231: ancient country

The crystal fell onto the lake surface, sending out ripples. Under Qin Jin's gaze, his reflection on the lake became increasingly clear. The crystals enveloping Qin Jin's body were constantly changing; at first, profound and complex runes rose from them, but as time passed, the runes faded away, leaving the crystals even more transparent and pure.

From the outside, Qin Jin's figure was no longer visible at the center of the temple where he was stationed. Only a crystal several meters tall stood there, reflecting brilliant colors.

Time passed.

During the continuous interaction within Qin Jin's spiritual perception, the lake below rippled as questions were answered. At a certain moment, when no more questions surfaced in his heart, the ripples on the lake surged like a fish leaping out of the water. Waves churned at the center, and finally... an object emerged from the water, floating into the air within Qin Jin's spiritual perception.

Simultaneously, in the physical temple, cracks appeared on the crystal enveloping Qin Jin. However, no sound of breaking was heard. The entire crystal began to reorganize and compress along the cracks, detaching from Qin Jin's body. In an instant, it underwent a massive transformation.

Spirit and reality became one.

At that very moment, Qin Jin's consciousness detached from the spiritual world, and he suddenly snapped his eyes open.

In front of his chest, an exquisite crystal about the size of a palm, crystal clear and possessing at least a hundred facets, hovered in the air.

Qin Jin raised his hand, and the crystal fell into his palm. The moment it touched his hand, a connection was established. Original Power surged into the crystal like a flood, its aura becoming complex. It gradually turned transparent and merged directly into Qin Jin's Field, becoming invisible to the naked eye.

However, through spiritual perception, he could clearly sense its existence. It was circulating along with his Field, constantly swimming within the Original Power.

Crystals Blessing.

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law recording crystal!

Qin Jin's eyes closed slightly, then suddenly snapped open.

Every Gaia Planet has different planetary wonders. Gaia Planets that have existed for a long time possess more than one type of planetary wonder. This [Crystals Blessing] was the first planetary wonder born on Crystal Branch Star, and after accumulating over time, it had now reached perfection.

Those who undergo this planetary wonder, after passing through the [Crystal Coffin Sealing] and [Lake Heart Inquiry], will have their bodies tempered. Simultaneously, with the help of the planet's own great power, they will create a [law recording crystal] that is most compatible with themselves.

The so-called [Law-Recording] allows the Evolver to engrave their own power onto the crystal, continuously accumulating it. During battle, they can receive empowerment from the [law recording crystal].

The process of engraving is also a way to organize one's own methods. Furthermore, the method itself shares some similarities with the process a Martial Artist undergoes when breaking through to the Martial Saint Realm. It can be seen as an understanding and a warm-up, which is why it was included in the itinerary of the [martial saint map].

Moreover... through continuous derivation and refinement, [Crystals Blessing] itself exists in different grades.

The one Qin Jin participated in was the highest grade. Not only was the created law recording crystal the most perfect, but it also possessed an additional special effect.

[Body Protection].

Though named Body Protection, as the connection deepens, it truly functions like a substitute doll, helping the Evolver withstand a blow that would otherwise be unbearable. Its value is extremely high.

The law recording crystal shuttled through the flood of Original Power, occasionally darting into the Field and occasionally returning to his body.

As these thoughts flashed through Qin Jin's mind, the radiance of the surrounding formation gradually faded. He raised his head and looked forward.

The old man who had welcomed him inside stood there, watching him. The crystal book in front of him closed at that moment. A slight smile appeared on his aged face as he spoke, "It seems everything went smoothly."

He raised his hand and lightly touched the closed crystal book. A glow rose up, condensing into a page that flew in front of Qin Jin.

"Mr. Qin, this contains comprehensive information about the law recording crystal for your understanding."

"Thank you."

Qin Jin reached out to take it and responded.

The Crystals Blessing concluded.

The temple fell into complete silence, with only the old man's voice echoing: "The Sect has prepared a welcoming banquet for Mr. Qin. Please follow me."

After speaking, he made an inviting gesture.

Qin Jin nodded, not refusing.

As his personal cultivation continued to improve, the status his identity brought him while traveling abroad would also soar. Some social interactions were inevitable.

The Federation was a massive stage. Traveling to various parts of the Federation along the martial saint map was his initial step onto this stage.

He was currently in one of the temples of the Crystal Sect. For a divine Mi Sect, strongholds that could house a temple were a minority.

The members of the Crystal Sect showed great importance to his visit. At the banquet, many people took the initiative to converse with him.

Influenced by the deity they worshipped, the followers of the Crystal Sect appeared to be learned individuals with profound knowledge. However, Qin Jin, possessing the Enlightenment Grotto-Heaven, was not inferior in the slightest. Through these exchanges, he took the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of divine Mi Sects.

[Believer], [Secret-Knower], [Priest].

