The great continent of Hǎilán stretched out before them, an ocean that seemed to have no end, no boundary.

On this vast continent, the sea consumed nine-tenths of the expanse, leaving only one-tenth as land—and that land was composed entirely of scattered islands of varying sizes. The Hǎilán Continent was like the Eastern Sea magnified dozens of times, dotted with islands in its boundless waters, though some of the islands here were immense, so large they dwarfed the entire border of the Shuǐyún Kingdom.

Ji Changkōng and his party sped across the sea under the blue sky and white clouds for over an hour. Along the way, they passed numerous islands. On some, birds, beasts, and insects lived in quietude, while on a very small fraction, humans resided, fishing in the sea.

Yet, on those islands inhabited by humans, the group could not sense any powerful souls; there wasn't even a single soul refined to the Divine Soul stage.

This meant that on these islands, regardless of size, there were no Tiānshì present.

This deeply puzzled Ji Changkōng and the other four. They even began to doubt whether this truly was the Hǎilán Continent. Those who had cultivated on the Sun and Moon had learned of the Hǎilán Continent through various channels and knew that powerful Tiānshì were as numerous as the hairs on an ox there.

Logically, after traveling for so long, they should not have failed to encounter a single Tiānshì. Yet, in reality, they had flown for an hour, passing perhaps hundreds of small islands, and found absolutely no trace of a Tiānshì. This left Ji Changkōng and the others filled with doubt, uncertain about the situation on the Hǎilán Continent.

“It seems we should find someone to ask. Searching aimlessly like this isn't a solution,” Ji Changkōng finally stopped, looking down at the azure ocean beneath them, where a group of fishermen were casting nets.

Gǔ Bàng and Lì Hèntiān, and the others, also knew that continuing aimlessly was futile, and they all nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

“Dick, you stay here. I’ll go down and have a look,” Ji Changkōng smiled faintly. “These fishermen are just ordinary folk; they haven't seen much of the world. I’m afraid of your appearance…”

“I understand,” Dick cut him off, even letting out a small huff.

Smiling, Ji Changkōng didn't press the issue. He understood Dick wasn't truly angered. Taking a gentle breath, Ji Changkōng circled down from above, descending in a relatively remote spot.

Dick, meanwhile, preoccupied himself by taking out the Primordial Soul Plate, turning it over in his hand for a while. He shook his head with disappointment. “There are no powerful souls within a thousand miles. That means, at least for this distance, there are no Tiānshì present.”

“Did we come to the wrong place?” The Origin Toxin, who remained suspended in the air with Dick and Lì Hèntiān instead of descending, asked with a hint of doubt.

“Impossible!” Dick shook his head.

“Impossible,” Gǔ Bàng agreed, because the Origin Toxin bore a seven-tenths resemblance to Ji Changkōng and shared an extremely close relationship with him. Gǔ Bàng had always treated the Origin Toxin with marked kindness.

“If I hadn't seen that ‘Star Chart,’ perhaps I, too, would think we were mistaken, but all the markings on that Star Chart prove conclusively that we are on the Hǎilán Continent. There is no mistake,” Gǔ Bàng stated reassuringly. “Little fellow, rest assured, the Tiānshì of Hǎilán Continent are certainly elsewhere; we just haven’t found them yet.”

“Yes, they must be elsewhere on this continent. The number of Tiānshì on Hǎilán Continent is far greater than on our Five Elements Continent. Although Hǎilán is somewhat larger than the Five Elements Continent, given our speed, it won’t take more than a few days to cover the entire landmass. I refuse to believe we won’t find them,” Lì Hèntiān frowned.

With Gǔ Bàng and Lì Hèntiān having spoken, the Origin Toxin had nothing more to say, slumping his head dejectedly. “I hope so.”

Ji Changkōng circled around the fishing boat below and rejoined Gǔ Bàng, Lì Hèntiān, and the others from another angle.

“To the east—they are all in the east!” Ji Changkōng immediately pointed in a direction, stating with certainty.

“Definitely in the east?” Dick inquired.

