Chapter 348: Devise a Plan

“Moo~~” Brother Ox laughed heartily, though his eyes carried a trace of curiosity as he nudged Chen Xun.

“I’m fine, Brother Ox. My divine soul and spiritual sense have fully ascended to the Void Refinement Stage, and the Extinguishing Spirit Storm has elevated alongside them.”

Chen Xun smiled faintly, placing a hand on Brother Ox’s head. “Heaven’s blessing has been wholly received. Your physical body might now only lag seven-tenths behind mine.”

“Moo?! Moo, moo?!” Brother Ox’s eyes widened in disbelief. He snorted out a long breath, a mix of awe and humor.

“However, due to my forceful breakthrough, my cultivation base remains at the late Deity Transformation Stage. Still, there are no bottlenecks left. Ascending to the Void Refinement Stage will come naturally when the time is right.”

Chen Xun’s gaze softened as he continued, “The five-element energy here is immeasurably more abundant than in our small domain. It will allow our cultivation paths to flourish.”

Pausing, his expression turned serious. “But the tribulations of the Three Thousand Great Worlds are likely to be terrifying. Brother Ox, advance steadily. Wait until your physical body reaches its peak before attempting a breakthrough.”

He chuckled lightly. “During the barrier’s collapse, I simply exploited an opportunity. Here, such shortcuts won’t work. Be cautious, and don’t rush. We’ve accumulated enough insights to progress without pressure.”

Brother Ox nodded firmly, his trust in Chen Xun unshaken. Their bond, forged through countless trials, remained unbreakable.

<hr> “Brother Xun, the spiritual energy here is overwhelming. If the spiritual energy of our domain is a mere stream, this place is an endless river!” Xiao Chi’s fiery gaze darted around as he gestured animatedly. “It’s so dense it feels like consuming a millennium’s worth of elixirs. If we placed this in Tian Duan—”

Realizing his slip, he clamped his mouth shut. His eyes darted nervously, relieved when no one pressed the matter further.

Beside him, Sister Crane nodded in agreement. Her sensitivity to spiritual energy made her acutely aware of the richness surrounding them. The dense five-element energy seemed endless, greatly enhancing her abilities.

She thought to herself,

If Big Brother and Brother Ox were to fight cultivators of the same level, their energy reserves alone would make them unstoppable.

Chen Xun’s expression turned contemplative. “We must remain vigilant. Judging by what we’ve observed so far, this world likely hosts immortal sects. Where there are sentient beings, there will be conflict.”

Narrowing his eyes, he added, “And we are entirely unfamiliar with the Three Thousand Great Worlds. We don’t even know where we are.”

<hr>

“Moo?” Brother Ox’s ears perked up as Chen Xun continued.

“During our descent, I caught a glimpse of a spirit vein. Judging by its scale, it’s at least seventh or eighth grade. Such a resource is likely claimed by a powerful sect, perhaps even one capable of inciting wars in our old domain.”

Chen Xun’s voice was calm but resolute. “With spiritual energy this abundant, cultivators likely progress rapidly. Strong individuals are inevitable.”

He turned to Sister Crane and Xiao Chi, handing them each a stack of blank notebooks.

The group quickly gathered, sitting in a row with earnest expressions. Chen Xun stood before them, a commanding presence as he outlined their strategy.

<hr>

“Our immediate priority is to find locals, learn about this world, and integrate into this realm,” Chen Xun declared, his voice steady. “The land we’re on might even be just an island within this vast domain.”

He pointed to the surrounding forest. “I’ve scanned the area. Aside from some Foundation Establishment birds, there are no significant lifeforms—no spirit beasts, which is peculiar.”

He paused, his gaze sharp. “This might be the training ground of a great sect or a restricted area. Everything is uncertain, but we must prepare thoroughly.”

To emphasize his point, he held up a spirit herb he had plucked. Its intricate root patterns suggested it was at least five hundred years old.

“Look at this herb,” he said. “Its pristine state indicates this land is well-preserved. It’s likely protected or isolated—perhaps even sacred ground for cultivators in training.”

His companions nodded in agreement, furiously scribbling notes into their notebooks. Their understanding of this world—its resources, dangers, and potential—grew clearer with each passing moment.

<hr>

“For now, patience is key. Xiao Chi, prepare for your breakthrough to the Deity Transformation Stage. I’ll ensure your safety during the process.”

Chen Xun looked to Sister Crane and Brother Ox. “Sister Crane, map the area using your abilities. Brother Ox, safeguard her and set up a teleportation formation.”

“Yes, Big Brother.” Sister Crane’s eyes sparkled as she waved her hand. Black-and-white light flickered, and countless branches extended from her Five Elements Tree form, weaving seamlessly into the surrounding forest.

Brother Ox grunted in acknowledgment. Five strands of his divine soul split off, following Sister Crane’s threads to ensure her safety.

Xiao Chi, meanwhile, stood tall. “No problem, Brother Xun,” he said, his voice filled with determination.

<hr>

Chen Xun placed a reassuring hand on Xiao Chi’s shoulder. “Your mind is untainted by corrupted blood. Your inner demons will be far less severe than ours. Trust in Brother Ox and focus on your breakthrough. You’ve earned it.”

Moved by Chen Xun’s words, Xiao Chi grinned and nodded. His aura surged as he prepared to ascend.

Nearby, Chen Xun and Brother Ox ascended to a tree’s peak. They gazed out over an endless sea of ancient trees, their canopy stretching to the horizon. The two suns in the sky cast a surreal glow, filling the air with a dreamlike quality.

“This world...” Chen Xun murmured. “It’s vast beyond comprehension.”

Brother Ox nodded silently, the weight of their journey ahead palpable. Yet, amidst the unknown, one truth remained certain: united, they would endure.