131: Investment feedback: even the fairies are "scrolling".

Three days passed in a flash.

During these three days, the trend of 'internal competition' within Ziyun Valley quietly reached a new height due to Lin Xuan's unintentional 'investment' behavior.

After successfully contacting Junior Martial Uncle Li Qingfeng of the Hall of Legacy (who replied that he would secretly investigate and try to contact trustworthy individuals), Su Wanqing devoted all her energy to consolidating her newly awakened Bloodline Power and refining her frost silence sword. She knew that every bit of strength gained would give her more confidence in the upcoming turmoil, and allow her to... stand by his side. Her figure dancing with a sword under the moonlight was as cold as a Fairy, yet her Sword Intent grew increasingly vast and powerful.

Qu Feiyan, on the other hand, while perfecting the outer Formation, also diligently studied the Divine Ability, Blood Lotus Illusory Body, that Lin Xuan had previously 'invested' and returned to her, along with the third-rank Demonic Magic Treasure, crimson serpent whip. She was already exceptionally talented, and after her near-death experience in the Nether Abyss, she had an Epiphany. Now, with 'resources' added, she managed to deduce the Illusory Body Divine Ability to a Realm where it could briefly simulate 80% of her true strength. When the crimson serpent whip was wielded, it became even more unpredictable and its power greatly increased. She did not want to be outdone by Su Wanqing, and even less did she want to disappoint Junior Brother Lin's 'investment'.

Even Gongsun Yu, with the lowest Cultivation, after completing the detailed Family map, diligently Cultivated with the Kuinniu Thunder Drum replica and the Lightning Guiding Spirit Tempering Art that Lin Xuan had 'invested' in her years ago. The Opportunity from the Thunder Emperor Palace had solidified her Foundation. Now, driven by a sense of crisis and the desire not to be a burden, she subtly touched the threshold of the Mid-stage Golden Core. Thunder light swirled around her, and her aura grew stronger by the day.

Lin Xuan watched all of this, and while feeling gratified, he couldn't help but marvel at the power of this 'Investment Return' System. These returned Cultivation Techniques, Magic Treasures, and Divine Abilities were like the most potent catalysts, allowing these already exceptionally talented women to unleash two hundred percent of their potential, each one 'competing' fiercely.

And he, as the greatest beneficiary, saw his own strength constantly improving. The insights into Taiyin returned from his deepening bond with Su Wanqing, the Demonic Path Divine Abilities and pure demonic power returned from his intimate interactions with Qu Feiyan, and even Gongsun Yu's pure reliance and trust, all made his Foundation increasingly robust. His comprehension of the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art and Primal Beginning Sword Scripture also rose accordingly. The Golden Core in his Dantian became even more dazzling, and the War Intent of the Thunder Emperor in his sin-slaying broken sword became much more docile.

Night fell once more, and a bonfire was lit.

Luo Li's figure appeared at the valley entrance on time, still in her dark-colored martial attire, looking heroic and spirited.

"How are things?" Lin Xuan asked directly.

Luo Li didn't waste words, stating directly: "It's clear now. The Grand Elder and the others indeed plan to make their move during the Ancestral Worship Ceremony. They somehow obtained a fragment of a 'seal-breaking talisman'. Although its power is less than one-tenth of its original, combined with a certain secret technique passed down in the Sect, there's a 70% chance they can forcibly tear open a portion of the outermost Seal of the Ancient Demon Sealing Site."

Her tone was grave: "What's more troubling is that they seem to have reached some agreement with the Guixu Cult. The Guixu Cult will send experts to infiltrate the guests attending the ceremony, and they will act from both inside and outside. Their target seems to be a certain... Demonic creature remnant or Origin sealed deep within the ancient site."

"Demonic creature remnant?" Su Wanqing frowned.

