Chapter 63: Warmth, Westward Journey
Night talk in the pavilion, drinking under the moon. Yu Yuanchen and Qian Daoliu engaged in a deep and candid exchange regarding the continent's landscape, the internal strife within Spirit Hall, and even the ethereal inheritance of Divinity. It wasn't until the moon passed its zenith that the two departed, each having gained a deeper understanding and positioning of the other in their hearts.
When Yu Yuanchen returned to the alliance camp, his grandfather, Yu Boxuan, was still waiting in the tent.
"Chener, why did Qian Daoliu seek you out?" Yu Boxuan asked with concern. Although he knew his grandson's strength was extraordinary, he couldn't help but worry when facing the Saint of Spirit Hall.
Yu Yuanchen drained the remaining wine in his cup and calmly recounted the key points of his conversation with Qian Daoliu. From Gold Crocodile Douluo's attitude to the internal rift within Spirit Hall on how to handle the continent's situation (the Purge Deterrence Faction versus the Cooperation Definition Faction), to the concept of the 'Upper Three Sects', and finally the shocking information regarding the inheritance of Divinity, he concealed nothing.
Yu Boxuan's expression shifted as he listened, sometimes solemn, sometimes surprised, eventually falling into a long silence.
After a long while, he finally spoke slowly, his voice tinged with emotion: "Spirit Hall... to think such internal rifts exist. Gold Crocodile Douluo is domineering and seeks conquest; the Supreme Pontiff, Qian Chongshan (currently acting as Supreme Pontiff), is more calculating, preferring open schemes to bind interests and jointly set the order. This 'Upper Three Sects' position seems honorable, but it is actually a way to bind our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, the Clear Sky Sect, and others to Spirit Hall's war machine. We would maintain the order they define and share their pressure, while also sharing their authority. It is a double-edged sword."
He looked at Yu Yuanchen: "Chener, how do you see this?"
Yu Yuanchen pondered for a moment and said, "Grandfather, I believe that Spirit Hall has indeed performed great services for the Human Race over the years by Awakening Martial Souls for commoners, providing subsidies for low-level Soul Masters, restraining their behavior, and having their experts guard the borders against Soul Beast tides. The successive Angelic High Priests, in particular, have stepped forward many times during human crises. The continent's Soul Masters have all benefited from this merit and kindness; we cannot deny it, nor should we view them as enemies."
He shifted his tone: "However, their internal factions are numerous and their philosophies differ. Gold Crocodile Douluo's faction is domineering and forceful—those who follow prosper, and those who resist perish. If they lead Spirit Hall, the continent will surely be plunged into war, and our Sect will find it difficult to remain unscathed. Meanwhile, the Supreme Pontiff's faction advocates for cooperation to define order. Though it is an open scheme, it aligns more with the current trend. If it can be achieved, it would be more beneficial than harmful for the Spirit Master's world in the short term. Our Sect can go with the flow, using the name of the 'Upper Three Sects' to consolidate our position and accumulate strength, but we must remain vigilant, hold our ground, and never become a mere vassal of Spirit Hall."
"As for Qian Daoliu..." A strange light flashed in Yu Yuanchen's eyes. "His ambition is not for power on the continent, but for the God Realm! His aspirations are grand, and his Heart-Nature, talent, and vision are all top-tier. With him, one can compete or cooperate, but he must not be a mortal enemy. At least, not until we touch upon the divine path."
Hearing this, Yu Boxuan's eyes sparkled as he clapped his hands in praise. "Good! Chener, you see through it all! Your words resonate deeply with me! We should acknowledge Spirit Hall's contributions. We must observe their internal rifts. And we shall take the position of the Upper Three Sects! But in dealing with Spirit Hall, we must remain wary and maintain our independence. With Qian Daoliu, we can maintain this competitive relationship as both rivals and friends. Only then can we secure the greatest chance for survival and development for our Sect in the coming great changes!"
The grandfather and grandson consulted for a while longer, setting the Family's basic strategy for dealing with Spirit Hall and other continental powers for the foreseeable future.
A few days later, the matters of the Diamond Mountain Range were completely settled. The allied forces of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect returned home laden with spoils.
Dragon City, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan estate.
The victorious returning party was warmly welcomed by the clansmen. Having wiped out an old enemy, expanded territory by a thousand miles, and seized countless spoils, the Family's prestige was at its peak, and every clansman felt a sense of pride. Yu Boxuan presided over the Elders' Council, announcing the results, distributing resources, and providing for the casualties, handling all matters in an orderly fashion.
Yu Yuanchen, meanwhile, found himself relatively free. He returned to his own courtyard to continue digesting what he had gained from the trip—especially the battle with Qian Daoliu and the insights from summoning heavenly lightning to level the natural barriers. His cultivation was steadily improving, and his conversion and control of Thunder True Essence became increasingly refined.
On this day, he was practicing a newly realized Thunder Step technique in the courtyard. His body transformed into purple lightning, flickering and shifting within a small space, leaving behind profound and mysterious afterimages.
Suddenly, he heard soft footsteps from outside the courtyard, along with a faint, comforting fragrance.
Yu Yuanchen paused, withdrawing the lightning from around his body, and looked toward the courtyard gate.
He saw Ye Zhilan standing there prettily, holding an exquisite lunch box. Today, she wore a light green dress that made her skin look even fairer, her eyes carrying a complex mix of worry and joy.