“Of course. Those fishermen just said that the immortals of this continent all reside on the Eastern Immortal Isles. They said the immortal isles in the East Sea rarely have the immortals emerge, and that they only come out once every many years to bring back some virgin boys and girls to the Immortal Isles,” Ji Changkōng explained with a smile.

At these words, everyone instantly understood the situation couldn't be wrong. It seemed the Tiānshì of Hǎilán Continent did not live alongside ordinary people.

It wasn't surprising. With islands spread everywhere on this continent, a Tiānshì faction could easily claim an island as their own, rendering any need to mingle with the populace unnecessary. The reason they only emerged after many years to seek young men and women was clearly due to insufficient numbers, prompting them to recruit disciples from the mortal realm.

Having grasped this simple logic, the group reaffirmed their goal and journeyed towards the easternmost edge of the continent. As they sped onward, the further east they went, the more certain the five became that this time they were right.

Approaching the east, they felt the ambient cosmic energy (Tiāndì Yuánqì) growing increasingly dense, as if, at the far eastern reaches of the Hǎilán Continent, there existed a miraculous place that continuously released vast amounts of this energy. The closer they got to that area, the more potent the energy became.

“No wonder the Tiānshì of Hǎilán Continent all gather in the east. The cosmic energy in the east is more than ten times denser than elsewhere. Anyone who cultivates the path of the Tiānshì will naturally gravitate eastward,” Ji Changkōng laughed.

The Far East of the Hǎilán Continent.

White mist, like silver sand, swirled over the sea. From a distance, the dense fog seemed to conceal everything; looking from afar, one could not see the world behind the mist. Even when spiritual souls were extended, they encountered layered obstructions within the thick fog, making swift progress difficult.

Ji Changkōng and his companions stood before this wall of white mist.

However, when they released the power of their souls into the mist, it was as if they became lost; they couldn't quickly discern the world behind the white fog.

Those layered white mists were a natural barrier, designed to prevent ordinary people from entering rashly. Furthermore, on a barren island just before the mist, a colossal plaque stood erect, bearing four large characters: Jídōng Xiāndǎo, Fánrén Mòrù (Far East Immortal Isle, Mortals Forbidden to Enter).

“‘Far East Immortal Isle, Mortals Forbidden to Enter,’” Lì Hèntiān frowned and let out a low snort. “These Hǎilán Continent Tiānshì truly think they are immortals, erecting such a barrier to block mortals!”

Gǔ Bàng smiled, speaking broadly. “Doing this has its advantages. By separating themselves from mortals into two worlds, at least when they fight, the mortals won't suffer collateral damage. Another point is that their infrequent activity in the mortal world is a blessing for the mortals.”

“Indeed, mutual non-interference is a good thing,” Ji Changkōng mused thoughtfully. Recalling the disasters caused on the Five Elements Continent by the clashes of powerful Tiānshì, he suddenly felt that Hǎilán Continent’s approach was perhaps a correct course of action.

To ordinary mortals, those who diligently cultivated the path of the Tiānshì were beings like gods. As the saying goes, “When gods fight, mortals suffer.” If Tiānshì fought in the mortal dust, any nearby town would inevitably face ruin.

On the Five Elements Continent, incidents where the populace suffered widespread devastation due to clashes between powerful Tiānshì occurred ceaselessly. Hǎilán Continent’s recognition of this reality and its implementation of this world-dividing measure was indeed commendable.

“Good location. Behind the white mist, there are many powerful souls. Clearly, the Immortal Isle behind this mist is the gathering place for the Hǎilán Continent’s powerhouses,” Dick declared, waving the Primordial Soul Plate after spinning it a few times.

On the plate were countless dense small dots, varying in size, each corresponding to a powerful soul.

It seemed this white mist, capable of obstructing spiritual sight, could not impede a treasure like the Primordial Soul Plate originating from the Dead Star Domain. Through this plate, the distribution of Tiānshì behind the mist could be clearly observed.

“Countless islands, tens of thousands of Tiānshì experts. Hǎilán Continent is truly extraordinary!” Ji Changkōng sighed after merely glancing at the Primordial Soul Plate in Dick's hand.

