"So soon," Shi Jian said in surprise.
"Stay a few more days, my clan members would also like to thank you."
"No need, I always feel that something is going to happen at the academy these days and I want to join in on the excitement," Xu Zimei said with a smile.
"To welcome the storm."
"Thatâs true, I forgot about that," Shi Jian nodded and responded.
"Then letâs go together, no matter what the outcome is, we must stand with the academy."
While the two were chatting, Shi Shaoshuo also came over with many Elders.
"Thereâs no need for too many thanks. I did it partly for the sake of the Supreme Hammer and partly because of Senior Brother Shi," Xu Zimei said, waving his hand.
"Is Young Master Xu about to leave?" Shi Shaoshuo asked.
Xu Zimei nodded slightly and said, "Your Stone Race has just experienced a great calamity, a rebirth after the disaster.
Isnât it time to put things in order?"
"What does Young Master Xu mean?" Shi Shaoshuo asked, puzzled.
"There are some people in the clan with insidious intentions. Of course, you can check on this yourselves," Xu Zimei gestured.
He asked, "Where is the Feather Clanâs territory?"
"Thirty li to the east from Stone Holy Mountain, thatâs about where Yu Mountain Ridge is," Shi Shaoshuo replied hastily.
"But now that the main force of the Feather Clan has left, itâs unlikely that the remnants can stir up much trouble."
Xu Zimei nodded slightly.
After a brief goodbye with Shi Shaoshuo and the others, he didnât bother with Lu Ze and the group from the Immortal Mortal Sect and prepared to leave.
After all, Lu Ze hadnât provoked him, and he had already warned Shi Shaoshuo.
...
He and Shi Jian set out together towards the east.
In about an hour, they had arrived in the middle of Yu Mountain Ridge.
This was the territory of the Feather Clan and where their race lived.
Among the mountains, the trees were luxuriant and growing thickly.
The morning sunlight shone down, and the air was exceptionally quiet.
The two discerned their direction in the firmament and descended into the heart of the Feather Clanâs mountains.
"Who dares to trespass upon the Feather Clan?" a stern voice called out, and a dozen members of the Feather Clan flew towards them.
Xu Zimei ignored these people and instead surveyed the buildings around.
There were places like the Technique Pavilion and the Weapon Hall.
He had come to plunder the accumulations of the Feather Clan to strengthen his True Fate World.
Of course, Shi Jian would deal with these people.
Entering these halls, Xu Zimei didnât care for what things were there, and collected everything into his True Fate World.
...
At this moment, in the Divine Continent,
All living beings had embarked on the path of cultivation.
The inheritances and various cultivation techniques Xu Zimei had placed inside were discovered and had begun to be cultivated.
The spiritual energy became increasingly rich.
He deliberately guided the mythical stories of the Divine Land, thereby integrating the cultivation system as well.
Now, some powerful individuals of the True Vein Realm had emerged.
They were the first batch of creatures to cultivate.
And among them, the outstanding ones.
Most of the treasures Xu Zimei obtained from the Feather Clan were of no use to him, so he scattered them throughout the Divine Continent for those with fate to discover.
After he had cultivated the first batch of true powerhouses, those capable of reaching the Divine Vein, there would be no need for further investment in resources.
Only after he had plundered the Feather Clan completely clean did Xu Zimei prepare to leave.
As for the remaining members of the Feather Clan, their expressions varied after hearing their main force had been annihilated at the Stone Race.
Some believed, others did not.
As to their ultimate fate, the Stone Race would probably handle it.
Xu Zimei and Shi Jian set off toward Heavenly Dao Academy.
...âŠ
Although they had been gone for only a few short days,
Heavenly Dao City now felt desolate compared to before.
The city was not as bustling as they had imagined, with only small groups of people occasionally walking down the spacious streets.
Even the usual vendors seemed listless and no longer called out for customers.
Upon returning, Xu Zimei and Shi Jian discovered that many students had already left the academy.
Now, one in ten students remained at the academy.
And this was already considered good.
This cradle of the human race, established during the era of Wild Desolation, was for the first time experiencing a bleak scene.
"It seems that something really is about to happen," Shi Jian said at his side.
The two descended from the void into the academy.
By chance, a few students were heading out.
Shi Jian quickly stopped some of them to ask.
"You must have just returned to the academy, brother," said one of the young men.
"The academy has issued a notice that a disaster will occur soon.
The academy is not sure if it can cope, allowing everyone to stay or leave at will.
They can leave or stay to face life and death with the academy."
"Are you going to leave?" Shi Jian asked.
"Brother, itâs best to leave early," the young man replied with a sigh.
"I heard this time itâs led by several Immortal Sects of Imperial Rule and even involves participants from other continents.
What can we do? Staying would only cause more trouble for the academy."
"You bunch of cowards afraid of death," Shi Jian said indignantly after hearing the young menâs words.
"How did the academy and our teachers educate us?
Even if we donât repay the kindness of their teaching, at least we shouldnât abandon the academy like this when it is in trouble.
You are unworthy to be human, unworthy to be students."
Hearing Shi Jianâs rebuke, the few showed ashamed expressions.
"We donât want to leave either, but with everyone leaving, what use is there for us to stay?"
"Enough," Xu Zimei said, smiling and waving his hand from the side.
He said, "Everyone has a choice. Donât expect too much."
"I just canât stand it," Shi Jian said.
"Letâs go find the master and ask about the situation," Xu Zimei suggested.
Ragefire Venerable was still on Vermilion Bird Island.
The two flew toward it and returned to Vermilion Bird Island.
Ragefire Venerable was currently taking a walk around the island with a woman, seemingly unconcerned about the current state of the academy.
"Master," the two greeted simultaneously.
"Youâre back," Ragefire Venerable said with a smile.
"Is the Stone Race matter resolved?"
"Yes, thanks to Junior Brother Xu," Shi Jian quickly nodded.
"Let me introduce you," Ragefire Venerable said, pointing to the woman beside him with a smile, "Zhu Qian, she will be your masterâs wife from now on."
Xu Zimei could see that this woman was the Vermilion Bird he had resurrected, transformed into a human.
After a brief greeting,
Shi Jian began to inquire about the current situation of the academy.
Ragefire Venerable sighed softly and said, "The situation is grim."
"Why do they want to attack our academy? There shouldnât be any grievances between us, and this time, so many Immortal Sects of Imperial Rule have come all at once," Xu Zimei expressed his inner confusion.
"Theyâre just flies wanting a piece of the pie," Ragefire Venerable snorted coldly.
"This matter involves the Heavenly Cang Demon Roc. Itâs also a remnant issue from the past."