I am in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have a demonic beast clone!

Your portable library contains more than ten thousand volumes.

Inside the secluded room, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

The complex glint in Zhou Ding's eyes, sparked by the name "Li Feiyu," had been perfectly concealed beneath a deep, still pool.

He remained calm as he listened to Feng San Niang continue her report.

Seeing that Zhou Ding had calmed down, Feng Sanniang felt somewhat relieved and quickly continued, "Reporting to the Elder, I have used all available channels to thoroughly investigate this person. Before coming to my Six-Linked Hall to apply for the position, this 'Li Feiyu' had almost no activity records in Kui Xing City or even the surrounding seas. It's as if he appeared out of thin air. He claims to be a rogue cultivator who has been cultivating in the dangerous areas on the edge of the outer sea for many years. Because he felt that he was about to break through, he needed to gather resources, which is why he stepped into the inner sea for the first time. Because of his solid cultivation, I took him into consideration."

"A hermit, entering the world for the first time..."

Zhou Ding nodded slightly, his face showing an "I see" expression, but he already understood everything in his heart.

This is so similar to Han Li's style of doing things!

They are cautious, discreet, and adept at concealing their origins. They only make brief appearances when they need resources, and once their goal is achieved, they immediately disappear without a trace.

Given this behavior, coupled with the alias "Li Feiyu," it's almost certain that this person is Han Li.

"It seems that I didn't destroy that ancient teleportation array that day. Han Li still managed to come to the Chaotic Star Sea through it after all." Zhou Ding thought to himself, a complex and inexplicable feeling passing through his mind once again.

Although the wheel of fate was deflected in many ways because of his appearance, some key trajectories still seemed to be stubbornly rolling in the predetermined direction.

Han Li, the protagonist of the original work, finally stepped onto the stage of the Chaotic Star Sea.

"Given Han Li's cautious nature, once he realized that the matter of the Infant Carp Beast might involve internal strife within the Six Palaces, or even attract the attention of higher levels, he would have already fled thousands of miles away. At this moment, he has probably already left the waters surrounding Kui Xing Island, and may even have changed his identity to continue his arduous cultivation and scheming in some unknown corner." Zhou Ding could almost imagine Han Li's whereabouts at this moment.

Trying to find him using Feng Sanniang's limited methods is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

However, this is also good, as it saves a lot of unnecessary trouble and potential entanglements.

"Deacon Feng."

Zhou Ding interrupted Feng Sanniang's report, his tone steady: "You've investigated this matter to this point, and the direction is basically correct. This 'Li Feiyu' is indeed highly suspicious. His sudden appearance and mysterious disappearance are too coincidental. He is very likely a spy, or someone sent by some force to gather information or even create chaos. However, judging from his cultivation level and style of operation, it is absolutely impossible for him to hunt down a level six infant carp beast alone. There must be another mastermind or accomplice behind him."

He paused, then gave Feng Sanniang clear instructions: "Your next investigation should focus on tracing 'Li Feiyu's' true identity, his recent activities in Kuixing City, who he has contacted, and... his possible whereabouts. At the same time, you cannot relax your investigation of other people who may know the truth. As for who killed the Infant Carp Beast, we'll leave that as a question for now; it might be the work of another force. In short, this matter needs to be investigated further, but we must not make a big fuss about it, lest we alert them or cause unnecessary panic."

"Yes! I understand! I will certainly follow the elder's instructions and investigate with all my might!"

Feng San Niang quickly bowed in response, her admiration for Zhou Ding's keen observation and clear thinking growing even stronger. She also breathed a sigh of relief, as the direction of her investigation had been confirmed.

"Okay, go ahead and get busy. Report back to me as soon as there's any progress." Zhou Ding waved his hand.

"This subordinate takes her leave." Feng Sanniang respectfully withdrew from the secret chamber.

After Feng San Niang left, Zhou Ding sat alone in the secret room, tapping his knuckles lightly on the table as he fell into deep thought.

Han Li's appearance was like a pebble thrown into a still lake, creating ripples that quickly subsided.

For him, confirming that Han Li had come to the Chaotic Star Sea was more of a sense of destiny, a feeling of "as expected," and a subtle expectation for the future.

However, Han Li's whereabouts are currently a mystery, and he has most likely fled far away, which has no direct impact on his current situation.

"The real priority is Miao Li's three-year agreement with that 'Grand Elder,' and the invisible threat posed by the Reverse Star Alliance." Zhou Ding's eyes sharpened and hardened again.

