Chapter 620: Nine Realms Intelligence, Lan Feng's True Perspective, Departure

Over five years, even with only a dozen passengers in the first batch, having top-ranked figures like Yuanlong Lanfeng and Heavenly Dragon Buddhist Son Bai Chengfeng on board was significant. If this venture proved successful, securing a second batch of passengers would be no issue. He had already prepared recording orbs to document the entire journey until they reached the True Spirit Realm. This "promotional footage" would be his primary selling point for acquiring high-end resources.

Crafting the Profound Crown had depleted much of his personal wealth. His Sea Heart Ring was almost empty, urgently needing new resources, and the Nine Coagulations and Nine Dispersions technique still required three more cycles to complete. Thus, the ship ticket fees were essential.

"—Everyone! Long time no see!"

A chorus of greetings, ranging from "Brother Wei" to "Senior Wei" and "Fellow Daoist Wei," echoed back. All were spoken with utmost reverence, a clear sign that his previous battle had indeed established his reputation.

"There's no need for formalities," he replied. "The matter we discussed last time is settled. The World-Splitting Divine Boat is fully repaired, and today is our day of departure. We can leave as soon as Fellow Daoist Jueqing arrives."

"Brother Wei is truly a man of his word," one responded. "Since everything is prepared, we eagerly await your display of power."

"You flatter me."

Wang Yu maintained an excellent demeanor towards these benefactors. It wasn't a change in his character; rather, this first group of passengers was almost entirely backed by the major cultivation lineages of the True Spirit Realm. The influence of a single individual among them might not be substantial. However, with their numbers, he could secure information from various channels in the True Spirit Realm, ensuring he had connections for any endeavor. Cultivating these relationships was just a start, but it was a prudent move that would undoubtedly prove useful in time. Establishing a foundation of goodwill now would provide valid reasons for future requests.

The cultivation world, too, was composed of people; as long as they possessed normal cognitive abilities, a vast society based on human relationships would emerge. Wang Yu, however, wasn't fond of dwelling on such intricacies. Still, the situation in the True Spirit Realm remained unknown. What if he was enslaved in a mine immediately after ascending? Or captured and forced to deplete his cultivation to produce "spirit stones"?

Such a degree of paranoia wasn't unique to him. For cultivators from the lower realms, once they reached a certain peak, nearly all developed a sensitive and reactive disposition.

Seizing the opportunity while he still had time, Wang Yu approached Lanfeng to make inquiries.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Fellow Daoist Lanfeng."

"You're too kind, Brother Wei."

This half-human, half-dragon cultivator possessed an exceptionally striking and handsome appearance. Born with profound water divine abilities, his bloodline talent was akin to a half-True Spirit lineage, though its specific grade remained unknown. He, like Qingqing, was merely passing through the True Spirit Realm on his way to the Heavenly Demon Realm, where he would cultivate at the headquarters of the Demon Dragon Lineage. This made him distinct from the other "elite members" who were merely medium-potential candidates. Lanfeng possessed the potential to reach the Mahayana stage. A talent of his caliber would receive the most preferential treatment even within the Demon Dragon Lineage. Meanwhile, in the Nine Peak Human Realms, regardless of a lineage's strength, their membership numbers were kept exceptionally low.

This was a measure implemented by the Immortal Palace to prevent the "privileged class" from growing too influential. With fewer members, even if one consumed vast resources, the total expenditure would remain finite. Fewer members also reduced the likelihood of others incurring their displeasure, indirectly increasing the chances for grassroots talents to rise. Furthermore, with limited numbers, even the most avaricious individuals would lack trustworthy personnel. Granting a lineage control over a Mid-Thousand World was already the Immortal Palace's greatest concession.

In essence, the primary aim of this system was to ensure an unimpeded path for the human race's lower echelons, thereby guaranteeing a constant emergence of brilliant talents and prodigies. However, where there is a policy, there are always countermeasures. If a lineage's membership numbers were capped by the Heavenly Law Immortal Code, they would instead support other lineages, establishing a hierarchical supply chain to indirectly gain more manpower and resources. The Profound Yellow Battle Immortal Department was the sole exception.

This background meant Lanfeng would possess considerable authority once he rejoined his organization, as lineages placed vastly different importance on core members like him. Consequently, his knowledge of the True Spirit Realm would be far more comprehensive. Wang Yu was certain he couldn't go wrong by inquiring with him.

Indeed, as Wang Yu voiced his questions, Lanfeng smiled. "It seems Brother Wei has not truly entered the core of a lineage yet. In that case... there are indeed some things you need to grasp in advance."

Wang Yu's heart tightened. "Please, Fellow Daoist, do not hesitate to enlighten me."

"Brother Wei, are you aware of the Primeval Demon Realm, which is hostile to the Vast Immortal Domain? Of course, the demon race prefers to call it the Holy Realm and themselves the Holy Race."

"Naturally."

"Then it's simple," Lanfeng continued. "The Immortal Palace generally has two arrangements for ascenders. The first is for those skilled in various crafts; they are assigned to the Merit Department to create talismans, refine pills, and forge war treasures. Typically, one must serve for five centuries before being granted a genuine opportunity to join the Immortal Palace's orthodox lineage."

