Secluded Cultivation and Breaking Through

Half a month passed silently in this remote region of the West Sea.

Beneath Qi Yun, the intricate array patterns drawn with his Law Power, covering an area of hundreds of miles, shimmered with a clear light as he completed his final cycle of energy circulation.

The light then subsided, the patterns reversed, transforming into countless fine threads of Flowing Light that returned to his body and vanished without a trace.

A long, condensed breath, mixed with a faint golden light, was exhaled from Qi Yun's mouth, the breath leaving his body three feet away.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze bright and clear, showing no trace of weakness, but rather a deeper and more reserved demeanor than before.

All the hidden injuries and chronic illnesses left in his body due to the forced intervention of the True Lord's exploration and condensation of [Innate] energy have now been completely healed.

The Dao Foundation is solid, and the Law Power is abundant.

They even benefited from the misfortune, gaining even more precise control over their own power under that extreme pressure.

The threshold to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage is already within reach.

Now that everything is ready, all that is needed is a sufficiently safe and undisturbed secluded cultivation retreat before we can attempt to break through the barriers, invoke the Four Spirits, and temper our Domain Heaven.

"But... where should we go?" Qi Yun pondered for a moment, his fingertips unconsciously tapping his knee.

"Call"

Although the Northwest is vast and the Wuji Sacred Sect is a powerful ally, it is not the best choice in his mind at this moment.

"Oh? So you're saying you're not planning to go back to your Holy Sect?"

Cai Kun, the Wealth Connects to the Divine had transformed into a palm-sized, yet lifelike, golden tree-man, was leisurely resting his head on Qi Yun's other shoulder with his arms as a pillow. Upon hearing this, he turned his head to the side.

After spending several months together, they had come to understand each other's temperaments better and better, and it was able to roughly guess some of Qi Yun's concerns.

"No." Qi Yun shook his head, his gaze turning towards the northwest inland, his eyes slightly cold. "The Holy Sect Sect's mountain gate appears to be heavily fortified and safe."

However, the internal workings are not monolithic; there are undercurrents and unstable factors.

Some people, if they knew I wanted to break through to the mid-stage, would definitely try every means to obstruct me, or even—smear me with underhanded tactics."

He was referring to the Black Mountain True Person.

When he was breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm, that insidious and treacherous attack, which directly targeted the source of his Dao Foundation and nearly caused his annihilation, would have turned him into a pile of dust had it not been for his master, the Old True Person, intervening.

This person is extremely petty and vindictive, yet holds a high position and possesses mysterious and cunning methods.

If he were to learn that he was about to break through to the mid-stage, with his Great True Person abilities, it would be extremely easy for him to cause some trouble within the sect, interfere with, or even disrupt his seclusion.

"Is that so?" Cai Kun's golden tree trunk swayed, his tone still relaxed, as if he were talking about the weather. "If that's your concern, then you might as well go far away."

The sky is high and the earth is vast, the four seas and eight wastelands—how boundless is this magnificent world!

Why cower in a corner of the northwest, constantly on guard against such petty villains?

Only by breaking free from the cage can one see the true world.

It was just a casual remark, tinged with a touch of detached banter.

But these words, when they reached Qi Yun's ears, were like a lightning bolt piercing through the fog!

Yes!

Why limit ourselves to just the Northwest?!

The Black Mountain True Person is now Great True Person, possessing boundless Law Power and a divine sense that covers a vast area.

In the Northwest region, I am deeply entangled with him in karma, and it would be as difficult as ascending to heaven to completely avoid his notice.

Even if a secluded place is found, there is no guarantee that he will not discover it through sect Secret Method or the methods of Great True Person.

If the crucial period of seclusion is disrupted, the consequences could be disastrous.

Since that's the case—why not flee far away!

Leave the Northwest completely!

The world is so vast, where can't one find a place to belong?

As long as we find a sufficiently secluded place, we can break through safely.

Once I successfully enter the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, thanks to the miraculous power of the [Supreme Dao Foundation], my Dao Position will be comparable to that of the Foundation Establishment Late Stage. At that time, my Law Power power and supernatural Divine Ability will surge, and my ability to protect myself will greatly increase.

Even if Black Mountain True Person found out afterward, he would have to think twice before trying to deal with him again.

With a clear understanding in his mind, everything became clear. All hesitation vanished from Qi Yun's eyes, replaced by a calm and resolute determination.

