...

What is the most important thing for a Basalt cultivator?

Of course, it's resources.

And resources have always been scarce, never enough to go around.

Don't be fooled by the seemingly endless resources of the Immortal Palace; that's only true in a broad sense.

The internal structure of the Immortal Palace is vast, with over a dozen sacred lands, each having several to more than a dozen branches, and within each branch, there are even more sub-branches competing against each other.

Thus, although the Immortal Palace is the dream cultivation ground for countless young talents of the Immortal Dynasty, the internal competition is extremely fierce and brutal.

Originally, their internal competition was already intense, but now outsiders want a piece of the pie, naturally provoking the wrath and hostility of those from the Ice Holy Land.

"Are you from the Lingyun Holy Land of Eastern Qian?" Zhang Huaibing frowned at Fang You'an and Wang Zongsheng, "Are people from Eastern Qian so reckless now?"

"Eastern Qian Holy Land?" Wang Zongsheng quickly shook his head and earnestly explained to Zhang Huaibing, "No, we are from Eastern Qian Kingdom, Longzuo Purple Mansion Academy, Xuanbing Hall."

Zhang Huaibing's face darkened.

Has the Lingyun Holy Land of Eastern Qian become so fragmented? This long title clearly indicates a sub-branch of a sub-branch of the Lingyun Holy Land.

These days, even such a small sub-branch dares to come to the Ice Holy Land of the Immortal Palace to cause trouble? Does the Ice Holy Land not care about its reputation?

The faces of the other elders and disciples of the Ice Holy Land also changed instantly, each filled with indignation, feeling deeply insulted.

"Senior Brother Zhang, these people are too arrogant!" A young disciple, red-faced with anger, exclaimed, "You must teach them a harsh lesson!"

If they don't teach them a harsh lesson, where will the face of the Ice Holy Land be in the future?

"Enough."

Zhang Huaibing raised his hand to signal for silence, then glanced at Wang Lici and Wang Yingxuan before looking at Wang Zongsheng, saying calmly, "Considering you are relatives of Senior Sister Lici and Junior Sister Yingxuan, if you retreat now, I won't hold it against you."

Zhang Huaibing was somewhat speechless and apprehensive.

If he really injured this person, Wang Lici and her niece might not let it go easily.

Wang Yingxuan was more manageable, having just advanced to the Purple Mansion Realm and specializing in the War Manual, focusing on military tactics and breaking enemy lines. Provoking her would be troublesome, but he could probably still handle it; at worst, he might just get beaten up.

But Wang Lici was a bit more formidable.

Her appearance was deceptively innocent. Back then, to make him contribute squid tentacles, she sweetly called him "Senior Brother Huaibing," making him think she was younger. Only after more interaction did he realize she was actually older, her youthful appearance due to the influence of her bloodline.

In reality, she was not only incredibly powerful but also particularly adept at "setting traps."

Thinking of the ingredients he had gradually given away over the years, and the Golden Mane Lion Pride in the Heaven-Devouring Holy Land that lost their rations, Zhang Huaibing felt a shiver down his spine.

Unfortunately, Zhang Huaibing wanted to downplay the situation but misjudged the current circumstances.

"What arrogance!"

Just as he finished speaking, Fang You'an stepped forward, arms crossed, raising an eyebrow at Zhang Huaibing, "I heard you're the so-called 'Little Holy Master' of the Ice Holy Land? Let me, Fang You'an, experience your skills. However, I'm over three hundred years old and have reached the fifth level of the Purple Mansion Realm. If you don't dare to fight, I won't force you."

Fang You'an was actually older than Ancestor Long Yan and over a hundred years older than Wang Shouzhe. In the past, this age difference would have seemed significant in Longzuo Commandery, but in the Immortal Dynasty, Fang You'an was still considered a young talent.

At this moment, he stood tall and composed, his blue robe fluttering in the wind, his demeanor no less impressive than Zhang Huaibing's.

"At your age, having such cultivation is commendable." Zhang Huaibing's expression remained unchanged, still aloof and indifferent, "Since you wish to see, I'll show you the gap between a great prodigy and the extraordinary."

With that, he flipped his wrist, and the ice-type Divine Spirit Artifact folding fan [Xuanbing Fan] appeared in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, it opened with a "swish," looking quite dashing.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and with a wave of the fan, a flurry of ice and snow roared forth.

The Ice Holy Land was situated on towering snow peaks, frozen for countless millennia, with numerous ice-type spiritual veins hidden underground, rich in ice-type spiritual energy. As the Xuanbing Fan waved, endless cold air gathered from all directions, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet.

