Cultivation Begins From The Desert-Chapter 761 - 744: Arrangement

Five years later, the Jade Marrow Fruit that Zhouyang had been patiently waiting for finally ripened, and he picked them all.

By this time, there was nothing on Donglai Immortal Island that could make him linger any longer, and it was urgent for him to return to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm.

However, considering the great offense he had caused to the East Sea Flood Dragon Race before entering the island, he had to employ some strategies to avoid being besieged upon leaving.

Instead of flying out boldly as he used to, he quietly slipped underground to the lower part of the island and escaped from the sea.

Zhouyang didn't know any Water Escape Technique, but Lan Daoist was proficient in this art.

Upon departure, both Zhouyang and Qin Yue'Er entered the Dongxuan Pearl, and then Lan Daoist, dressed in the Invisibility Gauze Robe obtained from Demoness Huan Qianqian, quietly took the pearl and escaped from the seabed.

Demoness Huan Qianqian's Invisibility Gauze Robe was inherently effective in concealing oneself, while Lan Daoist's secret technique completely concealed his aura. Unless they bumped into a Tier Six Demon King, exposure was unlikely.

As it turned out, Zhouyang's luck wasn't that bad. Lan Daoist carried the Dongxuan Pearl and traveled stealthily for hundreds of thousands of miles without revealing any trace.

After covering this distance, Zhouyang no longer needed to hide inside the Dongxuan Pearl. He immediately emerged and switched to the Misty Cloud Vehicle for the journey.

The journey was uneventful, and a year later, Zhouyang returned to the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm.

Eight years ago, he passed by Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm, but he had no time to inquire about the current state of the Dragon Taming Clan due to his preoccupation with transplanting the Holy Infant Fruit Tree.

Now, without any urgent matters to attend to, he naturally wanted to "care" about this enemy clan's situation.

For gathering information, there was no better place than Donghua Immortal City.

Nearly two hundred years had passed, and Ling Chao, the Young Palace Master of Donghua Immortal Palace who had gone to the Beiting Continent Cultivation Realm, was certain to have returned. If Zhouyang wanted any news, he surely couldn't go wrong by seeking him out.

However, just after he had hidden his identity and entered Donghua Immortal City, Zhouyang heard an astonishing piece of news.

It turned out that three years ago, Donghua Immortal Palace had officially announced the passing of the previous generation of palace masters.

At this time, the position of the palace master of Donghua Immortal Palace was still undecided. Some Nascent Soul Stage Elders wanted to recommend the Grand Elder, who had Nascent Soul Eighth Layer cultivation, as the new palace master. However, the Inheritance Immortal Artifact of Donghua Immortal Palace had fallen into the hands of Ling Chao, the Young Palace Master with only Second-Layer Nascent Soul cultivation.

With the Inheritance Immortal Artifact in hand, along with the help of some Nascent Soul Stage Elders who supported him during his parents' lifetime, Ling Chao, the Young Palace Master naturally wanted to vie for the position of palace master.

Upon learning this news, Zhouyang thought through it and decided against contacting Ling Chao.

Although he had a close friendship with Ling Chao, he was nonetheless an outsider to Donghua Immortal Palace, and it wouldn't be appropriate to get involved in this matter.

Moreover, he believed that unless it was absolutely necessary, Ling Chao would certainly not want to rely on outsiders to rise to the top.

Otherwise, with his parents' cultivation and status during their lifetime, it would have been no problem to find strong allies for him from outside.

Without contacting the local serpent Ling Chao, getting detailed information about the Dragon Taming Clan was a bit troublesome for him, yes, just a bit troublesome.

Zhouyang chose to leave Donghua Immortal City and infiltrated a major sect's mountain gate guarded by an Early-Stage Nascent Soul Cultivator, directly overpowering that cultivator and interrogating him about the Dragon Taming Clan's information.

Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators belonged to the absolute upper echelon in any cultivation realm, where the information they accessed and held far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators.

After a round of questioning, Zhouyang easily obtained the information he wanted to know.

The fact that Dragon-Taming Star Feather had fallen in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm had been discovered just over thirty years ago, and the Dragon Taming Clan had already completed the withdrawal and adjustment of their family's forces.

Now all the direct lineage members of the Dragon Taming Clan had completely vanished from the eyes of the cultivators in the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm, either hiding at the family stronghold on Five Dragon Island or concealing their identities and hiding elsewhere.

