At the Void Immortal Sword Sect, Sect Master’s Hall. “Esteemed elders, I have brought the person as requested. I hope I have lived up to your expectations,” Bai Qingming cupped his fist and smiled. The elders nodded lightly, their gazes all landing on Fang Chen. Langya Wenqiu’s face was filled with joy as she looked at Fang Chen, while Jing Yuehan couldn’t help but show a hint of regret in her eyes. Years ago, Fang Chen had been just a small cultivator from a low-ranked ninth-tier empire. Yet now, he stood there, having become the Sword Leader of the Void Immortal Sword Sect. His cultivation and methods had far surpassed her own. The Sect Master, still only revealing his profile, spoke. “Fang Chen, have you become an Immortal Seedling?” Everyone stared intently at Fang Chen. After all, he had been inside the Ancient Immortal Road for several years, whereas historical records showed that no one had lasted more than a year inside. Those who did exceed that time never returned. They were all curious as to how Fang Chen managed to emerge after several years and what might have happened during that time. Fang Chen pondered for a moment before delivering the explanation he had prepared long in advance. “I left the Ancient Immortal Road after only a few days and spent the following years traveling to various places.” Fang Chen couldn’t possibly explain that he had Three Thousand Dao Realm and that mid-grade spirit stones held significant value for him. He thought for a moment and then said, “Can I request an advance on 80 years' worth of mid-grade spirit stones?” The Sect Master of the Void Immortal Sword Sect fell silent. Fang Chen tested the waters further. “What about 60 years?” The disciples from various peaks looked on with curiosity. Why would someone at the Golden Core Realm need so many mid-grade spirit stones? Seeing that the Sect Master still wasn’t responding, Fang Chen continued, “Then how about 40 years?” The Sect Master let out a gentle sigh. “Don’t you understand? Our sect simply cannot produce that many mid-grade spirit stones. Even giving you 100 each year would be deducted from our annual share.” One of the peak masters quietly explained, “Fang Chen, you might not know this, but there are very few mines in the world that can produce mid-grade spirit stones, which is why their supply is so limited. We have seven Immortal Ruins in the Immortal Demonic Sea. Because we have so few Immortal Seedlings, we allow some to enter by purchasing tickets with mid-grade spirit stones. "This revenue is the main source of income for the sect. With the mid-grade spirit stones, we prioritize the cultivation of our disciples, and after that, the remaining amount is quite scarce.” The Sect Master contemplated for a moment, then said, “Here’s what we can do. As the Sword Leader, you will indeed bear responsibilities that far exceed ours. I can advance you… 10 years' worth of mid-grade spirit stones, but that’s all I can offer.” Fang Chen’s face broke into a smile as he cupped his fist in gratitude. “Thank you, Sect Master.” He was thinking that ten years was just about right. With 1000 mid-grade spirit stones, he could enter the Three Thousand Dao Realm twice. He could begin to refine his Nascent Soul. The Sect Master waved his hand. “Dismissed. I’ll have someone send the mid-grade spirit stones to you shortly.” Fang Chen nodded and turned to exit the hall. “Then I’ll take my leave first.” The disciples from various peaks also began to leave, with Langya Wenqiu and the others quickly following after Fang Chen. They were curious if he really hadn’t spent these years in the Ancient Immortal Road. Once everyone had departed, only the peak masters and the elders were left in the hall. Most of them were in the Middle Three Realms or Upper Realms. The Sect Master of the Void Immortal Sword Sect spread his hands and said, “Everyone, let’s pool our resources. I can only come up with 80 mid-grade spirit stones.” The bearded sword cultivator’s eyes flashed with anger. “Sect Master, have you consumed all the mid-grade spirit stones over the years? You can only produce 80? Isn’t that a bit hard to believe?” “Truth is truth, and falsehood is falsehood. Do you think the old Sword Immortal doesn’t need healing medicine after being injured? A few years ago, a batch of mid-grade spirit stones was used to purchase high-grade spirit medicine,” the Sect Master of the Void Immortal Sword Sect said with a cold smile. The others realized this, and then they exchanged glances. Each contributed several dozen mid-grade spirit stones, and it was quite difficult to gather a total of 1000 mid-grade spirit stones. One peak master whispered, “Why don’t we try persuading Fang Chen again? I really can’t think of what he would need 1000 mid-grade spirit stones for.”