Chapter 74

Fang Yu could see that Fang Qingxue, the eldest daughter of the Fang family, had already reached the 4th Stage of Divine Abilities, Yin-Yang Realm.

At the 4th Stage of Divine Abilities, Yin-Yang Realm, the most obvious sign is that magic power gains sentience, able to take the form of various spirit beasts and animals.

Just like the Yin-Yang giant serpent beneath Fang Qingxue's feet earlier—it was formed from magic power, lifelike and vivid.

This is the hallmark of the 4th Stage of Divine Abilities, Yin-Yang Realm.

"She has already cultivated to the 4th Stage of Divine Abilities, Yin-Yang Realm; I must reach the Divine Ability Secret Realm soon too."

Fang Yu pondered.

"Thank you, Young Master Fang, for speaking up for me before the eldest daughter and restoring my freedom."

Just then, Fang Han spoke, thanking Fang Yu.

Fang Yu did not refuse; he had merely intervened anyway, and now hearing Fang Han's gratitude, he nodded.

"Fang Han, once you pass the Canjiawei Sect examination, you'll be my junior brother—then you may call me Senior Brother."

"Junior brother" means someone who has entered the Yuhua Sect; "Fang Han" alone might just mean a servant of the Fang family.

"Thank you, Young Master Fang."

Fang Han's face still showed deep respect.

"Let's go. You manage these celestial cranes—give me one. In the coming days, I'm heading to the Vast Sea Desert."

"Yes."

Fang Han still held the Ten Thousand Beasts Tablet; he ordered one celestial crane to obey Fang Yu's commands, then mounted another himself, heading to the city where Canjiawei Sect disciples reside to take the examination.

The two men and two cranes took flight together, soon arriving at the region where Yuhuaxian Sect's Canjiawei disciples gather.

Fang Han went to the Tashan Academy to take the exam; Fang Yu rode his crane to his own quarters.

There, Prince of the Blood Meng Yu of the Daode Dynasty was already waiting at the door.

"Young Master Fang, where did you acquire such a celestial crane? Is it from Zi Dian Peak?"

Meng Yu's gaze turned toward him, curiosity on his face.

He seemed to already have an answer, yet still asked.

"Yes, it's from Zi Dian Peak. I need to qualify for the Dedaonei Sect examination—I can't walk there, so I obtained this crane for convenience."

Fang Yu nodded. "How about you, Meng Yu? Have you contacted more people again? I see we could depart now."

"This… I've indeed contacted several senior brothers and sisters, but they're currently training a formation together and can't leave yet."

Meng Yu's expression grew slightly uneasy.

"Oh, if that's the case, then you may wait for them—we'll meet again in the Vast Sea Desert."

Fang Yu heard the Prince of the Blood's words and understood his meaning.

Clearly, in the Prince of the Blood's eyes, traveling with those few who train formations would be far safer than going with just the two of them.

This man seemed reluctant to leave immediately, so he came to inform him.

Either wait, or go together.

"Young Master Fang, I'm truly sorry."

"No need to apologize. We'll meet again in the Vast Sea Desert."

Hearing the Prince of the Blood wouldn't leave immediately, Fang Yu actually felt it was fine—they were only acquaintances, had no deep bond, and each having their own plans was perfectly normal.

The celestial crane stirred; Fang Yu immediately directed it to fly toward the Vast Sea Desert.

Before his courtyard door, Prince of the Blood Meng Yu's expression shifted uncertainly. "Choosing Sister Mo and the others over Fang Yu—was this a mistake?"

He knew well Fang Yu was from Zi Dian Peak, with someone of the Divine Ability Secret Realm as his backer; but Sister Mo and the others had also found their own patrons, even borrowed the legendary treasure—each of the ten had a spirit-grade flying sword, enough to form a formation capable of slaying even a Divine Ability Secret Realm cultivator.

So he could only wait a little longer.

As Prince of the Blood Meng Yu pondered, Fang Yu sat atop the celestial crane, heading beyond the outer gates of the Yuhuaxian Sect.

The celestial crane flew swiftly through the sky; mountain after mountain fell behind, yet every two hours, Fang Yu made it land to rest.

After all, the crane was flesh and blood, carrying a 9th Stage of Physical Body, Spirit Communication Realm cultivator—long flights required rest and feeding.

His current cultivation had reached the point where his bone marrow was like mercury, his internal organs like iron, his subcutaneous fascia strengthened, and after consuming so many elixirs—all absorbed, none expelled—his weight naturally increased, yet his physique remained tall and imposing.

This was a powerful transformation in bodily density, making him appear taller and more majestic.

So he traveled with frequent stops, to avoid overtaxing the crane.

Around midnight, the endless mountain range vanished, replaced by an endless desert; the bright moon shone upon it, casting cold silver light, turning the desert into a kingdom of silver.

Fang Yu had reached the edge of the Vast Sea Desert.

The Vast Sea Desert stretched boundlessly; the Blue Moon City of Blue Moon Nation lay at its center, requiring another full day of flight to reach. Fang Yu had no rush to reach the desert's heart—he made the crane land here.

"Everyone else comes in groups—I'm going alone."

Fang Yu looked at himself and his crane, finding it strangely remarkable.

Of course, going alone wasn't a problem.

He had the Purifying Charm, True Water Charm, and Dust-Repelling Charm—he could replenish bodily moisture, cleanse himself, and remain pristine even in a harsh environment.

Without these magical artifacts, even a Divine Transformation Realm expert would grow weak and listless after prolonged exposure to the desert.

Fang Yu sat cross-legged and resumed cultivation.

As for the Crane Immortal, she happily wandered the sands, pecking at random—each peck snatching out a desert scorpion as large as a fist, killing it and roasting it over fire.

The Crane Immortal played joyfully, digging endlessly in the desert, pulling out one giant scorpion after another, killing them and tossing them into the fire.

The desert scorpions were highly venomous; at night they emerged to drink dew and hunt—any ordinary person bitten would die instantly.

But Fang Yu wore a magic robe that repelled all insects; scorpions and centipedes fled at the sight of it, causing no trouble.

He now took out the Lotus Seat from Lei Yinsi, sat upon it, and pondered the mystery of the brain.

After entering the Spirit Communication Realm, one can internally observe the physical body and reflect upon oneself—but the brain remains a dim, hazy darkness; only when all the flame of life surges into the mind can one illuminate Tianmen.

Ao, aoo.

Just then, from the distant dunes came a mournful howl of jackals and wolves, like beasts baying at the moon—utterly desolate.

Fang Yu's expression shifted; he sensed something.

"Sand bandits are coming."