106: The easternmost point of the East China Sea, the land of stars!

"Just a fluke." Then, Chen Xu changed the topic, looked at Lan Shuyao, and said, "It should be my turn to congratulate Lan Shuyao. You have successfully thwarted the Demonic Path's plot in the East Sea, taken charge of the East Sea Sword Sect, and shaken one side with your might."

Hearing Chen Xu's words, Lan Shuyao finally recovered from her extreme shock.

She quickly composed herself and bowed deeply to Chen Xu.

Her face was filled with a bitter smile and reverence.

"Before Fellow Daoist, how dare Shuyao call herself an Elder?"

She no longer dared to be even slightly presumptuous.

Her words already carried the respect of a Junior.

"If Fellow Daoist had not turned the tide and lent a helping hand back then, the East Sea Sword Sect would have likely been annihilated long ago, let alone its current state."

"And Senior Dragon Turtle, if not for Fellow Daoist, we would not have had the Opportunity to witness the true form of such a Divine Beast."

When Senior Dragon Turtle was mentioned, a trace of reverence flashed in Lan Shuyao's eyes.

"Thanks to Fellow Daoist, Senior Dragon Turtle is now our Sect's mountain-protecting Divine Beast. His cultivation is even more unfathomable. He just had a Breakthrough a while ago and has already reached the Great Perfection Peak Nascent Soul Realm!"

"He is now only one step away from the legendary Soul Transformation Stage."

Great Perfection Peak Nascent Soul?

Chen Xu nodded slightly upon hearing this.

That old Dragon had lived for thousands of years, possessed profound foundations, and had received his help.

It was not unexpected for him to achieve such accomplishments.

"Oh, right."

Lan Shuyao seemed to recall something and looked at Chen Xu, her eyes filled with even greater admiration.

"In the Battle of the Northern Frontier, Fellow Daoist slew the Demonic Lord in front of a million troops, settling the war in one battle. Such Divine Might has long spread throughout the entire Cultivation World. Even in the East Sea, Shuyao has heard of it and is filled with immense admiration!"

Chen Xu merely smiled noncommittally at her words.

"Mere empty fame, not worth mentioning."

The two chatted happily by the sea, with Lan Shuyao recounting the changes in the East Sea over the years.

Chen Xu listened quietly.

After a long while, Lan Shuyao looked at Chen Xu and finally asked the doubt in her heart.

"Fellow Daoist is now the Imperial Tutor of Great Feng and holds immense prestige. Why are you not stationed in the capital, but instead came alone to the shores of the East Sea?"

Her gaze flickered, carrying a hint of speculation.

"Could it be... Fellow Daoist has an important matter on this trip?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xu looked towards the boundless eastern sea, his gaze becoming profound.

He did not conceal anything.

"I plan to go to the Extreme East Sea, the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals."

Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals!

Upon hearing these four words, Lan Shuyao's pupils constricted sharply!

But the expression on her face was not entirely surprise.

Instead, it carried a hint of "as expected" understanding.

Such a Forbidden Ground, to ordinary Cultivators... was a deadly place to be avoided.

But for existences like Chen Xu, who stood above the clouds, it might be their true stage.

She pondered for a moment and said, "The Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals is located at the Extreme East Sea. The spatial Qi in that sea area is chaotic, and the Laws are shattered. Ordinary Flying Magical Artifacts cannot pass through at all. Even a Nascent Soul Cultivator, relying solely on flight, would find it difficult to reach without several years of effort."

"Moreover, dangers lurk everywhere along the way. A slight misstep could lead to falling."

Chen Xu raised his eyebrows slightly at her words.

This point was consistent with the information he had obtained from the map.

"However..."

Lan Shuyao changed the topic, a smile appearing on her face.

"If Fellow Daoist wishes to go, there is indeed a shortcut."

"Oh?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Chen Xu's eyes.

Lan Shuyao looked at him, her eyes filled with sincerity.

"To be frank with Fellow Daoist, the Ancestral Master who founded my East Sea Sword Sect was fortunate enough to obtain an ancient Teleportation Array early on. After repairs by successive Sect Masters, it can now be used."

"The destination of that Teleportation Array is in the outer sea area of the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals."

Teleportation Array!

Chen Xu's heart stirred.

This was indeed an unexpected pleasant surprise.

If he could use the Teleportation Array.

It would indeed save him a lot of time and trouble.

"This is a secret of our Sect, normally only accessible to successive Sect Masters."

Lan Shuyao looked at Chen Xu and said solemnly.

