Chapter 284

Chapter 283

After resting for the night, they left the inn the next day and inquired around the city, quickly figuring out where they were.

The continent they were on was called "Primordial Continent," and the cultivation city they had arrived in was Tianzhen City, a city of the Tianzhen Alliance located on the Primordial Continent, renowned for its continental teleportation array controlled by the alliance.

Ning Yuzhou spread out the sea chart, and Wen Qiao and Su Molan leaned over to find the location of the Primordial Continent.

Su Xing and Wen Guangun sat at the table, also leaning in to look.

Pei Qiyu saw them gathered around a map and slowly walked over. When he saw the sea chart on the table, his expression slightly tightened.

"This is..."

Ning Yuzhou said, "A sea chart from the lower realm."

"Where did you get it?"

"From the collection of the Star Map Valley."

Pei Qiyu couldn't help but look at Su Molan, who was carefully studying the sea chart. The ancient characters used as markers made it difficult for her to decipher, guessing and fumbling along.

Perhaps due to his direct gaze, Su Molan looked up at him. Her eyes were like a pool of autumn water, shimmering with life, easily attracting the attention of male cultivators.

Pei Qiyu could see through this pair of autumn-water eyes and discern the emotions hidden within.

At this moment, she was simply asking if he had any questions.

"Where did the Star Map Valley obtain this sea chart?"

"I don't know," Su Molan answered straightforwardly. "It might have been obtained by our ancestors from somewhere."

Hearing this, Pei Qiyu didn't ask further.

"The Primordial Continent is here," Ning Yuzhou pointed to a marker in the center of the sea chart. His slender finger moved across the chart to the edge. "The Star Map Valley is here."

Su Molan and Su Xing both showed puzzled expressions.

"Why is the Primordial Continent in the center of the sea chart, while the Pleiades Continent is at the edge?" Su Molan was quite confused.

"Could it be that the person who drew the sea chart favored the Primordial Continent, placing the Pleiades Continent and others at the edges?" Su Xing also speculated wildly.

It wasn't unreasonable for them to think this way, given that the lower realm was vast ocean, with all continents scattered across the endless sea, surrounded by water, making communication extremely difficult. No one knew how wide the endless sea was, and they couldn't even be sure if this sea chart encompassed all the continents and seas of the lower realm.

Wen Qiao, however, said, "Could it be that the Primordial Continent is indeed at the center of the endless sea?"

Is it possible?

Everyone's eyes showed contemplation.

At this moment, Ning Yuzhou added, "Regardless of whether it's true or not, I do have an idea."

Everyone looked up at him. Wen Guangun, holding a piece of purple jade bamboo, enthusiastically grunted in support, as if cheering Ning Yuzhou on to continue speaking.

Pei Qiyu's eyes twitched slightly, finding the little beast rather unambitious, fawning so much over a cultivator.

"We can divide the continents marked on this sea chart into different tiers. The Primordial Continent, being at the center, would be considered a high-level continent in the lower realm. Such high-level continents would certainly not lack cultivators at the Origin Sage realm. The surrounding continents would be mid-level, and those at the edges would be low-level. These low-level continents, in terms of spiritual energy, inheritance, and cultivators' cultivation levels, cannot compare to high-level continents, making it extremely difficult to produce Origin Sage realm cultivators."

With Ning Yuzhou's analysis, everyone suddenly understood.

"So that's why," Su Molan softly said, "No wonder the Pleiades Continent and the Holy Martial Continent don't have Origin Sage realm cultivators..."

Wen Qiao remarked, "We've come such a long way."

Traveling from the Pleiades Continent to the Primordial Continent via teleportation array, the distance seemed quite far on the map. Without the teleportation array, it might take decades or even centuries to cross.

They hadn't expected the teleportation array of the Pleiades Continent to connect to the Primordial Continent, which was fortunate, allowing them to sneak through without the Tianzhen Alliance noticing their unauthorized entry.

Ning Yuzhou summarized, "The higher the level of the continent, the more opportunities there are. There might be many hidden divine artifacts, which could be your chance."

Pei Qiyu listened to their discussion without saying a word. Hearing Ning Yuzhou's words, he couldn't help but look at him.

Su Molan's eyes sparkled.

One reason she decided to leave the Pleiades Continent with them was to avoid the schemes of the four major families. Another was to quickly repair the Star Map. If there were divine artifacts on this continent that could help repair the Star Map, it would be even better.

"Ning brother, really?" Su Xing happily clung to Ning Yuzhou's shoulder, excitedly asking.

Ning Yuzhou calmly responded, "Once we familiarize ourselves with the Primordial Continent, we can inquire about divine artifacts. Given the situation on the Primordial Continent, there should be relevant information."

Su Xing nodded happily.

Then, they continued examining the sea chart.

Ning Yuzhou pointed to the location of the Primordial Continent and some nearby continents. "According to the information we gathered, there are six continents that interact with the Primordial Continent: Wheel Continent, Pangu Continent, Soul Beast Continent... Look at these six continents; they are not far apart, and their continental teleportation arrays are intact, allowing for mutual interaction..."

