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

"In that case, let's disperse!"

Zhou Yuan's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Like a gentle breeze brushing across a lake, yet every ripple feels the power it contains.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering gently in the sea breeze. His gaze swept calmly across the dark, monstrous army of demons opposite him, as if he were merely shooing away a swarm of insignificant mosquitoes and ants, rather than a terrifying force capable of destroying any island.

As Zhou Yuan finished speaking, the Suanni King gave him a deep look, his gaze filled with complex and unfathomable emotions—resentment, anger, humiliation, and apprehension.

There was also a sense of relief and liberation.

He remained silent for a moment, his lips moved slightly as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he said nothing.

He just sighed heavily, as if to expel all the pent-up emotions in his chest.

He cupped his hands in a final gesture of respect to Zhou Yuan, then abruptly turned around, waved his hand, and led the seventy-odd transformed demons behind him, as well as the boundless, tide-like army of demon beasts in the distance, away from this sea area in a grand and unrestrained manner, like the receding tide.

The soaring demonic aura gradually receded, and the oppressive feeling on the sea dissipated. The sky returned to clarity, and sunlight shone down, dispelling the gloom that had shrouded people's hearts for days.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, your contribution this time is truly monumental, opening up a foothold for the cultivators of Tiannan in the Star Sea. Such an achievement is worthy of being recorded in history and remembered for eternity!"

The Old Demon of Hehuan stepped forward and said to Zhou Yuan with a face full of admiration.

His tone was full of sincere praise, even tinged with heartfelt admiration.

He had lived for nearly a thousand years and had seen countless brilliant and talented people, but none could match Zhou Yuan's level.

"Yes, Fellow Daoist Zhou, if it weren't for you, we would probably have perished in the demon's belly long ago, let alone have such a vast sea area as our base. We really have no way to repay Fellow Daoist Zhou's great kindness!" Wei Wuyai echoed from the side, his eyes full of gratitude and admiration, even a little moist.

He knew that without Zhou Yuan, most of them would probably have become food for the monsters, let alone any future.

"You flatter me. As fellow human beings, it is only right that we help each other. This place has just been settled and everything needs to be rebuilt. There are still many things that you fellow cultivators need to do, so I will not stay any longer."

Zhou Yuan waved his hand, smiled modestly, and showed no arrogance or pride on his face, as if he had only done a trivial thing.

Afterwards, everyone returned to Origin Island together.

At this moment, Origin Island is bustling with activity, filled with lively voices and a vibrant atmosphere.

Tens of thousands of monks bustled about on the beach, along the city walls, and in the streets, their faces beaming with the joy of surviving a catastrophe and an irrepressible excitement.

Because the terrifying beast tide that lasted for most of the day, while bringing enormous threats and destruction to the island, also left behind unimaginable wealth.

Millions of low-level demonic beasts were killed, piling up like mountains. Most of them were demonic beasts that had reached level five or above and had condensed their demon cores.

Such a massive accumulation of demon cores is simply an astonishing treasure trove, its value immeasurable, enough to greatly enhance the overall strength of the entire Tiannan cultivator community.

Besides demon cores, the fur, bones, claws, fangs, and special organs of those demonic beasts are also excellent raw materials for refining magical artifacts, talismans, and pills, each of which is quite valuable.

It can be said that the gains from this battle were enough to make every cultivator on Origin Island rich, laying a solid foundation for their future cultivation and development.

Many cultivators have begun to spontaneously organize themselves and cooperate, with some responsible for extracting demon cores, some for peeling off fur, and some for arranging bones. They are busy and happy, and although it is hard work, everyone has a satisfied smile on their face.

When the Old Demon General Hehuan announced the results of the negotiations—that the sea area within a radius of 60 million miles centered on Origin Island would belong to the human race—to all the cultivators on the island, the entire Origin Island instantly erupted in excitement!

Cheers, shouts, laughter, and cries mingled together, soaring into the sky, even the clouds seemed to tremble in the fervent atmosphere.

