly without recourse.

Thus, supplying each person with an offensive magic item was a way to alleviate this specific deficiency. Ye Wen had already prepared the materials for these inferior Heaven Shaking Seals.

The set of Mahjong tiles found from the Kunlun Sect served as the perfect template; combined with the blueprints in his hand, the Shu Shan Sect could forge heaps upon heaps of Heaven Shaking Mahjong! Before long, it wouldn't be "one per person," but "a pile per person"—enough to bury opponents to death!

Although Ye Wen's idea was sound, even for such a simple magic tool, the Shu Shan Sect lacked sufficient materials for mass production. Wen Zhong’s timely arrival solved many of these logistical headaches for Ye Wen.

He didn't even need to bring it up; upon surveying the Shu Shan Sect's Artifact Forging Pavilion and seeing a distinct lack of quality materials, Wen Zhong immediately offered to send some supplies, along with the elixirs. The fact that he sent refining materials but not alchemy materials held a certain nuance.

Firstly, refining materials, before being crafted into magic tools, are mere decorations, largely serving no immediate practical purpose; many materials simply take up space uselessly. Alchemy materials, however, are different.

Some medicinal herbs provide benefits simply by existing where they are placed. Therefore, valuable alchemy ingredients are rarely given away, even if not immediately needed.

Wen Zhong believed that supplying the desperately needed elixirs was far more sensible than sending raw herbs, unaware that Ye Wen actually preferred raw materials so his disciples could practice refining. Secondly, once the materials arrived, Ye Wen would have complete autonomy over their use, possibly even discovering new prescriptions during this time!

After making a comprehensive sweep, Wen Zhong had gained a fairly thorough understanding of the Shu Shan Sect’s situation. From his circuitous tour, he had also managed to gauge the disciples' strength to some degree.

Truthfully, the Shu Shan Sect’s strength was slightly better than he had anticipated. At least during his tour, he had observed several Shu Shan disciples who were Earth Immortals, and their cultivation levels were not inferior to Li Xiaoyao, Zheng Ying, Zhang Ling, or even Xu Xian and Ning Ruxue, who accompanied Ye Wen throughout his journey.

As for the Sect Master, Ye Wen, although only an Earth Immortal, possessed the technique capable of summoning thousands of flying swords—a skill so formidable that even Kong Xuan had to steer clear of its edge. This indicated that while his personal cultivation might lag slightly, his combat power was overwhelmingly fierce.

Furthermore, his own cultivation had reached a critical juncture; just one more push and he could cross the threshold into becoming a Heavenly Immortal. Therefore, the overall strength of the Shu Shan Sect was certainly promising.

Simultaneously, Wen Zhong noticed that many Shu Shan disciples were on the verge of breakthroughs. It was precisely this discovery that prompted Wen Zhong to promise a large supply of elixirs to Ye Wen, intending to help Ye Wen quickly elevate these disciples’ cultivation to form actual combat power.

Only then could the Shu Shan Sect meet the requirements set by the Heavenly Court. Carrying various thoughts, Wen Zhong settled down in the quarters arranged for him at the Shu Shan Sect after nightfall, while Ye Wen headed straight back to his own courtyard.

Due to Wen Zhong's presence, Ning Ruxue had paused her cultivation, and even Hua Yi had not gone to instruct Ling Zhu in her practice. Both returned to the courtyard where they resided, sitting with Ye Wen as they contemplated what Wen Zhong's visit might bring to the Shu Shan Sect.

"For now, Wen Zhong's arrival seems to bring only benefits to our sect, but what is the price for these benefits?" Ye Wen hadn't shared all his discoveries with everyone yet, though he knew Xu Xian required little explanation—there were discerning individuals among those disciples. As for the two women beside him, a subtle hint would suffice.

"It’s simple: they want us, the Shu Shan Sect, to be cannon fodder for the Heavenly Court!" With no one else around, Ye Wen used his Glazed Pupils to observe once more, confirming no one was eavesdropping on them. Thus, he spoke without reservation!

Moreover, he had already sensed that the Heavenly Court made no effort to conceal their true intentions; in the current situation, even if the Shu Shan Sect perceived their scheme, they would have no choice but to accept it! Of course, he could choose not to accept.

