Seven days slipped by. After exhausting nearly fifty Black Jade Cubes, Ji Chang's divine power finally recovered.

Seven days later, as Ji Changkong stood up within the cavern, he immediately sensed that his spirit and divine sense were denser than ever before. He unleashed his soul's perception, bringing every stirring within Xuanyuan Valley into his awareness—he could even clearly detect the flora and trees scattered throughout the valley.

The power of his soul stretched further, slowly burrowing deep beneath the earth, reaching the profound depths beneath Xuanyuan Valley.

An immeasurably vast life form lay dormant there, hidden beneath the valley floor. The sheer terror of that latent power was beyond anything Ji Changkong could have imagined; it felt as if "tens of thousands of souls at the Eighth Stage of the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm had coalesced, reaching an inconceivable magnitude."

This was the power of the Azure Dragon, the Sacred Beast!

In all the years that had passed, this was the most direct and lucid instance of Ji Changkong sensing the presence of the Azure Dragon and its earth-shattering, terrifying might. Having felt the sheer horror of the Azure Dragon’s power, Ji Changkong finally understood why these Four Sacred Beasts remained the secret sovereigns of this continent even after so many years! For, even today, no life form upon the Five Elements Grand Plane could truly threaten the Four Sacred Beasts.

The Azure Dragon lay coiled deep within the earth beneath Xuanyuan Valley. It seemed to have been sleeping for an age, showing no reaction to Ji Changkong’s probing soul, remaining silently quiescent beneath the ground.

Not dwelling long on the Azure Dragon, Ji Changkong opened the entrance to the cavern. First, he squinted, allowing his eyes to slowly adjust to the intense exterior light. After some time, realizing he was gradually adapting to the glare, he opened his eyes wide again and strode out into the valley floor.

Han Hai, in the direction of the Scripture Pavilion, spotted Ji Changkong the moment he appeared and immediately called out.

Ji Changkong smiled faintly, called out, "Uncle Han," and approached the Scripture Pavilion. Mo Yunyi was still in secluded cultivation and was not present inside. Han Hai led Ji Changkong into the Scripture Pavilion, briefly inquired about the results of his cultivation, and then immediately recounted the events that had transpired in recent days.

These past few days had been relatively peaceful, with no major bothersome incidents arising. The Kunlun Primordial Return Sect had taken no action following their setback in Xuanyuan Valley; the members of the Primordial Return Sect seemed entirely unconcerned with their failure at Xuanyuan Valley, continuing with their usual activities.

The Blood Emperor of the East Sea, accompanied by experts from the major East Sea sects, was still hunting the Ghost Demon King, who was hiding somewhere in the East Sea. It was rumored that the Blood Emperor had tracked down the Ghost Demon King several times, but after multiple skirmishes, he still had not managed to eliminate him.

The East Sea was undeniably tumultuous due to the conflict between the Blood Emperor and the Ghost Demon King. Experts from the various sects lived in constant peril, focusing all their efforts on destroying the Ghost Demon King, leaving them no time to concern themselves with anything else.

In the Southern Barbarian Lands, the Divine Archer Sect remained as before. Due to a private arrangement between the Archer God Gong of the Divine Archer Sect and Ji Changkong, merchant caravans frequently arrived from the Southern Barbarian Lands seeking Han Hai to trade for exotic cultivation materials from other regions. The Southern Barbarian Lands were comparatively tranquil.

The Western Regions and the Northern Wildlands had seen frequent interactions lately, with the most movement occurring between the Manichaeism and the Asura Imperial Clan. Experts from the Western Regions were secretly massing near the borders of the Tianwu Kingdom, creating a situation poised for invasion against Tianwu.

The Northern Wildlands were even more urgent. The barbarian armies of the North had already clashed repeatedly with the Great Chu Kingdom. Under the fierce onslaught of the Northern Wildlands, the Great Chu Kingdom was steadily retreating, frequently seeking aid from other nations recently, though with minimal success.

Furthermore, the Celestial Masters of the Northern Wildlands had stealthily entered the Great Chu Kingdom, issuing challenges to the Celestial Master sects and families within. The secret techniques cultivated by the Northern Wildland Celestial Masters had always emphasized warfare and slaughter; every expert emerging from the Asura Imperial Clan had been baptized in blood.

