Chapter 332: So-called Foundation

Lin Yaoyao possessed rare beauty. She was a goddess-like figure both during her university days and after leaving campus, always attracting attention wherever she went.

Her skin was crystal clear and fair, her eyes like polished lacquer, and her nose bridge delicately upturned. Though long out of school, when silent, she still seemed to retain the quiet, aloof elegance of her student days.

"Are you well?" she asked Chu Feng. A long time had passed since their last parting on Mount Wudang.

"I'm well," Chu Feng nodded. If he hadn't researched the domain theory and re-emerged into the world, their chances of meeting might have been few.

They walked side by side. Here, not far from Mount Zijin, the mountains stretched continuously into the distance, shrouded in purple mists.

Their conversation was sparse, consisting of simple exchanges. Lin Yaoyao looked at Chu Feng, her heart a little unsettled. Although she knew of his strong resolve, she hadn't expected him to forge an entirely different path.

However, when she considered a certain power that transcended this world, she couldn't help but shake her head. Even if Chu Feng became extraordinary again, he would still fall short.

Lin Yaoyao brought up the topic of domain theory with Chu Feng. Their discussion remained brief, touching on certain matters only in passing.

Chu Feng sensed her hesitation, even an apologetic tone. She wanted to tell him something but found it difficult to articulate. His heart sank with a sudden premonition.

Shortly after, Lin Yaoyao asked Chu Feng if, having abandoned the path of evolution, he truly intended to focus solely on researching domain theory.

Chu Feng replied, "Yes, I want to delve deeper. People need a purpose. In any field, when you focus and dedicate yourself, you can immerse your mind, find enjoyment, and forget your worries."

Lin Yaoyao hesitated slightly, then asked Chu Feng if he would be willing to go to a special place she could help him choose—a tranquil place, free from conflict, though somewhat isolated from the world.

Chu Feng was speechless and immediately shook his head. Despite his premonition, he felt disappointed, stating directly that he valued freedom.

Lin Yaoyao whispered, softly telling him that the place offered books on domain theory for him to peruse, special geographical formations, and numerous top-grade materials for his experiments.

"I don't want to go."

Hearing this, Lin Yaoyao spoke softly, with an apologetic tone, "I'm sorry."

A silence fell between them; neither spoke further.

After a long pause, Lin Yaoyao sighed gently, asking Chu Feng not to blame her and explaining that her suggestion stemmed from concern for his safety.

Chu Feng was surprised, somewhat puzzled.

"I know you were very strong before, but compared to some others, your power is still a bit weak, especially now that you have physical issues," Lin Yaoyao said, her words trailing off.

She turned her head, looking into the distance, before continuing.

"Even with the protection of the old grandmasters and others, it might not be entirely safe," she whispered.

"Are there already such powerful forces in the world?" Chu Feng asked, surprised.

Lin Yaoyao didn't reply directly but brought up past events. In this post-civilization era, several mysterious changes had occurred, the most recent of which was twenty-one years ago.

Hearing this, Chu Feng's pupils contracted as something occurred to him. In twenty-one years, some creatures had already become kings but had not yet appeared in the world, remaining dormant.

He had even been wondering if, during those earlier changes, some individuals had already taken that step and begun evolving long ago.

Suspicious, he voiced his thoughts directly.

Lin Yaoyao shook her head, "That's not what I'm referring to."

Then, she conveyed her message mentally, her voice sounding in Chu Feng's mind rather than from her lips.

Extraterrestrial beings were about to descend, and such individuals could appear at any moment. All this was due to the world's abnormal changes, which had opened certain pathways.

This was her mental whisper. Then, she looked at Chu Feng with a solemn expression.

"In fact, during the most recent change, twenty-one years ago, a few individual pathways also opened, and extraterrestrial beings successfully arrived!"

Lin Yaoyao's words struck Chu Feng like a thunderclap. This was truly a monumental event!

At that moment, he finally understood why some financial groups seemed so confident, with leaked reports claiming they possessed hidden reserves. It turned out this was what they relied on!

People from beyond this world had arrived twenty-one years ago and collaborated with these financial groups. No wonder they understood the nature of the changes before anyone else.

Earlier, when the world was still normal, Lin Yaoyao had mentioned pollen and catalysts during a conversation with her family outside campus.

In truth, Chu Feng wasn't entirely oblivious. He had suspected and pondered deeply about these matters before, but without confirmation.

Originally, when he returned from the Tibetan region, he shared a train with Zhou Quan. There was an accident en route, and the train stopped on the tracks for a night.

That night, plants grew wildly; a vine even pulled down an artificial satellite from space. The next morning, when they went to the train roof to investigate, they unexpectedly found someone dressed in ancient attire carrying a black short sword.

At the time, Chu Feng suspected he might be an ancient person, but he dismissed this idea when a communicator was found on him.

