Before Jiang Zhiwei and the others could inquire further, Meng Qi shifted the conversation: “By the way, I’ve uncovered leads about the Worry-Free Valley. It’s likely located in the heart of the Hanhai Desert. I’m planning to head there to investigate. That area is the most notorious danger zone in the Hanhai, teeming with demons, monsters, and merciless outlaws. So, this time, it would be best if only Zhiwei and I go.”
Firstly, Ruan Yushu and Qi Zhengyan’s current strength wouldn’t be sufficient to handle the dangers of the Vast Sea, not to mention the potential threats within the Worry-Free Valley. Secondly, it would disrupt their cultivation and training schedules.
“Worry-Free Valley?” Zhao Heng expressed confusion, as the True Martial Continuous Task had not yet been shared with him.
Meng Qi candidly explained the mystery of True Martial’s demise, upon which Zhao Heng bitterly smiled: “Even if it could be shared now, I wouldn’t be able to participate…”
The mere mention of “True Martial” would set hearts ablaze with desire, but Zhao Heng understood his own limitations. With his current strength, he could barely join the expedition, but the real fear was that he wouldn’t be able to escape the attention of the Political Council and secretly make his way to the Worry-Free Valley unnoticed.
Ruan Yushu and Qi Zhengyan nodded slightly, acknowledging that their priority was to enhance their own strength and avoid becoming a burden to the group.
Jiang Zhiwei thought for a while and then said, “Alright, let’s arrange a time to meet near the Vast Sea after we leave the Cycle.”
“How about four months from now?” Meng Qi suggested.
“Mm, with three months to stabilize, we should be able to avoid suspicion. The remaining month will be enough to reach the Hanhai.” Jiang Zhiwei had no objection.
Although she still had some unused time left from her previous exchange, outsiders were unaware of this fact. Without completing the three-month “stabilization period,” abruptly leaving the Washing Sword Pavilion and demonstrating her abilities in the Hanhai would likely arouse suspicion!
After the Mythical “Heavenly Emperor” made his move, both organizations were thrust into the spotlight. The Xuantian Sect especially harbored deep hatred toward the Mythical. This time, if not for the Xuantian Sect lacking a Fashen, it would have been hard to avoid being smeared!
After finalizing the details of the True Martial matter, Ruan Yushu exchanged for six months of time, leaving her with 1,095 remaining Virtue Points, which she planned to accumulate for her next acquisition of a mysterious treasure seal.
Meng Qi exchanged for three months of time, leaving him with 1,645 remaining Virtue Points. He carefully selected a forging diagram, exchanged for a Thunder Pool Green Stone and a Thunder Script Ancient Seal, and then submitted them to the Six Dao for enhancement, spending a total of 1,600 Virtue Points.
Crackling and popping, surrounded by green lightning, the Tianzhi Injury’s electric glow transformed from silver-white to pure emerald:
“Tianzhi Injury, Treasure Weapon (Middle Grade), forged with Heaven Thunder Red Gold for the body and Thunder-Struck Spirit Wood for the handle. It incorporates an upper layer Thunder Pool’s emerald lightning stone and Thunder Script Ancient Seal. It is heavy and difficult to lift, yet extremely durable and sharp, capable of emitting emerald lightning like heavenly punishment. When fully unleashed, it can cause weather changes within a radius of dozens of miles—dark clouds gathering, yin and yang intertwining, thunder roaring, and heavenly lightning striking. Its blade energy can transform into thunderous dragon tempests, as if the heavens themselves were wounded, eliminating evil and subduing demons. By channeling its aura, one can borrow part of its power to manifest various divine wonders. Value: 3,100 Virtue Points.”
…
Inside the courtyard of the Su residence, Meng Qi’s figure slowly materialized. Compared to earlier in the day, his aura was even deeper and more profound. At a glance, he might seem like an ordinary person.
After three months of secluded cultivation, Meng Qi had entered the Outer Scenery section of the “Bajiu Xuangong,” mastering five transformations. He had preliminarily grasped the Yuxu Pure Source Blade, Mahavairocana Sword Art, and the Void-Stepping Somersault Footwork. He could barely manifest two heads and four arms, but had not yet mastered the ability to emulate heaven and earth. As for the Qitian Dao Hai Staff Technique, Meng Qi wasn’t particularly suited to it, merely gaining a basic understanding as a reference.
He inhaled deeply, sensing the lingering presence of Solar True Fire and Star Power in the air, slowly integrating them into his qi.
“It seems that to avoid slowing down my cultivation progress, I must acquire corresponding rare treasures. Purely absorbing ambient energy is too inefficient…” Meng Qi exhaled thoughtfully.
After all, he was a man determined to break through a heavenly realm every year!
Turning around, Meng Qi walked out of the courtyard and told a passing servant: “Inform the master that I will be entering seclusion. Don’t disturb me for three months, and there’s no need to bring water or rations—I have my own Spirit-Abstaining Elixir.”