Consequently, in the battles between Celestial Masters, the experts from the Northern Wildlands continued to hold the upper hand. In the span of just one or two months, numerous states within the Great Chu Kingdom had collapsed under the attacks of the Northern Wildland Celestial Masters, with some smaller families even facing complete extermination.

The actions of the Northern Wildlands were growing increasingly brazen. The soldiers of the Northern Wildlands who entered the Great Chu Kingdom behaved with extreme cruelty, and many common civilians were killed amidst the conflict.

"Are there any movements from the Heavenly Mountains?" After hearing Han Hai describe the recent state of affairs, Ji Changkong asked with a complex expression.

"It seems... it seems some experts have already headed toward the Great Chu Kingdom. It looks like the people of the Heavenly Mountains do not wish to see the Great Chu Kingdom extinguished by the Northern Wildlands." Han Hai paused, then added, "Even your maternal grandfather, I heard, has emerged from seclusion."

At these words, Ji Changkong’s face remained unchanged, but he asked urgently, "Is my maternal grandfather still at the Heavenly Mountains? Has he gone to the Great Chu Kingdom?"

"I don't know if he has gone to the Great Chu Kingdom, but... I heard he has left the Heavenly Mountains alone," Han Hai replied.

Hearing this, Ji Changkong’s heart sank immediately. He understood that his grandfather’s emergence this time meant he would almost certainly confront the Asura King in battle.

And in this fight, he did not feel optimistic about his grandfather's chances.

"Since the Heavenly Mountains have already dispatched experts to the Great Chu Kingdom, we cannot simply stand by and watch coldly. We must do something. Regardless of everything, the Great Chu Kingdom and we share the Central Lands. If the Great Chu Kingdom is destroyed by the Northern Wildlands, we won't be able to escape either." After a moment of hesitation, Ji Changkong stated, "Uncle Han, please notify those from the Chen and Duan families; have them dispatch some troops from the Water Cloud Kingdom to the Great Chu Kingdom first, to help resist the Northern Wildlands' aggression!"

Han Hai nodded in understanding. "I will arrange this immediately."

"Also, the experts within our valley should hold off on entering secluded cultivation for the time being. I think we should also make a trip to the Great Chu Kingdom to meet those Celestial Masters from the Northern Wildlands," Ji Changkong added.

"Chang Kong, you can relay these matters to them. Heh heh, those old fellows only listen to you." Han Hai chuckled lightly.

"Very well." Ji Changkong nodded, stepped out of the Scripture Pavilion, and walked slowly through Xuanyuan Valley, soon arriving at the Valley's Grand Assembly Hall.

Seated in the hall, Ji Changkong released his spiritual power, sending out a summons for everyone to gather.

In a short while, the high-level experts of Xuanyuan Valley—Mu Luo, Gui Rong, Gui Hai, Xiao Poshan, Xiao Xing, and others—began arriving from various directions, entering the Grand Assembly Hall one after another.

"So, you've finally come out?" Han Feng looked indifferent. He sat down upon arriving, glanced at Ji Changkong, and asked flatly.

Xiao Poshan, Xiao Xing, and the others paid their respects to Ji Changkong, their expressions showing reverence.

Only Mu Luo looked deeply troubled. Behind him were Ayiguli and the three Taji brothers; these experts, originally from the Auro God Sect, all appeared worried. Ayiguli's eyes, visible beneath her veil, were filled with distress.

"Master," Mu Luo bowed deeply, then stated, "Master, we wish to take a leave of absence."

Ji Changkong paused, surprised. "What's wrong?"

He knew that since following him, Mu Luo had always been diligent and devoted, never once asking for anything. Now that he suddenly requested to leave, Ji Changkong knew something significant must have occurred.

"The God Sect is currently short on personnel. The Manichaeism people have been aggressively targeting the God Sect lately. Manichaeism is propagating the idea that we are traitors to the Western Regions, saying we are aiding outsiders against our own people," Mu Luo stammered. "Public opinion in the Western Regions has been very unfavorable toward us recently, and many of our clansmen who might have kept our secrets are now beginning to harbor doubts and lean toward Manichaeism."

Hearing Mu Luo’s explanation, Ji Changkong’s brow lifted. "Indeed, this is a troublesome matter. It seems Manichaeism is planning to strike hard. By the way, has the Holy Mother Youlan become involved?"

