Theoretically, Eternal Myriad Heavens had absorbed massive life force from every corner of the world for over ten thousand years. It was the very reason cultivators' power levels in the current era had declined so drastically. So releasing even a small amount of its energy would be enough to fill a small area with tremendous life force.
People were still marveling at the newly created Border. She let them explore as they pleased while Tang Tianjie hurried over to consult.
"Grandmaster Bai, I'm thinking we'll start construction tomorrow. We'll use prefab assembly to cut down the build time. What do you think?"
"How long will it take?"
"Probably no more than two weeks. The village's rough structure should be complete."
Bai Fanxian nodded. "Anything else?"
"Elder Chen Deming reserved a house before heading back..."
"Didn't he already tell me that?" Bai Fanxian frowned. She already knew about the Alchemist Association branch, right?
"Uh... it seems he reserved one personally as well."
Tang Tianjie laughed dryly. He understood Chen Deming's feelings.
Anyone who experienced the life force level within that Border didn't want to leave. It could help with cultivation and fulfill many people's desire for longevity.
"...Don't forget to save some for yourselves."
Bai Fanxian reminded him. Tang Tianjie hadn't forgotten. Besides the portion for sale, he'd reserved about ten houses for close associates.
Rumors about this area filled with life force spread like wildfire. Hundreds of workers and cultivators had experienced it firsthand. Through word of mouth, news spread across the country.
Some believed, some didn't. But the next day, a massive crowd traveled to this eastern edge.
Bai Fanxian walked out and saw the enormous crowd gathered around that plot. More people than her clinic's opening day. Patients waiting since morning looked around in confusion. Then she spotted a familiar face hurrying over.
"Grandmaster Bai, good morning!"
Luo Xintao greeted her cheerfully. The elderly woman who'd been visiting frequently lately and always brought gifts had a middle-aged man following behind her this time.
"Good morning."
Bai Fanxian nodded once in acknowledgment. The man saw the young woman's indifferent manner and smiled dryly. He couldn't remember the last time he'd greeted someone first and received such a reception.
"This is my son—Luo Ziyi."
Luo Xintao, already familiar with Bai Fanxian's personality, made introductions.
Bai Fanxian remembered—this must be the son the old woman had mentioned before. And he'd helped her solve a troublesome matter once.
"...I troubled you back then."
Luo Ziyi quickly waved his hands. He didn't dare accept her thanks.
"That happened because I didn't supervise my subordinates properly. I'm sorry for the trouble. I should've come to apologize much sooner."
After investigating, he'd discovered it stemmed from his people abusing their authority to curry favor with the powerful. Angered by this, he immediately called meetings to handle the problem.
Seeing Luo Ziyi's humble demeanor despite his high position, Bai Fanxian could tell the old woman had taught him well.
"Alright... So why are there so many people here?" She nodded, then turned to ask. As a visitor today, he should know.
"Well... I'm just here to keep Mother company today." Luo Ziyi scratched his head honestly. Today was his day off, which he usually spent visiting his mother. Luo Xintao had dragged him here.
"I heard from Mr. Zhu already. You did something big yesterday, didn't you?" The old woman laughed softly. News about this land had spread that far.
"Today the Tang clan is opening the area for interested visitors. So I dragged my son along."
Luo Xintao explained just as Tang Tianjie and Xie Zizhou emerged.
Both were among the four great clan leaders in the current cultivation world. Their status commanded high respect. When the old man raised his hand for silence, everyone listened.
"As you've heard... our two clans are building a major project here in the east..."
Tang Tianjie and Xie Zizhou took turns explaining for several minutes, until the final statement made people roar.
"And most importantly... this place is packed with life force that greatly aids cultivation! It also makes residents much healthier!"
A cacophony erupted. Some believed because the two great clans had no need to lie and damage their reputation. Others still looked half-believing. Tang Tianjie smiled broadly and gestured behind him.
"If you don't believe me, I don't mind letting you experience it yourselves!"
The entire day's atmosphere filled with excitement. People who heard news from those just emerging, filled with enthusiasm, hurried over to see for themselves. When they experienced the pure air and refreshing life force flowing through the Border, everyone wanted to stay longer.
"Uncle Zhang! Get to the east fast! Something unbelievable is happening!"
"Third Brother, how much savings do you have? Ten million? That's not enough!"
"Boss, the rumors are true! Just walking in here feels like adding years to your life!"
"Contact everyone quickly!... If we can really live here, I guarantee our cultivation levels will skyrocket!"
Many who came out hurried to contact others. Especially some representing certain great clans or influential organizations growing interested in this land.
Everyone who learned this news went mad immediately. Such a miraculous place could attract people from everywhere!
How wonderful would it be to have a house in a place like this?
That was the question on everyone's mind.
