Time flew by, and ten days passed in a flash.
After ten days of flight, the Earth Element Spirit Ship finally arrived at the sea region where Wanxing Island was located. Looking down, islands dotted the sea like emeralds, and the emerald-green seawater and the sky reflected each other, forming a beautiful painting.
Between the islands, faintly visible drifting clouds added a touch of mystery.
The Earth Element Spirit Ship gradually approached the largest island among them—Wanxing Island. This gigantic island was surrounded by several smaller islands, resembling a brilliant emerald embedded in the vast sea.
Lush forests covered the entire island, with clouds swirling among them, creating a magnificent scene. Cultivators flying on swords and piloting spirit boats were faintly visible, zipping between the various islands.
Li Mu, lightly disguised with Xue'er, flew out of the Earth Element Spirit Ship, put it away, and switched to flying on his sword, blending in with other Loose Cultivators as he discreetly flew towards Wanxing Island.
However, just as Li Mu and his companions approached Wanxing Island, a team of patrols clad in golden armor suddenly blocked their path.
"Outsider Cultivators?"
The patrol captain, who was leading the group, stopped Li Mu, sized them up, and asked respectfully with cupped hands, "Senior, do you have an island entry permit?"
Li Mu was slightly taken aback, not expecting Wanxing Island to require a special permit. He quickly shook his head and said, "This one is new to your island and unaware of such a thing. Please enlighten me!"
The patrol captain understood Li Mu's confusion and patiently explained, "Senior, Wanxing Island is a vital area of our Sect. All outsider Cultivators must undergo an assessment and obtain a permit before entering. This is to ensure the safety of the island. Please understand, Senior."
Li Mu understood in his heart and immediately asked, "So that's how it is. How does one obtain this permit?"
"You're too polite, Senior." The patrol captain waved his hand, then pointed the way, "Flying straight from here will take you to Thousand Leaf Island. You can go there first to obtain the permit, and then return to enter the island."
Li Mu nodded knowingly.
Soon, the patrol captain enthusiastically offered to escort Li Mu and his companions to Thousand Leaf Island, leading the way.
Along the way, Li Mu took the opportunity to chat with the patrol captain and learn about the sea region's situation.
Wanxing Island is the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Islands Sect and the most renowned island in the entire sea region. The island possesses several High Rank Spiritual Veins, and the Sect Master, Revered Huang Yuan, is a Void Refining Realm Cultivator, whose cultivation and strength are among the top few in this sea region.
The Ten Thousand Islands Sect is the largest Sect in this sea region, welcoming all Cultivators from overseas and sharing tens of thousands of miles of sea territory with the Sea God Sect. In this sea region, the Ten Thousand Islands Sect and the Sea God Sect are the two largest forces, mutually balancing each other.
Of course, besides the Ten Thousand Islands Sect and the Sea God Sect, there are also hundreds, even thousands, of large and small island Families and Loose Cultivator organizations. Although their strength is not as great as the Ten Thousand Islands Sect and the Sea God Sect, they are still forces that cannot be ignored in this sea region.
Unlike the expansion of the Nine Demon Sect's influence in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, the vast numbers of the Yao Race beneath the sea are the common enemy of all Human Race Cultivators.
...
In addition, the patrol captain also told Li Mu that Thousand Leaf Island is one of the closest islands to Wanxing Island and a gateway to other islands. On Thousand Leaf Island, one can obtain a permit, which is a necessary item for entering other islands.
Soon, they arrived at Thousand Leaf Island.
The island was covered in bamboo forests and ancient trees reaching the sky, permeated with dense Spiritual Qi. Li Mu followed the patrol captain to the main hall on the island, where the patrol captain introduced the situation to the deacon in charge of permits.
The deacon was a Golden Core female Cultivator, Ji Hanyan. She looked at Li Mu and nodded with a smile, "So, Senior comes from the Southern Wilderness. Our Sect warmly welcomes you."
After speaking, Ji Hanyan took out a purple token and respectfully said, "Senior, this is the token for the island entry permit. You only need to pay one thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones and leave a Divine Soul imprint on the Jade Slip to obtain a permit."
