257: Chapter 257 Another Three Years! Return to Tianxing City!

Time flows like water, silently, not stopping for anyone's will.

Biling Island remained like a silent gray diamond embedded in the boundless azure sea, bearing the erosion of wind and waves day after day, and hiding the maddening secret deep within the mountain belly day after day.

Since the Winged Rock Dragon Lizard incident, three years of time had slipped quietly by in the near-stagnant peace of Biling Island.

Over these three years, the fierce reputation of the Biling Island "Demon King Moyuan" and his two major Protectors, the Black Water Poison Python and the Blood Jiao, had quietly spread and settled like an invisible sea tide across the sea area for tens of thousands of miles around.

The bloody achievement of "slaying the Level Eight Middle Stage Winged Rock Dragon Lizard, body and spirit destroyed" was like a cold, bone-chilling Talismanic Incantation, firmly branded in the hearts of many Transformed Great Yao.

Occasionally, powerful Divine Sense would sweep across this sea area from afar, mostly carrying scrutiny and dread, withdrawing at a touch, with no more of the previous prying and curiosity.

The area within hundreds of miles around Biling Island seemed to have truly become a tacitly approved "Forbidden Ground" where strangers were not allowed to approach, and even the traces of low and mid-grade Yao Beasts had become much scarcer.

This "tranquility" bought with blood was exactly what Lu Qiu sought.

Using this rare stable time, besides daily Cultivation, pondering the secret techniques of the Xuan Yin Sutra, and nourishing his Lifebound Treasure and Natal True Fire, he devoted most of his energy to the refining of Puppets and the mining of Spirit Stones.

In a newly opened Artifact Refining Room with stable Earth Fire deep in the island, Lu Qiu wore a green robe, a silver-white mask covering his face, only his deep eyes reflecting the leaping furnace fire, flashing with focused and agile light.

In front of him, the burning heaven cauldron hovered quietly, under which the scarlet gold three-colored Chixiao True Fire burned steadily, emitting a heart-stopping high temperature.

On the ground beside the cauldron, piles of various Materials like small mountains were stacked, including refined iron and cold copper associated with the Biling Island mineral veins, tough bones and shells obtained from hunting Yao Beasts, as well as special spirit wood and strange metals collected from all over the Outer Star Sea or looted from the Storage Pouches of fallen Cultivators over these years.

"The Hundred Puppet Formation still needs to be completed," Lu Qiu muttered to himself, his hands moving like butterflies threading through flowers, casting complicated Artifact Refining techniques.

Piece by piece, Materials were precisely cast into the burning heaven cauldron, rapidly melted, purified, and fused under the dual action of the True Fire and the precious cauldron.

His Divine Sense split into thousands, like the most precise carving knife, outlining the core runes, driving Formation patterns, and joint structures of the Puppets in the liquid Materials.

Thanks to the burning heaven cauldron's terrifying amplification of Artifact Refining, as well as his own Nascent Soul Stage Cultivation and powerful Divine Sense control, the success rate of refining these Puppets, mainly used for mining, was extremely high, and the speed was far beyond what it used to be.

One by one, Puppets of various forms—some humanoid, some beast-shaped, or designed specifically for drilling and transporting—flew out of the cauldron like products on an assembly line, landing on the open space nearby, their eyes lighting up with a faint glow representing activation, then standing still and waiting for orders.

In three years, Lu Qiu had newly refined nearly a hundred Puppets!

The grade of these new Puppets was generally between Level Three and Level Five. Although they lacked powerful combat strength, their structures were more reasonable, their power was greater, and their adaptability to complex terrain was stronger, designed specifically for high-efficiency, long-term Spirit Stone mining.

With the addition of this fresh force, the mining work deep in the Biling Island mountain belly entered an unprecedented "climax."

"Clang, clang... rumble... crack..."

The originally dense mining sounds became grander and more layered, like an endless, vigorous symphony belonging to wealth and labor.

Over two hundred Puppets, like an untiring army of worker ants, were distributed across every main vein, branch vein, and rich Ore point. Hard rocks constantly cracked under the special drills and the immense strength of the Puppets, and Ores mixed with various Spiritual Qi lights were dug out, transported, and piled up.