“Indeed, the number of Tiānshì experts on Hǎilán Continent is somewhat greater than on our Five Elements Continent,” Gǔ Bàng nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, a strange expression crossed Gǔ Bàng’s face, and he abruptly closed his eyes.

Seeing Gǔ Bàng’s peculiar reaction, Ji Changkōng and Lì Hèntiān looked somewhat perplexed, not understanding the cause of his expression.

“Grandfather, did something happen?” Ji Changkōng knew Gǔ Bàng’s attainment in the spiritual arts surpassed theirs; after all, Gǔ Bàng’s cultivation realm was at the peak of the Nine Palaces Heaven. Although his cultivation was crippled after his battle with the Asura King, his realm had received a further elevation. After being nourished by the Nine Luminaries Life Tree, although his cultivation hadn't fully recovered, his realm had actually advanced.

“Strange, truly strange,” Gǔ Bàng frowned, looking utterly bewildered.

“What is it, Grandfather? Did you discover something?” Ji Changkōng asked again, while Lì Hèntiān also watched Gǔ Bàng curiously.

Only Dick didn’t ask further questions. He continued fiddling with the Primordial Soul Plate, extending a sharp finger to lightly tap it. The plate suddenly contracted and expanded, revealing a bright spot emanating from within.

“There are a few powerful ones on the other side—they must also be within the world behind the mist,” Dick pointed toward the left side of the group and stated with certainty. “About three thousand miles away. There are four of them, and their soul power is comparable to yours.”

“Four Nine Palaces Heaven Tiānshì?” Ji Changkōng nodded and smiled. “Our Five Elements Continent has more than four Nine Palaces Heaven Tiānshì… It’s normal for Hǎilán Continent to have more; there’s no need to be alarmed.”

“If they were truly Nine Palaces Heaven Tiānshì from Hǎilán Continent, that wouldn't be strange,” Gǔ Bàng opened his eyes. “But they are not from Hǎilán Continent. They must be Nine Palaces Heaven Tiānshì from the Líbié Heaven Sect of the Gǔ Huāng Continent! I once fought one of them over Star Essence on a living star!”

“Líbié Heaven Sect?” Ji Changkōng was finally somewhat surprised.

“How did they get here?” Lì Hèntiān asked.

“They likely used the Spatial Turbulence Domain to enter Hǎilán Continent directly, the same way the Lord of the Demon Cave came to our continent,” Gǔ Bàng pondered for a moment. “I’m just puzzled why the people from Líbié Heaven Sect would come to this Hǎilán Continent.”

“Grandfather, that Nine Palaces Heaven Tiānshì from Gǔ Huāng Continent you fought before… were you enemies?” Ji Changkōng inquired.

“Sort of,” Gǔ Bàng considered. “I discovered that living star first. But the Fēngshān Sect, relying on superior numbers, forcefully drove me away. After I retreated from the battle area, one of their members’ souls had to withdraw when their spiritual energy was more than half depleted.”

He paused, then snorted, “If you want to speak of it, it was the people from Líbié Heaven Sect who were too oppressive, forcibly occupying the living star that should have been mine.”

“I see,” Ji Changkōng lengthened his tone, his expression gradually turning grim, calculating possibilities in his mind.

“On our other side… another group is coming!” Suddenly, Dick cried out sharply, shaking the Primordial Soul Plate in his hand, his face grave.

At these words, Gǔ Bàng’s expression shifted slightly. He ceased speaking with Ji Changkōng and closed his eyes again to try and sense the situation.

“It’s people from the Jīnwǎng Mountain of the Zhū Yún Continent—three Nine Palaces Heaven Tiānshì!” Gǔ Bàng exclaimed in astonishment, his face a mask of utter confusion. “What is going on? Why are experts from other continent-level powers suddenly entering the Hǎilán Continent?”

“And they are all from one of the Eight Great Powers of the Sun Star Domain,” Lì Hèntiān also looked utterly perplexed.

“Let’s go in and see. It seems something significant is happening on the Hǎilán Continent,” Ji Changkōng immediately proposed. As soon as he finished speaking, he took the lead, charging toward the center of the white mist.

Gǔ Bàng and the others followed closely behind Ji Changkōng, all plunging into the heart of the white mist.

