C1514 Equal
C1514 Equal
This significant spirit stone vein was buried incredibly deep, making it challenging to mine. Excavating it would disrupt the entire leyline system, rendering the area valueless. Consequently, the six major powers issued strict orders against digging up the spirit stone veins beneath their headquarters.
The vein served as the primary source of spiritual energy for the entire sect. A vast Spell Formation linked the subterranean with the surface, drawing spiritual energy and distributing it across various zones, resulting in areas with varying concentrations of spiritual energy. This energy sustained the entire sect: the training of martial cultivators, the operation of Spell Formations, and the cultivation of spiritual herbs in the medicinal fields, among other things. Essentially, this spirit stone vein was the sect's lifeline. As long as it remained intact, the sect could be self-sufficient for a considerable time, even in isolation. Without it, a decline was inevitable and unstoppable by anyone.
Not even the most formidable Emperor Level Martial Cultivators at the pinnacle of the Dongyuan Continent could prevent it. Likewise, those at the Half-level Emperor status lacked the capability. Only those at the true Emperor Level or higher echelons of power might be able to alter this fate.
The Devil Cloud Sect wasn't just one of the six major forces; it stood out as a leader among them. When the time came to reveal their true power, their display of strength sent shockwaves across the continent, surpassing the East Saint Sect to become the undisputed leading force of the Dongyuan Continent. The ability of the Devil Cloud Sect to cultivate numerous Emperor Level Martial Cultivators and achieve such growth speaks volumes about the caliber of the vast spirit stone vein beneath their feet.
It had certainly surpassed the likes of the East Saint Sect, the Elemental Spirit Sect, and the other prominent powers.
Were it not for Lin Xuan's formidable presence as a deterrent.
On the day the Devil Cloud Sect fell, the leaders of the five great forces might well have come to blows.
Should they manage to seize this extensive spirit stone vein, in addition to their sect's original one,
the sect's strength would surely soar in the coming period.
Among the six great forces, including the lowest-ranked Canglan Sect, there was no shortage of top-tier geniuses.
They each controlled at least one First-class State and numerous Intermediate States.
Their populations numbered in the hundreds of millions.
Even with a low genius birth rate, the sheer numbers guaranteed a significant count.
This cascaded down through the ranks.
Even the top geniuses capable of reaching the Martial Monarch Stage were never in short supply among the six great forces.
This ensured a continuous lineage of Emperor Level Martial Cultivators within the sects, maintaining their status at the pinnacle of the Dongyuan Continent.
But this was their peak.
Further advancement was challenging.
Their limitation was not the highly talented geniuses, but the resources at their disposal.
Despite being one of the Dongyuan Continent's elite forces with vast resources, they were not infinite.
Moreover, they could not afford unrestricted, destructive exploitation.
Such short-sightedness would only bring prosperity for a single generation before decline set in.
Having the vision to remain among the six enduring great forces, they were not keen on falling from grace in the future.
Their current state and level were the result of maximizing controlled resources sustainably.
They did not dominate alone.
Instead, several powerful factions jointly ruled the continent.
The other forces were formidable in their own right.
No single entity could withstand the collective might of the others.
Only through a full-scale sect war could the status quo be forcibly altered.
But such a conflict would likely result in mutual devastation, with no guarantee of victory.
Ultimately, it could even allow other powers to seize the opportunity and ascend.
That would have been a significant loss.
Indeed, the resources controlled by the Devil Cloud Sect were of paramount importance to the other five forces.
With these resources, they could advance further.
The Devil Cloud Sect's headquarters area, especially the spirit stone vein underground, was of the utmost importance.
It was absolutely indispensable.
Yet, they were unable to convince or overpower each other to relinquish control.
Monopolization was out of the question.
After much deliberation, they had no choice but to agree on an equal division.
At this juncture...
The East Saint Sect, the most powerful among the five forces, had been weakened by Lin Xuan, who had dismantled its key faction, significantly reducing its strength.
Then there were the weaker Elemental Spirit Hall and Canglan Sect.
One was Lin Xuan's own origin, which no one could afford to overlook.
The other had been specifically instructed by Lin Xuan to be looked after.
Taking these factors into account...
The disparity between the five halls had diminished considerably.
They were now truly on the same level.
At this point, dividing the resources equally was unlikely to raise any significant objections.
However, this division meant the destructive excavation of the large spirit stone vein at the Devil Cloud Sect's base, without regard for the consequences.
It was not about dividing and then repurposing the site to construct a new branch.
Although utilizing the site in such a way would have been far more efficient given its geographical location and mining resources.
But each of the five great powers already had their own sect headquarters and lacked the capacity to extend themselves further.
If Lin Xuan had intended to establish a headquarters for the Tianyuan Palace.
Then the Devil Cloud Sect's base would have been the prime location on the entire Dongyuan Continent, second to none.
Under those circumstances, they wouldn't dare interfere with Lin Xuan's plans.
They wouldn't risk opposing Lin Xuan's intentions.
Unexpectedly...
Although Lin Xuan had founded the Tianyuan Palace and made it known across the continent, he had no plans to create a central headquarters.
Instead, he offered up the Devil Cloud Sect's territory for them to divide.
How could they possibly pass up such an opportunity?
After lengthy discussions, a mutually satisfactory resolution was finally reached.
The Devil Cloud Sect's headquarters, despite not being guarded by high-ranking officials at its five major divisions, did not fear invasion or the plundering of its resources. This was because, following a tremendous battle, martial cultivators below the Emperor Level could not remain there for extended periods without sustaining severe injuries.
Emperor Level Martial Cultivators, on the other hand, were under intense scrutiny, with every move they made being closely watched by many. Should anyone be bold enough to attempt stealing their resources, they would be easily discovered. The five divisions had the means to effortlessly track down the culprits. The consequences would be severe, resulting in a hefty retribution, possibly even costing the offenders their lives. As a leading power, they were not to be trifled with lightly.
For the territories and resources that could not be allocated specifically, an equal division was agreed upon. This ensured that no party was left at a disadvantage.
Chapter 12 – The Five Halls of the Devil Cloud Sect