Chapter 913: Who Took the Spirit Marrow

“All of you cultivate,” a seventh-level Golden Core cultivator warned coldly. “Foundation Establishment cultivators, leave after a day, or face the consequences.”

Ye Mo knew he couldn't steal spirit crystals; he sat in the spirit marrow pond with the other Foundation Establishment cultivators. He avoided using the Three Birth Chant, aware it would cause too much commotion and consume too much spirit marrow. Instead, he used a standard cultivation method, slowly absorbing the marrow.

Observing the others begin cultivation, Ye Mo devised a plan. He would transfer the spirit marrow to his Golden Page World, finding a safer place to cultivate later. Slowly, he began siphoning the marrow into his Golden Page World, careful to avoid detection.

Two hours later, a small pond of spirit marrow had formed in his Golden Page World. This was far superior to cultivating in the pond for a single day.

Soon, breakthroughs occurred. Three Golden Core cultivators ascended a minor level; four Foundation Establishment cultivators advanced a full level. One Golden Core cultivator even rose from level six to seven. In half a day, so many breakthroughs – the spirit marrow was exceptionally potent. This spurred frantic consumption.

Casually opening his eyes, Ye Mo saw everyone cultivating, seemingly oblivious to him. He subtly increased his intake. Half a day later, he realized he’d taken over half the spirit marrow and abruptly stopped, shocked by his greed. He hoped the others were too engrossed to notice.

He was wrong. A peak Golden Core cultivator rose from the pond, roaring, “Who is it?! Show yourself!”

Only Ye Mo understood. Cultivation ceased as everyone realized the significant depletion of the spirit marrow.

Ye Mo prepared to flee, but four more Golden Core cultivators entered the ancient structure. The leader exclaimed, “A spirit marrow pond?”

“Indeed!” He charged in.

The peak Golden Core cultivator’s face fell. Ye Mo hoped for a distraction, but the cultivator showed no inclination to reprimand the newcomers. As the cultivator scanned the pond, Ye Mo had an idea. He rose shakily, “Four Qianbei, the spirit marrow distribution was decided by the Qianbei deeper inside. Shouldn’t you consult them?”

“You, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, dare impede me?” The Golden Core cultivator’s eyes narrowed. Yet, he hesitated, uncertain if Ye Mo had allies; twenty Golden Core cultivators were present.

“No, no, I wouldn't dare. I'm just… suggesting,” Ye Mo said, appealingly looking at the Golden Core cultivators, hoping for support. None offered any.

The newly arrived Golden Core cultivator, seeing Ye Mo’s lack of backing, coldly stated, “Move. I'll take your place.”

“Yes, yes!” Ye Mo hastily moved aside, intentionally inciting conflict. If the peak Golden Core cultivator still did nothing, it was his bad luck.

Everyone saw Ye Mo’s blatant attempt to curry favor, regarding him contemptuously.

As Ye Mo moved, the peak Golden Core cultivator dismissed the missing marrow, addressing the newcomers coldly, “Friends, we discovered this pond and broke the restriction. You intend to simply take it?”

Two tertiary and two mid-stage Golden Core cultivators stood together at his words.

Seeing no support, the peak Golden Core cultivator felt frustrated. He glanced at the Foundation Establishment cultivators, "Foundation Establishment cultivators, leave now."

A frightened Foundation Establishment cultivator fled, and Ye Mo followed. The remaining Foundation Establishment cultivators, intimidated, also left, but remained nearby. Ye Mo stayed with the crowd. He couldn't leave.

The peak Golden Core cultivator, seeing the Foundation Establishment cultivators depart but remain close, felt relieved. The missing spirit marrow was his priority, not the newcomers. However, their silence indicated a desire to claim the marrow. He decided to deal with them first.

“If none of you are responsible for the missing spirit marrow, stand beside me,” the peak Golden Core cultivator declared, fist-saluting.

The remaining Golden Core cultivators rose and stood beside him, facing the four newcomers.

Faced with over ten Golden Core cultivators, the newcomers were stunned. The strongest quickly saluted, “Let’s negotiate. We'll stay three days, then leave.” He intended to spread the news and gather allies afterward.

The peak Golden Core cultivator nodded, silent. He pondered how someone could have taken so much spirit marrow so quickly, speculating on a powerful, perhaps even cultivation-level, magic artifact.

“We don't know who took the marrow, but it’s amongst us,” the peak Golden Core cultivator stated, believing a Golden Core cultivator was responsible.

“But how do we find out?” a tertiary Golden Core cultivator asked.

No one would admit guilt or allow a search of their storage rings.

The peak Golden Core cultivator sneered, “Simple. I have a level eight test spirit rune. It’s useless to me, so I’ll use it. Those willing to be tested, step forward. Two extra crystals are required as payment. A level eight rune is still valuable.”

Silence agreed. In truth, while a level eight rune, its use was limited, testing only cultivators below Nascent Soul stage with less than 100% accuracy. It wasn't even worth one crystal.

“I'll start with the Foundation Establishment cultivators,” the peak Golden Core cultivator announced.