"Celestial seed" was a term from the old era and the Xuan Sect; here in Great Shun, they were referred to as "glimmer domains." Naturally, however, the five advisors understood what Chen Chuan meant.
Pei Xiyan spoke first. "Advisor Chen, you walk the path of the Visage of Man, do you not?
"We currently don't have any glimmer domains suited for the Visage of Man on hand. But if you want an established site, we can provide one to you."
At that moment, Chen Chuan suddenly sensed an external incoming data request. Once he granted permission, points of light materialized around him, each representing the entrance to a cultivation site.
This was data delivered by his boundary credential. Unlike the field screens that had appeared before his eyes in the past, what was conveyed to him now was a multidimensional form far better attuned to field perception and spiritual awareness.
It could be called a technology that integrated simulated fields, physical environments, and concrete data into a single seamless presentation.
Wherever his gaze fell, lines of detailed information appeared above that site. Through his boundary credential and communication with the active conscious entity Kaiyang, he could intuitively experience the internal conditions of each location.
Nor did this interfere with his communication with the five people before him; he could even share the feed so everyone could join in the discussion. It was truly worthy of being Great Shun's most cutting-edge information technology.
With just a glance, he filtered out the unsuitable sites. Those locations vanished from his sight at once, leaving only four.
Yet after carefully examining their field properties, he found that while these sites might be fine in their own right, none met his requirements.
Without exception, every one of them had been handed down from the past. One had even existed since the Sheng Dynasty.
It had survived for over a millennium—a truly astounding feat, presumably obtained from the former imperial household.
Yet even when designated a "celestial lodge," such a place was not indestructible or everlasting. Every use inflicted wear and added a trace of taint. The fact that it could still rank as an upper-grade celestial lodge after a thousand years proved just how solid the underlying celestial seed must have been.
Of course, this was also related to how few martial artists walking the Visage of Man ever reached the pinnacle. Even so, after more than a thousand years, the original celestial seed was likely mostly depleted.
Having already made up his mind to open his own cultivation site, it would only be useful to him if these grounds could be reverted back into celestial seeds. Thus, he said, "None of these sites suit my intentions. Would it be possible to revert them into glimmer domains?"
Pei Xiyan said gravely, "My apologies, Advisor Chen, but I'm afraid that won't do. These are assets of the Advisory Group. Even if we have no use for them, they must remain available for future generations.
"However, since Advisor Chen has raised this request, we can seek another solution.
"We can instruct personnel at the Ring of the World to keep an eye out and capture a glimmer domain for you. It's just that the exact timing cannot be guaranteed, so you may need to wait patiently."
Dai Xuming smiled at this point. "Advisor Chen, if that isn't ideal, you may also choose a different condition. If the Advisory Group already possesses what you need, it can be granted to you immediately."
Chen Chuan considered this. The Great Impact might arrive within the year, and leaving the search to others made it hard to guarantee that whatever they found would match his wishes.
Rather than that, it would be better to search for one himself. That might even prove more efficient, so asking for something else would be fine.
He said, "I require some 'primordial remnant.' Can the Advisory Group provide that?"
"Primordial remnant?"
The five advisors showed a touch of surprise. That was genuine strategic material.
Through special methods, there was a certain chance of condensing such material into relics needed by the state, or even forging it into precious artifacts once held exclusively by the former state religion.
It was a treasure of true strategic significance.
Since Great Shun's founding, all the primordial remnants ever discovered amounted to a single-digit tally, which spoke volumes about its rarity.
Xiao Yuanguang spoke up. "The Advisory Group does have a wisp of primordial remnant in storage. Since Advisor Chen has requested it and it is a reasonable demand, the Advisory Group can grant it to you. If you are certain, we can process the formalities shortly."
Chen Chuan knew how difficult it was to find. Even within an entire previous dynasty's secret vault, only a single wisp had been found.
If he had this, he felt his relic requirements would be completely satisfied, with no need to seek them out anywhere else.
He said, "Good. Then I'll take that."
The moment he confirmed it, Xiao Yuanguang tapped something on his end. Outside the field, a droplet-shaped object appeared out of thin air, with a soft, shifting blue glow drifting within it.
Moved, Chen Chuan raised his hand to support it. The object shifted from illusion to reality, materializing directly in the palm of his hand.
He raised an eyebrow. This technology was remarkably sophisticated, though it was likely achievable only here in Danxin Hall.
He could sense that with this, the deficit in his relics was completely filled; there was no need to expend any more effort searching.
Xu Yingqing spoke up. "Advisor Chen, may I ask what your plans are moving forward?
"Do you intend to cultivate in seclusion somewhere, or do you have other plans?
"Of course, what you do is entirely your choice. Even if you choose not to voice opinions or cast votes during meetings, that is acceptable, so long as you uphold your duties as an advisor."
