Half a Year Later, Zhu Sheng's Preparations

Half a year passed in the snap of a finger.

A hundred miles east of the East Pole Three Islands, Yang Wenqing had set aside a stretch of sea for cultivation and laid a dedicated formation there.

He hovered at its center in a white duty uniform, though he had removed the rank bars, badges, and other ornaments that might get in his way.

For the past six months, aside from handling official documents, he had spent every day cultivating and nurturing the flying swords in his Inner Landscape World. By now, he had raised a hundred fine flying swords around its projection.

Lan Ying perched against his shoulder, her little head turning this way and that, her eyes bright with anticipation. Her Blue-Feathered Night Owl bloodline ability had reached Entry Realm, Late Stage three months ago. Nourished by Yang Wenqing's Third Realm Immortal Qi, her cultivation of the Jade Clarity Secret Method had also advanced smoothly to Second Realm, Late Stage, so Frostglow Madam and Lian Xing had returned to the Eastern Sea.

"Still not ready?" Lan Ying asked. "If you need this long to prepare against an enemy, it's not much use."

Yang Wenqing smiled. "I was admiring the view. We finally have a fine day."

The newly risen red sun shone in his eyes. For the past six months, rain had fallen on this stretch of sea almost every other day. Today's weather truly was rare.

Lan Ying rolled her eyes.

Just then, Yang Wenqing's Golden Core World spread open around him. At a thought, a flash of golden fire swept past with a sword's cry and hurtled forward.

The light seemed a little unreal, almost like an illusion. It made no sound and gave off no trace of energy, because it moved so fast that the