Chapter 687: Return to the Wilderness

Li Yi chatted briefly with Zheng Gong.

Soon, he saw his master Zhao Ge walking out of the Investigation Bureau.

Although Zhao Ge's joining the Investigation Bureau surprised Li Yi, upon reflection, it was indeed a good path: it allowed him to better understand this world, granted him a legitimate identity, and offered opportunities to hone himself through various events, seeing him through the most difficult early stage.

For warriors of the Four Seas and Eight Zones—whether cultivating immortality, the Dao, or evolutionary methods—required their bodies to be purified by cosmic energy; only under its nourishment could their bodies transform.

Otherwise, cultivation was exceedingly difficult.

And this so-called purification was actually simple: live on Earth for a time, gradually altering one's physical constitution.

"Hah! Meng De, it's been a while, and your strength has advanced again. Your master now lags far behind you—I wonder if I'll ever reach your level in this lifetime."

Zhao Ge let out a hearty laugh; since coming to Earth, he had changed greatly. His once short, stunted frame had grown dozens of centimeters taller, his bones thickened, his muscles hardened, his short hair dense and jet-black—he now looked no older than thirty, years younger than before.

"Master." Li Yi bowed respectfully.

He smelled the aura of an immortal cultivator on his master—clearly, Zhao Ge had taken the path of martial cultivation toward immortality.

That was good.

Because immortal cultivation granted eternal life; though slow, its lineage was complete, and its future potential immense.

"You're still so formal," Zhao Ge chuckled. "But on Earth, formalities aren't emphasized much anymore. Just greet each other when you meet. Meng De, why are you back this time?"

"Nothing urgent—just a rare chance to return and pay respects to Master, check on you and the other sisters, see how you're all doing in Tianchang City," Li Yi said.

"It's kind of you to care, but don't worry about us. Your master, Skinny Monkey, and Rongniang—we've thrived since joining the Investigation Bureau. This place is far more exciting than the Four Seas and Eight Zones. No matter how strong I grow, I always find stronger enemies," Zhao Ge said, a hint of excitement on his face.

The longer he stayed here, the more new things he encountered; the various hybrid cultivation methods benefited him immensely.

Fan Zhizhou was right: the Four Seas and Eight Zones were too small—so small they suffocated. Staying there was merely wasting time and life.

"As long as Master is happy here, you must still keep watch on cross-world matters. So many worlds now connect with Earth, and enemies will multiply. If you face dangers beyond your control, take the sisters and retreat back to the Four Seas and Eight Zones to lie low," Li Yi said seriously.

Zhao Ge immediately replied: "I've learned a great deal about the dangers of cross-world travel. The Demon God Realm, for instance, is a major threat. But my realm hasn't yet ascended—I'm still too weak. Otherwise, I'd gladly test myself against those foes from the Demon God Realm."

Li Yi said: "Speaking of which, when I went to Earth's frontline to fight the Demon God Realm, I met a man named Ji Wu from another martial world. His strength is formidable, nearly reaching the level of a great demon. But he's deeply fascinated by the martial arts of the Four Seas and Eight Zones—he may visit you soon. If you have time, exchange insights with him."

"A master from another martial world?" Zhao Ge's expression shifted. "Their martial realms can reach the level of great demons? Good, very good. I've noted it—his name is Ji Wu? When he comes to Tianchang City, I'll definitely exchange martial insights with him."

He hadn't expected Li Yi to know someone like that.

Learning deeper martial arts would be an immense blessing.

"If you're going to chat, why not go sit at the Investigation Bureau? This isn't a place for conversation," Zheng Gong suggested.

"I won't go to the Investigation Bureau. After catching up with Master, I'll leave—I'm going to another world to cultivate."

Zhao Ge asked: "You're crossing worlds again? What kind of world is it?"

Li Yi said: "An ancient wilderness world—home to gods and monstrous beasts, danger and opportunity coexist. If you're interested, Master, you could explore it too."

"I'll pass. I still need more hardening," Zhao Ge laughed, waving his hand—he had a rough idea of what that world was like.

Its people fed on jiaolongs—terrifying. His current strength would be suicide there.

"Senior brother."

"Big Senior Brother."

Suddenly—

At that moment, Skinny Monkey, Rongniang, and Zhao Qian arrived in a hovering car, rushing toward them.

