The Capital, Ye Family Ancient Estate.
Shan Hu and Ye Chengye left the underground palace together.
Though three days had passed, a repressive, murderous atmosphere still permeated the ancient estate. Faint magical fluctuations and the lingering stench left by the self-detonation of Ancestor Blood Corpse hung in the air, reminding everyone of the earth-shattering battle that had taken place.
"Go and summon Ye Qingcheng," Shan Hu commanded Ye Chengye, his voice calm yet carrying an unquestionable authority.
"Yes, Senior!"
Ye Chengye knew in his heart how monumental the fortune was that Shan Hu was bestowing upon his daughter—the Azure Essence Crystal. He couldn't wait to inform Ye Qingcheng of this incredible opportunity.
He quickly traversed the corridors and found Ye Qingcheng in the main courtyard, handling the family's aftermath.
At this moment, Ye Qingcheng's face still showed a hint of fatigue, but her eyes were filled with resolve. Having endured this catastrophe, she had completely shed her youthful naivety and taken on the heavy responsibility of the family.
"Qingcheng, quick, follow me to meet Senior Shan!" Ye Chengye grabbed his daughter's hand, suppressing the excitement in his voice.
Ye Qingcheng was slightly surprised, but seeing the unprecedented exhilaration and fervor in her father's eyes, she nodded obediently.
In the separate courtyard where Shan Hu was staying, Ye Chengye dismissed all servants and firmly closed the door.
"Qingcheng, kneel!" Ye Chengye's tone was as solemn as if he were presiding over an ancestral ceremony.
Though confused, Ye Qingcheng obeyed and knelt.
Ye Chengye took a deep breath and presented the azure-shimmering crystal to his daughter, his voice trembling. "Qingcheng, this is the Azure Essence Crystal bestowed upon you by Senior Shan. The Senior said this object can reshape your meridians and grant you superb cultivation aptitude. From now on, the Ye family is no longer a secular wealthy clan, but an affiliated cultivation force under the Senior's command! You… are the next Patriarch selected by the Senior, and the guardian of the spiritual vein!"
Ye Qingcheng was deeply shaken as she looked at the small azure crystal, feeling the terrifying vitality it contained. She had guessed Shan Hu's identity was extraordinary, but she never expected the fortune he granted to be so heaven-defying.
"Father, I…"
"Qingcheng, you need not say more. This is the future of the Ye family, and it is your destiny!" Ye Chengye interrupted her sternly, then informed his daughter of the method to integrate the Azure Essence Crystal into her body.
Ye Qingcheng took a deep breath, her gaze growing steady. She knew this was not just a great opportunity, but a great responsibility.
"Yes, Father. I understand. I will not fail the Senior's trust." She took the crystal and solemnly pressed it against her Dantian region.
Ye Chengye smiled with satisfaction.
A moment later, Ye Chengye returned to Shan Hu alone.
"Senior, Qingcheng has already begun her seclusion."
Shan Hu was in the courtyard, gazing at the sky partially obscured by tall buildings overhead, and nodded slightly.
"Very good," he turned around, his eyes revealing a profound depth of strategizing. "Ye Chengye, now I have a more important matter for you to handle."
"Senior, please command. I will go through fire and water without hesitation!" Ye Chengye said respectfully.
Shan Hu stated calmly, "I need resources. Though the Earth's spiritual energy is depleted, it is not entirely devoid. There are always some places that have retained strong spiritual energy or heavenly treasures due to unique geological structures or ancient formations."
"You are to immediately activate all of the Ye family's intelligence networks, including your family's overseas contacts, to search for three types of information for me:"
"First, records of ancient ruins or immortal caves, particularly mountains or valleys rumored to house immortals or to be sealed."
"Second, special mineral deposits or geological anomaly sites. Any mining area that has produced rare gems, possesses a powerful magnetic field, or is associated with strange legends must be recorded."
"Third, secluded locations of sects or families over a thousand years old. Seek out those forces that might have preserved ancient cultivation texts or powerful magic treasures."
Shan Hu's gaze was sharp as a sword: "Remember, this must be carried out in secret. Though the cultivators on Earth are weak, they are still a force. I do not wish to cause any unnecessary trouble before I find enough resources to break through the Golden Core stage."
Ye Chengye's heart churned with enormous waves upon hearing this. Shan Hu was commanding him to search for the hidden resources of the entire planet! This task was immensely difficult, yet it filled him with excitement. He knew this was the official start of his duty as the Immortal Emperor's subordinate.
"Worry not, Senior. I will immediately arrange the deployment. All information will be compiled and delivered to the Senior in the shortest possible time!"
Shan Hu raised his hand in satisfaction: "Go. This is your first step in establishing yourself under my command."