Starting with a daily divination to build an immortal clan

Chapter 255 Return
"No wonder when Li Qing returned after achieving the Golden Core Dao, he searched the entire sea area but couldn't find this island."

"He probably never imagined that the island back then would have such the ability to brave the wind and waves."

After pondering this in his heart, Shen Wen'an thought of the golden-haired monkey on the island.

"This demon is definitely not an ordinary beast..."

"There must be some incredibly powerful backing behind him!"

Not to mention that it only took two hundred years for it to go from an uncivilized wild beast to a powerful being in the Purple Mansion.

It is no ordinary thing that he can skillfully control this strange island.

Shen Wen'an stood in the void, pondering for a long time, but in the end, he could only helplessly continue his journey back.

……

Huaisang County.

When Shen Wen'an arrived at Situ Jing's cave again, he found that his clansmen had already built many houses at the entrance of the cave.

"Third Master, you're back?"

Upon seeing him, many members of the Shen family respectfully stepped forward to pay their respects.

Shen Wen'an nodded, then looked around, but found no trace of Shen Chongxuan.

Liu Gui was a man skilled at reading people, and seeing Shen Wen'an looking around, he respectfully cupped his hands and said, "Is Third Master looking for Young Master Chongxuan?"

Shen Wen'an nodded again.

Liu Gui cupped his hands and said, "Young Master Chongxuan has returned to Yunshui City and should be back in the next few days."

"Third Master, would you like to wait for the young master, or go back now?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an pondered for a moment and then took out the sea map drawn by Situ Jing.

"Just give this to Chongxuan when he returns."

After Liu Gui respectfully accepted the sea map, Shen Wen'an transformed into a sword beam and flew towards Yunshui City.

……

The second floor of Blackwater Pavilion.

Shen Yuan listened quietly as Shen Wen'an recounted what he had seen and heard on this voyage, his expression somewhat solemn.

"So, according to you, the old man's scheme is almost complete?"

Many years ago, the phenomenon of spiritual beings manifesting in the border area between the Southern Frontier Fushan Kingdom and Tianjian City had already appeared. Although it is still unknown how many spiritual beings there are in the complete Yangnao Land, the fact that this phenomenon of spiritual beings manifesting in the border area is enough to prove that the schemes of Xu Xiu and other Nascent Soul True Monarchs have reached their most critical moment.

"Bring me the complete map of that Yangnao land."

After a moment's thought, Shen Yuan spoke in a deep voice.

Shen Wen'an got up, took the scroll from the bookshelf next to him, and spread it out on the desk.

"Based on the current situation, these marked locations should be the approximate locations where the spirits of Yangnao Land exist."

“The spirit at the border between Fushan Kingdom and Tianjian City has already been taken.”

"There is another spirit in Flame Lake City..."

The father and son carefully studied the map that Shen Xiuchan had brought out from the Seven Sages Mountain Secret Realm.

"Father, could this be the place where my memories were erased?"

Shen Wen'an pointed to a special marker on the map in front of him, west of Flame Lake City, and suddenly spoke.

He followed his father's instructions and went west to explore Flame Lake City. In the end, he discovered something and had his entire memory erased and left outside Flame Lake City.

It was precisely because of that incident that his Dao heart almost collapsed.

Fortunately, they eventually made it through.

Shen Yuan nodded and said, "It seems that's possible right now."

"After the source of the Dao is extracted from the Golden Core Realm dragon in the sea, this world will wither and be destroyed."

"Now I vaguely understand what that old fellow Xu Xiu meant."

After a slight pause, Shen Yuan slowly stood up, his expression solemn, and said, "After the Dao Source is refined into a supreme treasure, it will give rise to the Dao Source Secret Realm."

"The spirit is the token for entering the Dao Source Secret Realm. The thing at the bottom of the lava lake in Flame Lake City is probably a talisman left to our Shen family by the old man."

"With that spirit, once the Dao Source of Yangnao Land is drained, my Shen family can use that spirit to directly enter the Dao Source Secret Realm to live."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

Li Qing once said that the Dao Source Secret Realm is different from the real world.

In a normal world, the spirit and the source of the Dao are not manifest, and the common people and cultivators living in the world cannot feel the spirit and the source of the Dao, and will not be greatly affected.

However, the Dao Source and the Spiritual Essence in the Dao Source Secret Realm are fully manifested. Living in the Dao Source Secret Realm for a long time will subtly influence ordinary people and cultivators, leading to distortions.

Thinking of this, he suddenly remembered the people from the underworld he had met when he broke through to the Golden Core stage.

Those guys must have developed physical deformities because they lived in the Dao Source Secret Realm for a long time.

The thought of the monster transformed from the underworld being that attracted him when he first broke through to the Golden Core stage filled Shen Wen'an with dread.