In an instant, half of the square was filled with swirling snow.

The biting cold wind howled around him, the terrifying aura rapidly building in the howling wind, reaching a daunting level in the blink of an eye.

Accompanied by the howling wind, he rose into the air, his white robe fluttering like the majestic snow peaks behind him, exuding an imposing and awe-inspiring presence.

The surrounding cultivators, seeing this, retreated, giving the two enough space to unleash their full potential.

Wang Yingxuan, initially worried about Ancestor You'an, couldn't help but slap her forehead, feeling both speechless and weary.

How could she forget that in the entire Immortal Palace, no one could outshine Zhang Huaibing when it came to showing off?

Fang You'an, however, narrowed his eyes, his expression growing more serious.

Although Zhang Huaibing's display was flashy, it also demonstrated his understanding of ice-type laws. Zhang Huaibing, the Little Holy Master of the Ice Holy Land, truly lived up to his reputation, having a deeper understanding of ice-type laws at such a young age.

However, Fang You'an had his own pride.

Over the years, he hadn't clung to his master Yunyang and Wang Shouzhe for nothing.

With Wang Shouzhe's help, and thanks to a relic his master encountered in his early years, his bloodline had undergone several transformations over the past hundred and eighty years, now reaching the level of a great prodigy B-grade.

Such aptitude, though not as high as Zhang Huaibing's, wasn't far off. Moreover, his cultivation was two levels higher than Zhang Huaibing's, and he had more combat experience, giving him at least a sixty percent chance of winning.

"Hmph~ Talk is cheap; let's see if you can back it up."

With a cold snort, he summoned an ice crystal-like Divine Spirit Artifact sword into his hand, ice-type profound energy surging forth.

His aura surged instantly.

At the same time, a cold and domineering presence emanated from him, sharp and piercing, like eternal profound ice.

The snow and wind Zhang Huaibing summoned vanished without a trace before reaching him.

His aura was no weaker than Zhang Huaibing's.

In the next moment, with a flash of sword light, he transformed into a streak of lightning, charging toward Zhang Huaibing in the sky.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the two clashed in an instant.

Both wielded ice-type bloodlines, and the Ice Holy Land was rich in ice-type spiritual energy, making it a home ground for both, allowing them to unleash far more power than elsewhere.

Their battle was a spectacle of swirling snow and immense power.

The clash of sword intent and laws, the collision of minor divine abilities, erupted continuously, the powerful energy distorting the surrounding space.

If not for the defensive array on the Ice Square, the square might not have survived.

The Basalt cultivators watching had to retreat repeatedly to avoid being caught in the crossfire, all the while secretly astounded.

Zhang Huaibing's performance was expected, but Fang You'an's strength surprised everyone.

Even Wang Yingxuan couldn't help but widen her eyes, "Ancestor You'an is impressive~ He's made so much progress quietly over the years. I'll definitely spar with him when I get the chance."

"Huaibing has been too sheltered; his combat experience is clearly lacking." Wang Lici, resting her slightly chubby chin on her hand, commented with an air of authority, "Look at his moves, too rigid, like sparring with fellow disciples. But Senior Brother You'an is different, clearly seasoned in battle, quick to react, guarding his vital points tightly while striking with precision and ruthlessness."

"My Ancestor You'an was just a prodigy at first, but shortly after reaching the Celestial Realm at eighty-something, he went to the outer region battlefield for duty." Wang Yingxuan remarked, "Over the years, though he kept quiet, he likely volunteered for the outer region battlefield to earn merits and exchange for resources. In terms of combat experience, several Huaibing juniors can't match him."

Speaking of which, her becoming a great prodigy and entering the Lingyun Holy Land under Yunxu True Monarch was largely thanks to the Marrying Blood Gu Emperor Ancestor You'an obtained. It's said he got it from the outer region battlefield.

"Outer region battlefield... Yingxuan, why don't we visit the outer region battlefield too?" Wang Lici pondered, her eyes gradually lighting up, "I heard there are many unique ingredients and interesting things there, many of which can't be found in the Immortal Dynasty."

"Sure, sure~~"

Wang Yingxuan, also daring, nodded eagerly.

However, halfway through nodding, her eyes dimmed, conflicted, "But our masters and the Immortal Sovereign said our bloodline talents are too high, making us targets for the Demon Dynasty or outer region demons. They won't approve us going to the outer region until we reach the Divine Realm."