Even the Minister of Health caught the fever. The moment he came out, he looked as excited as his mother. If he could really live here with his family, it would be perfect. He decided to recommend this to many colleagues as well.
"Mr. Tang... when will you start accepting reservations?"
Luo Xintao couldn't help asking. They'd returned to Bai Fanxian's clinic after sending off the last patient.
"I'm watching the situation... but don't worry, I've set aside houses for you and Mr. Zhu already."
The old man laughed happily. Judging from today's interest—not even counting those who'd hear news from returnees—interest in this project would be absolutely massive.
Today alone, several shops had contacted them wanting to open businesses inside. But Tang Tianjie decided to wait. He wanted to carefully select shops to truly make this village a "Cultivators' Paradise."
"Oh... I understand now. But where is everyone today?"
The old woman let out a relieved sigh before asking curiously. Truth be told, besides the housing matter, being able to enjoy the cheerfulness and liveliness of the children she'd grown fond of was another reason she visited here regularly.
"They're at the house next door... seems Grandmaster Bai is experimenting again."
.
.
.
On her front lawn, Bai Fanxian planned the same experiment on two more Borders—the clinic and her house, especially the house which she'd just upgraded. When Liu Yianfei and Zheng Renyi entered, they trembled with excitement.
She'd released such massive life force it surpassed even the ancient era. And this wasn't energy leaking from her body like before. This time she intentionally released it to make her house into something greater than any cultivation ground.
The moment Zheng Renyi sensed the life force, he sat cross-legged with his companion swords on his lap. His body absorbed it frantically through every pore. Liu Yianfei turned to Bai Fanxian standing watch, who nodded lightly.
Sword Master Zheng Renyi... was attempting to break through to Sage again!
Slash!
Within moments, leaves and grass around him began showing mysterious cut marks from nowhere. The range gradually widened until Bai Fanxian had to use her qi to limit the damage. Otherwise this area would be torn to shreds by the sword storm he unconsciously created.
His power level surged again. A phenomenon similar to Liu Yianfei's manifested around him. The tremor made the house's Border shake lightly then stop, confirming his power would advance soon!
This strange phenomenon continued for about ten minutes. The Sword Master's face began showing signs of worry. But in the final moment, his sharp eyes snapped open. His mind let go of all concerns.
Like a sword striking down without hesitation—
BOOM!
The final explosion lasted over three minutes. A pressure wave spread several kilometers, making people's hair stand on end as if swords were pressed against their throats. Those with sharper perception sensed its terror even more keenly.
The old Sword Master roared with all his might. The sword at his side trembled in response. Many cultivators and workers who had gathered happily on that empty land ran over to look.
"HAH!"
That final shout was like a signal. Every phenomenon gradually calmed with a great wind swirling around the old man at its center.
"...Sword Intent. It suits you."
Bai Fanxian had no problem with his surging power. Her eyes could see through and analyze it.
Swish!
No one except Bai Fanxian saw Zheng Renyi move. His light sword swing cut the very wind in two. Where he swung created a split in the ground nearly a meter deep, running all the way to a garden tree. Then came a creaking sound as the thick tree that provided shade fell in two halves!
"..."
"Ha... hahaha!"
Sword Master Zheng Renyi looked years younger. Reaching this power level didn't just surge his qi tremendously—it made his aging, wrinkled skin taut again. If he shaved his mustache and beard and claimed he was just over fifty, people would believe it.
Besides his body, he seemed mentally younger too. But you couldn't blame him. He was at his happiest moment. This lifetime he'd once resigned himself to never advancing further.
Swish!
Swish!
Swish!
So feeling the power in his body overflowing like never before, he laughed excitedly and released it through sword swings. Sword waves flew everywhere, leaving the beautiful front garden full of sword marks!
Of course, that made someone frown.
CRACK!
An invisible force pressed down where he stood, creating a deep hole. The tremor was so violent that Tang Tianjie and others nearby jumped and rushed out to look. Zheng Renyi lay twitching at the bottom before scrambling up, thinking he'd been ambushed.
But—
"If you're going to swing..."
Above the hole, the young homeowner stared down with displeasure.
"...then go to the sea."
Behind her, three children including his granddaughter were giggling and waving cheerfully from above. The old man could only smile wryly at them.
"...Clean it all up before tomorrow."
She turned away with those final words. Even Mei Ying leaned over to give her grandfather one smile before returning to her tasks.
The newly-ascended Sage climbed out awkwardly and looked at the freshly ravaged garden with a wry expression. He'd lost control in his excitement. But after surveying the damage, he glanced back at the large hole and broke into a sweat.
Young lady... isn't the damage from this hole you created worse than mine?
News that Sword Master Zheng Renyi had reached Sage at this location spread like wildfire, adding even more fuel to the frenzy!