Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2312 - 171: Probing (Extra 1) (Part 2)

Yet a uncommon spark of delight flickered across his features, prompting him to inquire without restraint:

"Wang Ba, what's the status of the... Little Cang World these days?"

At first, he planned to inquire straight about the Wanxiang Sect, yet with the Longevity Sect Patriarch nearby, he adjusted his words on the spot.

"Things are holding up decently, even though certain events have unfolded... Still, the Three Sects and One Clan remain intact, so Grandmaster needn't fret."

Wang Ba picked up on the anxiety weighing on Hui Yunzi's mind and offered a reassuring grin to ease it.

Certain secrets are best kept among a select few; no point in alarming the masses.

The middle-aged cultivator Lan He quickly bowed in respect to Wang Ba:

"Lan He, offering my respects to... the True Man."

After mulling it over, he remained unsure of the right way to call him.

Wang Ba gave a gentle nod and chuckled softly:

"Sect Master Lan."

The middle-aged cultivator grinned, yet soon voiced his concern:

"By disclosing your background before Sect Leader Bai, might it lead others to look down on you...?"

His words hinted at fears that the Wanxiang Sect's standing might fall short, thus tarnishing Wang Ba's authority among the crowd.

Wang Ba hesitated briefly, then chuckled lightly, replying:

"No issue at all. It's no hidden truth, and my background? What of it?"

Shifting topics, his face grew a touch grave as he questioned:

"Any word on Chongyuan Patriarch's condition these days?"

Upon hearing the query, Lan He faltered a bit, his prior enthusiasm fading as he shook his head:

"The outlook isn't favorable."

"It's likely dire indeed." Qitian Patriarch chimed in bluntly, his face clouding over somewhat:

"During the realm's last fracture, the Supreme True Buddha’s Bodhisattva struck him, shattering his Dao Domain and ravaging his Primordial Spirit. Treasures were deployed in attempts to mend it, but reversal proves elusive... His life now clings precariously."

"That's precisely why he skipped this gathering."

Wang Ba showed mild astonishment:

"That grave? No alternatives available?"

Earlier, from Chen Zhongqi's account, he'd assumed the wound was severe yet manageable.

Qitian Patriarch gave a faint headshake, his look conveying intricate emotions:

"We've explored various approaches, yet alas..."

A weight settled in Wang Ba's chest; he probed gently for details on the matter, then after some reflection, murmured:

"Hold on just a bit for me."

With that, he approached a purple-robed youth lingering afar, murmuring a few words to him.

The purple-robed youth promptly called over Cloud Sky Sect disciples, issued brief instructions, and the disciple departed swiftly, soon returning with an item for Wang Ba.

The purple-robed youth exchanged more words with Wang Ba, who agreed with a nod, then clutched a porcelain vial as he returned to Qitian Patriarch and presented it.

"This is...?"

Though suspicions stirred within, Qitian Patriarch still glanced toward Wang Ba instinctively.

Wang Ba grinned:

"’Primordial Spirit Creation Pill’, an Eighth Tier Elixir, perfect for mending the Primordial Spirit."

"Give it a go first; if it fails, seek me out once more."

Qitian Patriarch's eyes lit up with elation at first, then he hesitated, surprise flickering:

"You're not joining our return? Senior Brother would be overjoyed to behold you."

At those words, Wang Ba felt a pull but in the end declined with a shake of his head, voicing his reluctance:

"Some affairs demand my attention here... Once resolved, I'll make my way there for sure."

Truth be told, he yearned to visit and satisfy the deep-seated hopes of countless Wanxiang Sect disciples back in the Little Cang World.

However, having now exposed himself to Bai Lechan of the Cloud Sky Sect, he ought to seize the chance to gauge their intentions before plotting ahead.

His journey to the Cloud Sky Realm went beyond mere reunions with Patriarchs; the core aim lingered on freeing the Little Cang World from its snare in the Sea of Chaos Realm.

He'd meant to confer with the Patriarchs on the crisis, but circumstances suggest they offer scant aid.

With shifts in play, adapting his tactics becomes essential.

Though Qitian Patriarch, Hui Yunzi, and the rest felt baffled, they trusted his motives and shared a glance before bidding Wang Ba farewell.

"We'll leave Hui Yunzi behind. He's lingered in the Cloud Sky Realm awhile, so for any queries or issues, relay through him without delay."

Despite his urgency over Chongyuan Patriarch, noting Wang Ba's solitude, Qitian Patriarch paused and suggested.

Hui Yunzi had no qualms, for after departing the Little Cang World, his concern for the Wanxiang Sect there endured, and he itched to question Wang Ba.

Wang Ba mulled it over briefly, then assented. Operating solo here did prove cumbersome at times.

Qitian Patriarch and his companions departed in haste.

Wang Ba approached the purple-robed youth alongside Hui Yunzi.

Noting Wang Ba's conversation concluded, the purple-robed youth offered a subtle smile and a soft sigh:

"I never imagined Taoist Friend Taiyi shared such deep connections with our Cloud Sky Realm."

Observing their easy exchange, Hui Yunzi stepped back prudently and sealed off his senses.

Wang Ba gave a bitter smile:

"It's quite the tale. Had all proceeded without hitch, I'd have ascended here too."

The purple-robed youth inclined his head faintly, betraying no shock at Wang Ba's disclosure.

Prior to Chen Zhongqi's visit to the Wanxiang Sect, he'd examined the histories of the Wanxiang Sect, Longevity Sect, and Youxian Temple’s three Patriarchs, then briefed him fully.

Their joint ascension from the lower realm, combined with the recent display, made unraveling Taoist Friend Taiyi's roots straightforward.