After Fang Qingyun died, True Person Fengqi fled from Divine Continent. Cao Zhi and the others knew that Chen Sanshi would soon kill his way to the capital, and when that happened, no one would be able to stop him.
So they had no choice but to abandon everything, leave Great Sheng, and come to take refuge in Guiyuan Sect on Heavenly Water Isle.
For more than 10 years, while Cao Zhi and the others secluded themselves to cultivate, they also constantly inquired about news from Eastern Divine Continent.
Not long after Great Han was founded, it began a near-extermination slaughter against the former dynasty's Cao imperial clan. The rightful emperor, Cao Huan, also died in depression after being placed under house arrest for 5 years.
Given Cao Zhi's temperament, he actually didn't care about so-called clansmen. The one surnamed Chen had killed the late emperor Cao Kai, and in his heart he even felt Cao Kai deserved it.
But the immortal Dao opportunities of Eastern Divine Continent should have belonged to him, and the realm would sooner or later have been his.
Therefore, in these years, they stayed in Guiyuan Sect only to wait for the day when the various sects found a way to break the Heaven-and-Earth seal, and then return to Eastern Divine Continent for revenge.
Until a few years ago, when the opportunity finally arrived.
Using ancient teleportation formation jade tokens gathered over more than 1,000 years, the various sects finally caught a glimpse of the sealing laws. Together with ancient remnant treasures, in the future they could take advantage of a loosening in the restrictions and destroy the seal.
But that did not mean all would be well.
Both the "Nation-Stabilizing Imperial Seal" and the ancestral vein were extremely precious. Great Sheng was already destroyed; even if they truly reclaimed Eastern Divine Continent, the territory would most likely fall under Great Song on Heavenly Water Isle.
Even if a new mortal dynasty were established, there would be too many interests entangled within it. The most likely outcome was that various immortal-cultivating clans would hold the realm, not the already-ruined Cao family.
Just as Cao Zhi was troubled by this, he suddenly received notice from the upper sect: the Thirty-Six Immortal Sects had unanimously agreed that after taking Eastern Divine Continent, they would restore Great Sheng.
This shocked Cao Zhi.
He had never believed that pies fell from the sky. Afterward, he began asking around in every direction, and only not long ago did he finally get news.
Within Heavenly Sword Sect—the true first-rate sect on Heavenly Water Isle—there was a Nascent Soul elder… surnamed Cao!
After learning this, Cao Zhi frantically searched through the records in the Book of Great Sheng, only to discover a huge gap.
That was that Taizu, Cao Xie, had long ago abandoned the martial path and switched to the immortal path. Based on various descriptions, he should have reached late-stage Qi Refining.
Late-stage Qi Refining was not considered high.
But one had to know one thing.
Eastern Divine Continent had no spiritual qi!
Under conditions of extreme scarcity in cultivation resources, Taizu still reached late-stage Qi Refining in middle age. By his later years, he would also frequently go into seclusion.
Thinking about it now, it was extremely likely that he had found a chance to enter Heavenly Water Isle and formally begin cultivating, until in his later years, because Great Sheng truly had no resources to sustain cultivation, he had no choice but to abandon Eastern Divine Continent.
That was why he faked his death and passed on the throne.
After all, "Taizu died at 80." Even for a Qi Refining cultivator, dying at 80 was a bit too early.
Add to that the wondrous uses of the Dragon Abyss Sword and the Nation-Stabilizing Imperial Seal—both were developed by Taizu. How could he possibly have been only a Qi Refining cultivator?
If one did the math—
It had been over 300 years since Great Sheng was founded. Taizu was over 400 years old. If he was a Nascent Soul cultivator, the timing matched as well.
Moreover, according to what Cao Zhi had learned during this period, Taizu's status seemed extraordinary even within the cultivation world. Otherwise, with a single sentence, he would not have been able to decide that Eastern Divine Continent would still, in the future, be governed by the Cao family of the Great Sheng Dynasty.
But it was not until recently that Cao Zhi finally received news that Taizu was summoning him. So he gave up going to the Nine Nether Forbidden Land and instead hurried to Heavenly Sword Sect without stopping.
Who would have thought that because of this, he would escape a calamity.
The first batch of Guiyuan Sect disciples who went to explore the forbidden land all died miserably within it. Not a single one survived; even their heads were all taken away.
Rumor said it was done by the Seven Kill Sect, but Cao Zhi's first instinct was that White Robe did it—that the one surnamed Chen had led Great Han's people back for revenge.
Very fortunate.
Others could die, but he, Cao Zhi, would not anymore.
Because Taizu was Nascent Soul!
The one surnamed Chen, at best, was still around early-stage Foundation Establishment. Cultivating to Nascent Soul would take at least several hundred years. Cao Zhi did not believe his "big brother" could hide for several hundred years.
No—rather, the troubles at Daze's main peak a few years from now would be problems Chen Sanshi absolutely could not resolve.
Rumble—
The stone gate of the cave dwelling ahead slowly opened to both sides.
Cao Zhi came back to himself. He respectfully dropped to his knees toward the cave dwelling and clasped his fists in salute.
