In Jingyuan Valley, the Chaos Qi flowed silently like an ancient, unchanging veil. Decades of Years here seemed but a flick of a finger.
The scenery in the valley was not much different from decades ago.
While Li Mu was quietly Cultivating, Xue'er meditated not far away, her nine tails unfurling, her Qi growing more well-rounded day by day.
When Li Mu awoke to meditate, Xue'er would quietly care for him, preparing Spirit Meals and choosing to accompany him in silence, while Xiaobai remained the most lively link between the two.
Time lost its meaning here, leaving only the two of them relying on each other in the lonely deep valley. The winds and clouds of Da Qian Immortal Dynasty and the shadow of the Deva Race all became distant backgrounds.
Suddenly, the Chaos Qi outside the valley gently rippled.
Li Mu's tightly closed eyes slowly opened, a flash of Chaos color in his pupils disappearing, returning to normal. He rose, stepped out, and his figure was already at the entrance of Jingyuan Valley.
Outside the valley, two figures stood in the Void Realm, as stable as a deep abyss or a towering mountain.
The one in front, wearing an imperial robe, with a majestic face, was Emperor Qian Yuan. Standing half a step behind him was a man in a green shirt, the Master of Tianxing Pavilion—Ji Yu.
"Greetings, Emperor," Li Mu saluted with a calm voice.
Emperor Qian Yuan nodded slightly, "I apologize for disturbing Dao Friend Li's quiet Cultivation."
Li Mu retracted his gaze, stepped aside, and made a welcoming gesture with his hand, "Emperor, you have come a long way. Please come into the valley and rest for a while."
Emperor Qian Yuan and Ji Yu exchanged glances, then nodded, "We apologize for the intrusion."
In the valley, by a natural stone platform, Li Mu flicked his sleeve, and three stone stools appeared beside the platform. Without much more, he lightly tapped his fingertip, and a set of ancient stone tea ware materialized, settling in the center of the stone platform.
The pot boiled without fire, and clear spring water gurgled. Li Mu took out a Jade Box, which opened to reveal several verdant tea leaves, their edges faintly wreathed in Chaos Qi, floating into the pot.
In an instant, a peculiar tea fragrance permeated the air. This fragrance was neither floral nor fruity, carrying the freshness of the beginning of Chaos, yet seeming to contain the principles of all creation, refreshing the heart and mind.
The tea soup was clear and emerald like Jade.
Li Mu held the pot and poured a cup for Emperor Qian Yuan and Ji Yu respectively, and finally filled his own.
"Spirit Tea for nurturing the spirit, Emperor, Pavilion Master, please." Li Mu raised his cup with a smile, inviting them.
Emperor Qian Yuan picked up the stone cup; it felt warm and smooth in his hand. The tea fragrance entering his nose caused a subtle ripple in his heart, which had long been calm and unperturbed from his long Years as Emperor, as if touching upon some Great Dao Origin. A strange glint flashed in his eyes as he raised the cup and took a light sip.
The tea soup, initially clear and crisp, instantly transformed into a warm Dao rhyme, penetrating directly into his Purple Mansion, cleansing his mind and spirit. The invisible pressure from Li Mu's Chaotic Great Dao seemed to be subtly dissipated by this tea soup.
Ji Yu also took a sip, closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, his gaze towards Li Mu was even more solemn: "Good tea! The Dao rhyme is naturally formed, cleansing and calming the mind. Dao Friend Li, this tea is truly a treasure of the Great Dao."
Emperor Qian Yuan put down his stone cup, the bottom of the cup gently tapping the stone platform, and looked directly at Li Mu, getting straight to the point: "Dao Friend Li, I have come this time to inquire about something."
Li Mu's expression remained calm, awaiting his next words.
"Although the previous Deva Race calamity was temporarily quelled thanks to Fellow Daoist's power, its source remains, and it is ultimately a hidden danger." Emperor Qian Yuan's voice was solemn: "Rather than waiting for it to return, it is better to take the initiative to eradicate it and eliminate future troubles forever."
Emperor Qian Yuan got straight to the point, asking Li Mu, "Fellow Daoist, do you think it is feasible to cross realms to search for the source of the Deva Race?"
Li Mu pondered for a moment, then frowned, "Chaos is boundless, and realms are as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. The Deva Race hides deeply; finding them is like searching for a needle in a haystack."
"Indeed." Emperor Qian Yuan nodded, his gaze turning to Ji Yu beside him.
