Chapter 2033: Return to the Island

Regarding the melding of realms, the first priority was to arrange for the beings of the Azure Dawn Realm. Otherwise, a large number of casualties would inevitably occur during the process. Not to mention ordinary people who had never cultivated, even cultivators below the Constellation level could not withstand the turmoil of a realm melding.

Therefore, not long after Lu Ye, Tang Jun, and Wu Zhu discussed the matter, a group of Constellation cultivators departed from Kyushu for the Azure Dawn Realm, bringing with them a large quantity of Heavenly Secret Pillars.

In the future, these Heavenly Secret Pillars only needed to be placed within the Azure Dawn Realm, and then the beings of the entire realm could be transferred through them.

Once all arrangements were properly made, the Heavenly Secret Pillars would absorb the essence of the Azure Dawn Realm, guiding it to converge with Kyushu, thus completing the melding.

Previously, Little Nine couldn't achieve this; the Heavenly Secret Pillars had a limited connection range. However, as Kyushu's foundation continuously strengthened over the years, its capabilities grew. Especially after acquiring the Asura Field artifact, the power of this artifact could subtly enhance Little Nine's own abilities, complementing each other perfectly.

It’s no exaggeration to say that, with the amplification provided by the Asura Field artifact, the Heavenly Secret Pillars can now cover most of the Jade Snail Galaxy!

Little Nine brought up the matter of realm melding to Lu Ye naturally because doing so would benefit Kyushu.

After the melding, the entire essence of the Azure Dawn Realm would belong to Kyushu, which would undoubtedly greatly aid Kyushu’s growth. Regardless of any issues the Azure Dawn Realm itself might have, it was, after all, a large realm capable of nurturing Constellation cultivators.

Kyushu had previously absorbed the essence of the Blood Refinement Realm and the Peerless Continent, but both were low-level realms. Even so, after absorbing the Blood Refinement Realm’s essence back then, Kyushu had leaped to become a large realm.

What kind of changes would occur when Kyushu absorbed the essence of the Azure Dawn Realm in the future remained to be seen.

Lu Ye entrusted this matter to Wu Zhu, as Lu Ye himself could not remain in the home galaxy for an extended period, nor could Tang Jun. Wu Zhu was the only suitable candidate left.

As for the Azure Dawn Realm, with the consent of its only two Moon-Glow cultivators, the future fate of the entire realm was already decided.

As expected, when the news spread, while the Constellation cultivators of the Azure Dawn Realm certainly felt a reluctance to part with their homeland, they were mostly filled with anticipation.

During their short time in Kyushu, they had already witnessed many novelties. Not to mention other things, just the Asura Field alone was enough to keep them busy.

Lu Ye set the tone for the realm melding and then let go, leaving the rest to Wu Zhu, with Little Nine assisting in secret.

He, meanwhile, selected some personnel, commandeered two Moon-Glow-level central warships, and headed towards the wormhole.

With the wormhole now connected, travel between the home galaxy and the Myriad Manifestations Sea was convenient. However, it was also necessary to guard against those with malicious intent attempting to infiltrate the home galaxy, so both ends of the wormhole had to be garrisoned.

This was a standard deployment for all galaxies.

Currently, the wormhole was not stable enough; even powerful Moon-Glow cultivators like Su Yiming risked passage. So there wasn't too much to worry about for now, but arrangements had to be made early for when it eventually stabilized.

While the home galaxy did not have many Sun-Glow cultivators, it had a considerable number of Moon-Glow cultivators, mostly from the Jade Snail Realm. Deploying some for rotational guard duty was perfectly feasible.

Several days later, the two warships arrived at the entrance of the wormhole. Lu Ye left one warship to guard and monitor this end, while he piloted the other into the wormhole, as usual, using the heart core of a Void Beast to clear the way, ensuring a peaceful journey.

Not long after, the warship appeared in the Myriad Manifestations Galaxy.

"This is the Myriad Manifestations Galaxy?" Han Dong spoke on the warship deck, looking around, his gaze soon drawn to a distant splendor.

From this vantage point, the splendor looked like a tiny droplet, radiating colorful, dazzling light. But Han Dong knew it appeared small due to the extreme distance; up close, it would undoubtedly be enormous.

