Chapter 2212 — Chapter 2212 The Solution to Xiao Hua's Issue(2)

'Is that true? We have enough resources to craft Xiao Hua a new vessel?' Yuan asked for confirmation just in case he misheard.

'Honestly, it depends on how complicated you want the vessel to be, but for a temporary vessel, we should have enough,' said Feng Yuxiang.

Like treasures, a vessel can be stronger or weaker depending on the resources used to create it.

'What about your Soul Weapon? The one that used to be occupied by Ji Ran,' Yu Ning suddenly reminded Yuan about the Baneful Abyss. 'We could use it as a vessel until we craft her a proper one.'

Hearing Yu Ning's words, Yuan asked Xiao Cangming, "I have a Soul Weapon without any occupants right now. Can I put her soul inside until we finish her new vessel? I have used it to house the soul of a God Ascension cultivator before without any issue."

Xiao Cangming pondered for a moment before responding, "We've never tried putting her soul in a Soul Weapon before, but we have tried to temporarily contain her soul in a treasure with a similar function before. The result? She subconsciously broke out of the treasure to find a new and more natural vessel, damaging her soul slightly in the process. Unlike normal people, Xiao Hua cannot maintain consciousness as a soul, and she will instinctively seek out a proper one, likely a side effect of her powers."

"Anyway, to properly answer your question, it might work for some time, but it's risky, and if you don't find her a new vessel in time, she will try to break out of the Soul Weapon and hurt herself in the process."

"..."

After a moment of silence, Yuan asked, "How long does it take to craft a new vessel? I might have the resources with me."

"I will have to see the resources first," he quickly replied.

"Feng Feng. Show him the materials we have."

Feng Yuxiang emerged from his Dantian and immediately started looking through her spatial ring.

"A phoenix, huh? The last time you came here, you also had a phoenix with you," Xiao Cangming remarked as he stared at Feng Yuxiang.

"This is Feng Yuxiang. There are a few more resting within my Dantian right now."

Lan Yingying and Yingzi also came out the next moment, revealing themselves.

Xiao Cangming stared at Lan Yingying for a brief moment before turning to look at Yingzi.

"It's not exactly the same, but it's similar," he mumbled a moment later.

"Similar? To whom?" Yuan asked out of curiosity.

Xiao Cangming responded as his gaze returned to Lan Yingying, "She reminds me of that white-haired Divine Serpent. As for this one… what were they called again? They have the ability to manipulate shadows."

"Shadow Dweller." Xiao Meilin answered for him.

"Did I bring all of the Nine Divine Supremes with me the last time I visited?" Yuan asked with a raised eyebrow.

Xiao Cangming nodded, "Yes, and you claimed that you lot were on the way to confront Gods. How did that turn out?"

"How much do you know about the Outer Gods?" Yuan then asked.

"I am aware of their existence, but that's about it. I don't know anything about their purpose or prowess. You left without explaining much, if anything, after all."

"Is that so… Well, about that fight…"

Yuan explained everything that happened after their clash with the Outer Gods—how they split the Divine Heaven into nine different realms and Earth, as well as the existence of Cultivation Online.

Xiao Cangming listened with intrigue.

"Nine Heavens and Cultivation Online, huh? The world sure has changed a lot since the Primordial Era, but I guess that's only to be expected."

"How long do you think it's been since you were thrown into this world?" Yuan smiled.

"..."

After a brief pause, he asked, "Say… why did you decide to remain inside the Primordial Realm? I'm sure I could've taken your entire family out of this place the last time I visited. The fact you're still here must mean that you decided to stay here instead, right?"

Xiao Cangming nodded, "That's right. After all, I had something to do here."

"You mean the Spirit Tree?" Yuan asked. "Does it have to grow in the Primordial Realm? Why can't you cultivate it elsewhere?"

"Because such a thing can only grow in this kind of environment," Xiao Cangming calmly replied. "A place utterly devoid of spiritual energy. Quite the paradox, isn't it? The Spirit Tree generates spiritual energy—yet it cannot survive within it. It also needs spiritual energy to grow, but it must be force-fed by sacrificing one's cultivation, like a hatchling unable to feed itself."

"...I should've probably asked this earlier, but what even is the Spirit Tree? And why did I ask you to grow it?" Yuan then questioned.

"That…" Xiao Cangming's expression suddenly turned serious, making Yuan swallow nervously.

"I don't know." Xiao Cangming responded in a serious tone.

"What?" Yuan's eyes widened with shock at his response.

"My lord, if I may be blunt for a moment… you're absolutely terrible at explaining things. In fact, most of the time you don't explain anything at all and just give the bare minimum of instructions."

Xiao Cangming rubbed his eyes and continued, "Do you know what you told me when you handed me the Spirit Tree?"

"Word for word, you said—nurture this to the best of your ability. I'll return when it matures."

Xiao Meilin couldn't help but chuckle at his words.

"That being said, I am also at fault for not demanding more details."

"That's…" Yuan was left speechless.

"Maybe I'll remember once I see the Spirit Tree for myself later," he said after a moment of silence.

Xiao Cangming let out a faint sigh.

"Of course, the Spirit Tree isn't the only reason I chose to remain here. After the war… I needed time to gather my thoughts—and to atone for my failures, both as a leader and as a husband."

"..."

Yuan wasn't sure how to respond, so he remained silent.

Suddenly, Feng Yuxiang's voice resounded.

"Young Master, it's done. I have gathered all of the resources that can be used to create a vessel."

"We'll continue this later," Yuan said to Xiao Cangming before turning toward the table, where more than a dozen treasures lay neatly arranged.