“Yes, Young Master Second.” The servant hurriedly nodded.
In his view, it was only natural for the young master to enter seclusion after a breakthrough—how could one not cultivate the corresponding Outer Scenery techniques?
Closing the courtyard gate and locking the windows of the side room, Meng Qi sat cross-legged in meditation. As night deepened, his body trembled, transforming into a brocade-furred jade rat. Climbing up the beams to the roof, he slipped through the gaps and stealthily exited the Su residence.
Then, he changed his appearance, donning a green robe and pale face. At dawn, he casually left the capital, heading straight for the nearby entrance to the Immortal Traces.
This time, the person who came to greet him within the Biyou Heaven was a masked man Meng Qi didn’t recognize. Of average stature and draped in a dark robe, the man carried an air of effortless elegance.
“Old fellow Yun Zhongzi, many thanks to you, Daoist Friend.” Upon seeing the “Yuanshi Tianzun” mask, the man first showed surprise, then chuckled.
So it was Yun Zhongzi’s mask—no wonder Meng Qi didn’t recognize it… Meng Qi suddenly understood: “The Daoist Friend’s crafted Jizi Ring was also worth more than its price.”
There were no legends of Yun Zhongzi in the main world, so naturally, no such mask existed in the dramas either.
Yun Zhongzi’s mask featured a thin, pale face with a long beard and a slightly protruding forehead, exuding the aura of an ancient cultivator.
After a brief exchange, Yun Zhongzi turned and flew toward the Biyou Palace.
Meng Qi stepped lightly with his feet, ascending high step by step, as if riding the wind or clouds, not lagging behind at all.
A cool breeze brushed past, chilling his body slightly. Below, lush greenery and vibrant colors intertwined with drifting white clouds and flying immortal birds. Meng Qi, flying for the first time, felt exhilarated and carefree.
“You have a Cycle Talisman at the Immortal Traces Bazaar.” Yun Zhongzi reminded him.
Hehe, do you think I’d forget… Meng Qi inwardly scoffed—it was an insult to his passion for wealth!
“Daoist Friend Yun Zhongzi, there’s something I’d like to ask you.” Meng Qi seized the opportunity to speak.
Yun Zhongzi smiled: “What is it?”
“Poor Dao is heading to the Fengshen World for my next mission. I wonder if the Immortal Traces have any related information?” Meng Qi naturally changed his self-reference.
“Fengshen…” Yun Zhongzi’s tone was complex, filled with nostalgia, reminiscence, yearning, and fear.
He paused and said: “Among the Cycle Walkers, if anyone claims to know Fengshen best, no one dares to challenge the Immortal Traces. In ancient times, Lord Lingbao received many immortal Dao lineages within the Fengshen World. My own cultivation was also supplemented there.”
Meng Qi’s heart blossomed with joy, but he maintained a calm exterior: “How many Virtue Points are needed to exchange for Fengshen-related information?”
Yun Zhongzi’s tone had already returned to normal as he chuckled: “The Fengshen World is very special. Even Lord Lingbao’s strength couldn’t force entry—he had to rely on Cycle Talismans. Moreover, many secrets made him cautious, unwilling to recklessly search for treasures. He intended to gradually develop it into another foothold for our Immortal Traces. Therefore, unless one is a formal member, no amount of Virtue Points can buy the corresponding information. But if one is a formal member, no Virtue Points are needed at all.”
“Daoist Friend Yun Zhongzi, I’ve come precisely to apply for the formal member assessment.” Meng Qi seized the opportunity.
Yun Zhongzi landed before the Biyou Palace, his tone carrying a smile: “Good, where would you like to take the assessment task?”
“Can I choose myself?” Meng Qi was slightly surprised.
Yun Zhongzi chuckled: “Others cannot, but you certainly can. If not for existing rules, we’d all be willing to make you a formal member without any assessment.”
He added with a sigh: “Four Heavens’ Tribulation, the Tathagata Palm—these aren’t common achievements.”
Meng Qi sensed the weight of their respect and felt a hint of smugness. After some thought, he said, “Preferably in the Hanhai.”
Trying to complete it before exploring the Worry-Free Valley, to avoid running around needlessly.
Yun Zhongzi gave a slight nod, entered the Biyou Palace to search through the records, and after some time, emerged to inform Meng Qi: “Within a year, you must slay ‘Eight Wilderness Subduing Sword’ Yang Zhenchan, who is hiding in the vast sea. He is a disciple of Huamei Villa, personally instructed by Master Lu Da. He has been an Outer Scenery cultivator for many years but made a critical error while opening his spiritual passageway, failing to ascend the first heavenly ladder. Later, witnessing his juniors and even nephews surpass him, he was momentarily consumed by madness and sought a shortcut through the demonic path, secretly slaughtering the innocent.”
