"The world's deficiencies?" someone exclaimed in disbelief. How could the world be deficient? What does that have to do with a cultivator's cultivation? Those who would think that way are not Level 9 cultivators, because they're not at that level and don't feel it deeply. On the contrary, those at Level 9 showed thoughtful expressions. Each of them wanted to unravel the mysteries beyond the Divine Sea. Although they hadn't risked their lives in pursuit, having reached their level of cultivation, they naturally sensed some things. It was as if there was an invisible force in this world binding them, preventing them from pursuing higher levels of cultivation. Nobody knew what kind of force it was because it was just a vague feeling, not clear enough to judge. But Lu Ye's words were like a wake-up call. Not until then did the many Level 9 cultivators suddenly realize that the force restraining them from pursuing higher cultivation levels came from the Nine Provinces itself! Vaguely, they all had a premonition that what Lu Ye was about to say would certainly be earth-shattering, and might explain many things that had long puzzled them. They immediately sat upright, focusing intently. "Every world has its own tiers, and the height of those tiers depends on the world's essence. The limit a cultivator can reach is directly related to the world's tiers," Lu Ye continued, sharing some insights he received from Number Nine. Every word was as shocking as when many Divine Sea cultivators looked through the Heaven Reflecting Mirror to see the vast stellar space. "If a world is compared to a bottle, then the water inside is its essence. What can emerge in a small bottle? Just some insects at best! But if it's a pond, at least fish and shrimp can survive in there. What if it's an ocean? The Nine Provinces right now are just a small bottle, and we Divine Sea cultivators are the insects living within. The same goes for the Blood Refinement World over there. But if we let the Nine Provinces devour the essence of the Blood Refinement World, then this Nine Provinces bottle can transform into a pond, and we insects will have a chance to turn into fish and shrimp, easily breaking through the shackles of the Divine Sea Realm!" Pairs of eyes suddenly brightened. These words were not only exhilarating for those at Level 9 but were also inspiring for the Divine Sea cultivators below them. They hadn't reached Level 9 yet, but didn't everyone have the heart of a Level 9? If the situation continued as it was, when they reached Level 9, did they have to follow the old path of isolation and enlightenment like their predecessors? But if Lu Ye was right, even isolation and enlightenment wouldn't help. To solve the problem of no one in the Nine Provinces breaking through beyond the Divine Sea, they would have to expand the essence of the Nine Provinces and turn the bottle into a pond. "Young Friend Lu, where did you learn these things?" a Level 9 cultivator asked. These old guys who had lived so long were clueless about this, yet how did this young man in his twenties know such shocking words? Yet, what Lu Ye said was extremely logical and convincing. Lu Ye smiled without speaking, seeming profoundly mysterious. This demeanor not only didn't arouse suspicion but further convinced people, because of the mysterious nature of Heaven's Augury; some things cannot be spoken of directly, only sensed. Everyone immediately understood that this matter was likely related to Heaven's Augury. Otherwise, Lu Ye could never have known these things. Truly someone favored by Heaven's Augury... A group of old guys felt a sourness in their hearts. "Young Friend Lu, can the essence of one world be devoured by another?" another person asked. "I don't know about other worlds, but the Nine Provinces can!" The Blood World that once destroyed the Soaring Dragon World could as well, though it was unnecessary to mention it now. Lu Ye had never understood the relationship between the Blood World and the Blood Refinement World or if they were the same domain. But even if they weren't the same domain, there must be some connection between these domains because they both inhabited the Blood Race. "Young friend, if we indeed venture on a campaign to the Blood Refinement World, what's the chance of victory for the Nine Provinces?" "It depends on our efforts. Moreover, the enemy is exposed while we are hidden, and with the Righteous Blood Sacred Land supporting us, our chances of victory are not small." "Young friend, if we venture to the Blood Refinement World, do Cloud River Realm cultivators need to participate, or is it similar to the counterattack on the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm, where only those above the True Lake Realm take part?" "The Blood Refinement World is vast, and the Blood Race is large, including some in the Spirit Stream and Cloud River Realms. If we truly counterattack the Blood Refinement World, our Cloud River Realm cultivators must also be involved. Their participation will earn them battle merit, and I'm sure they'll be very active." "When do we set off?" "The time is not set, but I don't think it will be long. Therefore, all of you should prepare for battle in the meantime." The scene suddenly became lively, with many people asking questions, and Lu Ye answering as best as he could. In my heart, I couldn't help but sigh; the group of cultivators is ultimately driven by interests. Before there were actual benefits, most cultivators weren't overly enthusiastic about the affairs of the Blood Refinement World. Even if they paid attention, it was primarily to guard against a clash between the two realms. But once they learned that the foundation of the realms could be devoured, the enthusiasm of the Divine Sea Realm cultivators was instantly aroused. The Divine Sea Realm cultivators present included more than seventy percent of the high-level Divine Sea cultivators from the major sects of the Nine Provincial States. In a way, their intentions represented the intentions of the entire Nine Provinces cultivation world. The decisions they made were also the decisions of the entire Nine Provinces cultivation world. Though no one explicitly stated it, everyone knew