If so, the only recourse for the Shu Shan Sect would be immediate relocation! After outlining the general situation to the two women, both Ning Ruxue and Hua Yi appeared distinctly displeased.

Neither of them possessed a temperament that tolerated being manipulated. Hearing that the Heavenly Court’s excessive goodwill masked such intentions naturally upset them.

Ning Ruxue suggested directly, "Why don't we move the entire sect from this place?" "Move? To where?" "The Immortal Realm is vast; where can we not go?

As long as we leave this place of conflict!" In Ning Ruxue’s view, the Immortal Realm stretched endlessly; finding a quiet haven shouldn't be difficult. Why cling stubbornly to this strategic choke point only to be plotted against?

Ye Wen had indeed considered this possibility, even selecting a direction: south of the continent they currently occupied lay a vast ocean. Although there were numerous islands in the sea, there were no expansive continents.

The Shu Shan Sect could easily fly over that ocean and settle on a sea island. In fact, if the disciples’ strength were sufficient, they could settle almost anywhere.

The Shu Shan Sect was currently a floating mountain range, and it could remain so above the sea. Furthermore, the ocean was incredibly expansive, making it nearly impossible to discern direction with a mere glance, which would better suit the Shu Shan Sect’s need to conceal their location.

However, if they truly acted on this now, the Shu Shan Sect would likely lose any chance of returning to the Eastern Continent. People, after all, enjoy liveliness.

"Don't look at the current Shu Shan disciples huddled on the mountain, but everyone understands that the current Shu Shan Sect lacks the capital to roam around. But just because they can't now doesn't mean they never will.

Sooner or later, the Shu Shan Sect must interact with the various sects of the Immortal Realm and slowly integrate into this world." If they simply fled now, would the Eastern Immortal Realm still tolerate the Shu Shan Sect? Even if various factions disregarded the Heavenly Court, the true authority over this region was firmly in the Heavenly Court's hands.

Unless Ye Wen could guarantee that upon achieving mastery in his cultivation, he could directly overthrow the Heavenly Court, then… Ning Ruxue might not have thought through these implications, as she was unwilling to expend mental energy on them, but Hua Yi could deduce: "Husband means that if we reject the Heavenly Court’s good intentions this time, we might lose our foothold in the Eastern Immortal Continent in the future, correct?" Ye Wen nodded: "Actually, there's another point. I am willing to accept these benefits precisely because they can bring immense help to our Shu Shan Sect.

Our sect is currently in a phase of rapid growth. If we can focus entirely on enhancing our strength during this time, we can drastically narrow the gap between the Shu Shan Sect and other sects in a very short period!" This situation was akin to two people playing an online game: one player, though higher leveled, still needed to divert attention to earning money to buy potions and equipment to continue leveling up.

The other player, despite being slightly lower level, needed only to focus single-mindedly on leveling up, upgrading, and upgrading again, without worrying about finances. In such a scenario, it was obvious to almost anyone that the gap between the two would close in the shortest possible time.

Ye Wen was planning exactly this: using the Heavenly Court's resources to help the Shu Shan Sect level up! "Will that...

be a bit dangerous?" Ye Wen, however, smiled: "Junior Sister must have seen over these years that the Immortal Realm is far from the paradise we dreamed of. It has contradictions, struggles, and endless scheming—it’s no different from the mortal world, in essence!

Therefore, no matter where we hide in such a world, danger will follow!" External dangers might be temporarily averted, but that didn't mean internal issues wouldn't arise within the Shu Shan Sect. Ye Wen trusted his disciples, but apart from his direct disciples and those he knew well, it was difficult to trust others—the Shu Shan Sect had already experienced a traitor.

Who could guarantee that after a period of stability and increased strength, another traitor wouldn't emerge? Rather than risking internal chaos brought about by comfortable security, it was better to redirect everyone's focus outward.

Then, using external pressure, he could compel the disciples to unify their efforts, work together to expand the Shu Shan Sect, and make it powerful. Once the Shu Shan Sect grew strong and Ye Wen and others further elevated their strength, even if internal problems surfaced, they could be swiftly eliminated.