"What's there to fear?" Wang Lici, undeterred, waved her hand confidently, "If they don't allow it, can't we go ourselves? At most, we'll be careful and low-key, just to see and explore, get familiar with the atmosphere. Of course, the main goal is to find some new ingredients we've never tasted."

The mention of new ingredients made Wang Lici glow with excitement.

Though the Heaven-Devouring Holy Land wasn't short of spiritual beast meat, and her second master Yuan Yuan True Monarch occasionally hunted ninth or tenth-tier fierce beasts for her and other disciples to feast on, the variety was limited.

She hadn't encountered new ingredient varieties in a long time.

"Great! After this, we'll find a way to sneak into the outer region battlefield for some fun." Wang Yingxuan, not one to back down, was quickly persuaded, aligning with Lici.

As they spoke, the situation in the field changed.

Fang You'an feigned weakness, creating a huge opening, luring Zhang Huaibing into making a mistake. Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed a powerful move to defeat Zhang Huaibing.

"Little Holy Master, thank you for letting me win." Fang You'an sheathed his sword, bowing calmly to his opponent.

His left arm was injured in the battle, still covered in a layer of white frost, making it difficult to move his fingers. Yet, his expression remained natural, his bowing motion fluid.

"You!" Zhang Huaibing's face turned pale, his gaze at Fang You'an filled with shock and anger, "You cheated!"

The other disciples of the Ice Holy Land couldn't accept the result, criticizing Fang You'an for his aggressive tactics in a mere spar.

"So what if I cheated?" Fang You'an was unfazed, "In terms of bloodline talent and divine abilities, the 'Little Holy Master' indeed surpasses me. But if this were a battlefield, he would already be a corpse."

"Let's go again; this time, I'll defeat you." Zhang Huaibing, unwilling to concede, gripped his Xuanbing Fan, ready to fight again.

However, Fang You'an laughed at his words, "Why should I give you another chance? Young man, on the outer region battlefield, facing the Demon Dynasty's treachery and outer region demons' brutality, do you think anyone would give you a second chance?"

"This..."

Zhang Huaibing was momentarily speechless, both unwilling and helpless.

Though Fang You'an's words seemed to exaggerate, they weren't wrong; he had indeed been careless.

"Well said! A loss is a loss, Huaibing, you should thank this senior brother for the lesson."

Suddenly.

A voice, cold yet authoritative, echoed above the square.

Simultaneously.

The snow in the sky abruptly halted.

The entire world seemed to quiet down in an instant, even the howling wind ceased.

In the silence, several figures walked from the sky, appearing before everyone in the blink of an eye.

These figures varied in height and build, but all exuded extraordinary auras.

The leader wore a white robe, his white hair flowing freely like the wind and snow in the high heavens, carefree and unrestrained.

He appeared aged, yet his vitality was undiminished, his aura powerful, far surpassing a typical early-stage Void Realm expert. His mere presence commanded the attention of all present.

This was the current Holy Master of the Ice Holy Land—[Frostburn True Monarch].

His strength, even among the many powerhouses of the Immortal Palace, was formidable, a pillar of the Immortal Palace, his mastery of the Frostburn Law renowned across the Immortal and Demon Dynasties.

"Greetings, Holy Master." Everyone hurriedly bowed, greeting him and the others behind him, "Greetings, Realms."

In the presence of such a figure, everyone, whether from the Ice Holy Land or the onlookers, instinctively restrained their expressions, behaving with utmost propriety.

For a moment, no one spoke.

The atmosphere was somewhat awkward.

Zhang Huaibing lowered his head, his expression both awkward and embarrassed, wishing he could find a hole to hide in, "Master, I, I have shamed you."

"Better to be shamed than dead."

Frostburn True Monarch waved him aside, then turned his gaze to Wang Zongsheng and Fang You'an, speaking kindly, "Well, well, I didn't expect a mere sub-branch of the Lingyun Holy Land to produce such outstanding young talents. Truly a blessing for the Immortal Palace and the human race."

"Thank you for your praise, Holy Master. We are unworthy."

Wang Zongsheng and Fang You'an dared not put on airs before Frostburn True Monarch, bowing respectfully.

This was one of the great figures of the human race, having earned countless merits over thousands of years.

"Hehe~ You've proven your strength; no need for humility." Frostburn True Monarch nodded at them, then looked behind them.

Behind them stood several companions from "Eastern Qian." Among them, a woman in a white cloak, her face obscured, stood quietly.

She wore a simple light blue sword-sleeve robe, her demeanor cold and distant. Even with her aura restrained, Frostburn True Monarch could tell she was a Divine Realm expert.