"I am not sure yet. The group led by the Dark King is making the initial moves. Recently, the Dark King has been inciting our sect members throughout the Western Regions. Under their instigation, many members of our God Sect are gradually developing dissent." Mu Luo’s brow was deeply furrowed. "We must return quickly to explain the purpose of our coming to Xuanyuan Valley, and also how our return can bring salvation to the God Sect. Over these years, by following the Cult Leader, we have managed to restore many of the lost secret techniques of the God Sect."

When Mu Luo explained this, Ji Changkong fell into thought. After a while, he nodded. "Mu Luo, you all return to the Western Regions first. Maintain constant contact with Xuanyuan Valley, and tell me directly if you require anything. We will absolutely not refuse assistance. Furthermore, if you cannot hold off the attacks of Manichaeism in the Western Regions, you can seek refuge in Xuanyuan Valley. When I free up time, I will pay close attention to matters there."

Over the years, Mu Luo and the others following him had indeed gained many fragmented secret techniques of the Auro God Sect from him, many of which were extremely precious. Although Mu Luo could contact the Auro God Sect while in Xuanyuan Valley, because those secret techniques were too valuable, they never dared to transmit them to the Western Regions via carrier pigeons or messenger eagles.

This was because, while they had acquired numerous methods for cultivating secret techniques here, the followers of the Auro God Sect in the Western Regions had not benefited much from them.

Now, if they could return carrying the secret techniques that the Auro God Sect had lacked for years, they could use the evidence of those techniques to immediately persuade the doubtful clansmen. Moreover, Mu Luo, Ayiguli, and the others had cultivated many more lost techniques of the Auro God Sect while in Xuanyuan Valley and benefited from the rich cultivation resources available here. Their own power had grown formidable; Ayiguli had already reached the peak of the Seventh-Star Heaven Vastness Realm, and the three Taji brothers had reached the Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm.

If this force entered the Auro God Sect, it would inevitably make the sect much stronger in combat capability. As long as the Holy Mother Youlan did not personally intervene, they should be able to repel the attacks from Manichaeism.

Mu Luo thanked Ji Changkong and, without hesitation, immediately turned to leave.

Before departing, Ayiguli gazed deeply at Ji Changkong with eyes as bright as the moon, then softly turned away and walked off without looking back.

Ayiguli, completely enveloped by her loose, flowing robes, revealed none of her graceful, perfect curves. Yet, those expressive eyes alone, a single, unintended glance, could often cause the expression of the many old monsters in the Assembly Hall to momentarily falter.

After Ayiguli left, Xiao Poshan suddenly shook his head vigorously. "That little girl is quite potent. Looking into her eyes, I find something strangely familiar..."

"You old lecher, what familiar thing are you looking for?" Han Feng sneered. Xiao Poshan ignored him, pondered for a moment, then suddenly slapped his thigh. "She bears some resemblance to the Holy Mother Youlan from back then—an innate, captivating charm! Every gesture and movement seems capable of making one lose their senses."

At his comment, the others considered it carefully and all nodded slightly, agreeing that there was indeed a certain quality to her.

"Your perceptions are not mistaken. The profundities of the Auro God Sect that Ayiguli cultivates indeed possess a mysterious, soul-capturing allure. Back then, I nearly failed to guard my own heart under the influence of that power," Ji Changkong smiled, seemingly recalling his own moments of blushing embarrassment. "The bewitching techniques cultivated by the Holy Mother Youlan of Manichaeism originated from the Auro God Sect. It is not surprising that you sense that connection."

"No wonder," Xiao Poshan nodded. "It is actually beneficial for them to go to the Western Regions. At the very least, they can slow down some of Manichaeism's movements there."

"I gathered everyone here precisely to discuss the matters concerning the Great Chu Kingdom," Ji Changkong looked at Xiao Xing and Xiao Poshan. "I know that the Chu family of the Great Chu Kingdom once intended to deal with your Xiao family back then; I experienced that incident firsthand myself. Moreover, the Chu family was involved in the machinations of the Huangfu family, making them enemies to me as well. By rights, we should not be aiding our enemies. But—"

"No need to say more," Xiao Poshan waved his hand dismissively. "Though I hold grudges, I know that matters of the nation are more important than our petty grievances. If we go to the Great Chu Kingdom, my Xiao family has no objections." He glanced at Xiao Xing and asked, "Right?"

