Chapter 1885: Direction

Several more days went by, and Lu Ye left Xiyuan Pavilion, returned to Xianling Peak, and informed Su Yuqing of his plans.

“You want to go to the Asura Arena?” Su Yuqing looked at him in surprise. “Why this sudden change of mind?”

It was Su Yuqing who had told Lu Ye about the Asura Arena. When Lu Ye returned last time, he was troubled by the future development of the cultivators in Kyushu, so Su Yuqing mentioned the Asura Arena. It was originally a supreme cosmic treasure of the Celestial Asura clan. After the Celestial Asura clan was annihilated, this treasure became ownerless. For countless millennia, no one had been able to gain its recognition.

At the peak of its power, the Celestial Asura clan had enslaved hundreds of surrounding star systems and controlled immense wealth. Before their clan's demise, they had invested all their riches into the Asura Arena.

Since then, the Asura Arena had become one of the most important training grounds for cultivators across the entire starry sky. By passing various trials there, one could obtain Asura Seals, and with these seals, one could exchange for any desired treasure from the Asura Arena's treasury.

Its system was identical to the merit system and Heavenly Mystery Treasury of Kyushu.

Su Yuqing had mentioned that the Asura Arena had a sub-treasure, whose function was very similar to the Asura Arena itself. It was undoubtedly very suitable for the future development of Kyushu. At that time, Lu Ye took note, but he was not in a hurry. He planned to return to Myriad Manifestation Sea, advance to the late-stage Moon Splendor realm, and then go.

However, upon returning to Myriad Manifestation Sea, he encountered Zixuan's provocation, leading up to today.

It could be said that even without the matter of the Qi Flower, Lu Ye would still have to visit the Asura Arena. He wanted to see if he could retrieve that sub-treasure from within the Asura Arena. If he could, the future development of Kyushu would be secured. With Xiao Jiu overseeing the Asura Arena's sub-treasure, cultivators in Kyushu, from the Divine Sea to the Spirit Stream realm, could train however they pleased.

Lu Ye offered a brief explanation, and Su Yuqing immediately understood the situation. She hadn't expected that the formation of the Qi Flower would involve the Law Source.

Treasures that could enhance the quality of one's Law Source were hard to come by, as too many people desired them.

However, such treasures certainly existed within the Asura Arena. If Lu Ye could obtain enough Asura Seals, he could exchange them for the treasures he needed to improve his Law Source.

And that sub-treasure... Therefore, Lu Ye really had to make a trip to the Asura Arena.

After listening to Lu Ye's explanation, Su Yuqing nodded slightly. “It's good to go and experience it,” she said. “While Myriad Manifestation Sea is lively, it's more of a gathering and struggle among various forces. The Asura Arena is different; that's truly a gathering place for cultivators who aspire to improve themselves. You should gain a lot of insight there.”

She did not dissuade Lu Ye from his plan to go to the Asura Arena. Admittedly, such a journey carried certain risks, but if he only sought tranquility, Lu Ye would not have achieved his current renown.

A man might lack wealth or power, but he must not lack ambition.

“There should be many records about the Asura Arena in Xiyuan Pavilion. Have you read them?” Su Yuqing asked.

“Yes, I've committed them all to memory!” Lu Ye tapped his head. Since he had decided to go to the Asura Arena, information about it was naturally essential. He had happened to read records on this topic a few days prior, and had naturally memorized them carefully.

“Before you go, visit Senior Brother Chen again,” Su Yuqing said.

“Why?” Lu Ye asked, puzzled.

Su Yuqing replied, “Senior Brother Chen went to the Asura Arena when he was young. He knows the situation there best. You should go and ask him for some experience.”

Lu Ye's eyes lit up. “Senior Brother Chen actually ventured into the Asura Arena?” he exclaimed. “Then I really must seek his advice.”

Although the information recorded in Xiyuan Pavilion was extensive, how could it compare to seeking direct advice from Chen Xuanhai?

Recalling Chen Xuanhai, Lu Ye couldn't help but smile. “I never would have guessed Senior Brother Chen also had such a carefree, adventurous past,” he chuckled.

Su Yuqing smiled gently. “Don't let Senior Brother Chen's current steady demeanor fool you,” she said. “When he was young, he was exceptionally spirited and adventurous. He used to roam all over Mount Fangcun. Every time he arrived at a star system, he would go out looking for fights. He suffered losses many times, getting beaten black and blue. Not to mention, upon returning, he would be punished by his master to kneel for several months at a time.”

Lu Ye listened, dumbfounded.

Su Yuqing then reached out, and an ancient longsword appeared in her hand. She handed it to Lu Ye and said, “Senior Brother Chen is fond of swords. When he was young, he dreamed of becoming a sword cultivator. Unfortunately, our Lilliputian clan has a unique physique, preventing him from truly pursuing the path of a sword cultivator. Take this with you when you visit him; he should like it.”

Lu Ye took the longsword and drew it effortlessly. A cold glint shone from the blade, confirming it was indeed a rare and fine sword.

He couldn't help but recall Chen Xuanhai fighting an enemy; it seemed he had used a talisman sword, with sword qi filling the air. Had he not been born into the Lilliputian clan, Chen Xuanhai would undoubtedly have been an excellent sword cultivator.

He stepped forward, cupped Su Yuqing's face, and pecked her on the cheek, startling her. Then he turned and said, “I'm off!”

Watching Lu Ye's retreating back, Su Yuqing touched her cheek, lost in thought.