Without further hesitation, he immediately sat cross-legged, calmed his mind, and within his Purple Mansion, the [Great Luo Heaven] rippled slightly.

The next moment, a highly refined and hidden divine thought, which had traversed countless mountains and rivers and ignored the barriers of the earth's veins, was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, the Unseen an extremely faint yet incredibly tenacious causal connection between master and servant.

Heading towards the distant south, it sped off!

South, Nine Kings Mountain.

This mountain is not an isolated peak, but rather nine majestic main peaks, full of Spiritual Qi, connected together, supplemented by hundreds of secondary peaks, forming a vast mountain system stretching for tens of thousands of miles.

The summit is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round, with mythical birds and beasts appearing and disappearing. Pure talismanic light shines from the palaces and cave abode on each peak, interacting with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi to create all sorts of auspicious and wondrous phenomena, a magnificent sight.

It is one of the leading figures of the Southern Yin Righteous Path Talismans, and the fundamental stronghold of Nine Kings Mountain.

At the summit of one of the side peaks, named "Mysterious Talisman Cliff," a middle-aged Daoist priest dressed in a black and white robe with pale gold cloud patterns embroidered on his chest sat cross-legged on a naturally formed jade cliff mouth.

He had a refined and slender face, with three long strands of beard reaching his chest, and a deep and peaceful aura. He was none other than Elder True Person Xuanping of Nine Kings Mountain.

After the matter of Lifeless Valley, Qi Yun secretly released him, allowing him to infiltrate the righteous path and return to the south to continue his covert operations.

At this moment, he was looking down at the busy figures of many disciples from both the inner and outer sects of Nine Kings Mountain in the valley below.

The group is currently taking stock and registering the various losses, spoils, and compensation matters of the Nine Kings Mountain lineage during this Northern Expedition.

Although the Northern Expedition ultimately came to an abrupt end due to the coup of the Imperial Weapon, the outcome was uncertain.

However, in the early battles and the Lifeless Valley, all sides suffered losses and gains.

These trivial but necessary follow-up tasks still need to be overseen by someone.

True Person Xuanping maintained a calm demeanor, her gaze occasionally sweeping over a familiar disciple's belongings or records, perfectly embodying the solemnity and composure befitting "Elder Xuan Ping."

Suddenly, his expression hardened almost imperceptibly, as if he had heard some kind of summons that ordinary people could not perceive.

But he didn't stop moving at all, maintaining his downward-looking posture, only his mind instantly sank into the deepest part of his Sea of Consciousness.

Within the Sea of Consciousness, a figure dressed in deep blue stood with his hands behind his back, having materialized at some unknown time.

It was a wisp of divine thought sent from afar by Qi Yun.

Without any hesitation, True Person Xuanping immediately knelt down respectfully in the void of her Sea of Consciousness, her forehead touching the ground, her voice filled with absolute piety and obedience. "Zecheng, I pay my respects to my lord!"

We respectfully welcome the arrival of our Lord's Dharma!

Qi Yun's divine avatar slightly raised his hand, and an invisible force lifted Zecheng up. His voice rang out directly in Ze Cheng's mind, calm and undisturbed. "Zecheng, I need an absolutely secluded place with abundant Spiritual Qi and no disturbance to go into seclusion and break through to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage."

Do you have any safe arrangements?

"An absolutely secluded, Spiritual Qi rich, and undisturbed place for secluded cultivation—" After a moment's thought, True Person Xuanping waved her sleeve and summoned the other two Main Soul.

Xuanhengzi, True Person Moshou!

"Our lord needs a secluded place, rich in Spiritual Qi, and undisturbed, to cultivate in seclusion and break through to the Dao realm. You have extensive experience in your previous lives; do you know of any safe places for this?"

The soul shadow of True Person Moshou had a stern face. Upon hearing this, he pondered for the first time, "The southern region is a place with excellent Spiritual Qi, but most of the known areas are forbidden grounds of major sects or known secret realms. It may be difficult to avoid being noticed."

Xuanhengzi's spirit image exudes a calm and serene aura. At this moment, she slightly raises her head, and her eyes seem to sparkle with starlight.

During his lifetime, he was an elder of the Heavenly Star Sect, an expert in astrology, and often observed celestial phenomena. His friendships were not limited to those within the sect.

After a moment's thought, he floated forward half a step, bowed respectfully, and transmitted his thoughts clearly and steadily. "Reporting to my lord, I know of a place that might meet the requirements."

Qi Yun gestured upon hearing this. "Speak."