"According to scattered records in the ancient texts of the Mountain Guard Lineage, what is sealed deep within the ancient site is suspected to be a part of the torso of a terrifying Devil Head from ancient times that almost caused a world-ending catastrophe, containing extremely defiled and powerful energy. If the Guixu Cult obtains it, the consequences would be unimaginable," Luo Li explained.

Everyone's hearts sank. The Guixu Cult's objective was indeed malicious!

"We must stop them at the ceremony and expose their conspiracy!" Su Wanqing declared decisively.

"Forcing our way in is not advisable," Lin Xuan calmly analyzed. "We are outnumbered and our identities are sensitive. We need to use strategy."

He looked at Luo Li: "Miss Luo, on the day of the ceremony, can the Mountain Guard Lineage provide some assistance? For example, creating chaos, or activating certain Sect Restrictions at a crucial moment?"

Luo Li pondered: "The Mountain Guard Lineage has limited personnel and needs to guard against other eventualities. However, I can try to briefly interfere with the spiritual energy transmission in the core area of the Sect at a critical moment, which might create a momentary Opportunity for you. But primarily, you will have to rely on yourselves."

The chance was slim, but better than none.

Lin Xuan's gaze swept over Su Wanqing, Qu Feiyan, and Gongsun Yu, and he had a plan in mind. With a flip of his hand, three items appeared in his grasp.

A transparent bead the size of a longan, with what looked like ice flames burning inside, was handed to Su Wanqing: "Wanqing, this is the 'Profound Ice Core'. It contains extreme cold power and can greatly enhance your Taiyin Sword Qi in a short period. At a critical moment, it might even freeze the activation of that seal-breaking talisman." This was one of the treasures returned from an earlier investment in a certain ice-element female cultivator.

A thin, almost transparent, blood-colored silk sash, like a cicada's wing, floated towards Qu Feiyan: "Senior Sister Qu, this 'Phantom Blood Silk' can perfectly conceal your aura and create lifelike illusions. Combined with your Illusory Body Divine Ability, it's most suitable for operating in chaos." This was obtained from investing in another female supporting character skilled in illusion techniques.

Finally, a pair of delicate, small earrings shimmering with purple lightning was personally placed on Gongsun Yu: "Xiaoyu, these 'purple lightning pendant' can store and amplify your thunder power. A single burst at a critical moment can unleash power comparable to a Late Golden Core Stage strike, useful for distracting enemies or self-preservation." These were discovered while clearing his storage ring, small trinkets suitable for thunder cultivators.

None of the three treasures were urgently needed by him, but at this moment, they were the most suitable 'investments' for them.

[Ding! Investment in Su Wanqing successful! Triggered 800-fold return! Obtained 'Ice Seal Thousand Miles' Divine Ability comprehension fragment x1!]

[Ding! Investment in Qu Feiyan successful! Triggered 600-fold return! Obtained Secret Art 'Blood Shadow Escape'!]

[Ding! Investment in Gongsun Yu successful! Triggered 500-fold return! Obtained a piece of thunder-element spiritual material 'Nine Heavens Thunder Crystal'!]

The System's prompts arrived as expected, and what Lin Xuan cared about even more was that the Three women's eyes became more determined and bright the moment they received the 'investment'.

Su Wanqing clutched the Profound Ice Core, feeling the power within it, which was of the same Origin as hers but even more violent. Battle Intent burned in her icy eyes.

Qu Feiyan caressed the Phantom Blood Silk, her charming eyes shifting as she already envisioned countless ways to create chaos.

Gongsun Yu touched the cool purple lightning pendant on her earlobe, her small face full of confidence, feeling that she could also be of great help.

Lin Xuan's lips curved slightly as he watched the three Fairies, whose morale was greatly boosted by his 'investment' and who were ready to 'compete' to the end.

Alright, compete then. The more you compete, the more generous the rewards I get back! This wave, no loss!

"In that case, then... at the Grand Ceremony, we shall see!" Lin Xuan's voice, carrying an undeniable resolve, echoed in the night wind of Ziyun Valley.