Countless cultivators were moved to tears, bowing respectfully in the direction of Zhou Yuan, some even kneeling down to express their heartfelt gratitude and respect.

They knew that all of this was thanks to Zhou Yuan, a Daoist who looked far too young but possessed extraordinary abilities.

Without him, these people would probably have become food for monsters long ago, let alone have such a large home of their own.

As for the subsequent development and management of Origin Island, Zhou Yuan naturally wouldn't have much energy to interfere.

He doesn't have the time to worry about such trivial matters.

The three experienced and highly respected Nascent Soul cultivators, Hehuan Laomo, Zhiyang Shangren, and Wei Wuyai, would naturally handle these matters perfectly without him having to interfere.

Once the situation on the island was basically settled and everything was on track, Zhou Yuan planned to return to Tiannan.

He still has his own sect and ties in Tiannan, so it's impossible for him to stay overseas for long.

Before their departure, the Old Demon of Hehuan, the Venerable Master Zhiyang, Wei Wuyai, and others personally saw them off, escorting Zhou Yuan and the Old Monster of Tianhen all the way to the island where the teleportation array was located.

The sea breeze ruffled everyone's robes, and a faint salty smell filled the air. In the distance, the sea and sky merged into one, creating a magnificent scene.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou," the Old Demon of Hehuan suddenly spoke, his tone filled with emotion and solemnity, "In the near future, this place will surely develop into a prosperous human settlement comparable to the Inner Star Sea, becoming an important stronghold for our Tiannan cultivators overseas."

"Such an important sea area deserves a resounding name, so that future generations will remember the achievements of its creators. Fellow Daoist Zhou's merits are unparalleled, and he has given us a second chance. In my opinion, from now on, this human sea area shall be called 'Yuan Sea'! This will commemorate Fellow Daoist Zhou's unparalleled achievements, and let future cultivators know who conquered this sea area for them!"

Upon hearing this name, Zhou Yuan was slightly taken aback, momentarily lost in thought.

Yuan Hai... to name a vast sea after himself?

A complex mix of emotions welled up within him.

Looking back hundreds of years, he was just a minor cultivator who would do everything in his power for a few spirit stones. He traveled around to break through his cultivation level and find resources, experiencing countless hardships and dangers, and teetering on the edge of life and death many times.

Unexpectedly, several hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye, and he has already reached such a height that he can even have a vast sea area of ​​60 million square miles named after him.

This achievement was something he would never have dared to dream of before; it was like a dream come true.

"Let's go!"

Zhou Yuan came to his senses and a carefree and relieved smile appeared on his face.

Past glories are ultimately in the past; the road ahead is long, and there's no need to dwell on them too much.

He cupped his hands in a farewell gesture to the departing crowd and said, "After I return to Tiannan, it will take me about three years to complete the ultra-long-distance teleportation array connecting to Origin Island. At that time, traveling between the two places will be as easy as walking on flat ground. Fellow Daoists, until we meet again!"

After saying that, he and Tianhen Old Monster stepped onto the teleportation array leading to the Inner Star Sea.

A burst of intense and dazzling white light flashed, engulfing the two figures. The next moment, they vanished from the spot, as if they had never existed.

The next moment, they appeared on Teleportation Island Number One in the Inner Star Sea.

The surrounding environment was both familiar and strange. The air was filled with rich spiritual energy, and in the distance, one could see the escape lights of some Star Sea cultivators coming and going. Clearly, order here had gradually returned to normal.

After the teleportation was completed, Zhou Yuan did not hesitate and immediately took action to completely destroy the teleportation array on Teleportation Island Number One.

He channeled his magic power and struck down with his palm. With a loud bang and a cloud of dust and debris, the teleportation array that connected the two places was reduced to a pile of ruins.

After all, he had promised the cultivators of Xinghai that the cultivators of Tiannan would no longer have any contact with Xinghai. Destroying this teleportation array was a way of fulfilling his promise and completely severing the connection between the two places to avoid any unnecessary trouble or disputes in the future.

