NOVPUB"Let’s maintain regular contact at noon and midnight, no matter how busy we are. In addition to these times, I’ll also be in touch with you sporadically."
From the other end of the little jade stone came Xi Wushang’s voice, saying it swiftly: 𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙥𝒖𝒃.𝒄𝒐𝒎
"Noon… midnight… Got it? I remember… I will… always pay attention… to the Spirit Rhinoceros Stone…"
After pausing for a moment, Xi Wushang’s voice came in, carrying a trace of seriousness:
"In case… something happens… don’t get rash…"
"Do I seem like a reckless person to you?"
Ji Yuan responded with a nonchalant scoff, then promptly severed the mana connection for communication, muttering to himself, "Speaking in such fits and starts is really annoying."
Looking towards Mu Guishou, however, his expression turned slightly serious:
"This place is dangerous, and I’m not sure if there are cultivators from both continents hiding here. Brother Mu, always be ready to retreat. Oh, and to prevent Yuanci’s influence on our voice transmission, let’s use a secret signal. If I suddenly raise three middle fingers, immediately take the disciples and flee. If the disciples can’t make it, you can leave them alone and hurry back to Yundang to notify Xi Wushang… But this is the worst-case scenario; it probably won’t come to this."
Mu Guishou sighed in his heart upon hearing this, and his expression then became a bit more solemn:
"Brother Ji, rest assured, when it comes to survival, as a Golden Core cultivator in the Longevity Sect, you may not surpass me."
Ji Yuan was taken aback upon hearing this, and then he broke into hearty laughter.
It’s well known that the people of the Longevity Sect might not all be adept at fighting but when it comes to survival, they are unique in the Fenglin Continent.
After all, without even preserving one’s life, how can they seek longevity?
"Brother Mu, remind the disciples later not to touch the seawater. With their current cultivation base of Foundation Establishment, if they were to go into the sea, they will be depleted of mana not long after."
"Haha, not only them, but even we also can’t handle it if we touch it."
While talking and laughing, the two instantly transformed into a pair of luminescent streaks, flying towards the outermost periphery of Elong beach where the Foundation Establishment disciples were stationed.
After they left,
underneath the sea surface, a gigantic shadow flashed past and disappeared in an instant.
...
Half a month later.
Zhen Boen was deep in concentration, his fingers tapping on the ground, his eyes closed.
Others like Wang Ba, Lou Yi and the rest, were all zealously gathered around him.
Almost instantaneously, Zhen Boen suddenly opened his eyes, looking towards a place not far from him:
"There’s a geographical pattern over there."
Upon hearing Zhen Boen’s words, a Longevity Sect disciple named Li Qianjiu immediately flew over and effortlessly dug up the ground where Zhen Boen had pointed using his Class II sword energy.
As he continued to dig, deep down, a massive sinkhole was revealed, from which the rushing sound of water could be heard.
"It really is there!"
Li Qianjiu’s eyes shone with astonishment.
Despite having seen Zhen Boen’s performances numerous times, Wang Ba couldn’t help but feel a sense of envy at the sight.
Although they both cultivate the Earth Method, Wang Ba lacked Zhen Boen’s ability to sense the movement of earth patterns.
According to Zhen Boen, there were many disciples in Thick Earth Peak who had this ability, a natural sensitivity to the changes in geographical patterns developed by following the simplified version of the True Yang Wu Earth Sutra.
"Maybe because I’m cultivating too many methods at once, I’ve lost my sensitivity to a single domain."
"Or maybe I’ve just started, and I haven’t been completely focused on any one method."
Wang Ba speculated inwardly.
Although he was just guessing, Wang Ba felt that this might be the truth.
Every matter has its pros and cons. Dharma Lineage cultivates all Dharma but due to limited energy, it only focuses on the most refined parts, while neglecting the peripheral elements due to the lack of time to study them one by one.
The more tools you cultivate, the less you get from concentrating solely on one. This was the price.
Of course, this doesn’t imply anything good or bad.
"Lou Yi."
Wang Ba looked over at Qianliu Peak’s disciple, Lou Yi.
The latter nodded slightly before diving into the underground cavern.
It was a while before he emerged again, his body utterly dry.
He quickly explained:
"Uncle, I felt it. There is no sign of alteration within this earth vein, and both the air and water flows are clean. I don’t think any Thief cultivators are hiding here. I was initially thinking of exploring the branches downstream, but seeing that the earth vein was about to cause an upsurge of reverse flow, I came up to avoid being swept away."
Wang Ba nodded upon hearing this.
The cultivation method of Qianliu peak is very special, enabling the cultivators to sense all the flows within their surroundings, whether they are air, spiritual energy, or water. As long as they can touch it, they can replenish themselves through these flows. They can also sense abnormalities through the flows, and adjust their status in accordance with the water’s flow.
The Deacon Shi, who transported them to Shaoyin Mountain through the earth vein, is a member of Qianliu Peak.
In fact, the complexity of the underground tunnels of the earth vein and the occasional emergence of reverse flows make it almost impossible for those without abilities similar to the cultivators of the Qianliu Peak to navigate within. Even Nascent Soul cultivators could get lost if they inadvertently enter them.
Of course, as long as they don’t go too deep, Nascent Soul cultivators should be able to forcefully break out due to their strength.
Drawing another circle on a backed-up map where several circles had already been drawn, Wang Ba, noted down some observations he had made that day in a manuscript.
"There, this area is done."
"Let’s go back for now."
"Yes!"
All responded in unison.
Their attitude was quite convinced,
partly due to Wang Ba’s seniority,
but also due to Wang Ba’s extensive knowledge, calm demeanor, and insightful views when sharing his cultivation experiences, which had won them over during these past few days.
