Chapter 70: Day Before Departure

As the buzz of recent news swept through the city like wildfire, an even bigger announcement rocked its very foundations: the Obsidian Waterfall Realm was scheduled to open earlier than expected. In just one and a half months, the teleportation formation leading to the realm would be activated, thanks to the combined efforts of all six cities. The last time the mysterious realm had opened was a thousand years ago, and its legend ran deep.

It was said that the Obsidian Waterfall Realm had broken off from the upper realms millions of years ago. When it first appeared in the Obsidian Woodlands, it sparked a fierce battle among the top cities, resulting in untold bloodshed. Eventually, an agreement was reached—one that allowed each city to claim a number of spots for their younger generation to explore the realm. The stipulation was not out of mercy but necessity, as the realm's entry was limited to those under a certain age and cultivation level.

By the time Jiang Feng returned to the Lin Courtyard, the news was already the talk of the villagers. Groups gathered in animated discussion, not only about the Obsidian Waterfall Realm but also about Jiang Feng himself, who had become part of the local gossip. Shaking his head at the chatter, he headed straight for the main hall to report his upcoming departure to the East Wall to Lin Moyi.

Pushing the doors open, he found Lin Moyi seated at the center of the hall. Across from him sat Zhen Chen, enjoying a cup of tea while conversing with Lin Rou, who now wore the standard silver armor of the Situ Army. Jiang Feng's gaze lingered on Lin Rou for a moment, his senses sharpening. The change in Lin Rou's cultivation was unmistakable. Not only had he broken through, but it was clear he had advanced significantly.

"Essence Condensation... the eighth stage," Jiang Feng noted internally, his eyes narrowing slightly. The Situ Army's resources were evidently abundant, far more than the limited supplies available in the old Lin Village. Lin Rou's talent for cultivation had always been apparent, but he'd been held back by his surroundings. Now, as a member of Northern Moon City's Situ Army, Lin Rou earned 12,000 low-grade spirit stones monthly and had access to the army's advanced cultivation techniques.

Lin Moyi, noticing Jiang Feng's presence, gestured for him to approach. He spoke warmly, "Lin Rou's recent progress has brought him recognition. Because of his and my breakthrough and the power it adds to Northern Moon City, our family's influence has grown. We're not exempt from taxes, of course," he added with a chuckle.

Jiang Feng approached Lin Rou and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. Despite the age gap, the two shared a bond, their similar personalities forming the foundation of their friendship. "It's been a while. How are you?" Jiang Feng asked, his tone light.

Lin Rou smiled in return. "Not bad. The army life is strict, but rewarding." His gaze shifted curiously. "And you? I heard you're working at a blacksmith shop."

Jiang Feng nodded. "Yes, for now. I've been learning the trade, picking up where I left off."

Lin Moyi cut into their exchange, his tone more serious. "I also heard you had another encounter with Bia Zhen. A rather... heavy-handed one, if the rumors are true." At this, Zhen Chen's lips curled into a knowing smile.

Jiang Feng shrugged, offering an apologetic grin. "He asked for it."

Lin Moyi sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Be careful. The Bia Clan is known for being unreasonable. They may not let this go."

The conversation shifted as Zhen Chen placed a sealed scroll on the table before Lin Moyi. He took a sip of his tea before speaking, his voice calm but filled with intrigue. "Jiang Feng, you're fortunate. Thanks to Lin Moyi's breakthrough into the Nascent Soul Realm, he has been allocated a spot in the Obsidian Waterfall Realm, which he intends to give to you. You should begin preparing. One and a half months will pass quickly."

The announcement left the room in silence for a moment. The Obsidian Waterfall Realm was shrouded in mystery, even to those who had studied it. Though it had been explored for centuries, vast portions of its expanse remained uncharted. Every opening brought new dangers—and new treasures.

Jiang Feng frowned slightly. While he'd heard of the realm through gossip, he had little understanding of its true nature or purpose. Moreover, he had already promised Yumo that he would accompany him to the Eastern Wall for a month-long project. The Eternal Flame Codex itself had urged him to take on this task as well.

