Reversing the Milky Way

Bai Cheng: "Please rest assured, fairy, when that day comes, Bai Cheng will certainly do his utmost!"

Gu Wanru: "Now, with your aptitude, there's nothing more I can do to help you. I just hope you cultivate diligently. After this year, I won't stay in Baifeng City."

Bai Cheng was very puzzled when he heard this.

Bai Cheng: "Where are you going, fairy?"

Gu Wanru: "The grand competition of sects across the land will begin in a few years. If fate allows, we will meet again at the competition."

Bai Cheng: "The Grand Tournament of Sects Across the Land?"

Gu Wanru: "That's right. This is a sect competition personally led by the Zhenxian Alliance. All sects in the world can participate. Its scale is many times larger than the sect competition in Baifeng City."

Upon hearing this, Bai Cheng's gaze wandered aimlessly. He had never even heard of the sect competition in Baifeng City, let alone the sect competition in the world.

Gu Wanru: "By the way, there should be news about the sect competition in Baifeng City in the next two years. Only those who pass the Baifeng City sect competition are qualified to participate in the sect competition across the world. Don't be eliminated then."

After a long while, Bai Cheng left the Purple Bamboo Forest, recalling the words Gu Wanru had said to him as he left.

Gu Wanru: "There is still some time between now and the end of the year. During this period, I will not leave Baifeng City. If you encounter any difficulties, you can ask me through the communication jade tablet. Once I leave, I don't know if I will be able to contact you again."

As Bai Cheng pondered, he walked forward. Just then, Jing Yezhou's voice suddenly rang out from behind him.

Jing Yezhou: "Young friend Bai, I've come here especially to see you off."

Bai Cheng didn't pay much attention to the people rushing up from behind.

Bai Cheng: "Senior Jing, you're too much trouble. But I don't plan to leave Emerald Spirit Island for the time being."

Bai Cheng actually wanted to test the power of that technological weapon. Whether it was his imagination or not, a hint of disappointment flashed in Jing Yezhou's eyes after hearing this.

Jing Yezhou: "Oh, young friend, you flatter me. As the guardian of the Purple Bamboo Forest, I have no other duties here. Please don't refuse."

Bai Cheng: "Senior, I really don't need to trouble myself..."

Just then, an unexpected situation interrupted their conversation.

"Young Master, it's just ahead!"

The Xue family members who had left earlier summoned Xue Zhen.

As the eldest son of the Xue family, Xue Zhen was quite knowledgeable. Unlike the other Xue family disciples, he sensed something was amiss when he learned that they were heading to the Purple Bamboo Forest area.

Although the Xue family is currently enjoying great power, the Purple Bamboo Forest is, after all, a collaboration between the Thunder Palace and White Maple City, and entry is only permitted with an order signed by the city lord. Upon seeing Jing Yezhou for the first time, Xue Zhen immediately became reserved and stepped forward to pay his respects.

Xue Zhen: "Greetings, Elder Jing."

Jing Yezhou: "So you are the young master of the Xue family. No need for formalities."

Jing Yezhou's words carried a hint of annoyance, which Xue Zhen quickly noticed.

Xue Zhen: "Elder Jing was someone from my Xue family who unintentionally offended me. Please forgive me."

Jing Yezhou: "No offense intended? Heh, who in Baifeng City doesn't know that the Xue family has surpassed the other two great families and is currently riding high? It seems that the reputation of my Heavenly Thunder Palace is still not resounding enough. Your ancestor has advanced to the Tonghai Realm and you want to force your way into the Purple Bamboo Forest. This is clearly showing that you don't take our Heavenly Thunder Palace seriously."

Xue Zhen glanced furtively at Bai Cheng beside him, and spoke slowly amidst his surprise.

Xue Zhen: "Elder Jing has misunderstood. These people are disciples recently recruited by the Xue family and are unaware of the rules on Cuiling Island. I will punish them severely when I return."

Jing Yezhou: "Is that so? Could it be that your Xue family has taken a fancy to this Thunder Bamboo, and that's why you sent these people to test me? I can tell you this: even if Xue Tianmu came here in person, I would not allow anyone unrelated to enter."

Upon hearing this, Xue Zhen clenched his fists inwardly. Not to mention the current Xue family, even the Bai family couldn't enter or leave this place at will. Just then, a deep, muffled sound, accompanied by vibrations in the air, came from the sky.

"Yeah?!!"

As the voice faded, the sky changed dramatically. A beam of light appeared from the distant clouds in an instant. When it reached the sky above Emerald Spirit Island, the light immediately fell rapidly from the clouds, passing directly through the great formation and quickly running through the dense forest. Wherever it passed, the trees were forcibly separated by an invisible force. In just a few breaths, it appeared in front of the group. The person who came was Xue Tianmu.

Xue Zhen: "Greetings, Ancestor."

The Xue family members all bowed in worship. Bai Cheng looked at the man who suddenly descended from the sky in front of him, his pupils trembling slightly. He was quite certain that this was indeed the aura of a Tonghai Realm expert.

