Chapter 244: The Hidden Island Base and the Shifting Star Ore Veins

Shortly after Chen Xun and his companions left Yu Chen’s fleet:

Yu Yiwei moved closer to Yu Chen, checking his physical condition. Her eyes were filled with worry. “Fifth Brother, it seems you might have to give up on entering the secret realm after this encounter.”

Yu Chen gave a faint smile, the lingering effects of the confrontation evident on his pale face. “Acquiring the Abyss Carp was far more valuable than the secret realm opportunity. Meeting those seniors was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, one that transcends whatever I might gain in the secret realm.”

“Those seniors were so generous?” Yu Yiwei's eyes widened in disbelief. “What did it cost us?”

Yu Chen gave her a quick sidelong glance. “Don’t pry too much. Trust that I know what I’m doing.”

“Yes, Fifth Brother,” Yu Yiwei replied quietly, stifling her curiosity, even as she mumbled complaints to herself about her brother's constant secrecy.

Standing nearby, Uncle Chu, ever composed, asked, “Young Master, shall we set our course back home?”

Yu Chen nodded, casting one last look toward the vast, mist-covered sea. “Yes, let’s head back.”

“As you wish.”

Uncle Chu refrained from asking further questions. The formidable presence they encountered didn’t resemble the mad rage of demonic cultivators or corrupted beasts; rather, it felt refined and patient—traits that left a deep impression on him.

They could only hope for the best as they sailed back, knowing the power behind that mysterious figure who had just stepped into their lives.

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**Meanwhile, on an uncharted island in the Forbidden Sea**

In a secluded part of the Forbidden Sea, an isolated island lay concealed by a thick, natural fog barrier. The dense mist seemed to hold traces of ancient spirits and eerie silence, making it an unlikely place for anyone to willingly visit.

Yet, that very island was home to Chen Xun, Brother Ox, and Xiao Chi. After decades spent exploring the Forbidden Sea, they’d established it as their hidden base of operations. Here, nestled between cliffs and dark forest groves, they had set up their small, private domain away from the ever-watchful eyes of cultivator clans and sects alike.

“Brother Ox, Xiao Chi!” Chen Xun called out as he stepped onto the shoreline, smiling as he looked around. “We’re back home!”

“Moo!” Brother Ox let out a contented snort, nudging Chen Xun.

Perched on Brother Ox’s back, Xiao Chi wagged his tail and took a deep breath of the island’s unique, crisp air. “Home sweet home! I’d take this over the Forbidden Sea anytime.”

Indeed, after years of exploring the dark waters and narrowly escaping countless dangers, their secluded island felt like a safe haven. Despite being constantly shrouded in mist and surrounded by an eerie silence, they’d adapted to its strange ambiance.

“Alright, we’ve got a little more work to do now.” Chen Xun glanced at the center of the island, where a deep pit shimmered in the distance. “It’s time to get back to mining the Shifting Star Ore Veins.”

This hidden treasure trove of star ores was one of the island's greatest discoveries. They’d only just begun to dig into its depths, but the precious ores were essential for the advanced formations and transmission arrays they dreamed of constructing someday.

As they reached the pit, Chen Xun’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Let’s get started, shall we?”

“Absolutely!” Brother Ox was already down in the pit, his hooves ready for the heavy work. Xiao Chi followed suit, claws digging into the dark soil, eager to assist.

For hours, the three worked tirelessly, each strike of their tools resonating through the island as they unearthed clusters of dark, star-speckled ore. The process was slow, but each ore chunk they extracted brought them closer to building something truly remarkable on their island.

The Shifting Star Ore Veins were a rare find, even by Forbidden Sea standards. Capable of amplifying spiritual energy and sustaining complex formations, these ores were perfect for creating a teleportation network.

“Brother Ox, with this much ore, we could start building a formation that spans several leagues.” Chen Xun mused as he chipped away at a particularly large cluster. “Just imagine—a single formation that could transport us across entire regions!”

Brother Ox gave an approving grunt. “Moo! With this, we’ll be able to traverse distances we’d only dreamed of before.”

Hours passed, but Chen Xun, Brother Ox, and Xiao Chi never tired of their work. Each fragment they unearthed felt like a step closer to a grander future. By the time the sun began to set over the misty horizon, they’d amassed a significant pile of ores.

Taking a moment to rest, Chen Xun leaned against a large rock, smiling as he watched the mist settle around them. The island was their sanctuary, and here, they could work toward their goals without interference.

And as they looked out across the Forbidden Sea, its mysterious waves rolling silently beyond the shore, the trio felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew that their journey was far from over, and the challenges ahead would only grow. But with each Shifting Star Ore they dug from the earth, they felt better prepared to face whatever lay beyond their hidden island.