87: Chapter 87 Leaving

The Ye Family settlement had already returned to its former order.

The cleanup operation personally led by Clan Chief Ye Qingtian was a great success. The base of Black Cloud Stronghold was uprooted, a large amount of Cultivation resources were seized, and the remaining bandits either surrendered or fled. The tumor that had entrenched itself in the Black Cloud Mountains for many years thus vanished into thin air.

The Discipline Hall Elder's strikes against the Lin Family's businesses were also highly effective. The Lin Family's influence had shrunk significantly, and they were basically removed from the list of the three great families.

Ye Qingtian and his group returned in triumph, and the entire Ye Family was once again immersed in jubilation.

However, this joy of victory did not last long before everyone learned the news that Ye Tian was about to leave on a long journey.

At this moment, inside the Ye Family's main assembly hall, the atmosphere carried a hint of sorrow.

Clan Chief Ye Qingtian sat in the main seat, with core Elders like Great Elder Ye Zhengyuan and Ye Wenshan on either side.

Ye Tian wore a green shirt, carried a simple knapsack on his back, and stood in the center of the hall, his posture upright and his gaze calm.

"Ye Tian," Ye Qingtian spoke first, his voice unable to hide his complex emotions. "Is your resolve set? Must you leave on this journey right now? The Family is currently in need of people; with you here to hold the fort, we could rest easy."

Although he had long known of Ye Tian's decision, he still wanted to try to persuade him to stay.

Ye Tian bowed slightly, his tone firm. "Clan Chief, Elders. The Ye Family's crisis has been resolved, Black Cloud Stronghold is destroyed, and the Lin Family is lying low. With the Clan Chief and the Elders holding the fort, the Family's Foundation is secure. While staying in the clan would ensure temporary peace, for me personally, being trapped here in Luo City makes it difficult to pursue the essence of the ultimate Dao."

He lifted his head, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, and continued. "After this battle, I deeply feel that my own strength is still far from enough. The Ningyuan Realm is merely the starting point of the martial path. Although the Northern Region is large, it is only a corner of this vast world. I need to walk out, see the vast world, experience cruel tempering, and search for my own Opportunity."

His words carried the sharp ambition unique to a young man.

Grand Elder Great Elder Ye Zhengyuan stroked his beard and sighed, his eyes full of admiration. "A young eagle must eventually leave the nest to soar through the vast sky. Ye Tian, we understand your thoughts. However, the human heart is treacherous, far beyond the shelter of the Family. You are alone, so you must be careful and cautious in everything!"

"Rest assured, Grand Elder, Ye Tian will keep it in mind." Ye Tian replied solemnly.

Ye Qingtian knew his intention to leave was set and did not try to persuade him further. He took a Storage Ring from his bosom and handed it to Ye Tian. "This qingxuan ring contains a space of ten directions. It is one of the treasures passed down through generations in my Ye Family, and today I gift it to you. Inside, there are some Spirit Stones, Medicinal Pills, Talismans, and a simple map drawn by our Ye Family ancestors when they traveled to foreign lands. Perhaps it will be of some help to you."

This gift was incredibly heavy, showing just how much the Ye Family valued Ye Tian.

Ye Tian did not refuse. He took the ring with both hands, swept it with his Divine Sense, and perceived the dazzling array of supplies and the animal-skin map inside. He was moved. "Thank you, Clan Chief! Ye Tian will certainly not fail the Family's high expectations!"

"Furthermore," Ye Qingtian pondered for a moment and lowered his voice. "I have ordered that your departure be kept strictly confidential. Externally, we will only claim that you are in secluded cultivation in the Forbidden Ground behind the mountain to avoid being targeted by those with ill intentions. You must conceal your identity and keep a low profile on this journey. As for your mother, I have arranged for a clan Elder to personally guard her courtyard. Without my orders, no one can approach. You can rest assured."

Upon hearing this, Ye Tian bowed solemnly. The only thing he worried about while traveling far was his mother's safety. Now that he had Ye Qingtian's guarantee, he could set his mind at ease.

Afterward, Ye Tian said his goodbyes to the Elders individually. Finally, accompanied by Ye Qingtian and Great Elder Ye Zhengyuan, he quietly left the main assembly hall without alerting any clan members.

However, when he reached the edge of the Family settlement, preparing to leave quietly, two graceful figures were already waiting under an ancient tree on the path he had to take.

One was dressed in red like fire, bright and flamboyant; it was Ye Ruyi. She bit her lip, her eyes slightly red, and she clutched a delicately embroidered safety amulet tightly in her hand.

