569: ten years

Venerable He Run departed amidst the afterglow of the setting sun.

"Brother He, take care."

On Gui Zhou Island, within the clouds, a phantom figure standing on the cloud's edge looked towards the gradually disappearing silhouette in the distance.

When the sea and sky merged into one, with only a vibrant red reflection remaining, the phantom figure withdrew its gaze and looked downwards.

At this moment, the Zhou Family's fourth Patriarch's succession ceremony had also been completed.

Zhou Dingyang held the Patriarch's token and exercised the Patriarch's authority... Years flowed by, time passed swiftly.

In a blink of an eye, ten years had passed.

For mortals, ten years is a long period in life, bearing too many joys and sorrows, partings and reunions.

For cultivators, ten years felt like an instant.

The Chaotic Sea ten years later was no different from the Chaotic Sea ten years prior.

The only change was that the authority of the forces in the northern part of the Chaotic Sea had grown even heavier.

This day.

In the northern Chaotic Sea, on Gui Zhou Island.

A young man, dressed in a light cyan robe with eyes of different colors, descended from the sky and landed on a densely forested mountain peak.

In the middle of the mountain, two Auras were constantly clashing. One wielded a heavy sword, with a magnificent Aura, sweeping everything before him. The other's techniques were varied, his figure elusive, allowing the immense force to break through the air, yet unable to harm him in the slightest.

"Chuanfa, Chuanjian."

The heterochromatic-eyed youth in the light cyan robe followed the two constantly intertwining Auras to the middle of the mountain peak, saw the two figures engaged in combat, and called out.

Whoosh~

Sensing the newcomer, the two figures in the air crisscrossed and slowly floated to the ground.

"Chuanqi."

A handsome figure with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, along with the slightly ordinary-looking youth carrying a sword on his back, returned the greeting.

"Hehe, Chuanjian, your reputation has become increasingly prominent recently."

Seeing the two stop, Zhou Chuanqi chuckled softly, walked towards them, and teased the youth carrying a large heavy sword on his back.

"Hehe, compared to you two, I'm still far behind."

Zhou Chuanjian scratched his head.

He had only begun to make a name for himself among the younger generation in the Chaotic Sea a few years ago after achieving Foundation Establishment.

It wasn't until a few months ago that he was listed by busybodies in the outside world as one of the Zhou Family's Thirteen Talents of the 'Chuan' generation, ranking thirteenth.

As for the two in front of him, Zhou Chuanqi had the most resounding reputation, ranking as the first among the Thirteen Talents. Zhou Chuanfa was also extraordinary; after ascending to the Upper Realm, he began sparring with outstanding Disciples from various Soul Transformation and Void Refining forces in the Chaotic Sea, ranking only after Zhou Chuanqi.

After the two of them was Zhou Chuanting, a lightning-attributed Genius Disciple of the 'Chuan' generation, whose talent was exceptional. He cultivated the Xuanqing Treasure Record, and his lightning techniques were fierce and powerful, ranking third.

And he had only just barely managed to catch up to their footsteps.

"Chuanjian, this isn't the style of a Sword Cultivator, but your Sword Cultivator style is also quite unique."

Zhou Chuanqi continued to tease.

"Do you have something to discuss with us?"

Zhou Chuanfa interrupted Zhou Chuanqi's rambling and asked directly.

"Indeed."

"A few days ago, the Spirit Treasure Pavilion released news that a super high-level appraisal conference will be held on Yanluo Island in half a year."

"I heard that the main item this time involves a Void Refining Great Power, and it has been widely discussed in the outside world these days."

Zhou Chuanqi took out a Jade Slip and handed it to the two. Yanluo Island is the largest island bordering the Eastern Desolate Land and does not belong to any major force, only to the Thousand Island Alliance, which dispatches Elders and Disciples to garrison it.

It is the hub between the Chaotic Sea and the Eastern Desolate Land.

"Not only that."

"This time, the Spirit Treasure Pavilion has widely distributed invitations, not only to various forces within the sea but also to powerful forces from the Eastern Desolate Land."

"I heard that Qin Wuyou, the newly promoted Dao Child of Xuan Dao Palace, will also come."

"How about it, are you interested in going to see?"

While the two were examining the information in the Jade Slip, Zhou Chuanqi told them the news that had been circulating widely for several days.

"Is it that Qin Wuyou who was named the Dao Child of Xuan Dao Palace while only in the Foundation Establishment realm?"

Zhou Chuanfa's eyes lit up as he looked at Zhou Chuanqi.

"Indeed. Ever since Qin Wuyou became the Dao Child, I heard there were many dissenting voices within Xuan Dao Palace, but they were all suppressed."

Zhou Chuanqi nodded.

"To become a Dao Child at Foundation Establishment, this person must be extraordinary. It's worth a visit."

Zhou Chuanfa's heart stirred slightly.

"Then I'll go too."

Seeing how interested the two were, although he didn't know much, his curiosity was also piqued.

"I knew you two would agree."

"The clan must have also received an invitation, but we don't need to worry about the Elders' matters."

"We can go by ourselves in half a year."

Zhou Chuanqi had clearly anticipated that the two would agree.

"The serious business is done."

"Chuanjian, let me test your skills..."

Zhou Chuanqi's Aura changed, and he reached out to press down on the sword-carrying youth.

"Chuanqi, you're ambushing me!"

Zhou Chuanjian reacted quickly, let out a strange cry, drew his sword with a backhand, and blocked with it... "Old Ancestor once said that Qin Wuyou has something strange about him, and we should keep our distance if we encounter him."

"I didn't expect that after disappearing for so many years, he would become the Dao Child of Xuan Dao Palace as soon as he reappeared. It's truly surprising."

"Dingze, what do you think?"

On Qingyang Peak, within the Zhou Family Main Hall.

Zhou Dingyang, clad in a luxurious purple-brown spirit robe, asked Zhou Dingze, who was seated beside him.

"Of course, we listen to Old Ancestor."

"As long as they don't provoke us, what does it matter if there's something strange?"

Zhou Dingze blurted out without thinking.

"That's true, but Xuan Dao Palace is ultimately a major force with a Dao Monarch presiding. It's better to pay attention to any news."

Zhou Dingyang shook his head.

If he were still as he was before, he could be as straightforward as Zhou Dingze, but now that he had taken on the role of Patriarch, he had to consider more things.

The relationships with various Void Refining forces within the Alliance.

The alliances with Xuan Dao Palace and other Dao Integration forces.

And maintaining the friendship with Yaoguang Ancient Kingdom.

None of these matters were simple.

"Alas."

At this moment, Zhou Dingze, somewhat distracted, sighed.

Zhou Dingyang's mouth twitched slightly. You're sighing now...

"Alas, a few days ago, Elder Beihai and Elder Qi came out of seclusion."

Zhou Dingze said without warning.

"How was it?"

As soon as he heard this, Zhou Dingyang knew what it was; it was still about that matter from ten years ago.

"Elder Qi said I had no chance."

"Elder Beihai said he never had such troubles..."

"Alas..."

At this point, Zhou Dingze was deeply disheartened.

"Forget it... take care of yourself."

Zhou Dingyang was speechless, rolled his eyes at Zhou Dingze, and was about to dismiss him.

"Patriarch, Tailai sent a message."

At this moment, a figure hurriedly entered from outside the Main Hall.

"Xiangxu, what is it?"

Zhou Dingyang stopped his original words and rose to meet the newcomer.

Zhou Tailai had been in seclusion on the Divine Island of the Southern Sea deep within the Inner Sea, and this was the first time he had sent back a message.

"Ancestor Ren has emerged from seclusion."