There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 284 Even the ancestral tree is reluctant to part, amidst chaos and calamity.

"Sect Leader Chen, why are you leaving in such a hurry? Is there something our sect has neglected?"

Before Mu Changchun even arrived, his concerned voice came through the phone, his face showing just the right amount of regret and worry.

Chen Qing pressed down on his escape light, stood still in mid-air, and bowed to the newcomer, saying directly: "King Mu, it is an unruly guest who has come to my sect and injured my disciples. I, Chen, must return immediately to deal with it."

Upon hearing this, Mu Changchun's face showed regret, but he could not insist on keeping him. He could only sigh and say, "Since there are matters concerning the sect, it is naturally impossible to delay. Sect Leader Chen is a young talent, and the sect has boundless potential. He will surely have a bright future. Once this matter is settled, I will definitely send another invitation to invite the Sect Leader to come and visit. If the Sect Leader is preoccupied with worldly affairs, I will send someone to visit Mingxia Mountain. I hope the Sect Leader will not find it inconvenient at that time."

As he spoke, he changed the subject: "However, the journey is not short, and it would be inappropriate for the sect leader to travel alone. I have a few nephews and younger relatives who are quite skilled and clever. It would be better to have them accompany me. Firstly, they can serve as guards, and secondly, they can stay by the sect leader's side and broaden their horizons."

Chen Qing politely declined: "I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness, but a few clowns are not worth the trouble of your country's talents. I alone am sufficient."

Seeing this, Mu Changchun did not insist, but instead said, "Since that's the case, I won't force you. However, I have already ordered people to expedite the sorting and copying of those classic texts and catalogs that the sect leader entrusted to my daughter to look up. Since there are quite a few, they are inconvenient to carry. In a few days, I will have my daughter take people to Mingxia Mountain to visit and deliver them to you."

Chen Qing could not refuse this point any longer, and nodded, saying, "In that case, I will trouble Your Majesty and Princess."

"It's my duty." Mu Changchun stroked his beard and smiled, then seemed to remember something and said, "There is another matter that I need to discuss with the sect leader. Regarding that young master Yun Wuchen, after he woke up, he heard that it was the sect leader who saved him and suppressed the evil spirit in the ring. He insisted on following you to repay this kindness. I found his words to be sincere and not fake."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing was slightly surprised: "Follow me? Why is that? Logically speaking, I took away his opportunity and injured him."

Upon hearing this, Mu Changchun took two steps closer and lowered his voice, saying, "That Young Master Yun may seem like a rogue cultivator, but he actually possesses extraordinary luck and may have some background. He was used by someone this time and almost caused a great disaster. He must be feeling lingering fear. He wants to follow you, perhaps because he thinks that you, the sect leader, are incredibly powerful and can protect him. But I cannot inquire too much about the specific reasons."

Chen Qing immediately understood.

Yun Wuchen's ability to be chosen by the ring's will indicates his extraordinary luck. Furthermore, judging from the ring's origin, he might have a secret connection with the Demon Buddha Dao Fruit, making him a noteworthy clue. However, the risks involved are also considerable, requiring careful observation and avoiding making any obvious mistakes.

Having thought of this, Chen Qing made his decision and said, "I see. However, my journey is rushed and I have no time to think about anything else. If Young Master Yun really has this intention, we might as well let him go to Mingxia Mountain on his own. Once he arrives, we can decide whether to stay or leave."

Mu Changchun nodded and said, "Very well, I will pass this message on to him."

After chatting for a while, Mu Changchun reluctantly watched Chen Qing transform into a streak of light and disappear into the horizon.

He slowly withdrew his gaze and sighed, "This person is very likely the one mentioned in the prophecy. He has reached the Nascent Soul stage, yet he remains calm in the face of both honor and disgrace. If it weren't for this unexpected incident, he probably wouldn't have revealed himself! At such a young age, to have such cultivation, how many people like him could be found, let alone in this era, even if you search through the entire history?"

The people around them nodded in agreement.