Li Mu did not reach out to take it, staring at the purple token with a hesitant expression.
The Divine Soul is the foundation of a Cultivator. Once a Divine Soul imprint is left on this token, Li Mu worried that he might be exploited by the Ten Thousand Islands Sect later, which would be disadvantageous to him.
Li Mu hesitated, unsure how to choose.
Seeing this, Ji Hanyan smiled and reminded him, "Leaving a Divine Soul imprint is only to prevent someone from impersonating a distinguished guest to enter Wanxing Island. It will absolutely not be used for any other purpose, so please rest assured, Senior."
"Li has always disliked doing such things. If a Divine Soul imprint is required, then this permit is not worth having, and I will not go to Wanxing Island. I wonder if your Sect has any Spiritual Islands for rent? I plan to long-term rent one for a period of time," Li Mu thought for a moment, politely declined, and inquired.
Ji Hanyan seemed to have encountered this situation many times and had anticipated it. She responded with a smile, "If Senior truly doesn't wish to enter the island, there are also Spiritual Islands for rent, but the rent for a Spiritual Island is not cheap!"
A hint of joy flashed in Li Mu's eyes, and he mused, "High rent doesn't matter, as long as it's not too outrageous, Li can accept it."
Ji Hanyan smiled slightly and responded by explaining, "Senior, please rest assured, our Ten Thousand Islands Sect will not demand exorbitant prices. The rent for a Spiritual Island is calculated based on the Spiritual Vein Rank on the island, the island's area, and its special Spiritual Plant products."
"Taking this Thousand Leaf Island as an example, it has three Spiritual Veins, with the main vein being a High Rank Spiritual Vein, an area of 300 square kilometers, and special Spiritual Plants: Fourth Order Purple Yang Wood, Fourth Order Jade Green Spiritual Bamboo, Third Order Jade Crow Spiritual Flower, and many other Spiritual Plants. Therefore, the rent will be relatively higher, three million Mid-Grade Spirit Stones per year. If you rent for thirty years or more, the rent can be discounted by 10%."
"The Spiritual Veins of each Spiritual Pill are different, and the Spiritual Plants, Spiritual Plants, and area prices produced vary, but they are generally within this rental range."
"Senior, what type of Spiritual Island do you wish to rent, and for how many years do you plan to rent it? I can recommend a suitable island based on your needs. If your Spirit Stones are insufficient, you can also co-rent with other Cultivators." Ji Hanyan explained in detail and asked Li Mu with concern.
Li Mu's heart stirred slightly. This rental price was indeed not expensive for him. Having a High Rank Spiritual Vein would meet the needs for planting Fourth Order Spiritual Plants.
Li Mu thought for a moment and confirmed, "Co-renting is unnecessary. The required island doesn't need to be too large, but it must have a High Rank Spiritual Vein. At the same time, the island should have more Superior Spiritual Fields suitable for planting Fourth Order and above Spiritual Plants. As for the rest, that's pretty much it! If there's a suitable island, I plan to rent it for thirty years first."
Upon hearing this, Ji Hanyan's spirits lifted. A big business! The Ten Thousand Islands Sect has many Spiritual Islands, however, the number of Cultivators with the financial means to rent islands is not large. They are usually rented by Cultivation Families. Nascent Soul cultivators like Li Mu, who rent on their own, are extremely rare. If this island rental deal goes through, she can earn a considerable profit.
"Understood, Senior, please wait a moment. I will check!" Ji Hanyan respectfully gestured to Li Mu, then took out a white Jade Slip and immersed her Divine Sense to preview it.
Ji Hanyan was very efficient. In less than a moment, she put away the Jade Slip and looked at Li Mu with a smile.
"Senior, I just checked the island records. Based on your requirements, I found a suitable Spiritual Island. This Spiritual Island is located in the northeastern part of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region and is named 'Crescent Moon Island'. Its area is approximately one hundred and twenty square kilometers, and it possesses a High Rank Spiritual Vein. Near the Spiritual Vein, there is a relatively gentle terrain suitable for cultivating large areas of Spiritual Fields. This island perfectly matches your requirements."
