Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 826 - 342: Preparations Before Core Formation

For a millennium, the Nightmare True Monarch has traversed the mortal and dream realms, witnessing ceaseless cycles of existence.

He has always clung to a singular belief.

While accidents occur in the world, true coincidence is a myth.

What appears as coincidence is invariably the result of deliberate action.

Consider the peculiarity of Qiu Qianhai... how could two individuals share the same name and, on the same continent, each wield such astonishing might?

It beggars belief!

The formidable power displayed by the Qiu Qianhai before him stems directly from my focused assistance.

Then what of the other Qiu Qianhai, the one infamously known as "Old Demon Qiu"?

Could it be that he too had the close guidance of a Nascent Soul Monster?

Such a possibility exists, of course.

However, to assert that these two Qiu Qianhais are entirely unconnected would be a grave error.

This "Old Demon Qiu" must surely be aware that the Qiu Qianhai in my care is my most devoted disciple.

"It appears he also hails from the Dragon Nurturing Land, most likely."

A fleeting thought crossed the Nightmare True Monarch's mind, prompting him to recall another individual, or rather, another significant event.

That person, who met his end at the hands of the Nightmare True Monarch within a dreamscape before Qiu Qianhai's very eyes – his sworn brother.

And, crucially, the one Qiu Qianhai has longed for relentlessly.

'If that is the case, then this situation becomes quite intriguing.'

The Nightmare True Monarch mused inwardly, before vanishing from his current location once more.

He harbored no intention of revealing the truth of the matter to Qiu Qianhai, and even if he had, this was certainly not the opportune moment.

Over the years, had it not been for the burning flame of "revenge" that Qiu Qianhai clung to?

His cultivation would not have advanced so rapidly, and he would have surely perished countless times by now, fading into obscurity.

'Thus, it is clear that animosity can be a potent tool; its efficacy depends entirely on how one wields it.'

"Let us depart. We must locate a suitable place for you to establish your Golden Core. Your current level of cultivation is, frankly, quite inadequate."

With these words, the Nightmare True Monarch transformed into a streak of light and soared away once more.

"..."

"There’s nothing suitable in this vicinity either."

High above the boundless expanse of the Endless Sea, Ji Yuan executed a hand seal, yet sensed no familiar energy, his heart sinking further into helplessness.

"Brother Ji, are you searching for someone?"

Mu Xueyao, who was guiding their path, inquired with evident curiosity.

"Not a person, but an object, something I seem to have misplaced in this area previously."

Ji Yuan responded evasively.

In truth, he was searching for a person.

He had not forgotten that Du Wanyi awaited his arrival through a particular passage.

However, following the tumultuous events at the Fallen Immortal Gully, Ji Yuan had completely lost track of his proximity to the previous passage's exit.

He was entirely uncertain whether the exit lay to the north or the south.

A single objective fueled his actions, leading him to implore Mu Xueyao to guide him through this region, hoping for a chance encounter... alas, the outcome had been far from satisfactory.

"I see."

Mu Xueyao, demonstrating her usual discretion, refrained from further questioning and continued her westward progression, leading Ji Yuan onward.

In this fashion, they traversed and investigated for well over a month.

Eventually, Ji Yuan relinquished this fruitless endeavor, deciding it would be more advantageous to reach the mainland and seek clues there, rather than continuing to scour the Endless Sea aimlessly.

Alternatively, he might locate Liu Yuan.

Finding him could potentially reveal the original location of the passage, thereby enabling him to find Du Wanyi.

"Very well, let us proceed to West Border City first."

"Understood!"

Upon Ji Yuan's declaration, Mu Xueyao promptly altered their course, heading eastward.

...

Meanwhile, on the Desolate Ancient Continent, a vast distance away, atop the summit of a newly established sect.

Hua Yaoyue stood poised at the precipice, her expansive sleeves billowing gracefully in the celestial wind.

Behind her stood the venerable Kong Xifeng, her aged face etched with profound emotion.

"Are you... truly departing?"

Though Kong Xifeng found herself compelled to ask, she understood that at this juncture, the answer remained unchanged regardless of the inquiry.

"Yes."

Hua Yaoyue's voice, though soft, resonated with finality; she did not turn to face her.

Kong Xifeng inclined her head in silent acknowledgment.

"Indeed, to have navigated our meticulously laid trap and emerged victorious, leading us to establish such a vital foothold on the Cangluo Continent..."

Kong Xifeng exhaled a deep sigh, "You owe nothing to our Water Dragon Sect; on the contrary, it is we who are indebted to you."

"Oh."

Hua Yaoyue maintained her characteristic aura of detachment.

Had this been in the past, Kong Xifeng might have engaged in further debate, but now, she could only accept the inevitable course of events.

Her initial assumption upon arriving at this Desolate Ancient Continent and aligning with the Taiyi Immortal Sect was that they would face nothing but scorn, perhaps even disdain and outright contempt.

While this sentiment did indeed prevail initially, Hua Yaoyue's subsequent actions, specifically her seeking out a particular individual, irrevocably altered the prevailing atmosphere.

The Taiyi Immortal Sect not only elevated the Water Dragon Sect to the status of a premier affiliate, bestowing upon them abundant resources, but furthermore, they generously granted one of their own precious spirit veins to aid the Water Dragon Sect in its establishment. Such benevolence was truly beyond expressing in words.

Therefore, to speak of being treated with indifference would be an understatement; even if Hua Yaoyue were to strike her, there would still be lingering sentiments to consider.

"Actually, something has been on my mind that I've wanted to ask you for quite some time." Kong Xifeng advanced a few paces, positioning herself beside Hua Yaoyue, though technically, she maintained a stance half a step behind.

"What is it?" Hua Yaoyue finally turned, her gaze meeting Kong Xifeng's with utter impassivity.

"Of your four disciples, Ran Kui was unable to accompany us, as I understand. However, I am aware that you held your personal disciple in the highest regard. So, why did you choose not to bring him along, leaving him instead in the perilous Cangluo Continent?" Kong Xifeng inquired deliberately.

"No comment." With this concise reply, Hua Yaoyue transformed into a streak of white escape light and departed the scene, leaving only a single statement to resonate in the air.

"While you draw breath, remember to cultivate your next Nascent Soul. Without personal strength, even the most advantageous relationships prove utterly futile."