Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2808 - 1039:

Within the grand hall, Zhou Fuqiu remained composed, his crimson and white robes of coral silk utterly unblemished.

"The Ancestor need not worry," he stated, his voice steady. "Some individuals are merely blinded. Our Zhou Family has endured the Demon Beast onslaughts of the North Sea and the monumental calamity of Zhongzhou; surely, these minor disturbances are trivial in comparison."

From above, Zhou Yunshen shook his head, replying, "Yet, the reality is that this old man possesses but ten years of life remaining, at most."

Zhou Fuqiu, normally unperturbed even when dispatching Zhou Haiye, was struck with profound shock at this pronouncement.

"Ten years?"

"Indeed, ten years at most," Zhou Yunshen confirmed. "Were it not for a friend's intervention to prolong my life previously, I might not even have these ten years."

Zhou Fuqiu opened his mouth, momentarily speechless.

Zhou Yunshen, however, maintained his calm demeanor and offered a gentle smile. "When I depart, the Zhou Family will be left without a Nascent Soul True Master to safeguard it. Fuqiu, what course of action do you propose?"

Zhou Fuqiu immediately responded, "Is not the Great Elder currently in closed-door cultivation, striving to break through to the Nascent Soul Stage? Upon his success, he will doubtless protect the Zhou Family for another five centuries!"

"He cannot succeed," Zhou Yunshen declared, his words carrying an air of deep insight, followed by a sigh. "Cang'er possesses the weakest innate talent amongst the second-generation family members. Those with superior potential either perished during the Coral Sea Demon Beast attack or were lost in the Zhongzhou catastrophe. He has relied solely on the family's resources to reach his current standing. The Nascent Soul Stage appears within his grasp, yet I fear he will never attain it, regardless of his efforts."

Zhou Fuqiu found it difficult to comprehend the Ancestor's profound pessimism, especially from someone who usually exuded an aura of absolute control.

After a moment's contemplation, his expression became resolute. "Ancestor, please do not be concerned. Within our family, several Golden Core Ascendant Masters can provide temporary security. Beyond our walls, a cadre of promising young talents is joining the Tian Nan Dao Palace; in time, they will undoubtedly become the pillars of our family. Furthermore, I am still here!"

Zhou Yunshen's aged, clouded eyes settled upon the young man, remaining silent for a considerable duration.

Under that scrutinizing gaze, Zhou Fuqiu felt a familiar echo of emotion.

Over the years, he had on occasion sought audience in the Coral Hall, requesting the Ancestor's wisdom on advanced cultivation techniques, particularly concerning the 'Sea of Qi Floating Sky' technique.

The Ancestor had almost invariably been generous with his knowledge, leaving no question unanswered.

He had even bestowed upon Zhou Fuqiu his renowned magical artifact, the Liu Yin Ruler, from his youth.

Yet, an expression such as this from the Ancestor was exceptionally rare.

It was a gaze filled with affection and tenderness, gratified and reassuring—the look of an elder upon a younger one, yet imbued with an ineffable sorrow.

When had he last witnessed such a look?

Zhou Fuqiu cast his mind back to their first encounter, recalling the very first time he had seen the Ancestor's face. Yes, it was that time.

At that moment, there had been a similar detachment.

Now, as that cool indifference began to recede, Zhou Fuqiu found it even more difficult to bear.

A faint sigh drifted into his ears.

"If only that were true."

Zhou Fuqiu, bewildered, inquired, "Ancestor, what are you implying?"

Whew...

The elder exhaled a breath of stale qi, managing a strained smile.

"It is nothing. Merely hearing you mention the Tian Nan Dao Palace reminded me that it is time for you to depart for it."

Zhou Fuqiu was taken aback, unprepared for this declaration.

"But..."

"The Zhou Family's legacy is too restrictive; remaining here longer will only stunt your growth and waste your innate talent."

"The Tian Nan Dao Palace is a subsidiary of the once supreme Holy Land, the Tianyuan Daoist Sect, within the Mountain Sea Realm. Its accumulated knowledge and cultivation resources vastly surpass those of our humble Zhou Family, and they will undoubtedly be eager to welcome you."

"It so happens that I am weary of remaining stationary. This time, I shall personally escort you to the Tian Nan Dao Palace!"

Zhou Fuqiu clenched his fist, protesting, "Fuqiu does not wish to depart yet!"

Zhou Yunshen, seemingly perceiving his inner turmoil, smiled. "There is no need to fret over your sister. Since I provided her with the Spiritual Root Pill previously, I naturally shall not neglect her. Following your departure, the family will regard her as a core member. I shall personally assign Third Elder Zhou Shuzhen to mentor her, and all necessary resources will be doubled to ensure her successful Foundation Establishment. Are you at ease now?"

Zhou Fuqiu remained unconvinced, or rather, his insistence on staying stemmed from his desire to protect his sister.

Faced with such unwavering resolve, Zhou Yunshen offered patient counsel.

"She is no longer a child; she has grown and is capable of cultivation. You cannot shield her indefinitely."

"No, I can!"

"However, if you refuse to go to the Tian Nan Dao Palace, they may hold the Zhou Family accountable, potentially implicating your sister. Is that something you desire?"

"This..."

"Cultivate diligently at the Dao Palace; once you are established, you can bring her here for superior guidance. If you succeed in your realm and become a notable figure in Tian Nan Dao Palace or even the entire Daoist Sect, wouldn’t that better safeguard your sister?"

Zhou Fuqiu hesitated at this.

Zhou Yunshen offered no further persuasion, confident that this astute child would grasp the situation.

Though Bailu Marsh is expansive, its size is merely three thousand miles.

And is the entirety of the Immortal Cultivation World not vastly larger than three thousand miles?

"Return and ponder this; this may well be the old man's final extensive journey."

...

Within the Azure Darkness, an absolute silence permeated all existence.

Abruptly!

A resonant roar, profound and powerful, erupted, carrying an indomitable and colossal consciousness that shattered the void.

"Roar!"

A colossal silhouette, freed from all restraints, ascended proudly amidst the endless expanse of the starry sky.

It was adorned with azure scales, its form marked by nine immense sword scars traversing its body, appearing as remnants etched by the passage of time.

Upon its massive head, no prominent horns were visible, yet it seemed poised to pierce the very heavens.

Such a terrifying thousand-zhang physique was supported by a single, unwavering leg.

This solitary foot, as massive and ponderous as a celestial pillar, not only bore the immense body but also held dominion over the starry firmament and the boundless Azure Darkness beneath its sole.