Li Mu's heart stirred upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but press further, "Then what is the number of Superior Spiritual Fields on this Spiritual Island?"
Ji Hanyan smiled and replied, "Crescent Moon Island has approximately two thousand mu of Superior Spiritual Fields, distributed in the southeastern part of the island. In addition, there are quite a few Medium Grade Spiritual Fields on the island, totaling over a thousand mu. Such an abundant number of Spiritual Fields is very rare on ordinary Spiritual Islands. If needed, many more Spiritual Fields can be cultivated."
The more Li Mu listened, the more tempted he became, and he asked with concern, "Then what is the rent for this Spiritual Island?"
"Crescent Moon Island is slightly smaller than Thousand Leaf Island, but it has a High Rank Spiritual Vein. The island and the surrounding sea area are rich in many High Rank Spiritual Plants and marine Spiritual Plants, such as Fourth Order Cold Moon Spiritual Plant, Third Order Jade Dew Spiritual Pearl, etc. If managed properly, the annual income alone could offset most of the rent..." Ji Hanyan introduced in a continuous stream.
"Alright, you don't need to introduce these. Just tell me the rent and how to pay it," Li Mu waved his hand, interrupting her.
"Okay, Senior. The annual rent for this Crescent Moon Island is two million five hundred thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones. If you choose to rent for thirty years, the rent can be discounted by 10%, which would be two million two hundred fifty thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones per year. One year's rent is required as a deposit, and rent is paid every three years." Ji Hanyan quickly responded, her attitude very respectful.
"Hmm! Can you take me to see it?" Li Mu suggested.
"Of course! This island is a thousand Li away from Thousand Leaf Island. Let's go by spirit boat!" Ji Hanyan nodded happily and enthusiastically made an inviting gesture.
As soon as she finished speaking, Ji Hanyan released a Third Order Medium-sized Spirit Boat from her storage bracelet. The Spirit Boat had a beautiful appearance, similar to the streamlined design of a Celestial Shuttle Spirit Ship, allowing it to travel faster and more stably in the air.
Li Mu nodded with satisfaction and stepped onto the Spirit Boat with Xue'er. Ji Hanyan followed closely behind them, piloting the Spirit Boat.
Under Ji Hanyan's control, the Spirit Boat rode the wind, speeding towards Crescent Moon Island.
During the journey, Li Mu and Ji Hanyan discussed various details about Crescent Moon Island.
"Senior, Crescent Moon Island's High Rank Spiritual Vein is very rare, and it can provide abundant Spiritual Qi for Spiritual Plants. The Spiritual Fields on the island are also of Superior Grade, very suitable for planting various rare Spiritual Plants."
"If you're interested, I can also introduce you to some suitable Spiritual Plant seeds. Crescent Moon Island's environment is most suitable for the growth of Jade Dew Spiritual Flowers... Near Crescent Moon Island, there's also a kind of undersea Spiritual Plant called 'Coral Jadeite', which is very beneficial for water-attribute Cultivators and is the main ingredient for refining Fuyuan Pills and Shuining Pills..." Upon learning that Li Mu was a Spiritual Plant Master, Ji Hanyan catered to his interests and began to introduce them endlessly.
Ji Hanyan's clear and pleasant voice drifted in the sea breeze. Li Mu was not annoyed; instead, he paid attention to the Spiritual Plant specialties of this Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
Through Ji Hanyan's explanation, Li Mu learned about the characteristics of most Spiritual Plants in this sea region. Due to its proximity to the sea, most of the Spiritual Plants produced were water-attribute, and there were even many special Spiritual Plants that grew in undersea Spiritual Lands. As for other attribute Spiritual Plants, their Ranks were not very high.
"Senior, look, that's Crescent Moon Island! The Spiritual Plants and Spiritual Fields on the island are managed by dozens of our Sect's Inner Sect Disciples. If you rent it, arrangements will be made for them to evacuate immediately!"
Two quarters of an hour later, the speeding Spirit Boat arrived above an island. Ji Hanyan quickly pointed the way to Li Mu.
