Floating Continent
An extremely large continent floats in the sky, which is quite unique.
The Spiritual Qi of the Heavenly Cycle was absorbed by this continent, gathering into Spiritual Qi clouds and rain, swirling above the continent, incredibly dense, causing the surrounding and bottom areas of the continent to be extremely barren, rarely visited by humans, and devoid of spiritual creatures.
Jin Jiuling said, "No one knows how this continent was formed. It used to be the center of this region, very prosperous and bustling. But as that powerful force in the distance retreated, it gradually declined. Today, that distant force's control over this Floating Land has weakened, and there has been no news of it for decades. This has caused various forces to become restless, all wanting to seize this Floating Land for themselves."
The Jin Family Ancestor said, "We don't want to take this place for ourselves. After all, that would be too exhausting. Not only would we have to deal with the covetous eyes of the surrounding major powers, but we also don't know if some distant power still has designs on this Floating Land. If they return, it would be tantamount to creating a major enemy for ourselves, which would be unwise. This time, we are mainly here to plunder the various resources in this Floating Land."
"Excellent. Just now I vaguely sensed that the eyes of the patriarchs were watching us from all sides. It seems that we are not the only ones eyeing this Floating Land," Li Qingshan said seriously.
Li Jiusheng looked around, but he didn't find anyone spying on him.
The difference between a patriarch and a venerable one is not only in strength, but also in their perception of the primordial spirit.
"What resources are available in this Floating Land?" Li Jiusheng asked.
"Do you see the clouds and rain gathering above the Floating Continent?" The Jin Family Ancestor pointed.
Li Jiusheng and Li Qingshan nodded simultaneously, which was quite noticeable and easily seen by them.
"There are ancient Formation engraved by powerful forces from afar on the Floating Continent. These formations can absorb Spiritual Qi from all directions and gather it here. Over thousands of years, countless amounts of Pure Yang Energy have been condensed here. This Pure Yang Energy is deep within the Floating Continent. If we can obtain it, my Jin Family and your Shangqing Palace will be able to advance our disciples' cultivation by leaps and bounds in a day," said the Jin Family Ancestor.
"Pure Yang Energy? That's top-grade. A single drop of Spiritual Qi, as vast as a river, needs to be liquefied and then purified. This Floating Continent actually hides Pure Yang Energy deep within it?" Li Qingshan exclaimed in shock. Even as the patriarch, he had never absorbed a single drop of Pure Yang Energy in his entire life.
"I've already investigated. Deep within this Floating Continent, a powerful force left behind a Pure Yang Energy River, which is incredibly precious. If we can obtain it, this trip will have been worthwhile," the Jin Family Ancestor said in a low voice.
Li Qingshan said solemnly, "Brother Jin, we must work together."
Clearly, he was interested in a Pure Yang Energy River.
Li Jiusheng listened silently to the side, his heart stirring slightly. If there really was a Pure Yang Energy River, then his breakthrough to the Ancestral Master stage would be just around the corner.
"Let's first enter the Floating Continent and observe it. If we can get the news, other forces will surely get it too. This will be a fierce battle." The Jin Family Ancestor spoke, and then his body transformed into a rainbow and flew into the Floating Continent.
Li Jiusheng immediately followed.
The Floating Continent hovers in mid-air, a truly awe-inspiring sight from the outside, resembling an ancient behemoth stretching between heaven and earth.
But once you enter, you don't feel anything special; it's just a normal, ancient, dense forest.
At this moment, the night was hazy, and standing on the Floating Continent, it felt as if one had entered Primordial Era.
Ahead lay a vast mountain range, stretching endlessly like a winding dragon lying prostrate in the stillness of the night.
As far as the eye can see, the mountains rise one after another, stretching endlessly without end.
"I thought this Floating Continent would be very prosperous," Li Jiusheng said.
"It was indeed prosperous in the past, with forces from all directions gathering here and using it as a trading place. But in the last thousand years, it has been completely abandoned. The great forces from afar no longer invest here, and the former buildings have gradually been submerged by vegetation. Today, it is completely desolate," Jin Jiuling said.
"There are people ahead!" Li Jiusheng suddenly sensed movement in the dense forest mountain range.
"Be careful, the opponent has a patriarch." Li Qingshan whispered, taking a step forward to protect Li Jiusheng.
Although he knew that his senior brother was powerful, he was not at the Ancestor Realm after all, and this place was not his Old Land. He didn't know how many strange tricks he might have. Li Qingshan felt that it was better to be careful.
The same was true of the Jin Family Ancestor, who protected the next head of the Jin Family's main lineage.
Soon, the two groups met.