Looking back now, there were too many suspicious points. This person was very likely an extraterrestrial who had been living in this world for some time and had met with an accident that day for unknown reasons.

Perhaps he was exploring new paths, or perhaps he was killed by an enemy.

The black short sword was still with Chu Feng, though he rarely used it. He had many associations with it and feared it might be recognized, attracting unknown powerful individuals.

He had always felt that the person had an extraordinary origin.

Chu Feng was briefly lost in thought. Lin Yaoyao had already walked a considerable distance away.

He caught up, and they resumed their stroll. Chu Feng's mind raced, and he suddenly understood many things.

Lin Yaoyao looked at him and told him that given his current condition, Chu Feng had few paths available. She hoped he would be safe, and suggested that living a normal life, if it were an option, would also be good.

"Where are those people?" Chu Feng asked about the extraterrestrial arrivals, where these so-called hidden reserves were now concealed.

"Some are in the life magnetic field caverns in the Arctic, some in the medicinal gardens that appeared after the domain cracks in famous mountains, and some near the Qilin Nest."

Lin Yaoyao knew some of this information. She wouldn't have shared it before, but she told Chu Feng today.

Some things she had known for a long time, while others she had learned recently.

Chu Feng remained silent, pondering that these so-called hidden reserves seemed not yet ready to reveal themselves.

"They haven't emerged because the fruits, pollen, and other resources of this world are ineffective for them. They require higher-level fruits for evolution," Lin Yaoyao explained.

Chu Feng understood. He pondered whether, once his research into domain theory was sufficiently advanced, he could make a pre-emptive strike.

If these people harbored ill will towards him, intending to imprison him to cultivate their forces, then he might as well find them first, establish a large-scale domain, and eliminate them all at once!

After all, these people were clustered in places like primeval magnetic caverns and other special geographical formations, which were perfectly suited for establishing terrifying large-scale domains!

Lin Yaoyao departed, returning to the Godly Biology camp. All major forces were now mobilizing, heading together towards Mount Zijin.

"How did it go? Is he willing to let us protect him? To have him enter the mountain and focus on domain research?" asked the young man with skin as clear as jade and a crimson mark between his brows, smiling as he spoke to Lin Yaoyao.

Lin Yaoyao shook her head.

An old woman with crane-white hair and a youthful face, leaning on a dark, gleaming staff, said kindly, "That child is truly disobedient; he deserves a spanking." As she spoke, golden beams of light burst from her eyes.

Hearing this, Lin Yaoyao replied, "Wouldn't it be better to give him some time and cooperate?"

"He must be obedient first," the old woman said lightly with a faint smile. Then she added, "Of course, I still need to observe his mastery of domain theory. If his skill isn't up to par, he might not even qualify for our protection to enter the mountain."

Mount Zijin was very special. Even before the world's changes, purple clouds often encircled its peak. Now, its appearance was even more extraordinary.

Approaching the area, the vegetation glowed a vibrant green, like carved jade, possessing spiritual energy and a radiant gleam even when rooted in the soil.

Even the bare cliffs and rocks here shimmered with purple light, glowing brightly, and spirit ganoderma grew within their crevices.

Unfortunately, this area lacked unusual flowers or strange trees; otherwise, it would have long been contested and occupied by major powers.

"I must return to my peak here and make further breakthroughs! If any of those hidden powers come for me, I'll blast them all to dust!" Chu Feng secretly resolved.

Upon arriving at Mount Zijin, he began surveying the land, observing the surrounding terrain, and carefully pondering its features.

This area was indeed extraordinary, faintly imbued with a shimmering haze, subtle and indistinct, as if dragon roars echoed from the void.

There had to be a magnificent great mountain, concealed within the clouds and mist, hidden by a domain.

This was Chu Feng's assessment. He clearly realized that Mount Zijin was extraordinary and astonishing, far exceeding common expectation, and contained heaven-defying opportunities.

For several consecutive days, the major financial groups and powers transported large quantities of magnet stones, jade blocks, and other materials for Chu Feng's use.

Over these days, Chu Feng explored the entire area. As he observed the mountains shrouded in purple mists, he was profoundly shocked.

He saw things unimaginable to outsiders, which astonished him and stirred great waves within him, making him even more determined to rise to prominence here!

This area appeared calm and harmless, but it inherently contained a domain, which simply hadn't been activated or unleashed its power.

Otherwise, outsiders would be unable to set foot here. This was a place where dragons ascended, perfectly suited for him.

The next day, the Sea Monkeys sent by the East Sea Dragoness returned, bringing hundreds of stone carvings. Only the immense strength of the sea tribe allowed them to transport these over such a long distance.

Initially, Chu Feng paid little attention, but after truly studying them, he was immediately captivated, and soon his heart was filled with shock.

There was once an ancient evolver, a true master of domain theory, who attempted to breach the True Dragon Nest in the East Sea. He also wanted to lay various large-scale domains around the Dragon Nest, hoping to conceal himself within it for a grand nirvana and evolution, but unfortunately, he ultimately failed.

He died at the bottom of the East Sea, leaving behind some of his insights and experiences with domain theory.

These were incredibly important to Chu Feng. Others couldn't understand them, but he saw them clearly, grasping many secrets and essential runes.

The stone carvings contained few traditional runes. They mainly discussed mountains and rivers, detailing how to utilize various geographical formations and how to discern ley lines in the future.

The path of domain theory was indeed astonishingly vast, with an immense amount to study. The Heavenly Book of Domain Theory he possessed focused on the wondrous uses of runes.

These stone carvings, however, emphasized finding suitable terrain and researching special mountains, which was truly astounding.

Chu Feng studied for three full days and nights, memorizing everything and comprehending numerous techniques. He was very grateful to the East Sea Dragoness.

When he rose again and gazed at the Mount Zijin area, he discovered something extraordinary, far more complex than the dragon-ascension formation he had initially perceived.

This place was truly marvelous!

According to the records on the underwater stone carvings, this terrain was complex, featuring multiple layouts.

For instance, near the direction of Jiangning City, dragon qi steamed, flowing gracefully. The so-called purple mist was dragon qi drawn from Jiangning, the ancient capital of Six Dynasties.

Then, looking directly south, he saw intense heat waves. Based on the color of the soil and rocks, and the arrangement of vegetation, he knew this area contained solar fire essence, capable of drawing energy from the sun and absorbing abundant solar radiance.

This was all thanks to the underwater stone carvings; before them, Chu Feng would have had no idea and been unable to make such judgments.

A moment later, he discovered surging yin energy in another direction, with Lunar power flowing, hidden deep underground.

"A grand tomb that can provide Lunar power?!" Chu Feng was astonished.

He continued to deduce from the underwater stone carvings, observing the mountain's contours, soil composition, faint energy currents, and magnetic field strengths, inferring the presence of an extraordinary grand tomb underground, possibly connected to mythical figures!

Indeed, historical records indicated that many ancient celebrities were buried in Mount Zijin, ranging from kings and high-ranking officials to unknown Daoists.

Chu Feng was convinced that this grand tomb was related to myths!

However, he didn't plan to disturb it for now. He merely intended to utilize the terrain here to truly rise again!

Two hours later, Chu Feng detected Geng Metal energy. When he set up a small domain for testing, he felt a powerful, aggressive aura surging from underground in that area.

He quickly dismantled the small domain, realizing the extraordinary nature of the underground, which harbored a potent Geng Metal killing aura.

As Chu Feng searched the area, he eventually felt a thrill of awe. This terrain was exceptionally rare, resembling the legends described in the stone carvings.

He suspected that the domain master who died outside the East Sea Dragon Nest had once visited this place, which explained the records.

In the eight directions within Mount Zijin, there were eight different types of energy: dragon qi from Jiangning City, Lunar power emanating from the ancient grand tomb underground, strange soil containing solar fire essence, and so on.

Based on these eight-directional formations, he found the central point and discovered a primeval magnetic cavern, overflowing with vital energy!

"Eight directions, eight kinds of energy, burning the center like wind and fire—this is just like a Bagua Furnace!"

Chu Feng suspected that the Bagua Furnace of Taishang Laojun in myths and legends might not have been a physical object, but rather this type of geographical formation!

According to the underwater stone carvings, this was indeed an extremely rare Bagua Furnace site. Once a suitable domain was established, it could be used to cultivate weapons, bodies, and spirits.

Chu Feng's heart pounded with excitement. He couldn't calm down for a long time, filled with a sense of fulfillment. This place was simply heaven-defying!

Although he had been continuously convincing himself that he could resolve the hidden danger, he never had 100% confidence in the black and white millstone within his body, feeling that nurturing it in famous mountains might not truly perfect it.

This was because similar artifacts, such as the mortar-like object within the yellow ox that existed between energy and matter, were left behind by Golden-Bodied Bodhisattvas.

In fact, similar items within the inheritors of ancient sacred lands in other star worlds were also left by Bodhisattvas, Demon Sages, and other evolvers.

Chu Feng's, however, was formed by himself, leaving him uneasy and lacking confidence.

The reason he was crippled was due to his lack of Bodhisattva-level foundations.

But now, he was confident!

According to the records, this was precisely the terrain of the Grand Supreme Bagua Furnace, perfectly capable of refining and perfecting his black and white millstone. This was the ultimate place for cultivating weapons and elixirs.

Apart from this, who would dare claim to be the best? There was no better or more suitable terrain than this!