Xiao Xing smiled wryly and nodded. "Since you, elder, have said so, how dare I disagree? Turning to look at Ji Changkong, Xiao Xing said seriously, "My Xiao family has no issues. Even the Heavenly Mountains are taking action; there is no reason for Xuanyuan Valley to do nothing for the common people of the Great Chu Kingdom."

"That's good then. The situation in the Great Chu Kingdom is indeed dire. I hope that through our efforts, we can preserve the lives of its populace. As for the Chu family of the Great Chu Kingdom, they are thankfully outside the scope of our aid," Ji Changkong smiled and nodded, then added, "Everyone need not worry about the Ghost Demon King troubling us during this period. I believe the Ghost Demon King is temporarily absent from our Five Elements Continent, so we can rest easy for now."

"What?" Gui Rong exclaimed in pleasant surprise. "The Ghost Demon King is gone?"

He recounted what he knew about the Ghost Demon King in the Southern Dipper Star Domain. Ji Changkong laughed, "For a short while at least, the Ghost Demon King won't bother us. Let the people of the Hailan Continent handle his headache for now."

"Haha, that's excellent!" Xiao Poshan roared with laughter. "The people of the Hailan Continent are not benevolent either. Having them deal with the Ghost Demon King means we can certainly save ourselves a lot of trouble."

"I almost made a fool of myself on the Moon recently," Ji Changkong said with a wry smile to Xiao Poshan and the others. "I knew nothing about the affairs of the Moon. I actually assumed... assumed that everyone there, like us, originated from the same continent. I lack so much common knowledge."

"Ah?" Xiao Xing was stunned, staring at him in surprise. "Did no one ever explain those aspects to you?"

He shook his head, and Ji Changkong smiled wryly. "No one explained it. Perhaps everyone assumed someone else would tell me about those things."

At this, the several old monsters chuckled awkwardly. Xiao Poshan ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "It seems that was our dereliction of duty. I thought for sure your Granny Mo would have meticulously explained everything about the Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm to you."

"Old Monster Li watched you grow up; I assumed he must have told you everything. I can't fathom why that old fellow never instructed you on these matters," Han Feng commented.

"It seems our assumptions were misplaced. Chang Kong, I can tell you what I know about the Moon and the Sun," Xiao Xing said, frowning slightly. He then briefly recounted his own experiences over the years. Seeing where he lacked detail, Xiao Poshan, Gui Rong, Gui Hai, and the others supplemented his account. The old monsters collectively explained to him the necessary precautions for cultivating in the Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm, focusing mainly on matters requiring caution on the Moon and the Sun.

In a short time, under the elders' explanations, Ji Changkong gained a much deeper understanding of the celestial bodies above.

Almost all these old monsters had once visited the Lunar Core. Xiao Poshan, in particular, had nearly been killed there by people from another continent; he recounted that experience with lingering dread. The others had also spent time in the Lunar Core, though most hadn't gained much of tangible value there, primarily using the experience to temper their souls numerous times.

These old monsters held nothing back, detailing the many circumstances concerning the Lunar Core and the Sun. Once they finished speaking, Ji Changkong had thoroughly internalized all the necessary precautions for cultivation within the Boundless Starry Domain for those at the Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm.

"In the Lunar Core, I found a stone. Take a look, everyone. What is this thing, and what is its purpose?" Ji Changkong smiled, taking out the crescent-shaped stone. "This stone contains an extremely dense essence of moonlight; I'm certain it has some use, but I don't know exactly what it can do."

Xiao Poshan, Han Feng, and the others opened their eyes wide, staring at the stone in Ji Changkong's hand, but they all shook their heads, indicating they couldn't discern any clues.

Gui Rong’s eyes were filled with doubt as he reached out. "Chang Kong, let me see it."

Ji Changkong nodded and handed the crescent stone to Gui Rong. Gui Rong held it, slowly releasing his soul power to probe the crescent stone. After a moment, Gui Rong’s eyes suddenly lit up, and he exclaimed excitedly, "Chang Kong, you've struck gold!"

A jolt of joy went through Ji Changkong. "What? Is this thing useful?"

