This "Root Planting Technique" was a glimmer of hope that Lu Heng deliberately offered.

Previously, he intended to use the "Spirit Root" theory to completely block others from cultivating.

But on second thought, it's always wise to leave a path open.

What if the state is extremely curious about this extraordinary power and wants to dissect "Zhenyuan" for research? How would he handle that?

With his current strength, he had no power to fight against it.

So the best strategy was to leave a sliver of hope for everyone.

As long as there is hope, some people will have concerns and won't go to extremes.

As for whether they can successfully plant the root, isn't that up to his word?

If he could delay for two or three years, or even longer, it would give him ample time to develop.

By then, he would be more confident in dealing with higher-level problems.

As Zhenyuan finished explaining the "Root Planting Technique," the reactions of those present varied.

Xuan Cheng still had that calm expression, seemingly unaffected.

Elder Song was muttering, as if trying to commit everything said to memory.

As for the three sect leaders, their faces turned livid.

Their hope for cultivating immortality was completely dashed!

Without a spirit root and not meeting the requirements for root planting, how could they cultivate immortality?

But fortunately, Zhenyuan left them a glimmer of hope.

They didn't qualify, but surely some disciples in the sects would.

The three exchanged glances, their thoughts surprisingly aligned.

Which was to quickly select suitable disciples once they returned to their sects.

But the premise of all this was that Zhenyuan was willing to help them nurture the disciples.

How would they broach this subject?

The three exchanged another look, and their collective understanding from decades of camaraderie quickly revealed their intents.

"Alas!"

"This 'Root Planting Technique' demands so much, but the age requirement is manageable."

"It's just that the Spiritual Pill and Spiritual Spring are really difficult to deal with!"

The Sect Leader of Jingming Tao sighed while glancing at Zhenyuan.

"That's not all! It also requires a master to assist, and where can we find such a benevolent master?"

"Yes, indeed! This path of cultivation for mortals is truly as hard as ascending to heaven!"

The other two sect leaders chimed in, one echoing the other.

Seeing this, Lu Heng couldn't help but snort coldly in his heart.

These three old foxes are truly hypocritical to the core!

And they have the nerve to act so shamelessly!

If Zhenyuan showed a bit of kindness, these three would start pushing their luck!

They were the ones who claimed they would single-mindedly pursue the Dao without distractions; it almost made him nauseous.

If he didn't need these three as atmosphere setters, he would've used a Thunder Light Talisman to send the three of them to the hospital along with Xuan Tong and Xuanxin.

"Should I do something about these three old fellows?"

As Lu Heng pondered, an idea flashed in his mind.

Compared to these sect leaders who wanted something for nothing, Elder Song still retained some decency.

At least he understood there's no such thing as a free lunch!

After hesitating for a moment, Elder Song tentatively asked, "Old Taoist, I believe you should be somewhat aware of the current world after awakening?"

"Our Dragon Country is vast and rich, possessing numerous natural resources."

"Before coming to see you, Old Taoist, I received a promise from the high officials that as long as you're willing to cooperate, we're willing to provide any resources you need..."

Upon hearing this, the three sect leaders who planned to get something for nothing were taken aback.

Their gazes all turned to Elder Song.

You... how could you...

When you could get it for nothing, why are you proposing resource exchange?

If not for Zhenyuan's presence and Elder Song's official capacity, they truly would've wanted to engage in a real-life confrontation.

The three sect leaders were so frustrated they gnawed their teeth but were helpless.

How could they prevent Zhenyuan from working with Elder Song on an official level?

Zhenyuan wasn't their biological father.

And even if he were, in the face of enormous benefits, he might sever the father-son relationship.

As for stopping Elder Song?

They didn't have an extra brain for that!

"Elder Song truly understands the situation!"

Lu Heng nodded secretly in approval.

He looked at the three sect leaders with disdain and scorn.

Sheesh, what era are we in, and they still think about getting something for nothing?

Elder Song's proposal, however, fit perfectly with his previous expectations.

As a reborn individual from a parallel world, his attitude towards Dragon Country's officialdom was both distant yet cooperative.

Why distance?

Because he possessed a system, being the only extraordinary individual in this world!

If the Dragon Country officialdom discovered his secrets, it was plausible they might try to take him for research.

Before attaining enough strength, he had to keep a certain distance from the officials to ensure his safety.

Why, then, seek cooperation?

He mainly had two considerations.

Firstly, how could cultivation not require resources?

The system couldn't possibly supply him with all cultivation resources.

Take the simplest example, like the Spiritual Qi Pill.

Initially, the Spiritual Qi Pill could absolutely satisfy his daily cultivation needs.

But with the addition of the Shadow Beast and Cultivation Puppet, the consumption of Spiritual Qi Pills increased three to four fold.

If he later summoned any other Spirit Beasts, his stockpile might soon be insufficient.

Thus, he needed to refine the Vitality Pill as a lower substitute to feed the Shadow Beast or other Spirit Beasts.

Where would the materials for alchemy come from?

Of course, he'd need to find partners to provide them!

And Dragon Country's officialdom made a great partner choice, wealthy and resourceful.

When the time comes, he can trade simplified versions of various pills with Dragon Country's officials.

What if the pills get reverse-engineered?

He wasn't worried at all.

It's similar to a recipe; even if given the ingredients and steps, one might not be able to replicate the dish.

A slight difference in heat and seasoning can change the dish's flavor, making it unrecognizable.

It's even more so with alchemy.

The slightest deviation in heat could lead to failure in refining pills.

The second consideration for cooperation was to buy time.

He intended to extend the honeymoon phase of cooperation with the officials, giving himself enough time to grow and develop.

Once his cultivation reached a high level, he'd be able to either advance or defend.

Even if the officials turned hostile, he would have nothing to fear.

"Oh?"

Under Lu Heng's influence, Zhenyuan appeared interested.

He smiled and asked, "I wonder what you want the Old Taoist to do?"

"Old Taoist, I heard from Qingfeng that his terminal leukemia was cured by the pill you gave, which saved his life."

"I wonder if the Old Taoist still possesses such pills?"

Elder Song asked eagerly.

This was the true motive for his visit!

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