Plans and Lingering Questions

Atop a towering peak, dozens of figures stood straight as spears. The mountain wind snapped at their robes, and a faint air of farewell hung over them.

Beside the crowd lay an enormous serpentine magical beast. Its scales gleamed coldly, and its presence was imposing.

A small cabin built from Lightspirit Wood stood securely on the beast's broad back. The wood was light yet remarkably sturdy, but its scarcity made it precious.

"Everyone, this is far enough!"

Qin Chen looked at those who had come to see them off and laughed.

"Let's go!"

He smiled at the women behind him. Unwilling to linger in the mood of parting, he moved, streaking onto the giant beast's back like a startled swan.

Zi Yan and the other four leaped up after him, landing steadily beside the cabin.

Once all six were aboard, the enormous serpent raised its head and gave a clear cry. It soared into the sky, shrank to a black speck, and soon vanished from sight.

"Safe travels..."

Yun Shan gazed toward where they had disappeared, his clouded eyes filled with emotion.

In just one year, the Jia Ma Empire had undergone an earth-shaking transformation. High-grade pills he had once only heard of in rumors were now his to enjoy freely. He owed it all to Qin Chen.

"Don't worry. With a Dou Zun expert accompanying them, they won't encounter any danger on this journey." Hai Bodong drew back his gaze and sighed. "I wonder what terrifying heights they'll reach by the time they return. They'll probably be Dou Zun experts standing at the very pinnacle of the continent."

He, too, needed to devote himself to cultivation and begin working toward Dou Zong. He had a faint premonition that storms would soon shake the Battle Qi Continent, and he had