"I am the Cao clan's 28th-generation great-great-grandson, here to pay respects to Ancestor."
"Come in."
From within the pitch-black cave dwelling came a voice as calm as an ancient well, without a ripple.
Cao Zhi rose from the ground, brushed the dust from his knees, and straightened his clothes before stepping across the threshold.
In an instant, spiritual qi so dense it almost formed substance rushed toward him. Even without circulating his cultivation, he could feel it continuously drilling into his body, transforming his flesh and even his energy reservoir.
This had to be—
A spiritual vein of the 4th tier or higher!
The layout within the cave dwelling was simple. There were only a few medicinal fields and a cultivation chamber; even the indoor furnishings were entirely carved from the mountain rock itself.
Cao Xie, dressed in a blue cloud-patterned robe, sat cross-legged before a stone table brewing tea. Crimson spiritual plant leaves melted into the water like clusters of flames, and the mist that rose from it soothed the mind and spirit.
To Cao Zhi's surprise, his great ancestor looked far younger than he had imagined—no more than about 30 years old.
Of course, for immortal cultivators, a mismatch between appearance and age was common.
"Cao Zhi kowtows before Ancestor!"
Cao Zhi did not dare raise his head. He knelt again on the ground. "This descendant of the Cao clan is incompetent, having lost the great rivers and mountains left behind by our forebears. I have no face to confront Ancestor!"
Cao Xie did not speak. He simply sipped his tea lightly. Only after drinking half the cup did he begin speaking, almost as if to himself:
"Over 400 years now.
"In those days, I was merely a horse servant amid chaotic times. Unwilling to accept my fate, I raised the banner of rebellion, thinking that one day I would no longer need to look up at others. I spent half my life on horseback, carving out a realm—only to discover what it means that beyond men there are greater men, and beyond mountains, higher mountains.
"From then on, I devoted myself wholeheartedly to seeking the Dao. Yet in the end, I could not put at ease the brothers who fought beside me, nor the realm we had carved out together.
"Thus I left behind the Nation-Stabilizing Imperial Seal, the Dragon Abyss Sword, and the methods of seeking the Dao, as a bit of blessing for later generations. From that point on, I no longer concerned myself with mortal affairs.
"20 years ago, I entered seclusion. I never expected that when I emerged, the world outside would already have changed."
...
Cao Zhi's forehead pressed tightly against the ground. He did not dare make a sound for a long time.
"Enough. Rise."
Cao Xie spoke calmly. "The rise and fall of mortal dynasties is but the norm. If not for the ancestral vein of Eastern Divine Continent showing signs of revival, I would not have cared overly much about my descendants losing a barren land."
"Yes, Ancestor."
Only then did Cao Zhi rise. But immediately his body stiffened. It felt as if a mountain were pressing down upon him, rendering him unable to move.
"Your aptitude is acceptable."
Cao Xie said faintly, "Later, I will have someone send you a batch of pills and cultivation methods. In the future, cultivate diligently. Do not slack off."
"Many thanks, Ancestor!"
Cao Zhi's heart surged with excitement.
A casual reward from a Nascent Soul elder of a top-tier sect on Heavenly Water Isle was a heaven-sent opportunity!
"After you return, send people to Eastern Divine Continent to search for members of my Cao clan scattered among the common folk who possess spiritual roots. Bring all of them to Heavenly Water Isle. I have other arrangements."
Cao Xie paused, his tone turning somewhat colder. "As for that Chen Lei, is there any trace of him now?"
"He—"
Cao Zhi recounted the events that had occurred in the Nine Nether Forbidden Land. "In these past few years, he is very likely traveling back and forth between Eastern Divine Continent and Heavenly Water Isle. However, it is difficult to grasp his exact movements."
"Search carefully. Once his whereabouts are discovered, inform me at once. I will personally deal with him."
As Cao Zhi spoke, he once again raised the teacup.
"I will bear it firmly in mind. This grandson takes his leave!"
Cao Zhi understood. After retreating several steps, he slowly turned and left the cave dwelling.
Within the cave dwelling, silence returned.
Cao Xie set down the teacup. A streak of spiritual light flew out from his sleeve and hovered in midair. Upon closer inspection, it was a scroll.
The scroll opened on its own, revealing its contents. Inside were portraits—familiar faces clad in armor, one after another. On the left side of the scroll were written three large characters: Qilin Pavilion.
The Twelve Supreme Generals of Qilin Pavilion.
It was these men who had once, together with Great Sheng Taizu Emperor, founded the Central Plains and established more than 300 years of national destiny.
Rumble—
The stone gate of the cave dwelling opened once more. A Nascent Soul female cultivator wearing wide-sleeved immortal robes stepped in, flowers blooming beneath her every step as she approached.
Her vermilion lips parted slightly, her voice as clear as spring water. "It seems that even Junior Brother, known as the 'Heaven-Slaying Lord,' has mortal ties he cannot sever. Summoning your descendant this time—could it be that your cultivation has been affected?"
"After leaving Great Sheng, I believed my six senses were purified, and that from then on I would never again care about mortal matters. Only after 300 years did I understand—
"My temperament was not as steadfast as I imagined."
