Chapter Seventy-Five: Trivial Matters Before Seclusion

As they neared the Palace of Dust, Liu Junhuai called Bian Yanshan aside.

Mo Sitong said, “Thank you, Grandfather, for such a precious gift. I truly feel unworthy as a junior.”

Bian Yanshan laughed, “Even the poorest cultivator possesses a few rare treasures. That bracelet came from a battle in my youth, and it’s only suitable for girls. Sitong, keep it with you.”

Liu Junhuai smiled, “Sitong loves it dearly, and it will be of great use to her. Thank you, Grandfather, for your generosity. So, Grandfather, are you satisfied with the Chaos Realm?”

Bian Yanshan nodded, “It fits my needs perfectly. Junhuai, with each day I see you, you grow more inscrutable. How many secrets do you still hide?”

“He has plenty of secrets—more than even I know as his eldest brother. The more people who know your secrets, the more careful you must be. Even a rumor about a single pill could cause you trouble,” Bian Jizhong interjected from the Cloudpiercer shuttle.

“Yes, fortune and misfortune are intertwined. No matter where you go, there will always be those who covet what isn’t theirs. It’s wise to be cautious,” Bian Yanshan said.

While conversing, they arrived at the Palace of Dust. Liu Junhuai put away the Cloudpiercer shuttle, and before they had walked through several gates, Fang Keyin was already leading disciples to welcome them.

The two old friends exchanged heartfelt words, and before their conversation was finished, they had reached the residence.

After some discussion, Liu Junhuai gathered that Fang Keyin was indeed troubled by his advancement to the Divine Transformation stage. Upon receiving the Barrier-breaking Pill, Fang Keyin was elated for an entire night, but after much contemplation, he remained uncertain and lacked companions of similar cultivation to assist him, so he thought of his old friend.

Hearing Fang Keyin’s worries, Bian Yanshan pondered for a while and said, “This is no trivial matter. Previously, bottlenecks could be overcome with the aid of rare treasures and a natural progression in cultivation. Breaking through the barrier was not too perilous. But this time, Brother Fang’s advancement to the Divine Transformation stage is a grand event, rare in a century on the Star Sky Continent. The information is limited, and protection is a pressing concern. If, at the critical moment, true essence cannot be transferred, only a senior cultivator of higher rank could guarantee safety. Yet, Divine Transformation cultivators are few on the continent, and most wander far from home. Alas!”

Fang Keyin said, “Precisely because of this, I have pondered endlessly and found no solution, so I sent for you, my worthy brother, to come and assist.”

Liu Junhuai exchanged a glance with Bian Jizhong, and both nodded. Liu Junhuai then called Mo Sitong over. “Sitong, I plan to invite Grandfather to our Chaos Realm, so he can find a quiet place for us, lest our words be overheard.”

Mo Sitong nodded in agreement, walked over to her grandmother, and whispered a few words. Her grandmother glanced at Liu Junhuai in surprise, then rose and said, “Husband, Brother Bian has traveled far and is weary. Let’s arrange lodging first. Brother Bian, please follow me, and speak freely if anything is lacking.”

Giving Fang Keyin a meaningful look, she led the group to the rooms prepared in advance.

Liu Junhuai turned to the puzzled Fang Keyin and said, “I invited Grandfather over. I have a way regarding your advancement, but it’s no small matter. Please understand.”

Mo Sitong explained, “Junhuai and I live in a small world of our own. The spiritual energy is abundant and safety is assured, but the location must remain secret, lest word gets out.”

Bian Jizhong added, “My grandfather now lives there as well. He can give you a brief introduction.”

Bian Yanshan spoke quietly with Fang Keyin, while Liu Junhuai walked over to Mo Sitong and whispered, “Both elders are heading down. How should we explain this to Shen Duoduo and Wu Bini?”

Mo Sitong grinned and rolled her eyes at him. “You needn’t worry about that. I’ll explain it to them. Don’t fret, it’s fine—they’re not old fossils.”

After a while, Bian Yanshan said to Liu Junhuai, “Take your grandfather and grandmother down to have a look first.”

The group entered the Chaos Realm, led by Mo Sitong and Bian Yanshan, who showed them around. Liu Junhuai went to Mansion Number One.

He was greeted by Shen Duoduo and Wu Bini, who each took his arm and eagerly recounted their cultivation experiences. To Liu Junhuai’s astonishment, Shen Duoduo had already broken through to the sixth stage of Qi Refining, and Wu Bini had advanced to the fifth stage. Shen Qianqian, having spent less time in the Chaos Realm, was still lingering at the fourth stage.

Liu Junhuai praised the two young beauties generously, then explained about Mo Sitong’s grandparents. Wu Bini replied, “Don’t worry, Junhuai. Duoduo and I understand. We’ll be careful.”

Liu Junhuai approved and patted them. “As a reward, I’ll show you something, but first let’s go greet the two elders.”

He brought them to meet Mo Sitong, and after exchanging respectful greetings, Liu Junhuai produced the Cloudpiercer shuttle.

The shuttle grew instantly in the wind, delighting Shen Duoduo, who clambered aboard without hesitation.

Liu Junhuai beckoned, and Ah Jiu swooped down, fluttering its wings. At the sudden sight of the creature landing, Mo Sitong’s grandmother cried out in alarm, and Ah Jiu’s nine heads menacingly spread out, causing Liu Junhuai to scold it loudly.

Mo Sitong said, “It’s fine, Grandma. Ah Jiu is absolutely loyal to Junhuai. It was just teasing you.”

