That night
Deep within the Cloud Dream Palace, in a boudoir by the water, elegantly furnished and adorned with numerous exotic flowers and plants.
Yan Ruyu stood alone by the window.
She wore a light blue long dress with delicate lotus patterns embroidered on the hem, which perfectly complemented her aloof and refined temperament.
Moonlight streamed through the carved wooden window, illuminating her flawless profile and casting a halo of sanctity over her.
Unconsciously, she held a warm, smooth jade pendant in her hand. This was a token left by Li Qingshan when they parted last time, saying that if there was any emergency, she could use it to go to Jade Pool.
A month from now, she will lead the remaining members of her clan to Jade Pool, the sacred land of the human race that stands in the northern Northern Region of the Eastern Wilderness.
She went to seek refuge with the man she had only met once, yet who had left a deep impression on her life.
The feelings in my heart are complex and hard to describe.
There is a sense of melancholy and unease about leaving one's hometown and living under the roof of others.
Yunze Prefecture was, after all, the territory that the Azure Flood Dragon King's uncle had managed for many years, and it was the territory of the demon race.
While Jade Pool is a pure land for humans, it may be a den of dragons and tigers for demons.
Even with Li Qingshan's promise, the future remains uncertain.
There is a responsibility and heavy burden towards the clan.
She is a descendant of the Azure Emperor and the wielder of the Chaos Green Lotus. Every decision she makes concerns the survival and prosperity of this lineage of demons.
But beyond that, deep within her heart, was there perhaps a hidden expectation, one that she herself was unwilling to admit or dare to delve into?
That figure in black robes who, in her moment of crisis, appeared like a divine warrior descending from the heavens, resolving the danger with overwhelming force;
That young man, who spoke little but whose eyes were as deep as the starry sea, seemingly able to see through everything...
His strength, his mystery, and the subtle care he occasionally reveals that contradicts his cold exterior.
They were like pebbles thrown into the lake of her heart, creating ripples that spread outwards.
" Jade Pool, Li Qingshan,"
She parted her red lips slightly and silently uttered the two names, her cool gaze appearing somewhat hazy in the moonlight.
She knew the plans of her uncles, the Azure Flood Dragon King and the Peacock King, and that they hoped to rely on Li Qingshan's power.
She even hoped that she could forge a deeper bond with him.
She instinctively resisted this; her pride as a descendant of royalty made her unwilling to become a bargaining chip in a political marriage.
But when she asked herself honestly, if the object of her affection were that man, her resistance didn't seem as firm as she had imagined.
This is an extremely contradictory and subtle feeling.
Reason told her that the road ahead was fraught with danger, and that she should prioritize the interests of the community and keep her personal feelings hidden.
But deep within her emotions, the seeds that had been quietly sprouting were growing uncontrollably under the moonlight.
She sighed softly, her voice as cool and lingering as the moonlight.
He gripped the jade pendant tightly in his hand; its icy touch seemed to carry a strange warmth.
Jade Pool Holy Land, a sacred place; Zixia Peak.
This peak is not part of the main ridge of Jade Pool, but it is named for the purple glow that surrounds it year-round. It is full of spiritual energy and has beautiful scenery.
Due to Li Qingshan's special instructions, Pang Bo, Zhang Ziling, Zhou Yi, Wang Ziwen, Lin Jia, Li Xiaoman, and others from Earth were settled in a refined courtyard on this peak.
Because it was personally instructed by the Holy Son, and the higher-ups of Jade Pool were aware of the close relationship between these people and the Holy Son, they were treated exceptionally well.
Not only do they each have their own elegantly decorated courtyard with Spirit-Gathering Array, but they also receive a considerable amount of source materials and pills every month.
They even have dedicated disciples who come regularly to greet them and help them with their spiritual practice or daily life needs.
After a period of peaceful cultivation in Jade Pool, which can last from a few months to nearly a year.
These visitors from Earth, who once lived in constant fear and uncertainty when they first arrived at Big Dipper, have now undergone a dramatic transformation.
Although their levels of cultivation differed, the bewilderment and unease that belonged to "modern civilization" between their brows had gradually faded.
Instead, he exuded a composure and confidence befitting a cultivator, and his attire, provided by Jade Pool and of exceptional quality, made him appear radiant.
The largest courtyard on Zixia Peak was filled with long-lost laughter and joy.
Inside the courtyard, ancient trees reach for the sky, and strange rocks are scattered about. A clear spring flows gently, making a pleasant sound.
On the stone table and benches were placed the unique spiritual fruits and celestial wines of Jade Pool, their fragrance filling the air.
"Hahaha! That's great! That's really great!"
Pang Bo had grown increasingly burly, his voice booming like thunder. He slapped Zhou Yi's shoulder forcefully, making Zhou Yi grimace.
" Zhou Yi, you didn't see how I suffered a fate worse than death when that old demon possessed me?"
Now it's all good!
Thanks to Teacher Li, we can finally catch our breath and cultivate in peace!
Seeing you all again is fucking amazing!
His eyes were a little red, clearly he was extremely excited.
