Chen Qingyuan chatted with the black python for quite a while, amidst laughter and joy.
But even the happiest of times eventually become the past.
"Brother Hei, I'll come to see you again next time."
It was time for Chen Qingyuan to leave; he needed to go home and check in.
"Alright, be careful on your way back." The black python already knew Chen Qingyuan was heading to the Flow Star Domain and expressed his concern: "If you run into trouble, prioritize your life. Once I'm out of seclusion, I'll beat up anyone who's bullied you."
"Okay."
This was a true Mahayana demon king; Chen Qingyuan certainly wouldn't refuse and gratefully accepted with joy in his heart.
Looking across the entire Flow Star Domain, and even the surrounding territories, not a single Mahayana cultivator had been nurtured. Only in the core area of the Northern Wilderness would a powerful figure occasionally appear.
After leaving the Dao Yi Academy, Chen Qingyuan stood in the void of a star domain known as the Expectant Void.
The small world of the Dao Yi Academy was established in the Expectant Void Star Domain, a very remote area that suited the academy's low profile, far from the core region of the Northern Wilderness.
Chen Qingyuan set his direction and headed towards the Flow Star Domain.
Passing through various places, he paid the required spirit stones to use the great teleportation arrays connecting the star domains. Although expensive, they were safe and convenient, saving a lot of time.
"I'm at the border of the Northern Cang Star Domain; I'll be home soon."
After more than ten days of travel, Chen Qingyuan arrived at the Northern Cang Star Domain, missing his home dearly.
"Now that I'm here, why not look for Wu Junyan?"
Chen Qingyuan and Wu Junyan were once set to duel, but it was postponed due to matters at the Dao Yi Academy.
Honestly, having disappointed Wu Junyan several times, Chen Qingyuan felt somewhat guilty.
Wu Junyan was the first Heaven's Pride of the Northern Cang Star Domain and one of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness. His reputation had spread to many of the top forces in the Northern Wilderness, with no small influence.
After some thought, Chen Qingyuan decided to visit the Wu family to settle the long-overdue challenge.
The Wu family was quite famous in the Northern Cang Star Domain, and Chen Qingyuan easily found out where they were.
Arriving at the Wu family's gate, the defenses were strict and the atmosphere solemn.
"Chen Qingyuan of the Mystic Azure Sect, here to visit the Wu family."
Chen Qingyuan announced his identity.
"Please wait."
The guard at the gate was surprised to hear it was Chen Qingyuan, and after regaining his composure, he quickly went to the inner hall to report.
Soon after, a middle-aged man dressed in luxurious clothes hurried out; he was the Wu family's steward.
"Greetings, Young Master Chen."
The steward recognized Chen Qingyuan at first glance and greeted him with a bow.
Chen Qingyuan returned the smile and the greeting.
"Please come in."
The steward gestured with his hand, a slight smile on his lips.
In the guest hall, the head of the Wu family personally entertained him, offering fine tea and wine for Chen Qingyuan to enjoy.
"Young Master Chen's visit to our Wu family, may I inquire the purpose?"
The head of the Wu family, Wu Junyan's father, asked.
"Has Wu Junyan not been seen at home? Is he not here?"
Chen Qingyuan stated his purpose.
"Junyan left home five years ago, reportedly heading to the Tri-Core Star Domain. The specifics are unknown."
Speaking of Wu Junyan, Wu's father was both proud and frustrated.
The boy was only focused on cultivation, not even seeking a Dao Companion, which was a source of worry.
Moreover, Wu Junyan was reclusive by nature, and even his father rarely had a chance to speak with him, unsure of what to do.
"He went to the Tri-Core Star Domain."
Chen Qingyuan frowned and pondered for a while.
Then, he bowed to Wu's father: "If that's the case, then this junior will take his leave."
"Have a cup of tea before you go!"
Wu's father was quite polite to Chen Qingyuan, after all, Chen's background was not ordinary, and his abilities were strong.
"No need, thank you."
After expressing his thanks, Chen Qingyuan turned and left.
Wu's father watched Chen Qingyuan's retreating figure, murmuring: "The aura of a Golden Core, robust vitality; even if he starts over, this young man is still one of the top Heaven's Prides of this era."
After leaving the Wu family, Chen Qingyuan found a place to stay, planning to rest for a day before continuing his journey in the morning.
Inside the house, Chen Qingyuan looked out the window, talking to himself: "Old Wu, it's not that I refuse to battle you, but we've missed each other once again."
The Heavenly River Star Domain, the Earthly Walk Star Domain, and the Human Spirit Star Domain, collectively known as the Tri-Core Star Domains.
The core region of the Northern Wilderness.
Wu Junyan's journey to the center of the Northern Wilderness was surely in search of stronger opponents. Someone like him would never stay in one place.
Apart from Chen Qingyuan, the weakest of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness were all Elemental Infant stage cultivators.
Over the years, perhaps some have already broken through to the Divine Transformation Realm.
The next day, Chen Qingyuan prepared to set off.
Several people stood at the door, dressed in a manner unlike ordinary folks.
"Who are you?"
Chen Qingyuan frowned slightly and asked.
At that moment, a woman came from behind, and the crowd parted to either side.
Murong Wenxi, dressed in a light white gown, with eyes like gemstones and skin so fair it seemed fragile to the touch, approached.
"Miss Murong, what brings you here?"
Seeing the visitor, Chen Qingyuan's confusion dissipated, and he exclaimed in surprise.
"This is the Northern Cang Star Domain; is there anything that I wouldn't know about?"
The Murong family was an ancient clan of the Northern Cang Star Domain with profound heritage and a complex network of information.
The news of Chen Qingyuan's visit to the Wu family and his stay in a nearby city for the night quickly reached the Murong household.
"What I mean is, has Miss Murong come for me? Is there something you need?"
Looking at the elegantly dressed Murong Wenxi, Chen Qingyuan felt no inner turmoil, while the young men around were utterly smitten.
"Returning your money."
Murong Wenxi had already thought of an excuse, producing a plain Heaven and Earth Bag and tossing it to Chen Qingyuan, who was less than five meters away.
Chen Qingyuan caught the bag and with a sweep of his divine sense, found only a thousand medium quality spirit stones inside.
The two had entered the Dead Realm together in the past, and Chen Qingyuan had lent Murong Wenxi a thousand spirit stones, with an agreement that three thousand would be repaid, principal and interest included.
At that time, Murong Wenxi felt that Chen Qingyuan was all about money.
"Why only this much? Weren't we agreed on three thousand?"
Chen Qingyuan looked up at Murong Wenxi and asked.
"Things are a bit tight lately; I'll pay you this much for now and make up the rest next time we meet."
Murong Wenxi said with a cheeky smile.
"…" Chen Qingyuan opened his mouth, pondering: "You're the legitimate daughter of the Murong family; how could you possibly be so poor?"
"Sigh! The family is nearly broke."
Murong Wenxi sighed lightly, appearing quite pitiful.
The attendants and servants standing aside thought: Miss, the Murong family isn't that poor, right?
Chen Qingyuan could see through Murong Wenxi's ruse. After pocketing the spirit stones, he made a decision that felt like a loss: "Forget it, since we're acquainted, just returning the principal is enough. From now on, we're even."
"That won't do!"
Hearing this, Murong Wenxi immediately became anxious.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas