526: Long-lost comfort

Xuanhuang Great World, at the Peak of the Xu Family’s main mountain.

The World Ancient Plum, with its gnarled branches, stood silently. Years of Dao patterns flowed on its trunk, and as its plum petals fell, they actually evolved into the birth and death of miniature worlds.

Xu Qing hadn’t been here for a long time!

He leaned against the plum tree, catching a falling plum petal with his fingertip, his eyes reflecting the mountains, rivers, and myriad phenomena of the entire Great World.

“Buzz!”

The plum fragrance permeated the air, just as it did back then. The Ancient Plum brewed a cup of tea for Xu Qing.

Xu Qing drank the tea while overlooking the Xuanhuang Great World, his Dao thought like a spring breeze caressing every region.

In the Xu Family’s training ground, two Immortal Overlord Family Elders were sparring, their Great Dao intertwining with every movement.

The Universe Saber Tomb, this was a Legacy Secret Realm the Xu Family brought back from the Chaos Sea.

At this moment, hundreds of Dao Sovereigns were comprehending the Saber Intent stone carvings left by an Immortal Monarch; in the Stellar Region, medicinal fragrance condensed into clouds, and powerful Cultivators were contending for the Immortal medicine within… Scenes like these were happening all over the Xuanhuang Great World.

So many years had passed, and within the Xuanhuang Great World, it was no longer solely the Xu Family members; there were also many Human Race members brought back from the outside world, multiplying and thriving in the Eight Regions.

Only the Central Main Region was off-limits; outsiders were not allowed to enter without permission.

“Thousands of years have passed, and quite a few promising talents have emerged.”

A slight smile played on Xu Qing’s lips.

When he left back then, although the Xu Family had many Dao Sovereigns, there were only two Half-Ancestors. Now, there were two Dao Ancestors, five Half-Ancestors, and nearly a hundred Immortal Monarchs stationed there.

Although still somewhat immature compared to ancient families with long-standing Legacies, given the Xu Family’s rise, after a hundred epochs of accumulation, they would be able to join the ranks of the Peak of the Eternal Ruins.

Xu Qing looked down, taking in the scene at the foot of the mountain.

That kid Xu Yuan was casually embracing his Dao Companion Wang Yanan, with half a juicy immortal peach still in his mouth.

His nephew, Xu Xie, was now a spirited young man, wielding a Dao weapon and moving gracefully through the peach forest, his sword light like a rainbow.

Unseen for two millennia, this kid had actually Cultivated to the Middle Stage of the Dao Severing Realm. Judging by his sword momentum, it seemed even ordinary Dao Masters might not be his match.

“He’s more responsible than me, his Elder brother.”

Xu Qing’s lips curved slightly, a long-lost warmth flickering in his eyes.

The long years of Cultivating the Dao had long since worn away his emotional stirrings for love. It wasn’t that there were no women in this world who could catch his eye, but at least for now, there were none in the Eternal Ruins.

He suddenly flicked his finger, and a streak of light disappeared into the Void Realm.

In the peach forest behind the mountain, Xu Yuan seemed to sense something and caught a jade box that suddenly appeared.

The moment the lid opened, a rich Dao charm assailed him, and two Primordial Dao Fruits lay quietly within, their surfaces adorned with Chaos patterns.

“Given by Big Brother?” Wang Yanan exclaimed softly, covering her mouth.

Xu Yuan looked towards the Peak of the main mountain, smiling as he placed the Dao Fruits into his wife’s and child’s hands: “Besides Big Brother, who else could casually produce such a treasure?”

Under the Ancient Plum on the mountaintop, Xu Qing retracted his gaze.

At the end of the cloud sea in the distance, Chaos Qi surged like waves.

He slowly closed his eyes, leaning against the gnarled plum tree trunk, allowing his mind to empty.

Gradually, a soft, even snore began to sound beneath the plum tree; the dignified Three-Step Dao Ancestor had, surprisingly, fallen asleep.

Rustle… The World Ancient Plum swayed without wind, and petals drifted down, intertwining in mid-air to form a shimmering plum blossom robe, gently covering Xu Qing’s shoulders.

Amidst the lingering plum fragrance, even the surging Chaos was calmed.

This sleep lasted for three days and three nights.

When Xu Qing opened his eyes again, morning dew was dripping from the plum branches.

He stretched his limbs, feeling an indescribable lightness throughout his body. This long-lost comfort felt like returning to his youth before he had attained the Dao.