Specialized "sorting Puppets" stripped the Spirit Stones from the raw Ore at a stable frequency, categorized them according to attributes and grades, and transported them to different storage areas.

Lu Qiu's figure often appeared in the core of the mining area. He stood on a naturally formed high platform overlooking most of the mining face, standing with his hands behind his back, his gaze calmly sweeping over the busy and orderly scene below.

scarlet gold, emerald green, earthy yellow, azure, crimson... Spirit Stones of various colors traced paths of spiritual light as the Puppets transported them, illuminating the dark mine tunnel in a fantastic way, with Spiritual Qi dense enough to almost condense into solid spirit mist drifting slowly on the tunnel ceiling.

His Divine Sense, like an invisible network, enveloped the entire mining area, precisely grasping the mining progress, Spirit Stone output, and Puppet wear and tear of every location.

Occasionally, he would take action, using exquisite techniques to personally mine a piece of Spirit Stone embedded deep in the rock layer with extremely high quality or special attributes, or repair the core of a Puppet that had malfunctioned due to high-intensity work.

Three years of continuous, almost crazy mining yielded astonishing results.

Lu Qiu walked slowly into the depths of the mining area, where several huge natural caves were used to store finished Spirit Stones.

When he stepped into one of the largest caves, even though he was mentally prepared, the scene before him still made his breathing slightly stagnate, and a flash of undisguised shock and satisfaction appeared in his eyes.

The interior of the cave was almost filled with the light of Spirit Stones!

On the outermost side stood piles of Mid-grade Spirit Stones, towering like city walls!

These pale green Spirit Stones, each the size of an egg, contained Spiritual Qi within. At this moment, hundreds of thousands, even millions of them were piled together, forming a "mountain" over ten feet high, almost reaching the cave ceiling, and the bottom diameter exceeded twenty feet!

The entire "Spirit Stone mountain" emitted a massive, sea-like pure Spiritual Qi. Just standing in front of it, one could feel the pores of the body relaxing and the magic power faintly active.

Roughly estimated, the number here probably already exceeded two hundred thousand!

This did not include the amounts scattered in other caves or contained in the unrefined raw Ore.

And beside this "Mid-grade Spirit Stone mountain," on several smaller but more strictly protected jade platforms, High-grade Spirit Stones were neatly arranged.

These Spirit Stones were larger, their spiritual light deeper and more restrained, and their quality belonged to different attributes. The wood attribute was emerald green, the water attribute was azure like the sea, the earth attribute was thick and warm yellow, the fire attribute was crimson and dazzling, and the metal attribute was sharp and silver-white...

In total, the number actually exceeded four hundred! Among them were even a few whose Spiritual Qi purity, size, and brilliance far exceeded ordinary High-grade Spirit Stones.

"In just three years... the Spirit Stones mined are nearly double the previous total," Lu Qiu muttered to himself, his voice echoing slightly in the Spiritual Qi-filled cave.

He stepped forward and picked up a fist-sized High Grade water-attribute Spirit Stone, which was deep sea blue throughout, as if waves were flowing inside.

It was cold and heavy in his hand, and pure water Spiritual Qi surged into his palm Meridians, bringing a burst of refreshing coolness.

The Spiritual Qi contained in just this one Spirit Stone was enough to equal several months of hard cultivation for an ordinary Core Formation Cultivator.

Such wealth, such fortune... A sense of indescribable stability and pride welled up in Lu Qiu's heart.

He knew very well that if this number were spread out, let alone those Nascent Soul old monsters or Transformed Great Yao, even the "Tianxing Dual Sages" of the Star Palace, known as the Supremes of the Chaotic Star Sea, would not be able to resist lowering their status and personally taking action to snatch it!

This was no longer the wealth of a Sect or a Family; it was almost the foundation of a small Cultivation nation! And now, all of this belonged to Lu Qiu alone.

With these Spirit Stones, at least before the Soul Transformation Stage, he would have no more worries about Cultivation resources.

