Farewell from the Crowd, Secrets of the Sea Territory

The courtyard of the Eastern Suppressing Prince Mansion was filled with swirling spiritual energy, quiet and peaceful. More than a month had passed since Yun Ce bestowed the pills and imparted his techniques. During this month, Zhao Yunxing consumed the Super Marrow Cleansing Pill and successfully reshaped his meridians; not only did he smoothly break through to the Xiantian realm, but he also embarked on a path of dual cultivation of internal and external arts, with his external martial arts foundation becoming increasingly solid and his internal energy steadily improving. Lian Yan devoted himself to practicing the Nature Return-to-Origin Art, his insights into the nature of heaven and earth growing deeper by the day, and the resonance between his internal Xiantian True Qi and the spiritual energy of the world becoming ever stronger; he had already accumulated most of the momentum needed to break through to the Golden Core realm.

Qin De and Feng Yuzi also made significant progress in their cultivation by utilizing the three top-tier techniques gifted by Yun Ce. The entire Qin Family was immersed in a wave of cultivation, their foundation growing deeper day by day. Meanwhile, Qin Yu, Black Feather, the Dragon Rock Lion, and Red Phoenix did not slack off either—Qin Yu stabilized his Golden Core Mid Stage realm, polished his Stellar True Essence, and familiarized himself with the coordination of the three divine beasts. Black Feather, the Dragon Rock Lion, and Red Phoenix diligently practiced the Body-Shrinking Art and their own techniques imparted by Yun Ce, their strength steadily increasing and their mutual rapport growing ever more sufficient.

On this day, as dawn broke, golden rays of light spilled onto the front gate of the Eastern Suppressing Prince Mansion. Yun Ce stood with his hands behind his back, his aura condensed and his expression calm. Qin Yu stood beside him, with the shrunken Black Feather, the Dragon Rock Lion, and Red Phoenix perched on his shoulders. The three divine beasts were clever and agile, occasionally poking their heads out to observe everything around them, their eyes filled with curiosity about the unknown journey ahead.

"Master, everything is ready," Qin Yu said softly, his tone carrying a hint of anticipation, as well as a trace of reluctance to leave the Qin Family. This month of rest had allowed him to feel the warmth of home once again, but he was also clear that the path of cultivation was like sailing against the current; if one did not advance, one would retreat. Only by constantly venturing out could he break through to higher realms and live up to the expectations of his master, his father, and the others.

Yun Ce nodded, his gaze looking toward the depths of the mansion, his tone gentle: "Very well, it is time to depart. The journey to the Undersea Beast World is long and fraught with danger. You and the three divine beasts must follow me closely at all times and must not act on your own."

"This disciple understands!" Qin Yu nodded heavily, then lowered his head to instruct the three divine beasts on his shoulders: "Black Feather, Dragon Rock, Red Phoenix, you must listen to Master on the road and not be mischievous."

The three divine beasts nodded solemnly, all three communicating through spiritual sense: "Don't worry, Master (Teacher), we will be careful!"

Just then, footsteps approached. Qin De, Feng Yuzi, Qin Feng, and Qin Zheng walked over quickly, each of their faces showing signs of reluctance. For over a month, they had known the news that Yun Ce was taking Qin Yu to the Undersea Beast World in the Southern Sea Region. Although they were reluctant to part, they understood that one could not grow without experiencing storms, and with an immortal expert at the Void-Piercing Realm like Yun Ce to protect him, they could rest a little easier.

"Brother Yun, Little Yu." Qin De stepped forward, his gaze falling on Qin Yu, his eyes full of concern as he instructed solemnly: "This trip to the Southern Sea Region is a long one, and the Undersea Beast World is extremely dangerous. You must be careful in everything, listen to Brother Yun's arrangements, and do not try to be a hero."

He paused, then looked at Yun Ce, bowing respectfully with a reverent tone: "Brother Yun, I entrust Little Yu to you. If you encounter any trouble in the future, although the Qin Family's strength is meager, we will certainly do our best to help. Please look after Little Yu."

Yun Ce smiled faintly, raising his hand to signal Qin De to rise, his tone gentle yet firm: "Brother Qin De, there is no need for such formalities. Little Yu is my disciple; I will naturally ensure his safety. Although this trip to the seabed has its dangers, it is also his opportunity. When he returns from his training, he will surely be even stronger."

