The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

On the Floating Life Continent, in front of the Ancestral Hall of Wind Whisper Mountain, Ye Fan stood silently, watching Luo Yifei and his group head towards the North Sea until their figures completely disappeared. Only then did he slowly turn around and enter the Ancestral Hall.

Following closely behind, the Romain sisters and Qi Yuan also entered the hall.

The candlelight flickered in the ancestral hall, illuminating the portraits of ancestors from all generations.

Ye Fan walked slowly to the incense table, stood before it, and gazed intently at the portrait of the Left Protector. His eyes seemed to contain a longing for the past and deep contemplation of the future.

"Roland, did Senior Wen leave any words when he parted ways with you?" Ye Fan turned to ask Roland, then continued, "Luo Yifei isn't here, so you can speak frankly. I have a general idea of ​​his plan, but I need some confirmation."

“Fortune, merit, power, cause and effect, and the way of time and space—if you possess three of these five, you can turn the tide,” Roland replied softly, his voice revealing both determination and helplessness.

"It seems you intend to accumulate fortune for Luo Yifei. The Three Realms refer to the Floating Life, Profound Heaven, and Illusory Star Realms, right? You're going to exhaust all spiritual power at once, giving the people of the Three Realms one last chance to ascend. Eventually, these Three Realms will become mortal lands like Earth, devoid of spiritual power." Ye Fan stated his speculation, his voice filled with worry about this grand plan.

Roland nodded slightly, his eyes filled with determination and helplessness: "That's right. For some reason, the tunnels of the Three Realms have collapsed everywhere. Some can be sealed with magic, and Master has dealt with them, but there are still many that cannot be closed..."

Ye Fan interrupted her, "Have you ever been to places beyond the Three Realms?" His voice revealed a hint of curiosity.

“No, I was born on the Xuan Tian Continent, and it was only after following my master that I was able to travel to the other two realms,” Roland replied, his voice tinged with regret.

"Hmm, the cultivation paths in these three realms are different from most of the cultivation realms I've visited. Don't you find that strange?" Ye Fan continued to ask, his eyes thoughtful.

“Master said this is because an ancient great being opened up the path of cultivation in this star field, and later generations can follow under his guidance,” Roland explained, his voice filled with reverence for his master.

Ye Fan nodded slightly, his eyes thoughtful. "The path of cultivation opened up by an ancient powerful being... there are probably more complex secrets behind it. Has your master ever mentioned the name of this powerful being or any related legends?"

Roland frowned slightly, trying hard to recall, "Master didn't mention his name in detail, but only occasionally mentioned that this great being was incredibly talented and laid the foundation for cultivation in the Three Realms with his supreme supernatural powers. Legend has it that he came here to escape a great calamity and pioneered a unique system of cultivation."

Ye Fan's eyes flashed. "Avoiding disaster? Is this disaster related to the collapse of the Three Realms Tunnel?" His voice was full of doubt.

Roland shook his head slightly. "My master never mentioned it. I just had a vague feeling that there might be a connection, but I wasn't sure."

"The disaster might be related to the law of conservation of energy. It seems there's something wrong with this star field. Only Senior Wen has the patience to patch things up for hundreds of thousands of years. Now that his time is up, he's making one last desperate attempt," Ye Fan sighed.

"Senior Ye, are you saying that Master's disappearance is related to this?" Roland asked. "Perhaps. He opened up a way out for cultivators, but for mortals, it would inevitably lead to widespread suffering. Therefore, he needed some people to establish new rules and give mortals another way to survive. Those who truly understand him are probably just as naive as he was," Ye Fan replied.

At this moment, Roman, who had been silent all along, spoke up: "Senior Ye, do you think Luo Yifei and the others can successfully complete their mission of accumulating fortune in Beihai? The situation in Beihai is complicated, and we don't know what dangers they might encounter." There was a hint of worry in her voice.

Ye Fan chuckled, a hint of unfathomable depth in his smile. "The North Sea is indeed perilous. However, I just used this space to perform a divination for Luo Yifei, and it indicates minor danger but great fortune. Neither of them are ordinary people. The path to accumulating fortune is inherently arduous, with danger and opportunity coexisting. Whether they succeed depends half on fate and half on their own efforts. However, you and I both know that his ambitions lie elsewhere; he still has concerns in his heart and longs to return to Earth… I wonder if Senior Wen has any further plans?"

Roman hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "Master once said that he selected one hundred people on Earth as candidates for his grandmaster's disciples, saying that perhaps only one of them could become his junior brother or sister."

