Grinding EXP From a Demon Hunting Ship

Even the Dream-Keepers themselves probably wouldn’t believe there was no price to pay. How could such a thing exist in this world?

After all, the cultivation principles of both the Divine Land World and the world of the immortal path were, on the whole, quite rigorous.

But...

At this moment, dealing with the Dao Source had become an urgent matter for the Dream-Keepers.

The reason was simple: another Temple Guardian had fallen.

Some time ago, cultivators from the Star Casting Hall had successfully explored a cluster of temple ruins.

After suffering heavy casualties, they had managed to kill the Temple Guardian slumbering within.

The Temple Guardian had fallen, but the Dao Source it guarded did not simply vanish. The Dream-Keepers, left with no other choice, had to use the Divine Kingdom’s reserve power to suppress it.

However, without a Guardian, the amount of Divine Power the Dream-Keepers had to expend to suppress a Dao Source directly was several times greater than when a Guardian was present.

Therefore, under normal circumstances, when a Temple Guardian fell, the Dream-Keepers would cultivate a Tier Five being to take its place.

Of course, such a Tier Five being would be a rush job, fraught with endless future troubles. Its only commendable quality would be its Tier Five life-form level.

But even so, cultivating a Tier Five being was a troublesome affair.

Moreover, this was a solution that only treated the symptoms, not the root cause. In contrast, asking Su Ye to directly refine the Dao Source would solve the problem once and for all.

Thus, the Dream-Keepers naturally had a preference.

Now, seeing Su Ye make excuses, they were in a difficult position.

"Name your price."

"Sigh... It’s not a matter of price. With my current cultivation, trying to refine another Dao Source would put my life at risk!" Su Ye said with a grave expression, sticking to his story.

"..."

The Dream-Keepers fell silent.

They communicated with each other through their consciousness.

’What should we do?’

’He won’t agree.’

’Should we use a Tier Five being to capture him?’

’Absolutely not!’

’If his life is in danger, he will surely fight to the death. Then... not only will the Dao Source remain, but we’ll have created another major problem!’

The Dream-Keepers debated among themselves, unable to reach a decision.

At this moment, Su Ye felt the timing was about right.

’If I keep refusing, these old geezers will probably get desperate.’

Refining the Dao Source was also a great opportunity for him.

Thus, he softened his tone slightly. "With my current cultivation, refining the Dao Source is life-threatening. However... after I advance, the danger will be greatly reduced!"

"Once I’m in the Nascent Soul Realm, I’ll help you seniors solve the problem with the Dao Source." Su Ye gave a suave bow with his hands clasped and made a show of turning to leave.

"You can’t!"

The Dream-Keepers were frantic.

The Nascent Soul Realm—how long would that take?

This Sea-kindred was currently only at Tier Four Mid Stage. For him to advance to Nascent Soul... would take at least a sixty-year cycle!

Sixty years? It would be far too late! Besides... by then, the Volcano Grotto Heaven would have probably long since closed, completely cut off from the outside world.

The Dream-Keepers were naturally unwilling to accept this and began to argue with Su Ye.

Finally, under the pretense of utter reluctance, Su Ye conceded a step.

"Late-stage Golden Core!"

"That’s my bottom line!"

At the same time, seeing that the Dream-Keepers were still dissatisfied, Su Ye seized the opportunity to make a demand. "My comprehension of the laws already meets the standard for advancement, but I lack the accumulated Magical Power..."

"However, accumulating Magical Power can be both difficult and easy. The Volcano Grotto Heaven is home to many high-tier Spiritual Objects. I just need a few in advance to refine and consume."

"Advancing to Late-stage Golden Core will be just around the corner," Su Ye said with utter confidence.

’After all that talk, he’s still just trying to freeload some Spiritual Objects.’

The Dream-Keepers saw right through his intentions, but they agreed anyway.

’If we want him to do something, we have to give him some benefits. Giving him a little taste now will make it easier for us to command him later.’

"Choose for yourself. Of course, you may only pick three!" The Dream-Keepers manifested the Spiritual Objects for Su Ye to choose from.

To be fair, the Dream-Keepers were being quite generous. The Spiritual Objects they offered were definitely top-quality among Tier Four items.

But to Su Ye, who had already seen Tier Five Spiritual Objects, these Tier Four items—no matter how rare or outstanding—seemed rather bland.

’Who are you trying to fob off?’

"I am a True Disciple of the Nine Sects of the Inner Sea and apprenticed to a Nascent Soul True Monarch. You think I can’t get my hands on Tier Four Spiritual Objects like these?" Su Ye scoffed.

