Chapter 3546: Implanting A Spirit Seed

Cultivating with a spirit seed could eventually allow a person to experience a Spirit Rebirth and possibly even a Spirit Transformation, which would grant them a spirit weapon or an innate gift.

True God had stolen Tian Ci’s mirebound artifact spirit seed and then used it as a means to escape from the Great Sovereign’s Six Paths of Reincarnation Realm, as well as to start cultivating with the spirit seed.

Lu Yin had already cultivated so many different powers and techniques. Why shouldn’t he see if he could cultivate with a spirit seed as well?

With this thought, Lu Yin let out a deep breath and pulled out a spirit seed. He stared at it, getting lost in his own observations.

He attempted to place the spirit seed in his body, but that triggered a rather awkward question: where was it supposed to go?

He called for Old Tao.

"Implanting a spirit seed?" Old Tao asked in confusion. "Do you want to cultivate a spirit seed, Third Boss?"

Lu Yin replied, "I’m just studying them."

Old Tao had no idea how to respond to that. "Only ordinary people who are just starting their cultivation journey are able to implant a spirit seed within their bodies to cultivate. Anyone who has already built up some foundation cannot replicate the process, as spirit seeds are too fragile the moment they enter the body. They are so fragile that even a slightly more intense heartbeat from an ordinary person can shatter them.

"This is why just having a spirit seed isn’t enough for someone to start cultivating. Some people might need to try implanting a spirit seed once, twice, or even three times before they are able to start cultivating. For people with special physiques, they might need to try dozens of times before they succeed. Since you're already a cultivator, it's quite literally impossible for you to implant a spirit seed within your body."

Lu Yin refused to believe that. "Just tell me how to implant one in a body."

"Anything works, as long as it enters the body."

Lu Yin swallowed the seed whole, but the moment it entered his body, it shattered.

He tried again, this time opening a small cut in his hand and then inserting the spirit seed into his body through that. The moment it touched the blood, it shattered. He continued trying various things, even going so far as to wrap a seed with his energy, but the moment the energy was released, the spirit seed shattered. But how was he supposed to cultivate the seed without releasing the energy?

As Old Tao had said, spirit seeds were too fragile. They were so weak that it was impossible to plant one within Lu Yin’s body for him to cultivate.

"Is this the only type of spirit seed?"

"Yes."

"Is there no way to get a sturdier one?"

Old Tao grew increasingly confused. "No. There’s only ever been one kind of spirit seed."

Lu Yin was once again reminded of the mirebound artifact spirit seed that had belonged to Tian Ci. Cultivating with that would have allowed anyone from the Spirit Nidus to undergo a second Spirit Rebirth, which would likely grant them an additional spirit weapon or innate gift.

Given the energy that Lu Yin had sensed from True God, it seemed that he had already succeeded in cultivating with the spirit seed and even regained much of his former power.

What would it be like the next time that Lu Yin met True God?

Old Tao left. He was aware that Lu Yin was invincible and capable of doing many things impossible for others, but cultivating with a spirit seed was impossible even for him. There was no chance of success. Not even the High Seraph could do such a thing. If it were possible, who would not want to have a chance at a second Spirit Rebirth?

The more talented the person, the more powerful the transformation from their Spirit Rebirth would be, and that also extended to their subsequent spirit weapon or innate gift.

The unified cultivation system of the Spirit Nidus encompassed becoming a peak sequence powerhouse, entering the Spirit Origin Realm, and even entering Dukkha. Cultivators gained strength from undergoing a Spirit Rebirth. If there really was a way for cultivators to implant a second spirit seed into their bodies, the Spirit Nidus would not see an incremental increase in overall strength of its people, but rather a total transformation.

Just the thought of such a possibility was enough to excite anyone.

No matter how incredibly talented the Third Boss might be, not even he could overcome this impossibility.

While Lu Yin's combat power was without equal and his talent was peerless, he was not truly invincible. After all, even someone as strong as the High Seraph feared the power of karma.

Lu Yin spent two days attempting to implant a spirit seed into his body, but he found no hints of success even when the selection was due to begin. He had no choice but to store all of the spirit seeds in his inner universe.

The cosmic ring was unnecessary. After all, Lu Yin had no intention of spending money while in the Spirit Nidus.

