Chapter 550

“So this is the Tianyuan Great World?”

Lu Qing sensed his surroundings—and was instantly stunned.

At the moment, they appeared to be standing in a mountain valley.

Birdsong and fragrant blooms filled the air, with wood-elemental energy so dense it was almost tangible.

Wherever he looked, Lu Qing saw plants he didn’t recognize.

Yet it was clear: every one of them had reached the level of

spiritual materials

.

Back in his home world, these would be considered precious elixirs by Postnatal and Precelestial Realm cultivators alike.

Some were of particularly high grade. Judging by the medicinal aura they gave off, even Golden Core Realm cultivators could benefit significantly from them.

What shocked him even more was the ambient spiritual energy.

Not only was it unbelievably dense, but its

quality

was also astoundingly high.

“The spiritual energy here in the Tianyuan Great World… is nearly on par with the spiritual essence found in lower-grade Spiritual Jades?”

Lu Qing’s heart trembled with awe.

And beyond that, the spiritual energy here held a subtle and mysterious quality—something neither his home world nor the Xiao Cang Realm possessed.

Yet it was precisely this enigmatic quality that gave Lu Qing a strong intuition:

For a long time to come, he would no longer need to worry about a lack of spiritual energy.

“No wonder so many cultivators from the outside world are willing to pay exorbitant teleportation fees just to enter the Tianyuan Great World.

The density of spiritual energy alone makes cultivating here worthwhile.

Let alone the countless profound opportunities scattered throughout this world—obtaining even a single one could change your fate.”

A wave of clarity washed over Lu Qing.

So this was the might of a vast world—it was truly unfathomable.

He had barely arrived, caught only a glimpse of its face, and already he could sense its wonders.

“Little Daoist Lu, this place is called Hundred Flowers Valley. It’s one of our Nangong Clan’s herb cultivation grounds,” said Nangong Yuanwu—formerly known as the Canglan City Lord.

“Hundred Flowers Valley, huh? No wonder the wood-elemental energy is so abundant, and spiritual plants grow everywhere.”

Lu Qing nodded in sudden understanding.

He had been thinking that even for a place like the Tianyuan Great World, a random mountain valley filled with high-grade spiritual herbs and plants seemed a bit much.

But if it was a sacred herb-growing site owned by the Nangong Clan, then that made perfect sense.

“Who goes there? How dare you trespass into the Nangong Clan’s Hundred Flowers Valley?!”

Just then, a thunderous shout rang out. A figure flew toward them from outside the valley.

Sword in hand, radiating a fierce aura—it was clearly a powerful Golden Core Late-Stage cultivator.

“It’s me,” Nangong Yuanwu replied calmly.

“Uncle Yuanwu! I thought it was some petty thief sneaking in to steal our herbs!”

The Golden Core cultivator relaxed the moment he recognized the man. He immediately withdrew his aura and bowed respectfully.

After the bow, his curiosity got the better of him.

“But Uncle Yuanwu, weren’t you in seclusion in the Xiao Cang Realm? What brings you back?”

“I’ve recently had a minor breakthrough in my cultivation. Restless from my long retreat, I decided to return for a visit.”

“You’ve had a breakthrough?” The Golden Core cultivator was both surprised and overjoyed.

He knew all too well that Uncle Yuanwu had chosen to go to the lower realm for secluded cultivation because he was on the verge of facing his Nascent Soul First Tribulation and lacked the confidence to overcome it.

Coupled with internal troubles in the clan, he had opted for solitude in the Xiao Cang Realm.

And now, upon returning—he had actually succeeded in breaking through.

This was great news. With Uncle Yuanwu stepping into the Nascent Soul First Tribulation, the Nangong Clan had gained a powerful new asset, strengthening their foundation.

Their chances in the next ranking competition among the Thirty-Six High Clans had just increased.

“Congratulations on successfully overcoming your tribulation, Uncle Yuanwu! May your lifespan be greatly extended!”

“Enough with the flattery. You may go. I’ll return to the clan shortly.”

Nangong Yuanwu waved him off.

“Yes, sir.”

The Golden Core cultivator bowed once more and retreated.

Of course, he had noticed Lu Qing and Mo Hongyun as well and was quite curious about them.

But since Uncle Yuanwu hadn’t introduced them, he dared not ask.

After all, anyone brought by Uncle Yuanwu was certainly no ordinary person.

“Little Daoist Lu, what are your plans now? Why not come visit our Nangong Clan?

A talent as young and outstanding as yourself—our clan’s elders would surely be delighted to meet you.”

After the Golden Core cultivator left, Nangong Yuanwu turned to Lu Qing with a smile.

“Thank you for your kind offer, City Lord, but as I’ve only just arrived in the Tianyuan Great World, I’d prefer to travel a bit and broaden my horizons first.

When I have the chance in the future, I’ll definitely pay the Nangong Clan a proper visit.”