If he were in the Dao Source Secret Realm, he would eventually transform into that hideous monster; he would rather perish in the endless, desolate sea.

"Now that things have come to this, I have roughly figured out many things, but there are still two doubts left."

Shen Yuan was unaware of his thoughts, as he was still pondering the calculations of all parties behind this conspiracy.

Shen Wen'an came to his senses and asked in confusion, "Father, is there anything else you don't understand?"

Shen Yuan walked to the window with his hands behind his back, looked at the shimmering water in the distance, pondered for a long time, and said in a deep voice, "The Underworld and the Calamity Fire Sect."

Mentioning these two forces, Shen Wen'an frowned.

Based on the previous analysis, both the Underworld and the Calamity Fire Sect should be powerful forces possessing Dao Source Secret Realms.

However, the two major forces were not at peace despite guarding their respective Dao Source Secret Realm.

The Underworld has always kept a close eye on the Golden Core cultivators of various forces. Whether it's Danzhou or Yangnao Land, whenever a cultivator breaks through to the Golden Core stage, the people of the Underworld can easily come knocking on their door, killing them and seizing their Golden Core.

The Jiehuo Sect is even more mysterious. Not only are they making clandestine plans in Yangnao Land, searching for the descendants of the Daying Immortal Mansion, but they are also eyeing the Three Immortal Mountains.

"There must be a reason behind the strange actions of the two forces."

"This is something I still don't understand."

After pondering for a long time, Shen Yuan spoke in a deep voice.

Whether it's the Yin Si's plot to seize the metal element or the Jie Huo Sect's plot to seize the Three Immortal Mountains, they must both have deeper motives.

This inevitably involves the very foundation of the Dao Source Secret Realm.

"Forget it, there's no need to rush to consider these things."

"Right now, we need to figure out how much time we have left."

Slowly turning around, Shen Yuan spoke in a deep voice.

From the transformation of the spirit into a physical form, to the complete draining of the source of the Dao, and then to the withering and destruction of the entire world, the most crucial question is how much time remains in between.

Shen Wen'an nodded upon hearing this.

Whether the Shen family will need to use their spiritual energy to enter the Dao Source Secret Realm is another matter; the most important thing is how much time is left in this Yangnao Land.

"Father, what do I intend to do..."

Just as he was about to speak, he heard the sound of a door opening downstairs.

Immediately afterwards, someone hurried up the stairs.

The father and son both looked toward the stairs at the same time, and a moment later they saw Shen Wenxing come to the second floor with a solemn expression.

"Wen'an is back?"

Upon seeing Shen Wen'an, a hint of surprise appeared on his face.

Shen Wen'an bowed slightly and said, "Elder brother."

Shen Wenxing nodded, then said, "You've come back just in time."

"Something has happened in Flame Lake City."

As he spoke, he came to Shen Yuan and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Chong Hong just sent someone to deliver a message that strange phenomena have appeared in the lava lake of Flame Lake City."

"The news says that a ferocious bird engulfed in terrifying flames suddenly flew out from the bottom of the lava lake!"

"The ferocious bird spoke in human language, saying that something had happened at the bottom of the lake, and specifically asked Wen'an to go and take a look."

A vicious bird?

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an felt a sense of unease.

"Father, elder brother, let's talk about this later. I'm going to Flame Lake City first!"

Before he finished speaking, his figure transformed into a sword beam and disappeared into the Blackwater Pavilion.

……

Western Wilderness, Flame Lake City.

The Vermilion Bird of Fire stood quietly on the lotus platform in the center of the lava lake.

With it in existence, many cultivators in the city dared not approach the lava lake and hid in the distance.

“Uncle Chongyi, this ferocious bird should be the one that Third Grandfather mentioned before, which exists at the bottom of the lake.”

Looking at the Vermilion Bird of Fire, whose feathers were bright and luxurious and whose body was burning with pale golden flames, Shen Xiuyun spoke.

He Chongyi's expression was solemn, and he remained silent.

Although he thought so too, the aura emanating from the Vermilion Bird of Fire was too terrifying; it was at least a being at the Perfected Nascent Soul Realm.

Most importantly, he didn't know what the relationship was between this ferocious bird and the Shen family, so he didn't dare to disturb it rashly.

If you offend the other party and suffer an undeserved disaster, then it would be a loss that outweighs the gain.

The crowd waited quietly for a short while before a sword light streaked across the sky from the east and flew rapidly in.

The sword's edge landed in Flame Lake City, transforming into Shen Wen'an's figure.

"Third uncle."

"Third Grandpa."

Upon seeing Shen Wen'an arrive, He Chongyi's tense nerves finally relaxed.

"Third Uncle is here."