The plum tree rustled, as if mocking his rare childishness.

Xu Qing chuckled softly, brushed off the fallen plum blossoms from his shoulder, and as he stood up, he was once again the Xu Family Dao Ancestor who looked down upon Chaos.

Only this time, a hint of worldly charm had been added to his eyes.

The communication Jade Slip in his sleeve suddenly heated up, displaying an urgent message from Dao Ancestor Xuanwei, “Chaos Sea anomaly, Tianyang aliens attacking Ninety-Third Fortress. Come out quickly!”

The plum tree suddenly swayed violently, and plum petals stirred up ripples in the Void Realm.

Xu Qing’s robes fluttered without wind.

He took a final look at his Family at the foot of the mountain; children chased and played in the square, and Cultivators of the Clan flew back and forth on swords in the clouds, forming a peaceful picture.

“This scene is truly beautiful, but behind this beauty lies the blood-soaked battles of our ancestors.”

“Now, it’s time for this Ancestor to contribute his strength!”

With one step, his figure had vanished from the spot.

Only the World Ancient Plum remained in place.

In a flash, Mo Linyuan had already crossed countless light-years, instantly appearing at Eighty-First Fortress City, in the Universe Immortal Cave.

He did not fuse with his Sword Dao Dao Body, but instead left it in the Immortal Cave.

Without delay, Xu Qing went straight to the City Lord’s Mansion.

Inside the main hall, Dao Ancestor Xuanwei sat in the main seat, while Lei Xiao and several other Vice City Lords were arranged on both sides, the atmosphere heavy.

“Xu Qing is late, my apologies.” Xu Qing cupped his hands in greeting.

“We just arrived too!” Lei Xiao laughed heartily, and the others also nodded.

Dao Ancestor Xuanwei nodded, skipping the pleasantries and getting straight to the point.

“This time, the Tianyang aliens have launched a large-scale invasion of Ninety-Third Fortress. News from the front lines indicates at least thirteen Dao Ancestors have appeared on their side.”

“City Lord, why would the Tianyang aliens suddenly launch a large-scale invasion of Ninety-Third Fortress?” Xu Qing asked curiously.

“A Ruin River Ancient Mine was discovered at Ninety-Third Fortress, and this Ancient Mine was also discovered by the Black Crystal Blood Flame Clan, which is why this battle broke out!” Dao Ancestor Xuanwei explained.

Xu Qing couldn’t help but be shocked. The so-called Ruin River Ancient Mine was a special place formed by ruin river sand, thus becoming a contested area between the two clans.

“No wonder! Such an Ancient Mine absolutely cannot be seized by the enemy!” Dao Ancestor Lei Xiao said in a deep voice.

Dao Ancestor Xuanwei’s gaze swept over everyone, “According to custom, our Eighty-First Fortress City needs to send two Dao Ancestors to provide support. Gentlemen, who is willing to go?”

“Count me in! I’ve been in Eighty-First Fortress City for many years and haven’t had a chance to see the outside world. This is a good opportunity to visit other Fortress Cities!”

Xu Qing spoke calmly.

Since quiet Cultivation was fruitless, it was better to seek Dao opportunities in battle.

“Dao Friend Lei Xiao and the others haven’t fully recovered from their injuries, so I will accompany Dao Friend Xu.”

Dao Ancestor Xuanzhen said immediately after.

He had been stuck at the One-Step Dao Ancestor Realm for a long time and urgently needed military merits to exchange for Breakthrough resources.

More importantly, he vaguely felt that Xu Qing’s strength was extraordinary, and following him might lead to great gains.

Dao Ancestor Xuanwei smiled upon hearing this, “Thank you both for your trouble. Feel free to ask for any resources you need.”

Half an hour later, Xu Qing and Dao Ancestor Xuanzhen led a team of elite Half-Ancestors onto the teleportation array.

As the array light flickered, Xuanzhen couldn’t help but ask, “Dao Friend Xu, what are your plans for this battle?”

Xu Qing looked at the gradually brightening array patterns, a slight smile on his lips: “Just do it!”

Upon hearing this, Xuanzhen’s pupils contracted, and for a moment, he didn’t know if his decision to come was correct.

Before he could ask further, the blinding light had already engulfed everyone.

This book’s revenue is too low, only a few or a dozen yuan a day. However, I will continue to update it, but only occasionally. Anyun needs to be busy with a new book, so you can accumulate a certain number of chapters before reading. Please forgive me, I apologize!