At Yunhai Peak, Lu Ye arrived with the sword. He soon met Chen Xuanhai. Upon presenting the gift, Chen Xuanhai immediately beamed with delight, stroking the longsword as he said, “Junior Sister Su is really good to you. I asked her for this item several times, but she never gave it to me. Now, she's actually sent it directly for your sake. Tell me, what do you want me to do?”

He knew that such a gesture wasn't without reason. Lu Ye bringing such a gift couldn't simply be a casual visit.

They were already familiar with each other, so there was no need for such pretenses.

“It's like this, Senior Brother,” Lu Ye began, cupping his fists and appearing very humble. “I'm planning a trip to the Asura Arena. Yuqing said that you once dominated the Asura Arena, gaining immense renown, and that you know the place best. So, I've come today to seek your wisdom and experience. Please don't hesitate to share your insights!”

“The Asura Arena, eh…” Chen Xuanhai couldn't help but recall his glorious past, his eyes filled with nostalgia. “It truly is an excellent place for training.”

Lu Ye stayed at Yunhai Peak for several days before departing. It was then that he discovered another of Chen Xuanhai's little-known quirks.

When he had a few drinks, he loved to boast.

He'd claim to charge into enemy lines seven times and retreat seven times, fighting a thousand alone, and sending them fleeing in disarray.

He'd boast of facing powerful foes without flinching, defeating the strong with weakness, and then gracefully departing.

His tales were also interspersed with several romantic entanglements and grievances with beauties from different races.

Perhaps these events truly happened, but the scenes were likely not as grand and magnificent as Chen Xuanhai described.

After leaving Yunhai Peak, Lu Ye couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Where did the steady Chen Xuanhai go? It must be said that one only truly knows some people after becoming genuinely familiar with them.

Back at Xianling Peak, Su Yuqing was already waiting. She took out a token and handed it to him.

Lu Ye took it and examined it. He found it was her own jade token, on which a trace of her aura remained, solidified and unscattered.

“I have a close friend, from the Boundless Realm, named Shuixian,” Su Yuqing said. “A few years ago, when our main branch passed through the Boundless Realm, I spoke with her, and she expressed an intention to go to the Asura Arena. Whether she actually went, I don't know. If she is in the Asura Arena and you encounter any difficulties there, seek her out. Show her this token; for my sake, she won't stand idly by.”

Su Yuqing urged him earnestly. Feeling her care, Lu Ye was touched. “I've noted it,” he said, carefully putting away her jade token.

Su Yuqing continued, “The Asura Arena has its own rules. While your current strength means you likely won't face major dangers, it's always best to be careful.”

As she spoke, she took out a red talisman. “This is one I recently refined; take it with you too,” she said.

Lu Ye put it away, then held her hand. “Sister, your kindness is so immense that I have no way to repay it,” he said with a playful grin. “I fear I can only offer myself to you. I hope you won't disdain my humble appearance.”

Su Yuqing couldn't help but laugh. With her other hand, she poked his forehead. “Stop with the silly talk!” she chided.

Lu Ye's head tilted from her poke.

A moment later, Lu Ye shot into the sky. In front of Xianling Palace, Su Yuqing quietly watched him leave.

Just as he left Mount Fangcun, he immediately saw three figures standing outside. They were huddled together, whispering about something, but upon seeing Lu Ye appear, they quickly straightened up.

Lu Ye glanced at the three of them. “Have you brought everyone back?” he asked.

Xiangyin quickly curtsied. “Reporting to Honored Master,” she said, “following your instructions, my sister and I went to the Jade Snail Realm, delivered the necessary resources, and brought back five hundred Star Constituents selected from Jade Snail. They are now all settled within the realm.”

Ding Beifeng stood foolishly in place, only snapping back to attention when Lu Ye's gaze fell on him. “Same here!” he blurted out. He had gone to the Azure Dawn Dao Realm.

Lu Ye nodded. “Well done,” he said.

At the praise, Xiangyin's eyes lit up. She said in a sweet, soft voice, “Since Honored Master says it's well done, then it must be. As your Blood Servants, the three of us are naturally willing to help you resolve difficulties and serve you diligently.”

“Your mouth…” Lu Ye raised a hand and poked her playfully.

“Is it sweet?” Xiangyin giggled. She raised a slender finger to her red lips, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “It can be even sweeter, Honored Master. Would you like to try?”

Lu Ye maintained a saintly demeanor, completely ignoring her allure. “Tell me,” he said, “what reward do you want?” The three Blood Servants waiting here together clearly had an agenda.

“It's already our blessing to be able to serve Honored Master; we wouldn't dare ask for rewards…” Xiangyin replied. As she spoke, seeing Lu Ye about to walk away, Xiangyin hurriedly grabbed his arm in a panic. “Honored Master, we want to follow you to Myriad Manifestation Sea!”

“Why would you go there?” Lu Ye glanced at her and pulled his arm free. Otherwise, she would surely have clung to him.

Admittedly, all three Blood Servants were in the late-stage Moon Splendor realm and possessed formidable combat strength. However, the rule of five Moon Splendor cultivators guarding Myriad Manifestation Sea was set. Even if they went, they wouldn't be much help. They were better off staying in Kyushu. When he returned, he would have people to deploy. For instance, this time, if not for their trip, Lu Ye would have had to personally visit the Azure Dawn Dao Realm and the Jade Snail Realm, which would undoubtedly have been a waste of time.

Of course, inviting the Lilliputian clan's Moon Splendor cultivators to help was also an option, but how could that compare to the convenience of using his own Blood Servants?