New concept of the mysterious way to ascend to immortality

Chapter 250 Great news! The Tiger Demon Dojo is saved!

Two days later, Yuan Zhu had thoroughly familiarized himself with the current situation inside [Pastoral Village], taken over his own businesses, and taken stock of his personal assets.

Finally, I realized that I was superfluous. The village now focuses on silkworm breeding, magic insect farming, and spiritual herb cultivation as its core businesses, enabling it to export its products and engage in trade with other insect cities.

In addition, the village has established a number of self-sufficient industries, such as 'clean food breeding, spirit insect breeding, shadow series specialty products...', which are only used for internal circulation due to limited production.

Finally, there are a small number of private properties belonging to Yuan Zhu, managed by the siblings. These include [the breeding of Shadow Yuan Clan Insects, the iteration of Holy Light Affinity Spirit Insects, and the development of the Cockroach Village...].

Because the core industries, as well as their supporting secondary industries, have all been regulated and arranged by the team leader, all sectors are now developing steadily and in an orderly manner. They can enter a healthy state without external interference.

Therefore, Yuan Zhu felt like he was being sidelined; the Shadow Domain didn't need his input in any aspect. He could only exercise his initiative in 'private property'.

In fact, after two days of investigation, he had to admit that the current [Pastoral Village] could no longer be described as a [Shadow Law Domain].

The Shadow Domain, originating from the Tiger Demon, is only the core part of the Pastoral Village. In addition, there are many other external things, such as the Shadow Dream Hole, the Reverse Life Tree, and the withered roots of the Immortal Realm Tree.

According to the calculations of the snake (from the Immortal Scripture), the energy sources of the Pastoral Village are currently divided into four parts:

1. The pollution extracted from the Nightmare Layer by the [Shadow Dream Hole] is continuous and occupies 40% of the total energy of the [Law Domain] every day.

2. [Celestial Tree Withered Roots] Moonlight pollution extracted from the [Moon Worship Ceremony] on the surface. Lasts for three days each month, accounting for 20% of the total energy of the [Dharma Domain].

3. After the [Reverse Growth Tree] hijacked and monopolized the internal root energy network of the [Law Domain], it spontaneously spread outward, eroding the nearby polluted roots, and the naturally transmitted [polluted spiritual energy] continuously accounts for 25% of the total energy.

4. The Shadow Domain naturally possesses the ability to communicate with the Shadow Layer, forcibly extracting spiritual energy from the Shadow Dimension, accounting for about 15% of the total energy.

Of the four 'energy channels,' the [Shadow Dream Hole], although pioneered and created by Yuan Zhu, is essentially a mutated version funded by the [World Will] and created through Zhu Zi's efforts. Now, after the captain's 'expansion surgery,' it has become shared by three entities.

The emergence of [Shadow Dream Hole] is a product of [World Will]'s attempt to save itself. Now that there is a more outstanding captain, World Will has gradually become dissatisfied with Candle, whose 'KPIs are not up to par,' and his voice has gradually diminished.

As for the [Celestial Tree Withered Roots] and the [Reverse Life Tree], they were both strange objects created by the captain. Although the latter (the [Reverse Life Tree]) used the shadow of the [Law Domain] to pollute and produce 'spiritual energy', it did not belong to Yuan Zhu.

Finally, there was Yuan Zhu's sole investment in the [Shadow Domain], which also formed the framework of [Pastoral Village]. In his view, it was more like a bare-bones house. The interior decoration, as well as the procurement of appliances and furniture, were all overseen by the team leader.

Therefore, strictly speaking, the current [Pastoral Village (Shadow Law Domain)] has been diluted from a sole proprietorship chairman to one of the major shareholders.

But looking at it from the other side:

Once he abandons his sense of responsibility as the head of the household and relinquishes the throne, he no longer needs to put in any extra effort. Based solely on his initial contributions, he can parasitize the ever-growing [Pastoral Village], ruthlessly draining its resources and siphoning off his share of the profits.

Despite having his shares diluted, he remained lazy and exploitative throughout, reaping the benefits of the village's development without putting in any effort. He recklessly mobilized village resources to complete his personal plans, being carried along by the team leader the entire time!

It sounds wonderful.

If the World's Will hadn't shifted its affections and now placed greater emphasis on the Captain's new energy cycle system of [Dream Hole + Reverse Tree + Immortal Tree Remnants], it wouldn't have stopped investing in him, thus depriving him of the ability to open [New Dream Holes].

Otherwise, Yuan Zhu planned to open more than a dozen [Shadow Dream Holes] in different locations at once, directly transporting the [Insect Pillars] overflowing from [Pastoral Village], and massively constructing 'New Law Domains' to develop the real estate industry. Then, he would lease the [New Law Domains] to Captain Gao for development... That would be incredibly satisfying.

Snake: Huh? Isn't this real estate development? You're Li Huanggua!

It was precisely because of this reason (being abandoned by the world's will) that Yuan Zhu felt a sense of alienation while wandering around [Pastoral Village] these past two days.