Qin Feng stepped forward and patted Qin Yu on the shoulder, his tone hearty, though his eyes were full of reluctance: "Third Brother, take care on this journey! Take good care of yourself while you are away, and practice well under the immortal master. When you return, Big Brother will definitely want to hear all about your adventures on the seabed!"

Qin Zheng also stepped forward, his expression maintaining the composure of an emperor, yet unable to hide his concern: "Third Brother, train with peace of mind. With Father and me holding down the Qin Dynasty, you need not worry about home. When you return, the Qin Family will surely be even more glorious because of you."

Feng Yuzi stroked his beard, his gaze falling on Qin Yu with high expectations: "Little Yu, the Undersea Beast World is full of hidden talents; it holds both opportunities and crises. Remember, on the path of cultivation, your heart must be steady. Do not be greedy for quick success, and consult Brother Yun often; you will surely gain much. This Jade Slip contains some maps I have compiled regarding the Undersea Beast World and the route to my sect; I hope it can be of help to you."

Qin Yu looked at the concerned faces of everyone, feeling a warmth in his heart. He solemnly put away the Jade Slip handed to him by Feng Yuzi, bowed deeply to everyone, and said earnestly: "Thank you, Father, thank you Big Brother, thank you Second Brother, thank you Uncle Feng! I will certainly keep everyone's instructions in mind, practice hard, return safely, and not let everyone's expectations down!"

Yun Ce watched this scene with a faint smile on his lips, his tone gentle: "Alright, the time is late, we should set off. Brother Qin De, everyone, until we meet again."

As his voice fell, Yun Ce waved his hand, and a soft Stellar True Essence enveloped Qin Yu and the three divine beasts. Then, channeling the power of space, his figure moved slightly, and he slowly rose into the air, carrying Qin Yu and the three divine beasts with him.

"Father, Big Brother, Second Brother, Uncle Feng, goodbye!" Qin Yu stood in mid-air, waving goodbye to the people below, his eyes full of reluctance.

Qin De and the others also waved, their eyes filled with concern: "Little Yu, take care! Brother Yun, take care!"

Yun Ce nodded slightly to everyone, then without further hesitation, he turned and flew toward the south with Qin Yu and the three divine beasts. Their figures grew smaller and smaller until they finally disappeared into the horizon. Qin De and the others stood in front of the mansion for a long time, their hearts filled with anticipation, hoping that Qin Yu would return safely.

In mid-air, Yun Ce channeled the power of space, carrying Qin Yu and the three divine beasts as they flew rapidly toward the Southern Sea Region. Their flight speed was extremely fast, and the mountains, rivers, towns, and villages below flashed by like a blur.

Qin Yu stood beside Yun Ce, feeling the whistling wind in his ears and the scenery flashing by below, his eyes filled with emotion—over these years, he had grown from a mortal child unable to cultivate into a Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator, and now he was heading to the distant Undersea Beast World to begin a brand new training. All of this was inseparable from his master's careful guidance and vigorous cultivation.

Black Feather, the Dragon Rock Lion, and Red Phoenix lay on Qin Yu's shoulders, curiously poking their heads out and occasionally letting out low cries, full of curiosity about everything around them. Red Phoenix and the Dragon Rock Lion were mid-level divine beasts; Red Phoenix was entirely crimson with small wings and agile eyes, and during this time, it had gotten along very well with Black Feather and the Dragon Rock Lion, becoming a capable assistant by Qin Yu's side.

After flying for about half a day, the scenery below gradually changed. The mountains and rivers slowly diminished, replaced by a vast, boundless ocean. The blue waves stretched for ten thousand li, the sea surging to the heavens; looking into the distance, the sea and sky merged into one, appearing extremely magnificent.

"Master, is this the Southern Sea Region?" Qin Yu looked at the magnificent ocean below, his eyes full of wonder as he asked softly.

Yun Ce nodded, slowing his flight speed, his tone gentle yet becoming solemn: "That is correct, this is the edge of the Southern Sea Region. Before long, we will enter the deep-sea area and arrive at the Undersea Beast World. Before that, I will first tell you in detail about the situation in the Southern Sea Region and the various factions, so that you may be prepared."

Qin Yu and the three divine beasts perked up upon hearing this, listening intently. Black Feather even put aside its playfulness, its eagle eyes fixed on Yun Ce, afraid of missing any detail.

