Chapter 209: Departure

Perhaps due to the ferocity of the battle, having first single-handedly withstood the Taotie and then faced hundreds of Primordial Spirit-level experts from the Northern Jin Alliance, Xu Yang ultimately collapsed from sheer exhaustion. His body went limp, and he fell to the ground.

Empress Xue Qinghan and the other grand elders, who had been saved by Xu Yang, immediately rushed to his side. They helped him up and moved him to the most luxurious suite in the Qianyun Sect.

He slept for a day and a night. When he drowsily opened his eyes, Xu Yang felt no injuries or fatigue; instead, his body was completely refreshed and invigorated.

Glancing around, his powerful spiritual sense quickly pinpointed the front hall. Behind the screen curtain was Qianyun Liefeng, the Sect Leader of Qianyun Sect. Xu Yang immediately understood that the Sect Leader was personally guarding him, ensuring he could rest soundly.

"Sect Leader Qianyun."

Although Xu Yang had the appearance of a young man, his hundred-thousand-year cultivation meant he was likely twenty or thirty thousand years older than Qianyun Liefeng. He never needed to address anyone as "senior."

"Fellow Daoist, have you recovered? As expected of someone imbued with dragon power, your physical resilience and recovery ability are truly rare!"

Xu Yang chuckled softly. "Has the situation stabilized? The Northern Jin faction harbors ill intentions, but after this battle, I assume they will quiet down for a while."

Qianyun Liefeng suddenly rose and bowed respectfully to Xu Yang, his eyes filled with profound gratitude. "The sudden appearance of the primordial beast, the Taotie, was truly beyond everyone's expectations. If not for your formidable strength in holding back the Taotie's pressure, my Qianyun Sect's mountain-protecting divine formation would have collapsed, and the Northern Jin forces could have annihilated my sect overnight. In that scenario, I would have become the eternal sinner of this lineage."

Xu Yang shook his head with a faint smile. "Sect Leader Qianyun, you might not know this, but the Yuanyang Empire faction was already ambushed by Northern Jin assassins on their way here. I had long anticipated they would make a move, but I truly didn't expect Tuobayun and Fengxiu's ambition to be so vast. What they conspired for was not merely the small Yuanyang Empire, but the top position in the entire Three Thousand Dao States."

Qianyun Liefeng sighed with a helpless expression. "Well, thankfully, this time there was danger but no real harm. Your astonishing strength has made you famous in one battle. I estimate it won't be long before Xu Yang's name resounds throughout the Three Thousand Dao States."

Xu Yang's expression became much calmer. "I don't really care about such things. My greatest concern right now is only those companions taken by the Taotie. The East Sea is quite mysterious, and I've never set foot there. I suppose this time, there will be another fierce battle."

Upon hearing this, Qianyun Liefeng suddenly waved his hand, and something resembling a map appeared in Xu Yang's grasp.

"The East Sea is considered a land of immortals by the world, and while there are no true gods or immortals, there are bound to be highly skilled individuals of great cultivation there. I obtained this map by chance when I was young. Since you saved my Qianyun Sect from this crisis, consider this map a token of my gratitude."

Xu Yang smiled faintly and did not refuse. Such a gift was neither overly precious nor impractical; it was undoubtedly the best kind of present.

"Then many thanks, Sect Leader Qianyun. Without further ado, I plan to leave for the East Sea immediately. Farewell for now!"

"Wait!"

Just as Xu Yang was about to leave, a lavishly dressed middle-aged man walked into the outer hall. Xu Yang was familiar with this man, who was one of the few male stewards of the Cold Moon Empire and the Empress's most trusted subordinate.

"Esteemed Xu Yang! Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress of the Cold Moon Empire, requests your presence!"

Hearing him, Xu Yang then recalled the scene when he fought the Taotie earlier. He realized he ought to thank the Empress in person.

Following the lavishly dressed middle-aged man into the suite next door, Xu Yang found the room exceptionally quiet, with a special soothing incense burning. As soon as he stepped in, he felt a harmonious and comforting fragrance. With his extensive knowledge, Xu Yang immediately recognized that the incense was highly beneficial for spiritual energy recovery and cultivation.

"Your Majesty, Esteemed Xu Yang has arrived."

The Empress did not put on any airs, rising directly from her seat to greet him. What caught Xu Yang's eye was that she had changed into casual clothes; her unique imperial palace attire was gone.

"You're awake? How do you feel?"

Xu Yang chuckled. "If I'm not mistaken, you used your methods to help me recover while I was unconscious. I'm indebted to you."

Facing this woman, Xu Yang always felt an indescribable sensation. He wanted to maintain a distance, yet it was as if a special force was constantly drawing them together. Especially since she had helped him twice, Xu Yang developed a special fondness for Xue Qinghan, whose beauty was unparalleled.

"How so? Are you planning to return the favor, Esteemed Xu Yang? My debt of gratitude, Xue Qinghan's debt, isn't so easily repaid. When are you leaving for the East Sea?"

Xu Yang was surprised. "You're going to the East Sea too?"

"Did you think only your companions were taken? My disciples, worried about my safety, also rushed forward when the Taotie went berserk. They ended up being carried off along with your people. No matter the cost, my people must be safe."

Xu Yang gazed deeply at the woman. Although their eyes didn't meet, he sensed the inherent grace and unwavering resolve within her, qualities that surpassed even men. Born into royalty and able to become an Empress, Xue Qinghan's potential and profound capabilities were not something others could easily discern.

"In that case, let's depart immediately."

Xu Yang wasn't one to be overly sentimental. He had never been to the East Sea and didn't know what situations they might encounter there. Having the Empress accompany him would at least offer mutual support, which was certainly not a bad thing.

The two ascended into the air and quickly entered Xu Yang's spirit ship. Awkwardly, since the East Sea was a hidden immortal realm, the spirit ship couldn't lock onto specific coordinates. They could only set course for Sangshui City on the East Sea coast as their initial destination, expecting to take twenty days to arrive.

Although the spirit ship was large, it lacked private, segregated rooms, having only a vast main cabin. Thus, Xu Yang and Xue Qinghan had to sit opposite each other, less than ten meters apart. Even though both were meditating with their eyes closed and had no conversation, the atmosphere felt quite peculiar.

Swoosh!

Not long after they departed from Qianyun Sect, the little Dragon Python suddenly transformed into a streak of fierce light and swiftly approached them. As a mature, top-tier demonic beast with an awakened ancestral bloodline, the Dragon Python's combat strength was comparable to a Primordial Spirit Grand Completion expert. Its powerful sense of smell allowed it to quickly pinpoint Xu Yang's aura. Its sudden appearance, however, raised Xue Qinghan's guard.

"Who's there!"