Xuanhengzi continued, "Our Heavenly Star Sect Sect's headquarters are located near the Eastern Sea, and we have close exchanges with overseas Rogue Cultivator."

Before my death, I had a discussion with a Rogue Cultivator from overseas. This person, whose Daoist name was "Sea-Treading Wanderer," was quite accomplished and was especially skilled in feng shui and geomancy, and in searching for Spirit Vein overseas.

He once mentioned to me that in the deep southeastern sea, in a desolate area not marked on ordinary nautical charts, he had accidentally discovered a solitary island.

According to the Sea-Treading Wanderer, the island is not large, spanning only a hundred miles, but due to its unique terrain, it naturally gathers the essence of water from all directions and the pure energy brought up by deep-sea currents, making the island's spiritual energy quite abundant and pure.

The island is surrounded by a strange sea fog and turbulent ocean currents all year round, making it difficult for ordinary ships to approach, and even ordinary cultivators can easily lose their way without accurate guidance.

The Sea-Treading Wanderer was able to reach the island only thanks to a rare treasure, unique escape techniques, and a bit of luck.

After discovering it, he did not make a fuss, but instead used the island as a secluded retreat for his cultivation.

Xuanhengzi said with certainty, "The location of this island was secretly passed down to me by the Sea-Treading Wanderer using a method that combines astronomical observations with nautical charts."

Within my Heavenly Star Sect, apart from myself, no one else should know this.

The Sea-Treading Wanderer himself has long since perished, and the location of this island is known to no one else; it is truly a secret.

"Overseas?" Qi Yun's true form was atop the cliffs of the West Sea when he received the message from Xuanhengzi, and his heart stirred slightly.

The overseas territories are vast and boundless, dotted with numerous islands.

Apart from established independent Rogue Cultivator alliances or a few major overseas sects, most regions are indeed a mixed bag, with poor information flow and unclear spheres of influence.

Compared to the numerous sects and spies on land, the vast ocean undoubtedly provides better concealment.

In addition, the deserted sea area makes it an excellent choice for seclusion.

Qi Yun quickly weighed the options in his mind.

Xuanhengzi was a cautious person during his lifetime, so his words should be credible.

Since this island was discovered and used as a separate residence by overseas Rogue Cultivator skilled in tracing energy veins, its Spiritual Qi conditions must be excellent.

Whether there are other unknown risks on the island requires on-site investigation.

But at least for now, this is one of the most suitable options.

"This place is suitable." Qi Yun made the decision, conveying it to Zecheng through his divine sense, and then Zecheng relayed it to him.

Immediately afterwards, Xuanhengzi's spirit image appeared inside the banner and meticulously recounted the complex sea chart and entry method that Sea-Treading Wanderer had taught him years ago.

These informational messages, appearing as runes flowing with starlight and the illusory image of ocean tides, traverse the void through the master-servant connection between Qi Yun.

It was transmitted completely and without error to Qi Yun Yun's Sea of Consciousness.

Qi Yun closed his eyes for a moment, and the Dao Foundation [Great Luo Heaven] was slightly activated. He had already memorized this unique sea chart and route, and had made preliminary deductions and confirmations.

"Yellow Li Island ----" He opened his eyes and looked southeast, where the open sea was.

"There's no time to lose. Let me make some preparations, and then I'll set off for overseas," Qi Yun said to Cai Shen, the Wealth Connects to the Divine, perched on his shoulder.

Cai Shen's golden statue stretched, its branches unfurling. "Overseas is wonderful, so peaceful."

It's perfect timing, as I haven't felt the sea breeze or seen scenery different from the Northwest in a long time.

But kid, the sea is not like the land.

Some ancient monsters like to hide in the deep sea, so you'd better be careful.

"I will be careful." Qi Yun nodded, stood up, and brushed away non-existent dust from his Daoist robe.

He first used his Law Power to set up several simple warning and misleading restrictions on the cliff top of the West Sea to prevent anyone from tracing back to this place.

Then, having determined the direction, his internal Law Power surged, and a layer of clear light, like ripples on water, emanated from his body. His figure gradually became transparent and ethereal, merging with the surrounding light.

The next moment, a flash of light appeared, and the cliff top was empty.

Only the ancient, howling winds of the ruins still blow against the cold, hard black rocks.

Qi Yun's figure had already transformed into a faint, indistinct phantom blending into the sky and sea, disappearing swiftly towards the vast ocean to the southeast.

Target - An isolated overseas island, Yellow Li.