Chapter 269

Thus, Xu Xing waited another half day in the Qing Xu homecoming laboratory.

During this time, he attempted to enhance the various functions of the World Evolution Apparatus using the thirty-six World Seed fragments as aids.

Indeed, with the thirty-six World Seed fragments augmenting it, its computational power once surpassed even the time before the Apparatus Spirit had departed.

Seeing this, Xu Xing simply set conditions and further subdivided and filtered the world coordinates stored within.

Primarily two categories.

Worlds suitable for disciples' trials, and worlds suitable for deploying the Ascension Platform.

Each type was further divided into tiers.

But because so many conditions had to be considered, even the enhanced World Evolution Apparatus nearly collapsed from overload during this process.

Yue Ying remained silent beside Xu Xing.

With the Master's own abilities, he could have accomplished all this effortlessly, yet he insisted on using that World Evolution Apparatus.

And he even seemed to be enjoying himself…

After all this commotion, he truly succeeded in categorizing all the world coordinates he had obtained.

Though still crude, it was at least a result.

Just then, Xu Xing finally received the five who had returned from the Beast God Realm.

…

…

Inside the spacious, well-lit laboratory.

The glow of the World Evolution Apparatus remained bright, yet its rune tracks turned with noticeable sluggishness, as the thirty-six World Seed fragments, radiating five-colored light, orbited around it.

This scene appeared profoundly mysterious.

Xu Xing's shadow was stretched long by the light, yet his gaze fixed on a certain point.

Hum~

An invisible ripple spread—no extraordinary phenomena, only the Apparatus's glow momentarily twisted.

The next instant!

Five figures appeared out of thin air.

Looking at the five, Xu Xing smiled: "My fellow cultivators, was your journey successful?"

Though Xiang Yuanjun had briefly explained the events via karmic threads, he still asked.

"Successful, very successful!"

Master Mei Zu, clad in a bright red long gown, answered before anyone else.

On her slender wrist hung a bracelet of nine luminous beads, each radiating five-colored light—exquisitely beautiful.

"Hun Tian Yi and the Beast God had no experience dealing with peers of equal rank, so handling them was not difficult," Xiang Yuanjun added.

In truth, this was the main reason they resolved the Beast God Realm matter so quickly.

Their experience was too weak; the methods they used, neither the Beast God nor Hun Tian Yi had anticipated.

"My fellow cultivators, my brother," came a lifeless voice, "I shall depart first."

"Very well, fellow cultivator, take your time," Xu Xing replied.

Kui gave a slight nod, then left.

No one found it surprising.

With the Beast God Realm matter settled, Kui was never the type to chat idly—he naturally wouldn't stay.

"Brother's sword strike truly opened my eyes," Huo sighed. "It seems I underestimated you after that incident in Xuan Sword City."

One sword moved, and all worlds responded.

"Not quite. That sword strike against the Beast God? I merely gained some insight from observing the Hun Tian Yi formed by the fusion of the Beast God and Hun Tian Yi."

Hm?

Gained insight from observing the Hun Tian Yi formed by the fusion of the Beast God and Hun Tian Yi?

But I watched too!

What insight could there possibly be?

"The Hun Tian Yi state was unique—it was a rare opportunity for us," Xu Xing mused.

For those of us at the forefront, even a slight spark of insight is a precious opportunity.

"Indeed! After this journey, I've faintly touched upon certain patterns," Master Mei Zu smiled lightly.

"I suppose Brother Xu gathered us with this in mind," Xiang Yuanjun also said.

"My younger brother would never do anything useless," Bie Xuening said coolly.

Her insights during this journey were actually the greatest.

After all, she and Xu Xing came from the same sect and both walked the Sword Dao.

Whether it was the Hun Tian Yi state or the single sword strike that manifested infinite sword light across all worlds, she benefited immensely.

Yue Ying, beside her, glanced over but said nothing.

Huo: "..."

No way!

You all actually gained insight?!

"By the way, the first Ascender will arrive in the Tai Xuan Realm in five days," Xu Xing said to Master Mei Zu. "Ning Ruo has invited all sects to attend the ceremony—have you informed your sect?"

Ning Ruo?

Xiang Yuanjun suddenly turned to Xu Xing.

"Oh? There's that too?" Master Mei Zu was surprised. "Then I must return first—Brother, if you have time, do come discuss the Dao with me~"

With those words, Master Mei Zu drifted away gracefully.

Still pondering why he had gained no insight, he suddenly felt redundant the moment he sensed Master Mei Zu's departure.