Gui Rong nodded repeatedly. "Useful, extremely useful! This crescent stone is useful to any Divine Weapon!"

Xiao Poshan and the others became curious. "How is it useful? What exactly is the origin of this crescent-shaped stone?"

"If I am not mistaken, this should be Moon Essence Tungsten!" Gui Rong asserted confidently.

"Moon Essence Tungsten?" Han Feng exclaimed. "The material that can dissolve into a Divine Weapon, allowing the weapon to absorb the power of the Moon—Moon Essence Tungsten?"

Gui Rong smiled and nodded. "That should be correct." Turning back to Ji Changkong, Gui Rong explained, "Moon Essence Tungsten is an exceedingly rare ore. It can be integrated into any Divine Weapon, enabling the weapon to gather the essence of moonlight, which the wielder can unleash as lunar power during combat."

"Isn't Moon Essence Tungsten supposed to be so rare that it's like sand?" Xiao Xing asked curiously.

Gui Rong nodded again. "That's right. Generally, Moon Essence Tungsten appears as fine sand. I have been to the Lunar Core and have seen Moon Essence Tungsten before. However, the Moon Essence Tungsten I saw was like fine sand, just as you described. But I once heard someone from another continent mention that there is a more precious form of Moon Essence Tungsten in the Lunar Core—this stone formed in the shape of a crescent. He said that this stone form of Moon Essence Tungsten, when integrated into a Divine Weapon, can greatly enhance that weapon's power!"

"I see," Ji Changkong smiled lightly. "It seems my luck is quite good. I wonder if my Dragon Radiance Saber is suitable for integrating the Moon Essence Tungsten."

"Chang Kong, this Moon Essence Tungsten is even more precious to those who cultivate special secret arts," Xiao Xing said, looking at Ji Changkong with a peculiar smile. "For instance, people of the Moon Splendor Sect!"

"Ahem," Gui Hai coughed lightly. "Bai Qingya of the Moon Splendor Sect came by while you were in seclusion, saying she had something to discuss with you. Unfortunately, you were immersed in your lunar contemplation, and she left after waiting a few days."

Ji Changkong paused briefly, then nodded slightly, saying nothing more.

"Prepare yourselves. In three days, we will take a trip to the Great Chu Kingdom," Ji Changkong announced after a long silence.

The assembly slowly nodded, indicating they understood what needed to be done.

"Oh, and inform those from the He family and the Star Stone Sect that they do not need to remain in Xuanyuan Valley for the time being. I suspect the Ghost Demon King will not return for quite some time," Ji Changkong added.

"I'll tell them," Xiao Xing chuckled, then continued, "Chang Kong, Elder Li is not in Bai Yuan Valley right now. A few days ago, he left the valley. If I'm not mistaken, he must be going to find your maternal grandfather."

"I know," Ji Chang Kong nodded.

After emerging from his seclusion, he hadn't sensed Li Hen Tian's aura, immediately realizing that Li Hen Tian certainly wasn't in the valley. For Li Hen Tian, only Ji Chang Kong and his maternal grandfather mattered in this world; if he wasn't in the valley, his destination was obvious.

After conveying what needed to be said, they discussed a few other matters concerning the valley, and everyone...

Soon after, Gui Rong disseminated the news that the Ghost Demon King would not be returning to the Five Elements Continent for some time. Many Heavenly Masters who had remained in Xuan Yuan Valley grew extremely excited upon hearing this.

The smaller families and sects located near Blood Rain Mountain, following this announcement, began putting forth the idea of temporarily leaving Xuan Yuan Valley. Some members of the He family and the Star Stone Sect also expressed a desire to return to Blood Rain Mountain to cultivate. Xiao Xing, of course, offered no resistance, wishing they would leave sooner, and granted their request immediately.

However, after one day, Xiao Xing discovered that the number of people remaining in Xuan Yuan Valley far exceeded those who had departed!

Only a very small contingent actually left Xuan Yuan Valley. The majority of the experts who had been there chose to stay, and remarkably, not a single unaffiliated rogue cultivator—those without a family or sect—departed, acting as if they were determined to cling to Xuan Yuan Valley.

There was only one reason for this phenomenon: the Heavenly Yuan Qi within Xuan Yuan Valley was significantly denser than anywhere else!