Perhaps Ye Wen’s thinking was somewhat base, but after careful consideration, this choice offered substantial benefits to the Shu Shan Sect, so he walked this path with a clear conscience. Of course, he did this because he was certain the Shu Shan Sect would not be exterminated as a result.

He was confident he could advance his cultivation by another level before the Heavenly Court launched any offensive. By then, his ultimate technique, the Myriad Sword Art, would no longer be just a decorative threat.

As long as his strength increased enough to ensure his own survival, he had ways to protect the entire sect. In practical terms, it wasn't a massive issue: the Nine Provinces Tripod remained on the mountain not just as the source of levitation and the array's core, but also as the sect's final killing move for protection.

At the critical moment, Ye Wen could simply draw the entire Mount Shu into the Tripod and flee with the Nine Provinces Tripod—protected by the Myriad Sword Art and the Tripod, it was unlikely anyone could stop him. As long as he lived, it would be difficult to destroy the Shu Shan Sect.

With this in mind, the Shu Shan Sect was virtually invincible, allowing him to act boldly and accept every boon the Heavenly Court offered. "I guess I'm essentially carrying the sect with me now!" He didn't share these final thoughts with Hua Yi or Ning Ruxue, only assuring them that he had means to protect everyone if necessary.

After considering this, the two women dropped the subject and resumed discussing the various advantages Wen Zhong mentioned that day. "Should Husband ask Wen Zhong for two sets of immortal robes for us sisters?

I hear those garments have many peculiar qualities!" Hua Yi was quite interested in clothing, especially since many myths described the clothes worn by celestial maidens as possessing strange and profound mysteries; her curiosity naturally drove her question. Ye Wen didn't dwell on it long: "I'll mention it to Wen Zhong tomorrow." Ning Ruxue, uninterested in such trifles, listened idly, interjecting occasionally: "I wonder if the Heavenly Court will give Senior Brother a good magic tool!" Ye Wen paused.

He hadn't considered this angle. This was an excellent opportunity to extort the Jade Emperor; wouldn't it be inappropriate not to demand something?

But after a moment's thought, he decided that now wasn't the right time. It would be best to wait until the Jade Emperor laid out his terms explicitly, then make his demands for the greatest effect.

For now, he would pretend ignorance—accept whatever the Heavenly Court offered and depart. That way, he could bargain effectively at the crucial moment!

Seeing Ye Wen narrow his eyes with a sly smile, Hua Yi and Ning Ruxue knew their husband was scheming again. They exchanged a glance before heading to their respective rooms to rest—one into the main room, the other into the side chamber.

After a moment, Ye Wen snapped back to reality, scratching his head as he looked at the two rooms. "Which room tonight?" He then complained under his breath, "Can't we just sleep together?

Why the need to sleep separately!" Unbeknownst to him, both women hadn't gone far after entering their rooms. Hiding behind their doors, they strained to listen, curious to see where Ye Wen would go.

However, his quiet complaint was heard clearly by both, causing their faces to flush crimson before they quickly scoffed and retreated into their respective quilts to rest. Silence reigned for the night.

The next morning, Ye Wen calmly avoided seeking out Wen Zhong, nor did Wen Zhong seek him out; the envoy continued to wander about the Shu Shan grounds on his own accord. However, perhaps orchestrated by Wen Zhong, the Taoist Shen Gongbao arrived early to find Ye Wen.

Upon meeting Shen Gongbao, Ye Wen made absolutely no mention of demanding items from the Heavenly Court. Instead, he led Shen Gongbao on a tour around Mount Shu, occasionally engaging him in conversations about interesting anecdotes from the Immortal Realm.

After half a day, Ye Wen even shifted the topic toward his neighbor: "I hear the nearest sect to our domain is called the Cui Yan Sect. I wonder what kind of sect they are!" He added with a self-deprecating smile, "Since settling here, we rarely venture out.

We are not very informed about the surrounding situation—we haven't even managed to pay a visit to our immediate neighbors!" Shen Gongbao smiled faintly upon hearing this: "Sect Master Ye need not trouble himself over this. Cultivators have extremely long lifespans, and each period of cultivation takes a significant amount of time.