Forget it—better to leave this place first and think later.

"Brother Dao, I retrieved the Dao essence stolen by Hun Tian Yi from Xi. When I left that world, I cast it down with the little one you guided, transforming it into an infant."

The infant he left behind was born from Xi's Dao essence, combined with Xi Yun's inherited 【Yang】 and 【Sword】 Dao.

He is the only being in the Beast God Realm with hope of ascending to Union with the Dao.

Thus, the human race shall stand invincible!

After all, he utterly detested beasts and monsters.

Had he not known he must leave some behind for the human race of the Beast God Realm to resolve themselves, he would have crushed every last Beast God clan with a single slap.

"Brother Dao, friends, I take my leave."

Saying this, Huo vanished as well.

"..." Xu Xing sighed helplessly, "This is truly..."

But Huo's matter wasn't really significant.

After all, if the human race of the Beast God Realm were to fall again, would they do nothing?

Of course not!

"My lord, Lord Sword Zun, Yuanjun." Yue Ying arrived nearby, "Please be seated."

There, not far off, a table had been cleared, its surface rising with the faint fragrance of tea.

She knew well that Lord Sword Zun and Yuanjun would not depart so soon.

"Yue Ying, you're as thoughtful as ever."

"Yuanjun, you flatter me," Yue Ying replied, her expression calm.

Bie Xuening watched all this in silence, her expression unchanged.

Yet the Moon Feather in her hand dared not stir a single vibration.

The atmosphere was strange.

Xu Xing, however, remained utterly calm, inviting the two to sit.

He then proceeded to introduce to them the results of his newly enhanced World Derivation Apparatus's world-coordinate screening.

…………

Two days later, Xiang Jianzong.

In a small courtyard for Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Stage disciples of the outer gate.

Lush trees hung heavy with crimson fruits; beside them, a swing frame swayed gently in the breeze, its vines layered and tangled.

The vines bore clusters of translucent grapes, their hues shifting from fresh green to deep purple, shimmering with enticing luster.

Shh!

A slender sword qi sliced through, severing the fruit stems.

A cluster of purplish grapes, faintly glowing with spiritual light, fell—and was neatly caught by an outstretched hand.

"Feed the fish! Feed the fish!"

The one who caught the grapes muttered twice, then plucked a grape and shoved it into her mouth. Puh!

She spat the peel aside.

A pale green-gold longsword, its blade hanging a small pouch, flew over and caught the spat-out peel with perfect precision.

Only one person could do something like this.

This person was Chi Jiuyu.

She walked toward the small pond in the courtyard's corner, clutching the grape cluster, eating as she went.

Two lotus leaves floated on the crystal-clear water, where nine spiritual fish swam slowly—plump, having grown a full circle fatter since first they arrived.

Because Zhang Yunlu had gone to visit her brother at Long Xiang Qing Tian Sect, she entrusted Chi Jiuyu with caring for these spiritual fish.

In Zhang Yunlu's view, these were a gift specially given by their master—how could they be neglected?

"Day after day, I wonder when Master will return."

Just when I wanted to show some filial devotion, she's gone.

After muttering a few complaints, Chi Jiuyu set the grapes aside, then pulled out a pinch of fish food, sprinkling it slowly into the pond.

!. Du

The clear pond rippled in concentric circles.

Yet the spiritual fish did not stir—they waited until the food drifted before them, then opened their mouths slowly to swallow.

Nothing like the frantic, chaotic fights they once had over scraps.

"Quite leisurely," Chi Jiuyu clucked. "Wait till Master brings you back—see if you'll still be this lazy!"

Of course, the fish couldn't understand her words—and so naturally, they showed no reaction.

Soon, she had scattered all the fish food from her hand.

Chi Jiuyu clapped her hands, gazing at the fish and shaking her head slightly.

What a pity—Xiaoyunlu doesn't seem to plan on eating these fish.

"Such a waste of fine things!"

Hummm~

The pale green-gold longsword suddenly flew before her, its blade trembling slightly, transmitting an idea through its spirit.

【It's "waste of fine things"—not "bao zhen tian wu".】

Huh?

How is this possible!

Isn't this character read exactly like this?

Chi Jiuyu instinctively moved to refute, but the words died on her lips.

She suddenly remembered something.

Lately, her Ming Jian had no idea what it was thinking—it claimed it needed to improve its cultural literacy…

It spent all day flipping through books.

Hmm…

Gotta play it safe!

She took out her phone and searched online.

