Internal Strife, Mining, Mysterious Colored Pearls Strike

The Immortal Realm, Wuji's Divine Hall.

Wuji was still playing games on the Heavenly Mirror.

Logically speaking, a treasure of the Heavenly Mirror's level had no right to spy on a secret realm created by a Chaos Supreme Treasure!

But Wuji was the Immortal Emperor—he didn’t play by the rules. He had attached a wisp of his soul to a Great Luo cultivator, sharing their vision through the Heavenly Mirror before severing the connection between his true self and the soul fragment, only projecting the scene through the mirror.

This way, though there was a slight delay, it was negligible—the lag wasn’t severe, and it ensured his true self remained detached, untouched by karma.

After all, everything was the doing of the Yin-Yang Daoist, the Great Luo ancestor of the Green Lotus Ancient Clan—it had nothing to do with Wuji!

Truly, he loved keeping his hands clean.

On the Heavenly Mirror’s projection, the Yin-Yang Daoist was acting aggressively. Unaware that he had been possessed, he only knew he was about to strike it rich!

"Such dense primordial essence! Even if we don’t obtain the Chaos Supreme Treasure, the Wood Essence veins within this Five Elements Mountain will be enough to sustain my Green Lotus Ancient Clan for generations! Any objections, fellow Daoists?"

The Great Luo ancestor of the Star God Ancient Clan chuckled. "Then I’ll take the Earth Veins condensed from Divine Earth."

"My clan claims the Fire Essence Metal!" declared the Great Luo ancestor of the Abyssal Nether Ancient Clan succinctly.

"The Extreme Yin Water is perfect for cooling our flesh," added the Great Luo ancestor of the Time Dragon Clan.

"Then my clan will reluctantly take the Metal Essence," the Great Luo ancestor of the Primordial Source Clan said calmly.

After the five clans had divided the spoils, Feng Jinhuang, the Great Luo ancestor of the Primordial Heart Soul Clan, arrived late.

Her brow was furrowed with deep worry, as if she foresaw a tragic future.

"Daoist Jinhuang, you’re late. The resources within this treasure land have already been claimed by us. What now?" The Yin-Yang Daoist gazed at her with profound depth.

The other four ancient clan ancestors watched her as well.

The Immortal Realm was not united—conflicts existed among the ancient clans. They had refrained from turning on each other earlier because the stakes weren’t high enough. Natural treasures were valuable, but since they could be claimed by individual ability, peace had been maintained.

But now, with the Five Elements Essence Veins—a high-grade strategic resource—already in their grasp, none would surrender them willingly.

If the Primordial Heart Soul Clan knew what was good for them, they would back off. Otherwise, the five clans wouldn’t hesitate to join forces and suppress them!

"Do you all truly think my Primordial Heart Soul Clan is easy to bully?!"

Before Feng Jinhuang could speak, a Taiyi realm clansman behind her shouted in fury.

"Did I bully you?" The Yin-Yang Daoist remained calm. "Since ancient times, the rule has been that heavenly treasures belong to those who claim them first. You arrived late—who can you blame?"

"One step behind means always behind!" The Star God Ancient Clan ancestor sneered. "Your ancestor hesitated and lost the initiative. Don’t bark nonsense now!"

"Does the Primordial Heart Soul Clan intend to defy the rules?" The Primordial Source Clan ancestor’s gaze darkened.

Because the Primordial Heart Soul Clan was strong, they had a seat at the table. But if they tried to flip the table, the others would not hesitate to act.

"You—you all—!" The Taiyi clansman was furious but helpless, looking pleadingly at his ancestor.

"Enough. The rules have stood since ancient times. We will abide by them—I hope you do the same."

Feng Jinhuang had no desire to argue further. Leading her clansmen, she began ascending the mountain.

Unable to use magic, relying solely on their physical bodies to endure the torment of the Five Elements Essence was grueling.

Especially for the Primordial Heart Soul Clan, whose cultivation focused on the soul—their physical strength, though meeting the baseline for their realm, was among the weakest. Their ascent was slow.

But their souls were resilient. A little pain meant nothing—even the Golden Immortals gritted their teeth without a sound.

"Hah, as expected. They’re slow—no need to worry. We can mine while advancing, just follow behind them."

The Yin-Yang Daoist smirked coldly and ordered the Green Lotus Clan to dig forward like moles.

The other four clans did the same.

No one knew if they’d have another chance to return for resources after passing the Five Elements Mountain.

Better to secure them now—they had both the strength and the means to mine!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Under the crushing weight of Divine Earth’s gravity, the scorching Fire Essence, the corrosive Acid Rain, the entangling Wood Vines, and the slashing Metal Blades, the five clans pulled out mining picks and swung them with practiced ease, relying on sheer physical might like mortal laborers.

Why? Because they were experts!

After all, most public mines in the Immortal Realm belonged to Wuji’s Celestial Court, which managed mining operations. Though the ancient clans had private mines, single-attribute resources couldn’t sustain their vast populations.

To obtain more, they had to register with Wuji’s Celestial Court and work in public mines, surrendering 90% of their haul as tax!

This was already lenient—the old Lingxiao Celestial Court had taken 95%!

But cultivation demanded resources, so they followed the rules.

Thus, over the years, every powerful clan had honed their mining skills to perfection.

The Primordial Heart Soul Clan was no exception—but here, their magic was sealed, their soul power suppressed. With their frail bodies, how could they compete against the five robust clans?

They were at a severe disadvantage!

Feng Jinhuang knew this well, so she didn’t fight for the resources. There was no point.

Her mind was still preoccupied with the declaration from the Purple Star Celestial Court and the figure of that lucky little fellow.

Suddenly—

Her pupils contracted. A faint, nine-colored silhouette descended slowly from the mountain peak!

Instinct overtook thought. She immediately shouted, "All disciples, halt!"

But it was too late.

Before her voice faded, a Chaos Pearl shot forth like a blur, striking a Golden Immortal of her clan!

Unable to use magic and physically weak, the Golden Immortal was helpless—the pearl launched him into the air, and he vanished!

Hummm—

The void trembled as dozens more Chaos Pearls surged forth!

In moments, dozens of powerless Golden Immortals were flung upward, disappearing without a trace.

"All disciples, do not panic! Drop to the ground and cling tightly!"

Feng Jinhuang roared, her Great Luo body twisting through the crushing gravity and elemental onslaught. Ignoring her own safety, she dragged her surviving clansmen together.

The Taiyi Mirror Clan members formed the outermost ring, while Golden Immortals at the peak of their cultivation created an inner circle. The safest central area was reserved for early-stage Golden Immortals, all united against external threats, remaining vigilant against another potential ambush from the Chaotic Prismatic Pearl.

At the same time.

The five ancient clans digging diligently halfway up the mountain also sensed something amiss. They immediately formed defensive circles back-to-back, cautiously scanning their surroundings with heightened alertness.