These were the ranks of Mi Sect followers he had long known. Among the four major evolution paths, the boundary between Realms for Mi Sect followers was the most blurred. The entire ranking system was more like a hierarchy within the Mi Sect. After all, if one could gain the deity's attention, they could unleash astonishing combat power.

Above the Priest was the [Bishop].

Above that were [Gospel], [Fire-Passer], [Pope], and [Divine Envoy].

These were the eight Realms of Mi Sect followers.

Among them, when a Mi Sect follower entered the latter four Realms, they truly entered the core circle of the divine Mi Sect. A [Gospel-level] member represented having mastered the [Deity's Whisper] ability. In such a case, if they had the chance to be favored by the deity, they could soar to the sky and might even leap directly to becoming a [Divine Envoy].

This was the unique aspect of Mi Sect followers.

One must know that even Spiritual Energy Users, who focused on talent and were extremely complex, needed to break through Realms step-by-step. However, Mi Sect followers could sometimes skip these formalities.

The welcoming banquet was a success, and both host and guest were pleased.

After the banquet ended, Qin Jin politely declined the accommodation provided by the Crystal Sect, stating he already had travel arrangements, and then departed.

On the way there, Candle Kite had already arranged everything. After confirming his accommodation under Candle Kite's guidance, Qin Jin went out alone.

[Crystal City]

As night fell, the entire prosperous metropolis was brightly lit. Every light was not a technological effect but rather the crystals themselves emitting light in harmony. Combined with the starry sky, the entire city exuded a magical aura.

Evolvers of various systems, martial arts conventions held in transparent crystal venues, and crystal skyscrapers filled with a technological atmosphere—the word 'prosperous' alone was insufficient to describe this major metropolis of the Federation.

Qin Jin took a vehicle through the city, gaining a deeper understanding of a metropolis in the interstellar era.

Since he was already here, he purchased some local [specialties], involving crystals with different functions, and also... bought some other items as preparation.

After some busy work, the night grew deep.

Qin Jin returned to the accommodation Candle Kite had arranged and entered his portable base as a secondary security measure.

Then... he headed to the Great Desolation!

...Sacrificial Fire Tribe.

In the center of the tribe, the Divine Light of the Sacrificing Spirit Grand Hall illuminated the surroundings, providing light for the tribe in the night. Despite the darkness, many people in the Sacrificial Fire Tribe were still busy.

Outside the western entrance of the tribe, in the distance, a team was traveling under the cover of night.

Leading at the very front was Bai Su.

The size of this large white deer had grown significantly. Although it was no longer a [Sacrificial Spirit], the golden patterns on its antlers had not diminished. After the changes in the world of the Great Desolation, it had grown quite a bit by entering and exiting mutated lands.

It led the way, followed by a hunting team composed of tribesmen and tamed Vicious Beasts. They were currently dragging the massive carcass of a Vicious Beast toward the tribe.

The individual combat power of the Sacrificial Fire Tribe members was constantly increasing, which was the best guarantee in the Great Desolation.

Along the way, there were many unfamiliar faces in the tribe whose expressions changed as they watched this scene.

In the Great Desolation, tribal annexation was not rare. After demonstrating their strength, they could naturally make the newly joined tribesmen quickly feel a sense of belonging.

Qin Jin withdrew his externalized spirit.

He stood in the hall, shifting his spirit to finally look beyond the Divine Light.

There, bone slips were placed.

That was a message from Qi Chuan.

During this period, he had never appeared, and unless there was something important, the tribe would not disturb him. Once a message was left, it was bound to be a major matter.

With a thought, his perception reached out.

The residence of Qi Chuan, the tribe's Grand Elder and High Priest, was near the Sacrificing Spirit Grand Hall. When he entered Qin Jin's spiritual vision, he was sitting on a huge rock, his body slightly hunched, looking up at the sky.

In the night of the Great Desolation, the starry sky was invisible, but after the world's mutation, those patches of Divine Light created a unique night sky.

"Qi Chuan."

"Come see me."

The voice echoed in Qi Chuan's heart. He paused for a moment but reacted immediately, descending from the rock. While responding in his heart, he performed a formal bow and then quickly walked toward the Sacrificing Spirit Grand Hall.

He approached the Divine Light and, with the help of Qin Jin's power, entered it. The [Sacrificing Spirit Grand Hall] came into view; it no longer looked as simple as when it was first built, its exterior now appearing quite luxurious.

Under his gaze, the entrance of the Sacrificing Spirit Grand Hall flickered with light, forming a gateway.

"Lord Sacrificial Spirit's methods are becoming more and more extraordinary."

Muttering to himself, Qi Chuan entered the hall.

He had not entered the interior of the hall for a long time.