Because the Dragon Taming Clan had always appeared very mysterious and had ambiguous connections with the East Sea Flood Dragon Race, the incident of Nascent Soul Ninth-Layer "Half-Step True Immortal" Dragon-Taming Star Feather's fall indeed caused a great stir in the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm. However, no force dared to directly challenge them.

However, some forces that were originally affiliated with the Dragon Taming Clan had now changed allegiance and joined the Longevity Immortal Alliance, which had previously cooperated with the Dragon Taming Clan, changing their masters.

Overall, the death of Dragon-Taming Star Feather did not deal as significant a blow to the Dragon Taming Clan on the surface as Zhouyang had expected.

"Five Dragon Island, is it? Sooner or later, I, Zhou, will personally visit it!"

Zhouyang mumbled to himself, casually knocking out that pitiful Early-Stage Nascent Soul Cultivator, and turned away.

After all, the Dragon Taming Clan was deeply rooted, even without Dragon-Taming Star Feather, the Clan Leader with Nascent Soul Ninth-Layer "Half-Step True Immortal" cultivation, and the loss of the Tier Seven Immortal Artifact, Heaven-Breaking Spike, their clan stronghold was still beyond what Zhouyang could venture into at this time.

Zhouyang had not forgotten how he had successively taken down members of the Dragon Taming Clan twice.

The Dragon Taming Clan had inherited thousands of years and secretly accumulated countless resources. There were unknown numbers of strong individuals in the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm who either owed them favors or had deep connections with them.

If he rashly went to their door without overwhelming strength, the fate of Dragon-Taming Star Feather and Dragon Star River, who had fallen in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, could very well be the outcome for him, Zhouyang.

He was still young, and time was on his side, so there was no need to be in such a hurry.

A year later, Zhouyang once again crossed two major cultivation realms and returned to the Fire Birch Mountain Cave Mansion.

"Ying'Er, this is the senior I mentioned to you from the Kunxu Realm, Fellow Daoist Lan. He will be following me to cultivate from now on."

"Also, this is Fairy Qin. Fairy Qin has lost her past memories due to reconstructing her Divine Soul, so she doesn't recognize you, but you can reacquaint yourselves. In the future, Fairy Qin will also remain in the Zhou Family, serving as the Zhou Family Supreme Elder."

As a good family man, after returning, the first thing Zhouyang did was to share the experiences of this journey with his Dao Companion Xiao Ying.

Although he had been in secluded meditation for over a hundred years in the cave mansion within the underground lava sea, his connection with his Dao companion Xiao Ying had never been interrupted. They would exchange messages every few years.

It was only after going to the Kunxu Realm, due to the great distance, that this communication couldn't be maintained.

"Xiao Ying greets Fellow Daoist Lan."

Xiao Ying first slightly bowed to Lan Daoist as a sign of respect.

Then, with a smile on her face, she stepped forward and held Qin Yue'Er's jade-like hand, saying, "Congratulations, Sister Yue'Er, you're finally well. Don't worry about not remembering the past; we sisters have plenty of time to get to know each other again."

"I only hope Sister Xiao won't find me too foolish."

Qin Yue'Er smiled shyly, and her initially tense mind quickly relaxed due to Xiao Ying's enthusiasm.

After that, Zhouyang arranged temporary accommodations for Qin Yue'Er and Lan Daoist at Fire Birch Mountain, and then he closed the door to discuss some private matters with his Dao companion Xiao Ying.

Mainly about the many gains from this trip. The Kunxu Realm expedition yielded enormous rewards; Zhouyang obtained a large amount of Tier Six Spirit Herbs and Elixirs. Aside from some elixirs that could be consumed directly, he planned to give the rest to his Dao companion Xiao Ying to help her achieve Tier Six in Alchemy.

"Ying'Er, since Qin Yue'Er has forgotten about the past, let her forget. After all, those memories aren't worth recalling, and the two culprits have been dead for years. There's no need to trouble her by letting her know."

"As for the issue of the 'Profound Yin Su Girl Scripture' she's cultivating, I originally planned to explain it to her myself after coming out, but now I think it would be better if you talk to her for me. Find a suitable time to bring it up with her."

In the bedroom of the cave mansion, after a session of dual cultivation with his Dao companion, Zhouyang took the opportunity to discuss some "troublesome" matters concerning Qin Yue'Er.

His stance was clear. He'd rather delay the breakthrough to the Late-Stage Nascent Soul than add another romantic entanglement to his life.

"I understand Husband's intention, and I'll act accordingly. But won't you reconsider the concubine matter?"

