Chapter 1967: Turning Point

Ma Bin wasn't aware of the exact relationship between Lu Ye and the Little People. He only assumed that Lu Ye was credited with recovering the core of Fangcun Mountain, which led to the Little People's affectionate regard for him.

Such a connection, however, was clearly insufficient.

Moreover, as he himself admitted, his troubles were immense. If he were to join the Little People, they would certainly not accept him, and it might even implicate the Nine Regions, which was something he absolutely wished to avoid.

Seeing that Lu Ye intended to persuade him further, Ma Bin raised a hand to stop him. "That's enough," he said, "Let's not discuss this anymore."

"No, Senior," Lu Ye explained, "If you're unwilling to return to the Nine Regions with me, I have another Spirit Jade mineral vein that you could use for healing."

Even with Ma Bin's extensive experience, his eyes twitched involuntarily at this moment.

He wanted to ask Lu Ye if he even knew what he was saying. What did he mean by "another Spirit Jade mineral vein"?

In this vast Starry Sky, almost every Spirit Jade mineral vein represented a top-tier realm, which no one could easily disrespect. It was normal for the core of Fangcun Mountain to have a Spirit Jade mineral vein; it was a supreme treasure of the Starry Sky, and even if it shattered, the mineral vein would still endure.

But where did this second Spirit Jade mineral vein come from?

In the Starry Sky, countless powerful large realms and many Sunlit cultivators yearned for a Spirit Jade mineral vein but could not obtain one. Yet, coming from Lu Ye, a Moon Gazer, it sounded as simple as having two cucumbers at home.

Lu Ye suddenly recalled the Merfolk. He stroked his chin and said, "Actually, there's a third one... but it's not very convenient at the moment."

When he had departed for the Asura Arena, Luan Xiao'e and Grand Elder Yan Miao were preparing to attempt their breakthrough to the Sunlit realm, secluded in the underwater Spirit Jade mineral vein. So much time had passed, and he didn't know if they had succeeded.

Therefore, if Ma Bin needed healing, the Merfolk's Spirit Jade mineral vein would not be suitable for him.

Ma Bin remained silent, then subtly raised a hand to touch Lu Ye's forehead. He suspected that this junior from the same realm might have gone a bit mad.

Lu Ye chuckled. "Senior, I'm not joking. I've taken control of a top-tier Spirit Island in the Myriad Manifestations Sea, and it has a Spirit Jade mineral vein on it."

Zhu Yuan, standing behind Ma Bin, looked startled. "A top-tier Spirit Island?"

Ma Bin was utterly astonished as well. "You've taken control of a top-tier Spirit Island?"

"Yes!" Lu Ye nodded. "Currently, the Nine Regions is part of three major cultivation realms. Initially, cultivators from these three realms jointly occupied a desolate island. As luck would have it, this barren island gradually became vibrant, its quality improving step by step. By the time I left for the Asura Arena, that Spirit Island had already become a top-tier one."

After hearing his explanation, Ma Bin finally confirmed that Lu Ye was not joking. He was momentarily stunned. He had already accepted his fate, as injuries to the Dao foundation could only recover with rest in a Spirit Jade mineral vein. But in his current state, how could he possibly have such an opportunity?

He never expected such a dramatic turn of events.

"How could you occupy a top-tier Spirit Island? Didn't anyone covet it?" Ma Bin still couldn't comprehend it. In a place like the Myriad Manifestations Sea, randomly occupying a desolate island that gradually became a top-tier Spirit Island seemed incredibly lucky, almost defying heaven.

What he found even harder to grasp was how the Star System where the Nine Regions was located could possibly establish itself on such a top-tier Spirit Island. It wouldn't be surprising if major powers had set their sights on it.

"Of course there were," Lu Ye said. "During the rise of Three Realms Island, it underwent two major battles. In these battles, the island proved its strength. So, even if someone covets it, no one dares to make a move for now."

Lu Ye spoke lightly, but Ma Bin could hear the underlying violence and bloodshed. In a place like the Myriad Manifestations Sea, only those with strong fists and sufficient power could prove themselves. The results that would deter other forces from taking action must have been truly astonishing, enough to intimidate everyone in the vicinity.

Ma Bin suddenly realized that he had always underestimated Lu Ye.

"Three Realms Island is under my command now, and the Spirit Jade mineral vein belongs to us. Senior, you have no need to worry," Lu Ye said, looking earnestly at Ma Bin. Ma Bin's injury was incurred because of him. If there were no solution on his part, so be it, but since there was a way, he naturally had to do his utmost.

"I understand," Ma Bin said.

After a good while, Ma Bin finally nodded, looking at Lu Ye with satisfaction. "You are far more reliable than that boy, Zhao Nian. Since you have such intentions, this old man will accept your offer. This Myriad Manifestations Sea... I will make a trip there!"

When there was no way to heal, he could resign himself to his fate, but now that a solution existed, he naturally wouldn't give up.

Lu Ye stood up cheerfully. "No time to lose, let's depart now."

"No rush!" Ma Bin raised a hand to gesture, "This old man will go to the Myriad Manifestations Sea, but not with you."

His identity was, after all, very sensitive. He certainly couldn't go with Lu Ye, otherwise, if something happened in the future, Lu Ye would undoubtedly be implicated.

Lu Ye pondered for a moment, then understood his meaning. "Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked.

Ma Bin smiled. "As for the Myriad Manifestations Sea, this old man can come and go as he pleases. Don't worry. You go back first, and I will meet you there later."

Lu Ye nodded. "Then I will await your esteemed presence!"

