The Long Journey to Immortality

Feng Ruyi smiled and said, "If that's really the case, then that would be wonderful."

“However, this matter is not easy,” Feng Ruyi recalled. “About two thousand years ago, when they learned that this matter was about to happen, several Nascent Soul cultivators in the Eastern Lands had a discussion and thought about how to solve the problem.”

"Is the final answer a fight?" Han Lu asked casually.

Feng Ruyi nodded, "That's right. If a peaceful solution hasn't been found, then naturally a fight would be a more effective way to resolve the issue."

Han Lu shrugged, indicating that she neither agreed nor disagreed with this statement.

Without needing to think, and with the ability to solve the problem guaranteed, those Nascent Soul cultivators who had already ascended to the Divine Transformation Realm were naturally more willing to help their descendants make such a choice.

When cultivators in the Central Plains do such things, they tend to consider the well-being of their descendants.

At least Han Lu would think from this perspective.

"Let's go first. It's a long journey, and we'll have plenty of time to chat along the way."

Han Lu summoned the Ark and beckoned to Feng Ruyi.

"Won't you travel without transforming your true spirit?" Feng Ruyi asked.

"We'll talk about it when we get to the wilderness. What, do you feel uncomfortable sitting in this ark?" Han Lu activated her magic weapon.

"I'm just curious about what a four-winged phoenix looks like," Feng Ruyi replied truthfully. "In the Eastern Lands, I've only ever seen a three-winged phoenix, so I'm just curious."

Han Lu asked with equal curiosity, "According to you, there are at least three thousand Phoenix True Spirits in the Eastern Lands, and among them, there are those with three or even four bloodlines?"

“No,” Feng Ruyi said, slightly annoyed. “The phoenix bloodline in our area doesn’t seem to be as pure as here. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been able to break my illusion array so easily.”

Knowing that the story that happened in the East China Sea ended with Han Lu, whose cultivation level was lower than his, easily breaking the illusion array.

Even though Feng Ruyi knew that Han Lu was a Four-Winged True Phoenix, she still held a grudge about it.

Han Lu tried to find a reason that would be easier for Feng Ruyi to accept: "I have some knowledge of formations."

After hearing this, Feng Ruyi felt a little relieved.

Chapter 1108

The issue that Han Lu and Feng Ruyi were discussing seemed trivial, but it was actually a fundamental question concerning the status of the true spirits, or rather, the true spirits of the phoenixes, in various worlds.

How did the true spirits come into being? Is there truly a true dragon or a true phoenix in this world or in every world? And it is the offspring of these progenitors who formed the current dragon and phoenix races.

From Han Lu's perspective, these issues are not particularly important.

But for the vast majority of phoenixes who grew up in the Three Phoenix Forest, the Phoenix Perch Forest, and other wild phoenix clan settlements, the answer to this question is a major issue that could shake their "faith."

"Ruyi, where do you think the phoenixes came from?" Han Lu was certain that after Feng Ruyi met her and learned about the legend of the true phoenix in this world, she would have similar questions and her own thoughts.

As expected, Feng Ruyi was stunned for a moment when she heard the question before answering.

"Perhaps, just like in the story, a true phoenix was born in the world, and we are its offspring."

She was still telling a legend, but in her words, Feng Ruyi already revealed a hint of uncertainty.

As a native phoenix, she naturally considered this issue very important, as it was the fundamental issue that established the sacredness of the true phoenix.

Han Lu had no interest in, nor did she believe that exchanging a few words with Feng Ruyi would allow her to uncover the truth or obtain the answer.

She simply wanted to find a topic that they were both interested in, and at the same time share some of her doubts.

As Han Lu maneuvered the ark, her gaze fell upon the massive map on its wall. She then spoke, “Perhaps, when each world was still in chaos, before the creation of heaven and earth, several true spirits were born in accordance with the five elements and the laws of heaven and earth.”

"If that's the case, it would explain why there are similar legends of true spirits in both the Eastern Lands and my world."

Feng Ruyi couldn't wait to chime in, "Yes, yes, you're right, that's what I think too."

