Did They Really Pull Off The Old Switcheroo? Arriving At The East Sea!
Xie Fei finally moved back into his Elder’s Residence.
As the night passed, the sun rose in the east.
The entire Sword Pavilion Elder’s Residence was bathed in the soft spring sunlight.
Sunshine fell, illuminating the green tiles.
On the branches of the spirit trees outside the courtyard, birds hopped merrily, their chirping clear and crisp.
The spring breeze blew, carrying the fragrance of soil and new buds.
The aura of all things reviving seemed to explode at this moment, full of vigorous vitality.
After Xie Fei finished his cultivation, he quietly gazed at the scene outside the window.
Sunlight filtered through the shadows of the trees, dappling his green robe, outlining a tranquil silhouette.
He took a deep breath and murmured, “This is spring…”
These few days.
Because the injury to his soul had healed thanks to the nurturing of the spirit spring in the Jade Bath, and also because he was about to go to the East Sea, which many cultivators considered a “desperate situation.”
Xie Fei rarely discarded distractions and devoted himself to cultivating the Limitless Sword Classic.
Although the time was short.
But under the blessing of the Enlightenment Tea Tree’s spiritual charm, each time he cultivated, his perception of Limitless Sword Qi deepened a little.
Xie Fei swept his gaze across the courtyard, adjusted his robe: “It’s time to leave.”
Yesterday, he had already informed Liu Ying and the Ninth Shujun that he was going on a long journey.
Then he urged his apprentices to cultivate diligently.
So now he didn’t need to say goodbye or ask for leave.
However, before leaving, Xie Fei took Long Aotian, the True Dragon Avatar, with him.
…
Hundred Thousand Demon Mountains.
This name, at first hearing, sounds like a majestic mountain range located on the continent.
But in reality.
The Hundred Thousand Demon Mountains are not a land-based mountain range, but one hundred thousand scattered islands in the depths of the East Sea.
These islands are scattered and varied in shape.
Some are like crouching behemoths, some like floating fairy mountains… connected to each other by spirit mist or sea tides.
Forming a vast and mysterious demon clan territory.
Xie Fei flew through the air, turning into a stream of light, passing over the lofty mountains of the Southern Border.
Along the way, he deliberately avoided some sects, concealing his aura and moving stealthily, trying to leave no trace.
The trip to the East Sea was not only related to the Dragon Palace Treasury, but might also involve the Demon Clan.
It was best to remain low-key to avoid unnecessary trouble.
However, at full speed, the Aura Concealing Art could no longer function, and his cultivation, a complete Nascent Soul Level Five, was revealed.
But just as Xie Fei was about to pass Yudou City.
A system prompt suddenly came to his mind.
【Ding! Host’s investment in Li Qiang successful!】
【Congratulations, Host, on receiving a rebate!】
【Due to the investment target’s Fate Aura being blue, the rebate effect is doubled!】
【Ding! Congratulations, Host, on obtaining the talent “Wood Man”!】
【Ding! Congratulations, Host, on obtaining ten years of lifespan!】
…
【Wood Man（Talent）: One, two, three, Wood Man! As long as the Host remains motionless, they can greatly reduce their presence, like a piece of wood.】
【Ten years of lifespan: …】
…
【Ding! Host’s investment in Zhang A Long successful!】
【Due to the investment target’s Fate Aura being white, the rebate effect is normal!】
【Ding! Congratulations, Host, on obtaining one hundred Spirit Stones（Ordinary）!】
【Ding! Congratulations, Host, on obtaining ten Gathering Spirit Pills（Mortal Grade）!】
…
【Ding! Host’s investment in Zhang A Hu successful!】
【Due to the investment target’s Fate Aura being white, the rebate effect is normal!】
【Ding! Congratulations, Host, on obtaining ten Antitoxin Pills（Mortal Grade）!】
【Ding! Congratulations, Host, on obtaining ten Sobering Pills（Mortal Grade）!】
…
“Li Qiang?”
Xie Fei paused slightly.
He then remembered the three people in Yudou City.
Back in Yudou City.
He used the Thousand Faces Spirit Transformation Art to help the three change their appearances and conceal their wanted identities, fulfilling their need to “escape.”
However, Li Qiang and the other two did not escape Yudou City as planned.
Instead, they turned around and infiltrated the Yuan Estate, attempting to usurp it.
This also caused the system investment success message to be delayed.
“Did they escape? Or…”
Xie Fei’s curiosity was piqued.
Since Yudou City was just below, he decided to check the situation.
Thinking of this.
Xie Fei flickered, transforming into a stream of light, and descended towards the Yuan Estate.
Upon arriving.
He saw Li Qiang standing on the steps in front of the Yuan Estate, reprimanding several Yuan Clan members.
