Chapter 360: I Shall Establish a Waste Recycling Plant

Such a material as the Mengmu Wood is not sold by individual pieces but measured by its length. One unit—a single

zhang

—commands the price of a thousand mid-grade spirit stones. For ten-thousand-year Mengmu Wood, the price escalates astronomically, no longer calculated in mid-grade stones but in upper-grade ones.

The Mengmu Sea Domain harbors many forces whose legacies have crumbled due to over-investment in Mengmu Wood cultivation, leading to outright bankruptcy. Without reserves spanning five millennia, attempting to profit from Mengmu Wood is an insurmountable gamble.

Cultivating the Mengxu Bibao Tree, from which Mengmu Wood originates, demands not just patience across generations but immense resources. The proximity to the Void brings a confluence of varied energies, crucial for the tree’s growth, a phenomenon unique to the Sea Domain’s ecosystem. Elsewhere, such trees struggle to survive.

In Taiyi Great World, spiritual plants and trees don’t necessarily gain a year’s age annually. Only when ideal conditions converge can they accrue more years.

Just as the Crane Spirit Tree in the small realm required ample spiritual energy to grow, so too does the Mengxu Bibao Tree stagnate without perfect environmental alignment.

Even with meticulous care and abundant resources, some Mengxu Bibao Trees plateau at a few thousand years. Rare ten-thousand-year specimens are exceedingly scarce.

The Mengmu Sea Domain is home to a renowned ancient family, the Wood Clan. With a lineage rooted deeply in wood-element spiritual roots, they possess secret techniques to accelerate Mengmu Wood growth. Their influence is boundless.

Even the Nine Heavens Immortal Alliance refrains from casually broadcasting information about the Wood Clan—a testament to their power. Occasionally, mentions of large-scale transactions involving the clan emerge, underscoring their stature.

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“Senior, this is all I know,” Mo Fuyang said, beads of sweat forming on his brow. He silently thanked his habit of listening to updates from the Nine Heavens Celestial Sound Formation Disk, which allowed him to answer Chen Xun’s probing questions.

“Hmm… Mengmu Wood… the Wood Clan,” Chen Xun murmured, engrossed as he continued jotting down notes in his booklet. “Then let us start from this garbage dump. There’s dignity in earning spirit stones honestly—no shame in that.”

“Moo~” Brother Ox sprawled comfortably amid the piles of trash, blending so seamlessly into his surroundings that one could easily overlook him.

Chen Xun chuckled, his voice carrying a teasing edge. “Old Ox, I’m delighted. Let’s start a waste recycling plant!”

He surveyed the endless heaps of refuse, his tone carrying an air of authority. “We’ll begin with our own efforts, accumulate some initial resources, and then make a trip to Lichen Island. This venture will grow into a robust enterprise—a boon to the cultivation world’s environment.”

“Moo-moo~~” Brother Ox released a snort of agreement, his divine sense sweeping the area. With a casual wave of his hoof, a heap of trash trembled, revealing a cluster of metal fragments—efficient and effective.

Chen Xun’s sharp gaze flicked toward Mo Fuyang, a subtle smile spreading across his face. Mo Fuyang was too preoccupied with observing Brother Ox’s efficiency to notice the sudden shift in Chen Xun’s expression.

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Meanwhile, atop a small mound of trash:

“Brother Xun! Brother Ox! Sister Crane and I found a fan artifact. It still has spiritual energy!” Xiao Chi shouted, his tone brimming with excitement.

“Big Brother! Second Brother! There’s so much abandoned gear here!” Sister Crane called out, equally thrilled.

Xiao Chi dug furiously through the debris, his paws unearthing a variety of objects. Sticky, unidentifiable substances clung to him, prompting Sister Crane’s laughter as she helped clean him up. Items began piling up in Xiao Chi’s personal storage ring—his first true collection in the Taiyi Great World.

Chen Xun and Brother Ox exchanged amused glances, their chuckles resonating. “These broken artifacts are more trouble than they’re worth. Fixing them would cost more than buying new ones.”

“Xiao Chi,” Chen Xun called out.

“Yes, Brother Xun?”

“Focus on finding fragments of this metal, the Great Desolate Crow God Crystal. These are valuable.”

He flicked his fingers, producing a fragment as an example. “This is what we’re after.”

Xiao Chi’s fiery mane flared with determination. “Got it, Brother Xun! Watch me work!”

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As piles of trash cascaded down, Xiao Chi’s glowing paws slashed through debris with alarming efficiency. Sister Crane assisted with her extended branches, meticulously sifting through the junk.

Brother Ox snorted and joined in, his immense bulk navigating effortlessly through the refuse. Meanwhile, Chen Xun and Mo Fuyang observed from the outskirts.

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“Little friend, care to take a walk with me?” Chen Xun asked, his tone inviting.

“Senior, please lead the way,” Mo Fuyang replied, his voice tinged with awe.

The two strolled along the edges of the garbage heaps. The stench was oppressive, yet neither seemed to mind. Sunlight reflected off the ocean’s surface, the gentle breeze carrying hints of salt.

“Little friend, I intend to establish a recycling plant. Would you consider joining my endeavor?”

Mo Fuyang hesitated, his voice heavy with self-doubt. “Senior, I’m unworthy…”

“Strength can grow,” Chen Xun interjected. “We’re not stealing from others or infringing upon their resources. This is about building something valuable—together.”

He paused, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Why not scale this operation? A larger endeavor to benefit both cultivators and the world’s environment.”

Mo Fuyang’s eyes lingered on Chen Xun’s figure, silhouetted against the bright sea. His voice trembled. “Senior, with your strength, why lower yourself to this level?”

Chen Xun’s tone grew firm. “In my eyes, there are no high or low ranks among cultivators—only differences in circumstances. The vast world holds endless possibilities. No one can block a cultivator’s path but themselves.”

Mo Fuyang’s body trembled. For the first time, he felt seen. Following Chen Xun, he tightened his resolve. Despite the ridicule and hardships, he had always refused to surrender to fate. Today, that determination burned brighter than ever.