Following Ning Yuzhou's guidance, everyone saw that these six continents were indeed very close to the Primordial Continent, forming a cluster at the center of the sea chart, seemingly excluding other continents.

"It does resemble a high-level continent," Wen Qiao muttered. "But we still need to see it for ourselves."

Su Molan silently nodded, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, especially when thinking about the Pleiades Continent being at the edge and always facing the danger of destruction. In contrast, the other continents were well-positioned and thriving.

In comparison, the Pleiades Continent seemed like an abandoned child.

Of course, this was just her perception. The reality couldn't be determined solely based on a sea chart.

After finishing their examination of the sea chart, Ning Yuzhou put it away and discussed their next plan.

Ning Yuzhou said, "Tianzhen City is under the control of the Tianzhen Alliance, and the information we can gather here is limited. I think it's best for us to go to a place with more reliable information."

Su Molan's heart stirred as she listened.

The Tianzhen Alliance, due to controlling several continental teleportation arrays, exudes an air of superiority among cultivators. No matter who the cultivator is, they seem to be a notch below in their presence. Dealing with such a force is indeed frustrating and yields little information.

Even if Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao wanted to find a continental teleportation array back to Shengwu Continent, it doesn't mean the Tianzhen Alliance would help. If they attract the attention of the alliance, it might even bring trouble.

At this moment, Pei Qiyu, who had been silent all along, spoke slowly, "Getting more accurate information is actually quite easy."

Everyone turned to look at him.

Ning Yuzhou said warmly, "I wonder what insights Young Master Pei has?"

"No high insights, but if you trust me, I can handle gathering information." Pei Qiyu spoke, looking straight into Ning Yuzhou's eyes.

He was a demonic cultivator, once considered a prodigy by the leader of the Demon Sky Sect and even promoted to hall master exceptionally.

To be so highly regarded by the leader of the Demon Sky Sect shows Pei Qiyu's abilities and means.

Demonic cultivators' methods are more mysterious and unpredictable than those of righteous cultivators. Especially after awakening some memories from his demonic seed, Pei Qiyu's temperament and methods have improved. Not to mention he possesses the Heaven-controlling Mirror and practices the illusion technique "Mirage Moon and Water," making him a formidable opponent for ordinary Yuanzong realm cultivators.

Su Molan quickly thought about Pei Qiyu's past. Even though she trusted him, she did not make a decision on her own but looked at Ning Yuzhou, waiting for him to decide.

Pei Qiyu felt a surge of frustration when he noticed her reaction.

Ning Yuzhou said, "Alright, I'll leave it to you. I trust you."

Pei Qiyu did not feel happy because of his trust; instead, his face turned sour.

**

When they returned to the neighboring room, Su Molan worriedly asked, "Young Master Pei, are you feeling unwell?"

Pei Qiyu: "...No."

But Su Molan did not believe him. She observed him for a long time, and when his expression grew darker, she finally said, "Your injuries haven't healed yet. If you feel uncomfortable, please tell me."

Pei Qiyu hummed in acknowledgment. He took out a small mirror and gently caressed its surface with his fingers.

It was a palm-sized mirror with a dull-colored surface, as if stained with a layer of dark red blood, giving off an ominous feeling. The edges were adorned with intricate patterns that, despite their exquisite appearance, seemed twisted and evil, forming skulls.

Su Molan glanced at it for a while before quickly turning away, feeling that the mirror was truly sinister.

Just then, Pei Qiyu said, "This is the Heaven-controlling Mirror."

Su Molan: "...Oh."

"Are you not curious about its origins?" Pei Qiyu asked.

"Isn't it a demonic artifact?" Su Molan calmly replied, "Since Young Master Ning didn't say anything, it must be useful. By the way, can it really hide your identity?"

Pei Qiyu knew what she meant, and the corner of his mouth curled into an evil smile, "Don't worry, disguising as a spirit cultivator is no problem. As long as we don't encounter any tough opponents, it shouldn't be too easy to expose me."

Since ancient times, the righteous and demonic paths have been irreconcilable. Pei Qiyu knew that if his identity as a demonic cultivator were exposed, the consequences would be severe, potentially endangering those around him, forcing them to part ways.

He absolutely could not allow that to happen!

Su Molan, seeing him suddenly transform from a gloomy youth into a demonic figure, gained a new understanding of his demonic seed identity. She stiffly turned away her gaze.

Pei Qiyu noticed her reaction, and his smile froze, his expression becoming even gloomier.

Su Xing, who had just returned from the neighboring room, was once again frightened by the strange atmosphere and decided to hide with Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao, since he enjoyed staying with Wen Qiao anyway.

Ning Yuzhou, however, wanted to chase him away, finding this spirit less perceptive than Wen Tutu and the others.

"What's wrong?" Wen Qiao asked.

