Xu Changqing gently stroked her hair, his gaze resting on the three children laughing and playing some distance away. In a solemn tone, he said, "Thanks for the effort, Shuangmei.
"These past years, I have been busy with Azurewood Sect affairs and have rarely been by your side or the children's."
Ruo Qunshuang leaned against his shoulder and chuckled softly. "Saying such things to me makes us seem like strangers.
"You have your difficulties. I understand.
"As long as the children are safe and everything goes smoothly, and the sect develops steadily, I am content."
As she spoke, she raised her head to look at Xu Changqing and continued, "But have you found any clues about the dwindling Water Qi?"
A trace of gravity flashed through Xu Changqing's eyes. "Mo Qiushui investigated it. The Water Qi throughout the entire Heavenly Origin Realm is inexplicably diminishing, without any source or trace.
"The current concentration has already fallen back to the level of a century ago.
"If this cannot be resolved in the long term, we must prepare for a prolonged response."
"Yes."
Ruo Qunshuang sighed. "Those most affected are cultivators like us with Water Spirit Roots.
"Without an ample supply of Water Qi, cultivation progress will slow drastically.
"Not only will there be insufficient spiritual qi during Tribulation Transcendence, but it may even breed Inner Demons.
"Even the circulation of spiritual power and the casting of techniques in daily life will be restricted."
Back then, thanks to the high concentration of Water Qi, her cultivation and realm had both improved rapidly.
But now, as Water Qi receded, the limitations brought by her aptitude became increasingly apparent.
Xu Changqing added, "It is not just Water Spirit Roots. The Five Elements mutually generate one another.
"Water generates wood, wood generates fire, fire generates