It’s not unusual for someone not to venture out for decades or even centuries. Never mind that Sect Master Ye is unaware of the surroundings; many cultivators spend their entire lives practicing and might not even know the details of the area at the foot of their own mountain." "Oh?" Shen Gongbao assumed Ye Wen was skeptical, so he pointed to himself: "When I was cultivating, I didn't descend the mountain for decades.

When I finally did, I got lost and nearly couldn't find my way back. Thankfully, my Master descended to find me and escorted me back to the mountain!" As he spoke, he displayed no trace of embarrassment, treating it as an ordinary anecdote.

Yet, these few sentences managed to earn Ye Wen a measure of goodwill towards him, and their subsequent casual conversation grew even more relaxed: "Does General Shen have family in this Immortal Realm?" Ye Wen was genuinely curious whether Shen Gongbao had married after becoming a divine official in the Heavenly Court. Previously, he had always observed that immortals either abandoned their wives and children to pursue the Dao or remained single, seemingly rarely maintaining family ties!

Even after becoming immortals, few married. Among the immortals with wives, the Jade Emperor was the most famous.

Besides him, Ye Wen could think of no others! Unexpectedly, Shen Gongbao nodded, clearly informing Ye Wen: "I married a female immortal from the Heavenly Palace two hundred years ago.

However, I have been busy with Heavenly Court affairs over the years, and she has been busy cultivating and managing the Hundred Flowers in the Heavenly Palace. She resides constantly in the Palace, and for some reason, I've seen her less and less lately!" "Heavenly Palace?" He knew of the Heavenly Court, but what was this Heavenly Palace?

Fortunately, Shen Gongbao immediately explained: "The so-called Heavenly Palace is a part of the Heavenly Court, the location with the most abundant spiritual energy in the Immortal Realm. It is filled with rare flowers and exotic plants; even common flora, if planted in the Heavenly Palace, will exude significantly more immortal essence than they normally would." "The Heavenly Court occasionally hosts banquets to entertain various divine officials, generals, and well-known immortal cultivators.

The fruits, melons, and wines used are mostly produced in this Heavenly Palace." Ye Wen understood immediately upon hearing this. Essentially, the Heavenly Palace was like the Imperial Garden of an emperor in the mortal world, except that the scenery in the mortal emperor's garden was only for viewing, whereas the Heavenly Court's production yielded spiritual fruits with special properties.

Shen Gongbao's wife was likely one of the female immortals tending to the plants there. This suggested that Shen Gongbao's marriage was probably arranged by the Jade Emperor, since the Heavenly Palace, being the Jade Emperor's private garden, was not a place anyone could enter freely.

Shen Gongbao, despite being the Water Splitting General, could not wander into the Heavenly Palace without permission. If he couldn't even enter, how could he have known an immortal maiden inside?

However, this realization triggered a somewhat wicked thought in Ye Wen's mind. He was curious if the fairies in the Heavenly Palace had all been 'picked over' by the Jade Emperor?

This question flashed through his mind only momentarily; he dared not dwell on it, fearing Shen Gongbao might notice something and fly into a rage, demanding a fight! He adopted an expression of sympathy for Shen Gongbao: "Since General has already married the immortal lady, why must your respected wife remain in the Heavenly Palace and not return home?" Shen Gongbao, upon hearing this, looked embarrassed: "Well...

actually, I suggested she return to the Heavenly Palace to visit her old sisters because I felt she was bored staying at home! But for some reason, after I said that, she seemed very angry and hasn't paid much attention to me since..." Ye Wen paused, then suddenly asked something: "How exactly did you phrase it that day, General?" Shen Gongbao was very honest: "I just said, 'If you're unhappy, you can just leave for the Heavenly Palace tomorrow!' Then he looked at Ye Wen and asked, "Is there a problem with that?" Ye Wen was stunned speechless by Shen Gongbao’s words.

The image of a wise figure instantly collapsed, replaced by that of a dull-witted fool in matters of the heart! "There are huge problems!

By saying that, your respected wife likely assumed you despised her and essentially kicked her out of the house!"