After doing all this, Zhou Yuan and Tianhen Old Monster rushed to a very secret teleportation array that had been left deep in the Inner Star Sea.

The teleportation array was located in an extremely well-hidden place. It was one of the backup plans that Zhou Yuan had left for himself in his early years, and it connected to his secret base in the outer sea—Biling Island.

Apart from himself and Yuan Yao, almost no one else knew about this route.

After a long journey and numerous transfers over half a month, Zhou Yuan finally returned to Biling Island safely.

After resting briefly on Biling Island and replenishing his supplies, he used the island's teleportation array to return directly to the Tiannan Continent and appeared within the Ascension Sect's headquarters.

"Zhou Lang, you're finally back!"

Yuan Yao had already sensed Zhou Yuan's presence through the sensing array left in the sect and immediately came to greet him.

She looked Zhou Yuan up and down carefully, her beautiful eyes full of concern. She even reached out to straighten his slightly disheveled clothes and asked softly:

"Did you get injured on this long journey? The Star Sea Demon Clan is powerful; I heard they have dozens of transformed Great Demons alone. Did you suffer any losses? Did you encounter any danger?"

"It's alright, I'm perfectly fine, not a single hair is missing." Zhou Yuan smiled and held Yuan Yao's soft hand, comforting her. "This battle was a great victory, and I've already reached an agreement with the Suanni King: the demon race will not be allowed to invade Yuanhai for a thousand years. You can rest assured."

"Yuanhai?" Yuan Yao was slightly taken aback upon hearing this unfamiliar term, a hint of doubt appearing in her eyes. She tilted her head and asked, "What kind of place is Yuanhai? I've never heard of this name before?"

Zhou Yuan then briefly recounted the entire journey, from arriving at Origin Island, to setting up defenses, fighting the beast tide, battling the Suanni King and the Golden Flood Dragon King, negotiating the cession of territory, and even the origins of the sea being named "Yuanhai." He explained everything clearly.

When asked about the sea being named "Yuanhai," he explained, "That was a name the cultivators there came up with on their own initiative. I couldn't very well refuse, so I let them have it."

"So that's how it is..." Yuan Yao's eyes shone with admiration after hearing this, and a bright and proud smile bloomed on her face. She said with a touch of pride and admiration, "Zhou Lang, you are destined to leave a lasting mark on this human realm! Single-handedly, you created a paradise for the survival and reproduction of all human cultivators. Such an achievement is rare throughout history! I am so proud of you!"

Zhou Yuan waved his hand, not taking the praise to heart.

He knew very well that these so-called fame and glory were only temporary things, like fleeting clouds, gone in an instant.

A thousand years later, ten thousand years later, after the world has changed and the world has become more and more complicated, who will remember you?

Just like the distant starry sea, it is said that many, many years ago, a group of cultivators with earth-shattering cultivation went overseas and led a group of cultivators to overcome all obstacles and establish the first human settlement area in the starry sea.

Their cultivation and achievements back then were probably far more illustrious than I am today.

For example, the legendary Ice Soul Fairy and others, that group of powerful figures not only helped the Star Sea cultivators establish themselves, but also refined peerless treasures like the Void Heaven Palace, leaving them in the Star Sea so that future generations of Star Sea cultivators could enter it every few hundred years and obtain a tremendous opportunity.

But after so many years, who still remembers them now?

Their names and their achievements have been lost in the long river of history, leaving only some vague legends.

Today, Xinghai is in a state of disarray, with each group fighting its own battles.

A century ago, the Star Palace, relying on its status as the overlord of the Star Sea, was arrogant and domineering, oppressing all other factions. However, after the upheaval in the Star Sea, it was powerless to suppress the other sects, leading to widespread rebellions and the emergence of the Reverse Star Alliance... plunging the entire Star Sea into chaos and causing immense suffering to its inhabitants...

The achievements and reputation of those ancient sages ultimately failed to withstand the test of time and were forgotten by later generations.