Cultivating inside Xuan Yuan Valley accelerated progress manifold compared to practicing in the outside world. Beyond that, the cultivation atmosphere within Xuan Yuan Valley was exceptional. Inside the valley, esteemed Heavenly Masters like Han Feng and Gui Hai often appeared to offer guidance and clear doubts for those struggling at various cultivation bottlenecks. Moreover, the cultivation resources within Xuan Yuan Valley were incredibly abundant; various cultivation materials gathered from every corner of the realm could be sourced right there!

With so many advantages converging in Xuan Yuan Valley, only a fool would choose to leave.

When Xiao Xing explained the situation to Ji Chang Kong, he merely smiled, thinking that having so many people remain in Xuan Yuan Valley was a good thing. Concentrating such a force, coupled with the valley’s unique geography, meant there was no need to worry about Xuan Yuan Valley’s future strength.

As long as Xuan Yuan Valley truly rose rapidly in power, he wouldn't need to fear any enemies. Even if one day the Blood Emperor managed to subdue the Ghost Demon King of the East Sea and descended upon them with the numerous experts from the East Sea, Ji Chang Kong could rely on Xuan Yuan Valley’s strength to ensure the Blood Emperor left with nothing gained.

Having unexpectedly gained a few days of leisure, Ji Chang Kong suddenly felt the urge to explore the valley. Releasing his divine sense, Ji Chang Kong headed toward the relatively secluded southwestern part of Xuan Yuan Valley.

A vast expanse of vividly colored plants and flowers suddenly caught his eye. Under the extremely rich Heavenly Yuan Qi, the garden before him teemed with exotic flora and rare blossoms, many of which were incredibly precious, blooming profusely, their intense fragrance almost intoxicating.

Within the garden, young boys and girls, mere children from the Ji, Xiao, and Gui Sects, were diligently tending to the strange plants and flowers, their faces full of concentration. The garden was sectioned into small plots, each housing vegetation with similar temperaments or characteristics.

Behind the five-acre garden stood a three-story small bamboo dwelling, currently bustling with activity—shadows flitted about, making it lively and vibrant.

Upon reaching this area, Ji Chang Kong was spotted almost immediately. A little girl, perhaps twelve or thirteen, carrying a watering can, hopped over, looking at Ji Chang Kong with surprise. "Are you Brother Chang Kong?"

Smiling warmly at the little girl, Ji Chang Kong nodded. "I am. Are you watering the flowers?"

The girl nodded vigorously. "Yes! We are all helping Sister Qiang Wei water the flowers. Sister Qiang Wei knows so much! She has planted so many rare flowers and herbs here. My mother told me to learn from Sister Qiang Wei—how to garden and how to heal people—but I'm too clumsy. I can't even grow flowers well..."

"It's fine, take your time. Don't rush. As long as you apply yourself, you'll surely succeed," Ji Chang Kong said, feeling unexpectedly relaxed, offering the little girl a comforting smile.

"Mmm! Mother says Brother Chang Kong is a very important person. Important people's words must be right!" The girl nodded heavily, appearing easily convinced.

"Ah! Brother Chang Kong, why are you here?" From the second floor of the bamboo house, Ji Xiaolian waved enthusiastically toward Ji Chang Kong with a look of sheer delight.

Behind Ji Xiaolian, a figure suddenly emerged, staring over at Ji Chang Kong next to her, her gaze gentle, tinged with subtle anticipation.

"Brother Chang Kong, come here! Come over here!" Ji Xiaolian waved again, more forcefully.

Zhou Qiang Wei, standing beside her, gazed at Ji Chang Kong distractedly, biting her lip slightly, appearing somewhat tense.

With a casual smile, Ji Chang Kong replied, "Alright."

Zhou Qiang Wei suddenly looked up at him, a flicker of pleasant surprise in her eyes.

"Treat these plants and flowers with care, and they will repay you," Ji Chang Kong told the little girl from the Xiao family—whose name he couldn't recall—then walked toward the bamboo building where Ji Xiaolian and Zhou Qiang Wei were located.