Mu Changchun continued, “Now that the five elements are rotating, metal is in the top position. According to the past, Dongling will soon fall into chaos. If we can befriend such a person, it may bring a chance for our clan to rise from the ashes! Even if we cannot recruit him immediately, we should still establish good relations and plan for him slowly. Even if we have to pay a higher price, as long as we can maintain goodwill, we may see miraculous results when the time is right.”

He turned and instructed his attendant, "Pass down the order that all members of my Qingmu sect should treat Mingxia Mountain disciples with courtesy and respect if they encounter them in the future. If there are any items in the treasury that Headmaster Chen or his disciples need, they may be assisted as appropriate, as long as they do not involve the foundation of the state. In addition, regarding the matter that Headmaster Chen entrusted to investigate, have someone expedite the process, ensuring it is thorough and complete, and have Qingling personally deliver it."

"Yes, sir!" The attendant bowed, accepted the order, and hurried away.

Among the crowd seeing them off, Elder Mu Tengxin of the Vine Clan heard these words and his eyes flickered. When no one was paying attention, he silently retreated behind an ancient jade tree and made a communication talisman in his hand.

"Chen Qing of Mingxia Mountain has already left."

He activated the talisman to transmit his voice, but then added, "This person is unfathomable and no ordinary person. Considering the Fifth Prince's past courtesy to me, this news is a way of repaying the favor. However, to avoid causing trouble, please forgive me for not providing any further information about this person's movements."

He paused, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Moreover, this person is very likely to have reached the Nascent Soul level!"

"Don't worry, I won't bother the elders anymore. I'll also make things clear for His Highness."

On the other side, on a solitary peak.

A man dressed in fine clothes and with a heroic face stood amidst a patch of exotic flowers and rare herbs. He put away the talisman, took a step, and in a blur, appeared at the edge of a steep cliff.

"Nascent Soul? Ha! You're really getting worse with age, spouting such absurd words! The Azure Wood Spirit Kingdom was once the overlord of the Eastern Spirit Kingdom, how could they not know what a Nascent Soul means? It is an existence that has truly touched the threshold of the Great Dao, every move it makes affects the celestial phenomena, and its energy is in harmony with heaven and earth! In this day and age, the Heavenly Dao is clear and observes all directions. If a new Nascent Soul is born, the court's Heavenly Mirror will definitely sense it, and there is no way to hide it! If this Chen Qing is really a Nascent Soul, how could he still be unknown and living in a corner of Nanbin?"

He raised his head slightly and looked into the distance. In front of him was the vast area where the Azure Wood Spirit Kingdom met the outside world.

"The Spirit Kingdom has been hiding for a thousand years, and it is probably unaware of the changes in the world and the manifestation of the Great Dao."

He was a trusted general under the Fifth Prince, named Li Xuefeng. His cultivation had reached the seventh level of the Golden Core stage, and he was highly trusted by the Fifth Prince, who bestowed upon him a protective technique of the Nascent Soul level, as well as a spiritual shield magic weapon capable of withstanding three full-force attacks from a Nascent Soul cultivator! "Guards!"

The void behind Li Xuefeng rippled slightly, and two figures appeared, bowing respectfully:
"Greetings, Commander Li!"

Li Xuefeng did not turn around, still gazing in the direction of Qingmu Spirit Kingdom: "I just received news that Chen Qing of Mingxia Mountain has already left Qingmu Spirit Kingdom."

Upon hearing this, the ashen-faced cultivator on the left changed his expression slightly: "Commander, should we immediately send a message back to His Highness to request additional manpower to intercept him?"

The cultivator on the right carefully chose his words, speaking tactfully: "Commander, His Highness has repeatedly warned that Chen Qing of Mingxia Mountain, who was able to suppress Gong Zhen of the Heavenly Mystery Martial Arts Hall, is no ordinary person. His methods are unpredictable. His Highness only issued these orders after meeting with the Ancestor and obtaining his permission. I hope you will be cautious and not underestimate him. Furthermore, just in case, His Highness also..."

