I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Zhou Yuan put away the spirit beast pouch, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

He had passed the first test he faced after transforming into the Gale Beast.

"Fellow Daoists, I've kept you waiting."

Zhou Yuan looked up at the cultivator surnamed Li and the red-robed elder still hovering in the air outside the great formation, and said loudly, "Since you're here, you're guests. Please come inside for a chat."

After saying that, he waved his hand and cast a spell. The light barrier of the array in front of him rippled slightly, revealing a passage that could only be passed by one person at a time.

The cultivator surnamed Li and the red-robed elder exchanged a glance, both seeing deep shock, envy, and even a hint of deeply hidden jealousy in each other's eyes.

That transformed Gale Beast was actually so tamed?

Faced with Zhou Yuan's order, it did not resist and willingly entered the spirit beast pouch.

This completely overturned their understanding of transforming spirit beasts!

It should be understood that even if a demon beast is placed under a restriction beforehand, it would rather die than be enslaved by a human cultivator.

Suppressing their turbulent thoughts, the two straightened their robes, transformed into streaks of light, and flew into the great formation through the passage, landing in front of Zhou Yuan.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou possesses extraordinary abilities, and you have successfully cultivated and tamed a transformed spirit beast. This has truly broadened our horizons. We are in awe!" The cultivator surnamed Li was the first to cup his hands, a smile plastered on his face, and his tone was filled with undisguised amazement.

"Excellent! A transformed spirit beast possesses unparalleled combat power. With its assistance, Fellow Daoist Zhou's strength has reached a new level. Congratulations!"

The old man in red robes quickly echoed, but his gaze kept drifting towards the spirit beast pouch at Zhou Yuan's waist. The greed deep in his eyes, though he tried his best to hide it, could not be completely concealed.

To have a loyal, transformed spirit beast!

This is extremely rare in the history of the cultivation world in Tiannan, and it is absolutely unique in the present day!

How could this not make people envious?

After chatting for a while, Zhou Yuan saw off the cultivator surnamed Li and the old man in red robes.

As the two figures disappeared into the horizon, the smile on Zhou Yuan's face slowly faded.

He raised his hand and tapped several hidden points on the walls of the meditation room, sending a series of spells into them.

Instantly, all the restrictions on Ling Shu Mountain were activated, and the entire mountain range seemed to be shrouded in a thick fog, making it even more difficult to see through.

Afterwards, Zhou Yuan put the Thunder Whale, Shadow Python, Sea Rhinoceros Beast, Earth-Splitting Turtle, and Silver Light Rat King into his spirit beast bag.

"Come with me."

Zhou Yuan said something to Mei Ning and then walked towards the secret chamber at the deepest part of the cave, which was covered with many restrictions.

Although Mei Ning had some doubts, she obediently didn't ask any more questions and silently followed.

In the center of the secret chamber, a teleportation array constructed from countless rare spiritual materials and covered with runes was quietly emitting a faint light.

Zhou Yuan checked the formation and confirmed that the energy was sufficient and the coordinates were correct.

"Stand in the center of the formation."

Zhou Yuan greeted Mei Ning.

The two stepped into the center of the teleportation array, one after the other.

Zhou Yuan made a hand seal with one hand, injecting a stream of pure magic power into the core of the array.

"Buzz—"

The teleportation array was activated instantly, and intricate runes lit up one after another. The white light grew brighter and brighter, completely engulfing the two figures.

A slight dizziness and a feeling of being pulled in space came over me, but it was gone in an instant.

When the white light faded, a familiar scene came into view—it was another stone chamber.

This is the teleportation chamber deep within Biling Island!

"Have we... arrived at the Chaotic Star Sea?"

Mei Ning was somewhat dazed. In just a moment, she had returned from the distant Tiannan Continent to Biling Island deep in the Chaotic Star Sea.

"Hmm." Zhou Yuan nodded and pushed open the stone door of the quiet room first.

As soon as the two stepped out of the teleportation room and into the main hall of the cave, they heard a series of hurried yet light footsteps.

"It's Brother Zhou back!" A clear and cheerful voice rang out; it was Yanli. Immediately afterward, Yuan Yao, Zi Ling, and Ouyang Qing emerged from their respective quiet rooms or passageways and gathered in the hall.

The three women were all dressed casually today. Yuan Yao wore a moon-white long dress, as cool and aloof as the moon; Yan Li wore a bright and lively pale yellow dress; and Zi Ling was still wearing her signature purple palace dress.

Ouyang Qing, dressed in a light green outfit, looked neat and tidy, and respectfully followed behind the three mistresses.

Four pairs of beautiful eyes fell on Zhou Yuan almost simultaneously, each filled with undisguised longing and joy.

But when they saw that Zhou Yuan was accompanied by a beautiful, gentle, and charming stranger, their gazes involuntarily paused for a moment.

The girls were all very clever, and they immediately understood what was going on, exchanging knowing glances with each other.

