Chapter 77: Before Departure

When Li Xingyu left the imperial city, he had already used the guest elder’s token that Mu Chenhua had given him to send a secret message from the Mu family’s residence in the city. In the letter, he told Mu Chenhua that he would arrive at the secret stronghold where they last gathered in one month’s time, and asked him to assemble the same group for an important discussion. After some thought, he added a final line: not to inform Mu Xueqing. He didn’t specify anything further in the letter—partly out of concern that, if intercepted, the secret of the teleportation array might be exposed, and partly because Mu Chenhua and the others would surely understand the significance of his request even without details.

At this time, Li Xingyu was hurrying toward Grassland Border City with the Wanyan family. He had since learned that the boy and his parents he’d saved were descendants of a royal family from a small nation long ago—the Wanyan clan had once ruled a minor kingdom, which was lost to turmoil a century before. Discovering that Wanyan Jing’s son, Wanyan Feng, was exceptionally intelligent and robust, Li Xingyu taught him much along the way, even passing on a cultivation method he’d once practiced on Earth when the mood struck him.

More than twenty days flew by swiftly, and Li Xingyu’s party arrived within the boundaries of Grassland Border City. He settled the three members of the Wanyan family at a Mu family outpost outside the city, leaving them his guest elder’s token before parting ways. With several days remaining until the appointed date, he did not enter the city but instead ventured into the mountains that ringed the Celestial Prairie. There, he found a secluded cave to dwell in, intent on organizing the knowledge and resources he’d gathered, re-examining his plans, and arranging matters for after his departure.

On this day, Li Xingyu stood atop a mountain peak, gazing in the direction of the Celestial Empire, lost in thought. His eyes betrayed a complex array of emotions, tinged with reluctance and longing. When he first arrived on this planet, everything was unfamiliar to him and he felt no attachment—but now, ten years had passed. In those ten years, he had experienced much and come to know many people. After all, every person seeks belonging and forms attachments. Unwittingly, he had come to regard this place as a second home. Here, he had friends with whom he shared deep bonds, enemies with whom he had old scores, people with whom his interests were intertwined, and several women who cared for him deeply. As he prepared to depart, all these memories and emotions surged in his heart. He didn’t know if he would ever return, and even if he did, how many of these people would still remain?

After a while, he turned resolutely and headed toward the Celestial Prairie. He understood that the path of cultivation was a road of no return; having chosen it, there would never be a way back. The only option was to press forward, struggling ceaselessly against nature and enduring countless dangers and hardships. Only when one’s strength surpassed the laws of nature, perhaps even to the point of altering them, could one say they had reached the end of cultivation. At that point, perhaps one could transcend the natural order and roam the universe unfettered. With this resolve, he knew he must experience everything on this path: countless trials, periods of seclusion, and all manner of challenges and dangers—most not from other cultivators, but from nature itself, for cultivation is a road of defiance against the natural order. Thus, partings and death are inevitable, and to walk further down this road, one must often set aside many attachments.

Soon, he arrived outside the secret stronghold where the last gathering had been held. First, Li Xingyu used his divine sense to probe within and found seven people seated inside: Mu Chenhua and the others from before. The person responsible for the stronghold had apparently been sent elsewhere by Mu Chenhua, as he was absent. Li Xingyu swept his divine sense over the group—only Mu Chenhua and Master Linglong showed a flicker of confusion in their eyes; the others remained oblivious. With just a glance, Li Xingyu discerned the cultivation levels of all seven: Mu Chenhua and Master Linglong had both advanced to the late stage of the Qi Refining method he had given them. Although Mu Chenhua’s cultivation was a bit higher, age would likely limit his future achievements. Next in strength were Master Qin and Master Ouyang, both at the mid stage, while the remaining three were still only at the initial stage and hadn’t even completed the transformation of their true essence, indicating that the method didn’t suit them well.

Having understood the situation, Li Xingyu entered the stronghold and appeared before the others. He made no effort to conceal his aura, feeling that a display of deterrence before departure was necessary. At the moment of his appearance, a tremendous pressure swept over the group, though it vanished almost immediately. They were all experienced individuals and immediately understood that Li Xingyu had made another breakthrough. They also recognized his intention and showed no displeasure; instead, they stood respectfully and saluted. Only after Li Xingyu was seated did they sit down once more.

Li Xingyu then discussed with them some matters that were not particularly secret and answered their cultivation questions. He also gleaned some new information himself and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of matching cultivation methods with physical attributes and innate talent. The seven, for their part, benefited greatly, for having guidance from a cultivator who had reached the late stage of Spirit Consolidation would help them avoid countless detours, especially since they were all cultivating the same method.

When the conversation was nearly finished, Li Xingyu paused and looked at the group. “I trust you all have some idea why I’ve summoned you,” he began. “That’s right—I am preparing to leave Naster Star. That’s why I’ve called you here to accompany me once more to the Celestial Mountains. If there are no objections, let us set out immediately.” He made no mention of the promises he’d made to them previously, but the others were patient and discerning. They understood that, since Li Xingyu had summoned them before his departure and was bringing them along to the Celestial Mountains, he had not forgotten his promises and was ready to fulfill them. Thus, none questioned further; all expressed their willingness to follow his lead.

Seeing Li Xingyu head out, Mu Chenhua and the other seven exchanged excited glances and followed. Ever since they began cultivating the method Li Xingyu provided, their understanding and longing for true cultivation had deepened. They anticipated not only acquiring the next stage of the method but also witnessing the legendary teleportation array; perhaps Li Xingyu would even leave them instructions for its use. How could they not be thrilled? Without Li Xingyu’s method and guidance, they would have spent their entire lives maintaining the achievements of their predecessors, unable to accomplish anything truly remarkable or fulfilling. Yet now, he had given them hope and a path to a broader world.

This entry into the Celestial Mountains went even more smoothly than the last. On a morning led by Li Xingyu, the eight returned to the cave that had been sealed and disguised during their previous visit. After a careful inspection, they confirmed that no one had discovered or entered the cave since their departure. Li Xingyu then approached the sealed entrance, channeled his true essence into his palm, and struck the cliff wall. With a thunderous sound, a person-sized opening appeared where there had seemed nothing unusual. Once more, he confirmed that no one had entered since their last visit. Though they had confidence in their concealment, all felt relieved to be certain. After his inspection, Li Xingyu cast a grateful look at the group and made an additional decision in his heart.

Thus ends the prelude—the first volume—to Li Xingyu’s true journey of cultivation! An even more brilliant adventure is about to begin. Today, Crystal will complete an update exceeding ten thousand words to thank all readers for their unwavering support. It is your encouragement that fuels Crystal’s writing! Please continue to support and recommend; Crystal promises to bring you a more spectacular second volume!

Jointly recommended by the editors of Zhulang—Zhulang’s Hot Novels Collection is now online. Click to bookmark!