The reason why he put the spirit seeds in his inner universe was because he did not want this potential source of power to remain within the Spirit Nidus.

𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

In the Origin Universe, star crystals and star essence could be either synthetically produced or naturally found because star energy existed within the Origin Universe itself. Outside of the Origin Universe, star energy did not exist.

Whatever power a cultivator pursued, whether it was cultivation, combat, or even death, their energy would gradually dissipate into the starry sky, invisible to the naked eye. Eventually, that energy would condense once more according to the universe’s natural laws, forming either star crystal mines or freely drifting energy that cultivators could absorb.

Lu Yin wondered if spirit seeds might function along the same sort of cycle. So, in order to prevent this from happening, he stored all of the spirit seeds that he had received in his inner universe. By doing that, even if the seeds shattered and their energy dissipated, it would not return to the Spirit Nidus.

Taking this precaution sparked another thought in Lu Yin's mind. If he gathered all of the spirit seeds in the entire Spirit Nidus, would that prevent the people of the megaverse from being able to cultivate in the future? Without spirit seeds, how would any of their people start cultivating?

It was an exciting idea.

Lu Yin moved out, joining everyone else for the Chamber of Commerce’s event where the offers would be formally submitted and one selected. This was also the moment that Yi Shang arrived.

At that time, all eyes in the city focused on the same location: the very center of the city. That was where the offers would be submitted and where the Chamber of Commerce would make their selection.

While every participating trade association had paid a steep price to participate, and while many organizations had sponsored the participating companies, the event did not attract much attention from the Spirit Nidus as a whole. The only detail that could possibly draw attention was Yi Shang’s appearance.

He was no longer Seraph Yi Shang, but rather President Yi Shang. He had lost the title of Seraph and could no longer use it.

This was Yi Shang's first official appearance after falling from his position as Seraph.

Only eleven trade associations were participating in the current selection, which was a surprisingly low number.

"There were originally forty-six associations, but within just a few short days, more than half of them have been eliminated," Ye Laogui remarked.

Ye Yan'er glanced around at the various representatives who were present. A few people glanced her way, but she was completely unafraid. She met any and all stares, though the people who looked her way showed no meaningful reactions.

Anyone who could join the selections was far from ordinary.

Lu Yin was casually sitting in a corner. He had the perfect angle to watch the upcoming show.

The people from the Ark Domain were not in attendance. Lu Yin had already made some arrangements, and they had agreed to have the Hundred Leaf Trade Association sell the battleships construction materials to the Ark Domain as soon as they became an official trade association. With that, there was no longer any need for the Ark Domain to attend the selection.

They did not have any doubts about Lu Yin’s ability to seize one of the official posts.

Yue Susu arrived with people from the Tiny Traders, and she offered a respectful bow to Lu Yin from a distance.

The various company representatives were all quiet. There were no discussions or conversations until the Chamber of Commerce’s people arrived.

They were led by Rong Xiang, who was followed by Rong Hua and the other members of the Chamber of Commerce.

The venue for the offers and selections was a rather casual location. After all, twenty years was barely a moment for cultivators. The entire affair was just another way for the Chamber of Commerce to rake in more money, so there was no need for any sort of grand ceremony.

Yi Shang attended every selection possible, only missing when he was in seclusion or engaged in battle. His presence was already a great show of respect to the competing companies.

Rong Xiang stood at the front, and his eyes swept over the eleven trade associations. "The twenty-year selection for the official trade associations is about to begin. These recent days have been eventful, and I don't know which of you is responsible for what has happened. It would be best if I never find out, as that would result in you learning the consequences of flouting the Chamber of Commerce's rules."

While the various companies were competing for the posts of the five official trade associations, the Chamber of Commerce had absolute control over everything. They did not care about the feelings or opinions of the smaller companies at all. All that mattered was that the Chamber of Commerce retained its dignified reputation. That, and reaping great profits.

"Please welcome the president," Rong Xiang announced as he slowly stepped back.

Rong Hua and the other people from the Chamber of Commerce stiffened slightly before bowing low.

The company representatives down below grew serious as Seraph Yi—no, President Yi Shang—was about to appear.

While the man had been defeated by the Phantom Reach’s Yi Nan and had subsequently lost his title of Seraph, Yi Shang was still a powerful Dukkhan with the strength of a Seraph. He had few peers in the entire Spirit Nidus.