He had the confidence to fight for and trade for any Medicinal Pill, Materials, Magic Treasure, or Cultivation Technique that could be bought with Spirit Stones. Attacking the Middle Stage and Late Stage of the Nascent Soul Stage, and even that elusive Soul Transformation realm, would all have resource support far exceeding ordinary people.

However, amidst this huge satisfaction and longing for the future, a faint emotion called "missing" spread quietly like moss at the bottom of the water.

"Unknowingly, this trip deep into the Outer Star Sea has already been nearly twenty years..." He sighed softly, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible melancholy.

Twenty years might not be too long for the long Lifespan of a Nascent Soul Cultivator, but it was enough for many things to happen and many people to change.

He thought of Xin Ruyin's gentle and quiet face, her slightly furrowed brows when she focused on studying the Formation, and the meticulous and serious look when she tidied his collar for him.

With her talent and hard work, coupled with the resources he left behind and the Seven Treasures Mysterious Gold Art, twenty years of time must have allowed her to steadily step from the Middle Core Formation Stage into the Late Core Formation Stage, right?

She was cautious by nature and had high attainments in the Dao of Formations, so as long as she was not involved in major disputes, her safety should be secure.

But the Outer Star Sea and the Inner Star Sea were far apart, and communication was difficult. In these twenty years, had she and Xiaomei encountered any trouble while supporting the Liulian Residence alone?

Was everything okay?

And Xiaomei, that lively and clever little girl who was always calling "Master," did she still maintain that innocence and playfulness?

Once the longing arose, it was hard to suppress, like a tide.

Lu Qiu found that he was actually eager to return home. The Spirit Stones of Biling Island were certainly important, the cornerstone of his Dao path, but some people and things were also indispensable attachments and warmth in his heart.

"This place is basically stable, and the mining matters can proceed step by step. It is time... to go back and take a look," Lu Qiu made a decision in his heart.

He was not giving up on Biling Island; on the contrary, he wanted to manage this place as his most secret and solid backing.

But before leaving, thorough arrangements had to be made.

He first summoned the Black Water Poison Python and Lu Jiaoer.

In the Quiet Room, both stood respectfully below.

"I intend to leave Biling Island temporarily and return to the Inner Star Sea to deal with some matters. The return date is uncertain," Lu Qiu said straight to the point, looking at his two loyal Spirit Pets.

The Black Water Poison Python and Lu Jiaoer heard this, and a trace of fluctuation flashed in their eyes, but there was more determination.

"Master, please leave with peace of mind. With me and Jiao'er here on Biling Island, we will never let any villains violate it in the slightest!" The Black Water Poison Python promised in a deep voice, his hoarse voice carrying unquestionable determination.

"Master, Jiao'er will definitely guard this place well and wait for your return!" Lu Jiaoer also immediately expressed her stance, her scarlet vertical pupils full of firmness.

Lu Qiu nodded, not doubting their loyalty at all.

He waved his hand, and several rays of spiritual light flashed and landed in front of them.

"This 'Xuan Yin Beast Banner' is both offensive and defensive, and can gather Yin spirits and poisonous evil, enhancing the power of your Divine Ability. You should refine it for self-defense," Lu Qiu pointed to a small banner that was pitch black all over, embroidered with fierce patterns of a hundred beasts, and emitting chilling ghost Qi. This was a High Grade ancient treasure with not-bad power, obtained from a certain exploration, and it was very suitable for the Cultivation Technique attributes of the Black Water Poison Python.

"Jiao'er, this pair of 'Blood Jiao Claws' is made with the claws of an Level Eight Jiao Dragon as the main material, supplemented by many rare metals. It matches your Bloodline and can greatly increase your close-combat power." He pointed again to a pair of ferocious claws that were dark gold throughout, covered with fine scales, with sharp claws that were peerless, and faintly resounding with the sound of Dragon roars.

This was an ancient treasure he had obtained, which was very suitable for Lu Jiaoer.

In addition to these two main offensive ancient treasures, Lu Qiu also left behind several High Grade defensive and enemy-trapping ancient treasures, as well as a large amount of healing and recovery Medicinal Pills, Talismans, and even several High-grade Spirit Stones for their emergency use.

