I am in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have a demonic beast clone!

Two years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Inside the cave deep in the Taiyue Mountains, everything remained the same.

The Spirit Eye Spring continues to gush forth, its misty spiritual energy permeating the air like a thin white fog, flowing gently under the soft glow of the luminous pearl.

That thousand-year-old Golden Scale Fruit tree, with its golden fruits hanging from the branches, exudes a fragrance that makes Xiaomei stop and look at it every time she passes by, swallowing her saliva.

The sable has grown to about a foot long, and its fur has become brighter, turning from light purple to dark purple, shimmering with a satin-like luster in the sunlight.

It darted around in the cave, sometimes chasing a flying insect, sometimes pouncing on a fallen leaf, and occasionally bringing back a nimble mouse, which it would place at Xiao Mei's feet like a treasure, wagging its tail and waiting for praise.

In the past two years, the war between Yue Kingdom and the Demonic Path has become increasingly fierce.

The Battle of Jingu Plain has lasted for nearly two years, with heavy casualties on both sides.

Prices in the market skyrocketed, many shops closed, and the news coming from the front lines was getting worse and worse.

But all of this has nothing to do with Zhou Ding.

In the past two years, he has hardly left his home, devoting all his time to cultivation and preparation.

Although his cultivation level did not break through again, his pseudo-core realm had been completely stabilized, and his magical power was more profound than it had been two years ago.

The ball of azure light in his dantian rotated steadily, drawing power from the surrounding spiritual energy with each rotation, though weak, it never stopped.

Over the course of two years, he continuously refined elixirs and crafted talismans, amassing his wealth to the fullest extent.

Inside his storage bag, various pills, talismans, and magical artifacts were piled up like mountains, enough to last him for a long time.

On this day, Zhou Ding pushed open the door to a spacious stone chamber.

This was a dwelling he had specially prepared for Xiao Jin. It was several feet square, and the ground was covered with soft spiritual herbs that had been transplanted from the valley outside the cave. They emitted a faint fragrance.

Little Gold was lying on the ground, its crimson-gold scales shimmering under the light of the spirit stone, as if it were wearing a suit of golden armor. Its breathing was slow and long, and with each breath, its scales would light up slightly and then dim, like a heartbeat.

Zhou Ding squatted down, took out a mid-grade spirit stone from his storage bag, and tossed it to it.

The spirit stone was crystal clear and emitted a faint spiritual light.

Little Jin opened its mouth, took the stone in one bite, and began to chew it with a crunching sound. The spirit stone shattered in its mouth, and rich spiritual energy overflowed from the corners of its mouth, forming a faint spiritual mist in the air.

The energy contained in a mid-grade spirit stone is enormous. Even for Little Gold, a level three demon beast, it would take some time to digest one.

A mid-grade spirit stone is worth one hundred low-grade spirit stones, enough for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to cultivate for several months.

In other words, Zhou Ding was very wealthy; anyone else, even a Core Formation cultivator, would be reluctant to feed him like that.

Over the past two years, Xiao Jin has consumed a large number of mid-grade spirit stones.

If those poor, wandering cultivators saw this, they would probably be heartbroken.

However, feeding so many mid-grade spirit stones has a very significant effect.

Ordinary demonic beasts take longer to advance in rank than human cultivators.

It often takes a dozen or even several decades for a level three demon beast to go from the initial level three to the peak level three.

The cultivation methods of demonic beasts are different from those of humans. They rely on instinct, bloodline, and the accumulation of time.

Without elixirs or cultivation techniques, one can only absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth little by little.

However, with the nourishment of a large number of spirit stones, Xiao Jin had only been at the third level for a short time before reaching the peak of the third level.

Its scales were thicker and their color was deeper, changing from dark gold to reddish gold, gleaming with a metallic sheen under the light of the luminous pearl.

The scales were layered and tightly packed together, with edges as sharp as knives.

Although his physique remained unchanged, the sense of oppression he exuded was several times stronger than before.

Lying there motionless, it intimidated people, its aura deep and powerful, like a dormant volcano, calm on the surface but containing terrifying power deep within.

Zhou Ding reached out and touched its head, secretly making plans in his mind.

At this rate, Xiao Jin will be able to advance to level four within one or two years.

What it needs is not cultivation, but sufficient energy.

As long as there are enough spirit stones, it can keep evolving.

Once Xiao Jin advances to level four, his strength will increase significantly.

A level four demonic beast is equivalent to a cultivator in the late Foundation Establishment stage.

