Chapter 646

"I wonder if there is anyone else in the sect who has been to the Donghuang Kingdom? Could Sect Master Martial Brother please enlighten me?" Hearing Yao Ganshu's well-intentioned reminder, Song Qingming immediately took the opportunity to ask.

"Haha! Song Junior Martial Brother has come to the right place this time; there just happens to be someone in our hall who has been to the Donghuang Kingdom."

Seeing Yao Ganshu suddenly look up with a smile at Bai Yuxian, who had been sitting in the seat of honor without saying a word, a look of surprise immediately appeared on Song Qingming's face.

"Is Sect Master Martial Brother referring to Senior Martial Sister Bai?"

In the entire Wei Guo cultivation world, although most cultivators knew of the existence of the "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world, very few had actually been there. Song Qingming truly had not expected that Bai Yuxian, a genius whom the sect was focusing on cultivating, would have traveled to such a distant place.

Upon hearing this, Yao Ganshu nodded slightly and said, "Not long after Junior Martial Sister Bai formed her Core in her early years, she also went to the Donghuang Kingdom once. If you ask her, it will certainly be of help to your trip."

"Mm! Many thanks for the guidance, Sect Master Martial Brother."

Seeing that Song Qingming's gaze had turned toward her, Bai Yuxian, who had been sitting above listening to their conversation, suddenly took the initiative to leave her seat and came to the side of Song Qingming and the other.

"Sect Master Martial Brother, since Junior Martial Brother Song has matters to consult me about, I will leave the affairs here to you for now. I will come back tomorrow!"

After finishing speaking with Yao Ganshu, Bai Yuxian made a gesture of invitation to Song Qingming at her side. "Junior Martial Brother Song! It is not convenient to talk in detail here. If there is anything you want to know, let's change to another place and talk slowly!"

In the Xiaoyao Hall, cultivators were constantly coming and going to find the Sect Master to report sect affairs; it was indeed not very appropriate for them to sit there chatting.

Seeing that Bai Yuxian had already walked out of the hall, Song Qingming cupped his hands in greeting to Yao Ganshu and immediately stood up and followed her quickly.

Just outside the hall door, Bai Yuxian waved her hand to take out a cyan flying boat and said with a smile to Song Qingming behind her, "Junior Martial Brother Song, please!"

"Senior Martial Sister Bai is too kind!"

After the two boarded the flying boat, under Bai Yuxian's control, it immediately turned into a streak of light and disappeared from the spot.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian arrived at a high mountain guarded by quite a few sect disciples.

Standing on the high mountain, Song Qingming looked at a teleportation formation not far away guarded by several Xiaoyao Sect disciples, and unable to contain his confusion, he asked Bai Yuxian, who had just put away the flying boat, at his side:

"Senior Martial Sister Bai, is there still something to attend to here?"

Song Qingming had been to this high mountain where the two were before, but other than a teleportation formation guarded by sect disciples leading directly to Guiyunfang, there was no other place suitable for the two to talk.

Song Qingming was also a bit confused for a moment as to what Bai Yuxian meant by suddenly bringing him here.

"I have been staying in my cave dwelling to heal my injuries for some time, and I haven't been out for a long time. Junior Martial Brother Song! Since you have a request for me this time, you should at least show some sincerity.

Last time I heard that a new restaurant opened in Guiyunfang, and the food is quite good. Why don't you treat me to a taste there today? That shouldn't be too difficult for you, right?"

After Bai Yuxian finished speaking, she blinked her large eyes slightly and looked at Song Qingming with some anticipation.

"How could Senior Martial Sister Bai say such a thing? This is only proper; what is there to be difficult about?" Hearing the request Bai Yuxian made of him, Song Qingming naturally did not mind and immediately nodded in agreement.

Treating the other party to a meal in Guiyunfang would cost at most a hundred or so spirit stones, and for Song Qingming, who could easily take out tens of thousands of spirit stones now, this was completely a trivial matter not worth mentioning.