"Immortal Palace Orthodox Lineage?" Wang Yu frowned deeply. This was completely different from his understanding of the Vast Immortal Palace. Ninety percent of his knowledge about the Immortal Palace came from the inherited memories of the Ice Phoenix bloodline. True Spirit races like the phoenix naturally embodied auspiciousness and good fortune, recognized as such by the Heavenly Dao of the Cosmic Sea. Great powers even prided themselves on having such auspicious beasts as mounts. A prodigy capable of gaining an auspicious beast's recognition was even considered to possess Mahayana potential, making it a coveted item among the elite and a symbol of status, akin to collectible sports cars in his previous life.

Currently, most True Spirit divine beasts resided peacefully in the Heavenly Fortune Immortal Domain. With twelve True Immortals overseeing them and countless Mahayana cultivators under their command, it was genuinely a land of peace and happiness. The Phoenix clan of the Wutong Realm was among the foremost leaders of the Heavenly Fortune Immortal Domain. Yan Ling and others were truly separated from him by countless worlds and a vast, empty stretch of the Cosmic Sea.

For Wang Yu, the Ice Phoenix's inherited memories provided a perspective from the Heavenly Fortune Immortal Domain. The phoenixes' understanding of the Vast Immortal Palace was from a relatively elevated viewpoint, making their knowledge somewhat superficial. Consequently, Wang Yu's perception of the Immortal Palace and its various lineages carried the Phoenix clan's "bias," a bias that was, paradoxically, fairness.

Lanfeng, originating from the lower strata, hadn't even known his true origins before gaining the attention of the Demon Dragon Lineage. Once he suddenly acquired the status of a "Dragon scion," he viewed everything from a grassroots perspective, which seemed... authentic. This was precisely the information Wang Yu required.

Therefore, upon hearing Wang Yu's confusion about the "Immortal Palace Orthodox Lineage," Lanfeng, with an evident expression, explained further.

"Yes, the 'orthodox lineage' refers to the inheritors of the Nine Heavens," Lanfeng confirmed. "The cultivation holy land founded by the Nine Immortals of the human race, the True Spirit Realm, corresponds to the Grand Profound Heaven. Ordinary ascenders must generate five centuries' worth of value for the Immortal Palace to earn a single opportunity. Those who succeed naturally ascend directly to a high position, with the status of a Nine Heavens inheritor surpassing that of any Myriad Dao Lineage. However, successes are rare; those who fail the assessment can only start from the lowest rank of Heavenly Soldiers."

Wang Yu silently digested this information, remaining silent for a moment before speaking. "What about the second type?"

"The second type," Lanfeng explained, "is for those without a specific craft but who are skilled in combat. They will be assigned to the Profound Yellow Battle Immortal Department and deployed to the vast frontline confronting the demon race, where battle merits are the sole measure of progress. There is also one opportunity to exchange these merits for a chance at the Nine Heavens assessment. If that doesn't work out, one must slowly climb the ranks within the Battle Immortal Department until the Immortal Palace bestows the title of Realm Lord and grants a world as a fief, which is considered a high-ranking position."

This situation wasn't exactly favorable. Yet, he had indeed laid out a clear path for advancement. However, for ascenders, who among them hadn't been a hegemon before reaching this stage? Accustomed to holding dominion over countless lives and deaths, and to their exalted positions, adapting to starting from the bottom might prove genuinely difficult. Such individuals possessed no lack of talent, combat wisdom, strategic acumen, or foresight. The Immortal Palace seemed to gravely underestimate them, for many matters in the world cannot be simply attributed to talent alone.

"Are there no rogue cultivators in the True Spirit Realm? Or forces other than the Immortal Palace?"

Lanfeng sighed, his expression wistful. "There truly aren't. The Heavenly Law Immortal Code established by the Immortal Palace prioritizes humanity, and every regulation is designed to bolster human strength and cultivate more immortal beings. Brother Wei, you should view the division into Nine Realms as nine distinct cultivation strategies. The True Spirit Realm places particular emphasis on minimizing internal strife and has the largest population. The Devil Cultivation Realm, conversely, adheres to the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, believing that the powerful should dominate all. Consequently, those who emerge from there are genuinely formidable cultivators. The Heavenly Demon Realm follows the ancient law of bloodlines, valuing only innate talent and considering bloodline to be the supreme glory. While there are many rogue demon cultivators here, those with insufficient bloodlines are generally given a free-range approach to cultivation..."

Lanfeng spoke at length, and Wang Yu also contemplated the path suitable for him. The matter of him joining the Grand Profound Heaven was decided by True Immortal Xuande. Now it seemed that joining... was an assessment. With his greatest strengths lying in Human Pills and Blood Dao arts, it was clear these were unsuitable for the True Spirit Realm. He lacked the necessary materials, and his conventional alchemy skills were limited to the early fifth stage due to a lack of complete inheritance. So the first path was not suitable for him.