Su Xing pouted, "Those two have a weird atmosphere, especially that demonic seed..." Suddenly, he remembered something and couldn't help asking, "Sister Wen, are you going to part ways with Lanlan soon?"

Wen Qiao nodded, "Yes, if there are no unexpected developments, Miss Su and Young Master Pei will stay on Primordial Continent, while we return to Shengwu Continent."

This was an unspoken agreement. Su Molan had her responsibilities, and they had theirs. After arriving in the new continent together, they could not stay together forever.

Once they found a way back to Shengwu Continent, they would leave Primordial Continent.

Su Xing felt somewhat aggrieved and clung to her side, unwilling to part from her.

When Wen Qiao went to bed, the reluctant Su Xing also squeezed onto the bed.

Ning Yuzhou: "...You and Wen Guangun sleep on the floor."

Su Xing: "Why? I'm small and don't take up much space!"

"No means no. There can't be a third party between A Chui and me! Especially in bed, having two obstacles is unacceptable." Ning Yuzhou insisted firmly.

Su Xing and Wen Guangun, treated as obstacles in bed: "..."

Wen Guangun automatically crawled to the carpet laid beside the bed, humming a few times to comfort Su Xing, telling him that he would have to get used to this. He wouldn't be able to squeeze onto the bed, but sharing the floor would be fine.

***

After resting in Tianzhen City for two days, they decided to leave.

When they went to check out, they encountered the five people again.

The young man named Bai Li enthusiastically greeted them and curiously asked, "Are you leaving today as well?"

"Yes," Ning Yuzhou responded warmly, his demeanor gentle and amiable, instantly endearing him to others.

Bai Li indeed felt a great deal of goodwill towards him and smiled, saying, "Which continent are you from? Did you come to Primordial Continent for... that reason?"

Which one is it?

Seeing the mysterious look on the young man named Bai Li, Wen Qiao and Su Molan both felt puzzled.

Ning Yuzhou, however, responded naturally, lowering his voice, "Though not exactly, it's close."

Wen Qiao and Su Molan: "..."

The young man named Bai Li’s eyes lit up slightly. Just as he was about to say something, his companion called out, "Junior Brother Bai Li, let's go."

Bai Li quickly responded and waved goodbye to Ning Yuzhou and the others before jogging to catch up with the person in front. They could still hear a male cultivator gently scolding Bai Li.

"Junior Brother Bai Li, don't talk to strangers so easily. Be careful you don't run into..."

"It's fine; they seem nice."

"You can never truly know someone! Junior Brother Bai Li, you need to change this habit. You haven’t met many people before, and not everyone is good..."

"..."

The four of them listened silently, knowing full well that the senior brother was intentionally saying this for their benefit.

A hint of mockery appeared on Pei Qiyu’s face. He thought these so-called spirit cultivators enjoyed such indirect criticism, something Su Molan had experienced plenty of times before.

Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao didn’t take it to heart. The young man named Bai Li was easy to read—a sheltered youth who hadn’t learned the dangers of human nature. It was likely that his personality had caused him trouble in the past, but he hadn’t learned from it.

After checking out of their inn room, they left Tianzhen City.

Upon leaving Tianzhen City, Ning Yuzhou summoned the flying boat, and the four of them leaped aboard, heading towards a nearby cultivation city.

"The nearest city to Tianzhen City is Seven Stars City," said Pei Qiyu. "Seven Stars City is an affiliated city of the Seven Soul Sect. The Seven Soul Sect has a high reputation on the Primordial Continent and ranks among the top ten in terms of strength, though it’s at the bottom of that list. However, I believe the Seven Soul Sect has more profound roots than the other nine factions. It might be a sect passed down from ancient times..."

Listening to Pei Qiyu speak confidently, Wen Qiao, Su Molan, Su Xing, and Wen Guangun couldn’t help but stare at him.

How long had it been? This man had already gathered a general understanding of the forces on the Primordial Continent. Indeed, he was skilled at gathering information.

Pei Qiyu calmly accepted their scrutiny, his gaze falling on Ning Yuzhou. Despite appearing indifferent, he knew his own situation well.

Among the people here, Ning Yuzhou was the one he feared the most.

This person’s methods were more terrifying than he had imagined. Though he seemed calm and collected, he was not to be underestimated. Seeing how Su Molan was completely convinced by his charm, one could tell the extent of his skills.

Ning Yuzhou said, "Since you recommend the Seven Soul Sect, let's go to Seven Stars City."

Pei Qiyu wasn’t pleased that his suggestion was accepted, continuing, "Also, those five people earlier—there seems to be something strange about them and where they’re going."

In other words: Those five people can be observed. If they show any unusual behavior, we can follow them and share in the benefits!

Everyone: "...” Truly, a demon cultivator’s thoughts are straightforward indeed.

Ning Yuzhou nodded: "Mm, if we encounter them next time, take note."

The flying boat traveled for nearly ten days before finally arriving at Seven Stars City.