Cao Xie put away the scroll and said expressionlessly, "Recently, in seclusion, my mind often recalls the brothers who stood beside me when we first rose in rebellion among mortals.
"I do not know how many times I had already stepped halfway into the Yellow Springs, only for them to pull me back with their own lives. That is what led to Great Sheng—and to the present 'Heaven-Slaying Lord.'"
"In that case,"
The fairy spoke slowly, "Junior Brother truly intends to personally help your bloodline descendants restore the state?"
Cao Xie gestured for her to sit, then said, "The realm that the brothers of Qilin Pavilion exchanged with everything they had—how can I remain calm seeing it fall into another's hands for nothing?
"Even if Great Sheng no longer exists in this world, it absolutely should not be Chen Han.
"Moreover, in some years Eastern Divine Continent's ancestral vein will revive. It will no longer be a barren land. It is entirely worth expending a bit of effort."
"It seems Junior Brother's ambitions are not small."
The fairy smiled. "No wonder Master once said that with Junior Brother present, Heavenly Sword Sect would enjoy an undying legacy and stand at the summit of Heavenly Water Isle."
"Senior Sister overpraises me. I have simply never liked looking up at others."
As Cao Xie spoke, he took out another set of mortal records and browsed through their contents, disgust filling his eyes. "I also do not like this junior surnamed Chen."
Northern Yang Dao, a mortal town.
The Nine Nether Forbidden Land had completely collapsed into the void. From this day forward, that secret realm would no longer exist.
This was the news Chen Sanshi received 2 days after leaving the forbidden land.
In the inn courtyard, the cultivators of Tianyong City gathered together, tallying their gains while awaiting the next order.
The journey into the forbidden land had yielded abundant rewards.
Nearly everyone had obtained a considerable number of spirit plants.
But overall, the items Chen Sanshi acquired alone accounted for more than 70% of the total—pills, pill formulas, heavenly materials and earthly treasures, magical artifacts—everything one could want.
He made a rough estimate.
The resources from this expedition were enough to cultivate 12 Foundation Establishment cultivators, and in addition, 18 True Force martial artists—30 high-level combatants in total.
It was certainly worth celebrating, but in truth, it only "treated the symptoms, not the root cause."
A court must possess a large reserve of talent, rather than forever relying on just that handful of people, if it is to operate in the long term.
Thus the same issue remained: they had no industries of their own, or in other words, no sustainable source of resources.
However, with the Earth-Spirit Purple Vine in hand, they could at least create a medicinal valley belonging to Tianyong City. It would simply require decades, perhaps even hundreds of years, of cultivation.
"All of you, disperse across Heavenly Water Isle and await the next military order. During this period, do not act without authorization."
Chen Sanshi conveyed the verbal decree.
"We obey Your Majesty!"
The commandants of Tianyong City dispersed one after another.
"Your Majesty, then this servant and Zhaozhao…"
Ningxiang bowed. "We will take our leave first."
"Very well."
Chen Sanshi agreed. "I have already granted permission."
"For Your Majesty's protection over these years, this servant will surely repay it in the future."
After speaking, Ningxiang led her disciple away.
Once everyone had been dismissed, Chen Sanshi personally escorted the vast trove of treasures back to Tianyong City.
His fellow disciples had waited so many years. At last, they had heavenly materials and earthly treasures sufficient to open their spirit apertures. Before long, they would become True Force martial artists.
In addition, Chen Sanshi selected a peak among the mountain ranges to serve as Tianyong City's medicinal valley, naming it "Flower Medicine Palace."
He had already studied and cultivated the relevant texts on "Spiritual Planting Art." Once he felt he had grasped about 70% to 80% of it, he came to the prepared land and planted the Earth-Spirit Purple Vine.
The purple vines were like spiritual serpents, spreading through the soil at a speed visible to the naked eye. Not only did they not damage the earth, they also absorbed the spiritual qi of heaven and earth, gradually transforming ordinary farmland into spiritual fields.
[Art: Spiritual Planting Art (Uninitiated)]
[Progress: 0/100]
[Effect: None]
"Another skill that requires constant refinement."
Chen Sanshi sighed with emotion.
At this rate, he truly would not be able to keep up with everything.
Of course, matters had priorities.
For now, the focus remained on improving "Alchemy" and "Formation," with "Talisman" and "Puppet Crafting" as supplements. The rest could only be managed as best as possible.
"Your daughter greets Imperial Father."
Xu Yunhuan came to his side and bowed.
"So it's you."
Chen Sanshi set down the hoe in his hand and said softly, "Yunhuan, is something the matter?"
"Yes."
Xu Yunhuan nodded. "Imperial Father, your son also wishes to learn Spiritual Planting Art."
Chen Sanshi remembered that this girl had loved tinkering with flowers and plants since childhood. In the future, once the medicinal valley took shape, someone would be needed to manage it. It would not hurt to cultivate her in advance.
He agreed. "I grant it. Shortly, I will have someone deliver the relevant texts and magical artifacts to your palace."
"Many thanks, Imperial Father."
Xu Yunhuan happily bowed once more.