Chapter 646: Wind and Sand Lock Desert Thinking

Gray winds swept across the vast gray expanse, and perhaps from this day forward, the Green Sand Desert would be spoken of differently.

All the sand on the ground was gray, and from the howling wind and sand, a storm had formed.

This storm contained divine power that permeated in all directions with overwhelming might, giving a premonition that it would linger indefinitely.

Even the sky itself curved here, creating a heaven without the red moon's presence, as if this desert was completely cut off from the Moon Sacrificial Domain.

Any outsider within this area would face certain death in the desert, having only a slim chance of survival.

Even the Temple Emperor of the Red Moon Temple could not venture further, only managing to escape in disarray, with many of the divine envoys accompanying him perishing within.

Outside the desert, they gazed at the sudden gray storm ahead, each falling silent.

This place was indeed cut off from the outside world. This gray storm would exist eternally, preventing anyone from entering. Those inside could leave, but outsiders wishing to enter would face the storm's suppression.

The people of the Red Moon Temple ultimately had no choice but to leave.

They designated this area as a forbidden zone and marked it. Meanwhile, life within this gray storm continued as usual, though their minds were filled with shock. At the same time, Xu Qing and his group, feeling an intense urgency, also left the Lord's Land and appeared amidst the gray sandstorm.

Unlike previous occasions when they would crush a teleportation jade talisman to escape and go their separate ways after a major undertaking, this time Xu Qing and Chen Erniu didn't need to teleport.

This gray storm became their protection.

In fact, the Captain's eventual deal with the black wooden door effectively made this desert the safest place in the entire Moon Sacrificial Domain.

Thus, the group naturally returned to the small pharmacy in Earth City.

The pharmacy was as usual. Patriarch Mo Gui, loyal to his duty, had protected the pharmacy well during this period. Before this, after everyone left, he had initially struggled internally until a vision appeared in his mind.

Outsiders wouldn't recognize the figures in the vision, but he immediately identified who they were, especially Xu Qing. So, after a moment of silence, he chose to dutifully guard the place.

He stayed there until the drastic changes occurred in the Green Sand outside – the formation of the giant sinkhole and the subsequent arrival of the storm.

All of this solidified his resolve. He wanted to stay here; he had to stay here.

He had also taken excellent care of the chicks in the backyard, fattening up several of them. Now, upon seeing Xu Qing and the Prince and his group appear on the street, Patriarch Mo Gui became energized, quickly stepped forward, and bowed respectfully.

And so, on the second day after their return, the pharmacy reopened. Ling Fan'er, her small face flushed, continued to keep accounts, occasionally glancing towards Xu Qing's location in the back room.

She felt delighted.

Her cultivation had changed from before; she had thoroughly refined the Ancient Spirit Emperor's fortune, all thanks to the various good fortunes within the blood cocoon.

At that time, not only Xu Qing but also Ling'er had gained from the good fortunes, benefiting from the blessings of the Prince and the others.

Ning Yan and Li Youfei were still mopping the floor. The Captain once again became a guard, watching You Jing boil water.

You Jing's toy had not been returned. She often slapped the human skin lantern while boiling water, scolding it to blow air to make the flames stronger.

Wu Jianwu was still reciting poetry.

The passage of time seemed to reverse to yesterday, and Patriarch Mo Gui paid no heed. As for the Prince and the others, they were not much different from before. Fifth Grandmother was content with her little ducklings in the backyard, and Eighth Grandfather continued his usual lines while patting the Captain's shoulder.

However, Xu Qing noticed after a few times that as the Captain flattered him, Eighth Grandfather would often set a trap, and then, in his own smugness, blurt out many things.

Each time, Princess Mingmei would shake her head, while Xu Qing's cultivation also resumed.

All of Xu Qing's core elements had entered the fourth stage, but some of his abilities had not yet fully unlocked their true potential.

Therefore, the Prince instructed, the sun on his waist must remain, and the hat on his head must not be removed.

On the third day after returning to the pharmacy, the Prince summoned Xu Qing. While drinking tea, he spoke earnestly, like a master: "The outside world will likely descend into complete chaos during this period, but the unique nature of this desert makes this place relatively peaceful. Therefore, you must use this time to temper yourself as quickly as possible."

Xu Qing nodded upon hearing this. After returning, he had visited the Inverse Moon Palace and found that the statues appearing there were far fewer than before.

A tense atmosphere was also rising within the Inverse Moon Palace, and even their discussions revolved around the vision that had appeared in their minds several months ago.

It seemed a storm was about to erupt.

Consequently, the demand for the pharmacy's services had grown greater than before. Compared to the outside world, this desert, isolated by the gray storm, was indeed peaceful.

Not to mention, there were also four Incipient Gods here.

Xu Qing quickly retracted his thoughts, looking at the Prince in front of him and Princess Mingmei beside him, bowing respectfully.

Xu Qing requested guidance from the senior, and the Prince was very pleased with Xu Qing's attitude.

The Prince told him that the first thing he needed to do was study his Heavenly Dao. He wasn't sure how Xu Qing had specifically obtained it, but he assumed it was acquired through an early opportunistic seizure.

Such things occasionally occurred in their era, but Xu Qing's Heavenly Dao was not simple; its level was extremely high.

The Prince's expression was somewhat solemn. To prevent himself from feeling weary again, he contemplated each sentence in his mind before speaking.