"Brother Yuanchen." Seeing him look over, she lowered her head slightly, a blush creeping onto her cheeks as she called out softly.
"Zhilan, you're here." Yu Yuanchen smiled and went to meet her. Returning from a great battle and seeing this gentle and understanding girl, a sense of peace couldn't help but rise in his heart.
"I heard from the clansmen... that Brother Yuanchen went to a very far place recently and went through a fierce battle..." Ye Zhilan looked up, her beautiful eyes full of concern. "You... weren't hurt, were you?" She looked him up and down, as if trying to find any traces of injury on him.
Yu Yuanchen felt a warmth in his heart and shook his head. "Just a few clowns; they have all been dealt with. I am fine, thank you for worrying."
Ye Zhilan finally breathed a sigh of relief and showed a reassured smile, handing over the food box. "This is a soup I brewed using freshly picked Spirit-Soothing Flowers and several medicinal herbs to calm the mind and nourish the Qi. Brother Yuanchen has been traveling for days, so your Martial Soul must be exhausted. Drink some soup to recover."
Yu Yuanchen took the food box; it was warm to the touch and smelled fragrant. He was not one for gourmet desires, but this attentiveness and concern were quite pleasing to him. "Thank you."
The two sat down at the stone table in the courtyard. Ye Zhilan quietly watched Yu Yuanchen eat the soup, occasionally speaking in a soft voice about recent interesting events in the Family or her new insights from studying medicine. Yu Yuanchen mostly listened quietly, responding occasionally or answering her questions about Soul Power cultivation.
The atmosphere was peaceful and warm. After spending time together during this period, the hazy affection between them seemed to have become clearer. Ye Zhilan's gentleness, kindness, intelligence, and her undisguised admiration and reliance on Yu Yuanchen were like a trickling stream, quietly soaking into his heart, which had become somewhat cold and hard from cultivation and killing. Meanwhile, Yu Yuanchen's strength, steadiness, and the occasional gentle patience he showed only to her also caused the young girl's heart to sink deeper into love.
However, in Yu Yuanchen's mind, Qian Daoliu's words about the inheritance of Divinity and that faint, mysterious summons from the west were always lingering.
Once Yu Yuanchen finished the soup, Ye Zhilan packed the food box. After a moment's hesitation, she asked softly, "Brother Yuanchen... what are your plans next? Will you... be leaving again soon?"
Yu Yuanchen looked at the barely perceptible reluctance in her eyes and remained silent for a moment. He knew that some things, after all, needed to be done.
He looked up at the western horizon, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of rooftops to see the far-off, unknown distance. He spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying a hint of unquestionable resolve: "Zhilan, I need to leave for a period of time. I am going to the west to find some... answers."
"The west?" Ye Zhilan was slightly stunned, a trace of loss flitting through her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by worry. "Is it very far? Is it dangerous?"
"Perhaps it is far, and perhaps there is danger," Yu Yuanchen did not hide it. "But this matter concerns my future path; I must go."
He looked into Ye Zhilan's worried eyes, his tone softening slightly. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I will return in a few months at the shortest, or a year or two at the longest."
Ye Zhilan lowered her head, her hands twisting the corner of her clothes, and remained silent for quite a while. She knew that the man before her was a thunder dragon soaring in the Nine Heavens, destined not to be confined to one corner. His World was far broader and more dangerous than she could imagine.
Finally, she looked up and forced a smile, though her eyes shone with determined light. "Brother Yuanchen, go ahead. Zhilan will wait for you here. I will work hard to Cultivate the methods you taught me and study medicine well with the clan Elders. I will definitely not... become a burden to you."
She paused, her voice light but exceptionally serious. "I only hope that... you will be careful in all things and return safely."
Seeing her suppressing her reluctance while trying to support him, a soft spot in Yu Yuanchen's heart was gently touched. He reached out and lightly patted her shoulder, a slightly unfamiliar but comforting gesture.
"Alright, I promise you, I will return safely."
Three days later, Yu Yuanchen had everything arranged. He further refined his self-created basic Bloodline Body Tempering Method and left behind more detailed cultivation insights, giving them to his grandfather and father. He stated that they could choose Disciples with good Heart-Nature and a solid Foundation to attempt the cultivation to strengthen the Family's Foundation.
He went to see Ye Zhilan one more time, leaving behind some medicinal herbs he didn't need that helped calm the mind and nourish the blood, and once again urged her to Cultivate well.
Finally, he bid farewell to his grandfather Yu Boxuan and his father Yu Mingfeng.
"Chener, the journey west is long; be careful in everything," Yu Boxuan urged solemnly. "As for the Family's affairs, there are the Elders and me; you don't need to worry. While searching for divine traces is important, your own safety is the top priority! If something cannot be done, return quickly!"
Yu Mingfeng also patted his son's shoulder, his tiger-like eyes full of pride and concern. "Go on, a man's ambition lies in the four corners of the World. Everything at home is fine. I will also look after that girl from the Ye Family for you."
Yu Yuanchen nodded heavily, taking his Elders' care to heart.
He did not disturb many clansmen, quietly leaving Dragon City in the early morning at the first light of dawn.
His figure turned into an inconspicuous streak of purple lightning, soaring across the vast land and heading straight toward the west, the direction from which the mysterious summons came.
Ahead lay an unknown journey, ancient ruins that might hold the chance for godhood, and places of ancient legend where danger and opportunity coexisted.
His westward path to seek the traces had officially begun. Where exactly would the guidance of the divine traces lead him?
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