Zhou Yi also filled with emotion. He was the last to arrive at the Jade Pool Holy Land. Looking at the familiar faces in front of him, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
When they left Earth, there were more than a dozen classmates with them. Now, including Ye Fan who has not yet arrived, only seven remain.
The rest either died while traveling for spiritual practice or disappeared without a trace.
Things have changed, and people are no longer the same. It is already a great fortune to be able to reunite here.
"Yes, Pang Bo, it's so good to see everyone again."
Lin Jia smiled, her gaze sweeping over everyone.
Zhang Ziling remained as composed as ever, his demeanor reserved, yet his cultivation had clearly reached the Divine Sea of Bitterness Secret Realm Divine Bridge Realm.
The progress is already incredibly fast for an ordinary person, he smiled and said:
"Thanks to Teacher Li's sentimentality, otherwise we would probably still be minor cultivators in Lingxu Cave Heaven!"
This Lingxu Cave Heaven isn't bad for me, but the Jade Pool Holy Land offers far more possibilities.
After hearing Zhang Ziling's witty remarks, everyone burst into laughter, as if they had returned to their school days on Earth.
Zhou Yi interjected:
" Ziling is right."
The Jade Pool has treated us extremely well, not only providing resources but also allowing us to peruse some Daoist scriptures. This kindness is immense.
This day marked the third day since Ye Fan, Black Emperor, and Duan De returned from Purple Mountain, after finishing many business.
Inside the hermitage courtyard on Zixia Peak.
The afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the branches and leaves of the ancient trees, casting dappled light that shone on the faces of those sitting around the stone table, faces filled with excitement and emotion.
Besides Pang Bo, Zhang Ziling, Zhou Yi, Wang Ziwen, Lin Jia, and Li Xiaoman, who were already there,
Ye Fan, who had just arrived travel-worn, along with Black Emperor, who looked quite respectable in his floral shorts, and Duan De, who wore a tattered Daoist robe and had shrewd eyes, also joined this long-awaited gathering.
The stone table was covered with spiritual fruits and celestial wines sent by the disciples of Jade Pool, their fragrance filling the air.
But the atmosphere became even more intense, filled with the hustle and bustle of a long-awaited reunion.
"Hahaha!
Yezi!
And that wretched dog and that fat Daoist priest!
You've finally arrived!
Pang Bo, with a booming voice, was the first to rush up and give Ye Fan a bear hug, then vigorously rubbed Black Emperor's head, causing Black Emperor to bare its teeth.
"Woof woof! Pang Bo, get your paws off me!"
"How dare you touch my head?"
Black Emperor grumbled in dissatisfaction, but its tail wagged unconsciously a few times, clearly quite happy to see an old friend.
Duan De's eyes darted around the spiritual fruits and immortal wine on the stone table, and he chuckled:
" Boundless Heaven! The Jade Pool is truly generous! These 'Purple Jade Grapes' and 'Hundred Herbs Immortal Wine' are rare and exquisite items that are hard to find elsewhere."
Ye Fan greeted Zhang Ziling, Zhou Yi, and the others one by one, and was relieved to see that everyone was safe and sound.
Moreover, his aura was much stronger than it had been back in Lingxu Cave Heaven, which made him feel very gratified.
He exchanged glances with Lin Jia and Li Xiaoman, nodding to each other, everything understood without a word.
It is a great fortune that we were able to reunite again after arriving in this unfamiliar place called Big Dipper together on the Nine Dragons Pulling the Coffin.
" Zhou Yi, Lin Jia, how did you both end up coming from Lingxu Cave Heaven?"
Your previous message was vague; you only said that Teacher Li arranged for you to come to Jade Pool. What exactly happened?
Ye Fan pulled Zhou Yi to sit down. Back in college, he and Zhou Yi often asked Li Qingshan about ancient cultivation knowledge.
Having received the Foundation-Building Visualization Method, he immediately asked Zhou Yi about his doubts.
He and Duan De Black Emperor's group had just returned to Jade Pool from Purple Mountain with Li Qingshan.
After dealing with and dividing the spoils of the trip, he received a message from Zhou Yi via a jade talisman and immediately rushed to Zixia Peak.
Zhou Yi continued, "..."
" Yezi, this is a long story, and we owe it all to Teacher Li."
After you left Lingxu Cave Heaven, the rest of us continued our cultivation there in a routine manner.
Although its resources can't compare to those of Jade Pool, it's still quite stable.
He paused, a flicker of fear crossing his eyes:
"Until more than a year ago, when Teacher Li was on the eve of his tribulation, he had a sudden realization."
Using a secret method, I sent a telepathic message to the Queen Mother of the West, requesting that the Jade Pool intervene and guide all of us classmates from Earth from the Lingxu Cave Heaven to the Jade Pool for protection.
Zhang Ziling interjected, displaying a calm and collected demeanor, and analyzed:
Looking back now, perhaps Teacher Li already had a premonition of something.
He then transmitted his voice, saying, "Being in the Southern Region might be inconvenient; the environment of Jade Pool is more suitable for our cultivation and growth."
