Chapter 132: The Harvest

"Let us continue."

"The legacy artifact of the Profound Immortal Clan is barely at the Human Immortal realm; we will count it as 7 contribution points."

"The legacy artifact of the Blood Ice Clan is just scraping the Human Immortal realm. It is too heavily skewed toward bloodline traits and holds little inherent value; two contribution points."

The old man proceeded to appraise the legacy items one by one. The 57 items totaled 630 contribution points. Among them were a few Profound Immortal legacies from the Holy Spirit Clan and the Styx Holy Clan, each valued at over 30 points.

Once the legacy items were finished, the old man moved on to the technique crystals.

"These little things have some research value, but not much. We will standardize them at three contribution points each." The old man glanced at them, then set them aside with little interest.

"328 contribution points—that’s worth it," Li Chengfu muttered softly.

The old man then began to appraise the shattered magical treasures retrieved from the Ancient Battlefield.

"Those that have completely lost their spiritual essence are only useful for reference by artificers; two points each."

This single statement eliminated ninety percent of the collection, leaving only eight treasures that still retained a trace of spiritual aura before the old man.

"Post-celestial spirit treasures." The three of them grew excited.

"Worn down too severely by the erosion of time. Little value." The trio’s expressions fell.

"However, if the right cultivation method is found, it might be possible to restore thirty or forty percent of their power." The trio’s eyes lit up with anticipation.

"But finding the right method is far too difficult."

The trio: "..."

The old man looked at them with a chuckle. "I won't tease you anymore; this one is worth 60 contribution points."

He finished appraising the remaining seven artifacts with spiritual resonance. Whether they were top-tier immortal weapons or post-celestial spirit treasures, none were valued at less than 50 points. The damaged ancient treasures totaled 638 contribution points.

Finally, the small tree emitting a spiritual glow was placed before the old man.

"Good stuff!" The old man’s eyes gleamed as he looked at the sapling. "A post-celestial spirit treasure-grade Heavy Spirit Tree. It is still in its seedling stage. Once it reaches its growth phase, its roots can pierce the void to enter the Star Domain, transforming the power of a thousand stars into spiritual energy."

"2,000 contribution points. To cultivate this Heavy Spirit Tree requires the combined strength of an entire clan." He glanced at the clearly tempted Li Chengfu and Zong Changshou and added, "Don't even think about it, you two. Even a thousand small families like yours couldn't cultivate this tree."

The old man then appraised the four cards of unknown use and the black orb. "Not much use. The cards were for sealing exotic beasts, but the beasts within have long since perished. As for the black orb, it is a breeding space for the beast-taming path. We’ll count these as 20 points total."

"As for the legacies you obtained in the Ancient Battlefield, the foundation methods are divided into four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. Yellow is 1 point, Profound 4, Earth 6, and Heaven 12. Techniques and divine abilities are assessed based on this same tiering. The two severed heads will be valued according to the standard rate."

"It is no surprise that the three of you have harvested one of the largest hauls among this group."

In the time that followed, the three were taken to a dedicated area to record the foundation methods, techniques, and divine abilities inherited in their minds onto specialized jade slips.

"Once the methods and techniques you have submitted are compiled and refined, you may cultivate them for free, or designate one other person to do so. Consider that another small benefit," the official in charge of the recording area said with a smile.

"As for what you mentioned regarding Heaven Turtle City and that still-living Styx Clan powerhouse, it will be recorded in the Human Clan’s fortune. If it plays a significant role in the future, there will naturally be rewards."

"Understood, Senior," the three thanked him.

"Return to Asking Valley and rest for a few days. Once all the legacies have been appraised, you will be informed of your final contribution point total."

Back at Asking Valley, before Xu Chen could even enter their original room, he saw Jiang Beici.

"I’ve already decided: if you really had been reincarnated, I would have become your godfather," Jiang Beici said with a grin.

"I’m afraid I’ve disappointed you," Xu Chen said, laughing as he looked at his good friend.

In the most luxurious restaurant in Asking Valley, the three of them feasted on a spread of exquisite, fragrant dishes. Xu Chen recounted their experiences in the Ancient Battlefield.

"Nine-Dragon Blood Qi, Nine-Nether Pale Moon, and the Saintly Yang Physique—you’ve reached the state of 'Form and Will as One' in all of them," Jiang Beici praised, sensing the aura radiating from Xu Chen. "The foundation you’ve accumulated now far exceeds that of the average disciple of the Human Emperor’s Great Dao Palace."

"How do I compare to you?" Xu Chen asked, pausing to drink a bowl of fish soup that tasted exceptionally fresh.

"Still a bit off," Jiang Beici replied with a serious expression. "But never mind that. I’m just glad to see you made it out alive. I’m off, but we’ll look for each other again when there’s a chance."

Jiang Beici stood to leave.

"Wait, don't rush," Xu Chen said, looking at his brother-in-arms. "I’ve earned a good amount of Human Clan contribution points. Is there anything you urgently need?"

