Chapter 303: Chapter 226: The Prophesied Great Opportunity, the Stunning Jueyin Woman

"For example, for the past five hundred years, whenever disputes have arisen over the Kang Jin and Wei Huo blessed lands between the descendants of the Eight Monarchs and the master-disciple lineage, our Shao clan has had to send its Disciples to garrison the areas and offer our support."

Jiang Yi remained silent, a faint golden gleam rising in the depths of his eyes as if he were secretly judging the truth of Shao Guansu’s words.

"I previously overstepped my bounds to test you, Daoist, because I knew that once you take charge of the Changming Heavenly Lake, you are bound to become a thorn in the side of prosperous clans like the Luo, Zhou, and Pang."

Shao Guansu decided to lay everything bare to show his sincerity:

"At that time, I fear my Shao clan, much like He Shouzhen, would be used by them as a sacrificial pawn to test your measure."

Jiang Yi paused the motion of his finger tapping on the low table. His voice was calm, but every word was crystal clear:

"You’re quite honest, True Master Shao, to dare admit you intended to test me."

Based on True Master Shao’s words, if Jiang Yi proved useless, the Shao clan would turn on him like a pack of wolves.

But on the other hand, if he, the Daoist, showed the potential of a Crown Prince, the Shao clan would be the first to pledge their allegiance and ride his coattails.

True Master Shao bowed hastily:

"I dare not hide a single thing. Every word I’ve spoken is the truth. I only ask that you, Daoist, give me a chance to atone for my misdeeds through service."

Jiang Yi remained noncommittal, asking slowly:

"The Demon Dao values talent and puts everything to its best use. So, what can you do for me, True Master Shao?

"Don’t bother with empty platitudes about being at my beck and call. You’re a dignified Foundation Establishment True Master. Having you do menial tasks for me would just make it look like I don’t know how to manage people, wouldn’t it?"

True Master Shao pondered for a long time. He knew in his heart that the Daoist had yet to reach Foundation Establishment, and that many within the sect were still watching from the sidelines.

This was the perfect opportunity for the Shao clan to pledge its loyalty, and they had to show the utmost sincerity.

"I am skilled in alchemy, and the Treasure Pills I refine are of a respectable quality. I can stock the pill chambers of Changming Heavenly Lake for you, Daoist, and the Cultivators under your command to use.

"Furthermore, my clan possesses three Spiritual Objects that can aid your cultivation, Daoist, and help you achieve Perfection in the Qi Cultivation Twelfth Layer."

Hearing "three Spiritual Objects," Jiang Yi’s interest was immediately piqued.

Since becoming the Daoist of the Innate Sect, his perspective had broadened, and ordinary Spiritual Objects were now beneath his notice.

Seeing his reaction, True Master Shao quickly elaborated:

"The first is the Earth Lung Fire Essence. Daoist, you specialize in fire techniques and will inevitably have to cultivate the Fire Virtue Divine Technique in the future. This essence is incredibly rare and difficult to obtain. Using it for your Refining Technique will let you achieve twice the results with half the effort.

"The second is the Calamity-Dispelling Pill Fruit. When a Foundation Establishment True Master seeks a breakthrough, they must endure the suffering of the Three Calamities and nine tribulations. In his time, a True Monarch of our clan, out of consideration for his successors, left behind a spiritual root of heaven and earth. This root bears fruit only once every eight hundred years, and each time, it yields just seven fruits. Consuming one allows a person to dispel calamities, avoid disaster, and even turn misfortune into fortune. The last..."

At this point, however, True Master Shao hesitated. He glanced at He Shouzhen, who was standing to the side, a guarded look on his face as he fell silent.

"There are no outsiders here. True Master Shao, feel free to speak."

Jiang Yi smiled faintly, indicating that he needn’t worry.

True Master Shao composed himself and said in a lowered voice:

"I wonder if you, Daoist, have ever heard of a ’Jueyin Woman’? Years ago, while a True Monarch of our clan was journeying through the Yanfu Vast Land, he found a coffin cast from dharma crystals in an ancient ruin. Sealed inside was a ’Jueyin Woman’."

He paused, then added:

"Shao Yang, in its prime, requires the aid of Jueyin to produce heirs.

"If you, Daoist, are interested in expanding your family and continuing your bloodline..."

Before he could finish his sentence, True Master Shao felt a sudden, bone-chilling cold spread across his back, causing him to whirl around in alarm.

There, standing just outside the entrance to the hall, was a young woman in green robes, staring at him with an ice-cold gaze.