Only then did Li Jiusheng realize that the other party was actually a group of insects who had cultivated and attained enlightenment. Some of them transformed into human form, but with wings or four arms. Others remained as they were, flying in the night sky like Feather Butterfly, emitting a hazy light and exuding a powerful aura. They were not to be trifled with.
"This is the Insect Race. They reproduce extremely quickly and are numerous. In recent years, they have grown rapidly in the Outer Domain and are a top-tier power. I just don't know which race they are?" Jin Jiuling transmitted his voice to Li Jiusheng.
Among the Insect Race, there was a colorful caterpillar surrounded by the crowd. It emitted a hazy moonlight, and its body seemed to resonate under the moonlight, with strange ripples spreading out and enveloping all kinds of insects around it, as if it were feeding back to them.
Li Jiusheng glanced at the colorful caterpillar and was shocked. It was actually a caterpillar at the Ancestor Realm. The aura that the Jin Family Ancestor and Li Qingshan had sensed earlier was emanating from it.
"Two more patriarchs have arrived; this Floating Continent is getting more and more exciting." The colorful caterpillar emitted a mental vibration, expressing its dissatisfaction simply and clearly, seemingly feeling that there were too many people.
Li Qingshan and the Jin Family Ancestor remained silent, standing still in place.
"But when it comes to numbers, my Insect Race has never been afraid." The caterpillar ancestor merely snorted coldly, and then, surrounded by the crowd, quickly disappeared into the dense Primeval Forest.
"This is troublesome. Even the Insect Race have their eyes on this Floating Continent, so other forces will surely join in as well." The Jin Family Ancestor frowned and said in a deep voice.
"It's alright, we'll take it one step at a time," Li Qingshan said calmly.
"Let's go, let's go to the trading post on the Floating Continent first and see what's going on." The Jin Family Ancestor took the lead, guiding the group swiftly through the Primeval Forest.
He dared not fly high, unaware of the dangers lurking below.
Li Jiusheng and Jin Jiuling were in the middle, and they kept running along the way, only to find that no one dared to fly in the sky.
Everyone was worried that a few assassins might suddenly rush out from this boundless, dense Primeval Forest.
"As the powerful forces from afar gradually retreat, most of the Floating Continent has returned to the Primordial Era, but a few trading places have still been preserved. Local cultivators of the Floating Continent and some outsiders trade here. Let's go and find out what's going on," Jin Jiuling said.
The Floating Continent is vast and sparsely populated. With most areas returning to the Primordial Era, the population is mainly concentrated near the exchange. Other areas are deserted and teeming with wild beasts.
Li Jiusheng and his group of four kept a low profile, constantly moving around.
Along the way, we encountered many groups, some large and impressive, others traveling alone through the night.
"Most of them are venerable ones or patriarchs; very few Great Grandmaster come here," Li Jiusheng observed silently.
The Jin Family Ancestor was familiar with the place and seemed to have been here more than once. He quickly led Li Jiusheng and Li Qingshan to an exchange.
The area still retains magnificent architecture, flat ground, and a diverse mix of ethnic groups living together.
The Jin Family Ancestor carried with him the currency used for trade Outer Domain, namely the Divine Source, and found the locals to inquire about the current situation in the area.
In a teahouse, a fat man, clearly an alien being, weighed the Divine Source in his hand and said, "This Floating Continent hasn't been peaceful lately. First, the Insect Race sent a large army to explore, intending to sweep across the Floating Continent, but they encountered resistance from mysterious beings deep within. A hurricane swept through and completely annihilated the Insect Race army."
"Then, Human World assassin, using stealth techniques, attempted to infiltrate the depths of the Floating Continent to steal the Pure Yang Energy River, but was discovered the next day and hung under a War Ancient Tree, mistaken for its fruit." Out of respect for the Divine Source, the alien beings enthusiastically explained things to Li Jiusheng and his group.
"Has news of the Pure Yang Energy River already spread?" the Jin Family Ancestor asked, frowning.
"Of course, otherwise it wouldn't attract so many people. A single drop of Pure Yang Energy is comparable to hundreds of kilograms of Divine Source. If I weren't incapable, I would also like to try and compete for it," said the alien creature.
The waiter beside him said, "Right now, just those in the open include the patriarch of the Insect Race, assassins from the Human World, outstanding successors of the Fire Phoenix Clan, and prodigies of the Demon Race... There are too many to list. Not to mention those in the shadows, there are countless mysterious figures, like you, sir, who have come in groups."
"It's said that some of the old masters have come out," the young waiter said mysteriously, only to be chased away by the strange being who was the boss.
"Gentlemen, for the sake of Divine Source, I'll reveal another piece of information."
"Deep within the Floating Continent, that power once set up Formation, built Ancient Castle, and hid countless treasures. The widely circulated Pure Yang Energy River is located there. You don't need to go through great trouble; you can go directly there. However, there are many guards there, and the danger level is considerable. If things don't go well, you'll have to save your lives," the alien being said, before taking the Divine Source and leaving, intending to sell this information to the next person who inquired.