A knowing glint flashed in Yuan Yao's eyes, Yan Li blinked, and Zi Ling's lips curved into a meaningful smile.

Ouyang Qing, however, paused for a moment before obediently stepping forward and bowing gracefully to Mei Ning: "Disciple Ouyang Qing greets Master's Wife."

The word "Master's wife" made Mei Ning blush slightly, and she felt a little flustered, subconsciously looking at Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan nodded calmly to Ouyang Qing, which was taken as tacit agreement.

"This is Miss Mei Ning. From now on, we're family."

Zhou Yuan gave a brief introduction, speaking in a calm tone, as if he were talking about something perfectly natural.

Yuan Yao stepped forward first, took Mei Ning's hand, and said with a gentle smile, "Sister Mei Ning, you must be tired from your journey. Now that we're here, we're home. There's no need to be so formal."

Yanli also came over, curiously looking Mei Ning up and down, and said with a grin, "Little Mei Ning is so pretty, Brother Zhou has good taste!"

Zi Ling smiled and nodded in greeting, her manners impeccable.

Seeing that the "older sisters" were kind and did not reject her because of her sudden arrival, Mei Ning felt a little relieved and quickly returned the greeting, saying in a low voice, "Mei Ning greets the three older sisters. I am new here, so please take good care of me."

The atmosphere quickly became harmonious.

The girls surrounded Zhou Yuan, asking him all sorts of questions and sharing their stories of separation and longing. Zhou Yuan listened with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the girls, a look of relief appearing in his eyes.

The Yuan Yao and Yan Li sisters have both reached the late stage of Core Formation!

His aura was calm and steady, and his spiritual power was restrained, indicating that he had a very solid foundation and had not neglected his cultivation over the years.

Zi Ling has also broken through to the mid-stage of Core Formation, making rapid progress.

Even the youngest, Ouyang Qing, successfully condensed her golden core and entered the early stage of core formation. Her face showed less childishness and more composure.

"Very good, it seems none of you have been slacking off," Zhou Yuan praised.

"With the pills left by Brother Zhou and the excellent spiritual energy in this cave, wouldn't we be letting Brother Zhou down if we didn't work hard?" Yuan Yao said softly, her gaze fixed on Zhou Yuan's face, full of affection.

Yanli chattered on about the interesting things that had happened on Biling Island over the years, as well as their occasional experiences during their training trips.

Zi Ling occasionally added a few words, each one concise and to the point.

Ouyang Qing stood obediently to the side, pouring tea for everyone.

Mei Ning, being new to the place, listened quietly for a while before asking Yanli beside her:

"Sister Yanli, the spiritual energy in this cave is... how can it be so rich? Also, why are there so many high-grade spirit stones here?"

Upon hearing this, Yanli smiled smugly and replied telepathically, "Sister Mei Ning, this is no ordinary cave dwelling."

"Beneath our feet lies a massive, high-grade spirit stone mine! The entire Azure Spirit Island is essentially a spirit stone mountain! Brother Zhou is the master of this place!"

A high-grade spirit stone vein?!

Mei Ning was deeply shocked.

She finally understood why Senior Zhou could casually take out hundreds of thousands of spirit stones to buy Geng Essence, why he could raise so many powerful demonic beasts, and why cultivation resources seemed to never be in short supply...

It turns out that he possesses such a crazy source of wealth!

With such a senior, why worry about cultivation resources?

After a few days in the warm and harmonious atmosphere of the cave on Biling Island, Zhou Yuan distributed some pills and materials suitable for the women's cultivation and gave them some guidance on their cultivation.

That day, he found Mei Ning, who was learning how to care for spiritual herbs from Yuan Yao next to the herb garden in the cave.

"Mei Ning, it's been some time since you left the Chaotic Star Sea with me. Would you like to go back and see your brother, and let him know you're safe?"

Zhou Yuan asked.

He knew that Mei Ning had a deep relationship with her brother. When he took her away, her brother did not stop him, but his worry was evident.

Upon hearing this, Mei Ning paused, a hint of longing and hesitation flashing in her eyes, before finally nodding: "Yes... my brother must be very worried about me. Senior, I want to go back and see him, to tell him that I'm doing well."

"Okay, I'll go with you," Zhou Yuan said.

He led Mei Ning to another, more secluded stone chamber within the cave.

Here, there is also a teleportation array, but its structure is slightly different from the one that leads to Tiannan.

This array connects to an underground cave dwelling on a deserted island in the inner sea of ​​the Chaotic Star Sea, which possesses an ancient teleportation array.

The teleportation array was activated, and a flash of white light appeared.

When it reappeared, it was in an underground stone chamber on that desolate island.

Zhou Yuan carried Mei Ning out of the cave, determined the direction, and flew towards the small island where Mei Ning's brother was.

With Zhou Yuan's current speed, he arrived in less than half a day.