"We can't stay on Kui Xing Island any longer. We must find a suitable opportunity before the three-year deadline to leave quietly and completely escape the sight of the Six Palaces, especially the Reverse Star Alliance."

Once the thought of leaving became clear, it quickly took root in his mind and transformed into a concrete plan.

He did not linger at Baishuilou and quickly returned to Lingmu Peak.

Inside the cave, all restrictions were lifted, ensuring absolute privacy and security.

Zhou Ding summoned Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei to the quiet room.

"Ruyin, Xiaomei, there's something I need to discuss with you." Zhou Ding said solemnly, getting straight to the point.

Seeing his serious expression, Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei immediately composed themselves, sat up straight, and looked at him intently.

"We... may need to leave Kuixing Island," Zhou Ding said slowly, his voice steady but carrying an undeniable determination.

"leave?"

Xiaomei blinked, somewhat surprised but not panicked, and asked curiously, "Young Master, where are we going? Have we found some great place again?"

Xin Ruyin, however, was more perceptive. She keenly noticed an unusual seriousness in Zhou Ding's expression and asked softly, "Young Master Zhou, has something happened? Is it related to the recent events at the Six-Linked Palace?"

Zhou Ding nodded, neither concealing anything nor revealing the entire matter of the Reverse Star Alliance. He simplified the situation, saying, "It is indeed related to some internal strife within the Six Linked Halls. Due to my advancement in cultivation and handling affairs on Kui Xing Island, I may have inadvertently become embroiled in the power struggles among some high-level forces. Recently, the main hall has been exerting frequent pressure, and that Grand Elder even attempted to recruit me, demanding that I go to the Inner Sea headquarters within three years. Judging from his intentions, it is probably not a simple matter of appreciation, but more like... a form of control and coercion. If I go, I may find myself powerless; if I don't go, there may be future troubles. The best course of action now is to temporarily avoid the limelight and quietly leave."

He paused, then looked at Xin Ruyin, his gaze gentle yet firm: "Ruyin, Xiaomei, although this place is our established base built over many years, it is ultimately under the jurisdiction of the Six-Linked Palace. The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. For the long-term sake, and for our safety and freedom, leaving this place and finding another safe and secluded place to cultivate in peace might be the best choice. What do you... think?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Xin Ruyin reached out and gently grasped Zhou Ding's hand, her beautiful eyes filled with trust and determination: "Zhou Lang, wherever you are, I will be. Lingmu Peak may be beautiful, but without you, it is nothing but a desolate mountain. No matter what lies ahead, whether it be wind or rain, fortune or misfortune, I will walk with you."

Her voice was soft, yet firm as a rock, instantly soothing the last trace of uncertainty in Zhou Ding's heart caused by "leaving his hometown".

"Me too! Me too!"

Xiao Mei quickly raised her hand, eagerly declaring, her face full of seriousness, "Wherever the young master and young lady go, I'll go! We can take everything from Spirit Wood Peak, and we can rearrange the formation! With the young master and young lady here, anywhere is home!"

Seeing the two women's unwavering trust and support, Zhou Ding felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and a greater sense of responsibility. He squeezed Xin Ruyin's hand tightly, then ruffled Xiao Mei's hair, a relieved yet determined smile on his face: "Alright! Then let's go together! To a wider, safer place, more suitable for our cultivation and development!"

"Then... young master, where are we going?" Xiaomei couldn't help but ask, her eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation.

Zhou Ding had already thought it through, and slowly uttered three words: "Tian-xing-cheng".

"Tianxing City?!" Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei exclaimed in unison.

The name Tianxing City is known to everyone in the Chaotic Star Sea!

That is the undisputed absolute center of the Chaotic Star Sea, the location of the Star Palace headquarters, and the number one city in the cultivation world!

Its sheer size, the number of cultivators, and the abundance of resources far surpass those of medium-sized islands like Kui Xing Island.

It is said that the city is rich in spiritual energy, with shops lining the streets and markets, and high-level cultivators can be seen everywhere. It is a holy land that countless cultivators yearn for.

"Not bad, Tianxing City."

Zhou Ding nodded and explained, "Firstly, Tianxing City is the heart of the Star Palace, with strict rules, and ordinary forces dare not act recklessly within the city. The forces behind the Six-Linked Palace would never dare to openly infiltrate it, let alone conduct a large-scale search and pursuit. By hiding in Tianxing City, we are like fish in the sea, able to avoid the pursuit and threats from the Six-Linked Palace and any forces that may exist behind it to the greatest extent possible."