Lu Qing politely declined.

He carried too many secrets to risk exposing himself to powerful Nascent Soul experts from the top clans.

If any of them became curious and wanted to “study” him, he’d be powerless to resist.

“I see. That’s a real pity,” Nangong Yuanwu said with a trace of regret, but he didn’t press further.

“Oh right, City Lord—don’t you worry that while you're gone, the Gongshu Clan or that Supreme Elder of Delight might release the prisoners from Blackstone Prison and take revenge on the citizens of Canglan City?”

At that, Lu Qing suddenly remembered something and voiced his concern.

“Rest assured, Little Daoist Lu,” Nangong Yuanwu chuckled.

“The method to open Blackstone Prison is known only to me.

If anyone tries to force their way in, the formation will explode—and no one inside will survive.

As for venting their rage on the people of Canglan City?

That would be a grave violation. If the Gongshu Clan dares commit such a heinous act...

I will report them to the Righteous Path Alliance. Even if they are one of the Thirty-Six High Clans, they won’t be able to escape punishment.”

“Righteous Path Alliance?” Lu Qing’s eyes lit up. “May I ask what exactly that is, City Lord?”

“Ah, I nearly forgot. Since you’ve just arrived in the Tianyuan Great World, there are some rules you ought to know.

Otherwise, if you violate one, it could spell trouble.”

“I’m all ears, sir,” said Lu Qing.

“Actually, the rules cultivators must follow in the Tianyuan Great World are few—but two are absolutely essential.

The first: Do not slaughter innocents without cause. While conflict between cultivators is allowed, it must not involve or harm ordinary mortals.

Especially for those at higher realms—using your cultivation to slaughter lower-level cultivators is forbidden.

If you act recklessly and are discovered, the Righteous Path Alliance will intervene and bring you to justice.

The second rule: Never collude with the Demon Race.

This is even more serious than the first.

If you're caught working with the Demon Race, it’s a capital offense.

At best, your divine soul will be extracted and locked in the Soul Prison to suffer eternal torment.

At worst—you’ll be slain on the spot, your body and soul obliterated, denied even the chance at reincarnation.

As for the Righteous Path Alliance—it is a coalition formed by all the righteous forces of the Tianyuan Great World to resist the Demon Race.

Normally, they don’t interfere in the affairs of individual sects or clans.

But should anyone violate these two cardinal rules, the Alliance will strike swiftly.

Unless you are a supreme expert with deep mastery over the Dao of Space and can perform Boundary-Breaking Teleportation...

You will not escape their reach.

So, Little Lord Lu, please keep these two points in mind during your travels.”

“I will remember your teachings well, City Lord,” Lu Qing replied.

As Nangong Yuanwu spoke, a strange sense of familiarity rose within Lu Qing’s heart.

The Righteous Path Alliance of the Tianyuan Great World reminded Lu Qing somewhat of the Sacred Mountain back in his home world.

The difference, however, was that his home world didn’t have such a vast and powerful Demon Race to contend with.

The Sacred Mountain there primarily functioned to restrain powerful cultivators from bullying the weak.

That said, Lu Qing had no issue with following the two rules mentioned.

He might not be a native of this world, but he didn’t enjoy oppressing the weak.

As for the Demon Race—he had no affinity whatsoever. He certainly had no intention of collaborating with them.

After all, he had sealed a fragment of a demon cultivator’s divine soul inside his Li Huo Cauldron and knew firsthand what kind of wretched beings they were.

“Also, Little Daoist Lu, you not only saved our lives this time...

You also helped Hongyun break free from the Heart-Corroding Joy Curse and escape the control of the Supreme Elder of Delight.

I don’t have much to give you by way of thanks...

But Hongyun said you like spiritual jades. Here, take this storage ring. Inside are some of the spiritual jades I’ve collected over the years.”

With that, Nangong Yuanwu took out a simple, unadorned ring and handed it to Lu Qing.

“City Lord, I couldn’t possibly!” Lu Qing waved his hands repeatedly. “Just bringing me up to the upper realm was already a tremendous favor. I couldn’t accept anything more.”

“There’s no need to be so polite, Little Daoist Lu.”

Nangong Yuanwu simply tossed the storage ring to him.

“A life-saving debt is greater than the sky. Bringing you here hardly repays it. It’s just a few spiritual jades—please, accept them.”

Seeing how insistent he was, Lu Qing had no choice but to accept the ring.

“Then this junior will accept it shamelessly.”

After putting the ring away, Lu Qing bowed respectfully to both Nangong Yuanwu and Mo Hongyun.

“City Lord, Pavilion Mistress, now that I’ve safely arrived in the upper realm, it’s time I took my leave.”

“You’re leaving already, Daoist Lu?” Mo Hongyun asked.

“That’s right. It’s not every day one arrives in the Tianyuan Great World. I’d like to explore a bit—now’s not the time to linger.”

