Eternal Tale

Chapter 327: None Can Fathom the Ancestor

The group sat in attentive silence, the only sound being the soft whistle of the wind across the cliff.

Chen Xun took a sip from his tea cup and began, “There’s a great superpower called Da Li, ruling over three hundred and sixty prefectures, as well as vast ocean territories, with cultivators who have reached the later stages of Deity Transformation.”

Three hundred and sixty prefectures and oceans!

The four disciples inhaled sharply, struggling to even picture such an expanse. They’d never even heard of ocean territories before.

Liu Han’s demeanor changed immediately; her eyes gleamed with an intense light as she pulled out a notebook and began to jot down notes. “Ancestor, about the west of the Qian Country…?”

Her reaction was quick, as always. As the strategist of the Five Elements Sect, she carefully considered every piece of information to shape future plans for the sect.

Chen Xun smiled, looking at Liu Han. “In the west of the Qian Country, there’s a colossal ravine—avoid it at all costs. It’s extremely dangerous.”

The group’s expressions shifted, knowing that if the Ancestor himself considered it perilous, they should avoid it at all costs.

“Ancient sects and ancient lands are abundant in Da Li. Even though the Five Elements Sect is at the top of Qian Country, over there, we’d be practically invisible. You must remain hidden,” Chen Xun warned, glancing at Brother Ox. “Your Brother Ox here will set up a large-scale teleportation array across the ravine, but only the most trusted disciples should be allowed to use it.”

“This task is yours to arrange. Without at least a Deity Transformation cultivator to guard it, keep the teleportation array and this cultivation world hidden. Focus on strengthening gradually.”

“Only when you have at least ten Nascent Soul cultivators should you even consider sending people through. And even then, go in small groups. There are countless opportunities within Da Li’s cultivation realms, but they must be fought for.”

He handed over a storage ring containing various cultivation resources. “Take these resources—some are for body refinement, others are spirit herbs. Plant them in the medicinal garden. I can only lay down a foundation; your future is up to you.”

The four disciples were left stunned. The revelations were overwhelming, and they could only stare, momentarily speechless, at the storage ring on the table.

“Moo~” Brother Ox mooed, swishing his tail. The teleportation array? Consider it done.

Xiao Chi gave a sly grin, his eyes darting around as if lost in a secret scheme.

“Ancestor… and what about you?” Liu Han finally asked, worry etched across her face. “All these plans can be dealt with gradually.”

Ji Zhao’s expression was somber as he looked at Chen Xun and Brother Ox. “Yes, Ancestor, you and Brother Ox have already done so much for us.”

Shi Wujun, his dark hair flowing in the breeze, remained silent, sensing a feeling akin to a final farewell in Chen Xun’s words.

“Ancestor, is it possible Da Li faces some great upheaval?” Jiang Xuechen’s voice was soft, but her tone revealed a hint of unease. “Please, let us know. We won’t act rashly.”

The others’ expressions turned serious, sharing the same concern. The Ancestor’s return had to be for more than just a friendly visit.

Brother Ox shook his head. “Moo~”

“Haha…” Chen Xun chuckled softly. “Don’t overthink it. When the time comes, you’ll understand everything. Take it step by step, and don’t aim too high too quickly.”

“But Ancestor, will you be in danger?” Liu Han’s voice rose, her lips pressed together in worry. “If there’s risk, remember the lesson you taught us—if things get rough, retreat first!”

Xiao Chi glanced at Chen Xun, eyes wide. So this was what he’d taught his disciples!

Chen Xun laughed, waving her off. “No danger at all. Just focus on yourselves. Your Brother Ox and I aren’t ones to act recklessly.”

Ji Zhao glanced surreptitiously at Brother Ox, whose expression remained as steady as ever.

“Moo~” Brother Ox snorted, his face as unreadable as ever.

“Enough, Liu Han,” Shi Wujun finally spoke, his voice cold and firm. “The Ancestor has his own plans. Let’s not interfere.”