"Secondly, Tianxing City is a hub of resources. Whether it's acquiring the pills, materials, and cultivation techniques needed for cultivation, or selling some of our unused treasures for spirit stones, it's far more convenient and faster than on Kuixing Island. This will greatly benefit our future cultivation."

"Thirdly, Tianxing City is a melting pot of all sorts of people, and information flows extremely quickly. By hiding within it, we can avoid trouble and learn about the dynamics of all parties in the Chaotic Star Sea more quickly through various channels, obtaining all kinds of information we need, including... the situation of the outer star sea shown in the ancient map of 'Tianjing Sanren', which can also be reached through the teleportation array in Tianxing City."

Zhou Ding's analysis was clear and logical, with a strong distinction between advantages and disadvantages. Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei nodded repeatedly, their eyes filled with longing.

If one can go to Tianxing City, it will undoubtedly be like stepping into a wider world.

"However, living in Tianxing City is not easy, and the competition within the city is bound to be fierce, and prices are also high..." Xin Ruyin considered things more thoroughly.

"It's alright."

Zhou Ding smiled and said, "We have a considerable amount of savings and skills. Ruyin, your array formations, and Xiaomei, your talismans, are our means of survival. Moreover, I also have other things to rely on. As long as we act cautiously and cultivate discreetly, establishing ourselves in Tianxing City should not be a problem."

With the plan set, the three had a direction in mind and began to prepare separately.

……

Time flies, and half a year has passed quietly in the midst of intense and orderly preparations.

For the past six months, Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin have remained outwardly normal, keeping to themselves and occasionally handling routine matters of the Six-Linked Palace, as if everything were as before.

Secretly, they were making the most thorough preparations for their departure.

Xin Ruyin began to dismantle and recycle some important and difficult-to-replicate array cores and rare array flags and array plates on Lingmu Peak, especially the simplified array tools of the "Five Elements Absolute Kill Array" and some essential components of the "Inverted Five Elements Array".

Xiaomei then organized and packed up her collection of exquisite talismans, talisman paper, spirit ink, and other talisman-making artifacts accumulated over the years.

Zhou Ding, using his elder authority, through Feng San Niang, exchanged and purchased large quantities of spirit stones, as well as various pills, talismans, sea charts, and other supplies that might be needed for the long journey to Tianxing City, in batches from the Six-Linked Hall's warehouse and external channels under the guise of "refining pills" and "researching formations".

On this day, Zhou Ding came to Baishui Tower again, claiming that he needed to go into seclusion to refine an important pill and needed a large amount of auxiliary materials. He then took away the last batch of rare and valuable spiritual herbs and several kinds of uncommon minerals that he had already ordered from Feng Sanniang.

Looking at Feng Sanniang's respectful yet slightly weary appearance, Zhou Ding felt a mix of emotions.

This woman is quite capable and conscientious in her work, making her very easy to use, but unfortunately...

Before leaving, he casually took out a jade bottle and handed it to Feng Sanniang, saying gently, "Sanniang, you've worked hard these past six months to track down spies and stabilize the shop. This bottle of 'Heart-Clearing Jade Dew Pill' is somewhat effective in calming the mind and relieving fatigue. Please accept it and don't overwork yourself."

Feng Sanniang accepted the pill, feeling the lingering warmth of Zhou Ding's palm on the jade bottle. Hearing his concerned words, her heart warmed, and the pressure of the past few days seemed to lighten. She quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your consideration, Elder! I am unworthy of such kindness! It is my duty to share your burdens!"

"Well, do your job well. I... have high hopes for you." Zhou Ding patted her shoulder, leaving behind these meaningful words, before turning and leaving.

This can be considered his last act of kindness and a final thought for this "capable assistant".

It was already evening when we returned to Lingmu Peak. The afterglow of the setting sun draped the mountain peak in a golden veil, creating a serene and beautiful scene.

Zhou Ding, Xin Ruyin, and Xiao Mei conducted a final inspection of the cave dwelling, confirming that all valuable items that might reveal their identities had been properly packed away, leaving only some ordinary furniture and insignificant miscellaneous items inside.

As night deepened and the moon and stars faded, it was the perfect time to take action.