She typed in "bao zhen tian wu," and the page auto-redirected—but what appeared was—

Bao tian wu…

Huh?!

Chi Jiuyu's eyes widened.

It really is read like that!

After double-checking for a while, she finally gave up, turning back stiffly to face her Ming Jian.

Zhum zhum~

Her Ming Jian hummed, transmitting a wave of joyful emotion through its spirit.

Sss~

Chi Jiuyu sucked in a sharp breath—her Ming Jian was growing smarter by the day, nearly matching her own transcendent wisdom!

Thank goodness, thank goodness!

She felt a twinge of guilt, but also relief.

Thank goodness she hadn't fooled it much lately.

"Ahem!" After clearing her throat, Chi Jiuyu turned solemnly to the emerald-gold longsword. "Excellent. It seems you've now become a mature Ming Jian. It's time to give you a name worthy of you!"

The emerald-gold longsword fell utterly still, awaiting its master's naming.

"Ming Sect," Chi Jiuyu said, voicing the name she'd long prepared, eyes bright with anticipation. "What do you think?"

The emerald-gold longsword stiffened.

"Not satisfied?" Chi Jiuyu's face twisted with mild distress.

She thought it was perfect—elegant-sounding, and it declared her grand ambition!

"Then…" Chi Jiuyu paused to think. "Zhong Sect?"

The emerald-gold longsword's spirit sent a wave of wounded sentiment.

Must you really attach that "sect" character?

Even if you want to be a sect leader, there's no need to go this far!

Chi Jiuyu scratched her head. "Then you suggest one!"

The emerald-gold longsword trembled, circling Chi Jiuyu once, then transmitting several names through its spirit.

【Long Yue】、【Qing Yue】、【Fu Yue】、【Xuan Ying】、【Jue Ying】…

When Chi Jiuyu finally focused her gaze.

Good grief—it's all "moon" or "shadow." How obsessed are you with your uncle's Moon Shadow?

"These names of yours won't do. 【Long Yue】 is Lin's sword. 【Fu Yue】 belongs to some junior disciple, I think. 【Xuan Ying】 and 【Jue Ying】—I recall the Twin-Sword Master in the Sword Hall uses those names…"

Chi Jiuyu listed off each sword cultivator tied to those names, as if reciting family records.

Sure, name overlaps are normal—but these names are all famous.

If I take one of these, people will think I, Chi Jiuyu—the future sect leader, the one with world-shaking wisdom—am wielding someone else's sword!

"After all this, only 【Qing Yue】 seems suitable—but even that feels closer to Master's sword."

Yue Ling…

The emerald-gold longsword seemed dejected, drooping low.

Chi Jiuyu picked up the grapes beside her, plucked one, and popped it into her mouth, pondering how to make her Ming Jian accept the name Ming Sect.

"Actually, once Master and Uncle return, I could…"

"You could what?"

The voice at her ear startled Chi Jiuyu.

She turned—and saw Xu Xing and Bie Xuening standing in the courtyard, having arrived without notice.

Pup pup!

She spit out the grape skin and grinned sheepishly.

"Master! Uncle! You're back!"

No sooner had she spoken than two round orbs, glowing with five-colored radiance like pearls, were tossed toward her, accompanied by Bie Xuening's cool voice.

"Gifts. Give them to your junior sister."

Chi Jiuyu quickly reached out to catch them.

But the moment the orbs landed in her hands, their terrifying weight sent her stumbling forward.

"Holy shit!"

She gasped and immediately summoned all her magic power to resist.

Hu hu!

A ring of dust erupted!

Chi Jiuyu's entire face turned bright red as she strained every muscle just to avoid being crushed by the terrifying weight.

The next moment, she felt the weight of the sphere in her hand gradually lessen, until it stabilized at roughly the same weight as her soul blade.

"Whew~"

Exhaling deeply, Chi Jiuyu gazed at the luminous pearl in her hand, radiating five-colored light.

Within it, chaos reigned, with no distinction of yin or yang.

Yet countless colored threads seemed to weave and shift endlessly within, making her dizzy.

She quickly lifted her head, shook it to clear the dizziness, and asked Bie Xuening:

"Master, what is this?"

"The world."

"Huh?"

What?

"A world embryo," Xu Xing explained. "Or you could call it the seed of a world."

"Ah?!"

It sounds so impressive!

But…

"What's it good for?"

"If nurtured well, it becomes a portable paradise."

However, in the Xuan Realm, this world seed will be suppressed—its internal space won't grow large. (End of chapter)