"But Fellow Daoist has shown great kindness to my Sect, and Shuyao is willing to make an exception for Fellow Daoist."

"I wonder... would Fellow Daoist be willing to visit my East Sea Sword Sect?"

She extended a sincere invitation to Chen Xu.

This was both an act of gratitude and an investment.

To forge a good relationship with an existence whose future achievements were boundless.

For the East Sea Sword Sect, it was all benefit and no harm.

Chen Xu looked at Lan Shuyao's sincere gaze, pondered for a moment, then chuckled.

"In that case, I shall impose."

He accepted the kind offer.

"Fellow Daoist, you overstate it! Your presence is an honor for my East Sea Sword Sect!"

Lan Shuyao was overjoyed and quickly led the way.

"Fellow Daoist, please!"

Two streaks of light, one azure and one blue, shot into the sky, speeding towards the depths of the East Sea, towards the Sword Sect's mountain gate suspended above the sea of clouds... The two streaks of light streaked across the sky with astonishing speed.

The sea of clouds churned, and Immortal Qi swirled.

Before long, a huge island appeared in Chen Xu's vision.

On the island, Immortal Mountains stood in great numbers, and waterfalls, like Dragons, cascaded from high altitudes.

Water mist swirled, reflecting a seven-colored rainbow.

Countless Flying Swords transformed into streaks of light, shuttling back and forth among the mountains.

Sword Qi soared to the heavens, exceptionally sharp.

Moreover, flocks of Immortal Cranes and running Spirit Deer created a scene of immortal splendor.

This was the mountain gate of the East Sea Sword Sect... Its Aura was even more magnificent and grand than four years ago.

"Fellow Daoist, please."

Lan Shuyao led the way, a hint of pride on her face.

When the two landed on the massive plaza in front of the mountain gate.

A group of people was already waiting there.

At the forefront was a middle-aged man dressed in Sect Master robes.

This person had a steady Aura and was already at the Middle Nascent Soul Stage of cultivation.

Behind him stood more than a dozen Golden Core Elders, all with solemn expressions.

"Welcome Grand Elder back to the Sect!"

"Welcome Imperial Tutor Chen!"

The Sect Master of the East Sea Sword Sect, leading the Elders, bowed in unison, their voices resonant and filled with respect.

They looked up, their gazes curiously falling on Chen Xu.

Immediately, a look of profound shock flashed in everyone's eyes!

This was the Imperial Tutor Chen who, with Golden Core cultivation, had slain the Demonic Lord's Clone... and shaken the world with his Divine Might?

He was... too young!

He looked to be only in his early twenties!

His face was handsome, and his temperament was extraordinary.

If not for Lan Shuyao personally accompanying him, they would hardly believe that this young man was the legendary figure!

"There is no need for such formality, everyone."

Chen Xu spoke lightly, his voice calm, yet possessing an inherently convincing authority.

"Fellow Daoist has come a long way; my East Sea Sword Sect is honored by your presence! Quickly, please come in! I have already ordered a humble feast to be prepared to welcome Fellow Daoist!"

The Sect Master quickly stepped aside, making a gesture of invitation, his posture extremely humble.

Chen Xu nodded slightly, walking side-by-side with Lan Shuyao.

Surrounded by the high-ranking officials, they walked towards the main hall.

A round of polite flattery was, of course, unavoidable.

Chen Xu merely listened quietly, occasionally nodding in response, neither pleased nor saddened.

Just as everyone was about to enter the great hall.

A majestic Aura emanated from the depths of the great hall.

Immediately after, a tall figure, with somewhat graying hair and beard, but full of vigor, emerged.

He strode out with large steps.

The old man wore simple cloth robes.

His face was ancient and unadorned, yet his eyes were like deep pools.

They contained the vicissitudes of someone who had seen through the ways of the world.

The terrifying pressure of his Great Perfection Nascent Soul Stage made all the Golden Core Elders present feel a pang in their hearts, involuntarily taking half a step back.

"Senior Dragon Turtle!"

Seeing this, the Sect Master of the East Sea Sword Sect and others quickly bowed in salutation, their expressions even more respectful.

Chen Xu's gaze also fell on the old man.

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

This Aura was that Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle.

He had actually taken human form?

The old man ignored everyone else and walked directly in front of Chen Xu, without a word, and bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle to Chen Xu!

"Old Dragon Turtle Xuan Shui, greets Master!"

This address of "Master" sent a shockwave through the hearts of everyone present!

The Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle, that was a Divine Beast that had lived for thousands of years, the mountain-protecting Divine Beast of the East Sea Sword Sect, with an incomparably revered status!

Yet, at this moment, he actually called Fellow Daoist Chen... Master?

This... Chen Xu looked at him, also slightly stunned, then gently raised a hand.

"What is the meaning of this? You and I are friends, there is no need for such a grandpresent."

"No!"

The Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle stubbornly remained unmoving.

He looked up, his aged face filled with excitement and gratitude.

"If not for Master's intervention back then, using the supreme Dao Law to dispel the Devilish Qi for me, this old Dragon Turtle would have long been corroded by demonic thoughts and turned into a pile of withered bones. How could I have achieved human form today!"

"Master has given me a new life! You deserve this bow!"

He spoke with sincere emotion, without a hint of falsehood.

Lan Shuyao, seeing this, quickly explained from the side, "Perhaps some of you do not know, Senior Dragon Turtle was previously plagued by ancient Devilish Qi, preventing him from undergoing the Tribulation of Human Transformation. With Fellow Daoist Chen's help, the Devilish Qi was completely removed, and he successfully transformed into a human not long ago."

Everyone understood upon hearing this.

They had not expected... such a relationship existed!

Beside them, Chen Xu looked at the Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle's sincere gaze and no longer refused, accepting his bow calmly.

"Rise."

"Thank you, Master!"

The Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle then straightened up and respectfully stood behind Chen Xu.

This scene caused the East Sea Sword Sect's reverence for Chen Xu.

To once again reach a whole new level.

At the welcoming banquet, the atmosphere was lively.

The East Sea Sword Sect brought out their treasured Spirit Wine, Immortal Brews, rare delicacies, and fine dishes.

During the banquet, Chen Xu went straight to the point and stated his intention.

"On this trip, I wish to borrow your esteemed Sect's Teleportation Array to go to the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals."

As soon as his voice fell, the Sect Master of the East Sea Sword Sect immediately stood up from his seat.

He patted his chest and guaranteed.

"Fellow Daoist is joking! What borrowing! It is our honor that you would use our Sect's Teleportation Array!"

His face was wreathed in smiles, extremely respectful.

"Whenever you wish to use it, you may use it! I will arrange for people to prepare it immediately!"

"In that case, many thanks."

Chen Xu nodded.

The meal was enjoyed by both host and guest.

After the banquet, the Sect Master personally arranged for Chen Xu to stay in a guest courtyard with the most abundant Spiritual Qi.

"Imperial Tutor, you must be tired from your journey. Please rest well. If you need anything, just let us know."

The Sect Master bowed and withdrew, giving a meaningful wink before leaving.

Chen Xu paid no attention, returned to his room, and was about to meditate and regulate his breath.

Outside the door, however, two timid voices came.

"Your humble servants... have been ordered by the Sect Master to come and serve Fellow Daoist."

The door was gently pushed open, and two female Disciples, dressed in thin gauze, with graceful figures and exquisite beauty, walked in with their heads bowed, carrying a basin of Spiritual Spring hot water.

A virgin's delicate fragrance emanated from them, and their beautiful eyes secretly sized up Chen Xu.

They were filled with shyness and anticipation.

To be chosen to serve this legendary Cultivator was, for them, an enormous Opportunity.

If they could catch his eye... it would be a step to heaven!

However, Chen Xu merely glanced at them indifferently, his face showing no ripple of emotion.

"Get out."

The two female Disciples stiffened, their faces turning slightly pale.

They wanted to say something, but upon meeting Chen Xu's indifferent gaze, their hearts trembled, and they couldn't utter a single word.

"Yes... This servant bids farewell."

The two dared not disobey in the slightest, quickly bowed, and retreated, closing the door.

Chen Xu looked at the closed door, shaking his head with a hint of helplessness.

This Sect Master of the East Sea Sword Sect certainly knew how to gauge people's hearts.

On the other side, the Sect Master was eagerly awaiting good news.

But when he saw the two female Disciples return disheartened, he was completely stunned.

"What happened?... Did Fellow Daoist Chen not take you?"

"Replying... Replying to Sect Master, the master... told us to leave."

One female Disciple's voice was tinged with a sob.

The Sect Master frowned upon hearing this, completely perplexed.

"That shouldn't be..." he muttered to himself.

"I heard that this Imperial Tutor of Great Feng has many wives and concubines and never refuses beautiful women. How is it that he's changed his ways when he comes to me?"

He had no idea that Chen Xu always valued mutual consent in such matters.

He had no interest in those who were presented as gifts... The next morning.

Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle came to the door again.

"Master, you are going to the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals. When do you plan to retrieve the Legacy left by that Water Immortal?" the old turtle respectfully asked.

"That Legacy is always there; there's no rush," Chen Xu shook his head. "Let's talk about it after I return from the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals."

His mind was currently entirely focused on that unknown Forbidden Ground.

"Yes," Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle replied, but did not leave, standing in place.

He looked as if he had something more to say.

"Is there something else?" Chen Xu looked at him in surprise.

Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle hesitated for a moment, then finally gritted his teeth, and with a 'thud,' knelt on the ground again.

"Old Turtle... still has one more request!" He raised his head, his eyes full of longing and pleading.

"Although Old Turtle has already transformed and my cultivation has reached the Great Perfection Nascent Soul Stage, I am always separated by a thin window paper from the Soul Transformation Realm that I cannot break through."

"Old Turtle dares to boldly ask Master... to bestow upon me another trace of that supreme Dao Rhyme that healed me that day!"

"As long as there is a trace of Dao Rhyme to guide me, Old Turtle will have a seventy percent chance to see through theconfusion and break through to Soul Transformation!" He finished speaking, heavily knocking his head on the ground.

Primordial Violet Qi!

Chen Xu instantly understood his meaning and couldn't help but feel a little amused.

This fellow certainly knew his stuff.

Primordial Violet Qi was the source of all Dao; for any Cultivator of any Realm, it was a supreme treasure.

Let alone breaking through to Soul Transformation, even a True Immortal would be envious upon seeing it.

"You certainly dare to ask," Chen Xu said with a laugh.

Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle trembled upon hearing this, thinking Chen Xu was angry, and quickly kowtowed.

"Old Turtle knows his sin! Old Turtle was greedy! Please punish Master!"

"Get up," Chen Xu shook his head, not angry.

He flicked his finger.

A wisp of purple Qi flew from his fingertip, slowly drifting towards Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle.

"Only this once; don't expect it again."

Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle felt that familiar and supreme Aura, and his whole body trembled violently.

His eyes erupted with ecstasy!

Without the slightest hesitation, he opened his mouth and swallowed that wisp of Primordial Violet Qi into his belly!

Boom!

A profound and mysterious realization exploded in his mind!

The Bottleneck that had troubled him for hundreds of years now showed signs of loosening!

"Thank you, Master!"

"Thank you, Master, for this recreating grace!"

Xuan Shui Dragon Turtle was so excited that old tears streamed down his face, and he kowtowed several times to Chen Xu with loud thuds.

He knew that his path to Soul Transformation was now secure!

Chen Xu calmly accepted his bows.

This could also be considered an investment.

The role a Divine Beast in the Soul Transformation Stage could play in the future was far greater than this wisp of Primordial Violet Qi.

With matters handled, Chen Xu no longer delayed.

He bid farewell to Lan Shuyao and Senior Dragon Turtle and others.

Then, under the respectful send-off of the East Sea Sword Sect's Sect Master and a group of Elders, he stepped onto the ancient teleportation array located deep within the Sect's Forbidden Ground.

It was a huge and ancient stone platform.

Innumerable complex array patterns were carved upon it.

Around the stone platform, hundreds of Top-Grade Spirit Stones were embedded, emitting astonishing Spiritual Qi fluctuations.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, please!" The Sect Master personally stepped forward and handed a token to Chen Xu.

Chen Xu took the token and walked to the center of the teleportation array.

"Activate the Great Array!" At the Sect Master's command, dozens of Elders simultaneously performed hand seals, pouring their Spiritual Qi frantically into the teleportation array!

Buzz—!!! The entire teleportation array vibrated violently, erupting in a dazzling white light!

A powerful spatial tearing sensation instantly enveloped Chen Xu's entire body!

Before his eyes, there was only a blinding white light!

The next second, his figure completely disappeared from the teleportation array... When Chen Xu opened his eyes again, the surroundings were pitch black.

The slight tearing sensation slowly receded as his Eternal Azure Cloud Art circulated.

Chen Xu leaped from the stone platform, his figure light.

He raised his hand to touch the stone wall, feeling theVeins of the runes, confirming the completeness of the teleportation.

The East Sea Sword Sect's teleportation array had indeed sent him to his destination.

At the other end of the stone chamber, a stone door was tightly closed.

Chen Xu gently pushed, and the stone door boomed open, a dazzling sunlight instantly rushing in.

He squinted, adapted for a moment, then looked out.

The sea breeze was slightly salty, carrying fine grains of sand that struck his face.