His face was disguised with mundane makeup, but his outline was still discernible.
However, he was completely different from the Li Qiang of before.
His bearing was vastly different, lacking his former commoner’s air, and possessing a hint of authority and composure.
A Long and A Hu stood on either side of Li Qiang, also disguised.
Their auras were steady, faintly exuding the spiritual pressure of Qi Refining cultivators.
Xie Fei swept his divine sense, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
The cultivation of all three had made incredible progress!
Especially Li Qiang.
He had actually leaped from Mortal Body Level Two to Foundation Establishment Level One!
The speed of his progress was unbelievable.
Although A Long and A Hu were slightly inferior, they had also reached Qi Refining Level Four, far surpassing ordinary rogue cultivators.
“How did they do it?”
Xie Fei wondered secretly.
Could it be that so-called Yuan Family ancestor test?
After the Yuan Clan members dispersed.
Xie Fei immediately appeared before the three: “Li Qiang, your transformation has surprised me.”
The moment the words “Li Qiang” were uttered, the three were startled, turning around simultaneously, a flash of vigilance in their eyes.
But upon seeing that it was Xie Fei, their expressions relaxed, and they quickly bowed respectfully: “Greetings, Immortal!”
Li Qiang reacted the fastest, lowering his voice: “Immortal, there are many people here, this is not the place to talk.
“Please come with me to the inner courtyard.”
Xie Fei nodded, following the three through the Yuan Estate’s front yard, to a side hall with a soundproof formation.
The hall was simply furnished, with spiritual energy swirling, clearly a secret room prepared by the Yuan Estate for cultivators to discuss matters.
After the isolation formation was activated, the four sat down.
Li Qiang and the other two exchanged glances and began to explain…
In short, to summarize—
They had obtained the so-called “ancestral inheritance,” although their appearances had changed, they all claimed to have inherited the “ancestral likeness.”
The three deliberately imitated the portraits of the ancestors enshrined in the Yuan Estate, forging a similar divine grace.
Although some Yuan Estate members were suspicious, because the three had indeed entered the ancestral land and spoke with certainty, claiming to have received the ancestor’s approval.
Those who were suspicious dared not investigate further.
“Ancestral likeness?”
Xie Fei raised an eyebrow and laughed: “You’re quite bold, daring to play this trick right under the Yuan Estate’s nose?”
Li Qiang bowed his hands: “Immortal, you don’t know, the Yuan family’s awe of their ancestors is ingrained in their bones.
“As long as it is related to ‘ancestors,’ even if there are many suspicious points, they dare not easily question it.
“We merely borrowed this momentum.”
A Long chimed in, chuckling: “Immortal, don’t think it’s absurd.
“There are more absurd things than ours in the Yuan Estate!
“Our little trick is nothing at all.”
Xie Fei’s curiosity grew even stronger, and he asked: “What do you mean by ‘more absurd’?”
A flash of mystery appeared in Li Qiang’s eyes, and he whispered: “Immortal, do you know the origin of Young Miss Yuan Yu of the Yuan Estate?”
“Yuan Yu?” Xie Fei’s thoughts stirred, his gaze flickering.
He was not unfamiliar with this name; she was the one who brought his second apprentice, Yuan Li, to the Exquisite Holy Land.
And she was also the Senior Disciple of the Exquisite Holy Land.
Xie Fei immediately asked: “Tell me, what’s the story with this Yuan Yu?”
Li Qiang continued to lower his voice: “Rumor has it that Young Miss Yuan is not the biological daughter of the Yuan Family Head, but came because she was ‘summoned by the ancestor.’
“It is said that when the Yuan Family Head married her mother, they had not yet consummated their marriage when her mother unexpectedly became pregnant.
“During her pregnancy, she dreamed of raging fires every night, and upon waking, her clothes were soaked, as if she had been scorched by flames.
“And the Yuan ancestor was a peerless expert who cultivated the Dao of Flames!
“Therefore, the Yuan Clan members unanimously believe that Yuan Yu is the ancestor’s reincarnation, carrying the ancestor’s will.”
“Pregnant without consummation? And an ancestral reincarnation?” Xie Fei twitched his mouth.
This story sounded even more bizarre than Li Qiang’s three imposters.
The truth was probably that Yuan Yu’s mother had an affair.
To preserve the Yuan Estate’s face, they fabricated such an absurd lie.
As for the “ancestral summons,” he didn’t believe it at all.
The Yuan Estate was nothing more than a small force inferior to even a third-rate sect; how could they be qualified to bear the reincarnation of an ancestor?
Even if there was such a thing as reincarnation, it wouldn’t be the Yuan family’s turn.
…
While Xie Fei and the three were discussing Yuan Yu.