"It seems he's going to take on disciples on behalf of his master. The real source of this 'Hundred People Plan' is probably Senior Wen's actions, which have deceived the academic community for a century using the Z gene. Academic fraud is harmful..." Ye Fan sighed, his voice filled with helplessness.

Roman nodded and continued, "Master said that these 100 people all have special potential and were carefully selected by him. Master did not go into the specific selection criteria, but only mentioned that there is a great secret hidden behind this 100-person plan, which is related to the important connection between the Three Realms and Earth in the future."

Ye Fan's gaze sharpened. "Special potential? Senior Wen had already planned this. This Z-gene matter might also be part of his plan, a cover-up to secretly implement the Hundred-Person Plan. Where are those hundred people now?" His voice was full of curiosity.

Roland continued, "Master approached Captain Zhang and together they planned the youth team, and quite a few people joined."

Ye Fan nodded. "So, Luo Yifei's teammates Su An, Shen Lixi, and Sun Li are also among them?" His voice carried a hint of anticipation.

Roman nodded slightly, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes. "Master mentioned that Su An and Shen Lixi were both chosen. They possess special bloodline power, which, although not fully awakened, has extraordinary potential. As for Sun Li... her situation is special. Master said that her destiny is intricately connected to the Three Realms, which is both a variable and a key factor."

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan's lips curled into a playful smile. "Variables and key points? That suits her style. In that case, Luo Yifei's trip to Beihai has indeed brought together quite a few 'special' people. But what exactly is the meaning of this 'Hundred People Plan'? What kind of scheme is Senior Wen setting up?" His voice was full of doubt.

Roland shook his head slightly, looking bewildered. "Master never revealed the whole plan, only occasionally mentioning it. All of this is to prepare for the upcoming great upheaval. He said that when the Three Realms Tunnel completely collapses, it will be the crucial moment that determines the fate of the Three Realms and Earth, and these hundred people will be the key to turning the tide."

Ye Fan pondered for a moment, then his gaze fell on the portrait of the Left Protector, as if he could see a deeper secret through the portrait. "Senior Wen's plan is far beyond my imagination. This Hundred People Plan may not only be to deal with the collapse of the Three Realms Tunnel, but also has a grander goal. However, what exactly is this goal? And what is its connection with the path of cultivation opened up by the ancient great beings?" His voice was full of contemplation.

Romain and Roland exchanged glances, both seeing confusion and curiosity in each other's eyes. Although they had followed Senior Wen for many years, they still knew very little about his true intentions.

"Senior Ye, what should we do next?" Roman finally asked. "Luo Yifei and the others have gone to Beihai. Should we also make preparations?" Her voice carried a hint of anticipation.

Ye Fan withdrew his gaze, turned to look at the two sisters, and a resolute look flashed in his eyes. "Of course. The trip to the North Sea, whether successful or not, will trigger a chain reaction. The Floating Life Continent is currently undergoing tremendous changes, with spiritual energy scattered everywhere. This may last for ten or a hundred years, but after that, the spiritual energy will be exhausted. Both the martial arts world and the imperial court will face tremendous changes."

A flying sword pierced the sky and flew towards the outer perimeter of the protective array of Fengyu Mountain.

"It's been so long since I've heard a message delivered by a flying sword," Ye Fan said with deep emotion, his voice filled with nostalgia.

With a gentle wave of his hand, the flying sword seemed to come alive, obediently landing in his palm. Ye Fan carefully examined the sword's blade, noticing tiny runes shimmering with a faint light, as if conveying some kind of information.

He closed his eyes and probed the flying sword with his divine sense. A moment later, he suddenly opened his eyes, a trace of solemnity flashing in them. "The Sword Immortal Sect has issued a treasure hunt mission in Ghost Mountain in the Black Forest at the junction of the east and west sides of the Floating Life Continent, but participants must first pass an assessment."

Roman and Roland both looked surprised upon hearing this. Roman spoke first: "Senior Ye, why did the Sword Immortal Sect choose to issue a mission in such a gloomy and eerie place as Ghost Mountain? It's said to be full of evil spirits." Her voice was full of doubt.

Ye Fan frowned and replied in a deep voice, "The Sword Immortal Sect's choice of this location must have its reasons. Ghost Mountain is indeed a place not to be underestimated. Judging from the information transmitted by the flying sword, this assessment will probably not be simple and may harbor many dangers." His voice revealed seriousness.

Roland then asked, "Senior Ye, should we participate in this treasure hunt? If we do, will it conflict with Luo Yifei's actions in the North Sea? After all, the situation on the Floating Life Continent is complex, and we have limited manpower." There was a hint of hesitation in her voice.