Ji Yu understood, stepped forward, and took something out of his sleeve. This item was neither gold nor Jade, its color was dull, like an ancient slip weathered by the Years, its surface covered with profound patterns, faintly exuding an ancient aura. He held the ancient slip in his palm, and a trace of pure True Essence slowly flowed into it.
Buzz!
The ancient slip trembled slightly, its patterns lighting up one by one, with faint light flowing. The light detached from the slip, condensing and spreading in the air above the stone platform. Light and shadow intertwined, gradually becoming clear, and a magnificent star map hung in the air.
The map showed vast stars, countless bright or dim, large or small light points. Between the light points, there were intricate, spiderweb-like Context, subtly containing profound mysteries, forming an indescribably profound structure.
"Three Thousand Realms Map." Ji Yu's voice was low, with a hint of undetectable fatigue, as he indicated: "It was found deep within the Da Qian Immortal Dynasty's treasury, an artifact from the ancient Desolate Dynasty. The map records the locations and realm Context of the known Three Thousand Main Realms within Chaos. Following this map, we might be able to find the hidden lair of the Deva Race."
The map scroll floated, light points flickering, as if breathing. Each light point represented a realm, and the Context were relatively stable paths for travel within the Chaos tides.
The value of this map was immeasurable.
Emperor Qian Yuan's gaze was sharp as he looked at the realm map and asked Li Mu, "With this map in hand, searching for the Deva Race will not be like a headless fly. What do you think, Dao Friend Li?"
Li Mu's gaze fell on the Three Thousand Realms Map, his aura as deep as an abyss. He did not immediately respond to the Emperor, but quietly watched the light points flow and the Context extend. The map scroll was vast, and the information immense.
Searching for the Deva Race? Perhaps.
But what this map truly pointed to were the Three Thousand Main Realms themselves, those territories not yet incorporated into Da Qian Immortal Dynasty's domain. Was the Emperor's true aim to hunt the Deva Race, or to use this as an excuse to light up every dim light point on the map?
"The map scroll is profound, truly a rare treasure." Li Mu looked up at Emperor Qian Yuan, smiled slightly, and asked directly, "However, Chaos is unpredictable, and realms have spirits. Following the map is easy; entering a different realm is difficult. Realms have their own Laws, and outsiders may suffer backlash. The Deva Race is fierce, and their hiding place must be a perilous location. Whom does the Emperor intend to send? What will be the cost? If powerful enemies are encountered in a realm, will it be war or peace?"
Li Mu's words were all reasonable, concerning the practical difficulties of searching for the Deva Race, and subtly pointing out the dangers of expansion.
Emperor Qian Yuan met Li Mu's gaze, and deep within his eyes was the profound and calm demeanor of a ten-thousand-year Emperor. His lips moved slightly, revealing a faint smile. He did not deny, nor did he explain, showing a composure born of being seen through.
"I cannot hide it from Dao Friend Li." Emperor Qian Yuan smiled slightly, responding gracefully, "The Deva Race's affliction is an urgent matter that must be eliminated. This map is a key, and also a guiding light. The ancient Desolate Dynasty prospered for a time by this map, ruling over various realms. Now that the map reappears, how can such a pearl be allowed to be covered in dust? Searching for the Deva Race is true, and establishing an unprecedented grand scheme for my Da Qian Immortal Dynasty is also true."
"In the myriad of realms, it is the Law of the jungle. The demise of the Desolate Dynasty is a lesson from the past. Sitting idly in one corner will eventually lead to collapse. What this map shows is not just a dangerous path, but also a path to survival. For Da Qian Immortal Dynasty to survive and grow stronger, it must take this path."
"Expanding into various realms, absorbing the essence of all realms, and strengthening the Foundation of my Immortal Dynasty is the only way to truly be fearless of the Deva Race, and even... fearless of all future great calamities." Emperor Qian Yuan looked directly at Li Mu, his gaze as sharp as a sword, and frankly stated: "Dao Friend Li is detached from worldly affairs, and perhaps he can look after himself. However, the lives and Luck of the Immortal Dynasty's billions of living beings rest on my shoulders. Expansion is not for ambition; it is for survival, it is for... the future of Da Qian Immortal Dynasty."
Emperor Qian Yuan's words were frank and direct, placing his intentions under the greater cause of survival and growth.
"The Emperor's grand vision is far-reaching." Li Mu nodded, pondered for a moment, then looked directly at Emperor Qian Yuan and stated frankly, "The Deva Race is a plague to all Dao and poisons all realms. If their source is found, Li will personally take action to help the Immortal Dynasty eliminate this great scourge."