The surrounding floral fragrance was overwhelmingly rich, and the earth here seemed impossibly fertile. Watching the various exotic plants, which shouldn't ordinarily thrive in this environment, growing robustly and strangely well, Ji Chang Kong couldn't help but marvel at Zhou Qiang Wei's cultivation skills, recognizing that having such a talented planter in Xuan Yuan Valley was a true blessing for everyone there.

Thinking this, Ji Chang Kong passed through the fragrant garden and ascended the bamboo building.

Unexpectedly, on the second floor, besides Ji Xiaolian, several other young people were present: Xiao Ying from the Xiao family, Ji Chang Sheng, Ji Chang Le, He Li Ying, Bai Li Xiu, and a few others. They were all seated formally within the small room, men and women separated by a tea table.

Upon seeing Ji Chang Kong enter, Ji Chang Le involuntarily shrank his head, clearly showing a degree of fear.

A few years ago, back at Qing Yan Mountain, Ji Chang Le had caused him plenty of trouble. However, after Ji Chang Kong deciphered the secrets of the Grand Void Sutra, he stopped deferring to him and had severely disciplined Ji Chang Le. Now, Ji Chang Le was afraid of him deep down and instinctively wanted to move away the moment he saw him.

With a slight smile, Ji Chang Kong greeted everyone individually with composure, addressing Ji Chang Le and Ji Chang Sheng as "Third Brother" and "Second Brother." He Li Ying shot Ji Chang Kong a cold glance, let out a soft snort, and began drinking her tea, acting completely aloof.

Bai Li Xiu giggled. "Big Brother Ji, you're out of seclusion? How was it? Did you gain anything this time?"

"Big Brother Ji, we heard you went to cultivate on the Moon. What is it like up there? Tell us about it! All our elders keep quiet; whenever we ask, they just say we'll understand when we reach that realm. It’s so boring," Xiao Ying asked playfully.

Most of these young people were at the Four Symbols or Five Elements Heaven realms. Only He Li Ying and Xiao Ying were slightly stronger, having reached the Nine Palaces Heaven realm. For them, the Eight Trigrams Heaven realm was an unimaginably distant peak. They were all deeply curious about the beauty of the pure, bright moon visible during the night.

"It is an incredibly beautiful and longed-for place, like a world from a dream. You would all certainly love it," Ji Chang Kong replied with a slight smile, speaking pleasant falsehoods against his better judgment.

He understood why their elders wouldn't discuss the Moon. If they didn't speak of it, these youngsters would irrationally idealize it, imagining it as something wonderful. It was precisely this idealized image that motivated them to cultivate diligently, hoping to reach that realm soon and glimpse the Moon’s true form. At this moment, he absolutely could not tell them the truth. If he revealed that the Moon, which looked infinitely beautiful from here, was actually desolate, cratered, devoid of lovely flowers and lakes, and inhabited only by sinister Heavenly Masters who wished only for others' demise, their motivation for cultivation would likely plummet significantly...

As expected, following Ji Chang Kong’s description, the young people present, both male and female, all adopted expressions of boundless yearning.

"To be able to see that place is worth dying for," Bai Li Xiu murmured dreamily, then looked at Ji Chang Kong with a touch of infatuation. "To wander on the Moon with the one I love—that is my greatest desire."

"Cough, cough!" Ji Chang Kong coughed lightly, interrupting Bai Li Xiu's fantasy, then turned to Zhou Qiang Wei, who was sitting gently beside them, and said sincerely, "Thank you. Thank you for everything you do for Xuan Yuan Valley."

Zhou Qiang Wei started slightly, then her bright eyes filled with joy, as if her efforts had finally been acknowledged. She nodded softly. Zhou Qiang Wei said gently, "I like it here. Cultivating flowers and plants is far more advantageous here than elsewhere, and the people here are very kind to me as well."

As she spoke these words, Zhou Qiang Wei looked deeply into Ji Chang Kong’s eyes, fixated on him. In that moment, it seemed her gaze could accommodate no one else.

Ji Chang Sheng’s expression suddenly clouded over. He realized that no matter how hard he tried, no matter how many times he visited this garden, he could never sway the beauty's heart. And Ji Chang Kong, who visited perhaps once a year, remained the guest whom the garden’s mistress most wished to see.

"I am very curious. There are so many exotic flowers and herbs here. By rights, some of these plants shouldn't be able to survive here? How did you manage it?" Ji Chang Kong asked curiously.