“If he were truly so easy to deal with, why would His Highness have sent me here?” Li Xuefeng slowly turned around, interrupting him, his tone turning cold: “Remember this, Chen Qing has never been the key! The reason I, the commander, have had to personally take action is twofold. First, this boy is ignorant and arrogant, daring to get too involved with someone His Highness has chosen. We must make an example of him to deter others and uphold His Highness’s authority! Second, this boy is highly regarded by that old man Mu Changchun. Taking him down is like holding a soft spot for the Qingmu Ling Kingdom, which will eliminate any hope they have and prevent them from going against our wishes regarding the marriage alliance!”

He paused, then narrowed his eyes: "You two are of lowly status and unaware of the crucial point. This marriage between His Highness and Qingmu concerns the grand plan for the future! Not only must we leverage Qingmu's remaining dynastic fortune to gain an advantage in the struggle for the throne, but we must also use the vitality of Yimu to harmonize and quell the chaos brought about by the rotation of the five elements, and stabilize the overall situation in Dongling! This matter cannot be lost! Any obstacles must be swept away with swift and decisive action!"

Upon hearing this, the sallow-faced cultivator immediately bowed and said, "Understood! I will arrange manpower immediately! Track their movements along the way!"

Li Xuefeng nodded slightly and said calmly, "Don't worry. Even a lion uses its full strength when hunting a rabbit. When Zhen faces Chen Qing, I, the commander, will not give him any chance. My attack will be thunderous to ensure absolute success! You can report this to His Highness and reassure him! As for other preparations, they are completely unnecessary!"

After saying this, he waved his hand.

The two men quickly retreated.

On the other side, Chen Qing rode his escape light and had just reached the border of the Green Wood Spirit Kingdom when the grass and trees on the ground suddenly moved without wind, and thousands of branches swayed, as if greeting him from afar.

A feeling of deep affection, closeness, and a touch of reluctance entered Chen Qing's heart with perfect clarity; it was the will of that majestic ancestral spirit tree.

Chen Qing was slightly taken aback, but then he understood. He stopped in mid-air, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the ancestral tree, and said loudly, "I will remember your kindness, senior. I will definitely come to bother you again when I have time in the future."

"Crash-"

Upon receiving his response, the vegetation across the mountains seemed to be instantly infused with boundless vitality, its branches and leaves unfurling and rustling, conveying a sense of joy and elation.

However, this joy lasted only a moment before it suddenly turned into anger!

"Ok?"

Chen Qing frowned, and before he could figure out the reason, a sudden change occurred!
Beyond the boundary, the once ordinary mountain ground suddenly trembled violently. Countless thick roots and tough vines burst forth from the soil, spreading and intertwining wildly like earth dragons, breaking through geographical boundaries and covering a distant mountain peak!

The green tide is surging and unstoppable!
"How could this be! We were discovered!"

From within the mountain peak came a panicked cry, followed by a streak of light that hastily rose up. It was the ashen-faced cultivator, his face filled with fear, sensing a tremendous threat, desperately urging his magic power to flee.

"Pfft! Pfft!"

With a few soft sounds, several emerald green vines coiled upwards like serpents, easily piercing through his protective aura with the support of a massive amount of Yi wood essence within them!

The sallow-faced cultivator trembled violently, and strange flowers and plants of various colors grew on his face and arms at a visible speed. He looked at the changes on his body in horror, let out a shrill scream, and tried to struggle, but as soon as he moved, his magic power was sucked out and rapidly dissipated. A few breaths later, he fell from the clouds like a bird with broken wings, his body wrapped in more and more vines, and he was silent.

Chen Qing watched from afar, and couldn't help but marvel at the power of this ancestral tree.

"You bastard Chen Qing! I haven't even made a move yet, and you dare to use the demonic wood to kill my spies!"

Just then, a furious shout exploded like a thunderclap!
Li Xuefeng, carrying immense momentum, strode through the air.

Without any unnecessary words, he raised his hand and slashed in mid-air towards Chen Qing's location!
"Blood Slaughter Spirit Slash!"

boom!
A crimson blade aura suddenly condensed across the sky, its power reaching the Nascent Soul level!
Where the blade's energy passed, space distorted slightly, and all the restless vegetation along the way was annihilated!

(End of this chapter)