However, given Xiao Jin's terrifying attributes, he is absolutely capable of directly confronting a Core Formation cultivator head-on.

Its Golden Armor Technique, even when it was a level three demon beast, could withstand attacks from cultivators in the early stages of Core Formation.

Those who receive feedback will experience further enhancements in their consciousness, true essence, physical body, and lifespan.

What level of strength will he reach by then?

He dared not imagine it, but his heart was filled with anticipation.

Zhou Ding stood up and walked out of the stone chamber.

In the hall, Xiaomei was sitting at the stone table, holding a scroll of martial arts manual in her hands, her brows furrowed, as if she was trying hard to understand something.

That was the introductory chapter of the "Qingyuan Sword Manual" that Zhou Ding gave her.

Xiao Mei possesses three spiritual roots, one of which happens to be wood. Zhou Ding was generous and allowed her to cultivate the Azure Origin Sword Technique with him.

Her cultivation level had reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, her aura was stable, and her foundation was solid.

In the past two years, she seems like a completely different person.

She used to be most afraid of cultivation, and every time Xin Ruyin urged her, she would find all sorts of excuses to refuse.

But now, she diligently meditates and cultivates every day, never slacking off.

Seeing Zhou Ding come out, Xiao Mei raised her head, put down the martial arts manual in her hand, and stood up.

"Young master, has the young lady not emerged from seclusion yet?"

Her voice was very soft, as if she was afraid of disturbing Xin Ruyin in the quiet room.

Zhou Ding shook his head and looked toward the quiet room.

There, Xin Ruyin's breathing was steady and long, like water in a deep pool, calm on the surface but with undercurrents surging in the depths.

Two months ago, after Xin Ruyin broke through to the tenth level of Qi Refining, she immediately began Foundation Establishment.

She locked herself in a quiet room, setting up layers of restrictions to prevent anyone from disturbing her.

Zhou Ding would use his divine sense to check on her condition every day to make sure she was safe and sound.

For ordinary cultivators, the journey from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment is a hurdle that many spend their entire lives trying to overcome, ultimately leading to their untimely demise.

But Xin Ruyin was different. She had the Foundation Establishment Pill provided by Zhou Ding, the rich spiritual energy of the Spirit Eye Spring, and the assistance of the Yin-Yang Creation Technique.

Over the years, Zhou Ding often practiced dual cultivation with her, using the Yin-Yang Creation Technique to nourish her meridians and strengthen her foundation.

Her foundation was so solid that it far surpassed that of other cultivators of the same level.

Moreover, although her Dragon Roar Physique was suppressed, the benefits brought by that physique did not disappear.

Her sensitivity to spiritual energy far surpasses that of ordinary people.

These are all advantages she has in establishing her foundation.

At this moment, sensing that Xin Ruyin's breathing was stable, Zhou Ding felt relieved.

A few days later, the door to the quiet room slowly opened.

Xin Ruyin came out from inside.

She was wearing a light blue dress, her long hair was simply tied back, and a wooden hairpin was inserted in her hair. Her aura was completely different from before.

More composed, more reserved, with a subtle spiritual aura flowing around him.

That was the unique aura of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Clearly, she succeeded.

Zhou Ding and Xiao Mei went forward to greet them.

"Ruyin, congratulations on successfully establishing your foundation." Zhou Ding smiled, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

Xin Ruyin smiled slightly, a smile as warm and bright as the spring sun.

"Zhou Lang, I've succeeded."

Her voice was choked with emotion.

She possessed the Dragon Roar Physique, destined to die young, and never imagined she would one day reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

Back then, in the bamboo grove courtyard, she thought she wouldn't live for more than a few years, that she would die silently in that small courtyard, turn to dust, and be forgotten by everyone.

It was Zhou Ding who gave her hope, it was Zhou Ding who saved her life, it was Zhou Ding who made her who she is today.

In those years, she thought her life had come to an end and could only find some solace in the world of arrays.

But now, she has a future, hope, and a life to look forward to.

Xiao Mei also ran over, took Xin Ruyin's hand, and looked her up and down with admiration in her eyes.

She circled around Xin Ruyin, then circled her again, marveling at her.

"Miss, you're amazing! You've reached the Foundation Establishment stage so quickly! Look, young master, Miss is so beautiful now! Her skin is so much fairer, and her eyes are so bright!"

As she spoke, she reached out to touch Xin Ruyin's face, but Xin Ruyin laughed and dodged her.