"Perhaps it is because the Phoenix Clan in the Eastern Land has a longer lineage and a larger population that my Phoenix Clan bloodline... is not as pure as yours."

When Feng Ruyi said that the bloodline of a mixed-race person was not as pure as that of a mixed-race person, she felt that it was a little strange.

Unfortunately, this is the fact she has observed so far, and there's no way to refute it.

“But there could be other reasons,” Han Lu said freely, letting her imagination run wild. “Let me make this clear first, I don’t want to discuss the merits of bloodlines, I’m just curious about this and want to hear your thoughts.”

Han Lu added a sentence to avoid accidentally touching a sore spot for Ruyi and making her unhappy.

“Perhaps,” Han Lu proposed another hypothesis, “that true spirits like Zhenfeng actually came from the upper realm, where they gave birth to offspring that fell to the human realm. This could also explain the existence of true spirits in our world.”

While this conjecture may not be as dramatic as the myth of "the underdog's rise to power," it still provides some basis for the claim that the true spirit is "superior," and Feng Ruyi does not reject it.

“Of course, the worst possibility is that there is no such thing as a true phoenix or a true dragon at all,” Han Lu said casually, smoothing her long hair. “Aside from being powerful and possessing some talents that other magical beasts do not have, a true spirit is not the only one in the world that is special.”

This conjecture could be described as "outrageous," enough to enrage the old stubborn man in Phoenix Forest, who would want to spank Han Lu.

Having received spiritual education from a young age, Feng Ruyi naturally disliked this view.

She said tactfully, "I suppose that if you can resonate with the eight bloodlines, you will be able to verify the truth of that legend."

"If it truly transforms into the legendary phoenix, then this question will naturally have an answer."

Han Lu chuckled, "This is difficult. I'm not even sure if I can resonate with the fourth bloodline, let alone the entire bloodline."

"That would probably only be possible to try when one advances to the Nascent Soul Realm or even higher."

"Perhaps this has already verified my claim that the True Phoenix comes from the Upper Realm."

This statement served as a nice way to end this sensitive topic.

"Ruyi, there are quite a few rooms on the Ark, but I've specially decorated only a few," Han Lu said warmly as the hostess. "Please choose any room you like."

"It will take at least half a month to travel from the Heavenly Palace to the Wilderness. We will then travel in our true forms."

This was Han Lu's third trip, and she knew the route well, having considered everything carefully.

After touring the ark alone, Feng Ruyi returned to Han Lu's side and chatted with her about the Dayu Dynasty.

They discussed local customs and traditions, the geography of the Great Yu Dynasty, the atmosphere of the Great Yu Dynasty's cultivation world, and the distribution of the Great Yu Dynasty's power along the way to the Wilderness.

Considering that Feng Ruyi also had the important task of "gathering intelligence," although she wanted to get along well with her, Han Lu's answers were only superficial, answering questions that she, as an outsider, could answer.

Of course, the matter of the wilderness was also frequently mentioned in their discussions.

Unable to resist, Han Lu and Feng Ruyi would compare the living conditions of the different ethnic groups in each other's worlds.

Han Lu "bragged" to Feng Ruyi about the grand event of the Hundred Birds Gathering. Feng Ruyi also told Han Lu about the illustrious achievements of the phoenixes in the Eastern Land, who united as one, fought battles in the north and south, and won many victories.

Compared to the relatively harmonious life of the primordial spirits, the complex and chaotic situation in the Eastern Lands is far more dramatic.

In the end, it was Feng Ruyi who told Han Lu a lot about the Eastern Land, letting Han Lu know a lot of information that was not important but interesting.

Han Lu keenly realized that the tribes that were being bullied in the Eastern World might become external allies in the event of a future war.

After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

The survival of the race far outweighs any benefit to the world as a whole.

Rather than being unable to share the spoils with other races in the same world, it's better to become an "insider" and enjoy the fruits of victory with allies in the new world.

Han Lu had considered this point, and so had Feng Ruyi.

Although I somewhat wanted to try communicating with Han Lu and see if we could turn the impossible into possible.

However, preparing for the upcoming major battle remains a heavy responsibility on her shoulders.