'This is Xue Tianmu, the patriarch of the Xue family? Judging from his appearance, he seems to have regained his youthful looks after breaking through to the Tonghai Realm, just like Bai Muxuan. But is this really worth his personal visit? Is it really necessary?'

Xue Tianmu: "Elder Jing, it's been over twenty years since we last met, but you still look as dashing as ever."

Upon seeing the other person, Jing Yezhou's aura suddenly intensified.

More than twenty years ago, he had a conflict with Xue Tianmu in front of him. At that time, Xue Tianmu was at the Great Perfection of the Meridian Opening Realm. He wanted to obtain some Thunder Bamboo to refine artifacts, but the amount of Thunder Bamboo on the market was limited and extremely rare, so he set his sights on the Purple Bamboo Forest.

Without the city lord's permission, he went to the Purple Bamboo Forest alone. Although he believed his concealment of his aura was perfect, he was still discovered by Jing Yezhou, leading to a conflict between the two. The conflict was short-lived, and after several exchanges, Xue Tianmu was narrowly defeated. Taking advantage of the situation before it escalated, he quickly left Emerald Spirit Island. Because of this incident, even the Thunder God Palace sent people to demand an explanation.

Xue Zhen: "Xue Tianmu, did you come here in person because of your previous resentment, or to vent your anger for your grandson?"

Xue Tianmu: "Elder Jing, what are you saying? How could I, a cultivator at the Tonghai Realm, possibly use my cultivation level to suppress others? Isn't it said that only the city lord is qualified to enter the Purple Bamboo Forest? Don't worry, I'm not an unreasonable person. It won't be long before I enter here with dignity. If you try to stop me then, don't blame me for turning on you!"

His words, imbued with the oppressive power of spiritual energy in the air, instantly surged towards Jing Yezhou.

Jing Yezhou's pupils suddenly dilated, and his aura surged dramatically. The surrounding spiritual energy, carrying this aura, formed a barrier in front of him. The next moment, the two auras collided violently. Bai Cheng felt the air distort as far as his eyes could see. Two visible forces collided before him, causing the trees in the dense forest to tremble and their branches to fall.

Bai Cheng involuntarily took a few steps back, almost losing his balance. Faced with the two powerful auras, he instantly felt his own insignificance. However, the clash of auras quickly came to an end, one side remaining calm, while the other wore a tense expression.

After the clash of their auras ended, the surrounding trees began to lean in all directions, and the ground beneath their feet rippled.

Xue Tianmu: "Hehe, I won't bother you any longer today. I'll need Elder Jing's continued care in the future."

After speaking, Xue Tianmu soared into the air, his gaze sweeping over the Xue family members below.

Xue Tianmu: "You lot, never again trespass into the Purple Bamboo Forest. Elder Jing has already been more than merciful by not killing you. Xue Zhen, you shall return to the clan immediately to receive your punishment."

Xue Zhen: "Yes, sir."

After he finished speaking, Xue Zhen led a group of Xue family disciples away. After this incident, everyone on Emerald Spirit Island knew about it. Especially when the two auras collided, everyone on the island felt the terrifying power. Even people around Sunset Lake could see the strange phenomenon that occurred above Emerald Spirit Island.

Jing Yezhou withdrew his solemn expression, a bead of cold sweat silently sliding down his face.

Jing Yezhou: "It seems that it is still too much of a stretch to think that one's current realm can contend with the Tonghai Realm."

Bai Cheng: "Senior Jing, are you alright?"

To be honest, Bai Cheng now greatly admires Jing Yezhou. You have to know that the other party is now at the Tonghai Realm, and in the entire Baifeng City, the only person he has ever seen who dares to go head-to-head with him is the one in front of him.

Jing Yezhou: "Don't worry, even if Xue Tianmu is powerful, he wouldn't dare to do anything to me. This Purple Bamboo Forest was originally a temporary location chosen by the inner sect elders of my sect when White Maple City was first established, in order to find a place to plant Thunder Bamboo. Now, more than two hundred years have passed, and it's time to move this Thunder Bamboo back to my sect's territory. That's all for today. I wanted to see you off, but it seems I'll have to let you leave on your own."

Bai Cheng: "Senior is too kind. How could I trouble you with such a matter?"

Bai Cheng spoke in a relaxed and comfortable manner, completely unaware of the change in atmosphere that followed.

Jing Yezhou changed the subject: "By the way, I wonder what Miss Gu said to my young friend?"

Bai Cheng: "Hmm? It's the forging method that Fairy Gu promised me last time. Senior, don't you know about it?"

Jing Yezhou: "Oh, I see. Of course I know that. However, the method I know may be different from yours. May I have a look at it? I can give you some pointers."

Upon hearing this, Bai Cheng looked bewildered, though his expression was one of forced restraint. He could clearly sense the hostility emanating from the other party, even though Jing Yezhou's face remained kind and gentle.

Bai Cheng: "Ah? Didn't Senior Sister Gu mention this method to you, Senior? I thought you must know about it since you and Senior Sister Gu have such a close relationship."

