Integrating the earth veins into the body differs somewhat from the spirit veins found in external elixirs. Most external elixirs are crafted from metal or stone; even if broken, it's not a great loss. To maximize power, purity is naturally the best goal.

However, incorporating an earth vein into the nine internal meridians requires a balance of the Five Elements; one cannot allow the body's elemental equilibrium to be disturbed. The focus will vary depending on the cultivation technique, favoring one element or perhaps two.

Thus, although the spiritual veins in this world are infinite, the number suitable for a Martial Sovereign in the Xiantian realm is extremely small.

In later ages, not only did spiritual energy diminish, but suitable spiritual veins for Martial Cultivators became exceptionally rare. Later, someone—no one knows who—invented a method of 'Spirit Blending' to harmonize the inherent spirit composition within the veins, solving the resource shortage for Xiantian Martial Cultivators. However, this method was incredibly demanding. Moreover, the blended veins were never as potent as the natural ones, which is why Zong Shou had no intention of using it.

Without resorting to the Spirit Blending technique, he possessed his own unique secret methods for locating spiritual veins.

It was the enhancement method for the Mortal Seed lineage—a method unknown in this era—that Zong Shou was eager to try.

Mortal Seed techniques offered little overall assistance, perhaps only increasing strength by one or two tenths at most.

Yet, the so-called strong figures in the Martial Dao were built upon such minute accumulations, slowly surpassing others.

Sometimes, a tiny disparity in strength could mean the difference between life and death in a battle.

"Damn it, having those two trailing me makes everything inconvenient. We should be safe now, right near that Hanwen’s lair. They wouldn't dare follow us here?"

Though Hanwen had not yet successfully transformed into a dragon, in terms of rank, he already had one foot in the immortal gate, and moreover, he was both a Spirit and Martial cultivator—the hardest type to fight.

Experts at this level possess intense mutual sensitivity. Furthermore, this is a crucial period of slumber and energy accumulation—the most vulnerable time. If Yan Fan and Shui Lingbo were to approach, any misunderstanding could easily spark the first war between Spirit Martial Sovereigns since the Yunhuang Era!

Though, given Taixian Fairy’s temperament, it was also possible she simply wouldn't pay any mind.

"Fortunately, I obtained that thing when I killed Ming Jue last time. This issue is easily resolved. Oh, and the Soul Cultivation technique—that is truly pressing!"

Just a month ago, Zong Shou had condensed the 'Fire' True Talisman, finally gathering three True Talifs within his Sea of Consciousness, breaking through the Chuqiao realm. In terms of soul power intensity, the purity of his spiritual consciousness, or any metric, he could now be considered a genuine Night Roamer realm Spirit Master. His progress had been astonishingly swift, already surpassing his martial cultivation by more than a full stage—a difference of two entire realms.

However, Zong Shou knew that advancing his Spirit Master cultivation further would not be so easy. The rapid manifestation of the 'Lightning' and 'Water' Talismans was due to the innate imprint of the Thunder Phoenix and the Seven-Tailed Celestial Fox he carried within him.

The other 'Fire' True Talisman stemmed from his other half of bloodline. Though this secondary lineage remained 'dormant,' its assistance had been considerable, requiring only a month and a half longer than the Lightning and Water Talismans.

Beyond this, even as a Grandmaster of Talismans who understood the profundities of Heavenly Talismans, he could no longer sustain that prior velocity. Over the past month since condensing the 'Fire' True Talisman, even exerting his utmost effort, he had only managed to condense nine True Talismans—and it was still unknown how long it would take to gather the next True Talisman.

It was then he felt the increasing importance of the Soul Cultivation method.

Sitting by the bank, Zong Shou fell into deep contemplation. Only when a soft rustling reached his ears did he snap back to awareness.

He turned to look and saw the Ye Feishuang and Ye Feihan sisters, both carrying bundles of provisions. These included not only aquatic life from the lake but also land beasts and wild greens, all tied together with vines.

Zong Shou’s gaze lingered on the hundred-pound Sky Fish Ye Feihan held in her left hand, and he chuckled, "Why is it Flame Blood Fish again, Little Han? Do you love eating it that much?"

"Call me Han-han Jie!" Ye Feihan huffed, pouting. "I don't like it either; I’m sick of eating it! But Frost-jie said you go into the water every day, and your body is being tainted by the cold, so you need the blood of Flame Blood Fish to warm up. It both dispels the cold and strengthens the body…"

Zong Shou was momentarily surprised. He scrutinized Ye Feishuang; her expression was its usual icy composure, though her gaze shifted slightly. He couldn't help but inwardly smile. These two sisters had been with him for over three months; did they really still think he was some common stone collector? In all these months, when had they ever seen him quarry a single piece of that kind of stone?

Shaking his head, Zong Shou let out another soft laugh. "So you’re tired of that fish too! Fine, today we'll eat something fresh—Stone Slab Grill!"

Ye Feihan instantly brightened, her face alight with anticipation. Zong Shou first built a fire, then placed a clean, flat stone slab over the flames. After heating it to a searing temperature, he laid thin, delicate slices of fish upon it.