Clearly, all industries within the [Law Domain] have been eroded and distorted by [Shadow Aura], gradually becoming different from the traditional 'Qi Refining System', and should therefore be more compatible with oneself ([Tiger Demon]).

But his true feelings were: we share the same origin, but we are not close.

The Shadow Qi Refiners in the village, and the demonic insects raised in the breeding area that feed on 'Shadow Aura,' are like pre-prepared dishes marinated in [Shadow]. They can be digested and absorbed very easily. But before being eaten, they do not belong to [Tiger Demons], but are merely strangers of the same faction.

In contrast, the "Yuan's caterpillars" that were raised independently became excited and started acting crazy as soon as they saw Yuan Zhu. Their appetites increased, their personalities became irritable, and they instinctively wanted to get closer to him.

Just like the Shadow Eggplant he independently cultivated, it is not a courier, nor does it have an absolute subordinate relationship, but it is willing to accept his (Tiger Demon's) manipulation and commands. It has the potential to develop into a 'familia'.

...

After completing the two-day takeover work, Yuan Zhu briefly got to know the current administrators of [Pastoral Village].

He discovered that this group of managers were not the insectoid or earth races of the [Feathered World], and did not know how to cultivate Qi. Each of them wore a high-level uniform, and their aura was more advanced and subtle than that of Mai Lili's [Rainbow Feather Robe], and their style was not [Fairy Robe Style].

Clearly, this is a group of 'otherworld administrators' from another world.

It makes sense, really. The Qi-refining insect cultivators of the [Feathered World] are still living in a 'city-state tribal system' that they spontaneously created after the mass extinction, a primitive and backward social structure. The source of their civilization is also the relatively backward 'cultivation cave management system' of the [Kunlun Immortal Sect].

This closed and feudal world simply cannot select 'management talent'.

Thus, through Yuan Zhu's subtle probing, he managed to glean a small amount of information from these lukewarm executives. These strangers all came from a world he had never heard of: [Li Hai].

After spending a month in the Shadow Domain and gradually figuring out the situation in the underground world, the captain transferred a group of senior executives from the Glass Sea to be in charge of the development of the Pastoral Village and its trade with the outside world.

That [Li Hai World] is suspected to be the stronghold and headquarters of [Mao Mao Wang]. These executives are all employees of [Mao Mao Wang Luxury Children's Clothing] company; each one exudes understated power, yet they all seem to possess strength comparable to mine?
The management treated him and Meng Xiyue fairly normally, with respect and courtesy. However, they treated the other original inhabitants of [Pastoral Village] with a condescending attitude, looking down on the residents of [Feathered World] from the bottom of their hearts, regardless of their strength or weakness.

…That morning, Meng Xiyue, who was also familiar with and adapted to the environment of [Pastoral Village], couldn't wait to come to the door.

"I've explored your [Pastoral Village] over the past two days. It's great, very interesting, and the 'Otherworld' and 'Cockroach Village' are full of surprises! It's a pity that your territory is too small and still in its development stage, with no surprises worth exploring in depth."

Yuan Zhu was puzzled: "So, since you're already familiar with this place and feel it lacks depth, why don't you start working on it sooner? Localize the [Skull Server] and connect it to [Cockroach Village], create a proper [Mini Dreamland], and try sending signals to the [Main World] to open up a 'Nightmare Smuggling Route'!"

Meng Xiyue shook her head frantically: "It's too difficult, too hard. It's not that I don't want to help you, but there are too many 'extraordinary systems' involved here, far beyond what [Knowledge School + Zerg Reveal + Shadow Dream Hole] can handle. Let's leave the Nightmare Smuggling aside for now. This time, I will try to optimize and improve [Cockroach Village]."

"Then go for it! I'll support you from behind. Just let me know if you need any supplies."

Meng Xiyue waved her hands repeatedly: "No, no, no! I've only been here for two days, and I haven't experienced any local customs or culture. I've been stuck in this 'little village' of yours the whole time. Now that there are no more surprises, I hope to travel and experience the bigger [Insect City]!"

Yuan Zhu retorted, "You're here to complete a mission, not for tourism."

"Just have some fun, please! Only by completely letting go and experiencing joy can I face work with a better mental state, achieving twice the results with half the effort! Last time I descended, the mission pressure was too great, and I was imprisoned the whole time. Now that I've returned to the [Feathered World], I'm inexplicably depressed. Fortunately, your [Pastoral Village] let me experience what it's like to be superior, which has alleviated my mental illness. Now, I want to go to [Cicada City] for some fun! Please, my dear brother, just this once, okay?"

Meng Xiyue grabbed Yuan Zhu's uniform and began to whine and plead. For the past two days, she had been running rampant in [Pastoral Village], with no one daring to discipline her, and she was overjoyed. This was something she had never experienced before, when she had to humble herself in [Knowledge School] or act like a subservient grandson while imprisoned in [Grasshopper City].

Yuan Zhu thought for a moment and said, "You really want to go and visit [Cicada City]?"

"Yes, yes, yes! I just want to experience the culture and scenery of another world. We've explored two [Foam Worlds] in a row, and I haven't really had a chance to relax and enjoy myself yet."