"Uncle Chen," Jiang Feng began carefully, "about that... I promised Yumo I'd head to the Eastern Wall with him tomorrow. We have a project to complete that will take a month."

Zhen Chen paused, studying Jiang Feng thoughtfully, but said nothing for the moment, leaving the weight of the decision hanging in the air. Then he turned to Lin Moyi who chose to stay silent.

Zhen Chen turned back to Jiang Feng, his expression serious. "You are aware of the dangers posed to the Eastern Wall, correct?"

Jiang Feng nodded after recalling Yumo's words. The beast wave and the reports of increasing threats had been at the forefront of their discussions.

"Well," Zhen Chen said, his tone serious, "it might not be a bad thing for you to go. You'll get some training in, but you must also be aware—you could die if you're not careful. The Obsidian Waterfall Realm has its own dangers too, but if you manage your time wisely—working during the day and cultivating at night—you might return stronger for both challenges."

He took another sip of tea, his demeanor calm but his eyes sharp. It was clear he had weighed the risks carefully. Reaching into his sleeve, he retrieved a second scroll. Unsealing it, Zhen Chen unfurled a series of reports, a mix of his own observations and intelligence gathered by scouts. The parchment was dense with handwritten notes and rough maps marked with symbols of potential danger.

Lin Moyi glanced at him, giving a slight nod to indicate it was fine to share the information. Zhen Chen frowned, his voice low and heavy. "Reports suggest the Celestial Shadow Church is planning something significant. The royal Wu Clan has already deployed its forces to Phantom Valley. They'll arrive in two months, but for now, we have no clear idea of the church's full objective."

Jiang Feng listened intently, his brows furrowing at the mention of the shadowy organization.

"We've captured and eliminated dozens of their members over the past few weeks," Zhen Chen continued, "but their movements suggest they're searching for an opportunity to strike. Something big." He fixed Jiang Feng with a pointed gaze, his meaning clear without needing further words.

Lin Moyi picked up the report, scanning its contents briefly before placing it back on the table. Turning to his son, he spoke firmly. "Lin Rou, once you return to the army, remain there until I call for you. Do not take any unnecessary risks. Feng you can leave too, go tend to your business and prepare to leave as well."

"Yes, Father," Lin Rou replied, his tone respectful. He then turned to Zhen Chen and bowed.

Lin Rou approached Jiang Feng, clasping his shoulder as he passed. "Be careful," he said simply, offering a small but sincere nod before departing to tend to his duties in the strict army base.

Jiang Feng remained silent, watching his friend leave before bowing to Lin Moyi and Zhen Chen. Without another word, he left the hall and returned to his quarters, leaving the older men to continue their discussion in private.

-

Using his key card, Jiang Feng opened the door to his room. The weight of the conversation lingered heavily in his thoughts. He was well aware of the dangers posed by the Celestial Shadow Church, especially to him. Their pursuit wasn't random—they wanted him for a reason, and that reason was something he couldn't afford to ignore, his draconic demeanor.

Shaking off the unease, he stepped inside and locked the door behind him. His spatial ring glinted faintly as he removed it and began organizing his possessions. Carefully, he retrieved five Cloudroot Crystals from his pouch and placed them on the table in front of him.

The Cloudroot Crystals radiated a soft, ethereal glow, their translucent forms shimmering with swirling silver and pale-blue veins that seemed alive, as though they pulsed with a quiet heartbeat. Each crystal was roughly the size of a man's fist, their surfaces smooth yet cool to the touch. A faint mist surrounded them, whispering of their potent spiritual energy. They were said to be formed deep within ancient cloud trees, absorbing the essence of the heavens for millennia before crystallizing into their current state.

"I hope these won't disappoint me," Jiang Feng muttered to himself, his gaze lingering on the enigmatic crystals. He picked up one and felt a surge of cooling warmth travel up his arm, almost like an encouraging embrace from the heavens.

Settling himself on the prayer mat in the training room, he arranged the five crystals in front of him in a circular formation. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, centering his focus. The room seemed to grow still as he activated his cultivation technique, the Infernal Breathing. The crystals began to react, their glow intensifying as strands of spiritual energy seeped out like threads, slowly weaving into Jiang Feng's body and meridians.