Inside the white mist, the ambient cosmic energy was thick. There was also a subtle push within the fog, like a strong wind that could directly propel any entering vessel out of the mist. This seemed to be a layer of defense obstructing mortals, yet for powerful Tiānshì like Ji Changkōng and Gǔ Bàng, this force had no effect whatsoever.

After traveling for about fifteen minutes, suddenly, all the white mist dissipated.

Under a clear sky, jade-green waves rippled, and dense cosmic energy permeated every corner. Small islands were scattered throughout every part of the sea. Looking down from above, these islands resembled stars scattered across a star field, lacking any pattern, with varying distances between them.

From these islands emanated the fluctuating life-force signatures of Tiānshì, with differing strengths. Under the clear sky, some Tiānshì were soaring through the air, while in other places, disputes had broken out between Tiānshì, who were currently fighting above the vast ocean.

This was a world of Tiānshì. At a glance, there was not a single mortal; even children who appeared no older than ten had already cultivated the path of the Tiānshì for a long time, most possessing cultivation at the Two Elements Heaven or Three Talents Heaven realms.

“Esteemed guests, have you come for Miss Merchant’s grand gathering?” Before Ji Changkōng and the others could even release their aura, a group flew towards them from a distance, smiling. Leading them was a man with a long, flowing beard, exhibiting the cultivation of the Eight Trigrams Heaven realm and an unconstrained demeanor.

Though inwardly curious, Ji Changkōng maintained a calm façade, nodding with a smile.

“May I ask which continent you all hail from?” The man became even more enthusiastic after hearing Ji Changkōng’s response.

“The Five Elements Continent,” Ji Changkōng hesitated briefly before answering truthfully.

The man paused, glanced at the person behind him, and asked, “Xiǎo Hǎi, is there any fellow daoist invited from the Five Elements Continent on the registry?”

The young Tiānshì, who possessed the cultivation of the Seven Stars Heaven realm, quickly flipped through the booklet in his hand. After a moment, he looked slightly embarrassed. “It seems… no.”

The Eight Trigrams Heaven Tiānshì then showed a look of confusion. “Gentlemen, it seems the Merchant Family did not invite anyone from your Five Elements Continent? Are you… uninvited guests?”

“You could say that,” Ji Changkōng showed no embarrassment, his expression composed. “When I was in the Heart of the Sun, I fought alongside Miss Shāng Bīngjié. Back there, Miss Shāng said that if I had the capability, I could come to the Hǎilán Continent to find her. Heh, she probably thought we wouldn’t have the ability to travel from the Five Elements Continent to Hǎilán, so she didn’t…”

Ji Changkōng’s explanation seemed to convince the Eight Trigrams Heaven Tiānshì, who murmured, “The method of moving between the life-stars of a star domain using the Spatial Turbulence Domain is a new technique that has only circulated recently. Only the most powerful factions in the Sun Star Domain know of it. Logically, your Five Elements Continent shouldn't have been able to arrive…”

“You can inform Miss Shāng—just say… just say that Ji Changkōng of the Five Elements Continent has come to find her,” Ji Changkōng said after a moment of hesitation.

“I apologize, but I don't have the clearance to see Miss Shāng,” the man shook his head, looking apologetic.

Ji Changkōng frowned, gradually growing impatient. Just as he was about to flare up in anger, he suddenly sensed a very familiar aura within his soul. That aura was heading towards the central island in the east, only about eight hundred miles away.

“Měng Gāng! This is Ji Changkōng, I’m eight hundred miles behind you!” Ji Changkōng felt a surge of elation in his heart. He sent a soul message to the distant figure: “I entered your Hǎilán Continent by accident, and now I want to discuss some matters with Miss Shāng. Can you make arrangements?”

“Changkōng!!” From afar, a wave of extremely joyful soul fluctuations returned, and then a powerfully built figure was seen hurtling towards them amidst wind and thunder.

Měng Gāng’s true form finally appeared!

Before Ji Changkōng could clearly see Měng Gāng’s real appearance, the robust man rushed over, grabbed Ji Changkōng in a fierce embrace, and roared with laughter, “Good brother! Good brother! How did you get here?”

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