A sharp glint flashed in Emperor Qian Yuan's eyes. This was the first time Li Mu had clearly stated his willingness to intervene in this matter! He nodded slightly, awaiting further words.
Li Mu's tone remained steady: "However, what Li seeks is only the extermination of the Deva Race. The Immortal Dynasty's expansion into various realms, its maneuvering and strategizing, this is the Emperor's prerogative, and Li should not interfere with its Karma."
The smile on Emperor Qian Yuan's face receded slightly; he did not seem surprised by this outcome. Li Mu agreeing to deal with the Deva Race was already the greatest gain of this trip.
Emperor Qian Yuan's thoughts raced. Li Mu himself was detached from worldly affairs and difficult to control, but his profound Foundation was not limited to just one person.
"Fellow Daoist's righteousness, willing to eliminate harm for all realms, deeply pleases me." Emperor Qian Yuan's tone was sincere, then he changed the subject, his gaze carrying a hint of imperceptible probing as he asked, "Under Fellow Daoist, there are three thousand Disciples, all of them outstanding individuals, like Dragons among men. Even a small part of Fellow Daoist's true inheritance has allowed them to dominate a region. Now that Fellow Daoist is living in seclusion, would it not be a pity for such talents to be scattered across the world? If Fellow Daoist permits, the Immortal Dynasty is willing to offer positions, widely recruit talents, and jointly undertake the grand endeavor of expansion. With their assistance, searching for the Deva Race will also yield twice the results with half the effort."
What Emperor Qian Yuan truly valued were Li Mu's three thousand seven Disciples. Those Disciples possessed Mahayana Foundation and extraordinary strength; each of them could become a pioneer in expanding the Immortal Dynasty's territory or a cornerstone for guarding a region.
Li Mu's expression remained unchanged, as if he had long anticipated the Emperor's question. He indicated, "My master-Disciple bond with them is complete. Whether they leave or stay, whether they are hidden or appear, it is all for their own Dao. If the Immortal Dynasty wishes to recruit them, the Emperor may use his own methods."
No dissuasion, no support. Li Mu's phrase "master-Disciple bond is complete" drew a clear line; his phrase "the Emperor may use his own methods" completely threw the choice back to Emperor Qian Yuan and the Disciples themselves. He would no longer endorse his Disciples, nor would he interfere with their choices.
"Good!" Emperor Qian Yuan responded loudly, no longer dwelling on the matter of the Disciples, and said with a pleased smile, "Dao Friend Li is a straightforward person. In that case, the matter of searching for the Deva Race will rely on Fellow Daoist's full support. The Immortal Dynasty, from top to bottom, will surely clear away any worries for Fellow Daoist."
Emperor Qian Yuan looked at Ji Yu and signaled.
Ji Yu immediately took out a Jade Slip, pointed it at the phantom of the Three Thousand Realms Map in the air, and a stream of light flowed into the Jade Slip. The Jade Slip glowed faintly, then the light converged, becoming ordinary.
Ji Yu respectfully placed the Jade Slip on the stone platform in front of Li Mu.
"If there is any progress in the Deva Race clues, Fellow Daoist will be informed immediately." Emperor Qian Yuan rose, the star patterns on his imperial robe flowing: "I have troubled you long enough today. I bid you farewell."
"Emperor, please take care." Li Mu also rose.
Emperor Qian Yuan and Ji Yu's figures flickered, reaching the valley entrance, then stepped into the Void Realm and disappeared, with Ji Yu following closely behind.
Li Mu reached out and drew in the map Jade Slip. With Chaos Qi swirling around his fingertips, he probed into the Jade Slip, and in a moment, he completely memorized the realm map recorded within the Jade Slip in his Sea of Consciousness.
In his Sea of Consciousness, the Three Thousand Realms Map slowly unfolded, light points scattered like stars, and Context crisscrossing.
Chaos is boundless, and the Deva Race lurks like a malignant tumor. What Qian Yuan seeks is a blend of expansion and eradication. Li Mu agreed to eliminate the Deva Race, it was Karma, and also his original intention. If the Chaotic Great Dao wanted to advance further, without the aid of the Deva Race Origin, it would be difficult to achieve in ten thousand Years.
However, if the Great Dao does not advance, it retreats!
Searching for the source of the Deva Race is not a task that can be accomplished overnight. Emperor Qian Yuan is ambitious, wishing to use this opportunity to expand, and this matter will surely stir up waves, affecting the Luck of myriad realms.
