344: Chapter 344 Returning to Tianxing City!

Biling Island, Immortal Cave hall.

Lu Qiu sat on the stone chair, his fingers tapping gently on the armrest, creating a rhythmic "thud-thud" sound that echoed through the empty hall.

He cast his gaze toward the desolate, grey-white scenery outside the window. The sea breeze blew through the gaps of the Immortal Cave, carrying a hint of salty dampness, stirring the hair on his forehead and his inner thoughts.

He had stayed on Biling Island for several years. Although the Spiritual Qi here was abundant and suitable to Cultivate, staying on this barren island for so long was indeed somewhat tedious.

Every day, he saw the same grey-white rocks, heard the same sound of waves crashing against the shore, and was even tired of seeing the seabirds in the sky.

Occasionally, a few drifting white clouds could be considered a rare sight.

More importantly, he had developed a strong curiosity about the world outside the Outer Star Sea, especially the current situation in the Inner Star Sea.

The war between the Nixing Alliance and the Star Palace had been going on for so many years; what was it like now?

Did the Star Palace have the upper hand, or had the Nixing Alliance caught up?

What about the people and forces he had interacted with before—the old acquaintances in Tianxing City, his colleagues in the Fengle Alliance—what was their situation now?

Had the landscape of the Inner Star Sea undergone earth-shaking changes?

These questions scratched at his heart like a cat's claws, making it impossible for him to calm down and continue his closed-door Cultivate.

He turned his head to look at Xin Ruyin, who was flipping through an ancient book nearby.

She sat by the window, the sunlight spilling over her, casting a soft golden halo around her that made her look like a beautiful painting of a lady. She was absorbed in reading, her brows slightly furrowed one moment and relaxed the next, clearly immersed in the world of the book, not even noticing Lu Qiu watching her.

Lu Qiu spoke, breaking the silence: "Ruyin, I plan to return to Tianxing City."

Upon hearing this, Xin Ruyin's movements paused, her fingertips freezing on the page as if she had been petrified.

She looked up, a flash of worry crossing her eyes. That worry, like dark clouds, quickly enveloped her gaze, sweeping away the tranquility in her eyes.

She put down the ancient book, carefully inserted a bookmark, closed the volume, and frowned slightly, saying softly: "Husband Lu, the Inner Star Sea is currently in a time of great turmoil. The war between the Nixing Alliance and the Star Palace is intensifying. It is said that it has affected dozens of islands, countless Cultivator have been displaced, and even some small and medium-sized Sect have been forced to migrate, their mountain gates broken. Returning at this time, I fear you will encounter considerable danger. Although Husband Lu's Cultivate is profound, a spear in the open is easy to dodge, but a hidden arrow is hard to guard against. If you happen to get involved in some dispute..."

"It is of no consequence."

Lu Qiu waved his hand, his tone plain but carrying unquestionable confidence. His eyes were firm and calm, without the slightest wavering: "With my current strength, unless a Late Nascent Soul Stage old monster takes action personally, there are really not many people in this Chaotic Star Sea who can keep me here. Besides, I am just going back to gather information and understand the current situation; I will not actively get involved in the conflict between the two sides. Rest assured, I will not act recklessly. You know that I have always been measured in my actions."

Xin Ruyin remained silent for a moment, her pearly teeth gently biting her lower lip, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, leaving wrinkles on it.

She knew that since Lu Qiu had made a decision, he would not change it easily.

She understood his character; once he decided on something, even nine cows could not pull him back. The more she tried to stop him, the more he would want to go.

Xin Ruyin looked up, her eyes filled with a hint of expectation, mixed with pleading and hope: "In that case, why not let me accompany you? It would be easier to look out for each other. I am also a Nascent Soul Cultivator now and will not hold you back. Moreover, my understanding of Formation might be helpful at critical moments. If we encounter any Formation or Restriction, I can also lend Husband Lu a hand."

Lu Qiu shook his head, rejecting her proposal. His tone was gentle but firm, leaving no room for negotiation: "No, Biling Island is our Foundation. Someone must hold the fort. You are now a Nascent Soul Cultivator, and with your profound mastery of Formation, you can resist even if a Ninth-Rank Demon Beast attacks. Only with you here can I leave with peace of mind. If we both leave and something happens here, it would be too late for regrets. This Spirit Stone vein and the Foundation we have worked so hard to establish cannot be lost."

Hearing this, Xin Ruyin knew that what Lu Qiu said was the truth.

The importance of Biling Island was self-evident. This High-grade Spirit Stone vein, the resources yet to be mined, and the Immortal Cave and Foundation they had worked so hard to establish could not be lost.

Although she felt a bit disappointed, she could only nod helplessly, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry, and her voice became a bit softer: "Then... Husband Lu, take care in everything. If you encounter danger, do not linger in battle; preserving your life is the priority. I will wait for you on the island. How long will this trip take, Young Master?"