Bidding farewell to Ma Bin, Lu Ye departed from the desolate planet, feeling significantly lighter.

Following the extremely faint guidance of the Seven-Colored Divine Sense, Lu Ye flew forward.

A month later, somewhere in the Starry Sky, Lu Ye used the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus to open a passage into the Soul Clan's ancestral land, entering its space.

As usual, he visited Li Shang's Five-Colored Lotus Land, hoping to see Yiyi and the others. However, upon arrival, he found that everyone was in seclusion for cultivation, and even Amber was nowhere to be seen.

He wasn't disappointed; the environment of the Soul Clan was particularly well-suited for Yiyi, and it was good that the young girl had ambition.

He made a detour and headed directly for the Seven-Colored Lotus Land where the Starry Sky Pond was located. Diligent Xu Yuan was still guarding the area. Seeing Lu Ye's arrival, he merely glanced at him, then pointed to the Starry Sky Pond, indicating that Lu Ye was free to use it.

They were old acquaintances, so there was no need for excessive formalities.

However, Lu Ye didn't rush to the Starry Sky Pond. Instead, he stepped forward and bowed. "Elder, has the Clan Chief returned?"

He had some questions for Hun Que. Last time, Xu Yuan mentioned that Hun Que had left for something important, and he didn't know if he had returned yet.

Actually, Lu Ye had wanted to ask when he was with Ma Bin, but considering that Ma Bin would be going to the Myriad Manifestations Sea later and there would be plenty of opportunities to meet, Lu Ye hadn't rushed to ask.

"Not yet," Xu Yuan replied.

"Why hasn't he returned?" Lu Ye frowned.

Xu Yuan smiled. "The Clan Chief is busy with something important. What is it, boy? Do you have more questions you need answered?"

"It's still about the Three Flowers," Lu Ye sighed. Compared to before, he had more doubts this time, because he had seen some vague records in the Haichuan Tower of the Heavenly Asura Clan.

Xu Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "Actually, knowing some things in advance might not be good. Boy, it's best to take one step at a time in cultivation. When your cultivation level reaches a certain point, many things will naturally become clear. Don't you agree?"

Lu Ye looked at him, suddenly realizing, "So, Elder, there are some things you clearly know but can't tell me?"

"Not at all!" Xu Yuan quickly waved his hand. "I don't know much about the Three Flowers; after all, I've never seen them, and there are no records of them here in the Soul Clan. This old man is just a gatekeeper, how could I know too much?"

Changing the subject, he continued, "The only thing this old man knows is that if you successfully condense the Three Flowers, it will be greatly beneficial for your future."

Wasn't that obvious? For a moment, Lu Ye couldn't tell if Xu Yuan was holding something back.

However, on second thought, Xu Yuan was right; some things would naturally become clear once his cultivation reached a certain level.

He didn't need to chase after any secrets, because even if he uncovered them, it wouldn't be meaningful. The foundation of everything in the cultivation world was one's own strength. If his strength was sufficient, everything else would fall into place.

His mindset suddenly became clear!

That's right, no matter what 'gate,' 'abyss,' or 'path' it was, there was only one thing he needed to do now: refine his own Source of Law, strive to condense the Flower of Qi, and then advance to Sunlit!

"It's good that you understand," Xu Yuan said, smiling as he looked at him.

"Thank you, Elder," Lu Ye said, bowing respectfully. Only then did he walk towards the Starry Sky Pond, pinpointed the location of the Nine Regions, and immersed himself in it.

Less than half an hour later, outside the Nine Regions, Lu Ye piloted his star-skiff, his gaze reflecting the familiar realm in the distance.

This trip to the Asura Arena had been quite profitable. Not only had he exchanged for a large number of treasures capable of improving the quality of his Source of Law, but he had also retrieved the Asura Arena's personal treasure, which he had previously given up on.

It could be said that no one, past or present, had profited more than him.

If he gave it to Xiao Jiu, it should be very happy.

Xiao Jiu had been anxious for some time about the future path of the Nine Regions cultivators. The corpse race on the Peerless Continent was dwindling, and there would eventually come a day when they were all eliminated. What method would Nine Regions cultivators then use to hone themselves?

It had previously considered creating true lake and divine sea battlefields, but doing so would place a significant burden on it and consume a certain amount of the Nine Regions' foundation.

However, if the Asura Arena's personal treasure were utilized, all these concerns would vanish. With Xiao Jiu personally presiding, an experience environment similar to the Asura Arena could be created, allowing Nine Regions cultivators to train, refine themselves, and subsequently earn battle merits to exchange for cultivation resources.

This would entirely prevent internal strife among cultivators within their own realm.

Furthermore, the Asura Arena's personal treasure also contained the shadows of countless cultivators from various eras. This would allow Nine Regions cultivators to directly compare their own progress with that of other cultivators, inspiring them to strive even harder.

Everything was developing in a positive direction.

Lu Ye eagerly anticipated Xiao Jiu's reaction when he gave it the Asura Arena's personal treasure.

The mark on the back of his hand suddenly stirred. Without a doubt, it was Xiao Jiu contacting him; at this moment, only Xiao Jiu could detect his return.

A quick check confirmed it was indeed a message from Xiao Jiu, but after reading its content, Lu Ye's expression instantly turned solemn.

The next instant, he quickly halted his movement and even activated spirit patterns to conceal his aura, obscuring his presence.

The reason was simple: Xiao Jiu's message informed him that at this very moment, a strange Sunlit cultivator was searching for something within the Nine Regions.