Lin Keyang and Zhang Lingrui were both steady and meticulous by nature. This time, they had taken advantage of the wave of ascension that swept across the entire realm to break through to the early Out-of-Body stage. This also owed much to the medicinal potions Yunxi had exchanged for them. Thus, after Yunxi accepted a new mission, the two of them immediately volunteered to accompany her.
As for Sheng Yuhong and Zhou Lingchuan, they were assigned by Sect Master Yu Geng to primarily assist Yunxi in completing her mission, running errands if needed. Both had already reached the late Nascent Soul stage and were not far from breaking through to Divine Transformation, so this was a good chance to gain experience.
Yu Geng also had his own considerations. He could see that Ran Xi was a cultivator of great fortune who would not remain at her current level for long. Having his two disciples follow her would let them benefit from her opportunities, so he arranged for them to assist Ran Xi, hoping to build a closer relationship.
Although Yu Geng's idea was good, the disparity in cultivation levels was immense. They were no longer on the same plane. Ran Xi treated them as errand-runners, never making things difficult but not overly concerned with them either. As long as they completed her instructions, she would not interfere in other matters.
Sheng Yuhong had long set aside his complicated emotions. Facing Ran Xi now, he could clearly feel the chasm-like gap between them, one that could not be bridged merely by raising his cultivation level.
When Sheng Yuhong learned from his master that the "Full Realm Ascension Plan" had been proposed by Ran Xi, he had realized he could never reach her level. Ran Xi's perspective was different; she wasn't focused solely on her own growth but on the survival of the entire Weiyu Realm.
More importantly, Ran Xi had not only proposed this plan but had the capability to push it forward. The breakthrough elixirs were her confidence in making it possible.
After that, Sheng Yuhong no longer secluded himself endlessly. He ventured out for over ten years of tempering and broke through to the late Nascent Soul stage after returning. Though he was still far from Ran Xi's level, he was a standout among cultivators of his generation.
This time, he accepted the mission not only because of his sect master's arrangements but also because he hoped to learn from a high-level cultivator. Even one casual remark from such a figure could enlighten him greatly.
Zhou Lingchuan's thoughts were simpler. No matter how Haoran Sect would develop in the future, he intended to remain loyal. Being able to cultivate in the Spirit Realm without even reaching the Out-of-Body stage was already something he deeply appreciated. He believed that one day he would stand at the very peak of the Spirit Realm.
At this moment, Yunxi was in the cabin, chatting leisurely with Lin Keyang and Zhang Lingrui about plans for after the sect stabilized.
Zhang Lingrui smiled and said, "I heard that Mingjian Gate merged into Lingjian Sect. Once things settle down in the sect, I want to visit Lingjian Sect and challenge some of their disciples. I'd like to see where I stand now."
Lin Keyang glared at him. "Don't go looking for trouble, or they'll toss you out of their sect with sword strikes."
"Sparring between sword cultivators is normal. Why would only I get thrown out?"
"If you want to spar, you'd be better off heading to the Ancient Battlefield. Plenty of evil cultivators there to hone your sword on, if you dare."
"Tch. You make it sound like I'd be scared. Sword cultivators should charge forward without hesitation. If I meet an evil cultivator, I'll cut him down with a single strike."
He looked at Yunxi, clearly seeking her approval.
Yunxi smiled faintly. "As long as the path from the Wuwang Ruins to the Spirit Realm remains open, we'll see the battlefield sooner or later. But for now, we should focus on acclimating to this realm first. Let's get used to the environment here before making plans."
Both Lin Keyang and Zhang Lingrui nodded. In the lower realm, their cultivation was at the very top, but here in the Spirit Realm, they were only mid-tier. They needed time to adjust and there was no rush.
The conversation then turned to Xun Kun and Yun Chen, who had been escorted away, as well as the cultivators from Huaxian Gate. No one knew how they were faring now.
Yunxi, however, wasn't worried about her companions. All of them had steadfast dao hearts. When they supported the ascension of the entire realm, they had been prepared to die. None of them had faltered in the final moment, which was why they had received aid from that mysterious purple-robed Immortal Sovereign.
Half a month later, the group of five returned to Haoran City in the western region of the original Weiyu Realm. In just under two months of absence, the city had undergone earth-shaking changes. Numerous unfamiliar cultivators now filled the city: demon cultivators, beast cultivators, Buddhist cultivators, and even ghost cultivators who could walk under sunlight.
Yunxi didn't conceal her late-stage, peak Void Refinement cultivation as she led the four of them to the Wei Clan's estate in Haoran City. She instructed Sheng Yuhong and Zhou Lingchuan, "Send message talismans to the families that relied on our sect before. Tell them that the sect has sent people to escort them. Give them three days to prepare.
Also, investigate the current situation in Haoran City. See how Spirit Realm cultivators are reacting to the return of the Weiyu Realm and whether there have been any major conflicts."
"Yes."
The two clasped their hands in salute before vanishing into the crowd.
When Yunxi knocked on the Wei Clan's protective formation, she found the entire clan grounds lifeless. The once vast estate was nearly deserted. Only a few guards stood at the gate. When they saw Yunxi, joy lit their faces. They quickly sent out three message talismans, then bowed respectfully.
Yunxi nodded slightly and entered the Wei Clan's council hall with Lin Keyang and Zhang Lingrui.
A short while later, Wei Chenyin, Wei Lingtao, Wei Zongjin, and members of the Feng Clan—Feng Feng and Feng Jiaqing—arrived in succession. Their tense expressions relaxed noticeably at the sight of Yunxi, relief spreading across their faces.
Yunxi arched an eyebrow. "Judging by your expressions, it seems you've been bullied since Haoran Sect left."
Wei Chenyin nodded. "A sect took interest in our clan grounds and gave us seven days to vacate. They planned to use this place as their sect's station. We didn't want a direct conflict, so we delayed them while secretly investigating their strength."
"What did you find?"
Wei Chenyin sighed. "They're barely considered a third-rate sect in the Spirit Realm. They have no Mahayana Zhēnzūn to guard them, but they do have one Unity cultivator and three Void Refinement cultivators. We cannot afford to offend them.
After discussion, we decided that if you didn't return within seven days, we would leave Haoran City ourselves. We could always find another place to settle.
Coincidentally, the Feng Clan faced a similar problem. Feng Daoyou came to us to discuss leaving together."
Feng Feng added, "Our strength is still lacking. We wanted to develop steadily. Besides, since Yunxiao Sea is the seal of the Evil God's remains, this place isn't safe. Even without these troubles, we had planned to relocate. However, we don't fully understand the situation in the Spirit Realm yet, so we hesitated to act rashly."
Feng Jiaqing continued, "Several other Haoran City clans have visited us as well, inquiring about Haoran Sect's whereabouts. Some families grew impatient and already moved their entire clans and resources to align with Spirit Realm powers."
At that moment, a message talisman flew into the council hall.