The moment he entered, he discovered that the internal space had clearly expanded by an unknown amount. On the [Throne] ahead, a massive figure sat. Although it wasn't the first time seeing the [Abyssal Dragon], he couldn't help but feel shocked, sensing its majesty.

Thinking back to the scene when they first met and he made his choice, and then looking at the current colossus, Qi Chuan felt a bit dazed. However, he still bowed and performed a salute, saying, "Lord Sacrificial Spirit."

After the address, his daze instantly turned into confidence. To have such a powerful Sacrificial Spirit worshipped by their Sacrificial Fire Tribe was the tribe's great fortune!

The Abyssal Dragon lowered its head, and Qin Jin looked toward Qi Chuan.

This old Priest, who had appeared very aged when they first met, now had a vastly different spirit and energy. He spoke slightly, his majestic voice ringing out: "What is the matter with the message?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Chuan's expression became more solemn: "Lord Sacrificial Spirit, yesterday during the day, the tribe welcomed an envoy from the Heng Jiang Kingdom."

[Heng Jiang Kingdom]

In the Great Desolation, there are countless tribes. When a tribe's scale reaches a certain level, it can rise from a tribe to a state, truly becoming a kingdom.

Heng Jiang Kingdom was the only small kingdom in the large region where the Sacrificial Fire Tribe was located.

The former Sacrificial Fire Tribe was not even enough to attract their attention, but after that battle, the fame of the Sacrificial Fire Sacrificial Spirit spread far and wide, undoubtedly drawing more attention.

As thoughts flashed through his mind, Qin Jin did not speak, waiting for Qi Chuan to continue explaining.

"After you displayed your Divine Might, Lord Sacrificial Spirit, the surrounding tribes have no intention of causing trouble. The envoy from the Heng Jiang Kingdom who visited this time also showed goodwill and intended to be on good terms with our tribe."

"At the same time, they took the initiative to reveal a piece of news."

"Not long ago, the Heng Jiang Kingdom received a special visit letter. That letter involved an ancient state from an unknown distance away."

"The Ancient State of Qingqiu!"

"In a few days, they will have an envoy visiting."

Qi Chuan's voice was solemn: "The Heng Jiang Kingdom had also never heard of the name Ancient State of Qingqiu, but according to what the envoy said, the way the visit letter appeared was quite special, making the Hengjiang Sacrificial Spirit take it very seriously."

"According to the envoy's words, the Sacrificial Spirit of the Heng Jiang Kingdom wants to find a time to meet with you, Lord Sacrificial Spirit."

Inside the cockpit, Qin Jin's eyes lowered slightly, lost in thought.

"Is there anything else?"

"Lord Sacrificial Spirit."

Qi Chuan looked up at the Abyssal Dragon's majestic body: "The integration of the tribes is going very smoothly. The tribesmen have the desire to establish a state. You..."

"You all can arrange it."

Qin Jin's expression was calm: "Treat the envoy from the Heng Jiang Kingdom well. I will find a time to meet the Hengjiang Sacrificial Spirit."

"Yes."

"Go then."

With those words,

Qi Chuan bowed and withdrew.

Inside the Sacrificing Spirit Grand Hall, the Abyssal Dragon rose, stood in place, and slightly raised its head to look up.

"Heng Jiang Kingdom, Ancient State of Qingqiu."

As his fame and power continued to grow, the Sacrificial Fire Tribe and he began to have the opportunity to come into contact with deeper information about the Great Desolation.

"Named as an ancient state, has this kingdom lasted for a long time in the Great Desolation?"

"I wonder which region of the Great Desolation this Ancient State of Qingqiu is located in."

"The word Qingqiu is also not simple."

He muttered in his heart.

In the past, he might have avoided such contact.

But now, in the Great Desolation, he could be considered to have 'pure roots.' His strength was constantly improving, and more importantly, with Venerable Observer as his backing, Qin Jin did not reject it and was even inclined to see the Great Desolation unveil its mysterious veil to him.

"The Sacrificial Spirit of the Heng Jiang Kingdom is quite interesting; we can meet."

The other party took the initiative to send an envoy and even mentioned this matter. Obviously, after that battle, the Hengjiang Sacrificial Spirit considered him to be an existence of the same or even higher level, thus taking the initiative to show goodwill.

"In the end, everything still requires strength to back it up."

"Otherwise, one wouldn't even be able to hear such news."

Amidst his flashing thoughts, Qin Jin did not hesitate. With a step of his right leg, the Abyssal Dragon soared into the air. Above the Sacrificing Spirit Grand Hall, the original ceiling opened directly, and the Abyssal Dragon ascended into the sky.

This was a new wonder that had evolved in the Sacrificing Spirit Grand Hall during this period.

Leaving the hall and entering the Divine Light, under Qin Jin's control, the Abyssal Dragon's form changed, transforming into a true dragon, soaring upward and reaching directly into the heavens.