This sigil was precisely the Spirit-Gathering Talisman produced by the Rotten Divine Tree, capable of accelerating spiritual energy accumulation and dramatically increasing cultivation speed.
Ji Xia examined the talisman for a long moment before suddenly pressing it against his neck. Upon contact, the talisman pulsed slightly before miraculously merging into his flesh and disappearing.
A tiny black sigil now adorned his neck, exuding profound mystery. Ji Xia could feel a deeper, more intricate connection forming between himself and the talisman.
When he again activated the first layer of the Star Network Secret Scroll, he once more sensed scattered spiritual energy drifting throughout heaven and earth, gradually being drawn toward him.
"Even with a precious technique like the Star Network Secret Scroll, energy gathering remains far slower than refinement. The scroll's refinement speed outpaces its gathering capability by several dozen times."
Ji Xia mused to himself: "Let's test exactly how much the Spirit-Gathering Talisman can accelerate this process."
With a thought, he activated the talisman. Immediately, the surrounding spiritual energy seemed to thicken perceptibly—then came the deluge.
Spiritual energy surged toward Ji Xia like floodwaters through a broken dam, violently pouring into his body!
Ji Xia frantically operated the Star Network's first layer to refine this incoming torrent. Most astonishingly, the scroll's legendary refinement speed couldn't keep up with the energy influx—an exceptionally rare phenomenon where gathering outpaced refinement.
"Absolutely peerless! As expected of the Divine Tree's creations!"
While marveling excitedly, Ji Xia strained to refine the energy. The processed spiritual energy gradually descended, carving out his Great Snow Mountain.
Dawn found him still cultivating beneath the blazing sun. He sensed his Great Snow Mountain had fully formed, now capable of storing substantial spiritual energy, filling him with exhilaration.
Successful establishment meant he'd officially stepped onto the cultivation path—albeit merely at the First Heavenly Layer, this milestone thrilled him beyond measure.
"Achieving this in one night suggests that with diligent practice, transcending mortality to reach the Divine Ability realm is inevitable."
His joy faltered as realization struck: "At my current level, the talisman's energy surge already feels oceanic. But as my cultivation deepens and energy requirements grow, its relative effectiveness will diminish."
"Moreover, cultivation demands more than just energy accumulation. Breaking through the Sixth to Seventh Heavenly Layers requires overcoming Earth Barriers, while ascending to Divine Ability necessitates piercing Heaven Barriers—both demanding innate comprehension."
Cataloging these future obstacles gradually cooled his initial euphoria.
Rising slowly, Ji Xia summoned a wisp of spiritual energy from his Great Snow Mountain to coat his right hand.
"First Layer cultivators can store and mobilize energy, but the quantities remain pitifully small. Only upon reaching the Sixth Layer will the usable energy become substantial."
"My King, morning court has convened. The officials await in the Grand Harmony Hall." A guard announced.
After servants attended to his ablutions and robing—for even diminutive Taicang maintained proper rites—Ji Xia assumed his throne, calmly receiving ministerial reports.
"Nanqing Street lies in ruins from yesterday's Divine Ability battle. Many homes collapsed and roads were destroyed. Though citizens attempt repairs, results are poor. Shall we dispatch craftsmen?"
"Approved. Compensate affected households with twenty days' grain rations."
"This year's third harvest shows twenty percent reduction. Agricultural scholars investigate the cause."
"Wait for their findings before further discussion."
"A savage beast emerged from the Southern Forbidden Forest, rampaging through South District. General Ronglu and Zuokun slew it, though Zuokun suffered grave injuries from its tail whip."
"Deliver meat provisions to General Zuokun with my regards. He must recuperate fully. Taicang can afford to lose anyone except soldiers who sacrifice for our nation."
Below the throne, Lu Yu and Zhao Qu exchanged glances—surprised, delighted, but most of all relieved. They'd expected the formerly wayward crown prince to require lengthy adjustment, yet today's court revealed astonishing competence in statecraft and nuanced governance.
As proceedings concluded after two full hours, Ji Qianqing stepped forward: "My King, spies report the Goujian Kingdom has suspended hostilities with the Crocodile-Horn Kingdom. Formal negotiations will commence shortly."
Ji Xia showed no surprise: "Goujian's prolonged silence was never permanent. But negotiations will bear no immediate fruit. Generals, your counsel?"
General Ronglu bowed: "With Zhou Qing's forces still mining Flame Stones for Great Fu, they're unlikely to assault Cang City. We should recall Cangshou troops to fortify Taicang against Goujian."
Before Ji Xia could respond, Ji Qianqing added: "Leave three thousand defenders at Cang City. Zhou Qing would pounce if they detected vulnerability."
Nodding, Ji Xia decreed: "Have the Cang City governor personally lead three thousand reinforcements here. With Zhou Qing's Green Mountain garrison so close, abandoning Cang City would be unforgivable negligence."
As the court addressed numerous affairs delayed by the king's death, Goujian's invasion, and the succession, Ji Xia suddenly asked: "How does the Cangshou Army obtain drinking water?"
"They draw directly from the Sea-Sniffing River." Ji Qianqing answered.
"Summon all craftsmen immediately. They have three days to construct a reservoir near the barracks capable of supplying ten thousand soldiers daily."
Lu Yu frowned: "My King, why this extravagance? The river provides ample—"
Ji Xia smiled cryptically: "All will become clear in time."