Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2265: 156: Setting Out (2)

This domain stands as one of the prominent great realms circling the Four Great Realms.

Naturally, despite its classification as a great realm, its scale cannot rival a place like the Cloud Sky Realm. Several early-stage Crossing Tribulation cultivators reside within its borders, alongside three middle-stage Crossing Tribulation experts who have earned local fame as the ‘Purple Flower Three Saints’.

The Purple Flower Three Saints are masters of a profound combined cultivation technique, granting them the power to nearly rival late-stage Crossing Tribulation cultivators. Consequently, they maintain a dominant status over the surrounding territories, second only to the Four Great Realms themselves.

Rumor has it that the Purple Flower Three Saints share a close bond with the Cloud Sky Realm, making this the ideal location to gather intelligence regarding the Cloud Sky Realm's current state.

The moment Wang Ba emerged from his Flying Dao Treasure, the smoky-purple domain seemed to sense his presence. The Realm Membrane rippled, and shortly after, several cultivators descended from the barrier, observing Wang Ba with wary and serious gazes. Their leader, a man whose face remained youthful despite his snowy-white hair, offered a polite salute and spoke:

“I am True Man Hanqing of the Purple Flower Realm, greetings to you, Taoist Brother. May I ask what brings you to our domain?”

Noticing their defensive posture, Wang Ba’s thoughts shifted quickly as he allowed a trace of his Crossing Tribulation aura to manifest. With a faint smile, he returned the salute and said:

“I am a Tribute of the Yin Family from Zhang’s Ruins. I am merely passing through your territory and wish to seek information regarding the Cloud Sky Realm. I hope my Taoist Friends can forgive this sudden intrusion.”

“A Tribute of the Yin Family from Zhang’s Ruins?”

The lead cultivator was visibly surprised by this revelation. Feeling the weight of Wang Ba’s Crossing Tribulation cultivation, his demeanor became even more respectful. He cupped his hands immediately, saying:

“I understand. In that case, I must ask for your patience. The Supreme True Buddha has been increasingly aggressive lately, and we must summon the Patriarch to receive you.”

Wang Ba nodded pleasantly and replied with a smile:

“Understandable, quite understandable.”

Hardly had he finished speaking when a small rift opened in the Realm Membrane, and a figure surged forth instantly.

Even before the newcomer’s features were visible, his voice carried across the void with great courtesy:

“Hanqing of the Purple Flower Realm greets you, Taoist Friend. Might I inquire as to your honored name?”

The figure landed swiftly before the group. He possessed a square face with a bronze complexion, his hair styled in a traditional Taoist bun. Dressed in flowing broad robes and clutching a duster, he offered a slight bow to Wang Ba.

His aura radiated outward, confirming that he, too, was an early-stage Crossing Tribulation cultivator.

“So it is Taoist Friend Hanqing. My Taoist name is ‘Taiyi’.”

Wang Ba did not linger on ceremony and raised his hands to return the gesture of respect.

“Zhang’s Ruins is quite a distance from this place; has Taoist Friend Taiyi also received an invitation to the Cloud Sky Realm?”

True Man Hanqing questioned with a smile, his voice devoid of any hidden suspicion.

After a brief moment of reflection, Wang Ba shook his head candidly and explained:

“I did not travel directly from Zhang’s Ruins. I was wandering the outer regions when I heard rumors that the Supreme True Buddha was preparing a massive assault on the Cloud Sky Realm. Knowing that if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold, I rushed toward the Cloud Sky Realm. Having been delayed on my journey, I am out of touch with the current situation. I didn't dare enter blindly and, having long respected the reputation of the Purple Flower Three Saints, I came seeking counsel.”

True Man Hanqing’s expression softened with understanding as he dismissed the junior disciples. He remarked:

“I see. I had assumed you were traveling the direct path from Zhang’s Ruins, which would be shorter… Regardless, it is a blessing that Taoist Friend did not charge in recklessly. Currently, the Bodhisattvas and Arhats of the Supreme True Buddha have cast a Heaven and Earth Net around the Cloud Sky Realm, isolating it from outside help. Charging in without preparation would lead to a disastrous end.”

Wang Ba was visibly startled by this news and asked with urgency:

“Has the Cloud Sky Realm truly been besieged already?”

True Man Hanqing shook his head and clarified:

“Encircled is not quite the right word; the situation hasn't reached such a dire state. It is reported that Heavenly Monarch Chao of the Canlong Realm and Realm Lord Xiahou of the Void Demon Realm have already arrived to assist. Together with True Man Gai of the Cloud Sky Sect, three Mahayana cultivators are now united. Even if the Tianshang Buddha Lord were to appear personally, he would likely be forced to retreat.”

Wang Ba frowned slightly, picking up on a specific detail:

“Has the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm not sent any reinforcements?”

True Man Hanqing sighed with a look of resignation:

“Taoist Friend Taiyi may be unaware, but the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm has always stayed aloof from external conflicts. Unless the Supreme True Buddha brings the war to their very gates, they are unlikely to get involved.”

Wang Ba was left momentarily speechless by this, but he soon moved to the inquiry that mattered most to him:

“Has the Supreme True Buddha actually started the battle with the Cloud Sky Realm?”

“They certainly have.”

Seeing Wang Ba’s persistent questioning, True Man Hanqing’s trust in his identity grew, and he replied seriously:

“Based on my latest information, the Supreme True Buddha crossed the Realm Sea years ago and halted near the Cloud Sky Realm. They seemed cautious about the Cloud Sky Realm calling upon allies, so they haven't been as aggressive as in the past. There have only been a few skirmishes with varied results. The Three Saints of our realm reached the Cloud Sky Realm recently and successfully drove back several Bodhisattvas from the Supreme True Buddha’s side.”

A note of pride was evident in his tone as he spoke.

Then, he let out a soft sigh:

“However, some fellow cultivators have already fallen… The relentless pressure from the Supreme True Buddha this time suggests this will not be resolved easily.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Ba made sure to show a look of deep respect:

“The Purple Flower Three Saints truly deserve their grand reputation… But if one wishes to enter the Cloud Sky Realm, how can they bypass the Supreme True Buddha’s blockade?”

“Even knowing the peril, does Taoist Friend still intend to go?”

True Man Hanqing stared at Wang Ba, his eyes showing a hint of amazement.

It wasn't that he disapproved, but he hadn't expected a rogue cultivator from Zhang’s Ruins to possess such unwavering determination.

Wang Ba sighed heavily and declared:

“The Cloud Sky Realm is the pillar that steadies this Realm Sea. If it were to fall to the Supreme True Buddha, the devastation wouldn't stop at one realm. Even Zhang’s Ruins would never know peace again. As they say, ‘When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact.’ Despite the risks, I cannot and will not turn away!”