Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2266: 156: Departure (Part 3)

Previously on Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant...

Wang Ba arrived at the Purple Flower Realm, a domain ruled by the renowned Purple Flower Three Saints, to gather intelligence on the escalating conflict in the Cloud Sky Realm. Adopting the pseudonym Taiyi and posing as a tribute from Zhang’s Ruins, he made contact with True Man Hanqing to assess the military situation. He learned that while powerful Mahayana cultivators have gathered to defend the Cloud Sky Realm, the Supreme True Buddha has deployed a vast net of Bodhisattvas and Arhats to intercept any incoming reinforcements. Despite warnings of these deadly blockades and the lack of support from the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm, Wang Ba expressed a firm resolve to break through the enemy lines to reach his destination.

"Taoist Friend, your perspective is truly remarkable!"

Upon hearing those words, True Man Hanqing could not help but voice his sincere respect.

"Even if the common masses possessed such clarity, they are usually too protective of their own lives to face peril personally. Within the Zhang’s Ruins, there are truly few individuals like yourself who truly grasp the gravity of the situation."

Wang Ba caught the hidden meaning behind the statement and asked with a look of surprise:

"Does this mean that none of the great families within Zhang’s Ruins stepped forward to offer reinforcements?"

True Man Hanqing shook his head slowly and replied:

"I was informed that the Sect Master of the Cloud Sky Sect sent his personal direct disciple, True Man Zhang Bokai, to lobby them. At the start, he successfully persuaded several clans. However, due to the indecisive nature of certain powers, those who had initially agreed were forced to decline True Man Zhang Bokai's summons in the end."

"So that is how the matter stands."

Wang Ba's brow furrowed slightly as he realized why the situation had reached this impasse.

No clan wished to deploy their strongest Cultivation experts to defend the Cloud Sky Realm, only to risk having their own territories plundered while they were gone. Unless all eleven domains committed their forces simultaneously, every faction was destined to refuse.

"Setting the Zhang’s Ruins aside, if Taoist Friend Taiyi is truly determined to reach the Cloud Sky Realm, a path does exist."

After measuring Wang Ba’s aura with a careful gaze, True Man Hanqing added:

"On the route leading from the Purple Flower Realm to the Cloud Sky Realm, there lies a territory known as the 'Falling Soul Domain.' It is a place teeming with boundary whirlpools and lethal forbidden zones. Anyone below the Mahayana stage would not dare to enter lightly. However, by navigating those boundary whirlpools, one can bypass defenses and emerge near the Cloud Sky Realm… If you intend to go, you are in luck. In a few days, practitioners from other realms will pass through this area, and you can join their ranks. Even if you encounter resistance from the Supreme True Buddha, you will have allies to depend on."

"Falling Soul Domain… boundary whirlpools…"

A flicker of excitement appeared in Wang Ba’s eyes.

He had spent a long time searching for boundary whirlpools, clinging to the hope of returning to the Sea of Chaos Realm one day.

He never anticipated that such whirlpools would be located so close to the Cloud Sky Realm.

He immediately offered his gratitude to True Man Hanqing.

Observing Wang Ba’s unwavering resolve, True Man Hanqing looked upon him with even greater esteem.

While the Cloud Sky Realm’s grand summons promised immense rewards, he could sense that Taoist Friend Taiyi was not motivated by mere material gain.

"It is a shame that a talent of this caliber was born among rogue cultivators."

True Man Hanqing sighed to himself.

Despite his respect, caution prevented him from inviting Wang Ba to Enter the Realm.

The two remained in the Outer Realm Void, engaging in casual talk while disciples brought them tea.

Wang Ba remained indifferent to the passage of time.

In a flash, several days had slipped by.

As predicted, various flying artifacts and Dao Treasures of diverse designs began to congregate around the Purple Flower Realm.

True Man Hanqing went to welcome each arrival, introducing Wang Ba to the gathered Cultivation experts.

Including Wang Ba, the group consisted of fifteen cultivators at the early stage of Crossing Tribulation and two at the middle stage of Crossing Tribulation.

"It is regrettable that we could not meet the three Taoist brothers of your realm."

The two middle-stage Crossing Tribulation experts—a man and a woman from separate domains who seemed well-acquainted—expressed their disappointment. The middle-aged male cultivator spoke with a hint of melancholy.

"True Man Ba will surely have the opportunity to encounter them in the Cloud Sky Realm soon."

True Man Hanqing smiled politely, then paused before raising his hand in a gesture of request:

"The Falling Soul Domain is treacherous. Since Taoist Friend Taiyi is traveling without companions, I ask True Man Ba to look after him during the journey."

True Man Ba glanced toward the figure dressed in cyan robes. Though a flash of coldness crossed his features, he gave a curt nod:

"Even for one of the rogue cultivators, such bravery is rare. Do not worry, I shall see to it."

He turned away, his sleeves snapping as he spoke in a booming voice:

"Everyone, the hour is late. We depart immediately!"

The assembled group gave their assent in low, solemn tones.

Wang Ba blended into the crowd, appearing unremarkable among them.

Soon, the entire party boarded their Flying Dao Treasures, racing toward the Falling Soul Domain at their maximum speed.