To see if the defeated True Spirits have any intention of retaliating against the human race, and to divide the forces from within the Wilderness, the Central Plains, and the Great Yu Dynasty, was also one of her plans.

Although the two who traveled to the wilderness on the ark could not be said to have "hidden ulterior motives," they were not as close as true friends, comrades-in-arms, or kin.

However, in appearance and in daily actions, Han Lu and Feng Ruyi acted more like ordinary acquaintances than ordinary nodding friends.

Although there are many powerful figures in the Great Yu Dynasty, they are scattered across its vast territory.

Han Lu and her companion arrived at Manxi Prefecture without encountering any obstacles along the way.

Chapter 1109

The Western Barbarian Prefecture is a necessary stop for every cultivator entering the Wilderness from the Great Yu Dynasty.

This was Han Lu's first time here in several years, so she had lost interest, while it was Feng Ruyi's first time.

Without Han Lu bringing it up, Feng Ruyi, much like Qiu Peng, suggested that the two of them step off the ark and take a good walk around the easternmost territory of the human race in the Great Yu Dynasty.

Going to Sanfeng Forest was not an urgent matter at all.

Han Lu, who wanted to communicate with the Eastern Lands through the Phoenix Ruyi, naturally wouldn't refuse this small request.

The two disembarked from the ark near a large city and slowly entered the city from the air by flying.

Most of the cities in the Western Regions were originally built as fortresses to defend against beast tides and protect the mortals and cultivators in the surrounding areas.

However, the days of tight security and strict checks for entry and exit are over.

More than 20,000 years ago, the relationship between the Great Yu Dynasty and the wild beasts and spirits improved, and many spirits and beasts joined the ranks of the Great Yu Dynasty cultivators to participate in the management and construction of the Western Barbarian Prefecture.

When Han Lu was still in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, the fox clan member she met with Feng Rubing in the Western Barbarian Prefecture was one of those cultivators who served the Jitian Palace forces.

Although they lost their significance for military defense, these fortresses where humans gathered did not weaken.

In particular, some of the city fortresses managed by local sects have become incredibly inclusive, creating a siphon effect that has brought surrounding smaller cities under their control, making them increasingly prosperous and developed.

Some sects even relocated to auspicious locations in or near cities for better development, aiming to boost commerce and lay an economic foundation for their growth.

In cities like the one Han Lu and Feng Ruyi have arrived in, there is a powerful sect that controls the city.

Han Lu and Feng Ruyi entered the city as Golden Core cultivators. Although they were not immediately forcibly detained, some cultivators noticed their presence.

The sect controlling this city only has three Golden Core cultivators stationed there, the most powerful of whom is only at the mid-stage of Golden Core. Naturally, the sect cultivators who came to "interrogate" Han Lu and Feng Ruyi not only have mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, but their attitude is also very polite.

"We are honored that you two seniors have graced Jiayu City with your presence. Please forgive us for not welcoming you properly," the cultivator who came to greet him said in a pleasant tone. "May we ask where you two seniors come from and where you are going? If there is anything in Jiayu City that our White Emperor Sect can do to help you, please do not hesitate to ask."

"I come from the Central Plains Zhengyi Gate," Han Lu introduced herself, "and am visiting friends in the wilderness."

Hearing that the two were heading to the Wilderness, only stopping in Jiayu City halfway, this cultivator from the White Emperor Sect wisely left to avoid displeasing Han Lu and Feng Ruyi and causing trouble for his sect.

"Why are the sects here so vigilant?" Feng Ruyi didn't understand.

Han Lu hadn't been to Manxi Prefecture for some time, so she guessed, "Perhaps something big has happened to the White Emperor Sect, which is in charge of this area, and they are worried that outsiders will come to disturb them?"

"Seventy or eighty years ago, I left that ancient cultivation secret realm and was accidentally teleported to the Great Yu Dynasty, where I happened to encounter a sect war that affected three or four prefectures."

"Perhaps the White Emperor Gate is in trouble now, and some outside forces are eyeing this city."

Han Lu has a rich imagination, and she also found some clues from the expression of the Foundation Establishment cultivator from the White Emperor Sect.