Watching the Mountain

Chapter 400: Chapter 214: The Academy

The moment Qin Yufeng spoke, Xu Ran sensed that something was wrong.

The cultivation environment of the Overseas Archipelago was already inferior to that of the mainland Cultivation Realm. The most fundamental reason for this was that the Dao’s principles were not manifest in the Overseas Archipelago.

Logically, they should have been the ones who most wanted the period of Dao Concealment to be extended. Instead, they were now actively accelerating it.

This was highly problematic.

’Why would they do this? Surely it can’t be because they’ve felt so aggrieved in an environment where the Dao’s principles are hidden that they’ve become bitter and just want to drag everyone down to the same level, right?’

”Do you know their objective?” Xu Ran asked Qin Yufeng.

Upon hearing Xu Ran’s question, a strange laugh came from Qin Yufeng through the Communication Jade Talisman. It was a mixture of sarcasm and self-mockery, a complex blend of various emotions.

”I may know many secrets, but the one thing I don’t understand is the human heart. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come to make a home for myself among the Demon Race, would I?”

A flicker of melancholy crossed Xu Ran’s eyes. ’So much time has passed. Qin Yufeng’s cultivation and strength have reached unfathomable heights, and he wields great authority among the Demon Race. Yet, he still hasn’t completely let go of what he suffered back in the Cultivation Realm.’

’Even though he says he won’t harm the Human Race, he probably can’t bring himself to love them, either, can he?’

Xu Ran shook his head and let out a soft breath, composing himself slightly before asking:

”Did no one stop them from doing this?”

Qin Yufeng replied in a calm tone, ”Fellow Daoist Xu, why do you think they chose this particular moment to act?”

Xu Ran’s expression shifted slightly. ”Could it be that the powerful experts have all entered the dust-covered state?”

Qin Yufeng gave an affirmative answer. ”After the Dao Concealment began, the Power of Heaven and Earth also started to decline. At this point in time, this world can no longer bear the weight of the powerful experts’ Dao.”

”By now, among the powerful experts from all sides, I can’t say all of them have entered the dust-covered state, but the vast majority certainly have.”

”Besides, since the Overseas Archipelago went ahead with this, they must have planned it in advance. It was a case of the prepared against the unprepared. Even if anyone wanted to stop them, it was already too late.”

After speaking, Qin Yufeng let out a soft chuckle and continued:

”But Fellow Daoist Xu, you need not worry. There was an agreement between all parties back then. Even if the Overseas Archipelago wants to stir up trouble, they won’t go too far. At the very least, the scenario you’re worried about—their experts pouring out in full force to invade the mainland Cultivation Realm—will definitely not happen. However...”

He paused briefly, then added meaningfully, ”As for anything else... that’s hard to say.”

Xu Ran frowned and sank into thought for a moment. Just as he was about to ask for more information, Qin Yufeng spoke first from the other side of the Communication Jade Talisman:

”Alright, the reason I contacted you this time, Fellow Daoist Xu, was to tell you about this matter. I would rather not hear news of some accident befalling you one day in the future.”

Qin Yufeng sounded extremely sincere. Then, his tone shifted as he added another sentence:

”Finally, regarding the suggestion I mentioned before—that we get together before you enter the dust-covered state—I hope you will give it some serious thought, Fellow Daoist. I truly want to see you, my old friend.”

After he finished, he cut off the communication without waiting for Xu Ran’s reply.

Xu Ran stared at the Communication Jade Talisman in his hand and fell silent. He could feel Qin Yufeng’s sincerity. In the past, while with the Demon Race, Qin Yufeng had not only quietly resolved a lingering problem for him and his disciple, Jiang Ling’er.

He would also inform Xu Ran whenever a major event occurred, so long as it didn’t interfere with his own plans.

A friend so open and sincere was truly touching.

But when faced with his proposal to meet, Xu Ran still found himself hesitating.

Under normal circumstances, he might have actually considered it. But now, he had become more afraid of death, more attached to his life, than ever before.

This was because he now had so many more people and things he cared about, and so much more that he needed to protect.

Especially now, having entered the Hidden Dao Era. For the long years to come, he would be the Mountain Guardian. He couldn’t afford any mishaps.

Thinking of this, Xu Ran sighed softly and shook his head, his expression complex.

’It seems I’ll have to disappoint Qin Yufeng’s warm invitation.’

Without further hesitation, he quickly sought out his martial nephew, Li Daoyi.

Just as Qin Yufeng had said, now that it was the 110th Year of the Hidden Dao Era, the vast majority of people had already entered the dust-covered state.

The same was true for the Profound Pure Sect. By now, of the Sect’s Supreme Elders, Peak Masters, and Elders, all but a small few who remained on duty had entered the dust-covered state.

Among the Nascent Soul True Monarchs within the Sect, aside from Zhang Zhentian, Shen Wuchen, and Ye Qingyue who were on a mission in the Overseas Archipelago, only Chen Chang’an and a Nascent Soul Middle Stage Supreme Elder from Guiyuan Peak had yet to enter the dust-covered state.

As for the rest, they were already dust-covered. For example, the former Sect Leader, Taihua True Monarch—the day after the Dust-Sealed Stones appeared, Senior Sister Yue found him in seclusion and had him enter the dust-covered state.

In truth, Taihua True Monarch had been unwilling. He felt that he didn’t have much lifespan left and that there was no need to waste a Dust-Sealed Stone on him. He would rather stay behind on duty.

However, Senior Sister Yue had said, ”If Master insists, then I may no longer be able to be your disciple.”

As soon as she said this, an emotional Taihua True Monarch snatched the Dust-Sealed Stone from Senior Sister Yue’s hand and, without another word, used it on himself.