"I have already checked and reinforced the Nine Nether Universe Array, and replaced the core with new High-grade Spirit Stones, which is enough to maintain operation for decades without worry. Even if a Level Nine Yao Beast comes to invade, with this Formation and the strength of the two of you, holding on and waiting for reinforcements will be no problem. If you encounter force majeure..."

Lu Qiu paused, his eyes slightly cold: "Putting self-preservation and hiding the mineral veins as the top priority. When necessary, you can abandon part of the periphery, retreat to the core, or... use the final means I left for you."

He was referring to a secret self-destruct Restriction set up in advance somewhere deep in the mineral vein. Once triggered, although it would destroy part of the mineral deposits, it would be enough to create huge chaos and annihilate most traces.

"Yes! Master! Subordinates understand!" The Black Water Poison Python and Lu Jiaoer solemnly took the treasures and instructions, their expressions solemn.

After arranging the guard force, Lu Qiu spent several more days personally adjusting the mining program of the Puppets in the mining area and setting up response mechanisms for different situations to ensure that after he left, the mining work could still proceed in an orderly and safe manner.

Everything was ready.

A morning half a month later, the sky was slightly bright, and the sea was covered with a layer of faint mist.

At the top of the main peak of Biling Island, Lu Qiu changed out of his iconic green robe and put on an inconspicuous gray-brown Dharma robe, restraining all simulated Demonic Qi and powerful Spiritual Pressure, looking just like a Core Formation Stage Loose Cultivator with average Cultivation.

He took one last look at the giant island under his feet that hid shocking wealth, swept his gaze over the Black Water Poison Python and Lu Jiaoer who were bowing respectfully to him from afar, and nodded slightly.

Without hesitation, his figure turned into an inconspicuous gray escape light, silently rushing into the sky, disappearing into the clouds, and galloping towards the general direction of Silver Shark Island in the southeast.

He did not use any flying Magic Treasure or Divine Ability that might expose his identity, only traveling with the most ordinary escape technique, carefully avoiding the aura of powerful Yao Beasts and areas where Cultivators were frequently active along the way.

The return journey was equally long and full of unknowns.

The Outer Star Sea was vast and boundless, full of crises.

Lu Qiu traveled low-key all the way, sometimes turning into a seabird sweeping across the low sky, sometimes using water escape to traverse the deep sea, and sometimes using ocean currents to accelerate.

He avoided known dangerous places, bypassed deep-sea giant beasts emitting terrifying auras, and kept far away from several sea areas where Cultivators seemed to be active on a large scale.

Occasionally, low-grade Yao Beasts attacked on the way, but they were casually dealt with by him, leaving no traces.

Traveling by night and resting by day, and proceeding cautiously, it took more than two years for Lu Qiu to finally see the outline of the island that served as an important stronghold in the Outer Star Sea on the distant horizon.

Silver Shark Island.

Stepping onto this noisy and chaotic island again, feeling the familiar aura mixed with human popularity, Demonic Qi, blood, and greed that filled the marketplace—totally different from the dead silence of Biling Island—Lu Qiu actually felt a sense of a lifetime away.

He did not stay on the island for long, nor did he go to any familiar shops to inquire about information, but only low-key paid the Spirit Stones and stepped into the large teleportation array leading to the Starry Sky Hall of the Inner Star Sea.

Familiar dizziness and the feeling of spatial pulling came.

When the blinding white light dissipated, and the solid touch came from under his feet, and the programmatic, slightly tired greeting of the Starry Sky Hall guards sounded in his ears, Lu Qiu slowly opened his eyes.

What came into view was the familiar, magnificent hall ceiling of the 50th floor of the Holy Mountain, carved with patterns of the stars of the universe, and outside the hall, the prosperous scenery of Tianxing City, which was always noisy and had spiritual light rushing to the sky.

After an absence of nearly twenty years, Tianxing City, he had finally returned.

And at this moment, the amount of Spirit Stones and resources carried in his Storage Ring and spatial bead was enough to make this first giant city of the Chaotic Star Sea tremble.

But in his heart, what he was most concerned about at this moment was the familiar street under the Holy Mountain, the quiet shop with the "Liulian Residence" plaque hanging, and in the shop, the person he dreamed of.