Shen Chonghong, who was cultivating inside, also came out and respectfully bowed to Shen Wen'an.

Shen Wen'an nodded, glanced at the Vermilion Bird of Fire, and said, "You all stay away from here first. I'll go and find out what's going on."

The reason why the Vermilion Bird of Fire wants to see me must be because there's something wrong with the pebbles at the bottom of the lava lake.

Those stone eggs possess a spirit; the fewer people who know about them, the better.

Upon hearing this, He Chongyi and Shen Chonghong did not ask any further questions and led their clansmen to the other side of Flame Lake City.

After everyone had gone far away, Shen Wen'an flashed to the front of the Vermilion Bird of Fire, waved his hand to set up a protective barrier, and asked in a deep voice, "What happened?"

The Vermilion Bird, its eyes filled with anxiety, exclaimed, "That stone egg... it's gone!"

what! ?

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an's heart sank!
The pebbles were perfectly fine at the bottom of the lava lake, so how could they suddenly disappear?

Flame Lake City has a large formation, and there are hundreds of Shen family cultivators in the city. Who could have sneaked in silently and stolen the stone egg?

"Haven't you been guarding the bottom of the lake all this time?"

"Didn't you notice anything unusual when the pebbles were stolen?"

Faced with Shen Wen'an's questioning, Li Huo Zhuque repeatedly explained, "Don't... don't get excited, let me finish what I have to say."

"The pebble disappeared into the lava lake, but... it wasn't lost!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an frowned slightly.

"What's going on, tell me clearly!"

The Vermilion Bird seemed somewhat confused. After stammering for a moment, it spread its wings and said, "Never mind, see for yourself."

Before the words were even finished, it immediately activated the power of the flames within its body.

In an instant, the power of the flames radiated a dazzling light within his body, illuminating his entire form.

It was at this moment that Shen Wen'an suddenly discovered that on the abdomen of the huge body of the Vermilion Bird of Fire, there was a faint phantom that looked very similar to a stone egg.

"You swallowed the pebble?"

Shen Wen'an frowned and questioned in a cold voice.

No wonder he clearly felt that the [Life Force] in Flame Lake City was much weaker when he arrived.

"No...I didn't swallow it!"

The Vermilion Bird, on the verge of tears, repeatedly explained, "I don't know how it got into my stomach."

"You have to believe me!"

"This thing is too strange, how could I dare to swallow it?"

Shen Wen'an quietly examined it, and seeing that it didn't seem to be lying, his expression softened slightly as he asked, "Can you get it out?"

The Vermilion Bird of Fire shook its head repeatedly.

"It feels like it's merging into my body, and I can feel something growing inside it..."

Seeing the anxious look on Li Huo Zhu Que's face, Shen Wen'an had a strange expression.

Something is constantly growing...

What if this guy gives birth to something?

"Hey!"

"You need to think of something quickly!"

Seeing that Shen Wen'an remained silent, Li Huo Zhuque became even more anxious and kept urging him to help.

After thinking for a moment, Shen Wen'an said, "How about I cut open your stomach and see if I can take it out?"

Upon hearing this, the Vermilion Bird of Fire stiffened, then shook its head repeatedly, saying, "That won't do!"

“I am the essence of innate fire. If you cut open my belly, I will immediately lose my current form.”

"I wonder how long I'll have to wait to transform back into human form."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an could only shake his head helplessly: "Since it doesn't work, there's nothing I can do."

He vaguely sensed that the stone egg's spirit was about to materialize.

For some unknown reason, by sheer coincidence, it ended up inside the belly of the Vermilion Bird of Fire.

In this light, it's not actually a bad thing.

At least for now, the Vermilion Bird of Fire may be able to conceal the aura of its spirit, and even if the stone egg transforms into something within its belly in the future, it is estimated that it will not attract the attention of others.

"You can just focus on your cultivation at the bottom of the lava lake."

"Even if something is growing inside the stone egg, it will eventually be born."

Born?
Hearing this, the Vermilion Bird of Fire panicked even more.

But it was clear that Shen Wen'an had no other way to help it except by cutting open its abdomen.

After some discussion, it had no choice but to return to the bottom of the lava lake and obediently continue its cultivation.

After leaving the lava lake, Shen Wen'an found Shen Chonghong and the others.

In the courtyard, Shen Xiuyun asked curiously, "Third Grandfather, is that big bird the one you mentioned before, the one that can help us protect Flame Lake City?"

Shen Wen'an nodded and said, "That is a creature formed from the essence of innate fire, called the Fire Vermilion Bird."

"However, you should not disturb it recently."

The stone egg inexplicably entered its belly, so it seems that the Vermilion Bird of Fire probably hasn't had the mind to care about anything else during this time.

"Chonghong, the injury to your celestial foundation..."

