Chapter 1964: Tongyou Dao Field

The 17th year of the Essence Luxuriant Calendar soon rolled about.

After stabilizing his cultivation, Shang Xia began to understand and adapt to the current changes and growth within the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field.

During the process, his divine soul clearly sensed that the World’s Will had become somewhat distant toward him.

Although the sense of estrangement wasn’t drastic, it felt as though two relatives, having grown apart over a long absence, were somewhat unfamiliar with each other. There was no rejection, and the feeling might even seem like an illusion. However, Shang Xia was certain it was real.

He couldn't help but feel a little regretful, yet he also understood that the detachment was inevitable. As time went on and the Heavenly Field continued to grow, this sense of distance would only intensify.

It had all been destined from the moment Shang Xia withdrew his soul from the World Origin Source connected to the You Continent and severed his bond with the Essence Luxuriant World.

Upon learning that Shang Xia had left seclusion, Kou Chongxue emerged from the Essence Luxuriant World to meet him.

In just over half a year, Kou Chongxue’s cultivation had progressed tremendously. Although he had only recently advanced to the third star, he was already approaching the peak of the third star and looked to be on the verge of becoming a mid-level Sage.

Such cultivation speed would leave others stunned, but to Shang Xia, it still seemed somewhat lacking.

“I originally thought that after our world integrated the fragments of the Essence Chong World, you would reach the peak of the third star, or perhaps step into the fourth...” Shang Xia muttered.

He suspected Kou Chongxue might be holding back for fear of destabilizing his foundation by advancing too quickly.

In response, Kou Chongxue roared with laughter. “You’re too impatient! It’s been less than a year since the Essence Chong World’s fragments were recovered. While the integration has gone smoothly, adding four new 10,000 miles continents at once requires proper planning. So far, only the 28th continent has fully formed. The other three will take shape one after another over the coming year. When that happens, there will be a massive surge of blessing from the World’s Will. That will be the best time to break through to a mid-level Sage.”

Shang Xia merely nodded slowly, choosing not to comment further.

Sensing his somber mood, Kou Chongxue frowned. “You seem anxious?”

After a slight hesitation, Shang Xia said, “You must have already heard the news that Song Zhen sent back from the 6th Starsea Market?”

Kou Chongxue’s expression grew more serious. “You mean the situation at the great spatial vortex has worsened and that forces from other Star Fields have not only infiltrated, but are already interfering in many Heavenly Fields of the Original Stars Corner?”

Shang Xia nodded. “The spatial vortex is likely just the beginning. The areas across the Chaotic Sea of Stars that border the other Star Fields will likely all face renewed infiltration and interference, possibly including the return of the Void Mirage. It might even come back sooner than we expect.”

Kou Chongxue didn’t think Shang Xia was being too anxious. Instead, he considered the matter seriously before replying, “Perhaps we should consult the Star Origin Lord...”

Shang Xia nodded. “But I’m afraid he won’t tell us everything.”

“He will definitely be hiding something.” Kou Chongxue mumbled softly, “But anything he chooses to tell us, he won’t bother lying about. We might still learn something valuable from him.”

Shang Xia nodded. “Very well. I’ll ask him. Or rather, I’ll seek his insight.”

“There’s no need to rush.” Kou Chongxue stopped him suddenly. “You don’t need to go personally. Just send your External Avatar. There’s something more important you must attend to here.”

Shang Xia raised his eyebrow in shock. “What is it?”

“Our Dao Field.” Kou Chongxue stated simply.

In the end, Shang Xia entered the Essence Luxuriant World and followed Kou Chongxue to the You Continent.

Along the way, he sensed many changes within the world.

Though he had only been gone a few years, it already felt somewhat unfamiliar to him.

The World’s Will clearly strained slightly under his return, though it was still able to bear his presence.

Shang Xia restrained his aura as much as possible, but still felt as if he had submerged into a tub that wasn’t quite large enough. He had to curl up slightly just to fully soak in.

The construction of the Dao Field in the You Continent was ultimately chosen to proceed via an expansion of the existing Tongyou Elysium.

It was currently the most resource-efficient method and the quickest way to complete its construction.

In truth, choosing this upgrade path based on the existing Elysium was born of necessity.

Ever since Essence Luxuriant World ascended more than a decade ago, it had been working hard to close the gap between itself and older, more established Essence Worlds with hundreds or thousands of years of heritage. The demands for resources were numerous and widespread.

The construction of various Star Ships and arks, the expansion and refinement of the Heavenly Field, the extension of continents, the allocation of origin resources, the contention over quotas to brand their souls into the World Origin Source, the reconfiguration of affiliated worlds, and the migration and resettlement of foreign sects...

In such a context, the fact that the construction of the Tongyou Dao Field hadn’t been delayed at all showed just how much importance the Tongyou Institution placed on it. It also demonstrated how, despite their often forceful methods, the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field had indeed reaped impressive results while searching for resources across the Chaotic Sea of Stars.

At the entrance to the Elysium, they saw Ge Qingzhu already waiting to welcome them.

“Instructor Ge, you’ve already become a high-level True Immortal!” Shang Xia noticed immediately that Ge Qingzhu had already reached the fourth tier of the Martial Void Realm.

Cupping his fists towards both Sages, he replied with a smile, “I have the two seniors to thank. Your expeditions returned with great harvests twice. I especially benefited during the integration of the Essence Chong World fragments. Through some luck, I managed to reach the level of Dao Harmony.”

As an Elysium True Immortal, Ge Qingzhu’s strength would sharply diminish once he left the Essence Luxuriant World, making it hard for him to help out outside their world.

But when it came to integrating foreign world fragments and aiding the growth of their world, he was perfect for the job.

During the integration of the Essence Chong World fragments, Ge Qingzhu was struck by a sudden flash of insight. He became the next high-level True Immortal cultivated by the institution after Shang Xia and Sun Haiwei.

Of course, Kou Chongxue, as the patriarch, was not counted in their tally.

And Ge Qingzhu’s luck had not yet run out. Once the Tongyou Elysium completed its transformation into a Dao Field, his soul that had been merged into it would like gain another round of benefits. In fact, he should be the greatest winner. At that point, it would come as no surprise if he surpassed Sun Haiwei and Song Zhen. In fact... It was possible for him to take over Gao Qin as the strongest True Immortal in the Tongyou Institution, with strength just beneath Shang Xia and Kou Chongxue!