Chapter 122: Spiritual Energy Infusion

"Very well, since you put it that way, Brother Yang Xiao, I naturally trust you. In that case, let me explain the situation within the Linlang Blessed Land. As it stands, the Blessed Land is divided into two factions. One consists of the direct descendants of our ancestor, Linlang, while the other is comprised of the descendants of his several disciples. Our two factions have long been at odds, and the conflict has only intensified. To compete for the spiritual resources left behind by our ancestor, we hold a trial every five years. The young elites from both sides challenge each other, and the winning faction secures the majority of the resources. It is shameful to admit, but over the past few hundred years, the faction of the disciples' descendants has emerged victorious more often. Consequently, they have obtained more resources, and their younger generation has far surpassed ours in cultivation. With the quinquennial trial fast approaching, and given their wealth of talent, it seems unlikely we will prevail. My purpose in bringing you here, Brother Yang Xiao, is to ask for your help. I hope you will assist our faction in the upcoming trial." Lin Tian explained the situation to Yang Xiao.

"I see. However, since this is an internal conflict, how could I possibly intervene?" Yang Xiao asked.

"This duel is different from those in the past. One of our family's elders proposed the inclusion of an external cultivator to the opposing side, and they agreed, provided that the outsider does not disclose any information about the Linlang Blessed Land. They seem extremely confident in their own strength, which is why they accepted our request. That is when I thought of you, Brother Yang Xiao," Lin Tian replied.

"I understand. However, I am currently only at the middle stage of Qi Condensation. I fear I may not be able to guarantee you a victory," Yang Xiao said.

"You are being too modest, Brother Yang Xiao. I heard from Brother Chen Tong two days ago that you managed to kill one and defeat another of the Three Little Kings of the Demonic Path. Such strength would be a tremendous help to our family. If someone of your caliber cannot defeat our opponents, then I truly have no other candidates. I took the opportunity of you attending Brother Chen Tong's victory banquet to bring you here and solicit your aid," Lin Tian said, his tone filled with expectation.

Yang Xiao pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "To be honest, since you are a descendant of the predecessor Linlang, it is only right for me to help. However, this would likely offend the faction of his disciples. They would harbor a grudge against me and could use various means to retaliate at any time. In such a situation, I would be creating a powerful enemy for myself for no reason. I have no desire to engage in such an unrewarding endeavor."

"What if I told you that helping our family would bring you immense benefits, perhaps even allowing your cultivation to advance rapidly—possibly even breaking through to the late stage of Qi Condensation? With such rewards on the table, would you still refuse my request?" Lin Tian countered.

"Is that true? What kind of benefits are you talking about that could have such miraculous effects?" Yang Xiao asked in surprise.

"The benefit I speak of is a Spirit Infusion. In the heart of the Linlang Blessed Land, there is a spiritual formation array that our ancestor Linlang established by expending great supernatural power. The spiritual energy there is a hundred or even a thousand times denser than in the outside world. Cultivating in such an environment would undoubtedly accelerate your progress significantly. With such conditions, your cultivation would advance by leaps and bounds," Lin Tian explained.

"If that is the case, it would indeed be beneficial. Since those are the terms, it is not impossible for me to assist your family," Yang Xiao said, deep in thought.

"I knew you would agree, Brother Yang Xiao! The goal of our competition is to determine which faction earns the right to cultivate within the Spirit Gathering Array. If you help us win, you will naturally gain access to it. Furthermore, we often find artifacts refined by our ancestor within the array. Our family members would claim these, and you would certainly receive your share. You must know that our ancestor was a Great Cultivator of the Golden Core stage; the artifacts he refined are extraordinary. Possessing just one would grant you immense power. With your current level of cultivation, you would be able to hold your own throughout the entire Yao Kingdom's cultivation world," Lin Tian said with a smile.

"I dare not dream of such things, but I can agree to help with this trial. Tell me, how is the competition conducted?" Yang Xiao asked.

"The trial is divided into two parts: a contest of cultivation techniques among the young disciples and a competition in artifact refinement. Because our ancestor was highly accomplished in alchemy and smithing, we have inherited this tradition, making it a mandatory part of every trial. However, you would only need to participate in the first part—the contest of techniques. As long as you can defeat them there, that is sufficient. As for the refinement contest, our family has produced several experts in recent years, and I believe we can handle that part," Lin Tian said.

"Understood. Very well, it is a deal," Yang Xiao said. He was confident in his own techniques; against peers of his generation, he had a good chance of winning. As for the artifact refinement, with the help of his mysterious jade fragment, he could surely outperform others. Since Lin Tian only required his participation in the first half, he readily agreed, enticed by the promised benefits.

"With your participation, Brother Yang Xiao, I believe our chances of victory are much higher. In the past, we were far behind in cultivation techniques, though we were on par in refinement. Now, with the addition of our new geniuses in that field, our family has a great hope of winning this time," Lin Tian said happily.

"On which day does the competition take place? I must return to the marketplace to prepare before I can accompany you," Yang Xiao asked.

"The trial is still a few days away, so you have plenty of time to prepare, Brother Yang Xiao," Lin Tian replied.

"Very well. It is settled then. I will accompany you in three days. I must return to the marketplace now, or Brother Chen Tong may worry about my safety." After receiving confirmation, Yang Xiao flickered his body and headed back toward the marketplace.