Seeing that Song Qingming readily agreed to the matter, a smile immediately appeared on Bai Yuxian's face. She took Song Qingming and used the sect's teleportation formation to leave Guyang Mountain directly, and a moment later, they arrived in Guiyunfang, thousands of miles away.

Guiyunfang had developed quite well over these years and had always been the most important industry of the Xiaoyao Sect outside of Guyang Mountain, bringing in a considerable income for the sect every year.

After walking out of the teleportation formation and onto the streets of the market, Bai Yuxian, who had not been out for a long time, was immediately attracted by the bustling scene before her.

"It's rare to have time to go out. Junior Martial Brother Song, don't be in a hurry. Wait for me to buy a few things here, and I will take you to the restaurant immediately. We can eat and talk then; you can ask me whatever you want to know."

"Ah!... This, Senior Martial Sister Bai, since you still have things to attend to, why don't you tell me the name of the restaurant you want to go to first? I will go there and have them prepare everything, so as not to keep you waiting for too long."

Hearing that Bai Yuxian still wanted to buy things on the street, Song Qingming instantly felt that something was not quite right. A wave of unpleasant memories quietly welled up in his mind, making him instinctively want to avoid what was about to happen.

Seeing that Song Qingming wanted to slip away, the pretty face that Bai Yuxian had kept smiling just a moment ago instantly turned cold.

"Junior Martial Brother Song, why are you in such a hurry? Could it be that you don't want to stay with me!"

"Senior Martial Sister Bai has misunderstood; that is not what I meant..."

"Since that's not it, then accompany me for a stroll!" After Bai Yuxian finished speaking, her expression changed again. Without waiting for Song Qingming's answer, she happily walked into the nearest shop, completely losing the image a high-tier Jin Dan cultivator should have.

Song Qingming, standing where he was, showed a bitter smile at the sight.

"It seems there is no way to hide today!"

Regardless of anything else, Bai Yuxian was about to succeed Yao Ganshu as the Sect Master of the Xiaoyao Sect. Song Qingming did not dare to offend this future Sect Master too much at this moment. After whispering to himself while standing there, he immediately put on a smiling face and followed slowly.

This stroll, as Song Qingming had expected, lasted for more than three hours. It was not until the sky gradually darkened that Bai Yuxian, feeling satisfied, took Song Qingming into a restaurant on the east side of the market.

Since returning from the "Tongtian Tower," Bai Yuxian had spent most of the past twenty years breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage and healing in seclusion; she had indeed not been out for a long time.

Recently, because she had taken over many affairs from Sect Master Yao Ganshu, she had been even busier. Today, having finally managed to come out, she had finally found an opportunity to satisfy herself properly.

Song Qingming, following at her side, had accompanied Bai Yuxian from the afternoon until dark. To cooperate with her, he was also exhausted, but fortunately, he had successfully completed this "manual labor" that was not easy at all.

After the two arrived at the restaurant, Bai Yuxian, who had changed into a good mood, did not make any more excessive demands this time.

Extremely satisfied with Song Qingming's performance during the day, she did not wait for Song Qingming to ask and immediately shared some of her true experiences from her trip to the "Donghuang Kingdom" years ago with him.

As Song Qingming had expected, Bai Yuxian's trip to the "Donghuang Kingdom" was indeed taken not long after she formed her Core. However, she was not alone on that trip; she was accompanied by a late-stage Jin Dan Elder of the sect who had since passed away.

The "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world was the core territory of the human race on the entire Donghuangxian Continent, far larger than relatively remote areas like the Fuyun Mountain Range.

Bai Yuxian and the others had traveled there for more than a decade last time, but they had only visited four of the thirteen states of the "Donghuang Kingdom" near the east; they hadn't even finished walking through half of the place.

However, even so, Bai Yuxian, having traveled to the "Donghuang Kingdom" once, was still very clear about the local customs and the division of some large sect forces there.

The entire "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world was governed by the three top forces recognized as having the most powerful strength on the entire Donghuangxian Continent, as well as ten slightly less powerful major cultivation sects beneath them, also known as the "Ten Major Sects of the Donghuang Kingdom."