"Actually, there is. Help me exchange for a few Heart-Pure Fruits. They can only be acquired with Human Clan contributions, and it’s a hassle," Jiang Beici replied after a moment’s thought.

"No problem."

After Jiang Beici left, only Xu Chen, Li Chengfu, and Zong Changshou remained in the private room.

"We have accumulated 3,656 contribution points so far. I’ve made a rough estimate of the foundation methods, techniques, and abilities," Li Chengfu said, his eyes sparkling. "There should be at least 300 more points coming. Add in that exotic creature's arm, which must be worth something, and we’re looking at over 4,000 points in total."

"Doesn't sound like that much," Xu Chen said, rubbing his chin.

"Human Clan contribution points are incredibly difficult to obtain. My grandfather might not even have that many," Li Chengfu said softly.

"Your grandfather doesn't have that many?" Xu Chen was startled.

"Our entire clan, with several top-tier Profound Immortal combatants, barely scrapes together 600 points from here and there," Zong Changshou added.

"Well then, you two can hold your heads high, and I have made a fortune," Xu Chen said, raising his glass.

The three glasses clinked together.

After the feast, the three returned to their room. Looking at the storage bags on the table that they had been separated from for so long, Xu Chen suddenly felt as if it had all been a dream.

Three days later, the appraisal of all their foundation methods, techniques, and abilities was complete, totaling 420 points. Shortly after, the Little Ancestor found the three of them.

"That giant beast arm has been appraised at 530 contribution points."

Hearing this, the three exchanged looks, their eyes filled with surprise.

"You two were lucky to be in a team with Xu Chen. I hope this friendship of yours remains steadfast," the Little Ancestor said, then looked at Xu Chen. "I have already put the word out. I trust that once you return, those demons and monsters will not dare to touch you."

"Many thanks, Little Ancestor," Xu Chen said, his heart warming as he bowed.

"Don't be so formal with thanks; it makes us feel like strangers," the Little Ancestor said, patting Xu Chen on the shoulder before leaving.

"4,606 Human Clan contribution points!" Li Chengfu was too excited to speak.

"How do we claim these?" Xu Chen asked.

"Every capital city of each province has a treasury where you can make exchanges," Zong Changshou explained in detail. "If the items you want aren't in the provincial treasuries, you go to the Treasury Small World in the Human Domain. If you want to exchange for Blood Qi foundation methods, techniques, or divine abilities, you must go to the Human Emperor’s Great Dao Tower. These points will be credited to our respective accounts according to our agreement, and with the record of the Human Clan’s fortune, there won't be any issues."

Li Chengfu wore a look of profound satisfaction.

Just then, their disciple tokens chimed. "Leaving for Thunder Province tomorrow. Time flies," they remarked upon reading the message.

The next day, they boarded the same ten-thousand-foot immortal vessel they had arrived on. While over 30,000 people had arrived, only about 400 remained for the return journey. The Great Creek Sect had even fewer, with less than ten left.

"Sigh, I wonder how many of these people will be able to reincarnate and cultivate again," Zong Changshou said, looking around.

"We can't control that, so don't dwell on it," Li Chengfu said with philosophical wisdom.

As the vessel took off, Xu Chen looked down at the vast, expanding land below, feeling that a new journey would begin the moment he returned.

Inside a training hall on the vessel, the team leader of the Great Creek Sect looked at the nine survivors and sighed. "Aside from your Little Ancestor, you eight remaining may enjoy the treatment of personal disciples once we return. You may choose any of the twelve Profound Immortal elders as your master. As for the contribution points you hold, the sect will not resort to force, but I hope that before you use them to exchange for items in the Human Clan’s treasuries, you first check if the sect has them. The sect will do its best to acquire what you want in exchange for your points."

The team leader looked at the group and suddenly realized that these nine were either well-connected or backed by powerful figures; any attempt at forced seizure could ruin the sect’s reputation overnight.

His gaze settled on Xu Chen. The Great Creek Sect had earned over 8,000 points in total, and half of that was due to this dark horse. For the five major sects of Thunder Province, this had been a trial, and the total contribution points earned by their disciples determined the level of support they would receive from the Human Emperor’s Sacred Dynasty for the next century. Thanks to this, the Great Creek Sect had ranked second, just behind the Jade Purity Palace, a feat that had the Supreme Elder nearly delirious with joy.

The team leader considered trying to take Xu Chen as a disciple, but upon seeing the Little Ancestor—who held equal status—he dismissed the thought.

The vessel returned with incredible speed, landing outside the capital of Thunder Province in less than ten days. The nine of them traveled together to the teleportation array to head back to the Great Creek Sect. Upon arriving, they found the entire sect decorated with grandeur. A red carpet covered the teleportation hall and extended far outside.

The Supreme Elder and the twelve Profound Immortal elders were waiting inside.

"Greetings, Supreme Elder. Greetings, Elders."

With the exception of the Little Ancestor, the other eight bowed in unison.