"Uncle Three..."

Shen Chonghong looked at him with a wry smile, wanting to stop him, but it was clearly too late.

He had kept the fact that the foundation of his immortal embryo was injured a secret from his son, Shen Xiuyun, for more than two years.

Now that Shen Wen'an has asked him this question, he has been completely exposed.

Sure enough, upon hearing the words "foundation of the immortal embryo," Shen Xiuyun's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly looked at Shen Chonghong and said, "Father's foundation of the immortal embryo is injured!?"

Shen Chonghong sighed and smiled, "It's alright. I've recovered almost completely after two years of cultivation in Flame Lake City."

Shen Wen'an realized he had let something slip, so he immediately changed the subject, saying, "You should keep a close eye on the situation at the bottom of that lava lake."

"Cultivators in the city should also refrain from forging magical artifacts at the forges by the lava lake recently."

"I will plant seeds of sword intent around the lava lake later, and we'll talk about it when things have come to a conclusion."

The transformation of spiritual essence into physical form is of great importance. Although the stone egg is inside the belly of the Vermilion Bird of Fire, it is unclear whether there will be any other unusual phenomena once it is completely transformed into physical form.

Just to be on the safe side, he planned to seal off the lava lake first.

Upon hearing this, Shen Chonghong and the others didn't dare to ask any further questions and immediately nodded in agreement.

……

"Uncle-Master, they seem to have noticed something, and they've sped up their plans."

That night, the bright moon hung high in the sky, and the stars shone brilliantly.

In the rolling mountains of Danzhou, three figures stand atop a towering peak.

The one who spoke was Wei Chengyu, the chief of the Flintfire Cult.

Standing next to Wei Chengyu was a woman wearing a black off-shoulder dress and barefoot. Her silver hair shone faintly in the moonlight.

This woman was none other than Lin Ruoxuan, the chief cultivator of the Great Evolution Power from Tingfeng Valley in Qishan.

Back in Yangnao Land, in order to scheme against Shen Chongming, Lin Ruoxuan briefly fought Shen Yuan from a distance using the power of the Great Evolution, and was ultimately injured by Shen Yuan with the small purple sword on the white jade tortoise shell.

Standing in front of Wei Chengyu and Lin Ruoxuan was an elderly man with white hair and a straight eyebrow, dressed in a magnificent dark purple robe.

The old man exuded an air of authority, gazing at the distant, undulating mountains with his hands behind his back, displaying an aura of dominance over the world.

"That old bastard, True Lord Daying, is too cunning."

"So many contingency plans were left behind back then..."

The old man spoke in a deep voice, a cold glint suddenly flashing in his eyes: "Any news about the old man from Tianjun Mountain?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Chengyu behind him turned around and looked at Lin Ruoxuan.

Lin Ruoxuan shook her head with a somewhat unpleasant expression, cupped her hands and said, "Uncle-Master, please forgive me. Over the years, I have spent a great deal of effort, but I have still not found any trace of that old fellow."

After a slight pause, she continued, "Could there be a problem with the intelligence within the sect? That old man has already..."

The old man slowly turned around and said in a deep voice, "The sect leader's cultivation is extraordinary. If he says that old fellow is still alive, then he must not have died yet."

"The old fellow is a disciple of the Great Ying True Lord, and he cultivates the [Deceitful Secrets]. He hides like a rat, so it's normal that we can't find him."

After a moment's thought, Wei Chengyu cupped his hands and said, "The Great Lord of Great Ying is quite suspicious. Would he really entrust that immortal abode to a disciple who only has a nominal title?"

Upon hearing this, the old man sneered and said, "Isn't this because your Flintfire Sect and Yinhe Sect are utterly useless?!"

"After spending so many years and wasting a lot of resources in the sect, we still can't even determine the fate of the Seven Sons of Yangnao."

"Last time, I personally intervened to stop that old man from the Southern Frontier and sent you there. And what was the result?"

Wei Chengyu, embarrassed by the reprimand, bowed and said, "Uncle-Master, you've misunderstood your nephew..."

"Misunderstanding?"

The old man sneered, "Are you going to tell me that all your failures were because of your junior brother Minghuang?"

Sensing the old man's anger, Wei Chengyu quickly cupped his hands and explained, "Nephew wouldn't dare!"

The old man gave him a cold look and said, "Wrong is wrong, but you're still trying to shirk responsibility. You've lived three lifetimes, and you still don't understand this?"

Wei Chengyu dared not speak.

Lin Ruoxuan, who was standing to the side, seemed unable to bear seeing him continue to be scolded, and immediately cupped her hands and said, "Uncle-Master, what should we do next?"