Xin Ruyin reached out and touched her head, saying softly, "Xiao Mei, you must also work hard and reach the Foundation Establishment stage as soon as possible."

Xiaomei nodded vigorously, a determined look flashing in her eyes.

She clenched her little fist, looking very serious.

"I definitely will! I want to be like Miss, and reach the Foundation Establishment stage as soon as possible! Then we can cultivate together and achieve immortality together!"

The ferret stood up from her feet and, mimicking her, raised a small paw and squeaked twice, as if to say: Me too! Me too!

As Zhou Ding watched this scene, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

He stepped forward, took Xin Ruyin's hand, and said softly, "Now that you have established your foundation, it is time for us to leave."

Xin Ruyin raised her head, her eyes flashing with reluctance, but even more so with determination.

This place holds many fond memories for her over the past few years.

But she knew it was time to go.

"When are you leaving?"

"Three days later."

Zhou Ding looked out of the cave, where the Taiyue Mountains stretched out, shrouded in mist and adorned with waterfalls and springs.

As the sun sets, the evening glow paints half the sky red, and the distant mountain peaks, illuminated by the setting sun, resemble burning torches.

According to the original timeline, the Battle of Jingu Plain should be nearing its end.

The seven factions of Yue are about to suffer a great defeat, and the entire Yue Kingdom will fall into the hands of the demonic forces.

We can't stay in the Taiyue Mountains any longer.

He has to leave.

Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei had no objection to Zhou Ding's decision.

……

Three days later.

The morning sun shone on the Taiyue Mountains, dispelling the thin mist in the mountains.

Golden sunlight bathed the mountains, giving them a golden halo.

The clouds and mist in the mountains flowed slowly in the sunlight, like a white veil.

Zhou Ding stood at the entrance of the cave dwelling, taking one last look at the cave dwelling where he had lived for many years.

The Spirit Eye Spring still flows gurgling, its water sparkling in the sunlight.

The herb remained green, with dewdrops clinging to its leaves.

Those stone chambers he carved out himself, and this Spirit Eye Spring, can only remain here.

He took a deep breath and turned around.

"Walk."

The three leaped onto the Divine Wind Boat, transforming into a white streak of light and disappearing into the horizon.

……

Two days later, on the Stormy Plains.

The Divine Wind Boat flew slowly through the clouds, with endless gray-yellow land below. The gale whipped up dust and sand, forming moving columns of yellowish-brown smoke that drifted slowly across the plain like giant ghosts.

Zhou Ding unleashed his full divine sense, which, like an invisible tentacle, covered an area of ​​fifty miles in radius.

He could "see" the battlefield ruins in the distance.

The crater blasted out by the magic was several meters deep, and the rocks at the bottom of the crater were burned into a glassy state.

The rock that was cut by the magical artifact had a smooth, mirror-like cut.

The land, scorched by flames, was a vast, blackened expanse, still emitting wisps of smoke.

Occasionally, a few skeletons can be seen, weathered and indistinguishable as to whether they belonged to disciples of the seven sects or demonic cultivators.

With his powerful divine sense, he easily avoided the patrol routes of the seven sects of cultivators.

The highest cultivation level of those patrolling cultivators was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, so they couldn't sense his presence at all.

Along the way, he sensed the effects of the great battle.

Most of the once bustling markets have been closed, and traces of battle are everywhere.

Those once bustling places are now just desolate ruins.

He thought of Han Li.

A year ago, Han Li returned to the Taiyue Mountains and took away the teleportation array diagram that Xin Ruyin had repaired.

At that time, Zhou Ding was still in seclusion, and it was Xiao Mei who went out to deal with him.

Han Li didn't ask any more questions. He took the array diagram and left in a hurry, as if he was in a rush to do something.

Zhou Ding was curious: how did Han Li teleport without the Great Teleportation Token?

He had considered taking Han Li with him on the teleportation, after all, they were from the same sect.

However, Han Li is a suspicious person; being too enthusiastic only makes him more suspicious.

If he suddenly said he was going to take Han Li to the Chaotic Star Sea, Han Li would become suspicious.

Zhou Ding was too lazy to bother with such a cold shoulder.

Everyone has their own path to walk. Han Li has his own opportunities and his own plans.

With his personality, he could live well anywhere.

It's best if we each go our own way.

He shook his head, not thinking much of it.

……

Two days later, they successfully arrived at the Stormy Plains.

That gray-yellow land, that canyon shrouded in illusion, everything remained the same.