Liu Han opened her mouth, then closed it, as though doused with a bucket of cold water. Though disappointed, she knew he was right. This was reality.

But the gears in her mind began to turn, thinking ahead to the future. If not this generation, then perhaps the next… or the one after that. Someday, they would be able to offer true assistance to their Ancestor.

Liu Han’s initial dejection was replaced by a fiery determination. New plans and contingencies began forming in her mind.

Ji Zhao’s gaze grew steely, any lingering personal sentiments buried deep. His sole focus now was the sect’s growth.

The atmosphere around the cliff grew somber as everyone fell into quiet contemplation, each weighed down by their own thoughts.

“Ancestor, how do you see the chaotic cultivation scene in the Eastern Nations?” Jiang Xuechen asked suddenly, breaking the silence. “If we’re to venture to Da Li, we’d need to consolidate resources here.”

They had discussed many things, yet Chen Xun had refrained from sharing his views on this particular matter.

Chen Xun’s lips curved, his expression as calm as a still lake. “Naturally, bit by bit. The Four Symbols Alliance is nothing to worry about.”

He set down another booklet, explaining, “This is a strategy guide. Remember, the cultivation world is best when it thrives in harmony.”

“Moo!” Brother Ox let out a startled moo. He remembered Chen Xun’s advice to Ji Zhao back then—"the cultivation world thrives in harmony”—and how, not long after, that particular woman met an unfortunate end.

“Brother Ox?” Xiao Chi looked puzzled, casting a glance at Chen Xun’s calm smile. What did he miss?

Jiang Xuechen stood, bowing. She had always admired Chen Xun and still remembered Elder Jinyu’s words, which she held close to her heart.

“And who’s this mysterious fourth Nascent Soul in the Five Elements Sect?” Chen Xun inquired, clearly intrigued.

Shi Wujun answered respectfully, his tone a mix of awe and confusion. “His name is Qi Hao, a former disciple from the sect’s medicinal garden. He claims to owe you a great debt. After reaching the late Foundation Establishment stage, he ventured into the Endless Mountain Range and returned… as a Nascent Soul.”

He added, “Qi Hao mentioned finding ancient inheritances there from our ancestors.”

“Owes me a great debt?”

Chen Xun raised an eyebrow, trying to recall anyone by that name. “Brother Ox, you know him?”

“Moo moo!” Brother Ox shook his head. Anyone from their time who had survived was definitely not someone they remembered well.

“Ancestor, he hasn’t said much about it, but he’s served the sect faithfully all these years without complaint,” Liu Han interjected. “And he’s quite the admirer of your booklets.”

Chen Xun chuckled, realizing that his little booklets had taken on a life of their own within the Five Elements Sect. He never expected them to be so influential, as they did challenge some fundamental beliefs of the cultivation world.

He slowly stood, gazing out over the rugged mountains, his expression serene and contemplative. “Alright, let’s leave it at that. Seeing you all well has brought me peace.”

By now, dusk had settled over the mountains, a pale moon casting its gentle light amidst a blanket of stars.

Chen Xun raised his teacup, lifting it to the night sky, his gesture met with puzzled looks from his disciples, who watched in silence.

“Ancestor, there’s one more thing,” Liu Han began, hesitating before she spoke. “The Five Elements Sect’s spiritual energy hasn’t diminished over the years. In fact, it seems strangely stable.”

“Hmm. I know of this. Don’t worry about it.”

With one hand behind his back, Chen Xun’s presence became almost ethereal. “This is part of something I’ve been considering, but it’s too soon to say much.”

When he left years ago, he had buried several ancient Crane Spirit Trees with severed roots deep underground. He was beginning to see some changes, though whether they would eventually evolve into spirit veins remained uncertain.

Shi Wujun and Ji Zhao exchanged a glance, eyes wide with amazement. Indeed, none could truly fathom the Ancestor.

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