Accompanying the warship on this trip, besides Han Dong, were two other Jade Snail Moon-Glow cultivators, both of whom had advanced on Tri-Realm Island, and a small number of Constellation cultivators. They would be responsible for guarding this location, forming Jade Snail’s first group of wormhole guardians.

"That's the Myriad Manifestations Sea," Lu Ye said, standing beside him. "If you wish, fellow Daoist, you can go explore it."

Han Dong was visibly tempted. For so many years, he had heard of the Myriad Manifestations Sea but never had the chance to see it. Now that he finally saw it with his own eyes, he naturally wanted to go and explore.

However, he shook his head. "Next time. There will be an opportunity when it's my turn to rest."

Having already arrived in the Myriad Manifestations Galaxy, why fear a lack of opportunity? There was no rush.

"Alright," Lu Ye said, seeing his decision, not pressing him. "Then I'll leave this place to you, fellow Daoist."

Han Dong solemnly replied, "It's my duty; I will not be negligent."

Lu Ye then looked at the others. "Follow me back to the island."

This trip was not only to deploy this Moon-Glow-level warship but also to bring some personnel back to Tri-Realm Island. Accompanying him, besides Tang Jun, the Chief Steward for Foreign Affairs, were all the Merfolk cultivators and a group of Moon-Glow cultivators.

Few Constellation cultivators returned. Those who had gone back to Jade Snail with him were either in secluded cultivation or, more often, staying in Kyushu to challenge the Asura Field, rigorously honing themselves.

Altogether, fewer than five hundred people returned.

Lu Ye and Yan Miao simultaneously activated their spiritual power, enveloping everyone, and flew towards the Myriad Manifestations Sea.

Luan Xiao'e did not return. After many years away from Jade Snail, having finally returned, she naturally wanted to see her homeland. This counted as a triumphant return for her. She would come back on her own after a while.

A day later, everyone returned to Tri-Realm Island.

Sensing the movement, the cultivators who remained on the island came out to greet them, led by Hua Ci.

These cultivators were from the three major realms of Jade Snail. They had also wanted to follow Lu Ye back to fight, but someone ultimately had to stay behind on Tri-Realm Island.

For days, they had been anxious and uneasy, unsure of the home galaxy's fate.

Now, seeing only a fraction of the over two thousand people return, their expressions changed drastically. Hua Ci's expression was especially grave, her red lips pursed.

Seeing their expressions, Lu Ye knew they had misunderstood. He smiled slightly, "No need to worry. Our home galaxy won a great victory in this battle. All ten Purple Xuan Demon Venerables and ten thousand demon cultivators were completely annihilated."

The many Tri-Realm cultivators were first stunned, then greatly shocked, and began asking about the battle's details all at once.

With familiar cultivators gathering in groups of three to five, the full scope of the previous battle gradually unfolded before the eyes of those who had stayed behind.

Upon learning that Lu Ye had enlisted many Pygmies and Soul Clan Sun-Glow cultivators, everyone was visibly surprised. They had no idea Lu Ye's network was so extensive, allowing him to summon so many helpers at once.

Each one felt a pang of regret for the Purple Xuan Demon Venerables, who died unjustly. Even they didn't know Jade Snail could field such a powerful lineup. The Purple Xuan side, dispatching ten Demon Venerables, must have thought it would be an easy task, but instead, they hit a brick wall.

On the other side, Yi Yi nestled into Hua Ci's embrace, nuzzling around.

Originally, Yi Yi had planned to return to her Soul Clan ancestral land... Of course, she was reluctant to part with Lu Ye, but in the previous battle, her Soul Attachment technique finally allowed her to help Lu Ye a little. She had a taste of success and wanted to return to her ancestral land to further improve her cultivation.

Yi Yi understood that a brief separation was for a longer reunion.

Lu Ye only asked her, "Do you miss Sister Hua Ci?" Yi Yi immediately abandoned the idea of returning to her Soul Clan ancestral land and came with him to Myriad Manifestations Sea. Her relationship with Hua Ci was also very good; naturally, she missed her after not seeing her for years.

With Yi Yi clinging to Hua Ci now, Lu Ye felt incredibly secure!

He could feel that this woman still remembered what happened before and was constantly looking for trouble with him.

"Has anything happened recently?" Lu Ye asked.

Hua Ci, while stroking Yi Yi's head, smiled and glanced at him. "Nothing much, just a lot of people asking why you left earlier and where you went."