Zhou Yi pushed up his glasses, which weren't actually on his nose—a habitual gesture when he was thinking.
"When the sect leader and elders of Lingxu Cave Heaven received the decree from Jade Pool, they were greatly surprised, but dared not disobey it."
After all, Jade Pool is a sacred place, and it was Teacher Li who personally spoke up.
The fairies of Jade Pool quickly arranged for us to depart for the Jade Pool Holy Land in the Northern Region of the Eastern Wilderness.
Wang Ziwen added:
"Yes, speaking of which, during those years in Lingxu Cave Heaven, we witnessed the wonders of the cultivation world."
However, he also truly felt that his own cultivation level was insignificant, like that of an ant.
Coming to Jade Pool and receiving better guidance and environment is a tremendous opportunity for us.
His tone was full of gratitude towards Li Qingshan.
Lin Jia nodded with a smile, looking even more dashing than when she was in Lingxu Cave Heaven:
"The senior sisters in Jade Pool took good care of us, not only providing us with ample cultivation resources, but also allowing us to read many basic cultivation manuals."
I felt like a frog in Lingxu, but now that I've arrived at Jade Pool, I've finally seen the real sky.
Li Xiaoman sat quietly to the side, and she said softly:
"Here, at least I no longer have to worry about basic survival and safety; I can focus on asking questions."
Because Li Qingshan intervened on Mars, many Buddhist artifacts of the Great Thunderclap Temple remained intact, and she was not corrupted or parasitized by the Crocodile Ancestor, thus maintaining a peaceful state of mind.
Listening to everyone's accounts, Ye Fan suddenly understood and also felt deep admiration for Li Qingshan's foresight.
He looked at Pang Bo and noticed that although Pang Bo's aura was powerful, it seemed to have some unstable foundation. He asked with concern:
" Pang Bo, your aura seems to still be at the Life Spring Realm. What's going on?"
Upon hearing this, Pang Bo gave a wry smile, patted his muscular chest, and said:
" Yezi, you know about this too."
Do you remember when we were collecting spiritual herbs outside the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land, and we were blocked by that old demon, a descendant of the Azure Emperor?
Ye Fan nodded; that experience was extremely dangerous.
Pang Bo said with lingering fear:
"At that time, that old bastard wanted to Body Seizure my body and invade my physical form!"
Fortunately, in Burning Heaven Valley, I encountered Teacher Li, Heavenly God descended to earth, who saved my life!
He spoke vividly, as if he had returned to that life-or-death moment.
Ye Fan couldn't help but drift into memories from over a year ago:
"At that time, I was also among those who wanted to seize the Emperor Weapon Ji Family Divine Body Ruyu from the Yan Ruyu Azure Emperor Lineage. I and the Black Emperor were among them, using our Sacred Body to nurture the Azure Emperor's heart."
Originally, the Black Emperor's plan was to corrupt the Azure Emperor's heart and then take the opportunity to rescue you.
Unexpectedly, Teacher Li appeared out of nowhere, and Yan Ruyu, under his protection, was unable to carry out many of her schemes.
"Yes, after I was rescued, Teacher Li sent me a message saying that I should come to Jade Pool to replenish my foundation because of the Heavenly Tribulation. That's why I separated from you and came to Jade Pool at that time."
Pang Bo sighed.
"Although my life was saved, that old man had forcibly used a secret technique to accelerate my cultivation in order to adapt to my body."
This caused my foundation to be like a castle in the air—it looks alright, but it's actually very fragile.
He said that in my case, I need to calmly refine myself, solidify my foundation, and thoroughly digest and absorb the mental and physical tempering effects brought about by that ordeal.
He stopped wandering around aimlessly like before.
So for the past year or so, I've basically stayed on Zixia Peak, not going anywhere else, obediently listening to Teacher Li's advice, and rebuilding the Sea of Bitterness Secret Realm."
Only then did everyone understand why Pang Bo was the first to arrive at Jade Pool, and why his cultivation progress seemed to be slower than Zhang Ziling and the others. This was the reason.
"I see."
Ye Fan patted Pang Bo on the shoulder.
" Teacher Li has considered everything thoroughly."
An unstable foundation poses a significant risk to future spiritual practice.
It's a good thing that you can focus on honing your skills in Jade Pool.
Pang Bo chuckled and scratched his head:
"That's right, I feel full of energy right now, but I have to hold it in and not use it recklessly."
Once I've solidified my foundation, I'll definitely find a few clueless fools to practice on!
His words immediately drew a burst of good-natured laughter from the crowd. Zhang Ziling joked:
"With your current cultivation level, you probably can't even beat Lin Jia."
Upon hearing this, Lin Jia raised an eyebrow, feigning displeasure:
" Zhang Ziling, what do you mean? Am I that weak?"
As he spoke, a wisp of azure divine light swirled around his fingertips, carrying a hint of chill.
Everyone laughed even harder.
This lighthearted banter made the atmosphere more harmonious and eased the tension that had arisen earlier when discussing fundamental issues.
Amidst the laughter, Black Emperor, who had been left out in the cold, became unhappy.