Ye Fan pondered for a moment, then calmly said, "I will go alone, while you stay at Fengyu Mountain and wait for Luo Yifei and the others to return." As he said this, he nodded slightly to Qi Yuan, who had been silent all along.

Both Roman and Roland showed worry on their faces. Roman said urgently, "Senior Ye, Ghost Mountain is fraught with danger. Isn't it too risky for you to go alone? Please allow us to accompany you so that we can look after each other." Her tone revealed deep concern.

Ye Fan shook his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the churning sea of ​​clouds in the distance. "Since the Sword Immortal Sect has set up an assessment, they certainly don't want too many people involved. My going alone will allow me to be more flexible in my approach. You stay behind, both to protect Wind Whisper Mountain and to ensure someone can meet you if Luo Yifei and the others return ahead of schedule." His tone revealed confidence.

Roland bit her lower lip and said softly, "Senior Ye, you must be careful. Even the Sword Immortal Sect is so cautious in Ghost Mountain; you can imagine how dangerous it is." Her tone was full of worry.

Ye Fan smiled confidently. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Just wait patiently. If anything changes, I'll send a message back immediately." His tone was firm.

As soon as he finished speaking, Ye Fan moved, transforming into a streak of light and soaring into the sky, heading swiftly towards the Black Forest at the eastern and western borders of the Floating Life Continent.

Romain and Roland stood in front of the ancestral hall, watching his departing figure, their hearts filled with worry.

"Sister, do you think Senior Ye will be able to pass the assessment smoothly?" Roland asked softly, her tone tinged with unease.

Roman was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Senior Ye's strength is unfathomable, he should be unharmed. But are we just going to wait here forever?"

Qi Yuan, who had remained silent until now, slowly stood up. "Gentlemen, I am also about to leave here. If Luo Yifei returns, please tell him that I have gone to Freedom City."

Roman paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "Young Master Qi, rest assured, we will definitely convey our message when Young Master Luo and the others return. However, may I ask what brings Young Master Qi to Freedom City?"

Qi Yuan gazed into the distance, his eyes revealing complex emotions. "It's just returning home, like fallen leaves returning to their roots."

Roman and Roland exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of emotion in each other's eyes. Roman said softly, "Young Master Qi, please take care on your journey. The road to Freedom City is long, so please be careful."

Qi Yuan smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you for your concern, ladies. I know what I'm doing. If there's an opportunity, we'll meet again." After saying that, he summoned the Cloud-Soaring Boat and sped off towards Freedom City.

Watching Qi Yuan's departing figure, Roland sighed softly, "I didn't expect that Young Master Qi would also have such a strong homesickness. The situation in Free City is complicated. I hope he can stay safe."

Roman nodded slightly, his gaze still fixed on the direction where Qi Yuan had disappeared. "Sister, now that Senior Ye has gone to Ghost Mountain and Young Master Qi has gone to Freedom City, won't our Wind Whisper Mountain side seem a bit weak? What if there's an unexpected situation..."

Roland withdrew her gaze and gently patted Roman's shoulder. "Sister, there's no need to worry too much. Senior Ye must have his reasons for making such arrangements. The four major sects around us just suffered a setback here, so they shouldn't dare to make any rash moves in the short term. Moreover, our Fengyu Mountain is protected by a mountain-protecting formation, so we can usually handle it. We just need to wait patiently and be prepared to provide support."

Roman frowned slightly, still somewhat uneasy. "But I'm still a little worried. The situation on Ghost Mountain is unclear. If we hadn't encountered Senior Ye and the others, we could have kept a low profile. But now, all the nearby sects have noticed this place."

“It’s alright, it’s time to open Master’s second brocade pouch,” Roland replied.

A glint flashed in Roman's eyes. "Indeed, the brocade pouch left by our master might offer us some guidance." As she spoke, she took out a second brocade pouch from her bosom and carefully untied it.

A slip of paper floated out of the brocade pouch, which read: "If you are in trouble, you can go to the Wu Kingdom in the northern part of the Floating Life Continent, climb Wu Chen Peak, and find an old man named Wu Chen. He will help you."

Roman and Roland exchanged a smile, a hint of excitement in their eyes. Roman said softly, "Master is truly thoughtful, even foreseeing the difficulties we might encounter. Just who exactly is that old man Wuchen on Wuchen Peak?"

Roland pondered for a moment, then asked, "Wuchen, Wucheng, could you be that immortal seedling from the Star Palace ten thousand years ago?"

"Sister, don't worry too much. You'll understand when you get there."