Warm Big Hands

The master of this secret realm possessed immense fortune to obtain the Rule Crystal, and had the audacity to forge the secret realm into such a state.

It's just a pity... he failed.

The supposedly flawless method was seen through. Not only was the Rule Crystal seized, but his tribulation-transcending body was also melted down to withered bones.

Perhaps in this vast world, there is truly no such thing as absolute certainty.

However, this scene, this failure that turned into nothingness, might carry another flavor.

At least, Chu Xingchen felt that Xu Linglong had specifically intended for them to see this.

Even the lingering resonance within the formation's core might very well have been deliberately added by Xu Linglong later.

Chu Xingchen didn't believe that if they could unravel this method, they would neglect to handle these key pieces of information and allow the Dao's resonance to remain within.

The meaning behind Xu Linglong's actions was likely quite clear.

The Buddhist demons are hard to distinguish?

Then I shall help you distinguish them.

If the demons within the Buddhist sect are truly the dogs under your command, Chu Xingchen, then how will you handle the affairs of the Western Oxhorn Continent?

If they are not, drawing your sword to sever them is also an option.

At the very least, she, Xu Linglong, can clearly discern the situation.

This is an open move, also Xu Linglong's response to Chu Xingchen's maneuvering.

At least if the true Buddhist demons are eliminated, the one who dies won't be Xu Linglong, and it will also allow her to see the situation clearly.

Using the matter of the Western Oxhorn Continent as a driving force.

Chu Xingchen has no choice but to deal with it, whether he wants to or not.

Facing the problem pushed his way by Xu Linglong, Chu Xingchen showed little hesitation—handle it!

After all, a free demon is there for the taking; not killing it would be a waste.

If Xu Linglong is willing to offer it up, Chu Xingchen, getting something for nothing, is naturally happy to take it.

Bai Xuanling, using tribulation-transcending methods, sealed this last wisp of Dao resonance into a talisman.

To be safe, Xu Jin and Bai Xuanling traveled together to bring this trace of Dao resonance back to the Central Continent first, letting the three sects study it to see if they could make something of it.

All of Chu Xingchen's disciples were still in the Western Oxhorn Continent, and he was also the nominal overall commander of this three-sect operation. For these two reasons, he naturally couldn't leave the Western Oxhorn Continent.

After digesting Chu Xingchen's words, Yanyun's expression showed understanding:

"I originally thought your divisive method was crude. Anyone who wasn't a fool shouldn't have fallen for it so easily. I didn't expect it to actually be effective."

"Crude?" Chu Xingchen raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. "Since ancient times, sowing discord has been among the top stratagems. You have no appreciation for it."

Yanyun let out a light, seemingly amused chuckle, then continued:

"Ling Yu has ended her seclusion. She's now a cultivator at the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul stage. A letter came from the Sect Leader saying she's already on her way here."

Chu Xingchen smiled: "Isn't that good news?"

"Naturally, it's good news." Yanyun's expression turned serious. "You are now a Unity Stage cultivator. You should understand that the promotion from Nascent Soul to Soul Formation is like the final stage of a child growing into an adult. It's the final confirmation of one's future Dao."

"Although Ling Yu has always been upright and calm in heart, and her demeanor is icy, her inner emotions are still prone to fluctuation."

"Coming to the Western Oxhorn Continent now is for tempering, but you must also pay some attention to her."

"With your current cultivation level, you are also her senior. Your foundation is solid, and you likely have your own unique understanding. For her sake, don't hesitate to give a little more."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xingchen fell silent for a moment.

The feeling of promoting from the Nascent Soul stage to the Soul Formation stage...

The final confirmation of the Dao...

Unique understanding...

Chu Xingchen thought back and forth but really couldn't recall any unique understanding. There was only a feeling of things flowing naturally to their conclusion...

"What did it feel like for you when you promoted from Nascent Soul to Soul Formation?"

Chu Xingchen looked at Yanyun, wanting to ask this ordinary cultivator about her experience.

Yanyun looked Chu Xingchen up and down, feeling like his next sentence might be to mock her.

But...

The Dao in her heart was her own choice, so naturally she could answer.

Yanyun gently raised her hand. The next moment, endless pale white threads seemed to hang down from the sky. She gently plucked at these threads, her tone carrying a hint of pride:

"All threads of heavenly secrets, held within my grasp."

Chu Xingchen looked at the white threads transforming and entwining around Yanyun's hand, nodded as if gaining some insight.

Yanyun released her hand, the threads dissipating, and asked in return:

"And you?"

If you can't find it by searching the book title, try searching the author! Maybe it's just been renamed!

Upon hearing this, Chu Xingchen smiled, gently raised his hand, and all things flowed between his fingers, a clear and luminous Dao resonance circulating:

"Probably that all things are fate."

Yanyun didn't fully understand, but this had little to do with her. Each person has their own path to walk. She then turned and left:

"Except for Chen Baiqing, who is still at the True Sound Dharma Temple, all your other disciples who came here have arrived."

"Oh, and Cui Hao has a new proposal. You should go have a good talk with him about it later."

"In a few days, I'll be returning to the Tianyan Sect to prepare to break through from Soul Formation into the Unity Stage. If you have any troublesome matters, trouble me with them in these next few days."

"After all, once I finish my breakthrough, matters here should also be concluded."

Chu Xingchen watched Yanyun's departing back and said with a light laugh:

"Naturally, there are. But first, I wish you prosperity on your immortal path."

Hearing this, Yanyun stopped, turned around formally, and cupped her hands in response:

"The same to you. And remember what I entrusted you with regarding Ling Yu."

Chu Xingchen gave a slight nod: "Please rest assured. Even if I forget you, I won't forget her."

Yanyun turned back to leave:

"That's for the best."

Chu Xingchen withdrew his gaze and headed towards the inner courtyard, the way unobstructed.

Before even seeing anyone, he heard Cui Hao's voice.

"Senior Sister, you have no idea how profound your junior brother's thinking is. Even if Master were here, he could only bow in admiration."

Li Yingling's teasing voice rang out:

"You only dare say such things when Baiqing and Master aren't around."

"Second Senior Brother, listen to what Senior Sister is saying. Speak the truth in your heart, was there any merit in what I just said?"

"There... naturally is some. However, I also think you wouldn't dare say these things in front of Master."

"Second Senior Brother, you've changed! Fourth Senior Sister! You embody righteous virtue, please judge this fairly!"

"I also think you wouldn't dare."

"Fourth Senior Sister?!"

A smile spread across Chu Xingchen's face as he stepped through the gate:

"I think you would dare. After all, I've been listening all the way here."

The gazes of everyone sitting in the courtyard turned towards Chu Xingchen as one.

The mournful look on Cui Hao's face turned to shock.

Lin Luoyu, holding a teacup, had a smile appear on her face.

Li Yingling, propping her chin on one hand, had undisguised delight in her eyes.

Li Xingtian sat upright, and upon seeing his master, an instinctive smile still appeared on his face.

Perhaps from seeing Li Xingtian's smile too often, what he once thought was a somewhat fierce smile now seemed rather endearing to Chu Xingchen.

"Master."

"Master..."

Everyone spoke in unison, also rising to their feet.

Chu Xingchen responded with a light laugh and a nod.

Cui Hao quickly moved closer to his master:

"Master, your disciple missed you terribly. Was the journey smooth?"

"It was alright. But how exactly did you want your master to bow in admiration? I've never done that before."

"This... your disciple was just joking..."

"Oh?"

"Really."

Chu Xingchen smiled and didn't press further. It would be strange if Cui Hao didn't boast a little; one might suspect he'd been replaced by an imposter.

Seeing that his master wasn't pursuing the matter, Cui Hao felt it was strange and asked:

"Master, how is it that you always arrive so coincidentally? The moment we speak of you, you appear."

Chu Xingchen slung an arm around Cui Hao's shoulders, his eyes glinting mischievously:

"Naturally, it's because of the profound bond between master and disciple. In a moment, this master will properly teach you a lesson."

"Wha... what lesson?"

"After this master's large hand makes contact with your face, it will become exceptionally warm!"