HUMMM.

With a point of his finger, he sketched with his Magical Power.

In mid-air, the images of three Tier Five Spiritual Objects appeared.

"These three Spiritual Objects, now this shows some sincerity!"

Su Ye argued plausibly.

Among these Spiritual Objects was, to their surprise, Crimson Tears.

Alongside it were two other equally precious Tier Five Spiritual Objects.

"Shameless!"

"This is extortion!"

The Dream-Keepers were furious.

The Volcano Grotto Heaven’s foundation was indeed profound, with numerous heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

However, these treasures had been slowly accumulated over thousands upon thousands of years!

For Su Ye to demand three Tier Five Spiritual Objects with a mere flick of his lips was a truly exorbitant demand!

"Come on, they’re just a few Spiritual Objects. Is it really that big of a deal?"

"Are you saying I don’t need Spiritual Objects? That I can advance to the late stage through photosynthesis?"

"Surely not?"

Su Ye argued his case forcefully, holding out his hands expectantly.

Finally, under his relentless pestering, the Dream-Keepers reluctantly gave in, agreeing to let him take one Tier Five Spiritual Object.

Allowed only one, Su Ye naturally chose the one he had his eye on for a long time: Crimson Tears.

HUMMM.

The void flickered.

As masters of the Grotto Heaven, the Dream-Keepers used Void Teleportation to deliver Crimson Tears into Su Ye’s hands.

"Thank you, seniors." Su Ye bowed, accepted Crimson Tears, and didn’t forget to continue making his empty promises.

"Once I reach Late-stage Golden Core, I will come to refine the Dao Source. I ask that you seniors please wait patiently until then."

...

With Crimson Tears in hand, Su Ye bid farewell to the Dream-Keepers, steered the Ghostly Flood Dragon, and returned to the group.

"Mr. Su, you’re back?"

"Yes."

Su Ye nodded lightly.

He took out Xiahou’s head.

"This guy was a fast runner, but I was still one step ahead."

Su Ye said it casually, glossing over the details.

At the same time, Su Ye looked toward Lu Chen, a touch of eagerness in his eyes.

"Mr. Lu, about the Dragon Demon Heart?"

"Mr. Su, the Sword Sect never makes empty promises. Please rest assured."

Lu Chen nodded and said with a smile.

He was in high spirits. Even though the ambush hadn’t been a complete success, with Han Tiantong escaping by activating a Small Void Shifting Talisman,

the results were still fruitful. They had slain four demonic Golden Core cultivators. Factoring in the casualties the Star Casting Hall cultivators suffered while exploring the ruins,

the Star Casting Hall now only had fifteen Golden Core cultivators left in Volcano State!

That was three fewer than the Sword Sect’s side!

The Jade Void Sword Sect had gained a strategic advantage!

They had dealt a heavy blow to the Star Casting Hall, crushing their momentum and once again asserting their dominance over Yaoguang!

’I expect that after this battle, those brats from the Star Casting Hall will lie low for a while.’

"Good," Su Ye said with a smile, agreeing.

...

Afterward, the group of cultivators left the Volcano Grotto Heaven.

Merits were calculated and converted into contribution points to be distributed as rewards.

Some redeemed them on the spot, while others accumulated their points for future use.

Afterward, they each returned to their own immortal abodes to rest and reorganize.

The lengthy ambush had left them weary.

Su Ye was no exception. He returned to his own immortal abode and rested for two days.

He considered it a small break, a little vacation for himself.

However, Su Ye was still diligent.

After resting, his state recovered, his essence, energy, and spirit at their peak.

He continued his cultivation, advancing his Erosion Flow Skill to 40% and meeting the conditions for advancement!

At the same time, he patiently waited for the Dragon Demon Heart to arrive.

「Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.」

On this day, Lu Chen came to visit, and Su Ye hurried to welcome him.

After a few pleasantries, Lu Chen’s expression turned solemn as he took out a dust-covered white jade box.

"Mr. Su, the Dragon Demon Heart, as well as the method for refining it, are inside."

In addition to the Dragon Demon Heart, the Jade Void Sword Sect had also included a refining method to suppress the Dragon Demon Evil Qi and prevent the demonic qi from assaulting the soul during the refining process.

It was very thoughtful of them.

Su Ye was very satisfied.

’The Dragon Demon Heart and Crimson Tears... I’ve obtained both of these Tier Five treasures, one for the body and one for the soul.’

’My comprehension of the Erosion Flow Skill also met the requirement yesterday.’

’Now...’

’All that’s left is the Magical Power hurdle, and then I can push for Late-stage Golden Core!’