Chapter 471: Preventing Trouble Before It Arises

Following several Daoist elders through the sky, Yaoyun recited scriptures about yin-yang and chaos. It made Wang Sheng feel so dizzy that his head throbbed with one migraine after another.

Now that he had to study these obscure and difficult texts while also researching the major modern scientific theories concerning the origin of the universe, he couldn't help but feel fortunate that a cultivator's lifespan increased according to their cultivation realm. It gave them all more than enough time to struggle with such things in whatever manner they wished.

Helping his senior sister comprehend the Dao of Balanced Yin and Yang was certainly a long and difficult task.

After leaving the atmosphere and parting with the Daoist masters, the Celestial Master asked Wang Sheng about the candidate list and schedule for the next trip to the Moon Palace. Wang Sheng only replied that the time had not yet been decided, and that the Daoist masters could recommend a cultivator of fine character, preferably someone at the Nascent Soul Realm.

He added one more condition: cultivators willing to enter the Pool of Transcendence would be prioritized.

One could rapidly raise their cultivation realm in the Pool of Transcendence, but it would negatively affect their post-ascension cultivation. Wang Sheng intended to allow cultivators with lesser aptitude to use it to advance quickly, forming the first generation of immortals who would defend Earth.

He also deliberately ensured that the first two groups to cultivate in the Small Immortal Realm were from sects that had attended the Fourth Immortal Dao Conference and had no ties to ancient cultivators. In doing so, he hoped to strengthen those sects and increase their influence. Personal views and relationships admittedly influenced his choices.

The sects that had once sided with the ancient cultivators for their own benefit could only swallow their dissatisfaction in silence. No Daoist master would be shameless enough to openly proclaim something like equality among all cultivators. Wang Sheng would blacklist anyone who'd attempt to.

Together with Huai Jing and Jingyun, Wang Sheng flew back toward the Pure Yang Sword Faction. He could tell Huai Jing was anxious and in a hurry.

Concerned, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Huai Jing grinned at Wang Sheng. "I'm continuing my seclusion immediately."

Wang Sheng immediately understood what he meant.

Has Huai Jing... relapsed into his obsession with online games?

They watched Huai Jing fly at full speed toward the Heavenly Dragon Temple. Afterward, Wang Sheng gestured for Jingyun to go ahead. He followed right behind as she descended to the Pure Yang Sword Faction below.

On the way down from high altitude, Wang Sheng expanded his spiritual perception. He could now scan a radius of over a thousand kilometers.

The entire Hua Republic was at peace. After the recent surge of rapid technological progress in previous years, development had returned to a normal pace, with no particularly novel inventions appearing.

The Pure Yang Sword Faction itself was quiet and harmonious.

Qing Yanzi was in the thatched cottage explaining scriptures. Chi Wen, Xiaomiao, and his three youngest disciples sat in front of him and listened attentively. In the kitchen, Xiang was busy preparing dishes for lunch. Judging by the amount of food she was preparing, Qing Yanzi's three youngest disciples clearly weren't the only ones who would be eating.

Wang Sheng also sensed several unfamiliar auras. After Hua Jinwei's batch had joined, Qing Yanzi had accepted a few more students. Now, they had over ten off-heritage sect members. Five to six were meditating throughout the mountain, while the rest practiced swordsmanship on an open platform located right along the mountain path, allowing them to guard the mountain gate as well.

Sensing two familiar auras approaching, Qing Yanzi stopped the class and smiled. He then stood up and went out to greet them.

Jingyun descended outside the thatched cottage. She walked quickly at first, then slowed down. Having confirmed that her senior brother was doing well, she couldn't help but smile gently.

"Junior Sister, Little Sheng. How was your journey with the Daoist masters?"

"Big Brother!" Xiaomiao cried out.

"Master!" Chi Wen called.

The two rushed forward ahead of everyone else. Based on their youthful appearances, mannerisms, and figures, Wang Sheng couldn't see any significant differences in their cultivation.

"Wow, why did you get so much fairer, Big Brother?"

"I've broken through another realm. Never mind that. Why are you advancing so slowly?"

"

Uh...

Where are Big Sister and Senior Sister?"

"Don't change the topic." Wang Sheng flicked his younger sister's ear, though gently. "They are still cultivating in the Moon Palace. I only escorted the Daoist masters back."

The two girls had not changed much. Since the mountain was quite peaceful, they mostly just cultivated together and lived carefree lives.

Due to Yaoyun's influence, Xiaomiao broke through faster than ordinary cultivators, though to Wang Sheng, it still felt slow.

Wang Sheng greeted his master. He then spent some time observing the changes in his three junior martial siblings.

Wei Lin, who was in a slightly oversized Daoist robe, was still small, thin, and had a soft voice. She bowed and greeted him, looking quite obedient.

Li Jing'an was now half a head taller than Zhou Liuji and almost at Wang Sheng's chin. He also appeared calmer and more composed, giving off the air of a great general. His gaze occasionally emitted a sharp light, a sign that he was close to breaking past the mid-stage Spirit Convergence Realm.

Zhou Liuji, on the other hand, now looked even more delicate. He resembled Liu Yunzhi, the cultivation world's heartthrob.