"If we fail to find that immortal abode soon, and that old bastard, True Lord Daying, manages to seize it and integrate the Dao source of this Yangnao Land into the immortal abode, then it will be too late."

Upon hearing this, the old man's face suddenly turned ugly.

After frowning and pondering for a long time, he said, "Keep an eye on things here for now."

"We must not let our guard down in finding that old man at Sanxian Mountain and Tianjun Mountain."

"I will immediately return to Zhongzhou to consult with the Master."

"Even if we can't find the Great Ying Immortal Mansion, we absolutely cannot let that old fellow, the Great Ying True Monarch, obtain the Dao Source of this Yangnao Land smoothly."

"Otherwise, once he has gathered enough power, he will definitely seek revenge for what happened back then."

After the old man finished speaking, his figure suddenly transformed into a wisp of breeze and disappeared from the spot.

Only Wei Chengyu and Lin Ruoxuan remained on the mountaintop.

Once he was certain the old man had left, Wei Chengyu's expression turned extremely grim!
"Old man, if Master hadn't been ordered to seal himself away, how could he have the audacity to point fingers like this!" "Senior Brother Wei, watch your words!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruoxuan's expression suddenly changed. She said, "Du Tianjun is now the teaching Tianjun. With the other Tianjuns in the sect absent, he is the only one who can see the sect leader."

"If my senior brother hears what you said, and he adds fuel to the fire in front of the sect leader, even Master might not be able to protect you."

Although Wei Chengyu still looked unwilling, he didn't say anything more.

After a moment of silence, Wei Chengyu said somewhat irritably, "Last time we crossed the Void Cliff to circle back to Danzhou, we lost an ancient Li treasure ship, and now we still have to search for the Three Immortal Mountains!"

"That old guy from Southern Xinjiang is blocking the barrier like a gatekeeper, is he sending me to my death?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruoxuan sighed inwardly.

"If all else fails, Senior Brother will have no choice but to seek help from those guys in the Underworld."

"Let's borrow their crossing shuttle and get back to Yangnao Land first."

Upon hearing this, Wei Chengyu's expression turned even more unpleasant.

Although the Jiehuo Sect and the Yin Si once joined forces to deal with the Daying Immortal Mansion, the relationship between the two sides was not good.

He would have to pay a hefty price to use the underworld's crossing shuttle.

The sect wouldn't reimburse him for these things; he'd have to bear the cost himself.

"Alright, junior sister, please help me contact someone from the underworld."

……

Yunshui City.

Inside the Blackwater Pavilion, Shen Yuan was sorting through the various treasures that Shen Wen'an had brought back from the sea.

A figure slowly walked down from the third floor.

"Grandpa."

Shen Xiubai arrived at the second floor of the Blackwater Pavilion, bowed slightly, and then sat down opposite Shen Yuan.

Looking at the dazzling array of items in front of him, he asked curiously, "Did Third Grandfather bring all of these back from the sea?"

Shen Yuan nodded.

Most of the items in front of him were given by the golden-haired monkey at the Purple Mansion Realm, while a small portion was found by Shen Wen'an on an island along the way.

Shen Xiubai picked up a bead that emitted a faint red glow in front of him, examined it curiously, and asked, "Great-grandfather, what is this?"

Shen Yuan glanced at the pearl and smiled faintly: "It must be a pearl produced by some kind of sea monster."

There are many here.

As he spoke, he handed over a cloth bag.

Shen Xiubai took the cloth bag, opened it, and found dozens of beads of different colors inside.

"Pearls are very peculiar things. They can be refined into magical artifacts, used in medicine, and made into ornaments."

"Take some of these back for your aunt and grandma, and keep the rest for when you need them in the future, so you won't have to search for them again."

As Shen Yuan spoke, he picked out two more treasures from the pile in front of him and handed them to Shen Xiubai.

Meanwhile, Shen Xiubai frowned and pondered as he looked at the pearl in his hand.

a long time--

Suddenly, a faint glow appeared on his fingertips, and then he began to carve patterns on the surface of the pearl with great concentration.

After the array patterns were carved, a look of joy suddenly appeared on Shen Xiubai's face.

"Great-grandfather, could you give me some of these pearls?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan hesitated slightly before nodding and saying, "Take it if you like, but don't waste it."

"This thing is hard to find."

After Shen Xiubai nodded, he happily carried the bag of pearls up to the third floor to study them.

By the time Shen Yuan had sorted through the pile of items according to their different categories, it was already getting dark.

Looking at the many good things in front of him, a faint smile appeared on his face.

"It seems that no matter what world you are in, there are far more treasures at sea than on land."

"These five high-grade innate spiritual energies will be enough to easily give the Shen family five more cultivators at the Nascent Soul Perfection stage in the future."

After muttering to himself, Shen Yuan made up his mind that he would talk to Shen Chongming about expanding the Shen family's influence to the eastern sea.

The grand strategy in Yangnao Land has reached a critical stage, and time is running out.

The Shen family needs to make the most of this limited time to enhance their strength.

When Dao Yuan is truly taken away, at least he should have the right to speak, instead of relying on the little bit of affection between Xu Xiu and the Shen family to be manipulated by others.

……

In the third major plunder, Canaan Temple was forcefully destroyed by the Shen family, and all forces in the Southern Frontier were waiting for the intervention of the Nascent Soul True Monarchs behind the scenes.

However, more than two years have passed, and the Nascent Soul True Monarch behind the scenes has not only failed to intervene, but the Shen family has continued its eastward and westward conquests without any scruples, seizing a lot of spiritual fields and minerals from the surrounding forces such as Dawu Mountain and Fushan Kingdom.

Due to the domineering and powerful nature of the Shen family, these forces had endured their anger for a long time, but eventually they were all provoked.

Southern Xinjiang.

Inside the main hall of the White Prophet Temple on Yangquan Mountain.

Years have passed, and the number of disciples of the White Prophet Preacher has not increased much.

The reason for this is that Shen Chongxu intends to take a high-end approach, retaining only the core combat force in the sect, and no longer recruiting ordinary disciples unless they have exceptional talent.

Now that his cultivation has broken through to the perfect state of fetal breathing, Bai Xuanjiao has become quite well-known in the vicinity of Yangquan Mountain.

"Master, I have received news that the Fushan Kingdom has been frequently mobilizing large armies of cultivators recently, and their target seems to be the Yangnao Land."

Below, Dongyunbao, dressed in a short fur coat and with a burly build, cupped his hands and spoke.

As soon as he finished speaking, Ming Zhengchu also stepped forward.

"Reporting to the Sect Master, I have also received some news that the Yin Corpse Sect has been frequently mobilizing its cultivators recently, seemingly intending to shift its focus to the Yangnao Land."

"Besides that, there seems to be some unusual activity at Canaan Temple as well."

"Master, news has also come from my side..."

Dong Yunbao started the discussion, and the rest of them began to report on the unusual activities of various forces in their respective areas of responsibility.

Shen Chongxu leaned back on the throne, his brows lowered and eyes downcast, seemingly lost in thought.

After everyone finished their reports, they looked at each other in bewilderment.

In the past, whenever he noticed any unusual activity from the surrounding forces, Shen Chongxu would seize the opportunity to have them carry out a raid.

However, with various surrounding forces mobilizing their forces on a large scale, this is clearly a good opportunity for plunder.

Everyone was clearly puzzled as to why Shen Chongxu had stopped speaking.

"Master?"

Ming Zhengchu couldn't wait any longer and cautiously called out.

Interrupted from his thoughts, Shen Chongxu slowly sat up straight, glanced at everyone, and said, "A-Bao will take care of the looting. You can arrange it yourselves."

"Furthermore, effective immediately, I will be going into seclusion for a period of time."

"I'm temporarily entrusting the affairs of the church to Ah Bao. I hope everyone will cooperate well and not think that you can act recklessly just because I'm not here."

"If I come out of seclusion and hear anything unpleasant, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed and said, "Please rest assured, Master, we will certainly obey the Vice Master's orders!"

Seeing this, Shen Chongxu casually waved his hand and said, "Everyone, disperse."

After everyone left, Shen Chongxu called Dong Yunbao aside.

"During my seclusion, do not disturb me in any way. You shall make all the decisions yourself."

Upon hearing this, Dong Yunbao's expression suddenly froze.

"Master, your subordinate..."

Dong Yunbao was about to say something, but when he met Shen Chongxu's gaze, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

"Please rest assured, Master, I will do my utmost to accomplish everything!"

Shen Chongxu nodded in satisfaction.

"Go."

After dismissing Dong Yunbao, he slowly returned to his bedchamber, then gradually removed his dark red, wide robe and inner lining, revealing his strong physique.

Standing quietly in front of the bronze mirror, after examining it for a moment, Shen Chongxu produced a set of azure brocade robes with a flash of light in his hand.

After putting on the brocade robe, tidying his messy hair, and trying to force a stiff smile, his figure suddenly turned into a faint blood mist and disappeared into the bedchamber.

……

That night, in Yunshui City.

A figure crossed the rushing Laishui River and arrived outside the great formation at the south gate of Yunshui City.

The guardian cultivators on the city gate noticed someone approaching and immediately shouted a stern rebuke:
"Who dares to covet the Shen family?!"

The figure slowly raised its head, staring blankly at the city shrouded by the Renshui Spirit-Concealing Array and the several wary Shen family cultivators standing on the city wall for a long time.

"Where did this cultivator come from? The Shen family does not entertain guests at night. If you have no urgent business, please leave immediately!"

Seeing that he remained silent, the cultivator on the city wall shouted again.

The figure outside the formation slowly removed his black cloak, revealing a long, azure brocade robe, which was none other than Shen Chongxu.

Having been away from home for decades, the guardian cultivators on the city wall didn't recognize him at all.

Shen Chongxu took out a jade seal representing his identity from his bosom and held it up.

The cultivators on the city wall stared intently and were immediately stunned.

"Brother Xu, is that... a jade seal belonging to the direct line of the family?"

The gaunt young monk frowned and asked.

The middle-aged cultivator beside him was also staring intently at the seal in Shen Chongxu's hand, and then looked at Shen Chongxu's face, feeling that he was somewhat unfamiliar with him.

"The seal seems correct, but the direct descendants of the family all know how to activate the great formation, and almost none of them enter through the city gate."

"Moreover, this person is quite unfamiliar..."

The middle-aged cultivator's expression turned solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "Now that various forces are stirring up trouble, we should be careful."

"You stay here and keep watch, I'm going to find Lord Xu!"

As the middle-aged cultivator spoke, he flew directly into the city on the wind.

A moment later, it landed in front of the courtyard where Xu Zhan and Shen You lived.

"Master Xu."

The middle-aged monk hurriedly knocked on the courtyard gate.

In a few breaths, Xu Zhan opened the courtyard gate, and Shen You, heavily pregnant, stood not far behind him.

The middle-aged cultivator respectfully cupped his hands: "Lord Xu, Miss."

"What happened?"

He was the son-in-law of the Shen family and also Shen Wenxing's apprentice.

Xu Zhan is now mainly responsible for the city defense of Yunshui City within the Shen family.

He knew very well that unless it was something urgent, the city's guardian cultivators wouldn't bother him late at night.

"My lord, a strange cultivator has appeared outside the formation, carrying the family's direct lineage jade seal. However, I find him quite unfamiliar and am unsure of his identity. I would like to ask you to take a look."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhan frowned deeply.

Holding the family's direct line jade seal...

He turned to look at Shen You.

Liang Xu, who is standing in front of me, has been a guardian cultivator for nearly twenty years.

He couldn't possibly not recognize the direct descendants of the Shen family who were currently living outside the area.

Furthermore, Shen Chongxuan and the others all knew how to activate the Renshui Concealing Spirit Formation, so they would never reveal their tokens in the middle of the night to allow someone to open the formation.

"My husband, let me go with you to take a look."

Shen You thought for a moment, then slowly walked up to her and said.

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhan quickly helped her up.

"My senior sister is pregnant and it's not advisable for her to take any risks. I can go and check on her myself."

Shen You smiled faintly: "With you and Da Zhen here, what could possibly happen?"

"Besides, I'm not leaving the city; I can just look around from the city walls."

Hearing her say that, Xu Zhan hesitated for a moment, but then did not insist.

"Let's go then."

The three left the courtyard and headed towards the south gate.

Outside the formation, Shen Chongxu stood quietly, his face showing no impatience.

He knew that few people in Yunshui City knew of his existence. If these protective cultivators couldn't get his brothers or some elders from his clan to come, he really wouldn't be able to enter Yunshui City tonight.

Xu Zhan carefully helped Shen You to the city wall.

"Lord Xu, Miss."

Several cultivators nearby immediately bowed and paid their respects upon seeing the two.

Shen You nodded slightly, and the middle-aged cultivator named Liang Xu beside her immediately pointed to Shen Chongxu, who was wearing a deep blue robe outside the formation, and said, "Lord Xu, that's the person."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhan looked around.

He didn't know Shen Chongxu either.

When Shen Chongxu left the family, he was still wearing open-crotch pants and had no right to meet the direct descendants of the Shen family.

"Sister..."

When Xu Zhan turned around, he saw Shen You staring blankly at the figure below.

When Shen Chongxu below saw Shen You on the city wall, he was also stunned. He then slowly clenched his fist, and his eyes became somewhat blurry.

"Activate the formation..."

Shen You spoke, her voice trembling.

Liang Xu and Xu Zhan, who were standing to the side, were both stunned.

"Activate the formation!"

Shen You raised her voice a little, and Liang Xu and the others hurriedly activated the formation.

"Senior sister, he is..."

Xu Zhan asked, somewhat puzzled, but Shen You simply shook her head and said, "I'll tell you later."

Before she finished speaking, she disregarded her pregnant body and rode the wind to the foot of the city wall.

Shen Chongxu slowly walked up to them, and the siblings looked at each other and smiled.

"You brat, where have you been all these years...?"

Not many people in the family knew that Shen Chongxu was still alive.

