The elder who claimed to be a true Maoshan successor, Elder Zhou, displayed his divine might, instantly subduing Guan Tingqing and Tao Yun.

Afterward, he guided Tao Yun to obtain several strands of Green Mysterious Water Qi from the Nu Yun River Mouth.

In this way, the two eldest sons of the thirteen families became increasingly respectful towards Elder Zhou.

"Elder Zhou, your Dharma Eye is like a sharp torch, capable of discerning the flow of heaven and earth. What you've gained in the mountains, we are willing to give entirely to add to your cultivation resources."

Guan Tingqing, who grew up amongst the thirteen families, was already well-versed in using such techniques of wooing, employing them with great finesse.

"I am an outsider and act based on fate. Meeting the two young masters along the way is precisely fate.

I wonder if your family has ever consulted a Feng Shui Daoist to read your fate and verify your insignia? My eyes, trained in Maoshan Daoist skills, can break through the Netherworld, summon ghost deities, and identify demons."

"The foreheads of you two young masters flare with light, indicating deep fortune. Since ancient times, treasures belong to those with virtue. If it were just me entering the mountains, I might not have obtained it."

Elder Zhou raised his eyebrows, squatting on a long bench, resembling a large monkey, lacking any semblance of grandeur.

But recalling how the other could soar through the air, stopping more than a dozen blood-thirsty Second-Training Great Success Martial Artists with one fierce shout, like tigers and wolves,

Tao Yun, the type of dissolute young master who respected clothes before respecting people, behaved obediently, like juniors.

He glanced at Guan Tingqing, then couldn't help but straighten his chest:

"May I ask Elder Zhou, what is the treasure in the mountain?"

Elder Zhou raised his hand, stroking his beard that resembled a few blades of grass, and slowly said:

"In my opinion, it should be 'Tai Sui Chen Earth.' The personality of Chen is zhen, it predicts the emergence of all things, and aligns with the season of spring, symbolizing damp earth, containing the roots of all things.

In terms of yin and yang, it is yang; within the five elements, it belongs to earth; in terms of location, it often appears where water gathers; its corresponding spirits are dragons, fish, and jiao."

Tao Yun listened intently yet nodded repeatedly to avoid being perceived by Elder Zhou as ignorant.

Beside him, Guan Tingqing seemed to be deep in thought and quietly asked:

"Is the Tai Sui Chen Earth, by any chance, the legendary rare treasure, the lower relic evolved from Nine Heavens and Earth?"

Elder Zhou immediately nodded:

"Indeed. It's said that in the era of primordial chaos, heaven and earth naturally nurtured Ten Great True Flames, Seven Divine Waters, and other creations of sun and moon essence, hailed as 'Innate Immortal Root' by the Four Saints.

Like the 'Green Mysterious Water Qi' acquired by Young Master Tao, if sufficient quantities are gathered, it might be refined into a drop of 'Jade Fall Water,' which is one of the legendary Seven Divine Waters, a subordinate of Profound Nether True Water.

Similarly, Tai Sui Chen Earth is a subordinate of Nine Heavens and Earth. Known as 'infinitely breathing, never diminishing,' not only can it cultivate the celestial medicine treasures of the heavenly wood element but also forge weapons and refine artifacts, exceptionally supernatural.

The utility of Tai Sui Chen Earth is not equal to Nine Heavens and Earth but remains extraordinarily remarkable."

I have acquired Green Mysterious Water Qi as well as Tai Sui Chen Earth; indeed, what extraordinary fortune!

Tao Yun's heart blossomed with joy, becoming eager:

"Such a treasure, if heaven bestows it and we fail to seize it, calamity rebounds! Let's hurry and enter the mountain!"

Elder Zhou waved his hand, suddenly appearing troubled:

"No rush. Wait until deeper night when the treasure light naturally shows, making it easier to find. Besides, the method to acquire Tai Sui Chen Earth... proves rather tricky; even with fortune blessed upon you, and deep fortune woven, achieving absolute certainty may not be possible."

Guan Tingqing slightly furrowed his brows, hurriedly asking before Tao Yun spoke:

"Wherein lies the difficulty?"

Elder Zhou sighed and said:

"Once submerged in water, Tai Sui Chen Earth transforms, becoming fertile soil that can cultivate Spirit Rice quickly without meticulous care, considered a supreme treasure in the eyes of Upper Sect Daoist Sect.

And like Nine Heavens and Earth, it possesses the ability to mold weapons, hardening in fire, and can replicate the powers of Divine Soldiers when refined by a Master Craftsman."

Tao Yun's eyes sparkled at such an excellent treasure, which proved beneficial whether privately kept or presented to the Daoist Official.

"But..."

Elder Zhou deliberately paused and then continued:

"This item is usually buried within the mountain body, intertwined with earth qi, cannot be tainted by mundane air. It transforms when meeting common water, dries when touching common wood, scorches when absorbing common fire... To acquire it, you must use various five-element rare treasures to create a Treasure Basin to safely contain it."

Five-element rare treasures?

Tao Yun looked at Guan Tingqing of his company, his mind swirling, realizing the benefit of Tai Sui Chen Earth to his family far exceeded that of Three Yang Fire Essence Qi and Green Mysterious Water Qi.

He made an excuse to use the restroom, dragging Guan Tingqing aside:

"Brother Guan, let's each take out half later, gathering the water and fire elements, and then request some from home. Given your Numerous Mines under Guan Family, surely there's no shortage of metal and earth element rare treasures.

My Tao Family, a long-standing owner of rice shops and grain warehouses, possesses many wood-element rare treasures, constructing a Treasure Basin shouldn't be difficult."

Guan Tingqing hesitated:

"But..."

Driven by urgency, Tao Yun urged:

"Tai Sui Chen Earth! It's supreme that allows Spirit Rice and treasure planting with several harvests a year! Once our two families obtain it, within five years, our foundations can grow by thirty percent!"

Guan Tingqing was equally tempted, pondering for a moment before speaking:

"Brother Tao, I have another plan."

...

...

Bai Qi dismounted, intending to leave the Wind Chasing Horse at the mountain foot's village households. His Bai Qilang's name was already well-known across the ten surrounding miles of Black River County, not fearing being swindled by scoundrels.

"Brother Qi, Brother Lv, after a long journey, you may rest and catch your breath."

Bai Qi tied the Wind Chasing Horse to a stake outside the tea house, about to inquire the owner about the local village chief's identity and familiarity with Chai City Song Family, so as not to be mistaken for foreign fat sheep.

As the saying goes, treacherous mountains and dangerous waters breed difficulty, though this applies only partially.

On one hand, in barren areas, it is tough for the folk spirit to remain pure, and viciousness, insidiousness, and greed for small benefits become survival traits;

On the other hand, it depends on the people, as rural regions rely on clan alliances with close interactions among those of the same surname and family, treating outsiders as easy prey.

"Hmm."

Bai Qi secured the Wind Chasing Horse, his gaze sweeping over a dry-clothed old man, causing waves in the vast sea of his heart cultivated from 'Subduing Jiao Yellow Springs Sutra.'

"This man... why does he have the aura of a fellow practitioner?"