Let them offer their loyalty!
Chapter 962 - 470: Qiu Tu's Second Domain Master (10,000 characters asking for Monthly Tickets!)_2

She remained silent, and so did Qiu Tu: he felt that the aurora of the 'Eternal Night Area' was more interesting.

So they walked forward without uttering a word; soon, the two of them came to a small hill with frozen soil protruding from it.

Upon reaching the small hill, Zhao Ji stopped. She stomped her foot down, and the next second, the frozen ground cracked open and a beam of light burst out from underground.

This was a Leyline Node.

Seeing this scene, Zhao Ji shifted her gaze to Qiu Tu, shaking her head slightly, "You do the refining."

Hearing Zhao Ji's words, Qiu Tu was startled at first, then somewhat disbelieving, "Ah? Me?"

Zhao Ji looked at Qiu Tu indifferently and said, "If not you, would it be me?"

"Refining Leyline Nodes requires the expenditure of power. If I do the refining and Muye comes looking for trouble, will you deal with him?"

Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, Qiu Tu quickly shook his head and explained, "It's not that I don't want to refine. I'm just surprised that Sister you would give me such a big piece of fat to eat."

"This is a 'Boundless Heart Sea Region' we're talking about."

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Zhao Ji looked at him expressionlessly. Although she didn't explain or answer further, her meaning couldn't be clearer - he was unsophisticated.

Qiu Tu didn't mind. He had always preferred substance over appearances.

If Zhao Ji could help him advance all the way to the Peak Fifth Order, he wouldn't mind a few jibes, or even if he were taken into their sisterly house to serve two women as the sole man, Qiu Tu would accept it.

Thinking this way, Qiu Tu then sat cross-legged on that beam of light, closed his eyes, and began to use the 'Cataclysmic Power' within him to permeate the Leyline Node.

Forced refinement of a claimed domain differs from refining an unclaimed one.

Upon the death of a Domain Master, the domain's ownership becomes vacant, and the ownership of the 'Leyline Nodes' is also released.

Therefore, the process of refinement merely requires a certain amount of spiritual energy and time and does not consume additional personal power.

But... if the Domain Master is not dead and the Region is in a claimed state, then forcibly refining the 'Leyline Nodes' is equivalent to confronting the entire Region. It requires a large amount of Cataclysmic Power and spiritual power.

Thus, forcibly refining 'Leyline Nodes' is tantamount to making a preemptive strike against oneself, using one's weakened state to confront the fully empowered Region Master.

This is also why few people choose to invade other Regions in this manner.

As he thought this way, Qiu Tu also calmed his heart and slowly began the refining process...

...

Meanwhile.

At the time Qiu Tu was refining the 'Eternal Night Area'...

Sanctuary. In Old Rao's courtyard.

The conversation between Old Rao and Huang Shangzong was gradually coming to a close.

After discussing the strength of the entire Human Camp and some intelligence on the 'Boundless Heart Sea - Core Region', the two returned their attention to the current situation in Dongye State.

Old Rao, reclining in a rocking chair, holding a fishing rod, then asked, "I heard that the Evil Gods are pressing hard, aren't they?"

Despite being a military despot, Old Rao's demeanor was incredibly gentle, with none of the fierceness of a man who had emerged from a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.

But Huang Shangzong did not dare to take him lightly.

He pondered for a moment, and then spoke solemnly, "Yes. Muye and Zhao Ji have each made a Projection Descent into Dongye State."

"Muye even made moves against Eastern City, as if he did not take Dongye State seriously at all."

He continued, "Therefore, my visit this time is also to ascend to Fifth-Order Calamity Being."

"Only then will I have the confidence to confront these Great Evil Gods."

Upon hearing these words, Old Rao nodded slightly, and then said, "Your ascension to Fifth Order is no problem."

"Our Sanctuary has accumulated so much power over the years; seizing a few 'Boundless Heart Sea Regions' is still manageable."

"Given your extraordinary abilities and the special circumstances, you can ascend together with Elder Tang."

Hearing Old Rao's words, Huang Shangzong was taken aback, then tentatively inquired, "Elder Tang is also going to advance to Fifth Order?"

Old Rao stroked his snow-white beard and nodded slightly, "Of course. He... has always been ambitious, never losing his drive to climb higher."

Hearing this, Huang Shangzong gave a slight nod.

At that moment, as if recalling something, Old Rao asked, "By the way, if you are to ascend to Fifth Order, it should take 10-15 days. Can Dongye State manage without you for such a long time?"

Hearing Old Rao's question, Huang Shangzong nodded and said earnestly, "No problem."

"The Deputy Speakers arranged for me by you and the other Speakers are all exceptionally capable."

"Moreover... before I left, I specifically promised them that if they could kill Muye or solve the trouble he brings, after New State is taken down, I will nominate them to be the Speaker of New State."

Upon hearing Huang Shangzong's words, Old Rao was momentarily stunned and then complimented Huang Shangzong, "Your skills have really improved."

"You know how to motivate your men by dangling a carrot in front of them."

Hearing Old Rao's words, Huang Shangzong smiled and stated, "Old Rao, I am truly sincere in this."

"I believe that if they can resolve a crisis caused by a Peak Fifth-Order Evil God."

"Whether through strength or strategy, it proves they have the capability to stand on their own."

"So letting that person guard New State is actually not a bad choice."

Hearing Huang Shangzong's words, Old Rao stroked his snow-white beard, narrowing his eyes in deep thought.

After thinking for a few seconds, he finally nodded slowly, "That makes sense."

"Then... I, on behalf of the Sanctuary, agree to your proposal."