Currently, Tri-Realm Island holds supreme status in Myriad Manifestations Sea. The previous large-scale activity from Tri-Realm Island naturally couldn't escape the notice of interested parties, but as long as information from the island itself wasn't leaked, others couldn't find out much.

Lu Ye nodded slightly, then asked with concern, "No one tried to harm you, did you?"

Little Melon had devoured the Tri-Treasure Ruyi Coins, and through various unexplorable transformations, it was now a living cosmic treasure. Its true owner being Hua Ci was likely no longer a secret.

It was not impossible that some might have ideas about Hua Ci, taking advantage of Tri-Realm Island's perceived weakness.

"I've been hiding," Hua Ci smiled, pursing her lips. "And Little Melon has been hidden in Myriad Manifestations Sea. Any Sun-Glow cultivator who dares approach Tri-Realm Island will be locked onto by its divine sense."

"That's good," Lu Ye relaxed. Being locked onto by a cosmic treasure's divine sense was no small matter for any Sun-Glow cultivator. After experiencing such situations a few times, no Sun-Glow cultivator dared approach Tri-Realm Island's vicinity again.

"Oh, by the way, Jiu Yan sent a message saying to find her on Myriad Manifestations Island after you return. It seems she has something to discuss with you," Hua Ci said, then pulled out a stack of items and handed them over. "These are also for you."

"What are these?" Lu Ye took them, surprised.

"Invitation cards, I suppose," Hua Ci casually explained. "They're all from the major top-tier Spirit Islands."

Lu Ye checked them briefly and found they were indeed invitation cards, quite a few of them. If counted, every single top-tier Spirit Island on Myriad Manifestations Sea had sent an invitation.

He had previously changed the rules of Myriad Manifestations Sea, allowing Sun-Glow cultivators to enter top-tier Spirit Islands. Now, those islands must have made their arrangements. Sun-Glow cultivators from various realms, upon arriving in Myriad Manifestations Sea, would naturally pay respects to the master of this place.

These invitation cards were a matter of etiquette, but more importantly, a display of the prestige earned from the previous battle. Without that battle, who would hold Tri-Realm Island in high regard?

Lu Ye knew that the true reason for these invitations was Little Melon. Tri-Realm Island alone was not enough to make those top-tier Spirit Islands treat it with such careful deference.

Lu Ye didn't have much connection with the major top-tier Spirit Islands, except for Five-Color Island. Naturally, he couldn't be bothered with these invitations and casually tossed them aside.

"You all chat. I'm going to check on Senior Ma Bin first." Lu Ye left this remark and headed towards the spirit jade mine.

He deeply inhaled the fresh air, his chest trembling.

Confusion, bewilderment, and various emotions surged into his mind.

Where is this?

Then, Shi Yu subconsciously observed his surroundings, becoming even more bewildered.

A single dormitory room?

Even if he had been successfully rescued, he should be in a hospital ward now.

And his body... how could it be completely uninjured?

With doubts, Shi Yu's gaze quickly swept across the room, finally resting on a mirror at the head of the bed.

The mirror reflected his current appearance: around seventeen or eighteen years old, very handsome.

But the problem was, this wasn't him!

His previous self was a handsome young man in his twenties with an extraordinary demeanor, who had been working for some time.

But now, this appearance looked like that of a high school student...

This change left Shi Yu in a daze for a long time.

Don't tell him the surgery was a success...

His body and appearance had changed; this wasn't a matter of surgery but rather immortal techniques.

He had completely transformed into another person!

Could it be... he had transmigrated?

Besides the mirror at the head of the bed, placed in a spot clearly bad for feng shui, Shi Yu also found three books nearby.

Shi Yu picked them up and saw the titles, which instantly made him silent.

"Essential Handbook for Novice Beast Keepers"

"Post-Natal Care for Companion Beasts"

"Guide to Appraising Heterogeneous Beast-Eared Girls"

Shi Yu: ???

The first two book titles seemed normal, but what's with the last one?

"Cough."

Shi Yu's gaze sharpened, and he reached out, but his arm quickly stiffened.

Just as he was about to open the third book to see what it was, a sharp pain shot through his brain, and a flood of memories surged forth.

Icefield City.

Pet Beast Rearing Base.

Intern Pet Beast Breeder.

Beast Tamer?