So Yuan Zhu nodded in agreement: "Alright, you can go to [Cicada City] to experience it, but there is an additional quest."

Mengxi's face fell, and she said with disdain, "What task? I don't want to work."

Yuan Zhu explained, “It’s not work, it’s enjoyment, it’s showing off! You take Xiao Tang (Little Sister) with you to [Cicada City], and bring a batch of supplies from the main world to the lower city to sell to the ‘Cicada Clan’s higher-ups.’ Xiao Tang can act as your guide, taking you out for food, drinks, and entertainment. Once you meet the Cicada Clan’s higher-ups, you can use the advanced products from the main world to show off, flaunt them, and inflate prices to your heart’s content…”

Upon hearing this, Meng Xiyue's expression brightened, and she quickly replied, "I can do that! Showing off watches and promoting perfumes and cosmetics are my specialties! I can also sell luxury children's clothing for [Mao Mao Wang]!"

"Forget about that. The captain has already sold the luxury children's clothing all over the nearby Cicada Clan Insect Cities. Oh, and when you come back, please pick up a batch of mushrooms from the Insect Cities for me, all kinds."

Meng Xiyue immediately thought of A Miao. When they were chatting, they had mentioned 'illegal brewing', especially the illegal prohibition of alcohol in the Nightmare Layer.

"【Dream Drink】?"

"Yes, I don't know which 'Nightmare Mushrooms' are suitable for brewing either. But the lower city of [Cicada City] has more than a dozen [Dream Holes], and the aura of nightmares permeates the entire underground space. The quality of the mushrooms should meet the requirements."

Meng Xiyue nodded: "Okay, I'll take care of it! Lend me that Xiao Tang, she's quite clever and likable."

...

After Yuan Zhu lent the little girl to Meng Xiyue, he led his little brother to the warehouse area of ​​the [Inner World] and began selecting [Insect Pillars].

Under the inertial 'preset program' of the [Shadow Dream Hole], the quantity of this item has exceeded 800, far surpassing the limit of the [Law Domain]'s expansion.

Yuan Zhu carefully calculated using the [Boss Template] that, given the current scale of the [Shadow Domain], the maximum demand for [Insect Pillars] would not exceed 300; in reality, only about 120 would be needed to support the current framework. Continuously adding new [Insect Pillars] would allow for the opening and consolidation of the 'Second Layer. Inner World' and the 'Third Layer. Local Dream Realm'.

The extra [Insect Pillars] are a case of saturation overflow. Continuing to place them in different positions within the [Law Domain] would be an ineffective burden, so the [Shadow Dream Hole] is still habitually devouring 'Demonized Giant Insects' to refine [Insect Pillars].

The finished products were no longer used to 'set up magic arrays', but were moved to the warehouse in the inner world and stored as foundational resources.

[Pastoral Village] is gradually deviating from the traditional development framework of 'Shadow Domain'; these [Insect Pillars] accumulate in the 'Inner World', becoming something like 'ballast'. Although they can no longer be used to expand the domain's scale, when subjected to external 'unknown rules' erosion, the large accumulation of these [Insect Pillars] can enhance the domain's strength and resistance.

However, aside from these limited benefits, the large accumulation of invalid [Insect Pillars] actually consumes and depletes the [Law Domain's] 'energy'.

It's like an industrial city with over four hundred machines that are not operating properly, running idle all day. Even at their lowest power setting, they are still consuming energy and require maintenance.

However, to stop refining the [Insect Pillar], Yuan Zhu, the owner of the [Shadow Dream Hole], must personally come and shut down this preset program.

Now that Yuan Zhu has returned, he has been repeatedly asked by the 'management' to stop the production line of the [Insect Pillar].

But who is he? The mighty [First Generation of Pastoral Village]! Although he has been partially sidelined, he has not yet announced his abdication and is merely following the old Huang's path of non-interference.

You bunch of 'management' hired by the captain, what right do you have to ask me to shut down the [Insect Pillar] production line? I'm rich, I can do whatever I want!
The mass production and accumulation of [Insect Pillars] was a huge burden for [Pastoral Village]. But for Yuan Zhu, it was a godsend!
In his Tiger Demon form, he painstakingly refined 12 Demon Insects, and the refining task is still not completely finished.

Upon his return, he quickly took stock and found over 400 [Insect Pillars] gathering dust in his warehouse. If it weren't for limited transport capacity, he would have loved to move them all back to the main world.

The Shadow Domain he plans to establish in Running will no longer be a pirated joint venture domain that reverses cause and effect by relying on the Shadow Dream Hole. Instead, he will follow the orthodox Tiger Demon route and establish a traditional Tiger Demon dojo with the Stone Suppressing Spirit Foundation.

Therefore, the more [Insect Pillars] there are, the larger and stronger the [Dharma Domain] becomes.

After some calculations and communication, he decided to move all 108 [Insect Pillars] back to Running at once. He would then create a perfect foundation using a structure of 36 Heavenly Spirits and 72 Earthly Fiends.

Snake: "Great! [Tiger Magic Domain] is saved! A one-step leap to the top, one-click installation of [Great Wilderness Immortal Scripture Server]."

(End of this chapter)