After obtaining the Moon Laurel Spirit Branch, Lin Xuan didn't hurry back to the Houtu Tribe. Instead, he stayed in the hidden cave for several days. He needed time to absorb what he had gained from this adventure and carefully consider the road ahead.
The Moon Laurel Spirit Branch contained exceptionally pure Pure Yin Essence, which was indeed of great help in cultivating the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique. He guided a trace of yin energy into the technique's circulation at an extremely slow pace. Rather than clashing with the supreme yang of his physical strength, this power of extreme yin complemented it like water and fire working in harmony, subtly tempering and balancing him. His physical foundation became even firmer, and he could almost feel the threshold of the First Revolution's completion. With the Spirit Plant now settled inside the Chaos Bead's space, a cool radiance filled the area, which seemed to have grown a little more stable.
Yet his growing strength did little to ease the urgency in his heart. The sight of the Demon Tribe's Sky Patrol Scouts hung over him like a sword, constantly reminding him of the Primordial World's cruelty and turmoil. The Houtu Tribe was a fine place, but it was still a Witch Tribe. As a human cultivator, he couldn't rely on them forever. What's more, the system meant he would have to keep exploring a wider world, searching for new places to sign in and seeking out further opportunities.
He unfurled the "Primordial Great Map" in his mind. His gaze passed over the illuminated areas around Buzhou Mountain and fell on the boundless distance, shrouded in darkness. Near the edge of the map were several extremely vague markers, each accompanied by a question mark. One seemed to point east of Buzhou Mountain, toward a vast, uncharted region. Beside it was a label the system had inferred from scattered bits of information: [Possibly the direction of Longevity Mountain? The abode of the Ancestor of Earth Immortals?]
Longevity Mountain! Wuzhuang Temple! Great Immortal Zhenyuan!
The name flashed through Lin Xuan's mind like lightning. Zhenyuanzi, the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, possessed the Heaven and Earth Mirror and the Ginseng Fruit Tree. He was a famous True Immortal of Virtue and Fortune in the Primordial World, known for his relatively gentle disposition and his lack of interest in worldly strife. More importantly, in the original tale of the Primordial World, Zhenyuanzi's sworn brotherhood with Sun Wukong suggested that he valued affinity and character, rather than focusing solely on lineage and origins.
If he could befriend Zhenyuanzi, he would gain a powerful ally and a tranquil place to cultivate amid the dangers of the Primordial World. Compared to the Witch Tribe, which was about to be swept into the maelstrom of the Witch-Demon War, Wuzhuang Temple was clearly safer and better suited to his needs at this stage.
His mind was made up.
Several days later, Lin Xuan returned to the Houtu Tribe. His return put Houyi, Kuafu, and the others at ease, but when they saw the determination in his expression, they sensed that something was coming.
That night, Lin Xuan brought the beast meat he was best at roasting and the Spirit Fruits he had gathered to the great stone house where Houyi and Kuafu lived. The bonfire crackled, casting its light over their three very different faces.
"Elder Brother Houyi, Brother Kuafu," Lin Xuan said, filling three bowls with fruit wine. His voice was sincere, with a hint of reluctance he could barely conceal. "I'm deeply grateful for all the care you two and everyone in the tribe have shown me during this time. I'll never forget your kindness."
Houyi picked up his bowl and looked at him intently. "Xuanyuanzi, from the look of you, are you planning to leave?"
Lin Xuan nodded without hiding the truth. "Yes. The Primordial World is vast, and I want to travel, see more of it, and pursue my path. Staying in the tribe is safe, but it isn't what I want."
Kuafu's rough face showed his reluctance plainly. "Brother, did someone in the tribe give you a hard time? Or do you think this place isn't good enough? It's dangerous out there, and you're a human!"
Warmth welled up in Lin Xuan's heart. He shook his head with a smile. "What are you saying, Brother Kuafu? The tribe is my home, and you're all my family. It's because I think of this place as home that I need to go out and make my way. A young eagle has to leave the nest before it can soar through the sky. I can't keep hiding under my elder brothers' wings forever."
He paused, then continued, "Besides, the Demon Tribe has been acting strangely lately. It feels like a storm is coming. If I stay here and a conflict breaks out, I might only become a burden to the tribe. It's better to travel now, broaden my horizons, and grow stronger. If the tribe ever needs me, I'll do everything I can to come to your aid, no matter how far away I am!"
Houyi fell silent for a moment, then drained his bowl in one gulp and set it down with a heavy thud. "Good! Well said! A young eagle must leave the nest before it can become a mighty one! Xuanyuanzi, I admire your determination! My fellow Witches and I respect brave men who take responsibility!"
He stood and clapped Lin Xuan firmly on the shoulder. "Since you've made up your mind, we won't stop you. Remember, wherever you go, the Houtu Tribe will always be your home, and you'll always be a brother to Kuafu and me! This drink is to send you on your way!"
Kuafu's eyes reddened as he raised his bowl. "Take care, Brother! If you run into trouble, remember to blow the bone whistle! I, old Kuafu, will bring people to help you!"
The three bowls clinked together once more, wine splashing over their rims as the three men exchanged hearty smiles tinged with sadness.
The next morning, the sun rose, gilding the vast Buzhou Mountain.
At the tribe's entrance, Houyi, Kuafu, and many familiar Witch warriors had gathered to see Lin Xuan off. There was little sadness in the air. The Witches were a hearty people, and their farewells were mostly words of caution and encouragement.
"Travel safely, Brother Xuanyuanzi!"
"Take these dried meats and fruits for the road!"
"Head east. I hear it's relatively peaceful over there!"
Lin Xuan thanked them one by one. He left most of the roasted meat and ordinary herbs he had gathered with the tribe, taking only a few necessities and the precious Houtu Token.
At last, he walked up to Houyi and Kuafu and bowed deeply. "Elder Brother Houyi, Brother Kuafu, and all of you, I'll take my leave now! The road is long, but we'll meet again!"
"Take care!" Houyi and Kuafu said together, raising their fists in salute.
Lin Xuan didn't hesitate again. He turned and set off with firm steps along the path eastward, following the map's guidance. He gradually receded into the distance. The rising sun stretched his shadow long across the unknown land of the Primordial World.
He looked back. The stone houses of the Houtu Tribe and the statue of Lady Houtu grew smaller in the distance, then vanished behind the mountains. Though he felt the sorrow of parting, anticipation and eagerness for the road ahead burned even stronger within him.
His time on Buzhou Mountain had come to a temporary end. A new journey began beneath his feet. His destination: Longevity Mountain and Wuzhuang Temple!
[Ding! The host has entered a new stage of exploration. Main Quest updated: Reach the Longevity Mountain region.] [Stage objective: Complete a sign-in at the foot of Longevity Mountain. Reward: To be granted based on your journey and condition upon arrival.] [The journey through the Primordial World begins now!]
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