He looked at her, smiling, "This Realm must be the head of Longzuo Academy?"

However.

Before he finished speaking.

The woman removed her cloak, revealing a veiled face and a pair of cold, deep eyes, bowing slightly, "I am Binglan, not the head of the academy. Greetings, Holy Master Frostburn."

Her tone was icy, clearly lacking respect for Frostburn True Monarch.

"Is, is it Binglan?" Wang Lici was shocked, exclaiming softly, "Wasn't she in the Purple Mansion Realm? How did she suddenly break through to the Divine Realm?"

The leap from Purple Mansion to Divine wasn't easy, requiring a minimum bloodline aptitude of great prodigy D-grade and a compatible Divine Realm inheritance.

The latter was a crucial and scarce resource, each inheritance valued at five million immortal crystals, often unavailable even at a price.

"So she's Binglan." Wang Yingxuan also marveled, "I remember seeing her once as a child, hearing she's our Ancestor Long Yan's master. I didn't expect her to reach the Divine Realm. But I recall our Lingyun Holy Land doesn't have an ice-type Divine Realm inheritance ground~"

"I'm not sure either; I'm not familiar with her." Wang Lici whispered, "I followed Master Yunyang for training as soon as I entered the academy, rarely staying at Longzuo Academy."

As they discussed, Frostburn True Monarch, though surprised and delighted, didn't mind Binglan's lack of courtesy, "So she's not the academy head, meaning our human race has gained another Divine Realm?"

Reaching the Divine Realm marked one as a pillar of the human race, the more, the better.

For the nine prefectures of the Immortal Dynasty, each had a sacred land, and each sacred land established academies in various commanderies to select and train human elites, safeguarding the realm.

Typically, each sacred land was overseen by a Void Realm expert, and each academy was led by a Divine Realm head.

"Just Divine Realm?" Binglan sneered, then removed her veil, revealing a face of cold beauty rarely seen even by her disciples.

She looked past Frostburn True Monarch, her gaze cold, "Senior Brother Yuyao, do you still recognize me?"

Senior Brother Yuyao?

Everyone was taken aback, instinctively looking at the current head of the Ice Soul Peak branch, [Yuyao Realm].

This [Yuyao Realm] was a middle-aged man with a handsome and elegant appearance, considered quite young among the many Divine Realm experts, even youthful.

He wasn't old, a rising star of the Ice Holy Land.

Yuyao Realm clearly didn't expect to be addressed, momentarily stunned before scrutinizing Binglan, his expression changing drastically, "Junior Sister Qinglan, how can it be you! Weren't you..."

Gossip! Big gossip!

Wang Lici and Wang Yingxuan perked up, each taking out a chair and some grilled meat, finding a "prime spot" in the corner to watch the drama unfold.

"Yuyao, you know her?" Frostburn True Monarch's expression darkened.

With his age, he sensed today's matter wasn't simple.

Yuyao Realm, his face flushed, eyes complex, bowed, "Reporting to the Holy Master, this is Junior Sister Zhai Qinglan, a fellow from Suiyun Prefecture and a core disciple of the Ice Soul Peak branch."

In each sacred land, core disciples were undoubtedly prodigies. But to a Holy Master like Frostburn True Monarch, a mere prodigy wouldn't garner much attention; only great prodigies would catch his eye and be valued.

"Just fellow disciples and fellow townspeople?" Binglan sneered repeatedly, "Yuyao, speak the truth today, or I'll make the Ice Holy Land never find peace!"

The truth?

Everyone saw that Yuyao Realm seemed to have deep entanglements with this female Realm.

"Exciting." Wang Yingxuan's gossiping heart burned brightly, her imagination running wild.

"This..." Under the watchful eyes of all, Yuyao Realm's face paled, forced to speak, "This was five hundred years ago. At that time, the Ice Soul Peak's Divine Realm inheritance ground had accumulated enough energy for one inheritance."

"And back then, Ice Soul Peak had no great prodigy direct disciples, so we followed the usual practice of selecting a direct disciple. Both Qinglan and I had prodigy A-grade bloodlines, aiming to win the final competition and the Heavenly Vein Holy Pill as a reward, to become great prodigies. The result..."

The result was self-evident.

Yuyao Realm won, ultimately receiving the Divine Realm inheritance!

It seemed straightforward, but Wang Lici and Yingxuan, siding with Binglan, felt it wasn't so simple.

Binglan was Ancestor Long Yan's master and had greatly protected the ancestor and the Wang Clan. Such a figure wouldn't hold a grudge over mere competition loss, would she?

