Chapter 780 - 272: Two Years
Standing with his hands behind his back on a giant rock, Luo Tianxing looked solemnly in the direction where the vortex disappeared.
Xu Xiu’s earlier words made him realize that the situation in Yangnao Land was gradually spiraling out of control.
"Heh..."
"Why should I bother worrying about this?"
After a bit of contemplation, Luo Tianxing suddenly sneered to himself.
If it were before, with the Dao Source of Yangnao Land being secretly extracted, he would indeed be concerned about the future of the Dao Source Secret Realm.
But after obtaining the Spirit of Beichen Immortal Mountain, the Dao Source Secret Realm of Yangnao Land no longer had much to do with him.
The reason he still sits idly here now is merely to repay the kindness of the past.
To fulfill the last measure of friendship from the "Yangnao Seven Sons" of that year.
Once the matters in Yangnao Land are settled, he will leave this place, head out to sea to find Beichen Immortal Mountain, and thus become a carefree Loose Cultivator—wouldn’t that be delightful?
Thinking of this, Luo Tianxing stopped pondering further and immediately sat down cross-legged again.
...
Yunshui City.
A few people returned to the manor from the back mountains.
Having been away for a long time, Shen Wen’an and his wife first paid their respects to the elders at home, then came to Shen Wen’an’s small courtyard.
Once seated, Shen Wen’an wasted no words and directly placed his hand on his nephew’s wrist to examine the injuries to the Foundation of the Immortal Embryo within him.
After a moment—
"The years in Flame Lake City were not wasted."
With a soft smile, Shen Wen’an retracted his hand and said quietly, "The Foundation of the Immortal Embryo within you is currently stable, and those slight scars should have the hope of being healed."
Upon hearing this, Shen Chonghong showed a hint of delight.
As a cultivator, who wouldn’t wish for their realm to advance further, and then further?
Ever since the Foundation of the Immortal Embryo was injured, almost ten years have passed without any progress in his realm.
Though he maintained a great mentality, never displaying any of his struggles in front of his wife and children over the years.
Still, deep down inside, he always held onto a sliver of hope.
This was also why he stayed in Flame Lake City for so many years.
"Third Uncle, how long do you think it will take for me to fully recover?"
Shen Chonghong held back his excitement, but his tone still carried a trace of urgency.
Shen Wen’an glanced at him and replied with a smile, "You’ve endured all these years, so why are you so impatient now?"
Shen Chonghong smiled sheepishly without answering.
"This matter cannot be rushed. A Dao injury is not an ordinary wound and needs to be slowly repaired to avoid leaving any hidden dangers."
"During this period, come to Third Uncle here every two days."
"The specific duration for recovery will still depend on the circumstances of the repair."
"We can start the first session today."
As Shen Wen’an spoke, he directly activated the Primordial Essence Tree in his Sea of Consciousness, and guided a strand of the most refined Power of Life into his body.
Shen Chonghong immediately concentrated his heart spirit, guiding that strand of Power of Life into his Dantian, slowly nurturing the scarred Foundation of the Immortal Embryo.
If the Foundation of the Immortal Embryo were to be likened to the root of a giant tree.
The "Dao Tree Root" within Shen Chonghong’s body was currently in a semi-decayed and withered state.
That strand of Power of Life was like Immortal Dew, slowly nurturing the diseased "Dao Tree Root" within him.
Seeing that Shen Chonghong would need some time to refine this strand of Life Power, Shen Wen’an did not disturb him.
Silently, he rose and left the small courtyard, heading toward the Clan Soldier Camp in the city.
...
Southern Border, Yangquan Mountain.
After escaping from Jianan Temple, Shen Chongxu turned misfortune into a blessing, not only reaching Fetal Breathing Perfection in his cultivation but also unexpectedly gaining the acceptance of the Celestial Demon He Yi from the Outer Realm.
After some time spent together, Shen Chongxu began to realize that for the Celestial Demon Race, revealing their true name to others was akin to a demon cultivator offering a strand of their True Spirit.
Though one could not kill a Celestial Demon through their true name, merely knowing it allowed one to summon the demon to assist them; usually, a Celestial Demon would not refuse unless it meant certain death.
Inside the sleeping chamber of the Bai Xuan Sect.
Shen Chongxu sat cross-legged on the bed, in front of him was a void where the Celestial Demon He Yi lazily lounged on a cluster of gray mist, gaze curiously examining Shen Chongxu.
"Your way of cultivating is incorrect."
"The essence of Demon Cultivation also directly points to the source of the Dao, not unlike the Immortal Dao."
"If you continue cultivating like this, even if you’re lucky enough to form a Golden Core, it will still lead to a dead end."
As if sensing Shen Chongxu’s erroneous cultivation direction, He Yi twirled a strand of his hair around his finger, speaking with a calm voice.
Upon hearing this, Shen Chongxu slowly stabilized the circulation of spiritual power within himself, opening his eyes to look at He Yi in the void.
Meeting his gaze, He Yi adjusted his position slightly, sitting up straighter and asked, "What do you think Demon Cultivation is?"
Shen Chongxu frowned, pondering for a while, his mouth opening and closing as if he couldn’t quite articulate his thoughts.
He Yi chuckled softly.
"Bloodthirsty?"
"Irritable?"
"Relentless in the pursuit of power?"
Seeing Shen Chongxu remain silent, He Yi understood what he was likely thinking.
"These are just surface-level traits, or rather, what you comprehend as Demon Cultivation can scarcely be considered true Demon Cultivation."
"What is a true Demon Cultivator like?" Shen Chongxu couldn’t help but ask upon hearing this.
His understanding of Demon Cultivation aligned with what He Yi described—cruel, eerie, moody, and rapidly enhancing strength through devouring and plundering.
This was also why he dared not publicly return to the Shen Family.
Fearing that his identity as a Demon Cultivator would adversely impact his family.
Upon hearing this question, He Yi shifted from his earlier lazy charm to a posture of dignity, sitting up straighter.
The gray mist beneath him slowly shifted, transforming into an ancient, dark golden throne.