Farewell Witch Tribe, Target Longevity Mountain

After obtaining the Moon Laurel Spirit Branch, Lin Xuan didn't rush back to the Houtu Tribe. Instead, he stayed in the hidden cave for several days. He needed time to digest the spoils of his adventure and carefully consider his next steps.

The pure Yin essence contained within the Moon Laurel Spirit Branch was indeed remarkably effective for cultivating the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique. He slowly guided a wisp of Yin energy into the flow of the Profound Technique. The supreme Yin energy didn't conflict with the supreme Yang of his physical body; rather, it was like water and fire complementing each other, acting as a subtle harmonizer and refiner. This made his physical foundation even more stable and solid, and he even felt he was on the verge of reaching the perfection of the First Revolution. The Chaos Bead's space also gained a touch of cool radiance with the addition of this spirit plant, making the space seem slightly more stable.

However, the improvement in his strength did not diminish his sense of urgency. The figures of the Demon Tribe's Sky Patrol Scouts were like swords hanging over his head, constantly reminding him of the harshness and turmoil of the Primordial Era. While the Houtu Tribe was good, it was ultimately a tribe of the Witch Tribe. As a human cultivator, relying on them long-term was not a sustainable plan. Moreover, the existence of the System meant he needed to constantly explore a wider world, find new sign-in locations, and obtain more opportunities.

Spreading the "Primordial Great Map" in his mind, his gaze swept past the illuminated areas around Buzhou Mountain, extending towards the boundless, darkness-shrouded distance. At the edge of the map, there were a few extremely blurry markers with question marks. One of them vaguely pointed east of Buzhou Mountain, towards a vast, unknown region. Next to it was a system-estimated annotation based on scattered information: [Suspected direction of Longevity Mountain? The Ancestor of Earth Immortals' dojo?]

Longevity Mountain! Wuzhuang Temple! Great Immortal Zhenyuan!

The name flashed through Lin Xuan's mind like lightning. Zhenyuanzi, the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, holder of the Heaven and Earth Mirror and the Ginseng Fruit Tree, was a renowned True Immortal of Virtue and Fortune in the Primordial Era. His temperament was relatively gentle, and he sought no conflict. More importantly, in the original narrative of the Primordial Era, Zhenyuanzi's sworn brotherhood with Sun Wukong, to some extent, showed his emphasis on "fate" and "temperament," rather than solely focusing on origins and background.

If he could befriend Zhenyuanzi, it would undoubtedly provide him with another powerful backer and a peaceful place for cultivation in the perilous Primordial Era. Compared to the Witch Tribe, which was about to be drawn into the vortex of the Witch-Demon War, Wuzhuang Temple was clearly a safer place, more suitable for his current stage of accumulation and development.

His decision was made.

A few days later, Lin Xuan returned to the Houtu Tribe. His return relieved Kuafu, Houyi, and the others, but seeing the determination in his expression, they vaguely sensed something.

That evening, Lin Xuan brought the best roasted beast meat he had prepared himself and gathered spirit fruits to the large stone house where Houyi and Kuafu lived. The bonfire crackled, illuminating their faces, each showing a different expression.

"Brother Houyi, Brother Kuafu," Lin Xuan poured three bowls of fruit wine, his voice sincere and carrying a hint of imperceptible reluctance. "During this time, I have been deeply grateful for the care shown by both of you and everyone in the tribe. I will never forget this kindness and affection."

Houyi picked up his wine bowl, looking at him with deep eyes. "Xuan Yuanzi, seeing you like this, are you planning to leave?"

Lin Xuan nodded, not hiding anything. "Yes. The Primordial Era is vast, and I wish to travel and experience a broader world, to pursue my own path. Staying in the tribe forever is safe, but it is not what I desire."

Upon hearing this, Kuafu's rough face showed obvious reluctance. He grumbled, "Brother, did someone in the tribe upset you? Or do you think it's not good enough here? It's dangerous outside with all the war and chaos, especially for a human like you!"

A warm current flowed through Lin Xuan's heart. He shook his head and smiled. "Brother Kuafu, what are you saying! The tribe is my home, and everyone here is my family. It is precisely because I consider this my home that I must go out and forge my own path. A fledgling eagle must eventually leave the nest to soar through the skies. I cannot always hide under the wings of my brothers."

He paused and continued, "Moreover, the recent movements of the Demon Tribe are strange, and a storm is brewing. If I stay here and conflict arises, I might become a burden to the tribe. It would be better to take this opportunity to travel, broaden my horizons, and improve my strength. If the tribe ever needs me in the future, Lin Xuan will do his utmost to rush to your aid from a thousand miles away!"

Houyi was silent for a moment, then drained his wine bowl and put it down heavily. "Good! Well said! A fledgling eagle leaves the nest to become a great eagle! Xuan Yuanzi, I, Houyi, admire your ambition! We sons of the Witch Tribe respect brave men who take responsibility the most!"

He stood up and patted Lin Xuan's shoulder forcefully. "Since you have decided, we will not stop you. Remember, no matter where you go, the Houtu Tribe will always be your home, and you will always be my brother and Kuafu's brother! This bowl of wine is to send you off!"

Kuafu, with red eyes, also raised his wine bowl. "Brother, take care! If you encounter trouble, remember to blow the bone flute! I, Old Kuafu, will definitely bring people to help you!"

The three wine bowls clinked together again, wine splashing out, reflecting their bold yet slightly sad smiles.

The next morning, as the sun rose, casting a golden edge over the vast Buzhou Mountain.

At the entrance of the tribe, Houyi, Kuafu, and many familiar Witch Tribe warriors came to see Lin Xuan off. The scene was not overly sad; the Witch Tribe had hearty personalities, and there were more words of advice and blessings.

"Brother Xuan Yuanzi, be careful on your journey!"

"Take these dried meats and fruits with you for the road!"

"Head east, we heard it's relatively peaceful over there!"

Lin Xuan thanked them one by one. He left most of the roasted dried meat and gathered ordinary herbs for the tribe, taking only a few essentials and the precious "Houtu Token" for himself.

Finally, he walked up to Houyi and Kuafu and bowed deeply. "Brother Houyi, Brother Kuafu, all tribesmen, Lin Xuan bids you farewell! Though mountains and rivers are long, we will meet again!"

"Take care!" Houyi and Kuafu said in unison, their voices loud as they clasped their fists.

Lin Xuan no longer hesitated. He turned and took firm steps, following the path indicated on the map towards the east, gradually walking further away. The rising sun stretched his shadow long, casting it towards the unknown Primordial land.

He looked back, and the stone houses of the Houtu Tribe and the statue of Goddess Houtu gradually shrank in his vision, eventually being obscured by the mountains. Although there was sadness in his heart, there was more anticipation for the road ahead and soaring fighting spirit.

The chapter of Buzhou Mountain had temporarily come to an end. The new journey began at his feet. The destination: Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain!

[Ding! Detected that the Host has entered a new exploration phase. Main Quest updated: Arrive in the Longevity Mountain area.]

[Stage Objective: Complete sign-in at the foot of Longevity Mountain. Reward: To be issued based on journey performance and arrival status.]

[The Primordial Journey officially begins!]