Xiao Ying gazed charmingly at her beloved, speaking with a languid tone, "If you are concerned about me, you needn't be. I have no desire to monopolize you, and Sister Yue'Er was once your concubine, not an outsider. I'd welcome her company to relieve some of my boredom."

Zhouyang felt both amused and helpless at her words.

He couldn't help but lightly tap her forehead, saying, "When Fengxian and I returned, Ying'Er, you didn't say this."

"Uh... that was different, that was different!"

Xiao Ying lowered her head in slight embarrassment, not saying much.

Zhouyang knew well what was different. Jiang Fengxian's cultivation was much higher than hers, and she had a daughter as beautiful as Jiang Yufeng, evidently vying for the "Lady of the Main Palace" title, causing Xiao Ying to feel greatly threatened.

Qin Yue'Er, on the other hand, was alone and naive, like a blank slate, someone she had lived with before, so there was no threat to her status.

Ah, women!

Zhouyang smiled bitterly in his heart but said nothing more, just waved his hand, "Ying'Er, no need to say more. Having you is already more than enough for me. Just do as I said."

Seeing this, Xiao Ying breathed a sigh of relief and quickly added, "Don't worry, Husband, I know what to do."

Then she blinked and proactively changed the topic, saying, "By the way, there's something to discuss. Xue Wei's cultivation has reached the Ninth-Layer Golden Core. She consulted me about forming her Nascent Soul a couple of years ago and borrowed some Spirit Stones from me to travel the Cultivation Realm seeking Spiritual Objects for assistance. Since you obtained four Holy Infant Fruits this time, you should prepare one for her."

"Xue Wei has also consumed a Jade Peach; her lifespan should at least last another two hundred years. Forming the Nascent Soul is crucial, so it's best for her to proceed with caution."

Zhouyang, speaking thus, suddenly had a thought and lightly nodded, saying, "I understand. I will handle it."

He then changed the subject, asking, "What about Cheng'Er? With his rate of progress, he should also have reached Late-Stage Golden Core by now, right?"

"Husband guessed correctly. The boy reached the Late-Stage Golden Core seven years ago. According to him, Master Cyan Yang has already prepared the Fetus Nurturing Pill and Jade Soul Liquid for him as assistance. Once he's ready to form his Nascent Soul, they will be handed to him."

Xiao Ying chuckled, her face beaming as she recounted her precious son's situation.

Clearly, she was very satisfied with her son's progress.

Zhouyang, on the other hand, showed no particular joy, only nodding slightly, saying, "Call him back. I brought gifts for him this time, which I'm sure he'll like."

Unexpectedly, Xiao Ying replied, "Why not see him yourself, Husband? Li Hong has requested your return to the Zhou Family multiple times already since two new Golden Core cultivators joined, hoping you would teach a session for the younger generation so they can see their family's founder in person."

"The Zhou Family... very well, I will go back after a while; some matters do need to be explained to them."

After a moment's reflection, Zhouyang nodded, agreeing to Xiao Ying's suggestion.

Within half a year, Lu Xuewei, summoned by Zhouyang, hurried to the Fire Birch Mountain cave mansion to pay a visit.

"Xuewei, regarding your preparation for forming your Nascent Soul, your mentor has already informed me. My advice is that since you've only recently reached Ninth-Layer Golden Core, and with nearly two hundred years of lifespan remaining, it's best to prepare thoroughly before attempting. What do you think?"

In the cave mansion, Zhouyang, after Xuewei paid her respects, looked at her with a calm expression and shared his thoughts.

As a senior, he could speak his mind directly, needing no reservations.

Lu Xuewei showed no resistance to his suggestions, only respectfully bowing and saying, "I wouldn't dare ignore Master's advice. However, as there is no set rule for forming the Nascent Soul, if a chance presents itself, I won't let it slip by. I hope Master understands."

"Of course, we cultivators seek the Dao, striving for that fleeting chance. They say, if heaven grants, seize it; otherwise, one will regret. Thus, when opportunities arise, one must grasp them to tread further and smoother on the cultivation path!"

Zhouyang nodded approvingly, satisfied with his disciple's answer.

Then, after a moment's thought, he spoke gravely, "I've made arrangements for your Nascent Soul formation. Follow Bi'Er to the Beiting Continent Cultivation Realm, help me return an artifact to its original owner, and when you feel ready, use the token I give you to go to the Profound Nether Immortal Sect; they will provide you a suitable place for secluded meditation to form your Nascent Soul!"