Zhou Ding waved his hand, destroying the core array eyes of all the protective and early warning arrays inside and outside the cave, making them appear as if they had naturally failed due to years of disrepair or exhaustion of energy, thus avoiding abnormal fluctuations in spiritual energy caused by sudden withdrawal of the arrays.

Then, with a thought, Xiao Jin's enormous body quietly appeared in the cave hall, but under Zhou Ding's control, its size had shrunk to a few feet long, just enough to accommodate three people.

"Let's go." Zhou Ding took Xin Ruyin's hand, helped Xiao Mei up, and lightly leaped onto Xiao Jin's broad and sturdy back. The dark golden scales on Xiao Jin's back were cool, yet gave people an incomparably reassuring sense of security.

Zhou Ding manipulated Xiao Jin to directly burrow underground.

This was the most crucial part of his plan. If he didn't fly away from the air, it would be too conspicuous and easily detected by the island's patrol or monitoring arrays.

Instead, he used Xiao Jin's earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of escape technique) to leave directly from deep underground!

Little Gold let out a low growl, its body swirling with dark golden demonic light, especially its four claws and parts of its abdominal scales, which emitted a strange earthy yellow glow.

It suddenly stood up on its hind legs and plunged its two front paws into the ground of the cave!

"Buzz—!"

There was no violent shaking, nor any loud noise.

The hard jade ground seemed to turn into soft mud under Xiao Jin's pair of sharp claws that gleamed with an earthy yellow light, silently parting to both sides to reveal a bottomless, deep cave entrance with a diameter of about ten feet.

The soil and rocks at the edge of the cave entrance solidified automatically, becoming exceptionally stable.

Xiao Jin, carrying the three of them, leaped into the cave. The instant their figures disappeared, the separated soil and rocks above silently closed up again, restoring everything to its original state without leaving even a crack, as if it had never been opened at all.

The cave was empty, with only the faint light of the luminous pearl reflecting traces of the past.

Deep underground, Xiao Jin was enveloped in a dense layer of earthy yellow demonic light, protecting Zhou Ding and the other two as well.

It moved like a fish swimming in water, traversing freely through the thick, dense rock strata at an astonishing speed, without causing the slightest fluctuation of spiritual energy.

This is the purest and most skillful earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of magic that can be used to escape from the earth), far surpassing ordinary earth-attribute spells.

They continued deeper underground, heading towards the deep sea beyond Kui Xing Island, and then traversed parallel paths. After diving underground for nearly half an hour and traveling almost a thousand miles away from Kui Xing Island, Xiao Jin finally changed direction and began to ascend.

"Splash!"

In a desolate and remote sea area far from all conventional shipping routes, the calm sea surface suddenly broke open, and a huge, dark golden creature carrying three people burst out of the sea, kicking up a spray of water, and then steadily hovered in the air.

"Splash!"

In a desolate and remote sea area far from all conventional shipping routes, the calm sea surface suddenly broke open, and a huge, dark golden creature carrying three people burst out of the sea, kicking up a spray of water, and then steadily hovered in the air.

The night wind was biting, carrying the salty, fishy smell unique to the sea.

Zhou Ding turned around and looked in the direction of Kui Xing Island, which had shrunk to a small black dot, his gaze complicated.

There, he spent the first twenty years after arriving in the Chaotic Star Sea, from Foundation Establishment to Core Formation, building the foundation of Spirit Wood Peak, and getting to know Miao Li, Feng San Niang, and others. He experienced the auction at Yunmeng Pavilion, gained many opportunities, and also sowed the seeds of crisis.

Now, all of that will be in the past.

Farewell, Kuixing Island.

Zhou Ding silently thought to himself, then his eyes hardened as he looked towards the endless, deep horizon where the sea and sky met in the south.

That place is in the center of the Chaotic Star Sea, in the direction of Tianxing City.

"Xiao Jin, full speed ahead! Destination—Tianxing City!"

"roar--!"

Xiao Jin let out a deep, powerful roar, and his dark golden demonic light surged, transforming into a huge golden streak that tore through the night sky and sped southward at a speed far exceeding that of any Core Formation cultivator!

As for Zhou Jin, Zhou Ding had no intention of taking him with him.

This artificial avatar allowed him to remain on Kui Xing Island as the deputy island master, which would not arouse the suspicion of the Six Palaces, and could also serve as an "eyes and ears" in the open and a possible "backup plan".

If needed in the future, or if any major changes occur on Kuixing Island, Zhou Jin may be able to play an unexpected role.