"By the way, Zhou Lang," Yuan Yao suddenly remembered something and reported, "Recently, people from various sects in Tiannan have been coming to request an audience with you. There are still several Nascent Soul elders from these sects waiting in our Ascension Sect's reception hall. They've been waiting for several days now. Do you think we should go and see them? They all seem very anxious."

"Let's go see them." Zhou Yuan nodded and straightened his clothes.

He knew in his heart that most of these people had come to him for help.

Because of the previous large-scale overseas teleportation, many elite disciples and elders in their sect were stranded overseas and have not been heard from since, their fate unknown. Naturally, these sect leaders were extremely anxious and restless.

Soon, Zhou Yuan arrived at the reception hall of the Ascension Sect.

The hall was spacious and bright, with elegant decorations. At this moment, twelve monks sat upright, patiently waiting.

Some were resting with their eyes closed, some were pacing back and forth, and some were talking in hushed tones, but a hint of anxiety and anticipation lingered in everyone's eyes. When Zhou Yuan walked in, everyone's eyes lit up, and they all stood up, their faces beaming with a mixture of surprise and joy, as if they had seen a savior.

Among them were Ancestor Yunlu of the Hehuan Sect, Daoist Fufeng of the Taizhen Sect, Wei Xian of the Huayi Sect, and Nascent Soul stage Daoists from several other sects.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you're finally back! We've been waiting for you for so long!"

Ancestor Yunlu was the first to approach, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke urgently, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, my senior brother Hehuan from our sect went overseas some time ago and we haven't heard from him since. We are worried about him day and night, not knowing whether he is alive or dead, or where he is! We beg Fellow Daoist Zhou to please tell us!"

"Yes, Fellow Daoist Zhou!" Wei Xian of the Huayi Sect hurriedly interjected, his face full of anxiety. "My ancestor, Wei Wuyai, also went overseas and has lost contact with us as well. We are truly unable to eat or sleep in peace. We beg Fellow Daoist Zhou to lend a helping hand for the sake of fellow Daoists!"

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, Senior Brother Zhiyang, he..."

Master Fufeng asked anxiously, his voice choking as he spoke.

"Everyone, please be patient!"

Zhou Yuan raised his hand, signaling everyone to quiet down and interrupting their cacophony of questions. "I already know all about these things!"

Zhou Yuan looked around, his gaze sweeping over the anxious faces of everyone, and said loudly, "Everyone, there is no need to worry."

"Those fellow Daoists are all safe and sound, and have not encountered any misfortune. Presumably, each of your sects should have kept their soul lamps. As long as the soul lamps are not extinguished, you can know that they are still alive. You should know this better than I do."

Zhou Yuan briefly recounted the experiences and encounters of the Tiannan cultivators overseas during this period, from their teleportation to the outer sea, to how they established themselves on Origin Island, how they faced the siege of the demon race, and finally how they defeated the demon race and gained a foothold with his and Tianhen Old Monster's help.

He told them that those people were now in a sea area called "Yuanhai" overseas, where they were very safe and had established themselves, acquiring large tracts of land for development and living very well.

"Thank you for informing us, Fellow Daoist Zhou! Now we can rest assured!"

Upon hearing the news that their ancestor and fellow disciples were safe and sound, and had even established a foothold overseas, the twelve Nascent Soul elders present all breathed a sigh of relief. A huge weight had been lifted from their hearts, and they all expressed their gratitude to Zhou Yuan, their faces showing relieved smiles.

"Please don't stand on ceremony, everyone." Zhou Yuan waved his hand and continued, "Soon, I will select a suitable location in Tiannan to build an ultra-long-range teleportation array."

"Once this teleportation array is completed, cultivators from Tiannan will be able to directly teleport to the Yuanhai Sea in the ocean."

"At that time, travel between the two places will be unimpeded, and it will only take a moment for you to reunite with your fellow disciples who are stranded overseas. You just need to wait patiently for a while."