If Xu Qing didn't value a Heavenly Dao of such a level, it was highly likely to leave him. Although he hadn't reached the Spirit Treasure level, since he had managed to seize a Heavenly Dao of this caliber through opportunity, he could theoretically now begin to master some Heavenly Dao laws.

The Prince looked at Xu Qing and spoke sternly.

"However, until now, this point was not evident in Xu Qing."

Therefore, Xu Qing needed to properly delve into and comprehend his Heavenly Dao, feeling the laws it contained. He also needed to treat it kindly and influence it so that it would willingly accompany him.

Furthermore, although the Heavenly Dao encompassed all laws and rules, it still had a focus. Xu Qing needed to carefully discern and feel everything.

Xu Qing was stunned. He instinctively looked inward at his Heavenly Dao. In his sea of consciousness, the Cang Dragon also looked at Xu Qing. Perhaps it was his imagination, but Xu Qing felt it seemed to convey a sense of flattery.

Xu Qing then pondered, wondering if he had indeed neglected to study his Heavenly Dao.

Thinking this, he felt it made some sense. He seemed to have never researched it. However, Xu Qing also believed there was a reason for this: the Heavenly Dao was something he had comprehended and integrated into his innate Cang Dragon.

Its formation was not through plunder.

Most importantly, his own status was higher than that of the other party.

The Cang Dragon had originally been recognized as a descendant by the ancient Heavenly Dao of the Ten-Intestine Tree, and by calculation, Xu Qing was effectively its grandfather.

Therefore, there was no need for much study; he already understood a great deal inherently.

Nor did he need to worry about it leaving.

As for whether to treat it kindly, that depended on its performance.

Given this, Xu Qing looked up at the Prince and spoke softly, saying he could generally perceive the focus of the laws contained within his Heavenly Dao.

The Prince looked at Xu Qing with an 'Oh,' and Princess Mingmei beside him also looked over.

If it had been before, hearing someone he was instructing speak so casually, both of them would have regarded him with a scrutinizing gaze.

But now it was different. Solemnity arose in the Prince's heart, and Princess Mingmei also became alert.

Xu Qing explained that his Heavenly Dao had formed when he comprehended the Tribulation of Dao Severing, so its focused laws should be related to murderous tribulations. This was also why he had transformed it into a Heavenly Blade.

As he spoke, Xu Qing waved his hand, and an illusory small Cang Dragon immediately flew out from above his head. As it swam around, ripples spread in waves.

The Prince nodded upon hearing this, his expression as usual, and spoke lightly, simply humming in acknowledgement.

It was indeed as he thought: Xu Qing had comprehended it by seizing opportunities from heaven and earth. Nearby, Eighth Grandfather raised an eyebrow, about to speak, but Princess Mingmei turned and gave him a quick glance.

Eighth Grandfather's body stiffened, and he held himself back.

As for the Prince, although his words were thus conveyed, he was actually inwardly surprised and suspicious. He rarely misjudged, especially with his cultivation and experience as an Incipient God. He had observed Xu Qing's Heavenly Dao for a long time.

On that Heavenly Dao, he saw a deeper level of recognition and independence, which was different from what Xu Qing described as comprehended.

A comprehended Heavenly Dao was inherently illusory, and its level was insufficient, requiring continuous nurturing through cultivation to gradually mature.

And if the Heavenly Dao were metaphorically a tribe, then this type of tribesman would be the most ordinary existence. They would need to continuously grow to become nobles.

This was the limit, as no matter how much they grew, it would be difficult for them to transform into the ancient Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent; the latter was like royalty.

However, Xu Qing's Heavenly Dao was different. It carried a deeper level of recognition, and in the Prince's perception, it involved the ancient Heavenly Dao.

This matter was inconceivable. The Prince had been alarmed when he first noticed it. In his view, Xu Qing must have used some method to attract, entice, and then seize it.

Princess Mingmei mused, looking at Xu Qing, then glanced at Xu Qing's Heavenly Dao and suddenly asked Xu Qing if his Heavenly Dao had experienced any major events. Just as Xu Qing was about to reply, the Captain by the door overheard and smiled proudly.

"Of course," he said, "I had once taken Little Ah Qing to do something big."

"What was it?" Eighth Grandfather asked curiously.

"It was nothing much," the Captain replied, "just getting this little Cang Dragon to recognize a father, making it our grandson. And I, along with Little Ah Qing, also gained a son."

"Alas, it's been a long time since I've seen my son, and I miss him quite a bit," the Captain said, looking up at the sky.

At that moment, the firmament rumbled, as if responding.

The Prince suddenly stood up. Princess Mingmei's expression also changed, Fifth Sister was moved, and Eighth Grandfather gasped, looking at Chen Erniu, then at Xu Qing, pointing to the sky, and asked if that was their son.

Xu Qing hesitated, then spoke softly.

After awakening, it should be one of the ancient Heavenly Daos. The Prince silently sat down and picked up his teacup, feeling weary once more. Princess Mingmei and Fifth Sister each fell silent, while Eighth Grandfather was dumbfounded.

Ning Yan, who was still mopping the floor, felt a deep, deep ache in his heart at that moment, overwhelmed by endless regret.

That year, he recalled, he actually had a chance to become the father of a Heavenly Dao.