Li Mu had already 'seen' it. His Divine Sense had already impatiently scanned Crescent Moon Island several times. The island was true to its name, shaped like a crescent moon. The main Spiritual Vein was located in the center of the island. The island had dense forests and permeated Spiritual Qi, with a crescent-shaped coastline. The sea sand was fine, and the seawater was clear and blue. If this environment were in the original world, it would definitely be a crowded tourist destination.
Li Mu's Divine Sense scanned it several times, and he understood the situation on the island thoroughly.
The quality of the Spiritual Vein on this Spiritual Island was good. If a Spiritual Formation were set up and slightly modified, it could indeed plant Fourth Order Purple Yang Spiritual Mushroom and Yin Soul Fruit.
"Lord Li, this Spiritual Island is so beautiful! Should we rent it?" Xue'er's eyes sparkled as she looked at Crescent Moon Island, her face full of anticipation as she asked Li Mu.
"Senior Li, there's also an existing Immortal Cave on the island. This Immortal Cave is located at the main Spiritual Vein of Crescent Moon Peak, covering twenty mu, equipped with a High Rank Gathering Spirit Formation, a High Rank Artifact Refining Room, an Artifact Refining Room, a Medium Rank Spirit Beast Garden, five Cultivation rooms, etc. Would you like me to take you up to see it?" Ji Hanyan looked at Li Mu with a smile, asking for his permission.
"No need. I'll rent this island, but I hope your Sect can lower the rent a bit more. Based on the Spiritual Fields and Spiritual Plant output on the island, the annual income is only a few hundred thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones. Two million Mid-Grade Spirit Stones per year is about right for the rent. If possible, let's sign the lease now!" Li Mu smiled and refused, looking at Ji Hanyan and bargaining.
"This, Senior Li, I need to consult with the Sect about this price before I can decide." Upon hearing this, Ji Hanyan's face lit up. The price Li Mu offered was not high. This lease was likely to go through, but she still needed to consult with the Sect Elder.
"Alright!" Li Mu nodded with a smile.
Soon, Ji Hanyan turned the Spirit Boat around and returned to Thousand Leaf Island.
After returning to Thousand Leaf Island, Ji Hanyan invited a Nascent Soul Deacon to sign the island rental agreement with Li Mu.
"Two million Mid-Grade Spirit Stones per year, you say! Very well, Crescent Moon Island can be rented to you. However, Dao Friend Li, you need to pay the rent promptly and without delay. If there are no issues, please review this lease." The Nascent Soul Deacon nodded, took out a sheepskin scroll, and handed it to Li Mu.
Li Mu took the lease and carefully read through it.
The lease clearly stated the detailed terms of renting Crescent Moon Island, including the duration, rent, rights, and obligations. Li Mu carefully read the lease once and, after confirming there were no issues, signed his name on the lease.
"Alright, Dao Friend Li, the lease has been signed. You just need to pay the rent according to the terms on the lease." The Nascent Soul Deacon Elder put away the lease and looked at Li Mu.
Li Mu nodded with satisfaction, took out a batch of High-Grade Spirit Stones from his nine storage spiritual pearl, and paid the deposit and three years' rent on the spot.
The Nascent Soul Deacon looked at Li Mu in surprise and counted the number of Spirit Stones on the spot. He didn't expect this young Nascent Soul cultivator to be able to produce so many High-Grade Spirit Stones. It seemed he was a wealthy person.
"Dao Friend Li, the number of Spirit Stones is correct. Crescent Moon Island is rented to you from today onwards. You can use all the resources on the island as you wish, but you must not damage the Spiritual Veins and buildings on the island." The Nascent Soul Deacon Elder looked at Li Mu and said with a smile.
"Okay, I'll be careful." Li Mu nodded with satisfaction.
"Hanyan, you assist Dao Friend Li in settling into the Spiritual Island!" The Nascent Soul Deacon Elder looked at Ji Hanyan and instructed.
"Yes!" Ji Hanyan respectfully accepted the order.
Next, Ji Hanyan took Li Mu and his companions to Crescent Moon Island again, beginning to assist in clearing out the Disciples on Crescent Moon Island. (End of this chapter)
