Chapter 824

Chapter 824: The Second Match

"I just put in 11 pieces of Immortal Jade, and it swallowed them all, producing just one Holy Blood Pill."

"In the Spirit Herb Valley, 11 pieces of Immortal Jade can buy 30 Holy Blood Pills."

"Considering the travel expenses and time, this Holy Blood Pill is a huge loss," Xu Fan said, looking at the little tree.

"So, this tree is a money pit," Wang Yulun said sadly.

"Don’t jump to conclusions. If this tree can produce anything in the world, then the possibilities are endless," Xu Fan replied with a smile.

He then turned to the little tree and said, "I want a talisman that can boost my luck."

The small grove shimmered, and numerous tiny roots emerged from the soil, waving in the air.

Xu Fan tossed in 100 pieces of Immortal Jade, which were quickly absorbed by the roots. The roots then extended toward Xu Fan again, signaling that more Immortal Jade was needed.

Xu Fan continued to add another 5,000 pieces of Immortal Jade, and finally, a golden talisman was produced.

The talisman was inscribed with unknown celestial script, which even Xu Fan, a grandmaster of talismans, couldn’t decipher.

He plucked the talisman and casually pressed it to Wang Yulun’s forehead.

The talisman instantly dissolved into golden light and entered Wang Yulun’s body.

"What are you doing, Big Brother Xu?" Wang Yulun asked, feeling the golden light inside him.

"Just giving you a buff. Now, quickly get into fishing mode," Xu Fan instructed.

"Okay."

Wang Yulun swiftly cast his rod and entered a state of fishing across the myriad worlds.

Before long, Wang Yulun felt the fishing rod dip slightly, as if he had hooked something small, with a weak tug.

Gently lifting the rod, he reeled in a space ring.

"Let’s see what’s inside and how much it’s worth in Immortal Jade," Xu Fan said.

"It contains 11,000 Immortal Jade, an Immortal Sword, three magical tools, and some miscellaneous items. The value is pretty decent," Wang Yulun quickly reported after a quick inspection.

"So, this buff is worth it," Xu Fan said with a smile.

Xu Fan then turned to the tree and said, "I want to know the origin and use of this stone sword."

A stone sword appeared before the tree, the same one Wang Yulun had given Xu Fan earlier.

At that moment, the tree began to shake violently, and countless tiny roots emerged from the soil, frantically waving at Xu Fan.

Just as Xu Fan was about to toss in some Immortal Jade, the entire tree suddenly began to wither at a visible rate, leaving only a faint trace of vitality.

"It seems it has reached its limit," Xu Fan mused, stroking his chin.

"Grape, plant this tree in the area of the Source Realm where the celestial energy is most abundant," Xu Fan ordered.

"Understood, Master."

Before long, a puppet arrived and carried the little potted tree away.

"Yulun, before you go fishing, visit the tree in the Source Realm and ask for a luck talisman. That way, your haul will be bigger," Xu Fan said with a smile.

Wang Yulun nodded.

Ten days later, the second battle between the Hidden Spirit Sect and the Elder Council kicked off.

Xu Fan, along with the elders and disciples of the Hidden Spirit Sect, gathered to watch the showdown.

"Our numbers are quite small compared to the Elder Council’s millions of core disciples," Zhou Kailing commented.

"Consider the Elder Council’s status; every sect and power on the central continent pays them taxes."

"Having millions of core disciples is nothing unusual for such a powerful entity," Xu Yuexian added with a grin.

"Are we still paying taxes?" Li Xingci suddenly inquired.

"Thirty percent of the central continent’s total tax revenue comes from the Hidden Spirit Sect," Grape’s voice interjected.

"Since the Dragon-Tiger Banquet, we’ve been receiving thirty percent of the Elder Council’s annual tax collection."

"That’s a major source of income for us," Xu Gang noted with a smile.

Meanwhile, in the Mystical World, both sides were ready.

The Hidden Spirit Sect had 100,000 disciples ready, matching the Elder Council’s numbers.

A voice boomed across the Mystical World, addressing both camps.

"Ten crystal towers will randomly appear in the Mystical World. The battle ends when one side fully controls all ten."

"Both sides can see the towers’ locations and fight to claim them."

"Things are heating up," Situ Nan remarked with a smile.

The first battle was a direct clash, with victory going to the side that wiped out all opposing disciples.

"It looks like the other side has some skilled fighters," Xu Fan observed casually.

"Master, didn’t you set this rule?" Li Xingci asked, puzzled.

"No, the Elder Council came up with this one."

"Each side takes turns setting the rules to keep things fair."

"Ah, I see," Li Xingci nodded in understanding.

Suddenly, a map appeared in the virtual world’s sky, with a glowing dot marking the first crystal tower’s location.

"Junior Sister, what’s the plan? We’re following your lead," Xiong Li said to Situ Nan, his trust evident.

"Don’t take the tower; encircle it and ambush the Elder Council’s forces," Situ Nan quickly decided.

Over in the Elder Council’s camp, a disciple skilled in divination opened his eyes.

"Hold back; stay hidden until the third tower appears."

"If you spot the Hidden Spirit Sect’s main force, strike fast and hard."

"If you find their Senior Brother, take him out no matter what," the divination disciple instructed.

"Alert me immediately if you see a lot of puppets on their side," the Chief Disciple, armed with a longsword, added, his tone sharp.

"Understood, Senior Brother," the divination disciple acknowledged.

Meanwhile, all 100,000 Hidden Spirit Sect disciples were lying in wait around the crystal tower, but after two hours, the Elder Council’s disciples were nowhere to be seen.

A few Hidden Spirit Sect disciples then moved to claim the tower.

Back at the Elder Council headquarters, Ming Kong and several higher-ranked elders were watching the battle unfold.

"These mind games and manipulation are the dullest part of any battle," a bearded, burly man complained.

"Patience; the fight will break out soon enough," Ming Kong reassured him with a smile.

The outcome of a battle hinges on many factors: strength, teamwork, and strategy all play crucial roles.

Seeing the standoff, Qian Bing gathered his four assigned disciples.

"Senior Sister Situ Nan, it’s too quiet here. I’m going to shake things up," Qian Bing declared, leading his team away.

Soon after, the sound of thunder rumbled in the distance, and a swarm of puppets emerged, spreading across the battlefield.

The Chief Disciple, lurking in the shadows, decided it was time to act.

"I’m taking out that disciple. The Hidden Spirit Sect’s tactics are too sneaky, ambushing us from the start," the Chief Disciple muttered, his brow furrowed in frustration.