Chapter 649 - 443: Rupture

The night was bleak, and the moonlight rippled like water, draping over the few figures high in the sky and painting them with a transient splendor.

Above the clouds, Bear Wind and Fang Qingyuan flew at the very front. Qiqi and the other three Golden Core Demon Beasts were a considerable distance behind them.

This was at Bear Wind’s instruction. There were some things he wanted to say to Fang Qingyuan alone.

"Actually, when Dabai first died, I was furious. But after thinking about it, my anger subsided a great deal. I’ve lived for over seventeen hundred years. I’ve seen so many of my children die before me. Sometimes, living too long is a form of suffering. This is fate, and even as a Nascent Soul Ancient Beast, there is nothing I can do.

This is the likely end for most of us demon beasts. We are either killed by other demon beasts or we die before our time. It’s rare to live to the end of a natural lifespan. In this regard, I envy you humans. At least you have ethics and laws. Your concept of family bonds is so much stronger than ours."

Fang Qingyuan didn’t understand why Bear Wind was suddenly saying these things. He felt that Bear Wind’s thoughts were like someone outside a fortress, imagining all the good things inside. But if he were to actually enter and live there, he would start to miss his former freedom.

"Brother Xiong, what’s all this about?"

Fang Qingyuan looked at Bear Wind in confusion. ’Saying such things at a time like this isn’t a good omen.’

"I’m just speaking from the heart, Fang Qingyuan. Meeting you has been a stroke of luck for us Bear Beasts. Recently, I’ve also learned about the ancient beasts who submitted to the Nascent Soul Cultivators of the Beast Taming Sect. Although they live well, they all have one thing in common: they’ve lost their freedom.

And now, I can feel it. My freedom has returned."

Bear Wind’s tone grew excited because at that moment, he had crossed the boundary between the Barbaric Wilderness and the White Mountain Territory, having arrived in the Barbaric Land.

Free from the suppression of the Celestial Essence Array within human territory, from this moment on, Bear Wind felt true freedom for the first time in over half a year.

Seeing Bear Wind’s reaction, Fang Qingyuan breathed a silent sigh of relief. ’This is the main reason I chose to deal with Hao Shi in the Barbaric Wilderness. Here, Bear Wind’s strength won’t be restricted. If Chunyu Hua’s side decides to turn on us, Bear Wind will be our greatest guarantee on this trip.’

’At the Mid-stage Nascent Soul Perfect Realm, Bear Wind’s combat power is so strong that Elder Ya alone is no match for him. As for the Nascent Soul Cultivators from Yue’e’s faction—neither Di Yuanpu nor Xiong Youde—they won’t get involved, thanks to my finding Tu Wuzhao. So, even if Chunyu Hua wants to turn on us, he’ll have to rely on his own Nascent Soul cultivators.’

’And now that I have leverage over Chunyu Hua, would he really, for the sake of a mere Golden Core Cultivator like Hao Shi, convince Elder Ya and at least two other Nascent Soul Cultivators to risk their lives and go to war with Bear Wind?’

"After this trip, I want to go to Qingfeng Mountain and see Jinbao’s mother. It’s been three hundred and sixty-four years. She’s been buried deep underground; I wonder how lonely she must be."

Listening to Bear Wind constantly setting up death flags, Fang Qingyuan’s expression almost cracked. He quickly stopped him. "It’s been over three hundred years; a little while longer won’t make a difference. Jinbao recently had a fortunate encounter and fell into a deep sleep. When he wakes up, he’ll probably be at the Golden Core Realm. It won’t be too late to go after Jinbao awakens. Then you can even let her see for herself the result of my hard work these past years."

Bear Wind nodded and finally stopped his ominous talk. Only then did Fang Qingyuan relax, signaling for Qiqi and the other Bear Beasts behind them to catch up as they flew at full speed toward the appointed location.

* * *

The water’s surface glittered and a mist began to rise. Moonlight spilled across the entire river, shimmering with a cold luster.

This was an island in the middle of the Lanjiang River. The islet was small and had little vegetation, so naturally, it didn’t attract any birds or beasts that fed on insects.

During the spring and summer, when the Lanjiang River’s tides were high, this river island would be submerged. It would only reappear during the dry season.

Hao Shi stood guard expressionlessly before the river island. Behind him, a luxurious traveling palace sat incongruously in this godforsaken place.

The traveling palace was built in an ancient style, simple yet grand. It looked rough on the surface, but upon closer inspection, every detail was meticulously crafted.

This was Chunyu Hua’s traveling palace. As a Divinity Transformation Descendant, he always had a flair for the dramatic. The Camel Beast carrying his palace was a tier-three, low-grade Mountain-covering Turtle Beast, considered to be at the Golden Core Demon Beast Level. It wasn’t skilled in combat and could only serve as a Transport Beast.

The traveling palace covered an area dozens of zhang in radius and was fully equipped with all sorts of facilities. Chunyu Hua was currently inside, drinking and making merry, while Hao Shi led a group of guards to stand watch outside.

Hearing the sounds of laughter and revelry from within, Hao Shi shook his head slightly. ’Ever since losing his duel with Fang Qingyuan, this Divinity Transformation Descendant, the Celestial Armor, has lost his balance.’

’He’s no longer ambitious and driven. Using the excuse that his injuries haven’t healed, he doesn’t cultivate or handle his affairs. Instead, he travels everywhere with a massive entourage, just sightseeing and seeking pleasure.’

But today, Chunyu Hua had chosen this place. Looking at the faintly familiar scenery, Hao Shi’s mind went back to this time last year. He remembered that spirited young man, now buried beneath this very ground. ’His bones have likely rotted away completely by now.’

"Lord Hao Shi, the Young Master summons you inside."

The call pulled Hao Shi from his memories and back to reality. He looked at the person who had arrived. The man was clad in armor, with a stiff posture and a sharp aura. His cultivation was also at the Golden Core Realm.