The other was dressed in white like snow, cold and ethereal; it was Chen Xue. She stood there quietly, like an orchid in an empty valley, holding a small jade bottle in her hand.

Seeing Ye Tian walk over, Ye Ruyi could no longer hold back. She rushed forward in a few steps and shoved the safety amulet into Ye Tian's hand, her voice choked with sobs. "Brother Ye Tian! This is for you! You must be safe and sound! Remember... remember to come back!"

Her words were direct and passionate, full of reluctance to part.

Ye Tian took the safety amulet, a warm current flowing through his heart, and smiled gently. "Rest assured, Sister Ruyi, I will take good care of myself. When I return, I will listen to you tell me more interesting stories about the clan."

Ye Ruyi nodded vigorously, tears eventually falling. She quickly turned her face away, not wanting Ye Tian to see.

Ye Tian looked at Chen Xue again.

Chen Xue stepped forward and handed over the jade bottle. Her voice was still cold, but it was a bit softer than usual. "This is a Cleansing Heart Pill that I refined; it can calm the mind and spirit, and resist external toxins. The road ahead is long, take care."

There were no excessive words, but that concern was contained within the gift.

"Thank you, Miss Chen." Ye Tian took the jade bottle, stored it carefully, looked at the two women, and said sincerely, "I will keep your friendship in my heart. Take care."

He did not say anything more, took one last deep look at the two of them, and then turned around. His True Qi surged slightly, and his figure transformed into a green shadow. In a few bounds, he disappeared at the end of the mountain road.

The two women gazed in the direction where he had disappeared and exchanged a glance. Ye Ruyi spoke unwillingly, "Sister, will we see him again?"

Chen Xue was silent upon hearing this. After a long while, a trace of determination appeared in her beautiful eyes, and she said, "There will eventually be a day when we meet again."

Ye Tian utilized his movement technique, his speed extremely fast. In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he was already far away from the Ye Family settlement. He stood on a high slope, looked back at the outline of Luo City looming in the morning mist, and felt a myriad of emotions in his heart.

Here was his Family, his memories, and emotions that had quietly sprouted but could not be lingered upon. However, he knew that his path lay ahead.

Collecting his thoughts, Ye Tian took the animal-skin map from his qingxuan ring and carefully identified the direction. The map's markings were simple, but it roughly outlined several adjacent regions nearby.

Luo City, where the Ye Family was located, was in a corner in the south of the Northern Region. The core area of the Northern Region marked on the map was a place called "Liuli City," which was rumored to be a central hub rich in Cultivation resources, crowded with experts, and filled with Sects.

"Liuli City..." Ye Tian's gaze locked onto the prominent mark on the map. "That place gathers the Luck and Opportunity of the Northern Region; there must be more Advanced Cultivation Techniques and more powerful opponents there. I will go there!"

Having chosen the direction, Ye Tian moved and sped off towards the north. Relying on his strong Physical Body, he traveled through the mountains and forests, his speed not slow at all.

Along the way, he slept in the open and braved the elements, climbing mountains and crossing ridges. He drank mountain spring water when thirsty and ate beast meat when hungry. At night, he would find caves or treetops to regulate his breathing and Cultivate. He did not just rush on his journey, but instead treated this trip as a form of cultivation.

When encountering fierce Yao Beasts, he used them to hone his fist techniques and familiarize himself with the application of power in the Ningyuan Realm. When encountering treacherous terrain, he trained his movement technique and control of True Qi.

The "Nine Revolutions Purple Heart Art" operated day and night, constantly refining his True Qi and consolidating his Realm. He did not put down the "Dragon Elephant Art" either; by utilizing weight-bearing running in the mountains and forests and battling Yao Beasts, his blood and Qi became increasingly vigorous, and his physical strength steadily improved.

He often took out the pale green ring to check it, and the chaos bead occasionally sent out faint palpitations.

After traveling like this for about ten days, the terrain gradually became open, and a main road began to appear. Occasionally, he could see caravans and scattered figures of Cultivators. The Spiritual Qi in the air seemed to be a bit denser than around Luo City.

According to the map, further ahead was one of the important hubs leading to Liuli City, a prosperous small town called "Qingmu Town."

However, just when he was still dozens of miles away from Qingmu Town, while passing through a dense forest, his brows suddenly furrowed.

His Divine Sense perceived that from a valley not far ahead, there came bursts of the sounds of weapons clashing, as well as a few hurried shouts. It seemed that a fierce battle was taking place.

"Something is happening?" Ye Tian's eyes narrowed. He concealed his aura and quietly crept towards the direction where the sounds were coming from. The road in this Northern Region was indeed not going to be peaceful.