After the incident was exposed, he fled to Hanhai before Huamei Villa could dispatch anyone to handle him, and has been hiding in Bomi for nine years now.
“Nine years… could he have crossed the first heavenly ladder by now?” Meng Qi frowned.
Below the first heavenly ladder, Meng Qi was confident he had a decent chance, as long as it wasn’t someone like Gu Xiaosang or Wang Siyuan.
Gu Xiaosang and Wang Siyuan had become Outer Scenery cultivators over a year ago and were likely now at the second Outer Scenery level. With their inheritances and talents, their strength would certainly surpass most within the third heavenly level.
Of course, the gap between himself and them had greatly narrowed—from a one-nine split with no chance of victory to now a three-seven or four-six split!
Given time, the tide of victory would surely turn!
Yun Zhongzi smiled: “Rest assured, Yang Zhenchan’s exposure was because he nearly suffered a spiritual backlash, causing his strength to greatly decline.”
His implication was clear—Yang Zhenchan might not even be able to defeat you head-on, otherwise why would we give you this task?
Meng Qi sighed in relief and accepted the mission, tacitly not asking who the examiner would be.
After obtaining the Cycle Talisman from the Immortal Traces Bazaar, Meng Qi pondered for a long time and decided against using it immediately. Who knew what he might discover in the Worry-Free Valley? Perhaps he’d need to return to the Nine Towns, so it was better to keep it.
After finishing all his tasks and failing to find any convenient missions, Meng Qi left the Immortal Traces and returned near the capital.
Looking up at the sky, Meng Qi took a deep breath, strode forward like the wind, darting through mountains and wilderness, avoiding main roads and choosing secluded paths.
His body absorbed the ambient energy of heaven and earth, his spirit concealed, his stamina abundant. He sprinted nonstop for an entire day, and as night fell, his feet generated wind, lifting him into the air, swiftly flying under the cover of clouds.
Thus, Meng Qi flew at night and ran during the day, weaving through mountains and wilderness, using walking to conserve energy and recover his spirit and strength.
Yumen Pass, the boundary between the Jin Dynasty and the Western Regions, Meng Qi stood proudly at the pass, gazing westward at the vast yellow sands, desolate yet magnificent.
The setting sun dyed the sky red, and Meng Qi’s face showed signs of fatigue as he softly murmured:
“Seventeen days…”
Seventeen days of wild running from the capital to Yumen Pass!
Two days later, in the deep night of Liusha Gathering, fierce winds danced and yellow sands swirled.
Qu Jiuniang was calculating her earnings repeatedly with an abacus inside her room, her eyes burning with fervor, as if this were the meaning of her life.
Creak—the sound of her door opening reached her ears, instantly causing an emerald light to surge around her body as she raised her defenses to the utmost!
“Who?” Who could sneak up to her door without her sensing it?
Normally, anyone entering Liusha Gathering would be at least slightly perceptible to her!
Then, she saw a man in a green robe, handsome and masculine. Though not covered in dust, he carried the aura of a long journey.
“Jiuniang, don’t you recognize me anymore?” Meng Qi smiled.
Qu Jiuniang’s eyes narrowed, her face showing shock: “You… how did you get here?”
Just over twenty days ago, you broke through—shouldn’t you be in seclusion now, stabilizing your cultivation, refining your Outer Scenery techniques, and mastering the corresponding moves?
This process should take at least three months!
Besides the Immortal Traces’ notification, she had only learned of Su Meng’s breakthrough through other channels three days ago, yet now he stood before her!
This was simply unbelievable.
Meng Qi revealed his white teeth, smiling brightly: “Seeing your expression of surprise makes me feel reassured.”
If I had been stabilizing my cultivation in the capital, three months later arriving here, Luo Ju would have already received the news and prepared everything—either fleeing into hiding or seeking out the Old Crier to set traps and ambushes.
If I had entered through the Hanhai Passage of the Immortal Traces, it would have been too conspicuous—yesterday leisurely boating in the capital, and today suddenly appearing in the Western Regions for a grand battle. Who wouldn’t suspect you?
After all, my confrontation with Luo Ju wasn’t something I could control—perhaps the same day I arrived, I would encounter him and the battle would erupt immediately, or perhaps I’d observe him secretly for days before acting.
Therefore, I spent Virtue Points to cultivate for three months in the Cycle!
Therefore, I rushed day and night, sprinted for nineteen days, and finally arrived at Liusha!
Even Jiuniang, who knew my identity as a Cycle Walker, was momentarily shocked and unprepared—how much more so Luo Ju?
Meng Qi looked out the window, where the yellow sands and the darkness intertwined, making the scene appear even more vast and heavy.
Luo Ju, I’m coming.
Look to the northwest, the Slaying Evil Blade!
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage