Immortality and Cultivation: This old man seeks enlightenment through mere survival.

January passed in the blink of an eye.

Nine Netherworlds devoured a large amount of pure demonic energy extracted from the remnants of the Mist Demon King's body.

The demonic patterns all over his body became clearer and fuller once again, moving slowly beneath his skin like living things, emanating a chilling aura.

It has already recovered to its peak.

"The Mist Demon King's demonic energy is quite abundant, enough to support you in three more similar-scale devouring attempts..."

Lu Zaian, standing to the side, confirmed after careful evaluation.

This means that within three times, Jiuyou can unleash the [Demonic Descent] state without any worries, and without fear of damaging his own demonic runes.

Having recovered, Jiuyou did not delay any longer and returned to Qinglongjin as promised.

The reason he left in a hurry last time was mainly because he was concerned that his condition was not perfect and that if the Huang family took the opportunity to intervene, something unexpected might happen.

Now that we have recovered to our former glory, we have nothing to fear.

As for the Azure Nether Immortal, he lost an arm, his golden core was damaged and cracked, and his Dao heart suffered a severe blow.

They are probably hiding in their stronghold in the desolate city to heal their wounds right now, and are definitely not capable of fighting again anytime soon...

The defensive array of Huangze City is far superior to that of the Song family.

I heard that after Tianming Palace occupied this city, they learned from the lesson of how easily the former city lord, Ji Chun, had been captured.

They spared no expense in expending the massive resources they had plundered, and specially invited a true third-tier array master from the Maple Domain to reinforce and upgrade the defenses.

The current Desolate City is impregnable and not easily breached.

"However, Qingming's injuries from this defeat are severe, and it will likely take him more than ten years of arduous training to recover..."

Jiuyou pondered in his heart,

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, my main body and I should seize the chance to improve."

Once the main body successfully forms its core, Yunli Mountain can openly stand in the Northern Sky Domain, no longer needing to hide like this..."

While he was pondering, he had already arrived above Qinglongjin.

The former battlefield has now been cleared out, and a new waterside pavilion stands precariously on the riverbank.

However, the surrounding spiritual energy is thin and dim, and the spirituality of the water veins is greatly damaged. It is unknown how many years of nurturing it will be needed to restore it to its former glory.

Jiuyou didn't care about this; he never intended to occupy this place.

My gaze swept down and saw a dense crowd of people standing there.

Not only were all the Foundation Establishment families and sects present, but many small Qi Refining families who depended on them for survival also came trembling with fear, afraid of missing any news or opportunities that might affect their family's survival.

Jiuyou remained noncommittal; he had not come today to kill and establish his authority.

"Lord Jiuyou!"

Upon seeing Jiuyou descend, Elder Yunyou and Wang Pan immediately stepped forward from the crowd and bowed in respect.

Yunyou respectfully presented seven bulging, large storage bags with both hands, saying:

"My lord, all the resources in the Song family's treasury that can be inventoried and moved are here. Please take a look..."

The divine sense of the Nine Netherworlds probed in—

Inside the bag, spirit stones were piled up like a mountain;

The jade bottles filled with elixirs were dazzling;

Various cultivation technique jade slips, spiritual herbs, and mineral materials were neatly categorized, and their quantities were astonishing…

'As expected of an old Foundation Establishment family that has been entrenched in the Tianqing River for hundreds of years, their foundation is indeed profound.' He thought to himself.

Cloud Travel continues to report:

"In addition, the Song family also has several spirit mines currently being mined, as well as a large number of spirit fields and medicinal herb gardens. The crops in these fields are not yet mature and are difficult to monetize in the short term. I wonder if you, sir..."

"You can deal with those odds and ends yourselves."

Jiuyou waved his hand dismissively, showing no concern whatsoever.

Upon hearing this, Yunyou and Wang Pan's eyes lit up with joy, and they quickly bowed to express their gratitude.

"Thank you for your gift, sir!"

For these families who have settled here, this is the foundation from which they can continuously generate profits!

This "small gain" was enough to significantly boost the power of their respective families.

"but--"

Jiuyou changed the subject, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, her voice carrying an undeniable authority.

"Regarding the jade veins at the bottom of the Tianqing River, as I mentioned before, I own 90% of them."

Do any of you have any objections to this?

The smile that had just appeared on Yunyou's face froze slightly.

Jade mines are incredibly valuable, so naturally they want a bigger slice of the pie.

But having just received the benefits bestowed by the Nine Netherworlds, it was really difficult to ask for them back.

Moreover, might makes right. Even if Jiuyou wanted it all, how could they dare to say "no"?

Wang Pan reacted even faster, immediately bowing and saying:

"What you say is absolutely right, sir! How the jade mine is allocated is entirely up to you! We have no objections!"

He knew in his heart that even if only 10% remained, it would still be a huge fortune for the entire Tianqing River mine.

That's enough for each of them to eat until their mouths are greasy!

"Ah."

Jiuyou nodded slightly, satisfied with his tact, and then began to make her plans.

"The mining alliance can still be established, and I will be the nominal leader."

"You shall each perform your duties to ensure the safe mining of jade from the upper and lower reaches of the Tianqing River, the removal of the river monsters, and the establishment of sales channels..."

He pointed down to the ruined ferry crossing.

"The headquarters of the Mining Alliance was rebuilt here."

The docks and waterways that were originally used privately by the Song family were all opened to members of the alliance.

With the help of the extensive network of tributaries of the Tianqing River, not only jade, but also other local specialties and goods can be circulated and sold to various parts of the northern airspace.

When the time is right, the mining alliance can be further integrated into the 'Tianqinghe Chamber of Commerce', with shared benefits..."

This blueprint made the eyes of many family heads and sect leaders below light up, as if they could see a prosperous future for their families.

Jiuyou turned her gaze towards the Jiang family and pointed:

"The Jiang family is directly responsible to me. In the future, if there are any important matters within the alliance that need to be addressed, they can be relayed through the Jiang family."

These words sent a chill down everyone's spine.

This is tantamount to placing the Jiang family in the position of the Nine Netherworld's representatives!

Anyone who wants to harm the Jiang family in the future will have to think twice before considering the Nine Netherworlds behind them.

Immediately, envious, fearful, and even fawning gazes were cast upon Jiang Feng and his clansmen.

"Thank you, senior!"

Jiang Feng was thrilled and bowed again.

He knew that this was Senior Jiuyou's way of taking care of the Jiang family and him personally, as they were implicated.

Jiuyou waved his hand in response.

This is both compensation to the Jiang family and a way for me to establish a reliable foothold in the Tianqinghe region.

"Also, there's one more thing..."

Jiuyou's eyes darkened slightly, and his voice turned cold.

"On the day of the great battle, there must have been quite a few remnants of the Song family who escaped or were scattered elsewhere, right?"

Yunyou and Wang Pan exchanged a glance, understanding each other perfectly.

Now that they have sided with Jiuyou and divided up the Song family's inheritance, they naturally have to go all the way to eliminate any future troubles.

This is also the best way to submit a pledge of allegiance!

Wang Pan stepped forward, his killing intent palpable, and said:

"Rest assured, sir! We have jointly issued a kill order and will not let any direct descendant of the Song family escape! We will eradicate them completely to prevent future troubles!"

Yunyou also added:

"All the vassal families closely associated with the Song family, such as the Lan family, are also being purged."

Those who obey prosper, those who defy perish!

Jiuyou nodded slightly and said no more.

The cultivation world is so cruel; if you choose the wrong side, you must be prepared to be purged.