Chapter 417: Mountains and Rivers Change, But I Remain Unchanged
Wei Kingdom, Northern Border, Spirit Dwelling Archipelago.
On Moon Gazing Lake, the blue waves stretched as far as the eye could see, a vast expanse of misty water. A layer of thin mist draped the lake surface like light gauze, refracting the sunlight and scattering seven-colored light, dreamlike and illusory.
On Moon Gazing Island in the center of the lake, a layer of impenetrable Mist Illusion Realm still shrouded it.
After decades of development with Innate Breath Soil, the area of the entire Island had expanded by more than double its original size.
Moon Gazing Island had also become a medium-sized Spirit Island. Even more rare was that the Island possessed a Third-Order Supreme-Grade Spirit Vein Environment, which was considered one of the top cultivation treasure lands in the entire Southern Wilderness Cultivation World.
Within the Spirit Island, a Blue Escape Light gracefully landed in the outer Spirit Field Area.
As the Escaping Light dissipated, it revealed a bright and beautiful young woman. Her Mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level was apparent, and she was none other than Wu Wangyue.
Wu Wangyue originally possessed high Cultivation Talent and an Innate Spirit Body. Coupled with the resource support within the Thunder Origin Sect, her Cultivation advanced quite rapidly all the way.
In just a few short decades, she had already reached the Mid-Foundation Establishment Stage Realm.
Her face filled with excitement, she spoke to a White-Haired Old Man in the Spirit Field, saying, "Dad, I heard that Island Lord has already returned to the Southern Wilderness?"
"I heard that not long ago, as soon as Island Lord returned, he forcefully killed the Great Demon besieging Azure Sea Immortal City."
"In the past two days, the matter of him completely eliminating the Six Demonic Path Sects has also been widely spread in various Immortal Cities."
"And... can you please stop working in the field? You're already old, these things can be left to the Spirit Farmers below."
The White-Haired Old Man stopped his work. His face was covered in wrinkles of time, but one could vaguely recognize him as Wu Jiang. He revealed a hint of a smile, "It's good that he's back. I thought my old bones would never have the chance to see Island Lord one last time."
"Dad, look at what you're saying!"
While the two were talking, another purple Stream of Light flew in from outside and landed in front of them, revealing a young man with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. He also possessed a Mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level, and was none other than Wu Wangfeng.
Wu Wangfeng possessed Earth-Grade Spirit Root Cultivation Talent, and even within the Thunder Origin Sect, he was hailed as one of Heaven's Chosen.
The White-Haired Old Man Wu Jiang looked at his pair of children and nodded with satisfaction.
In his life, he had two most proud achievements.
First, in his youth, he latched onto Qin Ming, this Powerful Backer, and followed the right person.
Second, he was fortunate enough to have a pair of outstanding children, born with decent Cultivation Talent, who carried all his hopes and expectations.
Wu Jiang was very clear about his own mediocre Spirit Root Aptitude. He had successfully achieved Foundation Establishment in his twilight years, which was already a blessing from the heavens.
Although his life would stop here, he was content.
Wu Jiang asked his son Wu Wangfeng, "Feng'er, have you inquired about the News? Is Island Lord really coming back?"
"Should we go to Azure Sea Immortal City to welcome and wait for him?"
"Father, according to the News that came back, Island Lord left after finishing matters in Jin Kingdom and disappeared."
"He must already be on his way back to Spirit Island. Perhaps Island Lord has his own considerations," Wu Wangfeng said after a moment of thought.
"In that case, let's properly Arrange things and wait for Island Lord's return on the Island," Wu Jiang instructed in a steady voice.
Having said that, he put away his Spirit Hoe and, together with his two children, began to Arrange and organize the many Spirit Farmers under their command.
At the same time.
The News of Qin Ming leading his Spirit Pets to eliminate the Demonic Path Remnants with Thunder-like force, sweeping away the Beast Tide, and rescuing True Person Pei Qing of Beast King Valley, spread throughout the entire Southern Wilderness Cultivation World like a monstrous wave.
From then on, Perfected Person Wangyue's name as a Legendary Cultivator reached its peak of prestige in the hearts of all Cultivators in the Southern Wilderness.
...
Seven days later.
"Finally... I'm back again!"
