Chapter 285 - 177: Sword Shadow Following Heart

"I didn’t expect the frontline situation had deteriorated to this extent."

Normally carefree, old Hu sighed as he heard the news.

"Right now, it’s all about depleting resources. If the Four Great Influences expend too much, there might be a chance to breathe; otherwise, once Master Lu leaves, Master Su will certainly return to oversee Celestial Profound City, and by then, the frontline..."

Lin Chang’an frowned, sensing the dire situation.

Currently, among the Yue Kingdom’s Four Great Influences, it’s likely that the Profound Sound Pavilion is the most anxious.

"It’s not just that. A large number of demon beasts are migrating out of the Cloud Mist Mountain Range, which is clearly unusual, yet the Seven Countries Cultivators care only about immediate benefits..."

"Isn’t anyone investigating the anomaly in the Cloud Mist Mountain Range?"

"Of course there are, but the Cloud Mist Mountain Range is shrouded in miasma; even Golden Core Cultivators lose their way when venturing deep inside. How can anyone investigate? For now, it’s attributed to the abnormal movement of the miasma."

"Ah, the miasma anomaly—it’s a natural disaster. According to sect cultivators from the Liang Kingdom, which has the most ancient lineage among the Seven Kingdoms, the Cloud Mist Mountain Range had a similar anomaly 1,700 years ago..."

While exchanging information, Lin Chang’an felt a jolt upon hearing about the Cloud Mist Mountain Range anomaly.

"In the fragmented memories of Blood Evil True Master, there seemed to be a truth about the anomaly in the Cloud Mist Mountain Range. But what exactly is it?"

Lin Chang’an pondered, examining the incomplete images in his mind.

Even the late-stage Core Formation Blood Evil True Master fled in horror at the sight of that terrifyingly miasmic spiritual spring, not daring to linger for an instant.

In the fragmented memories, one could even witness a late-stage Golden Core Cultivator’s magical treasure being visibly corroded by the erupting miasma.

"What is this? Why does Blood Evil True Master harbor such resentment towards Master Lu?"

Lin Chang’an frowned; the fragmented memories were too scant. What stood out most was the vehement cursing at Master Lu.

It’s unclear what Master Lu did to cause a late-stage Core Formation cultivator to lose his composure so thoroughly.

"But these are matters beyond the reach of someone like me—better to cultivate diligently."

Sighing inwardly, Lin Chang’an decided not to dwell on it.

Even if there’s a great opportunity, late-stage Core Formation cultivators have failed; he doesn’t wish to take such a gamble.

"Mr. Yun’s cultivation is profound; I suppose it won’t be long before he leaves the Yue Kingdom."

As the group chatted, old Jia glanced enviously at Yun Yao as he spoke.

Old Jia genuinely regretted the imminent departure—not for any other reason than the peaceful years brought by the presence of this late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But aspiring to Core Formation inevitably means leaving.

"If one wishes to acquire Core Formation Spiritual Objects, they must leave this place."

"Indeed, the Seven Kingdoms are barren, so even the major sects and families must venture to the Demon Beast Abyss to seek Core Formation Spiritual Objects."

Amidst the group’s sentiments, Yun Yao shook his head softly, saying:

"I’ve only recently reached late-stage Foundation Establishment and need to stabilize my cultivation."

Upon hearing that Yun Yao would not leave yet, old Jia quietly exhaled a breath of relief, unable to part with the market’s profitable years.

Yet among them, Yun Yao is late-stage Foundation Establishment, while Hu Jin and Lin Chang’an have steadfast Dao hearts, enduring years of mid-stage Foundation Establishment, persisting in rigorous cultivation.

It’s likely they will eventually seek opportunities for Core Formation together.

As for He Yan, who has just broken into mid-stage Foundation Establishment due to practicing demonic cultivation techniques, he looks middle-aged but seems complacent, lacking grand ambitions.

The last of their group, old ghost, who harbors unknown vendettas, has remained silent, devoting himself entirely to cultivation.

Among the six Foundation Establishment cultivators, only old Jia has settled down over the years, no longer wanting to strive.

"Now, I wish all fellow Daoists a long-lived Immortal Dao."

Despite being cultivators nearing a hundred years old, their temperaments naturally differ from ordinary people. Old Jia seemed to have figured something out and, with a carefree smile, lifted his cup to toast everyone.

On this path in pursuit of Immortal Dao, each companion continues forward; he who stops can only offer blessings.

The group raised their cups with smiles.

"Cheers!"

Amid jovial laughter, they toasted each other with mutual blessings.

Over a century of life, encountering a few kindred spirits on the cultivation journey is a great fortune.

As Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing, the couple delivering wine and meat, descended the stairs, they saw Lin Chang’an still retaining his youthful appearance and couldn’t help but cast envious glances.

The couple, nearing their nineties, exchanged knowing looks and saw each other’s aged faces while their expressions revealed loving smiles.

"Qingqing, perhaps I regret not cultivating properly back then, but I don’t regret having you and Fan’Er."

Hearing this, Lu Qingqing glared at her husband, lowering her voice to speak:

"You shameless old man, we’re almost in the grave."

Of course, the couple exchanged smiles.

Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao have their own paths to follow.

Similarly, they have their own path, walking hand in hand for a century; their son also became a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

They have no regrets about their chosen path.

Shen Lie, looking like an elderly man, suddenly felt enlightened, grinning widely while descending the stairs.

On the rooftop, Lin Chang’an’s late-stage Foundation Establishment divine sense naturally noticed this scene and exchanged smiles with Yun Yao.

At least, their former companions are doing well now.

"In life, who hasn’t encountered a few regrets along the way?"

Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao’s eyes flickered, recalling the journey of their lives.

Bittersweet joys and sorrows, separations and reunions—such is life.

Though the path of cultivation is destined to be solitary, the scenery along the way, even the regrets, is unique and unparalleled.