Before arriving, Chen Chuan had already heard Fan Zhentong explain some of what advisors were expected to do.
He had long since formed his own plans, so he said, "Since I have joined the Advisory Group, I will properly fulfill the tasks expected of an advisor. As for my personal plans moving forward..."
He raised his gaze, looked at them, and said slowly, "I intend to go to the Ring of the World and confront the beings on the opposite side."
To this day, he had never crossed to the other side of the Ring of the World through official channels. Naturally, he wanted to test the power over there—and in passing, resolve the matter of precious materials.
A look of approval appeared on Xiao Yuanguang's face, while the others showed expressions that suggested it was entirely expected.
Dai Xuming remarked with a sigh, "Advisor Xiao, he truly is a member of your Purist Faction. Even his choice is identical. Heading to the Ring of the World seems to be the enduring style of your faction."
Xiao Yuanguang said, "Our Purist Faction has always been this way."
He looked to Chen Chuan. "Advisor Chen, when the time comes, perhaps we can fight shoulder to shoulder on the far side of the Ring of the World."
Chen Chuan nodded.
Pei Xiyan said, "Advisor Chen, that covers the general matters. For specific affairs, you may communicate with Kaiyang. We merely entered the Advisory Group a step ahead of you; we are all advisors, with no distinction in rank. With your talent, Advisor Chen, you may well reach the upper realm before us in the future.
"As is customary, let me ask one last question: is there anything you wish to say to the Advisory Group?"
Chen Chuan said, "I am dissatisfied with certain choices of the Advisory Group, as well as the conduct of certain advisors within it."
When he spoke those words, none of their expressions shifted. Advisors were representatives of the interests of various factions, each holding different views, so friction was inevitable.
It was simply that they belonged to the same political structure and were constrained by upper-realm powers. No matter what they thought in private, they had to maintain a basic consensus on the surface.
Chen Chuan looked at the five of them and said slowly, "Now that I have joined the Advisory Group, I naturally intend to find a way to change things."
The appreciation in Xiao Yuanguang's gaze grew even deeper, while the others regarded him with profound looks.
Yet none of them believed much could come of it. How could change ever be achieved so easily? There had been exceedingly forceful advisors in the past, but by the time one possessed the power to shift the whole, it was usually time to ascend to the upper realm.
And once one truly reached that height, one's perspective on matters would shift. Perhaps then he would realize that the current situation was already the best outcome attainable through the maneuvering of all sides.
Just then, ethereal sounds drifted down from above, followed by manifesting light. Strands of rainbow radiance swept downward, settling primarily upon Chen Chuan.
Seeing this, the five were caught off guard. Then their expressions grew solemn, and they rose to their feet.
All of them understood that an upper-realm power wished to meet with him. Dai Xuming and the others assumed it was most likely the figures from the Purist Faction.
Chen Chuan was a member of the Purist Faction to begin with, so this was hardly surprising. Usually, however, an advisor would actively reach out to the upper realm after assuming the post.
Yet here, the upper realm had taken the initiative to extend an invitation. In the past, no advisor had ever enjoyed such treatment, even within their own faction. Was this the difference of having been singled out for elevation by the council?
Chen Chuan sensed something as well. "Advisors, I shall take my leave."
With that, the light converged around his body, and he vanished from the spot in an instant.
The five remained standing for a moment until the sound and light completely faded. Dai Xuming then broke the silence. "The matter is settled. There's no need for everyone to linger."
With a nod to the others, he led the way out of the council chamber. Once outside, Tong Xin's figure suddenly appeared beside him, walking alongside him.
This was a projection manifested through the boundary credential field; Tong Xin himself was not physically present.
Dai Xuming asked casually, "Advisor Tong, what is your assessment of Advisor Chen?"
Tong Xin said, "He fits my impression completely: overwhelmingly powerful, yet aggressive and domineering."
Dai Xuming smiled.
Tong Xin looked at him. "Advisor Dai, I could sense that what he said just now wasn't a joke. He may very well cause trouble for us."
Dai Xuming gave a faint smile. "The balance within the Advisory Group isn't broken so easily. No one can break it. Even if such a person existed, the authorities above would keep them in check."
Tong Xin said, "Yet those above seem to hold Advisor Chen in high regard, and their attitude is quite different. I find it hard to feel at ease."
"Yes, it pays to be cautious."
Dai Xuming's eyes turned profound, and he wore a knowing smile. "They have their ideas, and we have ours.
"The support Advisor Chen enjoys from above is ultimately due to the strength he has displayed. Times are advancing, the Great Impact is drawing near, and he isn't the only one who possesses strength."
As they walked deeper into the corridor, a faint, colorful luster surfaced within both of their eyes.
Chapter 1475