Chapter 879 - 683: The Ape Emperor Undergoes Tribulation
Zi Ning was obviously full of longing for shape-shifting.
"The human form is the most suitable Dao Body for cultivation..."
Shen Xuan briefly explained the pros and cons of shape-shifting.
On one hand, after shape-shifting, the lifespan greatly increases, making cultivation and travel more convenient.
On the other hand, shape-shifting is inevitably accompanied by Celestial Tribulation Divine Thunder, extremely perilous.
Its current body is the remnant of the Purple Yunting Tree Emperor’s body, struck down by Celestial Thunder during shape-shifting years ago.
Shen Xuan candidly stated that upon his return, he could only assist from the side, and whether success could be achieved ultimately depended on Zi Ning’s own cultivation.
At this point, Shen Xuan couldn’t help but boast a little.
When the Purple Yunting Tree Emperor attempted shape-shifting back then, he had greatly contributed and even had a unique method to significantly reduce the damage of the Celestial Tribulation during shape-shifting.
Therefore, if Zi Ning wanted to smoothly shape-shift, she couldn’t do without his help and would naturally rely on and trust him even more.
A blend of kindness and power.
As long as Zi Ning stays on her path.
Shen Xuan would surely assist her in shape-shifting.
However, this must wait until he forms a Nascent Soul and has the strength to control Zi Ning.
And not let the guest become the host.
...
Several days later, in the inner chamber of the Cold Ice Cave.
When Li Ruyi entered, Qin Yuehan was already seated at the main position.
The cold air in the room was slightly condensed, the ice wall reflected a gentle spiritual light, and the atmosphere was calm.
"True Master Cold Jade, why did the Island Master suddenly summon us? Is there something important?"
Li Ruyi stepped forward and asked softly.
"He will explain to everyone in person."
Qin Yuehan looked up at her, her tone calm and expression revealing no clues.
Before long, Qin Baohua walked in.
He now permanently resides on Starlight Island, responsible for various matters concerning communication with the Sea Race.
Here, he doesn’t represent the Qin family of Purple Maple Mountain, but Purple Maple True Monarch.
"Cousin, please sit."
Qin Yuehan nodded slightly, indicating Lin Yueying to pour tea.
She has always been courteous to this True Pill True Master of the Profound Celestial Sect.
Then, Qin Zhixing, True Master Wei Chen, Long Xiaoyun, Long Zhijiao, and others arrived successively.
Shen Yucheng, Lin Yueying, and Shangguan Yan’Er greeted them one after another, and for a moment, chitchats filled the room.
It appeared warm, yet faintly exuded an unusual solemnity.
Once everyone was seated, Shen Xuan leisurely entered.
"Greetings, Island Master!"
Everyone stood up in unison to salute, their demeanor respectful.
They had long known that Shen Xuan had advanced to the Divine Power Realm as a Tier Four Great Cultivator, so no one dared to be even slightly disrespectful.
"No need for formalities, everyone, please sit."
Shen Xuan gestured with his hand and sat down at the main seat himself.
He picked up a cup of Spirit Tea from the table, sipped it lightly, and let his gaze slowly sweep over those present.
Li Ruyi and Qin Baohua, both True Pill True Masters, with deep cultivation, could be important allies for Qin Yuehan.
Qin Zhixing, True Master Wei Chen, Long Xiaoyun, and Long Zhijiao were either Fake Pill True Masters or Dharma Realm Body Refining Masters, also capable aides.
As for Shen Yucheng, Lin Yueying, and Shangguan Yan’Er, they were his own, and there was no need to treat them as outsiders.
"The reason I invited everyone here today is to inform you of something."
Shen Xuan put down the teacup, his voice steady and clear.
"Years ago, I had an agreement with True Monarch Qing Yun, to handle a significant task for him, and I will soon embark on a long journey."
He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping through the crowd, and solemnly said, "This matter is quite difficult and may take several decades, or even a century to complete."
As the words fell, the room suddenly fell silent.
Everyone’s expressions changed slightly.
No one expected that Shen Xuan, now a Tier Four Great Cultivator, would actually leave the island for a long journey.
Moreover, it would be for such an extended period of time.
After the initial shock, everyone’s thoughts began to churn.
Li Ruyi, sharp in thought, quickly deduced a few possibilities.
With what she knew of Shen Xuan, this journey was likely in search of an opportunity for Nascent Soul Formation.
The Cyan Cloud Sect had previously dedicated resources to support the advancement of Spirit Sword and the elusive two True Masters to Nascent Soul, depleting much of the sect’s reserves, making it difficult to support Shen Xuan again in the short term.
He had no choice but to venture out and find his own path.
Qin Baohua, upon hearing the news, was initially shocked but quickly returned to normal.
Only then did he realize the deep intention of Purple Maple True Monarch.
It turns out the True Monarch and Shen Xuan had long made a tacit understanding.
The true master of Starlight Island was ultimately Qin Yuehan, the bloodline of the Qin family.
The grand cultivation ceremony four years ago was not only to establish formal proceedings but also to solidify Qin Yuehan’s position.
He slightly shifted his gaze towards Shen Yucheng, who stood beside Shen Xuan.
This nominal heir was in fact the descendant of Shen Xuan’s original spouse from the Ding Family.
Judging from the current situation, Shen Xuan obviously had no intention of passing Starlight Island onto the Shen bloodline.
This was understandable as well.
Without strong backing, even if Shen Yucheng managed to take over, he probably wouldn’t be able to hold on to this foundation, and might invite disaster instead.
Qin Zhixing had a smiling face but eyes that showed comprehension.
He clearly had the same thoughts as Qin Baohua.
True Master Wei Chen sighed softly.
Towards this former senior brother, he could only look up to him and dared not make presumptions.
Now, he only wished to stay quietly on Starlight Island, managing the affairs and living out the rest of his life, thus fulfilling his wishes.
Long Xiaoyun and Long Zhijiao exchanged a glance but said nothing.
Originating from the Long family of Golden Dragon Island, they were ultimately guests here and had no authority over the island’s affairs.
Inwardly, they were awed: Shen Xuan’s Dao Heart was so firm and steady that even at the Divine Power Realm, he still sought higher levels.
In this light, the previous alliance with Golden Dragon Island was clearly for significant purposes.
After a moment of silence, Long Xiaoyun suddenly looked up at Qin Yuehan and asked, "Island Master, may I accompany you on this journey?"
"No."
Shen Xuan replied crisply.
"This trip is a mandate from True Monarch Qing Yun, fraught with unpredictable danger, making it unsuitable for companions."
He then conveyed privately to Long Xiaoyun, his voice resonating directly in her sea of consciousness.
"Fellow Daoist Long, just focus on your cultivation. If I come across the opportunity, I’ll take note of the method for reconsolidating a Fake Pill."
After a silent dozen breaths or so, Long Xiaoyun gently nodded, "Very well, I’ll listen to the Island Master."