264: Chapter 264 With the situation stabilized, I return to my sect for seclusion!

In the following years.

The situation in the southern region of Feng Prefecture was indeed as Shi Jian had anticipated; the Bai Family and Li Family moved in with overwhelming force, bringing with them a vast amount of resources and manpower.

A continuous line of water fortresses was built in the Southern Region, and the mineral veins in the Eastern Region were mined day and night.

Seeing the power of the two great families of the Shangqing Sect, a large number of Foundation Establishment immortal families that had originally been attached to White Cloud Temple defected, one after another, and threw their lot in with the Bai and Li families.

The dominant control of Fengshui Lake also gradually fell into the hands of these two families.

To solidify their position, the Bai Family and Li Family secretly united to restrict the development of White Cloud Temple in the Northern Region at every turn.

Trade routes were blocked, supplies were seized, and friction was constant...

Sun Chengzhu did not retaliate; he simply endured it silently.

He established a branch of White Cloud Temple in Fengshui City, reinforced the city's defenses, gathered the remaining vassal families, and forged the Northern Region into an impenetrable iron fortress.

Under the leadership of Wan Xiang, the Turtle-type Yao Beasts of the Western Region kept to themselves, quietly multiplying and secretly accumulating strength.

On the surface, the Northern Region was suppressed, but in secret, it was frantically accumulating power.

At the moment, it was not that they would not strike, but simply that the time had not yet come.

Fengshui Lake.

Shi Jian summoned Golden Crocodile and Wan Xiang.

Golden Crocodile's massive body lurked in the water, revealing only half of his head. Wan Xiang had shrunk to about a zhang in size and was lying on a reef.

"This seat is returning to the Sect for closed-door cultivation."

"While here, you must not cause trouble; just focus on developing your clans well."

Golden Crocodile nodded and agreed: "Old Ancestor, please go with peace of mind. Golden Crocodile will watch over Fengshui Lake for you."

Wan Xiang said slowly: "King, please cultivate in peace. The Turtle-type of the Western Region will never let the King worry on our account."

Shi Jian nodded slightly. With these two Yao Beasts present, he was not worried: "You may make contact with the remnants of the Flood Python in the Southern Region. If they can be incorporated, then incorporate them; if they do not submit, then thoroughly eliminate them."

"Absorb the smaller Yao Race clans from all sides and strengthen your respective groups as much as possible."

"Those who do not submit should be thoroughly cleared out; it will also prune the excess branches for us."

"Yes, we understand."

Seeing Golden Crocodile and Wan Xiang agree, Shi Jian felt a great weight lift from his heart.

After settling the affairs of the Yao Race.

Shi Jian met with Shi Yin. Now that the matter of Evil Water Marsh had been resolved, it was time for him to return to the Shangqing Sect...

"Old Ancestor." Shi Yin bowed his head in salute, his mood somewhat low.

"Return to the Shangqing Sect."

Shi Jian looked at this child he had brought up with his own hands: "The Zhou Family treats you well. Continue to be their Sect-Protecting Spirit Beast."

"Remember to watch more and speak less. Do not get involved in the factional infighting within the Shangqing Sect."

Shi Yin nodded: "Yin understands."

"Go."

"Yes, Old Ancestor, take care."

After responding, Shi Yin transformed into a streak of ice-blue escape light, shot into the sky, and flew north.

Shi Jian withdrew his gaze and let out a low roar toward the sky. In an instant, lightning flashed, and his figure vanished from the spot.

Ming Prefecture, Yunjian Mountain Range.

White Cloud Temple, Zixiao Peak.

The peak was covered by thunderclouds all year round, with constant lightning and thunder. This was the Forbidden Ground of White Cloud Temple and also the location of the Holy Land for the Five Bear Lineages.

Shi Jian returned to Zixiao Peak without alerting anyone.

He dove into the Thunder Pool. The purple-gold thunder liquid rolled continuously, emitting an aura of destruction. Shi Jian's massive bear body soaked in the thunder liquid, and he comfortably narrowed his eyes.

He began to silently refine the Tier 7 Yao Beast core within his body...

Boom!

The moment the Yao Beast core began to refine, a violent burst of spiritual power exploded within his body. The majestic dao rhyme spread wildly along his Meridians, continuously strengthening his internal organs!

It further fortified his bones and muscles, adding another layer to his Foundation!

"Purple Heaven Divine Thunder, refine!"

In his Sea of Consciousness, the Zixiao phantom opened its eyes. The purple-gold thunder liquid in the Thunder Pool, drawn by this, surged frantically into Shi Jian's body.

Purple-gold electric arcs constantly coursed through his entire body, refining that extremely vast Dragon Origin, intending to make it a part of himself!

Shi Jian closed his eyes, cut off all perception of the outside world, and once again fell into a deep slumber, continuously accumulating his potential.

The thunderclouds atop Zixiao Peak became even thicker than usual.

Thick bolts of lightning struck down, illuminating the entire peak as if it were broad daylight. The wild thunder was endless, as if the heavens were collapsing!

The old Daoist Daoist Yun Du stood before the Main Peak's great hall, watching the strange phenomenon at Zixiao Peak, and sighed while stroking his beard.

"Brother Shi, you have become stronger again. I wonder if I, a mediocre talent, will be able to see a Nascent Soul come into the world in my lifetime?"

"I truly look forward to it!"