611: Subconscious alteration experiment type one device

"This... Sect Master..."

Lin Jing's voice carried a hint of imperceptible embarrassment, and her tone was somewhat hesitant.

"Previously, my Disciple Jiang Lu only stated they were a power from the depths of the Forbidden Ground, without specifying their name. At the time, I was focused on verifying the authenticity of the potions and didn't ask further."

Seeing her like this, Xu Yuan knew it wasn't an intentional oversight, so he waved his hand and his tone softened slightly.

"Forget it, it's a small matter, no need to worry. We will find out eventually once we interact more in the future; there's no rush."

He changed the subject, his expression becoming solemn.

"However, since the Old Ancestors have already agreed, as a top Sect in the cultivation world, our Lingxiao Immortal Sect must act with dignity and cannot appear stingy. Since the other party has offered a hundred bottles of precious potions as a gift of friendship, our return gift must not be inferior in the slightest."

As soon as these words were spoken, the Elders in the hall chimed in agreement. A core Elder stroked his long beard and said in a deep voice.

"The Sect Master is absolutely right. Our Sect's Legacy has lasted ten thousand years; etiquette cannot be discarded. The other party was generous; if our return gift is meager, it would reflect poorly on us."

"Exactly."

Another Elder added.

"Those hundred bottles of potions can each help a Cultivator strengthen their Physique and improve their Spiritual Root. Their value is immeasurable. Our return gift must match such sincerity."

Xu Yuan nodded, a look of decisiveness flashing in his eyes.

"I intend to dispatch three of our Sect's flying boats, their holds filled with High-Grade Spirit Stones, thousand-year-old Spirit Medicines, and ancient Artifact Refining Materials, supplemented by a hundred bottles of each grade of Medicinal Pill refined by the Alchemy Hall, to fulfill the appointment in the Forbidden Ground."

In his view, the first impression of a new acquaintance was crucial. The Lingxiao Immortal Sect needed to show its foundation and sufficient sincerity to let the other party know the Sect's strength and magnanimity, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.

After all, a party that could produce such Heaven-Defying potions was definitely no ordinary power. Befriending them would bring endless benefits to the Sect.

The Elders naturally understood this, but they felt that the resources on the three flying boats were enough to show sincerity; any more might seem forced.

At this moment in the Discussion Hall, everyone began to discuss the preparation of the flying boats, the selection of accompanying Disciples, and safety matters during the journey in an orderly manner.

"Alright, everyone, the return Materials have been finalized. The most critical issue now is the leading Elder. Who will personally go to the Forbidden Ground for the appointment?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Elders who were just expressing their opinions fell into a dead silence.

Those who were leaning forward sat up straight, their eyes either instinctively avoiding Xu Yuan's gaze or falling on the polished white jade floor tiles, even their breathing becoming unconsciously light.

Everyone knew that the Forbidden Ground was no ordinary place.

Sect records stated that the outskirts of the Forbidden Ground were perpetually filled with purple-black miasma. That miasma was extremely overbearing and couldn't be avoided simply by holding one's breath. A single touch on the skin would invade the Meridians like a maggot in the bone, continuously devouring the Cultivator's spiritual power. No matter the cultivation level, one could not resist this miasma.

Not to mention the depths of the Forbidden Ground. Rumor had it that even a Mahayana stage Cultivator who dared to venture alone hundreds of years ago vanished without a trace after entering the core area, his fate unknown, becoming an unsolved mystery in the Sect's history.

The place they were to go now was precisely that mysterious power in the depths of the Forbidden Ground.

The other party's origin was unknown and their purpose unpredictable. In such an unknown and dangerous situation, which Elder would be willing to volunteer?

Xu Yuan's gaze swept across the hall. Seeing the Elders either stroking their beards in silence or closing their eyes to rest, with not a single one responding, his expression gradually darkened.

His brows furrowed slightly, his fingertips unconsciously tightening. He already had the thought of making a forced appointment.

This matter concerned the decisions set by the Old Ancestors and could not tolerate any excuses or delays.

Just as the stagnant atmosphere was almost suffocating, a clear yet firm voice broke the silence.

"Sect Master, I will go."

Everyone looked toward the source of the voice and saw Elder Lin Jing slowly standing up. Her expression was calm, without the slightest hesitation, as she added,

"After all, Jiang Lu was the Disciple I was responsible for. It would be more appropriate for me to handle the contact."

The gloom in Xu Yuan's eyes instantly vanished, replaced by a hint of approval. He nodded and said,

"Good! Elder Lin Jing is truly noble-minded. I'll leave the matter of this friendship to you."

Changing his tone, he became more solemn.

"In addition to completing the friendship ceremony, you must also secretly investigate the background of that power in the Forbidden Ground. Try to find out about their Sect's Legacy, core strength, and even their true intentions for this connection. Act with utmost caution."

"I obey the Sect Master's command."

Lin Jing bowed slightly, her expression solemn, already prepared to deal with any variables.

Seeing this, the other Elders in the hall showed varying degrees of relief, and their gazes toward Lin Jing held a bit more admiration and gratitude... Meanwhile, in the Administrative Center Department of the Longlan Star Cluster.

"Captain Li Yang."

Pal walked quickly to Li Yang, who was leaning over to check star map data. He reached out and handed over a palm-sized crystalline data pad that shimmered with a cold silver light.

"As you ordered, I have successfully purchased many items you wanted from the Hope Merchant Guild. This is the detailed list; please review and verify it."

Hearing this, Li Yang immediately stood up, a look of expectation and urgency flashing in his eyes.

He reached out and took the data pad. It was instantly activated, a soft blue light shining as dense lists of item names, specifications, and brief descriptions scrolled across the surface like flowing water.

His gaze quickly swept over the entries, and a satisfied expression gradually appeared on his face.

Listed there were all the special items he had repeatedly instructed Pal to find. Clearly, Pal's trip had not failed his trust.

Soon, a line of bold black text caught Li Yang's full attention.

"Subconscious Alteration Experimental Type-I Device."

His fingertip tapped lightly on the data pad, and the detailed information was immediately enlarged.

Records showed that this device originated exactly five thousand years ago, secretly developed by a private company called 'Umbra Tech.'

Back then, this company violated Empire laws by secretly investing massive resources into developing consciousness intervention technology. This 'Subconscious Alteration Experimental Type-I Device' was one of its core achievements.

Later, the Imperial Guard Division learned of this illegal development plan through a tip-off and immediately launched a raid and seizure. Umbra Tech's headquarters was completely destroyed, and the relevant research personnel were severely punished.

However, this core device changed hands many times during the cleanup process over the millennia and eventually fell into the hands of the Hope Merchant Guild. The process of its circulation remains a mystery to this day.