The island remained, and the cave dwelling occupying the small spiritual vein was still there. Zhou Yuan and Mei Ning activated their escape techniques and landed in front of the cave dwelling.

Mei Ning excitedly sent out a communication talisman.

Before long, the stone door of the cave suddenly opened, and the black-clad man with a blank expression and an aura at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage rushed out.

When he saw Mei Ning, who was unharmed and seemed to be even more vibrant than before, a rare look of excitement appeared on his stiff face.

"Sister!" His voice trembled slightly.

"Brother!" Mei Ning's eyes were slightly red as she quickly stepped forward.

The brother and sister's reunion was filled with both sorrow and joy.

Mei Ning's brother held his sister's hand, looked her up and down, and only breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that she was unharmed and that her cultivation had even improved.

When his gaze swept over Zhou Yuan, who stood with his hands behind his back, exuding a profound and awe-inspiring presence, he quickly released Mei Ning and respectfully bowed, saying, "Junior greets Senior! Thank you for taking care of my sister!"

Zhou Yuan nodded slightly: "No need for formalities."

Mei Ning pulled her brother aside and whispered about her experiences over the years.

Naturally, the dangers of the Netherworld and many of Zhou Yuan's secrets were concealed. It was only said that he had traveled and cultivated with Senior Zhou and had gained many opportunities. Now that everything was fine, he told his elder brother not to worry.

Mei Ning's brother nodded repeatedly, his eyes showing both relief and emotion.

He could tell that his sister had a rosy complexion, bright eyes, and solid cultivation, so she was obviously doing well. Moreover, she seemed to have a good relationship with that Senior Zhou... As her older brother, he knew the answer.

He was at ease as long as his sister was doing well.

"Sister, Senior Zhou is an exceptional individual. It is your good fortune to be able to follow him. You must serve him well, cultivate diligently, and not waste this opportunity."

The elder brother whispered his instructions.

"Brother, I know."

Mei Ning nodded vigorously, tears welling in her eyes. "You must take care of yourself and cultivate diligently. Take these pills and resources..."

She took out a storage bag that she had prepared beforehand and stuffed it into her brother's hand.

Inside were the spirit stones she had accumulated and some of the resources bestowed upon her by Zhou Yuan!

"This...!" The elder brother tried to refuse.

"Brother, please accept it. The senior has treated me very well, I don't need these things," Mei Ning insisted.

Mei Ning's brother couldn't refuse, so he had to accept it, and his gratitude towards Zhou Yuan deepened even further.

After a long conversation, it was time to say goodbye.

"Brother, take care!" Mei Ning said, waving goodbye with tears in her eyes.

"Sister, take care too! Be careful in everything you do!" The elder brother stood in front of the cave, watching the two of them leave.

Zhou Yuan nodded slightly to Mei Ning's elder brother, and casually tossed him a storage bag: "This is for you, cultivate diligently."

Having said that, he didn't linger any longer, rolled up Mei Ning, and transformed into a streak of light, soaring into the sky.

Mei Ning's brother instinctively caught the storage bag, and when he probed it with his divine sense, he was immediately stunned.

Inside were not only several bottles of precious pills for improving Foundation Establishment stage mana, several top-tier magic artifacts of superior quality, but also two ancient treasures that shone with spiritual light!

And a considerable number of mid-grade spirit stones!

The gift was far more valuable than he had imagined!

He gazed at the direction of the vanishing light on the horizon, remaining silent for a long time before finally bowing deeply to the ground.

Zhou Yuan sent Mei Ning back to Biling Island so that she could continue to spend time with Yuan Yao and the others.

He then returned to the Inland Sea via the island's teleportation array.

Having determined his direction, Zhou Yuan flew directly towards Tianxing City.

Tianxing City still stands majestically on the sea.

However, compared to many years ago, the city's defenses are significantly more robust.

On the city walls, the number of Star Palace cultivators patrolling had increased significantly, and each of them looked vigilant.

The checks for entering and leaving the city were much stricter, and the atmosphere was tense, with a sense of ongoing battle.

The war between the Star Palace and the Reverse Star Alliance is indeed still ongoing, and it seems to have entered a stalemate.

Neither side could gain the upper hand, but minor frictions and local conflicts never ceased.

Zhou Yuan concealed his aura and landed at the city gate.

The Star Palace monks in charge of the inspection arrived.

"Zhou Yuan? Is that the alchemist Zhou who was acquainted with Elder Xue Ye?"

A Core Formation cultivator who appeared to be a minor leader paused for a moment when he saw the name Zhou Yuan announced, and then became respectful.

Elder Xueye now holds a high position in the Star Palace, and naturally, no one dares to offend her friends easily.

"Exactly." Zhou Yuan nodded.

"So it's Senior Zhou! Elder Xueye had already given instructions that if you come, you can enter the city directly! Please, Senior!" The leader quickly made way, and the guards beside him also bowed.