Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2281: 161: Treasures (Sleep!) (2)

The profound mysteries surrounding the man appeared to be reaching a point of absolute completion.

“Is it possible that Sect Leader Bai is on the threshold of ascending to the Great Mahayana Realm?”

This realization surged instinctively within Wang Ba’s mind.

Chen Zhongqi led the remaining Cloud Sky Sect cultivators who had arrived as reinforcements, quickly descending toward Wang Ba. His expression was a complicated mixture of deep gratitude and visible shame.

“We owe you our thanks, Taoist Friend, for stepping in just now… However, we must retreat to the realm immediately!”

Even though Wang Ba’s earlier efforts hadn't stopped the Northern Great Bodhisattva, he had prioritized pushing them to safety during that life-threatening moment—a debt of kindness that could not be ignored.

Wang Ba shook his head dismissively, his face clouding with concern.

“It was nothing. My only worry is Sect Leader Bai…”

A flicker of certainty returned to Chen Zhongqi’s eyes.

“Have no fear, Taoist Friend. Since the Master has personally intervened, there is no cause for alarm. We should withdraw for the time being, so as not to become a distraction to him.”

Hearing this, Wang Ba stole a glance at the distant silhouette of the purple-robed youth and the gray-robed monk, whose eyes were filled with caution. Feeling slightly more at ease, he nodded.

“Perhaps I was overthinking. You are right; we shouldn't hinder Sect Leader Bai. Let us move!”

With a nod, Chen Zhongqi immediately guided Wang Ba as they flew rapidly toward the Cloud Sky Realm.

As they navigated through the dense, swirling Chaos Origin Substance that shielded the Cloud Sky Realm, Wang Ba found himself deeply moved despite his expectations.

The sheer concentration of Chaos Origin Substance in this place far exceeded anything he had imagined.

According to his mental calculations, based on the rate the Little Cang World consumed such resources, the abundance surrounding the Cloud Sky Realm could likely sustain a world for millions upon millions of years.

“What a bountiful and prosperous land this is!”

Wang Ba felt a rare sense of shock deep in his heart.

If the Little Cang World could ever be established in such a location, he would never again have to fear the resource depletion that led to desolation and the death of all things.

“Taoist Friend Taiyi, to ensure no infiltrators have snuck in under a disguise, I must ask you to release all your companions. Please understand, this is a matter of protocol and not a sign of distrust toward you,” Chen Zhongqi said softly, looking somewhat embarrassed as they reached the Realm Membrane.

No one truly suspected Wang Ba of being an agent for the Supreme True Buddha. In their eyes, the enemy likely didn't possess a single subordinate of Wang Ba's caliber. Furthermore, with so many ways to infiltrate, it would be nonsensical to sacrifice three Bodhisattvas and a Taoist Master just to prove one’s loyalty.

Still, while Wang Ba was cleared of suspicion, the same couldn't be said for everyone in his company.

Understanding the logic, Wang Ba showed no offense. He glanced at the Cloud Sky Realm cultivators standing in a disciplined defensive formation before raising his hand.

With a wave, he released True Man Ba, True Man Nie, and the others from his storage space.

The moment they appeared, despite being wounded and having weakened auras, True Man Ba and True Man Nie immediately offered a respectful bow to Wang Ba.

“We thank you, Taoist Friend, for saving our lives!”

Wang Ba hurried forward to support them, a gentle smile on his face.

“We ventured out together under the principle of mutual survival. When facing common threats, we must stand as one. Why the formality, Taoist Brother Ba, True Man Nie?”

True Man Ba shook his head firmly.

“In such a desperate crisis, had you chosen to flee alone, no one would have blamed you. Yet, you risked yourself to pull me back from the brink. This kindness transcends simple companionship.”

He continued with emotion, “Furthermore, back in Soul Falling, you set aside our past friction to save me once before.”

His voice became fervent. “From this day forward, if Taoist Brother Taiyi ever has a need, simply send word. No matter the distance or the danger, I will answer your call without a single hesitation!”

These resolute words stirred the hearts of the other rescued cultivators. They nodded in fervent agreement, echoing True Man Ba’s sentiments one after another.

Whether their words were born of genuine sincerity or simply swept up in the emotional atmosphere, they all felt compelled to pledge their loyalty.

Wang Ba didn't dwell on their motivations. His actions were partly instinctive and partly a calculated move to forge alliances—he wanted to gather as many allies as possible. As long as their goals aligned on a large scale, he didn't mind their private thoughts.

Naturally, he maintained the expected social graces by politely declining their praise.

However, True Man Nie reached into his sleeve and pulled out an object, speaking with great earnestness.

“Taoist Brother Taiyi, I have no way to properly repay you for saving my life. This item, which I stumbled upon by luck, might be of use to you. I insist you accept it.”

“True Man Nie, there is really no need…”

Wang Ba attempted to refuse, but True Man Nie pressed the item into his hand with unwavering sincerity.

“It is necessary! This is a small token of Nie Yun’s respect!”

Wang Ba’s hand suddenly dipped under a surprising weight; he almost dropped the object.

Looking down, he saw an oval stone sphere roughly the size of an orange. It looked dull and unremarkable in color.

To his surprise, the stone felt like an entire domain to his senses, vibrating with the faint but profound presence of infinite laws and rules.

“A Realm Corpse?”

Observing the stone in Wang Ba’s hand, Chen Zhongqi couldn't help but blurt out in shock.

“As expected of a Cloud Sky Realm expert; your knowledge is indeed vast,” True Man Nie remarked with a slight, amused sigh of admiration.

Chen Zhongqi’s expression soured slightly. Why did the man have to keep bringing up their status as ‘experts’?

“What exactly is a Realm Corpse?” Wang Ba asked, his curiosity piqued by the name.

Chen Zhongqi explained with a serious tone:

“Just as the name implies, it is the remains of a domain. It typically forms after a domain has bled its surrounding Chaos Origin Substance dry, causing all life within to perish. The domain then withers and collapses until it dies completely. If the core remains intact, it condenses into this object. Because it contains the concentrated rules of a former domain, it allows Rob Cultivators to study it to refine their own rules and their Dao Domain.”