Fang Keyin stared in astonishment at Ah Jiu. “What level of cultivation does it possess? I sense a pressure emanating from it.”

Liu Junhuai replied, “I can’t discern Ah Jiu’s exact realm, but it’s certainly not below Divine Transformation stage.”

Bian Yanshan laughed from the side, “We’re getting old, old brother! The younger generation is truly extraordinary—far surpassing us in our day. Don’t be surprised; I too was dumbstruck when I first arrived yesterday. Go and see the lake ahead. That will astonish you even more.”

Liu Junhuai said, “Duoduo, race Ah Jiu—let’s see which is faster, it or the Cloudpiercer shuttle.”

Bian Jizhong took Shen Duoduo and her sister, along with Wu Bini, into the shuttle and taught them how to pilot it, guiding them hands-on.

Meanwhile, Wu Yaohan and Shen Yihuan arrived, and Liu Junhuai introduced everyone before heading to the lake.

Shen Duoduo named the small lake Azure Cloud Lake, a fitting choice.

Fang Keyin and his wife were left speechless by the spectacle, so Liu Junhuai gave them time to process it and discussed the herb fields with Shen Yihuan, showing him seeds and seedlings purchased on the way.

“A few days ago, Ah Jiu brought back several spirit herbs from who knows where. Uncle Wu and I couldn’t identify them. Take a look later,” Shen Yihuan said.

Liu Junhuai was amused—he hadn’t expected Ah Jiu to possess such skill, and it seemed even more aware of his needs. Its intelligence must have grown.

“Where’s my brother-in-law? I haven’t seen him,” Liu Junhuai suddenly realized.

Wu Yaohan laughed, “He’s probably been inspired by you all. He spends his days with Shaoyuan, training hard, saying he won’t emerge until he reaches Foundation Establishment stage. He’s currently practicing diligently in his little tower, with Shaoyuan arranging formations for him.”

Shen Yihuan smiled, “Bingyi said he wants to join you in returning to Pingdu City for revenge. I haven’t seen him in days.”

Liu Junhuai felt moved and was silent for a long time.

By then, Fang Keyin and his wife had recovered from their shock and were deep in conversation with Mo Sitong and Bian Yanshan. Soon, they walked over to Liu Junhuai.

Liu Junhuai smiled, “Let’s all sit in the courtyard—it’s time Grandfather and Grandmother tasted my brewed wine.”

They gathered in a courtyard, and in the pavilion, Liu Junhuai brought out his mulberry fruit brew, while Bian Yanshan produced his own wine set.

After savoring Liu Junhuai’s immortal wine, Fang Keyin said, “Junhuai, Grandfather has decided—he’ll stay here for a while. That pool of spiritual liquid is vital for advancing, and more importantly, it’s safe, with Ah Jiu as guardian.”

Liu Junhuai nodded, “Advancing to the Divine Transformation stage must not be rushed. Wait until true essence flows naturally before the breakthrough. Sitong and I will soon enter closed cultivation, but when it’s time for your advancement, send word. I’ll return immediately, Grandfather—please notify me well in advance.”

Fang Keyin nodded, “Junhuai, don’t be reckless during your seclusion. In a year, we’ll return to Pingdu City together. When the time comes, the entire Palace of Dust will be your support. Do whatever you wish—this Star Sky Continent will, sooner or later, have a realm belonging to you, Liu Junhuai.”

Bian Yanshan stroked his beard and added, “Watching your generation’s courage soar, we old men find it hard to sit still. Your grandfather is right—this future belongs to you. Do as you wish. Don’t be like me, hiding in a cave for over a decade.”

Mo Sitong said, “Don’t worry. Junhuai is prudent in his actions. Despite his youth, all our ideas come from him.”

“You child, you aren’t married yet, and your mind is already devoted to Junhuai. It’s true that daughters can’t be kept at home. To be honest, I’ve noticed that Duoduo and Nini are close to Junhuai as well. Junhuai is destined for greatness, and having a few confidantes is nothing unusual. As long as you all manage well, we won’t interfere. But above all, safeguarding the family is a man’s duty. Junhuai, remember this,” Grandmother said.

Liu Junhuai’s cheeks flushed, and Mo Sitong secretly laughed at his embarrassment.

Fang Keyin said, “Alright, enough lecturing Junhuai. Think about it—how many at his age could do what he does? Not yet fifteen, and he’s arranged everything for us old folks.” He glanced at Bian Yanshan, “What were you doing at fifteen? I was busy raiding bird nests!”

Everyone laughed, and Shen Yihuan added, “I’ve watched Junhuai grow up. He was naive before, but after the family’s misfortune, he matured instantly—almost too quickly. Yesterday, my eldest daughter remarked how much Junhuai has changed. So, let’s not interfere too much in the children’s path. If they have support behind them, their progress will slow. Let them be!”

Wu Yaohan said, “I’ve seen this in Junhuai too. That’s why I entrusted my grandson and granddaughter to him early on. I won’t interfere.”

Grandmother smiled, “Look at you all! I said one thing to Junhuai, and you joined forces to counter me. Clearly, Junhuai is well loved! Later, you old fellows should come with us to visit the Palace of Dust. Once we’ve spoken with Sitong’s mother, we’ll come back together. From now on, we’re one family and will advance and retreat together.”

Bian Yanshan said, “Advance and retreat together? Well said! With such a superb cultivation environment and resources, we old men must strive as well. Junhuai’s little world will surely produce more young talents, and with us, old but unyielding, to support them, there will certainly come a day of glory.”