Although Shen You and Xu Zhan had met Dong Yunhu before when he came to deliver things, they did not know that behind Dong Yunhu was Shen Chongxu.

Xu Zhan approached and carefully examined Shen Chongxu before him, his brows suddenly furrowing.

Having cultivated the "Nine Fiends Gathering Body Technique," he possesses a keen sensitivity to the aura of blood and evil.

Without the barrier of the great formation, he could clearly feel the intense murderous aura emanating from the person in front of him, who must have had the blood of countless lives on his hands.

"Sister..."

Just as Xu Zhan was about to speak, Shen You wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and said, "Husband, quickly go and inform Grandpa, Father, and my elder brother!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhan seemed to understand something and immediately nodded before leaving the city gate.

"Come on, Grandpa and the others will be very happy to see you."

The siblings walked slowly toward the manor on the mountain.

Although it was late at night, the side rooms of the manor were full of people.

Shen Yuan sat in the head seat, with the brothers Shen Wenxing and Shen Wen'an sitting beside him. Below them were Shen Chongming, Xu Zhan, and Shen Xiubai, who looked nervous yet full of anticipation.

Everyone sat quietly, listening to the footsteps outside. Shen Xiubai couldn't help but stand up and crane his neck to look out the door.

Shen You and Shen Chongxu appeared at the entrance of the side room.

Looking at everyone in the room, Shen Chongxu had a complicated expression. After a moment of stunned silence, he quickly walked to the middle and knelt down on the ground with a thud!
"Grandpa, Uncle."

"Third Uncle... Eldest Brother..."

This scene stunned Xu Zhan instantly!
“Chongxu, this is your brother-in-law, Xu Zhan.”

Shen You came up to him and pointed to Xu Zhan, introducing him.

Shen Chongxu immediately called out, "Brother-in-law."

Looking at Shen Chongxu kneeling before him, Shen Yuan was in a daze, and finally spoke in a trembling voice: "Get up, child."

After Shen Chongxu stood up, he turned to look at Shen Xiubai, who was staring at him intently.

The father and son stared at each other without saying a word.

Seeing this, Shen Chongming smiled and said, "Xiubai, this is your father."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiubai snapped out of his daze and immediately bowed with some excitement.

"Meet my father."

"Okay...okay!"

With a smile on his face, Shen Chongxu quickly helped him up and quietly looked at his son, who had grown into a man.

"His health has weakened a bit, and like your uncle, he's become more scholarly..."

Feeling the strength from the large hands on his arm and hearing his father's voice, Shen Xiubai's eyes gradually welled up with tears.

Twenty years!

For the past twenty years, he has been fantasizing about his father's voice and smile.

Now I've finally seen my father's face.

Seeing the tears welling up in his eyes, Shen Chongxu's heart suddenly trembled. He then hugged him and said in a deep voice, "My child, I am sorry for you."

Shen Xiubai didn't speak, but just shook his head violently.

This scene stirred a pang of sorrow in the hearts of everyone in the room.

Upon seeing this, Shen Yuan thought of his second son, Shen Wenyan, who had already passed away.

The Shen Chongxu in front of me is very similar to his father in personality; both are stubborn and prone to making foolish mistakes when they were young.

But Shen Chongxu was lucky; at least he still had a chance to turn back.

Unlike Shen Wenyan, who ultimately lost his life.

"Alright, Dad has something to discuss with your great-grandfather and the others. We'll have a proper talk later."

Releasing his son, Shen Chongxu wiped his eyes and returned to Shen Yuan, bowing respectfully: "Grandpa, thanks to you last time, otherwise I'm afraid I would have already..."

Shen Yuan waved his hand: "It's good that everyone is alright."

"Now that you're back... are you leaving again?"

Meeting Shen Yuan's expectant gaze, Shen Chongxu hesitated slightly before saying, "Grandson still intends to go back."

"Grandpa knows that the southern border is more suitable for his grandson's development, and his grandson can also help the family find out more information while he is in the southern border."

"I've come back this time because I have some news to tell you and Uncle."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan sighed inwardly.

“Let’s talk about it tomorrow. Xiu Bai has never seen you since he was born. Now that you and your son are finally able to meet, don’t keep him waiting.”

"besides……"

After a slight hesitation, Shen Yuan looked at Shen Xiubai with a complicated expression: "Grandpa hopes you can reconsider Xiubai's mother's matter."

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongxu was stunned for a long time before nodding and saying, "Grandson understands."

"Then tomorrow I will discuss the matter of the southern border with you, my uncle, and my elder brother."

Shen Yuan nodded: "Go ahead."

Shen Chongxu bowed to everyone again, and then came to Shen Xiubai.

"Come on, take your father home to see him..."

(End of this chapter)