Chapter 373: Discussing the Dao

“Big Brother, Second Brother, Fourth Brother!”

Sister Crane’s sharp voice cut through their casual chatter. Her eyes gleamed with resolve as she transmitted her thoughts through divine sense. “Yesterday, Big Brother mentioned the Heavenly Dao Rankings. The world believes it to be a creation of the Heavenly Dao, even Uncle Fu says so.”

She paused, her tone growing serious. “But Big Brother thinks otherwise. He believes it’s not the Heavenly Dao at all. Having interacted with the essence of our small realm and glimpsed the essence of this vast world, I’m inclined to agree. It’s highly probable that powerful races have gained some control over the great world’s essence.”

Sister Crane glanced at her shoulder, where a tiny turtle had been carefully hidden, its aura completely masked by her manipulation of essence. “This world isn’t as idyllic as they claim! They may not actively target ordinary people like us, but we must remain vigilant.”

“What?! Sister Crane…” Xiao Chi exclaimed, his fur bristling. “I never even thought of that. Clearly, I’ve been too naïve!”

Chen Xun nodded approvingly, a faint smile gracing his lips. “Excellent, Sister Crane. It’s essential to question what you hear. Even if your conclusions turn out to be wrong, forming them based on observation and analysis is the right approach.”

“I understand, Big Brother!” Sister Crane beamed, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Brother Ox released a deep, resonant moo of approval, his gaze warm yet firm.

<hr>

Chen Xun’s expression turned contemplative as they strolled through the bustling streets. “The messages we’ve heard from the Nine Heavens Sound Disk suggest this world is not as harmonious as it appears, but it’s far from chaotic either. Disputes abound, but they’ve established rules. For example, you can kill someone, but as long as you don’t tamper with their Spirit Mark, it’s considered a private matter.”

His tone darkened slightly. “This ‘order’ primarily protects the great powers and influential clans. If you think an ordinary cultivator with a Yellow-Tier Spirit Mark is untouchable, you’re mistaken. No one will bat an eye if they disappear… as long as it doesn’t upset the balance of power.”

Pausing, Chen Xun turned to his siblings. “Remember, we are small players in a grand world. Keep your heads down, avoid provoking others, and abide by the rules. That’s how we survive.”

Brother Ox’s nostrils flared as memories of their past surfaced. He released another deep moo, resonating with agreement.

Chen Xun placed a hand on Brother Ox’s head, his gaze distant. “Exactly. Now imagine the intellect and ambition of those who orchestrated an end to the Great Slaughter Era. Do you think they’re any less ruthless?”

Sister Crane’s eyes widened as she absorbed her brother’s words. She clenched her fists, determination hardening her resolve. “I won’t let my guard down, Big Brother. I promise.”

Xiao Chi, meanwhile, couldn’t help but shudder. “You’re right, Big Brother. It’s better to stay cautious…” He paused, glancing nervously at Brother Ox before muttering, …especially on the Tian Duan Plains…”

“What did you say?!” Chen Xun roared, his expression fierce. “Brother Ox, handle him!”

Brother Ox bellowed a resounding moo, lowering his head and charging at Xiao Chi.

“Ahhh! Big Brother, mercy! I’ll never mention the plains again!” Xiao Chi’s wails echoed through the streets as Chen Xun and Brother Ox’s combined efforts silenced his protests.

<hr>

The next morning, the group stood at the base of a small mountain on the outskirts of Hunyuan Immortal City. Mist clung to the peaks, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of wildflowers.

Chen Xun furrowed his brow, scrutinizing their surroundings before turning to a nearby estate agent. “This… is the ‘mountain villa’ you were boasting about?”

The estate agent flinched, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “Senior, I assure you, this property meets all your requirements—peaceful, isolated, and within the city’s protected boundary.”

Brother Ox stamped a hoof, his expression skeptical. He released a snort as if to say, “It’s an abandoned hill, not a villa!”

Sister Crane glanced around, noting the sparse vegetation and lack of infrastructure. “Big Brother… this place is… modest.”

The agent hurriedly activated an array, causing a modest wooden fence and small hut to materialize atop the hill. “Senior, behold! A villa and its accompanying spiritual mountain, now officially yours. Any trespassers will face the wrath of Hunyuan Immortal City’s laws.”

Chen Xun stared at the hut, then at the agent, his expression unreadable. Finally, he chuckled. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. Very well, we’ll take it.”

With the transaction completed, the agent retreated swiftly, leaving the group to examine their new property.

<hr>

As the morning sun rose higher, Chen Xun surveyed their humble surroundings. “It’s not much now, but this place will be our first foothold. A base for our recycling enterprise and a stepping stone for greater ambitions.”

“Big Brother is amazing!” Sister Crane exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Absolutely,” Xiao Chi agreed, darting around the property. “We’ll turn this hill into the best recycling factory in the three thousand worlds!”

“Brother Ox, set up the teleportation array,” Chen Xun commanded. “We’ll begin preparations immediately.”

Brother Ox responded with an enthusiastic moo, his determination evident.

As his siblings busied themselves, Chen Xun stood quietly, gazing at the distant horizon. His eyes gleamed with a mix of determination and hope.