In a magnificent Great Hall within the Exquisite Holy Land, the atmosphere was solemn and heavy.
Spiritual light flowed within the hall, the walls carved with ancient patterns of immortal birds and strange beasts, emitting a faint pressure.
Yuan Yu, in white, sat on the high platform.
Her bearing was cold, like a blooming white lotus.
Her gaze was sharp, fixed on Yuan Li standing below: “Speak, who was the person who saved you on the Demon Star?”
Yuan Li was helpless: “Senior Sister, I really don’t know that senior!
“The situation was critical at the time; I only remember that he moved like thunder, repelling Elder Xuanbing, and then left gracefully.
“I didn’t even see his face clearly!”
He was also confused.
Since returning from the Demon Star Trial, he had been summoned to the Exquisite Holy Land, subjected to Yuan Yu’s repeated questioning.
But the identity of the mysterious senior, he truly knew nothing.
The only thing certain.
Was that the person’s aura was strange, and they were likely not of the Human Race.
But as for what kind of existence it was, Yuan Li had never seen anything similar, so he had no clue.
Yuan Yu said calmly: “Don’t know?
“A stranger would specifically rush to the Demon Star to save you?
“Do you think an excuse like ‘passing by’ can fool me?”
“Senior Sister…” Yuan Li smiled wryly, just as he was about to explain, he saw a middle-aged woman quickly walk into the hall.
The woman was about to report.
But catching sight of Yuan Li, she immediately turned to Yuan Yu and spoke a few sentences using sound transmission.
Yuan Li didn’t understand, but he felt the atmosphere suddenly change.
The next moment.
Yuan Yu waved her hand: “Yuan Li, you may leave.”
Yuan Li dared not ask more questions and bowed to leave.
Once only Yuan Yu and the middle-aged woman remained in the hall.
Yuan Yu’s gaze sank, and she said solemnly: “Are you sure it’s the Dragon Palace Treasury?”
The middle-aged woman nodded respectfully, her tone certain: “Most likely!
“Recently, the Hundred Thousand Demon Mountains have been very active; there were rumors before that they had discovered the Dragon Palace Treasury.
“This recent activity is likely because they have found someone from the Dragon Clan and have the means to open the treasury.”
Yuan Yu fell silent, her jade-white fingers lightly tapping the seat, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
The middle-aged woman paused and whispered: “In addition, the Purple Qi Palace has recently been subdued, no longer pursuing that mysterious Sword Dao Expert.
“Judging from the situation, they must be secretly planning something big.”
“Planning?” A disdain flashed in Yuan Yu’s eyes, “They’re probably acting on the orders of a certain elder in our Holy Land.
“They’ve even summoned the Extraterrestrial Demons; this time, what kind of storm do they want to stir up?”
The middle-aged woman lowered her head, not daring to answer.
…
Half a month later.
Xie Fei finally arrived at the edge of the East Sea.
The Mystic Continent was vast and boundless; even if he flew at full speed, day and night.
It took him such a long time to reach the East Sea.
Standing on the reef by the sea, Xie Fei looked down at the boundless ocean before him.
The sea wind howled, bringing salty air rushing towards his face.
The air was filled with thick water vapor, causing a slight tightness in his chest.
The sky and the sea surface met, the waves surging, mist swirling, faintly exuding an inexplicable sense of oppression.
Xie Fei took a deep breath, calmed his mind, and took out a bright green spirit leaf from the system space.
He had prepared this spirit leaf in the Everflow Sword Sect.
Refined from ordinary leaves, it was called “Azure Boat Leaf,” capable of carrying cultivators across the sea.
The East Sea was too vast; if he kept flying, even with the talent “Flying Person,” his consumption would be considerable.
With such a simple flying magical artifact, things would be much better in the East Sea.
Xie Fei infused the leaf with power.
The spirit leaf instantly expanded, transforming into a three-zhang-long boat-shaped magical artifact, floating in mid-air.
He leaped onto it, controlling the Azure Boat Leaf to break through the sea surface mist and dash towards the depths of the East Sea.
Half a day later.
Xie Fei looked back.
The outline of the continent had completely disappeared; before him was only endless seawater, the sky and sea merging into one, boundless and vast.
The sea wind became even more fierce.
Mixed with a faint fishy smell.
Occasionally, a few huge shadows swept past from the seabed, stirring up waves.
Xie Fei’s spiritual sense enveloped a ten-li radius, vigilantly perceiving his surroundings.
To avoid getting lost, he would occasionally stop and look to the sky.
He flew for half a day.
Xie Fei’s Azure Boat Leaf had gone deep into the East Sea for an unknown number of miles.
At this moment, it was a vast expanse; between heaven and earth, only the sounds of water and wind intertwined, depressing and causing palpitations.