The void twisted, and Lu Yin once again laid eyes on a certain round-faced old man. He was slightly plump and had the look of a businessman. He was smiling, and he did not seem at all disturbed after losing his title as Seraph. His entire being radiated a feeling of amiability and wealth.

Lu Yin's expression grew heavier. He had already dealt with Yi Shang many times, especially in the thirty-seven years in the branch stream of the River of Aeons. During that time, Lu Yin and Yi Shang had fought on several occasions. The old man’s sequence base had been stolen at the Spirit Nidus’s boundary, which was likely the reason why he had lost his position as a Seraph.

There were many groups searching for the Impression Realm, which had always been with Yi Shang. After losing his title as one of the Seven Seraphs, he had also lost the right to retain a sequence base.

He had become the focus of many people’s attention.

However, the Impression Realm had not yet appeared, and the Ascendant Hall also had not made any public statements on the matter.

The Wisdom Domain, the Phantom Reach, and the Daquan Domain’s Chamber of Commerce had all worked together to orchestrate the drama that had elevated Yi Nan to power, but just what had Yi Shang stood to gain from everything?

If everything had gone smoothly and Yi Nan had successfully replaced Yi Shang as Seraph, then how would the Wisdom Domain have handled the relationship between the three? Lu Yin had never bothered asking Old Yu, as it was clear that no real answer would be provided.

The old man was extremely cunning.

As soon as Yi Shang arrived, he glanced around at everyone present. His eyes lingered briefly on Lu Yin, and then they shifted over to Yue Susu. Clearly, he had already noticed what Rong Xiang had missed.

"Let’s begin."

There was no small talk. Yi Shang announced the start and then nodded briefly at Lu Yin, offering a subtle greeting.

He had already known that Lu Yin would be in attendance, investigating the matters behind Ba Liu and Yi Yao's deaths. Old Yu had warned Yi Shang. The former Seraph had not wanted to stay, as he was terrified of Lu Yin. The battle at the boundary had traumatized him.

Still, there were certain people who could not be avoided.

The battle at the boundary had been the culmination of the High Seraph’s scheming against Yi Shang, whose goal was the total destruction of the Daquan Domain’s Chamber of Commerce. That battle was the first time when the Grandverse Manor had clashed with one of the Spirit Nidus’s seven major powers, and Yi Shang had quickly learned just how terrifying the Grandverse Manor was.

After that, things had further developed with the High Seraph, which was why Yi Shang had agreed to Old Yu’s proposal and relinquished the title of Seraph to Yi Nan. After all, the Phantom Reach could easily suppress the weakened Chamber of Commerce.

And as long as the Daquan Domain existed, it would be impossible for Yi Shang to escape from the Grandverse Manor. He would be forced to face them, and after both the battles at the Umbral Deep battle and in the Roaming South Realm, Yi Shang knew that he was no match for the Third Boss. The sequence base had been lost, and it could never be recovered, but Yi Shang still had no choice but to face the Third Boss. This was not about life or death, or even about dignity. Rather, it was simply something that could not be avoided.

Even if Yi Shang escaped once or twice, he would undoubtedly encounter the Third Boss again later on.

All that Yi Shang was hoping was that, for the sake of the Wisdom Domain, Lu Yin would not make any trouble for him and the Daquan Domain.

"I won’t mention the rules again," Rong Xiang stated. "Everyone, please begin submitting your bids."

He had hosted this selection many times before, and the process was quite simple: each competing trade association would submit an offer for the Chamber of Commerce to review, and then the top five highest offers would be chosen. It was as simple as that.

Soon, all offers were submitted.

As Rong Xiang checked the various offers, he grew more and more confused.

One spirit seed... another one spirit seed... yet another offer of just one spirit seed? Is this a joke?

Of the eleven trade associations present for the selection, ten had offered a single spirit seed a year. This was not just a lowball offer, but rather a blatant rebellion against the Chamber of Commerce.

There was one offer that stood out, as they had offered 500 billion spirit seeds.

Rong Xiang stared at that bid, focused on the number written on the offer. 500 billion spirit seeds was particularly striking. The man glanced over at Lu Yin and managed to maintain his composure as he handed the offer over to Yi Shang.

Something was very wrong. Clearly, someone was targeting the Daquan Domain’s Chamber of Commerce.