"Do you remember that dark green vapor that emerged from the earth that one time?" Zhou Qiang Wei asked with a faint smile.

Ji Chang Kong certainly remembered the dark green vapor that rose from the depths of Xuan Yuan Valley—it was during that incident that he learned the Sacred Beast Azure Dragon lay dormant beneath Xuan Yuan Valley. That vapor possessed a marvelous, vital energy. He nodded. "I remember. Is it related to that?"

"Yes," Zhou Qiang Wei smiled. "That vapor enables all plants and flowers to thrive. Nurtured by this vapor, any type of flora can grow in the valley. Of course, the abundance of Heavenly Yuan Qi in the valley is also a huge advantage."

"So that's really how it is," Ji Chang Kong murmured in surprise.

"Miss He, have some tea, have some tea!" Xiao Ying noticed He Li Ying’s teacup was empty and immediately, solicitously, refilled it for her with a grin.

He Li Ying frowned, shot Xiao Ying a cold glance, and remained silent, not touching the teacup before her.

Xiao Ying gave a dry chuckle, unbothered. He continued to look at He Li Ying and asked, "Both of us should have a chance to break through to the Eight Trigrams Heaven realm. If you don't mind, I can accompany you for a walk on the Moon."

"I mind!" He Li Ying looked at Xiao Ying coldly.

"It’s fine, it’s fine. I can just watch you from afar," this Xiao Ying proved remarkably thick-skinned.

Ji Chang Kong let out an involuntary laugh. He finally understood that the presence of Ji Chang Le, Ji Chang Sheng, and Xiao Ying here was clearly motivated by ulterior motives. Ji Chang Sheng harbored feelings for Zhou Qiang Wei, Ji Chang Le was fond of Bai Li Xiu, and Xiao Ying’s pursuit of He Li Ying was even more obvious—he was shamelessly badgering her.

These young men likely knew that He Li Ying and Bai Li Xiu liked visiting this place, which is why they frequented the area. Their true objective had little to do with the garden’s flora.

Glancing over these three figures, Ji Chang Kong frowned slightly.

"Ji Chang Kong, I have something to say to you!" Suddenly, He Li Ying stood up, looking at him with bright, intent eyes.

Bai Li Xiu and Zhou Qiang Wei, the two women, looked up abruptly, watching Ji Chang Kong with slight tension.

Ji Chang Kong paused, looking oddly at He Li Ying, and smiled. "Say whatever you need to say. I will listen carefully."

"Not here!" He Li Ying insisted stubbornly, looking at him. "I want to talk to you alone!"

Zhou Qiang Wei’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, making her appear even more nervous.

After a moment of hesitation, Ji Chang Kong nodded lightly. "Alright. Where do you want to talk?"

"By the small lake behind the garden," He Li Ying stated.

"Fine."

Just then, Zhou Qiang Wei also suddenly stood up. She looked at Ji Chang Kong, her body trembling slightly, appearing extremely nervous. "Brother Chang Kong, I also have something to discuss with you!" Unexpectedly, Bai Li Xiu spoke up quickly. "My matter is much more urgent than He Li Ying's. I need to speak with you first!"

"What's the rush with you?" He Li Ying glared fiercely at Bai Li Xiu. "Wait until I'm done speaking, then you can say whatever you want."

"No, I must speak with him first!" Bai Li Xiu firmly refused to yield.

"Um, I have something too," Zhou Qiang Wei finally spoke. She had seemed very nervous before, but the moment the words left her mouth, she seemed to relax, appearing composed.

Ji Chang Kong, who was about to leave with He Li Ying toward the small lake in the back, froze. His expression shifted through a series of bizarre emotions as he looked from He Li Ying to Bai Li Xiu, and finally to Zhou Qiang Wei, laughing without humor. "What... what exactly do you all want?"

"Brother Chang Kong, you are always in seclusion. I can’t see you every day. I really need to talk to you!" Bai Li Xiu insisted.

"Me too," Zhou Qiang Wei added, no longer timid.

Xiao Ying, Ji Chang Le, Ji Chang Sheng, and the other young people were all suddenly dumbstruck, feeling as if they were sitting on pins, experiencing an indescribable awkwardness and discomfort.

Ten thousand characters written, soliciting monthly votes! Thank you! (To be continued)