Following Naomi into the temple, Leo noticed that it was bustling with activity, as if preparing for something significant.
“Mr. Bloomer, are you interested in collaborating with Heaven’s Origin Sect?” Naomi suddenly asked.
Leo knew Naomi had an agenda in bringing him here. Feigning ignorance, he replied, “Collaborate on what? I don’t understand.”
“Of course, it’s about the earth dragon’s revival. This is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity.”
“The essence of the earth dragon greatly enhances cultivation, but obtaining it is no easy task.”
“Our Heaven Essence Abbey wants to lead this effort and work with like-minded cultivators to obtain the earth dragon essence.”
Naomi’s words reminded Leo of what Xena had mentioned back in Greenmount. It seemed to be about this earth dragon essence.
Though Naomi spoke sincerely, Leo felt something was off. Could Heaven Essence Abbey be setting a trap?
“Naomi, let me think about it,” Leo said, not wanting to commit immediately.
Naomi’s eyes flickered, but she maintained her gentle smile. “Collaboration should be mutual. Mr. Bloomer, there’s no rush to decide. Let me show you to your quarters where you can meet other cultivators.”
“Thank you.”
After Naomi left Leo in a small courtyard, he noticed he wasn’t alone there. Sitting down, he played with his phone while listening carefully to the conversations around him.
Through eavesdropping, Leo learned more about the earth dragon’s revival. It was actually a shift in the earth’s energy veins.
The earth dragon wasn’t a real dragon but a concentration of earth’s energy veins.
Legend had it that beneath the earth, there were countless energy veins with varying paths.
With tectonic shifts, these energy veins converged and transformed, eventually forming an invisible dragon known as the earth dragon.
The earth dragon gathered endless earth energy, transforming day and night. Once this energy turned into dragon essence, the earth dragon would revive.
This revival was significant; it was said that if successful, the earth dragon would take form and ascend to the sky.
However, since the earth dragon was a condensation of earth’s essence, it couldn’t easily leave the ground. If it did, it would cause earthquakes and countless casualties.
Although the earth dragon’s revival was terrifying, if guided by a skilled cultivator, its essence could be directed properly, averting disaster.
Additionally, because the revival was due to an excess of earth energy, skilled cultivators could extract some of this essence for their own use.
The earth dragon essence was precious, containing endless mysteries from the earth’s long history.
Thus, while the revival was a disaster for ordinary people, it was an opportunity for cultivators.
Many cultivators came here hoping to gain some benefits amidst the chaos.
Moreover, if all the earth dragon essence were taken, that land would become barren and lifeless.
Everything has its limits; the wisest approach was to guide and absorb the excess essence without depleting it entirely.
“Mr. Bloomer,” Naomi’s voice interrupted Leo’s thoughts.
Leo put away his phone and stood up. “Naomi, is there something you need?”
Naomi smiled. “Mr. Bloomer, are you hungry? Let me take you to eat.”
Leo shook his head. “No need. I’m not hungry. I’d rather stay here and contemplate the mysteries of the earth dragon.”
Naomi’s eyes flashed. “Mr. Bloomer, have you considered my earlier proposal? After all, there’s strength in numbers; our chances are much better together.”
Leo pretended to hesitate before speaking. “I have thought it over. But as far as I know, the Pure Ones Sect has already claimed the earth dragon essence.”
“When their experts arrive, we won’t stand a chance.”
Leo had learned about the top-tier Pure Ones Sect from others’ conversations.
Naomi sneered. “Does Pure Ones Sect think they can monopolize everything? Mr. Bloomer, let me tell you, our Heaven’s Origin Sect detected the earth dragon anomaly decades ago and pinpointed its location.”
“We’ve prepared for decades. Once the earth dragon forms, we’ll obtain its essence in no time. This is a rare chance; missing it would be a lifelong regret.”
Leo pondered briefly before replying. “Alright, I agree to collaborate. But let me be clear: I’m here only for the earth dragon essence. If our cooperation goes beyond that boundary, I’ll terminate it immediately.”
Naomi smiled. “I believe you’ll be glad for this decision.”
“Let’s hope so,” Leo replied.
Naomi continued, “Since you’ve agreed to cooperate, it’s not suitable for you to stay here. Please follow me.”
They left the courtyard and headed towards the back mountain of Heaven’s Origin Sect.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at a small valley.
Leo agreed to cooperate not for the earth dragon essence but to uncover Heaven’s Origin Sect’s intentions.
Entering the valley, Leo saw a group of cultivators.
Contrary to his expectations, some wore traditional robes with an ethereal demeanor, others were in casual clothes looking relaxed, and some even wore business suits like successful professionals.
Seeing Naomi bring Leo over, they all glanced at him with varying degrees of interest.
“Naomi, who is this?” A young man in robes approached with a puzzled look.
Naomi smiled. “Mason, this is Mr. Leo Bloomer. I’ve mentioned him to Master as a potential addition to our plan.”
Mason immediately changed his expression to a welcoming smile and greeted Leo with a Taoist salute. “Mr. Bloomer, Mason at your service.”
Leo returned the gesture with a smile. “Mason.”
Naomi explained further. “Mr. Bloomer, this is our temporary base for collaborating on obtaining the earth dragon essence.”
“Here we provide for all your needs and ensure safety. You just need to wait for our Sect Master’s call.”
Leo asked, “Is there nothing we need to do?”
Naomi and Mason exchanged glances before Mason spoke. “Rest assured, our cooperation is voluntary with no hierarchy. If you’re dissatisfied at any point, you’re free to leave; Heaven’s Origin Sect won’t stop you.”
Leo smiled. “I see. I’ll await the Sect Master’s summons then.”
With that, Leo walked into the valley and soon found an empty spot where he sat down to meditate.
Mason frowned slightly and used a secret method to communicate with Naomi. “Naomi, who exactly is this Leo?”