Once the alien creature left, the Jin Family Ancestor said in a low voice, "I thought few people would know about this, but it still got out. We rushed as fast as we could, but we were still a step too late."
"It's alright. Being the first to arrive doesn't matter. Didn't you hear what the boss just said? The Insect Race sent a large army here, but it was completely wiped out by a hurricane. I think we've arrived just in time," Li Jiusheng said.
"Let's wait and see. If there's an opportunity, we'll seize it. If not, it's good to acquire some other resources." Li Qingshan nodded.
"Alright, I'll go and gather some more information. You all remain seated." The Jin Family Ancestor nodded, then rose and quickly disappeared, presumably using the Jin Family's special channels to gather information.
Li Jiusheng took the opportunity to observe the exchange.
This area covers a large area and is surrounded by many taverns, inns, casinos, and even brothels, making it very lively. People coming and going include humans, aliens, and Demonic Beast.
Some maintain their original form and are extremely large.
Some were reborn as humans, but were incomplete, retaining some of their original characteristics.
This is an exchange, but it's actually more like a small city, just without walls.
Suddenly, a loud commotion of gongs and drums in the distance caught Li Jiusheng's attention.
Upon closer inspection, he realized it was someone getting married.
All around, toad-like creatures were blowing trumpets and banging drums.
Behind them, four large black oxen, walking upright, carried a red sedan chair.
A young and beautiful woman sat gracefully inside the sedan chair.
Li Jiusheng, with his sharp eyes, noticed the woman's ears, which were covered in thick fur. He was startled; it was a Cat Girl.
Next to the red sedan chair, there was a rat dressed in a silver leather coat, with a flower hairpin in its hair, looking charming and alluring, constantly calling out to its surroundings.
"This is Cat Girl from the Pleasure Quarter, the top courtesan. But she was recently bought by Master Tiger and became his Twenty-Seventh Concubine. She's getting married now," the shop assistant said to Li Jiusheng, pointing outside.
Only then did Li Jiusheng realize the inclusiveness of the Outer Domain.
The mouse is the cat's bridesmaid!
This was the first time he had ever seen it in his life.
"Who is Master Tiger?" Li Qingshan asked from the side.
"Sir, you must be from out of town? Who doesn't know Master Tiger on the Floating Continent? He's second only to the Ancestral Master on our Floating Continent, standing at the Venerable Peak realm for over a hundred years, never defeated by anyone of the same realm. Many Ancestral Masters have wanted to take him under their wing, but he's refused them all." The waiter said with admiration.
Upon hearing that it was only at the Venerable Peak, Li Qingshan lost interest.
Li Jiusheng had absolutely no interest.
Venerable Peak for over a hundred years and has never been defeated by someone of the same level. It sounds impressive, but that's only because you haven't met him yet.
The group silently watched the Cat Girl's wedding and the mouse's farewell, waiting for the Jin Family Ancestor to return.
After a while, the Jin Family Ancestor returned.
"I just went outside to inquire, and this place is indeed different from before. The remnants of that powerful force from afar were attacked fiercely before leaving, and had no choice but to use the Pure Yang Energy River to activate the Teleportation Array before they could leave. However, this also exposed the Pure Yang Energy River, attracting forces from all sides to seize it. Now, all sides are gathered in front of that fortress," said the Jin Family Ancestor.
"We'll go take a look too," Li Qingshan said immediately.
The Jin Family Ancestor nodded and then led the way.
Li Jiusheng and Jin Jiuling followed silently.
On the way, the Jin Family Ancestor continued to recount the information he had gathered.
"That fortress is very unusual; it seems to be a rare treasure, difficult to breach. Not long ago, the Insect Race army attacked, intending to devour the castle, but was struck by a summoned hurricane and was completely wiped out. Some people saw a lifelike Wooden Man sitting in the center of the castle; it is controlling the castle," the Jin Family Ancestor said in a low voice.
"Castle, Wooden Man?" Li Jiusheng frowned.
"That's right. Several other groups tried to open the castle afterward, but they were all neutralized by the Wooden Man controlling the Formation. One of the patriarchs was even killed, which deterred those who were eager to make a move." The Jin Family Ancestor nodded.
"The fact that they could kill the patriarch shows that the Formation inside the castle is terrifying; we must be careful," Li Qingshan said solemnly.
At the Ancestor Realm, both the primordial spirit and physical body have reached a high level. It is difficult to achieve a fatal blow in a battle against someone of the same level. Being able to defeat them is already quite remarkable. If an Ancestral Master really wants to escape, it is not so easy to kill them.