"A few months at the shortest, half a year at the longest. I will return once I have finished my business."

Lu Qiu smiled slightly, stood up, and straightened his robes: "Then I will set off. Look after the house well and wait for my return. If there is any emergency, you know how to contact me."

He said no more, turned, and walked toward the stone room in the depths of the Immortal Cave where the Teleportation Formation was set up.

His footsteps echoed in the passage, gradually fading away and disappearing around the corner.

A moment later, a dazzling white light flashed from the stone room, and Lu Qiu's figure disappeared into the Teleportation Formation.

Only a faint ripple of Spiritual Qi remained in the air, proving that he had just left.

...

Silver Shark Island, underground Immortal Cave.

A white light flashed in the Teleportation Formation, and Lu Qiu's figure appeared in this hidden underground Immortal Cave.

He shook his head slightly, adapting to the brief dizziness caused by the teleportation. That feeling of the body being stretched and then compressed happened every time he teleported, but he could never fully get used to it.

He walked out of the Teleportation Formation, waved his hand to remove the Restriction at the entrance of the Immortal Cave, and then his figure flickered, turning into a stream of light and disappearing from the spot.

He did not stay too long on Silver Shark Island but went directly to the Teleportation Hall established by the Star Palace on the island.

Along the way, he noticed that the atmosphere on Silver Shark Island was also different from the past.

There were far fewer pedestrians on the street, many shops were closed, and the occasional Cultivator he encountered looked hurried and nervous, as if something were chasing them from behind.

The air was filled with a sense of oppression, as if a storm were coming, making people feel nervous involuntarily. There were also fewer ships docked at the pier; many ship owners did not dare to go out to sea easily.

Arriving at the Teleportation Hall, after presenting enough Spirit Stone, he stepped onto the Teleportation Formation leading to the Holy Mountain of Tianxing City.

After another familiar bout of dizziness, Lu Qiu found himself appearing in the magnificent Teleportation Hall on the Holy Mountain of Tianxing City.

The dome of the hall was dozens of feet high, built of huge white jade, and inlaid with countless night-luminescent pearls the size of fists, illuminating the entire hall as bright as day, so clear that even a speck of dust on the ground could be seen.

The floor was paved with white marble, smooth as a mirror, capable of reflecting people's shadows.

Four thick stone pillars stood at the four corners of the hall, with star patterns carved on them, vivid and lifelike.

Inside the hall, it was still bustling with people. But compared to a few years ago, there was a hint of murderous and tense atmosphere in the air. Those Star Palace Cultivator stationed in the hall all had solemn expressions, their eyes as sharp as hawks, vigilantly scanning every Cultivator entering and leaving the hall.

Their hands were pressed on their Magical Artifact, ready to strike at any time, as if someone might cause trouble at any moment.

In the corners of the hall, several small defensive Formation had been added, emitting a faint spiritual light, which had clearly been set up recently.

As soon as Lu Qiu stepped out of the Teleportation Formation, two Core Formation Cultivator wearing Star Palace attire came up and blocked his way.

Both of them were at the Middle Core Formation Stage, wearing uniform silver Star Palace robes, with a golden star emblem embroidered on their chests and tokens hanging from their waists.

Their movements were quick and uniform, clearly having undergone strict training.

One of the stern-faced middle-aged Cultivator, who looked to be in his forties, had a short beard and eyes as sharp as knives, as if he could see through a person's heart.

He looked Lu Qiu up and down, his gaze lingering on him for a moment, his tone carrying a hint of interrogation, his voice low and powerful, carrying an undeniable majesty: "This Fellow Daoist is very unfamiliar. May I ask where you are from? What is your business in Tianxing City? Do you have a customs clearance certificate?"

Lu Qiu's expression remained unchanged, and he bowed neither servilely nor overbearingly, his movements composed, his tone peaceful, as if he were not facing an interrogation but an ordinary greeting: "I am surnamed Lu, a Guest Elder of the Fengle Alliance. In my early years, I had some cooperation with Young Lord Ling Yuling of your Palace, so I can be considered to have some friendship. Coming to Tianxing City this time is mainly to purchase some Cultivate supplies, with no other intentions. As for the customs clearance certificate, because I came in a hurry, I did not apply for one. I hope the two of you can be accommodating."

When those two Star Palace Core Formation Cultivator heard the words "Guest Elder of the Fengle Alliance," their expressions softened a bit.

Although the Fengle Alliance could not compare to the Star Palace, it was quite prestigious in the Chaotic Star Sea, and the status of its Guest Elder naturally carried some weight.

Upon hearing the name "Young Lord Ling Yuling," their attitude immediately became much more polite.

Ling Yuling was the daughter of the Star Palace Master, with a lofty status. Anyone who could claim friendship with her was definitely not an ordinary person.

Their eyes clearly showed a bit more respect.