The three top-tier forces were the "Tianyu Sect," the "Xianyuan Sect," and the "Dangmo Palace." Together, they controlled almost one-third of the territory of the entire "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world.

These three were recognized as the strongest cultivation sects by all cultivation forces on the Donghuangxian Continent, and their fame and influence had even spread to other cultivation continents across the five continents and four seas of the Huayang World.

Not only were there many Nascent Soul experts in their sects, but the two strongest sects, the "Tianyu Sect" and the "Xianyuan Sect," now even had Soul Transformation cultivators sitting in command.

Although the weakest, "Dangmo Palace," no longer had Soul Transformation cultivators sitting in command, it was a major cultivation sect that had been passed down for over ten thousand years on the Donghuangxian Continent, and the sect had once had a Soul Transformation ancestor ascend to the upper realm.

Like "Dangmo Palace," a major sect that had produced ascended cultivators, even if it no longer had a Soul Transformation ancestor sitting in command, it could still be a top-tier cultivation force in the Donghuang Kingdom. The sect must have some means to check and balance Soul Transformation cultivators, and its foundation was far from what ordinary Nascent Soul sects could compare to.

Beneath the three top-tier Soul Transformation forces were the ten major Nascent Soul sects of the "Donghuang Kingdom."

There were no fewer than a hundred Nascent Soul sects in the entire "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world, but those that could rank in this position were almost all the top Nascent Soul sects on the entire Donghuangxian Continent.

Moreover, the ten major Nascent Soul sects of the "Donghuang Kingdom" were re-evaluated every hundred years or so, and their respective spheres of influence were divided. If a sect's strength declined during this period, it would soon be replaced by other sects whose strength was rising.

Many of those Nascent Soul major sects that could stably enter the list year after year had also produced Soul Transformation cultivators, and their sect strength and foundation were not comparable to ordinary emerging Nascent Soul sects.

Even the sect ranked at the bottom of the list of the ten major Nascent Soul sects in the "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world had sect strength far exceeding that of these ordinary Nascent Soul sects in the Fuyun Mountain Range cultivation world.

The "Wanling Sect," recognized as the strongest in the Fuyun Mountain Range cultivation world and possessing late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, would likely struggle to even rank in the top twenty if placed in the "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world.

The reason why the "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world could become a holy land for human cultivators, besides its abundant cultivation resources, was mainly because the numerous powerful cultivation sects within its borders protected this pure land, ensuring the stable development of the "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world for over a hundred thousand years.

In contrast, the Fuyun Mountain Range cultivation world was not only barren in resources but also faced the huge threat of the Northern Frontier demonic beasts at all times. Every hundred years, there was a life-or-death crisis, making it difficult to have opportunities for stable development.

Therefore, let alone Soul Transformation cultivators, even late-stage Nascent Soul great cultivators were hard to produce in the Fuyun Mountain Range. Facing the constant invasion of powerful demonic beasts from the north, the major sects had only been able to defend passively for tens of thousands of years.

After introducing the power structure of the "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world to Song Qingming in detail, Bai Yuxian also informed him one by one about some sects that needed to be treated with caution.

She reminded him that when traveling to the "Donghuang Kingdom," he must try his best to avoid the territories of those sects that were not easy to provoke, so as not to bring unnecessary trouble upon himself.

Besides these, Bai Yuxian also informed Song Qingming of several more dangerous places near the "Donghuang Kingdom" cultivation world, telling him never to approach them, otherwise, his life might be in danger.

The two chatted in the restaurant for a long time, and it was not until the moon was high that they walked out of the restaurant together.

"Junior Martial Brother Song, if I weren't tied down, I would also like to travel to the Donghuang Kingdom with you. It's just a pity that Sect Master Martial Brother doesn't have much longevity left, and I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to leave the sect at will in the future."

Having chatted with Bai Yuxian for so long, Song Qingming naturally knew that she, like him, was someone who liked to travel around. However, now that Li Mufeng had decided to let her succeed as Sect Master, he certainly would not let her go out traveling at will.