In the time apart, they too had changed dramatically.

Their attire had fully blended into Earth's norms—no trace of the Four Seas and Eight Zones remained. Each wore superior nano-metal battle armor, weapons of top-grade magic treasures—likely gifts from the Bald Daoist.

The Bald Daoist must have visited Tianchang City and met them, giving each gifts.

They were thrilled to see Li Yi.

Especially Zhao Qian and Rongniang—their eyes sparkled with a feminine tenderness.

"Good. You all look strong. Training both martial arts and evolutionary methods, with traces of Qi refining—former ensures current combat power, latter ensures future potential and achievement. Add gene serum, and your future potential is limitless," Li Yi observed, nodding with a smile.

Now, Earth's cultivators began by training all three methods simultaneously.

Hard to imagine how many masters Earth will produce in a few decades.

"Senior brother, when did you return? Why didn't you warn us? We could've prepared," Rongniang said, smiling but still somewhat reserved before Li Yi.

Li Yi said: "I just got back today. I wanted to gather with Master and you all, and talk about something. How have you been lately? Doing well in the Investigation Bureau?"

"Big Senior Brother, don't worry—we're all captains now, commanding quite a few under us," Skinny Monkey said proudly.

Zhao Qian smiled: "That's thanks to your reputation. We're still highly respected in the Investigation Bureau."

"True. As a famous expert in Tianchang City, everyone owes you some face. Though Tianchang City once produced several promising evolutionists, they've vanished for years—like Li Shaoqing. After joining the Golden Academy, he disappeared completely, never returned to Tianchang City—he probably crossed worlds and won't come back."

Zheng Gong shook his head: "And Gu Mengping, who came from the Investigation Bureau."

"I met Gu Mengping once at the Golden Academy, then lost track of him—he likely went cross-world for training," Li Yi added: "Pit Daoist also stayed at the Golden Academy for a while, then vanished too. But I believe people like them all have great potential—they'll emerge when their strength grows."

"Senior brother, why bring up irrelevant people? We're finally reunited—we should drink and celebrate," Zhao Qian said.

"Yes, let's drink our fill," Zhao Ge agreed, smiling.

"If we're gathering, I'll have to invite Zheng Lan," Zheng Gong said.

"Good, invite everyone you can. Let's get together," Li Yi immediately agreed—given Earth's current situation, it was uncertain whether they'd ever gather again.

While they still could, seize every chance to meet.

Soon—

The banquet was held inside the Peace Financial Tower.

Laughter and chatter filled the air, lively and warm.

Li Yi sensed Zheng Lan, Zhao Qian, even Rongniang all tried to get him drunk—but his current body could no longer be affected by mere wine.

By the time they were drunk, Li Yi remained fully alert.

But even the liveliest banquet must end.

The next day, Li Yi departed early.

A golden auspicious cloud streaked across Tianchang City's sky as he flew toward Tianning City.

He had no interest in the city itself, but within its danger zone lay a portal connecting to the Wilderness World—a gateway Zhao Fangji had once told him about.

But now, the Wilderness World seemed to exert heavy influence on Tianning City.

Li Yi saw many monstrous beasts within the danger zone—powerful, deadly. Though Tianning City's evolutionists hunted them, they could barely prevent the beasts from invading.

The real danger came from the Wilderness World.

This world was known, but due to its extreme peril, Tianning City's Investigation Bureau had deliberately sealed it off.

In truth, that decision was correct.

Once two worlds connected, enemies might follow.

Earth is already struggling to cope with the Demon God Realm and the Xuan Immortal Continent—let alone the Dark World or World Six.

So, best to avoid the Wilderness World entirely.

To avoid drawing attention upon entering the Wilderness World, Li Yi disguised himself: he wore no Earth clothing, but let his black hair fall to his shoulders, clad in crimson-feathered purple-gold battle armor, carrying the Divine Wood Great Bow, radiating Dragon-Tiger energy, draped in five-colored auroras.

Like a divine child emerging from a cultivation world—naturally extraordinary, utterly unlike an Earthling.

"First, go to Beihuang City to meet the merchant lord Xiang. Repay my debt, and use the Wilderness World to complete my body's transformation." With this thought, the auspicious cloud beneath his feet accelerated, carrying him straight into the Wilderness World.

(End of Chapter)