After traveling for so long.
He finally saw a lonely, small barren island appearing in the distance.
The island was not large, only a hundred zhang in diameter.
The rocks were jagged, covered with some salt-resistant low shrubs, appearing desolate and lonely.
“It seems I’ve reached the island group.”
With an actual point of reference, the oppression in his heart lessened.
Xie Fei was about to urge the Azure Boat Leaf to continue on its way.
But he suddenly sensed a violent surge of spiritual power coming from the island.
“Hm? Someone’s fighting here?”
He quickly stopped again, covering it with his spiritual sense.
He immediately saw a huge sea fish demon beast engaged in fierce battle with a cultivator.
The sea fish was completely blue, its scales shimmering with cold light.
Its huge mouth opened, spraying countless sharp water arrows; the attack was like a torrential downpour, with ear-piercing piercing sounds.
A flash of surprise crossed Xie Fei’s eyes.
This sea fish was actually a Golden Core Level Nine great demon beast, its aura fierce, its combat strength excellent.
And the cultivator…
Xie Fei suddenly froze: “Zhou Hongxian?”
He never expected to meet Zhou Hongxian here!
At this moment, although Zhou Hongxian was not at a disadvantage, she was evenly matched with the fish demon.
At least in the short term, it was impossible to determine the winner; they had to stalemate.
While Xie Fei was stunned.
Zhou Hongxian on the other side seemed to have sensed something and suddenly looked up.
“Xie Fei?!”
Zhou Hongxian was incredibly surprised.
She also never expected to see Xie Fei in the East Sea.
More importantly.
Before, she could see through Xie Fei’s cultivation, it was Qi Refining Level Eight.
But today, she couldn’t see through it at all!
“What’s going on?”
Her heart trembled; was Xie Fei hiding his cultivation before?
Then his true strength was…
Xie Fei, who was busy rushing on his way, didn’t bother with his usual concealment.
Now that he had been discovered.
He could only scratch his nose and awkwardly landed.
Then he raised his hand, a sword qi instantly killing the Golden Core Level Nine fish demon.
“What are you doing here?”
Xie Fei looked at Zhou Hongxian.
“I came to the Hundred Thousand Demon Mountains to catch a Nine Sun Chicken, you…”
Zhou Hongxian looked at the instantly killed fish demon, shocked.
“I see, I’m also going to the Hundred Thousand Demon Mountains, together?”
Xie Fei asked with a smile.
At the same time, he put away the fish demon’s corpse.
For such a great demon beast, every part of its body was a treasure.
Even if he himself didn’t need it, he could use it to nurture the Enlightenment Tea Tree or give it to his apprentices.
“Okay… okay.”
After getting on the large leaf and flying far away, Zhou Hongxian still couldn’t recover.
“Xie Fei, your cultivation…”
After much hesitation, Zhou Hongxian still couldn’t help but ask.
“Nascent Soul.”
Hearing Xie Fei’s definite answer.
Zhou Hongxian didn’t know what to feel for a moment.
Surprise?
Since many things exceeded her original memories, she had become somewhat numb to surprises.
Shock?
It was indeed shocking, completely equivalent to a usually poor and struggling brother suddenly becoming a rich second generation.
Besides that, there were many indescribable feelings.
At this time.
As the two flew, the sky suddenly became overcast.
Dark clouds appeared over the sea.
A hurricane blew up.
The world changed drastically.
Seeing this, Zhou Hongxian forgot about Xie Fei’s cultivation, her face changed: “Be careful! This is a sea thunderstorm!
“It’s not suitable to fly in this situation; otherwise, you’ll be struck by lightning.
“Let’s find a place to land.”
She seemed to be prepared, and as she spoke, she threw out an ark that landed on the sea surface.
Seeing the small boat rising and falling in the seawater, and feeling the restriction formation on it, Xie Fei couldn’t help but look at Zhou Hongxian in surprise.
Although this small boat looked frail, under the blessing of the formation, it could definitely withstand the gale and waves of the sea.
Swish!
Xie Fei didn’t object, putting away the large green leaf.
The two landed on Zhou Hongxian’s small boat.
At this moment, with the hurricane sweeping, huge waves arose everywhere on the sea.
Looking up, it was like the sky was covered, causing palpitations.
But these large waves hit the hull, and although it swayed, it did not capsize.
“This thunderstorm is wrong!”
Zhou Hongxian carefully sensed for a moment, her face becoming even darker: “A great demon beast is stirring up the sea!”
Hearing this, Xie Fei immediately released his spiritual sense.
About seventy or eighty li away on the sea surface to the left, a mass of dense demonic energy was condensing.
“It’s actually a Ten Thousand Year Poison Emerald Turtle!”
Xie Fei was immediately surprised.