that the expedition to the Blood Refinement World had become an established fact. If anyone dared to oppose it at this time, they would certainly face harsh criticism from everyone. A well-organized celebration banquet completely changed its tone, turning into a pre-war mobilization of Nine Provinces cultivators discussing the expedition to the Blood Refinement World. The initial gathering of cultivators from the Nine Provincial States was one, to celebrate the victory in the counterattack on the Insect Race Great Secret Realm, and two, for the upper echelons of the two major factions to communicate face-to-face and determine how the two factions should coexist in the future. Now, all these matters were thrown aside, with such a large target as the Blood Refinement World in front of them. What do the grievances between the two major factions matter? The internal strife of the two factions was indeed fierce, but when it came to uniting against an external foe, they were equally fierce, thanks to the accumulations made during the periods of internal strife. At this point, it was no longer of concern to Lu Ye. Not to mention the entire Nine Provinces, even just in the Bingzhou area, it wasn't his place to take control. After all, he was still somewhat too young. Moreover, Lu Ye couldn't be bothered with these matters. His role was to provide the Nine Provinces cultivation world with a target, and it wasn't his concern what they did next. The leaders of the Nine Provincial States would discuss the matter in detail on their own. The celebration banquet couldn't continue. Under such circumstances, who had the mind to care about a celebration banquet? On the vast square, streams of Mental Consciousness exchanged swiftly, and discussions were intense. Lu Ye appropriately withdrew. This matter, concerning the future of Nine Provinces, is not something that can be decided in a short time. The discussions among the Divine Sea Realm cultivators will surely continue for a while before a concrete plan can be drawn up. But one thing is certain: once the mobilization order for war is issued, the entire Nine Provinces will enter an era of preparing for war. This is the first time the Nine Provinces will carry out an expedition to another domain, carrying significant commemorative meaning. Its success or failure will determine the future development of the Nine Provinces World. Lu Ye originally intended to go back to his small courtyard, but then remembered that it had already been requisitioned. For a moment, he found himself without a place to go. After some thought, he rose into the air and flew out of Haotian City, heading towards the Righteous Blood Sect. Since joining the Bingzhou Guard after reaching the True Lake Realm, he had rarely had the chance to return to the sect headquarters. With the unity across Nine Provinces now and no imminent friction between the two major factions for the time being, he no longer needed to station at Jinglan Lake Pass. It was a good opportunity to return to the sect headquarters for a visit. Meanwhile, in the Dark Moon Forest Pass, his doppelganger Li Taibai found Lin Yue and handed in his resignation. Lu Ye felt that it wouldn't be long before he had to set out for the Blood Refinement World. By then, with the two domains separated and his true self not in the Nine Provinces to coordinate, the doppelganger definitely couldn't maintain operations, so he needed to recall the doppelganger before leaving the Nine Provinces. After all, the doppelganger still contained a section of the root of the Talent Tree. The Talent Tree seemed to be showing signs of undergoing a second metamorphosis, and at this time, no loss could be afforded. Reclaiming that section of the root could also facilitate a better metamorphosis of the Talent Tree. Lin Yue, at this moment, was communicating with someone, her expression constantly changing. Noticing Li Taibai's intention, she was inevitably surprised: "Why is Junior Brother suddenly leaving?" The doppelganger stated the prepared excuse: "I heard news that the Nine Provinces cultivation world is planning an expedition to a domain called Blood Refinement World. The upper echelons of the two major factions are discussing the plan. It appears now that it's unlikely the two factions will clash anymore, and the insect disaster has also been resolved. I have no more reason to stay, so I wish to go out and explore, and I hope Senior Sister will allow it." Lin Yue had also just received all sorts of information about the Blood Refinement World, and upon hearing this, said, "Even so, Junior Brother doesn't have to leave. If you want to cultivate, staying at the mountain pass is just the same." Li Taibai shook his head, saying, "Compared to Lu Yiye, my knowledge and experience are still too limited. He's already turned around in another domain, and I haven't even ventured out of Bingzhou, which is a real gap." Hearing this, Lin Yue roughly understood Li Taibai's mindset. As far as she knew, Lu Yiye was now already at the Divine Sea Level 5 realm, while Li Taibai was still at Level 4. Young people are always competitive; these two are known as the Twin Heroes of Bingzhou, and neither would want to get left behind by the other. She felt some regret now because, during the counterattack on the Insect Race Great Secret Realm, she had held him back, not letting him participate, mainly fearing Li Taibai might come to harm. After all, the Ten Thousand Demons Ridge had finally produced a rising star who could rival Lu Yiye, and naturally, he needed protecting. In contrast, Lu Yiye, in the Insect Race Great Secret Realm, had achieved meritorious deeds unparalleled in history, endearing himself to the entire Nine Provinces, his fame had already left Li Taibai far behind. But looking at it now, it seemed she hadn't thought things through thoroughly enough. Thinking she understood Li Taibai's mindset, Lin Yue also knew she could not prevent him; forcibly doing so would have an adverse effect. She nodded and said, "Junior Brother is young, going out to see the world is good too. Whenever you want to come back, just let me know, and I'll keep the position of Mountain Pass Chief of Dark Moon Forest Pass for you."