"Indeed." Binglan's lips curled into a cold smile, "Senior Brother Yuyao remains the same, still a sanctimonious hypocrite. Have you forgotten how you secretly drugged me to make me underperform in the competition?"

Her words caused an uproar, some shocked, others incredulous.

But Yuyao Realm was known for his gentlemanly demeanor, always appearing refined... Most people's first thought was disbelief.

Only Wang Lici and Wang Yingxuan were indignant, immediately cursing, "Despicable and shameless."

"Junior Sister Qinglan, such slanderous claims require evidence; please don't speak recklessly." Yuyao Realm, face flushed with anger, sternly rebuked, "We are fellow disciples and townspeople; why would I harm you? Besides, I helped you seek opportunities in the Northern Ice Wasteland afterward; it was your carelessness that led to your fall from the Ice Hail Cliff."

He had been meticulous back then; Qinglan had no evidence at the time, let alone after five hundred years. How could there be evidence now?

Binglan coldly replied, "Don't forget, you claimed to have a treasure map, saying there was an Ice Soul Pearl in the Northern Ice Wasteland that could enhance ice-type bloodline aptitude. I believed you, only for you to deliberately mislead me into falling from the Ice Hail Cliff."

"Junior Sister!" Yuyao Realm [lamented], "I was saddened by your fall from the Ice Hail Cliff, but it wasn't intentional. Accusations require evidence!"

"Evidence, I have none, but we both know the truth." Binglan coldly stated, "If you're truly innocent, I suggest summoning the Immortal Sovereign to use immortal arts for a truth inquiry!"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Yuyao Realm's face changed, angrily rebuking, "The Immortal Sovereign is stationed at the outer region battlefield; he can't return for such baseless matters. Junior Sister Qinglan, you're now in the Divine Realm; don't cause trouble."

Moving the Immortal Sovereign is a significant matter, affecting many; he can't return for such "trivial" issues.

In short, it's not worth it!

"In that case, don't blame me for causing a scene!" Binglan looked at him, a hint of mockery in her eyes, her aura gradually rising, "Yuyao, you must be curious how I obtained a Divine Realm inheritance? It's thanks to you! Beneath the Ice Hail Cliff was an ancient relic! That relic saved my life."

"I dared not reveal it then, secretly accumulating strength until I fully accepted the relic's gifts, returning now to settle the score."

With each word, her aura grew more violent, an ice-type heavenly divine power manifesting a massive Xuanbing storm vortex in the sky!

What formidable heavenly divine power!

Even Frostburn True Monarch, who had refrained from commenting, couldn't help but take notice.

This Binglan Realm seemed extraordinary; her mastery of divine power far surpassed ordinary Realms... Could it be...!?

"Wow! Is a fight about to break out?!"

At this moment, a thrilling dragon roar resounded.

From Binglan's spiritual beast pouch, a Xuanbing Ice Dragon flew out, roaring and flaunting.

Its aura was imposing and domineering, already at the eighth tier.

An eighth-tier dragon had no right to be arrogant in the Immortal Palace.

As everyone wondered, a book flew from Binglan's spiritual platform, ancient and Xuanbing-colored, flapping as it spoke, "Sister Binglan, why waste words with this hypocrite? If he doesn't admit it, beat him until he does."

"Lingxu Codex!?"

A collective gasp echoed.

"How is this possible?!" Yuyao Realm was pale with fright.

"..." Frostburn True Monarch's expression froze.

No wonder her heavenly divine power was so profound and mysterious; she was a peerless one who inherited the codex!

Amidst the shocked and sidelong glances, Binglan hovered in the air, her voice firm and powerful, "I, Binglan, return to the Ice Holy Land today for two reasons: to settle old scores with Yuyao and to split from the Ice Holy Land, founding the Binglan Holy Land!"

"My demands are modest, just thirty percent of the Ice Holy Land's resources. If refused, I'll follow Immortal Palace rules, blocking the Ice Holy Land's gate and challenging all peers!"

Her voice was like an explosive ice thunder, ringing painfully in the ears.

Even Wang Lici and Wang Yingxuan, who considered themselves daring, were left wide-eyed and blood boiling. Wow, wow, wow~ This was too cool, directly splitting the family!

In summary, it was one sentence.

I, Binglan! Pay up.

Especially Wang Yingxuan, her heart was racing with excitement, as if a new world had opened before her.After inheriting the Lingxu Codex, you can actually demand a split from the family?

This really showed her a clear path. Once she reaches the Divine Realm, she can also shout out loud!

I, Ying Xuan, demand money!

...