The stern look on the middle-aged Cultivator's face eased slightly, his tone became a bit gentler, and he even squeezed out a smile, although that smile was a bit stiff: "So it is Elder Lu of the Fengle Alliance. Disrespect, disrespect. Since you are a friend of the Young Lord, you are an honored guest of our Star Palace. I apologize for the offense just now, I hope you can be magnanimous. However..."

His tone changed, a look of embarrassment appeared on his face, and he rubbed his hands, appearing a bit apologetic: "These are extraordinary times, as I am sure you have heard. Those rebels of the Nixing Alliance are fanning the flames and disrupting order everywhere, and have already occupied several islands. The Star Palace has ordered that all Cultivator entering and leaving the Holy Mountain must be registered and subject to our Star Palace's scheduling. This is also for everyone's safety, and I hope you can understand. After all, if any spies from the Nixing Alliance were to mix in, the consequences would be unimaginable. I wonder what Elder Lu intends to..."

He paused and continued, his tone becoming formal, as if reciting a rule: "Elder Lu has two choices.

The first choice is to temporarily join our Star Palace side and assist us in fighting against the Nixing Alliance.

If so, you can move freely in the city without any Restrictions, go wherever you want, and stay as long as you like.

Moreover, after each mission is executed, our Star Palace will grant extremely generous rewards—Spirit Stone, Medicinal Pill, Magical Artifact, everything. You will definitely not be working in vain. With your Cultivate, you will certainly receive generous returns.

The second choice is not to participate in the war and just want to stay in the city honestly.

This is also fine; our Star Palace will not force you.

However, except for some specified time periods, such as the first and fifteenth of every month, the whole city is under martial law at other times, and you are not allowed to leave your residence at will. Otherwise, if our Star Palace's law enforcement team sees you in the city, they will kill you without mercy. On this point, I hope you will keep it in mind and not hinder yourself. If you lose your life, don't blame us for not warning you."

After hearing these two choices, Lu Qiu remained calm, still wearing that gentle smile, but in his heart, he couldn't help but sneer.

The higher-ups of the Star Palace were indeed calculating!

It was called a choice, but in reality, there was no choice at all!

It was said to be two options, but the second option was actually equivalent to putting people under house arrest, unable to move a step.

If he chose the second path, it would be tantamount to being under house arrest in his residence. Let alone gathering information, even going out would be a problem. That would be worse than not coming to Tianxing City! How was this different from being in prison?

And the so-called "temporary joining," while seemingly free, was actually tying these "outsiders" to the Star Palace's war chariot. Once they took action and stained their hands with the blood of the Nixing Alliance Cultivator, it would be equivalent to completely forming a deadly feud with the Nixing Alliance. In the future, wanting to defect to the Nixing Alliance would be impossible.

This move was not just vicious; the intention was profound.

This move not only weakened the strength of the Nixing Alliance but also completely blocked the retreat of these "neutral" Cultivator, forcing them to be tied to the same war chariot as the Star Palace.

Thoughts flashed through Lu Qiu's mind, various pros and cons quickly flickering in his brain, weighing the gains and losses. His face remained calm, still wearing that gentle smile, as if he didn't care about this choice at all.

He bowed to the middle-aged Cultivator and said with a smile, his tone sincere and frank: "I understand. I am willing to choose the first path, temporarily join your Palace's side, and contribute a meager effort. After all, the Star Palace has ruled the Chaotic Star Sea for many years and maintained peace, and we Cultivator have benefited a lot. Now that the Nixing Alliance is causing trouble, I should naturally contribute my part to help quell the rebellion. If there are any dispatches, you can notify me through this item at any time."

Seeing Lu Qiu so sensible and agreeing to the first choice so readily, the middle-aged Cultivator showed a satisfied smile, his originally tense expression relaxed a lot, and even his eyes became a bit friendlier.

He took out a silver ring with an archaic design from his bosom. The ring was silvery white all over, with dense runes carved on the surface, faintly glowing with spiritual light, and emitting a trace of mana fluctuation.

He handed it to Lu Qiu with both hands, his tone much more polite, even carrying a hint of respect: "Elder Lu is righteous, I admire you. This ring is a special communication Magical Artifact of our Star Palace. If there is a mission, we will notify you through this ring. Please keep it safe and do not lose it. In addition, with this ring, you can move freely in most areas of the city, but some core restricted areas cannot be entered. I hope you understand."

Lu Qiu took the ring; it felt cool to the touch, not light in weight, with a smooth and delicate surface. He examined it carefully, feeling the patterns of the runes on it, and then casually put it on his finger. It was just the right size, as if it had been tailor-made. He looked up, bowed to the two Star Palace Cultivator, and said with a smile: "Thank you both Fellow Daoist for your guidance. Then I will take my leave first and not disturb you from your duties. We shall meet again."

After speaking, he did not linger, turned around, and strode out of the Teleportation Hall, his steps steady and composed, his sleeves fluttering.

He soon merged into the bustling crowd of the Holy Mountain, disappeared around the corner of the street, and merged into the coming and going crowd.