Yun Ce looked toward the distant deep sea, his tone calm as he said: "In this boundless Southern Sea Region, more than a hundred thousand li away, there is an immortal island. Apart from that, other places are scattered with islands of various sizes. Many of these islands are occupied by cultivator sects; they cultivate and establish themselves on the islands, and among them, there is both cooperation and conflict."

He paused and continued: "And in the far south, countless billions of li away, lies the core of the overseas immortal islands—the Penglai Immortal Domain. The Penglai Immortal Domain is a holy land for immortal cultivators, gathering countless top-tier cultivators. With its powerful influence and deep foundation, it is one of the top immortal cultivator factions in the Southern Sea Region."

"Besides the Penglai Immortal Domain, there are many other factions in the Southern Sea Region. Some islands are home to immortal cultivator sects, while others are the territory of demon cultivators. There is even a core of demon islands formed by the aggregation of over a hundred islands not far from the Penglai Immortal Domain—the 'Purple Flame Demon Prison'."

"The Purple Flame Demon Prison is as famous as the Penglai Immortal Domain, and their strength is on par. It is just that the two follow different paths, and their conflicts are very intense, with the flames of war burning year-round. It is the core of the confrontation between the immortal cultivator and demon cultivator factions in the Southern Sea Region."

Speaking of this, Yun Ce's tone became heavy: "But you must remember, in this boundless sea, the most powerful faction is neither the immortal cultivators nor the demon cultivators; it is neither the Penglai Immortal Domain nor the Purple Flame Demon Prison. The truly strongest faction is the Demon Cultivators!"

Qin Yu was full of confusion upon hearing this: "Master, why is it the Demon Cultivators? Aren't the Penglai Immortal Domain and the Purple Flame Demon Prison already very powerful?"

Yun Ce smiled and explained: "Because the largest area of the boundless sea is not the islands, but the water. In this boundless water, there are all kinds of underwater beasts, and the deeper the sea, the stronger the beasts. These underwater beasts are the main body of the Demon Cultivators. They are numerous, diverse in species, and there is no lack of Nascent Soul Realm, Void-Piercing Realm, or even higher-level beasts. Gathered together, they form a massive Demon Cultivator faction that far exceeds the Penglai Immortal Domain and the Purple Flame Demon Prison."

"The Undersea Beast World we are heading to this time is one of the core gathering places for these Demon Cultivators. It is full of hidden talents and crises, but at the same time, it also holds numerous opportunities." Yun Ce's gaze fell on Qin Yu, his tone solemn: "The key to opening the Nine Swords Immortal Mansion of Immortal Emperor Ni Yang is about to appear in the Turbulent Star Sea and the Undersea Beast World; this is the core purpose of our trip. But to obtain the mansion's secret key and the opportunities within, we must face the competition of various factions, including the Penglai Immortal Domain, the Purple Flame Demon Prison, the Azure Dragon Palace, the Clear Water Mansion, the Nine Sha Hall, and the various large and small Demon Cultivator factions on the seabed."

Qin Yu and the three divine beasts became solemn upon hearing this. They finally understood that this trip to the Undersea Beast World was not a simple training session, but a struggle full of unknowns and dangers. The Penglai Immortal Domain, the Purple Flame Demon Prison, the Nine Sha Hall... these were all top-tier factions, and competing for opportunities in their hands would be extremely difficult.

"Master, are you confident?" Qin Yu asked softly, his tone carrying a hint of anxiety, but also a trace of firmness. He knew that as long as he followed his master, there was hope of obtaining opportunities and breaking through to higher realms.

Yun Ce smiled faintly, a flash of certainty in his eyes: "Don't worry, with me here, plus your strength and the help of the three divine beasts—Dragon Rock, Red Phoenix, and Black Feather—we may not be unable to seize the initiative among the various factions. You must just remember: once you arrive at the Undersea Beast World, be cautious in everything, do not act on your own, and listen to my arrangements."

"Yes, Master!" Qin Yu nodded heavily, the anxiety in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by firmness. Black Feather, the Dragon Rock Lion, and Red Phoenix also let out low cries, as if responding to Yun Ce's instructions.

Yun Ce nodded and said no more, once again increasing his flight speed. His figure shuttled through the sky above the ocean, flying toward the deep-sea area in the south. As they ventured deeper into the sea, the water below became deeper, its color changing from light blue to dark blue, and the spiritual energy in the air became increasingly dense. At the same time, they could faintly feel the presence of numerous violent beasts—Yun Ce, Qin Yu, and the others were stepping into the Undersea Beast World, beginning a new journey.