In the Xiaoyao Sect now, besides Bai Yuxian and Sect Master Yao Ganshu, whose longevity was nearing its end, the one with the highest cultivation was Li Wu, who had just broken through to the seventh layer of the Jin Dan over a decade ago. Indeed, there was no one else more suitable than Bai Yuxian to succeed as Sect Master.

"Senior Martial Sister Bai! Your longevity is still very sufficient, and with the support of Senior Martial Brother Li, you will certainly be able to advance to the Nascent Soul realm in the future.

By then, it will be a matter of course for Senior Martial Sister Bai to go out traveling. Let alone the Donghuang Kingdom, even crossing state boundaries to see other cultivation worlds will be a very simple matter."

Hearing Song Qingming's flattering words, Bai Yuxian sighed slightly and remained silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled brightly and said, "Then I will take your kind words, Junior Martial Brother Song!"

"Junior Martial Brother Song! It's getting late. If you have nothing else, I will return to the sect first. I hope your trip goes smoothly and you return soon!"

"Take care, Senior Martial Sister Bai!"

——

Half a year later! On a desolate high mountain outside Qinghefang.

The scorching sun in the sky was like fire, and the hot sunlight had baked a giant rock on the top of the mountain until it was boiling hot. One could feel waves of heat rising from the giant rock.

In the middle of the giant rock, a man in green clothes was sitting motionless like a statue under the scorching sun, closing his eyes and absorbing the scorching spiritual energy around him while sitting on the hot stone surface.

Half an hour later, a green light suddenly flew from the horizon. After circling around the high mountain, it slowly landed on the giant rock and turned into a figure in green robes.

Looking at the man in green clothes whose face had been slightly reddened by the scorching sun, the person in green robes asked with some curiosity, "What kind of strange cultivation technique are you practicing that requires you to come here to absorb fire-attribute heaven and earth spiritual energy?"

Hearing the words of the person in green robes, the man in green clothes put away his magic power, slowly opened his eyes, and stood up.

"I don't know when Senior Feng He will arrive, so I was just bored and tried practicing my technique here. I hope Senior does not misunderstand!"

Feng He chuckled upon hearing this, then changed the subject and asked, "How are your preparations going? When can you set off with me?"

Song Qingming nodded slightly and replied, "I am all prepared. If Senior has no other matters, we can set off now!"

"Mm! You should still go back and say goodbye to your little wife! We will likely be gone for twenty years after this trip. There is no rush for this bit of time; I can wait for you in Qinghefang for a few days."

"Many thanks for the kindness, Senior Feng He. However, I have already arranged everything at home with them, and there is nothing to say goodbye for. We might as well set off earlier so we can return sooner."

Seeing that Song Qingming was already prepared in his heart, Feng He smiled and nodded, "Since that is the case, let's set off now!"

After Feng He finished speaking, he moved his hand slightly and released an exquisite-looking green flying carriage, then jumped onto it directly.

This was the first time Song Qingming had seen this flying magic treasure of Feng He's, so he couldn't help but take a close look before leaping up quickly.

"What's the matter, kid? Do you have your eye on this flying carriage?" Seeing Song Qingming looking at the carriage with curiosity after coming up, Feng He asked with a smile.

"I was just a bit curious, I hope Senior does not misunderstand!" Hearing Feng He's words, Song Qingming hurriedly withdrew his gaze.

Feng He chuckled and said, "There is nothing strange about this thing. Other than being a bit faster, it is actually not as easy to use as the flying boat you have, so you don't need to envy it.

Another day, when I break through to the Nascent Soul stage and have my great revenge, I can promise you one request within my power. If you want this flying carriage then, just tell me directly!"

"Haha! Many thanks for the kindness, Senior. However, I already have a flying magic treasure and am not in urgent need of this item now. Let's talk about it another day!" Hearing that Feng He wanted to give him this flying carriage, Song Qingming hurriedly waved his hand to refuse the kindness.