Before him was a vast and boundless beach, golden fine sand shimmering under the sun.

In the distance, azure waves undulated, and the sea met the sky.

Several seabirds circled in the air, emitting clear calls.

This was not the territory of the East Sea Sword Sect, nor was it the Great Feng Dynasty.

This was the Extreme East Sea, Xinghai Prefecture!

Chen Xu took a deep breath, feeling the Spiritual Qi of this unfamiliar world.

Then he identified the direction, lightly tapped his toes, and his figure, like a green lightning bolt, rapidly shot towards the east.

During his flight, Chen Xu recalled the information he had heard at the East Sea Sword Sect's banquet yesterday.

Xinghai Prefecture was a continent similar in size to the South Spirit Prefecture where he was located.

On it, Immortal Sects stood tall, and powerful individuals were as numerous as clouds.

Among them, the most powerful force was the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty.

The Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty was known for its domineering style of doing things.

For many years, relying on their strong national power, they constantly bullied other surrounding Immortal Sects, plundered resources, causing widespread resentment.

Therefore, Lan Shuyao had specifically reminded him that in this Xinghai Prefecture, he must act cautiously and carefully.

If he encountered people from the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, he should try to avoid conflict.

"After all, this is someone else's territory," Lan Shuyao had said at the time.

Chen Xu naturally understood this principle.

He was powerful, but in a completely unfamiliar world, rashly making enemies was not a wise move.

Furthermore, the purpose of this trip was the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals, the Legacy of the Purple Mansion Dao Lord, not to compete with others.

However, if someone insisted on causing trouble, Chen Xu was definitely not a soft persimmon to be kneaded at will.

Half a day later, a majestic coastal city appeared in Chen Xu's sight.

The city walls were towering, built with bluestone, integrating with the sea and sky, exuding an extraordinary Aura.

Inside the city, buildings were densely packed, and people flowed like a river.

It was no less impressive than the capital of the Great Feng Dynasty.

This was Distant Star City... the largest coastal city in the eastern part of Xinghai Prefecture.

Chen Xu restrained his Aura, transformed into an ordinary Cultivator, and slowly walked through the city gate.

The streets inside the city were wide, with shops lining both sides, and cries of vendors rose and fell.

Cultivators came and went, their cultivation generally not low; Foundation Establishment Cultivators were seen everywhere, and the Aura of Golden Core was occasionally sensed.

This gave Chen Xu a preliminary understanding of the overall strength of Xinghai Prefecture.

Soon, Chen Xu found another tavern, ordered a pot of Spiritual Tea, and quietly sat in a corner, his Divine Sense silently spreading out, catching conversations around him.

Since he had come to this unfamiliar place, he naturally needed to quickly understand the basic situation of Distant Star City and even the entire Xinghai Prefecture.

Especially news about the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals.

Time passed bit by bit.

A few hours later, Chen Xu had a general understanding of Distant Star City.

This city, in addition to being an important port and trade center, was also an important intelligence distribution center.

And the largest intelligence trading organization in the city was the "Star Plucking Tower."

Chen Xu put down his teacup and left the tavern... The Star Plucking Tower was located in the city center, a towering building that reached into the clouds.

Its top pierced the sky, as if it could pluck the stars.

He walked into the Star Plucking Tower; the interior was luxuriously decorated yet elegant.

A maid in a simple, elegant long dress greeted him, her voice soft: "Senior, what information do you need?"

Chen Xu went straight to the point: "Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals."

The maid's eyes moved slightly, and a professional smile appeared on her face: "Senior, please follow me. Information about the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals needs to be accessed on the top floor."

Led by the maid, Chen Xu took a teleportation array directly to the top floor of the Star Plucking Tower.

There were only a few people here, all powerful Nascent Soul Cultivators.

A white-haired old man sat in the main seat.

He saw Chen Xu's arrival, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Fellow Daoist needs information about the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals?" the old man's voice was steady.

Chen Xu nodded.

The old man took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Chen Xu: "This is the latest information about the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals, including its approximate location, entry method, and some precautions."

"Recently, the Secret Realm of the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals is about to open. Therefore, the news is even more detailed."

Chen Xu took the Jade Slip and his Divine Sense probed into it.

A large amount of information flooded his mind, and he quickly processed it.

The location of the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals was even more remote than he had imagined, located in the Extreme East Sea of Xinghai Prefecture.

The Secret Realm's opening time was in half a month.

This was undoubtedly good news; he didn't need a long wait, the timing was just right.