Within the Ginseng Spirit Realm, the battle ended, leaving everyone deeply shocked. It was unimaginable that even though Qing Feng had used all his strength, even his trump cards, he was still no match for Xiao Yan. His combat power was simply too terrifying.
Xiao Yan attributed the problem to the Heavenly Flames, since their attributes were incompatible. Qing Feng's vine staff was countered by Xiao Yan's Heavenly Flames. However, no one present was a fool. Although Xiao Yan's explanation made some sense, it was only one aspect. Without their own powerful strength, even with the help of the Heavenly Flames, they wouldn't have been able to break Qing Feng's Heaven-Towering Staff so easily.
However, none of that matters anymore. Now that the outcome is decided, the next thing to discuss is Xiao Yan's return to the Ginseng Spirit Realm.
Deep in the mountains, in front of the still-unchanging cottage, Xiao Yan and Qing Mu sat facing each other. On the table in front of them was a cup of tea. Qing Feng was sitting lazily on a blue stone not far away, his eyes idly scanning around. He would occasionally tease the ants on the ground and let out a cute, silly laugh.
"Hehe, little guy, you've grown a lot over the years. Back when you were still Half-Emperor, Qing Feng was already a Dou Di expert. Now, your cultivation far surpasses his. I'm very proud of you for that."
Qing Mu slowly picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip, and smiled.
Thank you for your concern, senior.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan quickly cupped his hands in greeting to Qing Mu, who, however, seemed completely unconcerned. He simply raised his hand to indicate that Xiao Yan didn't need to stand on ceremony, and after setting down his teacup, he spoke again:
"I know you must have suffered a lot out there. Gaining this strength is no easy feat, and the blood and sweat you shed are beyond what ordinary people can match. However, I also believe that your return to see us this time is not just for reminiscing, is it?"
Just a moment ago, Qing Mu was praising Xiao Yan, but suddenly changed the subject. A wise look appeared in his old eyes, and he looked at Xiao Yan with a smile. Since Xiao Yan entered the Ginseng Spirit Realm, although his expression was normal, there was always a hint of hesitation in his eyes. He was probably waiting for the right opportunity. So now, Qing Mu took the initiative to present this opportunity to Xiao Yan.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but smile awkwardly. Qing Mu's words relieved his hesitation. Although Xiao Yan had thought of many ways and opportunities to speak on the way here, once he entered the Ginseng Spirit Realm, the words that were clearly on the tip of his tongue remained unspoken. Just now, he was still considering how to speak, but unexpectedly, Qing Mu offered him this opportunity. Since that was the case, he naturally had no reason to hesitate.
"Senior, I have indeed Ginseng Spirit Clan with a request..."
Gritting his teeth, Xiao Yan finally spoke under Qing Mu's kind gaze. Upon hearing this, Qing Mu raised an eyebrow, and at the same time, Qing Feng, who had been playing nearby, immediately turned to look at Xiao Yan with a serious expression. Xiao Yan then continued:
"This junior wishes to... borrow people from the Ginseng Spirit Clan."
"Borrow someone?"
Upon hearing this, Qing Mu was surprised. With Xiao Yan's current cultivation level, why would he need to borrow people from the Ginseng Spirit Clan?
Afterwards, Xiao Yan told Qing Mu about the current situation in the Southern Region and the upcoming decisive battle between Burning Flame Valley and the two sects. Upon hearing this, the latter nodded with a look of understanding, licked his lips, and narrowed his eyes, saying:
"So that's how it is..."
As he spoke, Qing Mu's fingers tapped lightly on the table, as if he were considering the feasibility of the matter. Xiao Yan, on the other hand, looked puzzled. He knew that the reason why the Ginseng Spirit Clan stayed in the Ginseng Spirit Realm in seclusion was to avoid the chaos and turmoil of the outside world. It was really unrealistic to expect them to risk exposing the entire Ginseng Spirit Clan to support the Burning Flame Valley just because of his words. Even knowing that this might be the outcome, Xiao Yan still wanted to give it a try.
"Clan leader, please lend it to us. After all, Brother Xiao Yan once helped our Ginseng Spirit Clan, and can be considered our savior. Besides, our Ginseng Spirit Clan has indeed been living in seclusion for too long. Rather than hiding like this forever, I think it's better to step forward and fight. Even if our clan's identity is exposed, we should let the world know that our Ginseng Spirit Clan is not to be trifled with!"
Beside him, Qing Feng strode forward, his face full of arrogance as he tried to persuade Qing Mu. He also had deep feelings for Xiao Yan, and if he could, he would never stand idly by. Besides, he had indeed longed for the outside world for a long time.
Seeing Qing Feng's reaction, Xiao Yan also cast a grateful glance at the latter. The two smiled at each other and then focused their attention on Qing Mu, seemingly waiting for his decision.
"Hey, you brat, you've said so much just to persuade me. What, when did I ever say I was going to object? Xiao Yan is the benefactor of my Ginseng Spirit Clan, I remember that better than you do. We may not help others, but if Xiao Yan asks, my Ginseng Spirit Clan has no choice but to step in!"
Immediately afterward, Qing Mu curled his lip and chuckled irritably. Seeing this, Xiao Yan and Qingmu both laughed heartily. Xiao Yan quickly stood up and bowed to Qing Mu. The old man lightly flicked his sleeves, slowly rose from his chair, and gazed at the distant mountains and forests, saying slowly:
"After all these years, it's time to let the world know that our Ginseng Spirit Clan still exists on this continent!"
Afterwards, Xiao Yan and Qing Feng smiled again. The former couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief. The biggest goal of this trip had been successfully achieved. Now, all that was left was to gather everyone together and perhaps prepare to return.
Upon accepting Xiao Yan's invitation, Qing Mu agreed to temporarily lend him the Thirty-Two Spirit Guards of the Ginseng Spirit Clan. However, as the last guardian of the Ginseng Spirit Clan, Qing Mu could not accompany him to the Far Southern Land. After all, the Ginseng Spirit Clan still needed someone to protect them at all times, and lending him the Thirty-Two Spirit Guards was already more than enough.
Xiao Yan naturally had no complaints about this. The Thirty-Two Spirit Guards of the Ginseng Spirit Clan had all reached the Origin King realm, and many of them were High-Level Origin King. Such a large force would have been enough to sweep away most of the forces in the Far Southern Land in the past. Since they were being lent to him, why would he have any complaints? He was naturally overjoyed.