[Rotten Divine Tree Spirit Seeds: 1380]
Ji Xia stood before the Rotten Divine Tree, observing the numerical display of spirit seeds while thoughtfully stroking his chin.
"I still don't fully understand the rules for obtaining spirit seeds. Previously, slaughtering six thousand Goujian only yielded slightly over two hundred seeds, yet after that speech at the palace tower, I obtained more than one thousand three hundred."
"And the quantity continues increasing slowly." He noticed that within mere minutes, the count had risen to 1381.
"First conclusion: killing living beings definitely generates spirit seeds. This gradual increase must come from the emotions of Taicang's citizens - likely their approval. As the news spreads, the seeds should continue accumulating."
[Activate spirit seed acquisition records module?]
A stream of information suddenly appeared in Ji Xia's consciousness. He froze momentarily before instinctively responding: "Activate."
[Activation requires 100 spirit seeds]
[Deduction confirmed. Module activated.]
Ji Xia's expression darkened immediately. Mentally cursing: "You didn't mention the cost when asking! Isn't this outright fraud?"
Checking the display, the count had indeed decreased to 1281.
Suppressing his irritation, he thought: "Display the spirit seed records interface."
An enormous light screen materialized before him, densely packed with text:
Spirit seed record module activation: -100 seeds
Execution of Qing Furen (Divine Ability Realm): +100 seeds. First Divine Ability kill bonus: +500 seeds
Acquisition of Qing Furen's emotion: Fear. +10 seeds
Slaughter of 86 Green-Faced Ghosts: +9 seeds
Elimination of 1,000 Warhound Army soldiers: +100 seeds
Annihilation of 5,000 Predator Army soldiers: +50 seeds
Recognition from Cangshou Army troops: +80 seeds
Emotional resonance: Approval from 100 Taicang citizens. +1 seed
Emotional resonance: Approval from 100 Taicang citizens. +1 seed
...
The complete record of spirit seed acquisition and expenditure was now fully visible, finally giving Ji Xia clear understanding of the mechanisms.
"Killing powerful enemies yields more seeds - executing my first Divine Ability realm opponent directly granted 600 seeds in total."
"Then there's emotional collection - every 100 citizens who approve of me generates 1 seed. Taicang's population exceeds 600,000. If all were to acknowledge me... that would mean over 6,000 seeds! Enough to exchange for the Celestial Right Guard Barracks!"
Ji Xia's heart surged with excitement: "Currently the news hasn't fully spread, so approval numbers remain low. But once today's events circulate among all Taicang's people, the seeds should increase continuously!"
"Open the Rotten Divine Tree's first layer!"
Re-entering the first layer space, he saw the familiar drifting light ribbons and floating light points.
"With 1280 spirit seeds remaining, what suitable items can I exchange for?"
His gaze rapidly scanned the floating objects, seeking something that could aid Taicang's current predicament.
"At present, our most urgent needs are surviving the imminent Goujian invasion and finding countermeasures against the Great Fu calamity approaching in two or three months!"
His inspection speed increased as he focused on this priority.
"1280 seeds aren't enough for any proper military camp exchange - these are far too expensive." Ji Xia frowned while observing the light ribbons. "That leaves functional divine artifacts as the only option."
[Divine Artifact: Marrow-Cleansing Crystal]
[Exchange cost: 500 spirit seeds]
[Description: Used by ancient tribes to cleanse meridians and remake physiques. When soaked in drinking water, daily consumption can temper the body and enhance cultivation. One crystal can supply 10,000 people for one month. Repeat exchanges allowed.]
"The Marrow-Cleansing Crystal seems decent. If used for a month, it should somewhat improve the Cangshou Army's strength, though the exact effects remain unclear."
After prolonged searching, he finally selected this artifact. Currently, nothing was more critical than enhancing Taicang's military power. Without strength, only destruction awaited.
After all, in the next Goujian confrontation, the enemy would be prepared against spectral soldier ambushes. Moreover, after two battles, the spectral forces had dwindled to just 500 soldiers and 1 general - their combat power severely diminished.
Having exchanged for the Marrow-Cleansing Crystal, Ji Xia continued examining other light points for additional useful artifacts.
[Tenfold Great Bow]
[Exchange cost: 200 spirit seeds]
[Requires tremendous energy to activate. Each bow can only be fired once before energy depletion causes it to shatter.]
"A 200-seed artifact that's single-use?" Ji Xia was momentarily stunned by the information from the light point.
He recalled the Spirit-Gathering Talisman in his possession - that precious, reusable artifact had only cost 180 seeds. How could this disposable bow warrant 200?
The only explanation was that the Tenfold Great Bow possessed extraordinary destructive power.
"Requires immense energy... I wonder if Ji Qianqing at the Ninth Heavenly Layer could activate it? This might become our trump card."
Without further hesitation, he selected the bow. The reason was simple - Goujian still possessed a Divine Ability expert who had once rivaled the late King Ji Shang. On the battlefield, such power was terrifying. Without an effective countermeasure, Taicang would suffer devastating casualties.
Continuing his search, Ji Xia eventually discovered a small black vial.
[Ten Thousand Grains Treasure Vase]
[Exchange cost: 300 spirit seeds]
[After devouring spirit crystals, the vase can pour forth vast quantities of ordinary rice.]
Seeing this artifact, Ji Xia's heart leaped with excitement: "Spirit crystals? The treasury still has some in storage. Could those be used?"
"Those crystals are just sitting idle anyway. Current Taicang lacks the means to trade with major nations. Better to let the vase consume them and produce food to relieve our people's urgent needs."
"Most importantly, this artifact can be reused as long as we have spirit crystals. Doesn't this solve Taicang's food crisis?"
Ji Xia felt genuine excitement. During his earlier tour of Taicang's streets with Ji Qianqing, he'd witnessed firsthand his people's suffering from starvation.
Now as Taicang's king, he had no choice but to love this land and its simple, resilient people who asked for nothing beyond survival.
If he could solve their hunger, perhaps his journey to the Endless Wilds would gain true meaning.
After all, Taicang was now his kingdom. Of all places in this brutal world, only Taicang stirred his sense of belonging.
And Taicang's people were his people. He wanted them fed. Such a simple wish had eluded generations of Taicang's rulers, constrained by their harsh environment.
But Ji Xia was different. The Rotten Divine Tree in his mind was his greatest advantage. So long as Taicang endured and he lived, he believed he could one day give his people a completely different life.
Having selected these three artifacts, 280 seeds remained. Ji Xia initially considered saving them, until...
His eyes fell upon another light point. After reading its description, his lips curled into a smile.