Li Mu's thoughts stirred slightly. A trace of invisible Divine Thought, carrying brief information about the Deva Race and the Three Thousand Realms Map, merged into the Chaotic Great Dao, following the subtle master-Disciple Karma lines, silently scattering to all corners of the world.
The message had been sent. Whether the Disciples knew, and how they would respond, could only be left to fate.
Li Mu retracted his gaze, entered the quiet room, and the Chaos Dao meaning permeated, as he immersed himself in Cultivation.
Xue'er's graceful figure quietly appeared from inside the room, tidied the tea set, and watched Li Mu's retreating back, sighing slightly.
Tens of thousands of miles outside the valley, the Void Realm rippled slightly, and Emperor Qian Yuan and Ji Yu's figures appeared in the Da Qian Imperial Palace.
The Emperor stood with his hands behind his back, looking back in the direction of the valley, and said with joy, "Li Mu agreeing to the Deva Race matter is already a rare gain."
Ji Yu nodded, "He did not hinder the matter of the Disciples, which means tacit approval. The Immortal Dynasty's recruitment of his Disciples will face much less resistance."
A sharp glint flashed in Emperor Qian Yuan's eyes, and he decisively ordered, "Return to court quickly. Order the Ministry of Works and the Tianji Institute to spare no effort and no expense to complete the core forging of the 'Realm-Breaking Spirit Battleship' as quickly as possible. With the Three Thousand Realms Map in hand, time waits for no one."
"Yes!" Ji Yu responded solemnly.
Emperor Qian Yuan sat on the Dragon Throne, with the heads of the Ministry of War, Ministry of Works, and Tianji Institute standing below.
"The Realm-Breaking Spirit Battleship, a deadline of thirty Years." The Emperor's voice was not loud, but every word was like iron, "Resources, take as much as you need. Personnel, allocate all. Those who miss the deadline will be executed."
"Your subjects obey!" The three bowed, their backs chilling.
As Emperor Qian Yuan's order was issued, the vast machine of the Da Qian Immortal Dynasty began to operate at an unprecedented speed.
In the heart of the Immortal Dynasty, imperial decrees flew like sparks.
"Mobilize the entire nation's power to forge the Realm-Breaking Spirit Battleship!"
Wherever the decree reached, the nine provinces trembled.
At the Ministry of Works' Heavenly Craftsmanship Workshop, furnaces blazed day and night, outshining the stars and moon. A hundred-zhang furnace swallowed Chaos True Fire, and star cores and rare gold melted into a molten torrent of red gold. Formation Masters hovered in the Void Realm, their fingertips guiding, imprinting billions of runes into it. The torrent gradually solidified, forming the rudimentary shape of the battleship's skeleton, humming and vibrating, subtly revealing realm force ripples.
In the Tianji Institute, Array Pavilion. A thousand Formation Masters sat cross-legged, their Divine Thoughts interwoven like a net. In the center, a gigantic Formation Plate phantom floated, its complex patterns layered one upon another, with a deep void at its core, awaiting the Fixed Star Disk. Threads of space force cut through the Void Realm.
In Yunzhou, the Myriad Blades Mountain Range.
Millions of laborers, their muscles bulging, shouted earth-shattering work songs. Formation-patterned chains stretched taut like bowstrings, dragging mountain-like Dragon bone components. Cultivator's sword light rained down, precisely cutting. Amidst rumbling roars, components fell into place, and the earth trembled.
Resources flowed like a tide.
In Danxia Province, the spiritual light of thousand-year-old medicinal fields completely converged, and Spirit Medicine entered the treasury in batches; in Han Hai Province, a ten-thousand-zhang deep sea abyss cracked open, and giant Formation hands seized an entire profound ice ore vein; the treasuries of various provinces opened, and Spirit Stones and Spirit Materials converged into a torrent, pouring into the Heavenly Craftsmanship Workshop.
On another front, undercurrents surged within the Immortal Dynasty.
Tianxing Pavilion's secret agents dispersed into various territories of Da Qian Immortal Dynasty, and even the surrounding desolate regions. Confidential dossiers were sent to Ji Yu's desk, and on these dossiers, names were listed: some were renowned, others had been hidden for many Years, but their master-Disciple lineage all pointed to that secluded valley.
"Find them." Ji Yu tapped the dossier with his fingertip: "Treat them with courtesy, offer them benefits, and explain the situation. The Immortal Dynasty awaits them, to jointly expand into myriad realms."
"Understood!" Someone responded from the shadows, then silently retreated.
The long-dormant war beast that was Da Qian Immortal Dynasty had fully awakened, every bone and sinew roaring for the expedition to other realms. (End of Chapter)