“You’ve offended both the Gongshu Clan and the Supreme Elder of Delight for my sake,” she said with concern. “Please be careful during your travels.”

“I’ll keep my identity well hidden. Pavilion Mistress, if you leave the Tianyuan Great World, I hope you’ll stay safe as well.

Keep the talisman I gave you close at all times.

With it, hiding your identity will be much easier.”

“I’ll carry it with me always,” Mo Hongyun said seriously.

“Then, Pavilion Mistress, City Lord, I’ll take my leave.”

“Travel safely, Little Daoist Lu. I’ll be awaiting your visit at the Nangong Clan,” Nangong Yuanwu said.

Lu Qing gave a small nod, then transformed into a stream of light and soared into the sky, with Xiaoli and Wuxing following behind him as he flew out of Hundred Flowers Valley.

The branch members of the Nangong Clan guarding the valley had already received Nangong Yuanwu’s transmission.

They didn’t try to stop Lu Qing and let him leave freely.

Mo Hongyun stood motionless, gazing silently in the direction Lu Qing had gone for a long time.

Seeing this, Nangong Yuanwu sighed inwardly.

He could tell that, after everything she’d experienced, Hongyun had probably developed feelings for Little Daoist Lu.

But he could also see that this young cultivator was an extraordinary talent, utterly devoted to the Dao.

His heart likely held no room for romantic entanglements.

Hongyun’s feelings, he feared, might never be returned.

What’s more, he had a strange hunch...

This little journey Lu Qing had embarked on—might just stir up a storm across the Tianyuan Great World.

“Hongyun, where do you want to go now?” he asked.

“Anywhere is fine, as long as it’s far away from the Tianyuan Great World.

I want to be like Daoist Lu—travel far and wide, broaden my horizons, and focus on cultivation.

I’ve wasted too much time over the years.

Only by reaching the Nascent Soul Realm and fully mastering my Profound Yin Jade Body will I be able to return to the Tianyuan Great World.”

Her gaze was firm as she looked toward the sky.

“Very well. I’ll arrange for you to be sent to the Guiyuan Great World. The cultivation conditions there are just as good as here.

With your talent, it won’t take long for you to break through.”

“Alright. But using an Interdomain Teleportation Formation is expensive. I’ll pay for it myself.”

“Hongyun, you…”

…

With Nangong Yuanwu’s assistance, Mo Hongyun stepped onto the teleportation platform bound for the Guiyuan Great World.

Meanwhile, after leaving Hundred Flowers Valley, Lu Qing continued flying forward, picking a direction at random and turning into a beam of light.

As he flew, he quietly observed the differences between a Great World and a Small World.

“The spiritual energy is clearly thinner once I left Hundred Flowers Valley.”

That was the first thing he noticed.

Though, he wasn’t particularly surprised.

Hundred Flowers Valley, being a place where the Nangong Clan cultivated spirit herbs, was likely a blessed land in itself.

It probably had arrays like a Gathering Spirit Formation set up.

So, of course, the spiritual energy would be denser there.

Even so, the ambient spiritual energy outside the valley was still quite impressive.

It wasn’t any worse than the cave dwelling he’d stayed in back at the Treasure Pavilion.

More importantly, the

quality

of the spiritual energy here in the Tianyuan Great World far surpassed that of the Xiao Cang Realm.

And this was just the ambient energy scattered throughout the world.

He could only imagine what the spiritual energy would be like in sacred mountains, immortal grottos, and blessed lands.

Aside from the energy itself, he also noticed another major difference—

The laws of heaven and earth in the Tianyuan Great World were far more powerful and complete than those of a small world.

As a result, his speed while flying with his stream-of-light technique was drastically reduced.

It wasn’t even a tenth of what it used to be.

Still, with the overwhelming power of his Perfect Golden Core, even that reduced speed was blindingly fast by ordinary standards.

It was easily on par with others riding magical artifacts.

“I wonder—if I use the Void Flying Boat here in the Tianyuan Great World, what kind of speed would I reach? Could it approach this world’s upper limit?”

The thought flickered through Lu Qing’s mind.

Of course, it was just a passing notion.

The Void Flying Boat had a mysterious origin—rumored to be a component of a legendary Dao artifact.

Cultivators in the small worlds might not recognize it...

But the Tianyuan Great World was filled with hidden dragons and crouching tigers. The depths here ran far too deep.

If he flew around showing off the boat, some unknown master might see through its secrets and try to seize it.

That would be a nightmare.

So, Lu Qing had long since made up his mind—

Unless it was a matter of life and death, he would not use the Void Flying Boat lightly.

As he soared through the skies, he continued using his divine soul to attune himself to this world’s laws, gradually adapting.

But just as he passed through another layer of clouds...

A sudden chill gripped his heart.

He snapped his head up—and saw a strange bird hurtling toward him at incredible speed.

Its sharp talons gleamed with a cold, menacing light as they slashed toward him.