After Bai Cheng finished speaking, Jing Yezhou showed a helpless expression, while Bai Cheng's expression was tense.

Jing Yezhou: "Well, to be honest, my relationship with Miss Gu isn't that..."

Before he could finish speaking, a voice came from afar. Upon closer inspection, it was Bai Fengze leading some Bai family disciples in a hurry.

Bai Fengze: "Bai Cheng! Are you alright!?"

Bai Fengze immediately stepped forward to inquire.

Bai Fengze: "Greetings, Senior Jing Yezhou. I just heard from my disciples that there are strong spiritual energy fluctuations on Cui Ling Island, so I brought people here to take a look."

Upon seeing the person who had arrived, Jing Yezhou let out a deep breath.

Jing Yezhou: "It's nothing. The Xue family has been causing trouble lately, trying to come to the Purple Bamboo Forest to pick some Thunder Bamboo. As the guardian, how could I agree to that? The aura just now was caused by Xue Tianmu himself coming here. But don't worry, Young Master Bai, they probably won't come again in the future."

After seeing that nothing had happened, Bai Fengze looked at Bai Cheng.

Bai Fengze: "I didn't expect you to break through to the mid-stage of Qi Condensation so quickly, Bai Cheng. I knew I hadn't misjudged you! Perfect timing, the Bai family has something to discuss with the disciples right now, so come back with me."

Bai Cheng: "Okay!"

After agreeing, Bai Cheng followed Bai Fengze and left the place.

After everyone left, Jing Yezhou revealed a tense face due to anger, with veins bulging on his face.

He didn't speak, but let out a low growl of anger. In his eyes, he saw Bai Cheng's departing figure. Then, he slowly turned around and walked into the purple bamboo forest.

After leaving Emerald Spirit Island, Bai Fengze flew ahead while telling Bai Cheng beside him about the recent events that had happened in the Bai family, completely unaware of the cold sweat that Bai Cheng had broken out in due to panic.

'What just happened? Why did I sense such intense killing intent emanating from Jing Yezhou? This old man is definitely suspicious! If Bai Fengze hadn't arrived just in time, I have no doubt Jing Yezhou would have attacked me immediately. Why is that? Could it be because of the cultivation manual Gu Wanru gave me?'

Bai Fengze: "Bai Cheng, Bai Cheng, are you listening?"

Bai Fengze's words pulled Bai Cheng back to reality.

Bai Cheng: "Oh, you mean the Bai family is going to select participants for the Baifeng City Grand Competition soon, right?"

Bai Fengze: "That's right. All the families and sects in Baifeng City will participate in this competition, and the winner will represent Baifeng City in the World Sect Competition. This is very important because the competition will determine who will participate in the Illusionary Sea Secret Realm."

Bai Cheng: "The Mysterious Sea Realm?"

Bai Fengze: "That's right. The Illusionary Sea Secret Realm opens once every thirty years. If we calculate carefully, it should open in six or seven years. This is another high-level secret realm comparable to the Imperial Tomb Secret Realm. Anyone who leaves the secret realm alive will have their cultivation level break through, and some people may even break through an entire major realm."

As the sun set, Bai Cheng followed Bai Fengze back to the Bai family home.

Upon returning to the Bai residence, Bai Cheng noticed a change in the atmosphere. Previously, when he returned, some people cast malicious glances at him, but now the Bai residence seemed rather deserted.

Bai Fengze: "We will hold a family meeting tomorrow, mainly for people under the age of twenty-four."

Bai Cheng: "Hmm? Why is that? Could it be that there's an age limit for the competition in Baifeng City?"

Bai Fengze: "That's not the case. Bai Fengcheng's competition is divided into three groups: contestants under thirty years old and contestants under fifty years old. There is also a special group: contestants who are no more than twenty-four years old this year. That's all I can tell you for now. You'll have to find out the details yourself tomorrow."

After parting ways with Bai Fengze, Bai Cheng returned to his residence in the Bai family compound, but he didn't come back for a while, and the weeds around the gate had grown more than half a meter tall.

Back inside, Bai Cheng calmed himself and sat cross-legged. He had so much to practice now that he was breaking through his cultivation level, the first being his divine sense. His divine sense could now detect scenes a thousand meters away. Then there was his Heavenly Evolution Thunder Heart Technique; after releasing his spiritual power, he could clearly feel that the spiritual power around him had stabilized and didn't dissipate. This enhanced his control over his spiritual power when attacking or defending.

The most obvious example is the weapon he is currently using to condense spiritual energy, which is clearly a level higher than before.

Next, Bai Cheng circulated his Qi through a small cycle, which felt even more vast than when he first entered the early stage of Qi Condensation. After completing the cultivation, he felt almost the same as if he hadn't cultivated at all.

He slowly raised his hand and looked at his palm.

Bai Cheng: "That familiar emptiness again. Even with five times the spiritual energy concentration, I still can't feel any changes this cultivation has caused within my body. Should I circulate the microcosmic orbit 100,000 times...?"