Chapter 305: A Great Harvest for All

Within the royal courtyard.

Wang Baole rubbed his round belly and lazily stretched his arms. Life in the courtyard over the past days had been nothing short of indulgent.

He had scoured nearly everything in the courtyard, turning it all into ingredients, further refining his culinary skills. He had also perfected the Joint Manipulation Technique he had learned in his early years and advanced his cultivation to the fifth level of the Spirit Nurturing Realm.

Turning to the busy Han Ping and Mandala nearby, he said, “Junior Brother Han, we’ve swept the courtyard clean. Isn’t it time we leave?”

Han Ping revealed a thoughtful expression and gave a slight nod. “Yes, it’s time we go.”

Over these days, he had broken through to the ninth level of the True Fate Realm, and his comprehension of the Yin-Yang Principle had also reached great mastery. Staying in the courtyard any longer would bring no further progress.

He turned to Mandala and asked, “Miss Mandala, are you willing to leave this Desolate Ancient City with me?”

Mandala’s fair face flushed slightly, and she softly replied, “I am willing.”

Han Ping said, “Good. Then pack your things and leave with us.”

“Yes.”

Mandala answered and vanished from where she stood.

Beside them, Mushroom Head cast a glance at Wang Baole and asked, “Lord Le, what about me?”

Wang Baole replied impatiently, “With your level, you think you’re qualified to leave with me?”

With that, he slung his arm over Han Ping’s shoulder, and the two walked away together. Half an hour later, Mushroom Head stared at the now-empty courtyard. At first, he felt a bit out of place.

But soon, Mushroom Head thought of something important. With the two lords gone, and both Elder Tree and Mandala no longer present…

Didn’t that mean the entire courtyard was now his domain? By that logic, wasn't he the biggest winner here?

Clang!

Inside the Sword Tower, a flash of sword light shot forth.

The tower spirit easily blocked it with two fingers, his face showing satisfaction. “This sword of yours already contains seventy percent of the true meaning of the Sword Dao. Once you reach the Nirvana Realm, you will surely grasp the full essence of it. I have nothing more to teach you.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen clasped his hands in salute. “Thank you, Senior, for your guidance. I will never forget it.”

“Mm.”

The tower spirit responded simply, then said, “Our fate ends here. Leave on your own.”

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and Xiao Chen was sent out of the Sword Tower.

After bowing toward the tower, Xiao Chen resumed his journey. Now a second-level Path Union cultivator who had comprehended seventy percent of the Sword Dao truth, there was no one beneath the Half-Saint level who could contend with him.

“I wonder how the junior brothers and sisters are doing. I’ll go find Da Qian first.”

As for Cao Youqian, the person on Xiao Chen’s mind, he suddenly opened his eyes and stood up, sweeping his gaze around. Then he declared, “Everyone come out and take a punch from me first.”

He had fully absorbed the power of life and death from the Twin Lotus during these days. Not only had he broken through to the Path Union Realm, but he had also gained deeper insights into the Ultimate Fist Intent through life and death, pushing his fist intent to perfection.

Now he was eager to test his fists on someone.

But what responded to Cao Youqian was complete silence. The surrounding wandering souls were no fools—they could clearly sense this terrifying fellow had reached an even higher level. Fighting him now would be like an old man eating arsenic—seeking death.

All their eyes turned to the white-bearded elder, their aggrieved expressions seeming to say: “This guy is your problem. You deal with him.”

Sigh...

The white-bearded elder let out a long sigh in his heart and slowly said, “Young man, since you’ve obtained the greatest treasure in the Underworld River, it’s time for you to leave.”

Cao Youqian wasn’t someone who would push his luck. Moreover, without this white-bearded elder, he wouldn’t have had the chance to gain so much in such a short time.

He turned and cupped his hands toward the elder. “Thank you, Senior, for helping me obtain a treasure of heaven and earth. Is there anything you would like me to do for you in return?”

The white-bearded elder was thrown off by Cao Youqian’s sudden polite demeanor. This brat’s sudden change in behavior made him feel a little unaccustomed.

He put on the airs of a worldly recluse and slowly said, “This was your destined opportunity. No need for thanks. Our fates end here—go your own way.”

Cao Youqian showed a look of regret and asked cautiously, “Then… is Junior truly leaving now?”

“…”

The white-bearded elder’s forehead was lined with exasperation. He said flatly, “What, do you expect me to summon an eight-man sedan to carry you out?”

“I’d be fine with that.”

Cao Youqian responded without the slightest hesitation.

???

The white-bearded elder was filled with question marks. Could this brat not tell he was speaking sarcastically?

Seeing the elder silent, Cao Youqian added, “Senior, it was just a joke—please don’t take offense. I actually meant to ask if you would be willing to come with me?”

The white-bearded elder shook his head. “No. I intend to spend what’s left of my years here in the Underworld River.”

“Since Senior has already made your decision, then this junior will take his leave.”

This time, Cao Youqian didn’t linger. With a leap, he flew upward toward the surface of the Underworld River.

Watching him go, the surrounding wandering souls finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After leaving the Underworld River, Cao Youqian retraced his path upward. One day later, he finally saw the long-lost earth again.

This trip to the Desolate Ancient City had indeed yielded great rewards.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, he suddenly sensed a powerful aura erupting from the royal courtyard like a volcanic explosion.

The entire palace shook violently.

“This aura… it’s Uncle-Master Marquis Yishan. Could it be that he’s breaking through to the Half-Saint Realm?”

Speaking aloud, Cao Youqian immediately flew in the direction of the aura’s eruption. Halfway there, he encountered his mount. When he saw the large tiger now at the Path Union Realm, he stepped forward and rubbed its head.

“Big Cat, looks like you’ve gained quite a bit too.”

Big Cat licked Cao Youqian’s palm and said, “It’s all thanks to Master for bringing me to such a treasure-rich land. That’s what gave me the chance to break through to the Path Union Realm.”

“At least you know how to speak properly. You know what to do now, right?” Cao Youqian said with a grin.

Big Cat immediately crouched down, looking up with a flattering expression. It was only short of saying, “Master, please mount.”

Without hesitation, Cao Youqian sat on its back.

With a single leap, Big Cat carried him to the gates of a palace residence. Just as the man and beast landed, Cao Youqian caught sight of Xiao Chen.

He jumped down and cupped his hands with a smile. “Senior Brother, it’s been a while.”

“Da Qian, long time no see. You’ve grown even stronger,” Xiao Chen replied with a warm smile.

Cao Youqian, already accustomed to Xiao Chen’s monstrous talent, laughed and said, “Not even close compared to you, Senior Brother.”

As the two chatted, a set of footsteps echoed from outside the palace…

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