The second path demanded battling the demon race, risking his life for battle merits, only to then have to use those merits to earn a chance at the Nine Heavens assessment. How was this different from paying to work? Risking his life for such an opportunity yielded a disproportionate return. The dangers of war were also self-evident. There were no rules here preventing powerful cultivators from suppressing weaker ones. Encountering a demon powerhouse comparable to a Dao Fusion expert, like Kongkongzi, could easily crush him. This path was also not suitable for him.

While pondering, Wang Yu asked again. "Fellow Daoist Lanfeng mentioned ordinary ascenders just now. Are there any special ones?"

"Naturally. Lineage inheritors, depending on their lineage's status, can directly be assigned positions in the Immortal Palace's eight departments. They have more freedom, and their cultivation is mostly self-arranged."

So that's how it was. This meant he largely understood the structure of the Vast Immortal Palace. Lanfeng, seeing his thoughtful expression, then brought up a second special channel.

"Descendants of mighty figures are specially prepared for second generations. Generally, only Mahayana bloodline descendants can receive preferential treatment from the Immortal Palace. After all, their ancestors risked life and death for the human race; this is what they deserve. However, this only extends to the second generation; the third generation must rely on themselves."

"Only these two special channels?"

"What else?"

"What about those of us who ascend independently, or rogue cultivators who don't enter the Upper Realm through orthodox channels..."

"This type can barely be considered a third category. Those with backgrounds, needless to say, just report to their respective lineages. If one ascends unexpectedly, no matter which of the Nine Realms they arrive in, they just follow the local rules, but only the True Spirit Realm is different. The True Spirit Realm is considered the headquarters of the Vast Immortal Palace. Such 'unexpected individuals' are seen as fortunate and start as Heavenly Soldiers, without needing to enter the frontline battlefield."

This conversation greatly benefited Wang Yu. He sincerely thanked him several times, acknowledging this favor. Summing up the pros and cons, he felt that True Immortal Xuande had given him a difficult problem. Moreover, the Immortal Palace's headquarters being located in the True Spirit Realm somewhat affirmed the strength of this immortal, who was definitely among the top, perhaps even the most powerful True Immortal among the Nine Immortals. Resisting the arrangements made by such a powerful being inevitably caused alarm. But if he truly followed the arrangements, he would inevitably feel stifled.

"How frustrating..." With a sigh in his heart, he was still pondering a solution when Patriarch Jueqing, Li Chunyi, finally arrived. Wang Yu quickly composed himself and put on a smiling face again.

"Fellow Daoist Li, you're finally here. Regarding borrowing the ascension channel coordinates?"

"Brother Wei, our friendship is profound. These coordinates are often exchanged, so there's absolutely no problem. I have not only the True Spirit Realm's coordinates but also those for the other eight realms. This isn't much of a secret. It's just a pity that the ascension channel for the Mountains and Seas Realm was set up by the Oblivion Lineage, so it only leads to the True Spirit Realm."

Li Chunyi rattled on and on. Wang Yu, however, keenly extracted the keyword "exchange." It seemed that others who took the clandestine route also bought coordinates from the Lesser Pole Palace, which provided them for all nine peak Upper Realms. They certainly knew how to make money.

"Fellow Daoist Li is righteous, and I, Wei, will not be stingy either. How about I help you try the Mortal World Heart Refinement three more times when I return?"

"Excellent, excellent! Brother Wei is truly Chunyi's confidant!"

The pair's feigned camaraderie and superficial interactions truly shocked everyone. Even Lanfeng and the Heavenly Dragon Buddhist Son were speechless, looking at them repeatedly as if seeing them for the first time.

After reaching a consensus, everyone followed Li Chunyi to the ascension channel. Its layout resembled the ancient teleportation array Wang Yu had seen before, but it used the celestial constellations as its formation diagram.

"Each activation of this Immortal Flying Star Map requires a massive amount of spiritual energy. Even after multiple modifications, the Mountains and Seas Realm struggles to supply it long-term, so it takes a century to accumulate enough energy for each launch." Li Chunyi explained casually, then had Wang Yu take out the World-Splitting Divine Boat, directly imprinting the star map onto the Divine Boat's control core, and thoughtfully marked the locations of the other eight realms for him.

This way, the World-Splitting Divine Boat could automatically navigate to its destination. He also admonished, "The star map route from the Mountains and Seas Realm to the True Spirit Realm has been used countless times by predecessors, reaching 99% safety. Just follow the star map route. However, if Brother Wei wishes to go to other Upper Realms, he will need to carefully consider the route, trying to stick to routes with existing ascension channels."

"I understand, thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist Li."

"No problem, you are my confidant!"

Seeing the two of them start again, Lanfeng couldn't help but urge them. "Since everything is ready, Fellow Daoist Wei, let's depart. If Zhao Mo learns of this, it might cause trouble."

"Alright." Wang Yu naturally complied, casting out the World-Splitting Divine Boat for everyone to board. He then waved to Li Chunyi and activated the power core to draw energy from the Chaos Spirit Orb. In an instant, it broke through the spatial layers and entered the Cosmic Sea.