Soon, a rich aroma filled the air. Ye Feihan couldn't wait for the meat to fully cook, popping a slice into her mouth, her eyes immediately shining. "Delicious! Hmm, it tastes different from grilled fish!"

Ye Feishuang’s appetite was also roused. She picked up a slice and ate it, showing approval through her actions, though remaining silent.

Zong Shou ate happily too, and began to chat idly, spinning fanciful tales that left Ye Feihan utterly amazed time and again.

"Brother Shou, you’re not lying to me? That place called the Other Realm truly has a ship as big as one-tenth of our Eastern Cloud Realm?" Ye Feihan’s eyes were filled with shock as she looked at Zong Shou with growing admiration. "Brother Shou knows so much! I must go see it someday! A ship that big should hold a lot of people, right?"

Zong Shou hummed, feeling lighter than air. "That was the small one! The largest ship is equivalent to the entire Cloud Realm. And there's a Country of Women built entirely upon one of those ships."

"Country of Women?" Ye Feihan was curious again, her eyes wide with intrigue. "Is that country really all women?"

Zong Shou nodded, a hint of melancholy in his voice. "That tribe, they say, can reproduce without men. And they are all beautiful as blooming flowers, like celestial beings descended to earth. It's a pity they can only join woman to woman. What a waste of resources…"

Ye Feihan’s eyes shone with mounting longing. She vaguely understood the phrase about wasting resources.

Ye Feishuang, who had maintained her cold facade, subtly pricked up her ears, seemingly listening intently. Only when she noticed Zong Shou looking at her with a faint smile did she turn her head away. "Just nonsense! I know of the Other Realm, but I've never heard tales of a Country of Women! A single giant ship rivaling the Cloud Realm—that’s pure fantasy!"

Zong Shou couldn't help but grin. While his words were admittedly exaggerated, they were based on reality. This was the plight of the frog at the bottom of the well, unaware of the world's vastness.

Then Ye Feihan spoke up. "Sister, that giant ship might not be false. Didn't Mother give us something that included a large ship? She said that once a Sun Roamer realm expert unfolds it, it can reach thirty thousand zhang in size—"

Before her words finished, Ye Feishuang showed an expression of clear displeasure. "Stop! How can you speak carelessly of such things in front of others?"

"Brother Shou isn't an outsider! Why can't I mention it?"

Ye Feihan pouted in dissatisfaction but ultimately did not continue. A trace of sadness returned to her expression. "Brother Shou, I have to leave in a few days. Sister says we cannot linger here long; our uncle might not be able to help us now. Those bad people might be close to finding us, so we only have a few more days here…"

Zong Shou was contemplating just what level of treasured ship could unfold to thirty thousand zhang? And what was the identity of these two sisters' mother to inspire such terror? Hearing this, he smiled again. "What bad people? Should I go slaughter them for you?"

His gaze flashed with a faint purple light, and the corner of his lips curled up, revealing a touch of malice. He had recently replaced his Black Wave Sword and refined the second-tier Thunder Tooth Sword, and was in need of human blood to consecrate it.

Ye Feihan clearly paused, startled. Ye Feishuang directly rebuked him in anger, "You need to draw the line even when joking. To you, Zong Shou, this is an irrelevant matter. But to us sisters, it is a matter of life and death. Do you think talking like this is amusing? The people chasing us are all Xiantian Martial Masters; one finger could crush an ant like you! We are not food to be arbitrarily slaughtered by you—"

With that, she abruptly stood up. "Furthermore, you should watch yourself closely too. Mortals are notoriously ruthless killers, and you might get implicated! For these few days, it is best you stay far away from here and do not visit again! I have eaten enough!"

Seeing Ye Feishuang leave immediately, Ye Feihan gave Zong Shou an apologetic smile, full of helplessness, and hurried after her sister.

Zong Shou was unconcerned, watching the two girls disappear from sight with a slight smile.

Xiantian Martial Masters? He had thought the pursuers would be stronger.

Then he sighed. The old saying about the crime of possessing a treasure was indeed true. Even he felt a stir of interest now—not with murderous intent or desire to seize anything, as he couldn't bring himself to do such things. He merely wanted to see what a thirty-thousand-zhang ship looked like. A treasured ship of that magnitude might even be capable of breaking through the boundary barrier to enter other worlds.

He glanced around the vicinity, filled with emotion. Unconsciously, another three months had slipped by. He realized he only had a handful of days left here. He wondered what the situation was back at Qiantian Mountain now? How was that little brat Xuanyuan Yiren doing in Cloud Saint City? He found himself missing her a bit over these few days.

With a knowing chuckle, Zong Shou rose to his feet again. Impatiently, he sank back into the water pool. Right now, breaking through to the Xiantian realm was the priority! He could already feel the surging, dragon-like Qi within his body becoming increasingly difficult to suppress. And the two Earth Gates beneath his feet showed faint signs of loosening.

In six days at most, he could attempt the breakthrough to Xiantian!