Zhou Ding had everyone ride on Xiao Jin's back and used his earth-遁术 (earth-遁术 is a type of magic that allows one to escape into the spirit stone mine).

Purple light flashed around Xiao Jin, and the light that broke the barrier enveloped everyone as he easily passed through the illusion array.

The illusion array was still operating, but it was useless against the light that broke the barrier.

They crossed the canyon and arrived at the huge cave deep within the mine.

The cave remains the same, the stalactites still hang upside down, and the sacred stones on the cave walls still radiate various colors of light.

Zhou Ding immediately began repairing the teleportation array.

He took out the array diagram drawn by Xin Ruyin and began to repair the broken array patterns and dimmed runes by comparing them with every detail of the ancient teleportation array.

For two whole days, Zhou Ding worked almost non-stop, devoting himself entirely to the task.

He knelt beside the array platform, filling the broken array patterns with a solution.

Each array pattern was handled with utmost care, for fear of making even the slightest mistake.

Fine beads of sweat trickled down his forehead and onto the platform, but he was completely unaware of it.

Xin Ruyin helped out from the side, handing over materials, wiping away sweat, and occasionally offering suggestions.

Her mastery of formations far surpasses Zhou Ding's; she discovered many of the details herself.

She could spot the tiny cracks in those seemingly intact array patterns at a glance.

Although Xiaomei couldn't be of much help, she was busy and happy, running around wiping Zhou Ding's sweat and handing water to Xin Ruyin.

When the last broken array pattern was perfectly repaired by the silver essence solution, and the last dim rune was re-infused with spiritual power and lit up,

The entire ancient teleportation array suddenly emitted a deep, resonant sound, as if from ancient times!

The sound was like a giant bell being struck, echoing through the cave and causing pebbles to fall from the cave walls.

All the runes lit up one after another, shimmering with a warm and mysterious milky-white luster, and a stable and vast spatial fluctuation emanated faintly from the center of the array platform.

The spatial fluctuations, like ripples on water, spread in concentric circles in all directions, causing the air to distort slightly wherever they passed.

Ancient teleportation array, repair complete!

Standing before the newly restored ancient teleportation array, the milky-white spiritual light flowing across the array platform illuminated everyone's faces.

A flicker of barely suppressed excitement flashed in Zhou Ding's eyes, along with a hint of trepidation hidden deep within them for the completely unknown road ahead.

Travel across endless distances to a strange world that exists only in legends or ancient books.

There may be a wider world, richer resources, and more mysterious traditions there, but it will also inevitably be accompanied by unpredictable dangers, different rules, and a state of loneliness and helplessness.

He didn't know what the Chaotic Star Sea looked like, whether there were powerful enemies there, or whether they could establish themselves there.

Those legendary high-level cultivators, those unheard-of demonic beasts, and those unknown perilous places all made him uneasy.

But he knew he had to go.

He took a deep breath to calm the turmoil in his heart.

After years of planning and facing life-or-death situations, we have finally reached this point.

The Chaotic Star Sea, that vast and boundless overseas cultivation world, is rich in resources.

He believed he could definitely establish himself there and even make a name for himself.

He turned his head and glanced at his companion beside him.

Xin Ruyin met his gaze, quietly reached out, and tightly grasped his hand.

Xiaomei nodded vigorously, her face showing complete trust.

The ferret perched on her shoulder, its little paws gripping her clothes tightly. It seemed to sense something, and stopped squeaking, lying there quietly.

"Are you ready?" Zhou Ding asked softly, his voice echoing in the empty cave.

Everyone nodded.

Without any further hesitation, Zhou Ding took the lead and stepped onto the center of the hexagonal array platform that shimmered with milky white light.

Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei followed closely behind, while Zhou Jin silently trailed at the back.

Five people stood on the platform, which was just big enough to accommodate them.

Zhou Ding gripped the ancient "Great Teleportation Token" tightly in his left hand, and with a wave of his right hand, five mid-grade spirit stones, brimming with spiritual energy and crystal clear like top-grade jade, flew out and accurately embedded themselves into five specific grooves around the array platform.

The moment the spirit stone was placed in its position, the runes on the array platform suddenly lit up, and the spatial fluctuations intensified dramatically.

"Hold on tight!"

He let out a low shout, activated his divine sense, and poured his immense magical power into the array platform beneath his feet, while simultaneously activating the Great Teleportation Command in his left hand!

In an instant—

The entire platform erupted with a blinding white light!