A dazzling High Heaven Treasure Carriage transformed into a five-colored Stream of Light in the Sky. A Black Water Crocodile cleared the path in front of the Carriage, and Jade Wave Seahorses pulled the Carriage, the scene was extraordinarily grand.
After the Precious Carriage arrived in the Sky Above Moon Gazing Island, the pink Mist Illusion Realm shrouding the Spirit Island automatically dispersed as if it had met its Master.
The High Heaven Treasure Carriage instantly entered the Spirit Island.
At the same time, several Streams of Light flew out from within the Island and landed in Mid-Air, bowing deeply towards Qin Ming's High Heaven Treasure Carriage:
"Welcome Island Lord back to the Island! Wu Jiang brings the Disciples on the Island to pay respects to Island Lord!"
Wu Jiang looked at the Black Water Crocodile. He often fed it when it was young. Now its appearance and Aura had changed greatly, revealing an imposing air. He couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Truly, when one person attains the Dao, even their pets ascend to heaven!
After a long while, a very familiar voice came from within the Treasure Carriage:
"Yes, come to Green Wood Pavilion on the Main Peak to see This Seat."
"As you wish!"
Immediately, Qin Ming casually raised his hand and completely dispelled the Mist Illusion Realm that enveloped Moon Gazing Island.
"From now on, Moon Gazing Island no longer needs this Illusionary Realm. Perhaps it needs to set up a higher-order Protective Grand Formation."
He remembered that the *Demonic Craftsmanship Unveiling* contained the methods for refining and crafting Fourth-Order Grand Formations...
A Paradise-like Island was once again presented in Qin Ming's sight. Spirit Qi was abundant, and the Island's area had expanded by more than double.
Various Spirit Plants were spread across the Mountain Peaks. The outermost area was thousands of acres of fertile Spirit Field, and the lush Spirit Rice swayed in the wind. The Spirit Farmers working in the fields stared blankly at the Sky, constantly kneeling and worshipping the High Heaven Treasure Carriage...
"The changes on Moon Gazing Island are really big!" The Heaven Devouring Rat poked its head out, admiring the pleasant scenery outside, sighing with emotion.
After Qin Ming returned to the Main Peak, everything was familiar and incredibly dear to him.
He released the Black Water Crocodile, Heaven Devouring Rat, and Silver-Winged Frost Bee to play outside the Island.
Having not returned for decades, these three Spirit Beasts were also excitedly unable to restrain their homesickness.
Inside the Green Wood Pavilion on the Main Peak.
The Wu Clan members stood respectfully in the Main Hall.
After they clearly saw Qin Ming's face upon his return, they couldn't help but be filled with envy.
Because decades had passed, the Island Lord before them was like an evergreen tree, still the same as when he left, without the slightest change. Only his Cultivation had become unfathomable. Just standing in front of him gave people immense Pressure.
Wu Wangfeng and Wu Wangyue were also the same. Such a powerful Aura had never been felt even from their Supreme Elder.
Similarly, Qin Ming looked at the people before him, and his heart was also filled with emotion.
Especially Wu Jiang, who was now a White-Haired Old Man in his twilight years. Observing the faint green Vitality within his body, he had at most twenty years of Lifespan left.
And Wu Wangyue and Wu Wangfeng, these two children, he had watched them grow up since they were little. In the blink of an eye, many years had passed, and they had grown from little kids who ran errands to mature and steady Heaven's Chosen of the Sect.
After briefly looking around, Qin Ming asked Wu Jiang, "Where is your father Wu Hanyuan?"
"Reporting to Island Lord, my father passed away thirty years ago..."
Qin Ming did not expect that upon his return, many old acquaintances would have passed away one after another.
'Truly, time flies like an arrow, time passes easily, and between the vicissitudes of life, old friends grow old one after another.'
'Waves wash away the sand, only I stand firm and unmoving.'
Next.
Qin Ming learned about the situation in recent years from Wu Jiang and others, and briefly exchanged words for a while.
When they had talked enough, he took out a Pill from his Storage Bag and bestowed it to Wu Jiang, "This is a Longevity Fruit Pill, which can extend your Lifespan by several decades. Beyond that, it will depend on your Fortune's Will..."
"When I returned, the Cultivation Cave Residence furnishings and Pavilions on the Main Peak, as well as the Spirit Field Spirit Plant Cultivation, were all well-organized."