After exchanging greetings, Wang Sheng gave them a few words of encouragement. He then followed his master to the great palace.

Since Wang Sheng and Jingyun had returned, Qing Yanzi's three youngest disciples were given half the day off. Grateful to their second martial brother, they followed Chi Wen down the mountain to stroll through the town.

Xiaomiao obediently remained in the thatched cottage. Spiritless in hand, she accepted her master's guidance.

***

In the great palace, Qing Yanzi sighed deeply. "Middle stage of the Grand Immortal-Ascension Realm? You're speeding straight toward the Ascended Immortal Realm, Little Sheng."

"You wouldn't believe it, Senior Brother, but this young man's tribulation was truly frightening!" Jingyun, who still looked unsettled, recounted Wang Sheng's second heavenly tribulation in great detail.

By the time she finished, Qing Yanzi's brow had tightly furrowed. Wang Sheng could only sit there feeling slightly embarrassed. He hadn't expected Jingyun, who usually spoke so little, to describe the event so vividly to his master. Wang Sheng hadn't even noticed many of the moments she recounted.

Qing Yanzi breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm just glad you've overcome your tribulation. I've progressed far more slowly than you."

"Master—"

Qing Yanzi waved his hand, cutting him off. "How is Little Xuan's cultivation progressing?"

"Senior Sister is already at the Rebirth Realm. She's still in the Pool of Transcendence as we speak," Wang Sheng replied. "You don't have to worry too much, Master. One of the reasons I returned is to ask you to come back with me to the Small Immortal Realm to cultivate. My junior martial siblings have already built their foundations. Since Martial Aunt will be watching over the Sword Faction, you'll have nothing to worry about, Master."

Smiling faintly, Qing Yanzi nodded. His expression then shifted slightly. "Speaking of, your mistress has come to speak with me about the Small Immortal Realm several times."

Wang Sheng nodded slowly.

Before he could respond, Qing Yanzi added, "You're free to handle this matter as you see fit. When it comes to the affairs of the cultivation world, I'll always stand on your side. She's still your mistress, though. Even if you do not wish to hear her nagging, you shouldn't disrespect her."

With respect, Wang Sheng quickly responded, "Yes, Master."

Having understood each other without needing further explanation, the two exchanged a smile.

From the side, Jingyun softly remarked, "Senior Brother, I'm somewhat exhausted from the long journey back from the Moon Palace. I'll go get some rest."

Qing Yanzi gently reminded her not to overwork herself. With a quiet response, Jingyun left the palace.

Wang Sheng lowered his voice. "Master, what do you intend to do with your relationship with Martial Aunt?"

"Watch it!" Qing Yanzi scolded.

Wang Sheng quickly stood and bowed his head in apology.

In a sofer tone, his master explained, "I won't break the promise I made back then. Matters of affection wear down the heart and spirit more than anything. Compared to the mutual affection you and Little Xuan share, my situation is far more complicated."

"Sorry, Master. I have overstepped."

Qing Yanzi smiled. "Come, walk with me. I'd like to ask you a few questions about the Pure Yang Immortal Mantra and check if your cultivation foundation is as solid as it should be."

"Got it," Wang Sheng answered.

Although he didn't think his master could truly stump him now, he still felt a bit nervous for some reason. He poured all his focus on Qing Yanzi's questions.

The two walked through the mountains under the warm sun, discussing the Dao of cultivation and the principles of heaven and earth. When they came across a spring, they paused to converse, passing the time in peaceful contentment.

During their walk, one of Qing Yanzi's remarks made Wang Sheng ponder deeply.

"I can no longer guide you on your cultivation, but I can pass on one of humanity's simple principles: As with matters of nations, always prevent trouble before it arises. When tension between two countries builds, only by preparing for war at all times can they restrain war from occurring.

"The same goes for cultivators. Remain vigilant even in peaceful times; do not grow complacent. Now that you stand at the forefront of the cultivation world, you'll likely face all manner of unknown challenges. You should prepare several contingency plans for all possible emergencies."

***

Back at his pavilion, Wang Sheng contemplated his master's advice for half a day and began formulating emergency measures for himself.

Once he headed out to the endless space in the future, he determined that his greatest problem would be the language barrier. To solve it, he could rely on his mental connection with Yaoyun. He could also dive deeper into his study of ancient languages.

Next, he pinpointed his greatest artifacts, such as Spiritless and the Qiankun Ring, to be his strongest magnets for danger. Merchants in ancient times knew better than to reveal their wealth. Since human nature had not changed, caution was necessary.

After thinking for some time, Wang Sheng finally came up with an excellent idea.

𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

He had Flying Haze, which could transform into a sword core. While hidden inside his Dao Body, it essentially merged with his flesh and blood, making it extremely difficult to detect.

If I store the Qiankun Ring in the sword core, then...

"Eh?"

Wang Sheng touched his chest and blinked.

Where's Flying Haze? Ah, right! It was blasted away during my tribulation. When I woke up, I had been so occupied with the celestial cocoon and my post-tribulation advancement that I forgot to retrieve it...