Seeing this, Feng He did not say anything more, smiled, and turned to look ahead. Soon, under his control, the flying carriage turned into a green streak of light and disappeared from the spot, flying directly toward the northwest of Qinghefang.

After returning from Guiyunfang after parting with Bai Yuxian, Song Qingming immediately summoned several Foundation Establishment Elders of the Song family back to Funiu Mountain. After arranging for Song Qingyu to act as the clan leader, he explained to them his plan to go out traveling.

Now in the Song family, besides Song Qingming, there were two Jin Dan cultivators, Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan, plus eight Foundation Establishment Elders including Song Yuanfang, and over three hundred Qi Condensation cultivators.

With so many clan cultivators, plus the third-tier mountain-protecting formation Song Qingming had set up on the mountain, even without relying on the power of the Xiaoyao Sect, there would basically be no major problems in guarding the safety of the family's spiritual land, Funiu Mountain. Song Qingming did not need to worry too much about this.

After explaining the matters at home, taking advantage of the half-year time before his appointment with Feng He, Song Qingming accompanied Huang Siyuan to have a good time around Wei Guo.

Knowing that Song Qingming would likely be gone for a long time on this trip, the two completely cast aside the tedious matters of cultivation along the way and walked through most of Wei Guo in just a few months.

From the extremely dangerous yet scenic Fuyun Mountain Range in the north to the sparkling Taiyue Lake in the south, the footprints of Song Qingming and Huang Siyuan were left on famous mountains and rivers all over Wei Guo.

After the two had been out playing for several months, Song Qingming brought Huang Siyuan back to Funiu Mountain. For the remaining two or three months, Song Qingming was idle, so he began to practice in seclusion again.

It was not until the time agreed upon with Feng He was almost up that Song Qingming walked out of the cave dwelling with a happy face.

Although this seclusion practice only lasted for a few short months, what surprised Song Qingming was that the "Tongtian Wanling Jue," which he had been practicing very slowly, had made great progress in this seclusion.

Ever since he obtained this cultivation technique in the "Tongtian Tower," Song Qingming had spent decades practicing it with great effort, but it had always remained in the late stage of Qi Condensation and had been slow to break through to the second layer of the Foundation Establishment realm.

Unexpectedly, after Song Qingming put down his practice this time and went out to enjoy the mountains and rivers with Huang Siyuan for a few months, he successfully broke through the "Tongtian Wanling Jue" to the Foundation Establishment realm not long after returning to practice.

This truly gave Song Qingming a big surprise before going on a long journey.

However, practicing the second layer of the "Tongtian Wanling Jue" was also not easy at all; it actually required the practitioner not to rely on auxiliary spiritual items such as spiritual veins or spirit stones, but only to absorb the purest spiritual power between heaven and earth to practice slowly.

This was also the reason why Song Qingming had just chosen to absorb the nearby heaven and earth spiritual energy under the scorching sun.

However, for absorbing the spiritual energy between heaven and earth to practice, the remnant map Song Qingming had could just happen to be of great help. In this regard, he was much simpler than ordinary people.

The cultivation speed of the Foundation Establishment realm of the "Tongtian Wanling Jue" should be much faster than he had originally expected.

Besides the surprise of his cultivation technique breaking through, two days after Song Qingming came out of seclusion, Song Qingyu, who had been in seclusion for half a year, also successfully broke through her cultivation and advanced to the second layer of the Jin Dan realm.

Although she had the help of a third-tier low-quality "Gilded Fruit" that Song Qingming had obtained from Mount Yunwu, which accelerated her cultivation speed somewhat.

However, it had been less than thirteen years since Song Qingyu successfully formed her Core. Being able to successfully break through to the second layer of the Jin Dan in such a short time, Song Qingyu's cultivation speed could already be considered relatively fast among the many Jin Dan cultivators Song Qingming knew.

Song Qingyu's cultivation breakthrough also added a bit more peace of mind to Song Qingming, who was about to go out. (End of chapter)