"You have diligently taken care of Spirit Island for me for decades, and you have put your heart into it."
Even with Wu Jiang's age, seeing this scene, his eyes reddened, and he almost burst into tears.
Trembling, he took the Jade Bottle, "High-Tier Longevity Elixir! Island Lord, how can this be?"
"This Old Man is already approaching dusk, an old pile of bones, it would be better to leave it to someone useful."
"Well, consider it and dispose of it yourself," Qin Ming said indifferently.
"Thank you, Island Lord, for bestowing the Pill!"
After receiving the people from the Island, Qin Ming had them withdraw.
In an Instant, he remembered something again and called out to Wu Wangfeng.
"By the way, I heard that Brother Wei was injured from Impact Realm? What exactly happened?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Wangfeng hurriedly turned back and bowed. After struggling and hesitating for a moment, he replied, "Reporting to Island Lord, Supreme Elder Wei indeed failed to Impact Late Golden Core Stage, causing his Meridians to reverse and suffer serious injuries. He has been suppressing his injuries all these years..."
Regarding Sect matters and secrets, he did not dare to speak carelessly, and moreover, Supreme Elder Wei had treated him well.
Wei Wuyai was the Pillar of the Sea of the Thunder Origin Sect. If something happened to him, then the Sect would be finished.
However, he also knew that Island Lord had good Connections with his Grand Elder.
And since Qin Ming had asked, Wu Wangfeng honestly answered, not daring to hide anything, and told everything he knew.
"Mm, here is a Li Yun Pill, which can reorganize and repair Meridian injuries. Please pass it on to Brother Wei on behalf of This Seat," Qin Ming pondered slightly for a moment, then took out a delicate Jade Bottle and handed it to Wu Wangfeng.
"Li Yun Pill?"
Wu Wangfeng's body trembled. With his Experience, he had never even heard of such Pills. However, being able to be taken out by Island Lord, it must not be ordinary Pills.
He did not dare to refuse without authorization, so he carefully accepted the Pill.
"Junior thanks Island Lord for Supreme Elder Wei!"
"Mm, you may leave."
After dismissing everyone, Qin Ming stood on the Pavilion of the Main Peak, looking at the Peach Forest and Bamboo Sea on the Island, as well as the lush Tea Garden.
He took out a pot of Demon Flame Wine and drank alone in solitude.
...
Phoenix Perching Island, Headquarters of the Seventy-Two Island Scattered Alliance.
A servant quickly walked into the Council Main Hall and presented a Jade Message Slip to the person on the main seat, bowing and reporting:
"Reporting to Alliance Lord! Definite News has arrived, Moon Gazing Island Lord True Person Qin has returned to the Island."
The current Alliance Lord of the Loose Cultivator Alliance was Ren Tianqi. This person was still quite young when Qin Ming left the Southern Wilderness, and Qin Ming had witnessed his succession to the position.
When Ren Tianqi took over the position of Alliance Lord, he was still quite young, but now he had grown into a middle-aged man, steady and composed, with the air of a Major Power figure.
The Lingxi Archipelago Cultivation World, since he took over as Alliance Lord, had undergone several reforms and was more prosperous than before.
Of course, an even more important reason was that the Archipelago had given birth to Perfected Person Wangyue, this Legendary Cultivator, attracting many Cultivators to come here to settle and develop.
Upon receiving the News, Ren Tianqi immediately stood up from his seat, a gleam of light in his eyes. He waved his hand and said, "Quick! Present a Visiting Card to Moon Gazing Island for me, and then prepare a Generous Gift. This Alliance Lord will Personally go to visit Senior Adept Qin."
"As you wish!"
Such scenes were constantly being staged within the Four Nations of the Southern Wilderness Cultivation World.
Many Major Power figures who could be seen on the surface were also busily Arranging to send people to Moon Gazing Island to pay their respects.
In the following months, Moon Gazing Island, which had been in Silence for decades, once again became bustling with activity. However, Qin Ming politely declined all these visits one by one.
He had Wu Jiang spread the word that he was going into Secluded Cultivation for a period of time, and directly closed his doors to guests.
Because next, Qin Ming had more important things to do.
That was to refine the Nascent Soul Pill, and the Ice Heart Jade Soul Pill for overcoming the Inner Demon Tribulation.
...
End of Chapter