Chapter 1255
Chapter 1255: Nine wonderlands in the world, the responsibility on the shoulders becomes heavier
The City of No Return was established countless years ago, and was intricately linked to the one who once governed the Immortal Palace. The Floating Realm’s current location was originally one of the nine wonderlands in the Immortal Domain.
However, following the shattering of the Immortal Domain and the destruction of the Immortal Palace, it was seized by a peerless powerhouse with divine abilities, transforming it into an independent realm.
The Floating Realm’s origin lay in a s.p.a.ce between illusion and reality, constantly shifting and not fixed in one location. No one could rely on memory or ancient records to locate the Nine Wonderlands.The entry was only possible by chance. The Floating Realm’s nature didn’t imply perpetual movement. Instead, it would stay in a particular place for a duration before drifting away.
The cultivators residing in the Floating Realm were unaware of these details. They considered this realm their homeland. Some creatures had once departed, yearning for the outside world but never returning, unable to find the way back. The City of No Return was aptly named. Leaving this city or its sea meant an irreversible departure.
“It seems the enchantment formation left by our ancestors can’t endure much longer.”
“I’ve discussed this with several elders. If the situation worsens, we need to activate the formation core in the City of No Return preemptively and depart the Immortal Domain promptly.”
Upon hearing Qing Feng’s words, Granny Yao, still sorting through herbs, sighed with evident concern.
“But, if we choose that path, it implies leaving behind many creatures beyond the City of No Return.”
“Does it mean abandoning them to fend for themselves?”
“Is this the decision of the elders?”
Upon hearing this, Qing Feng paused his hands’ movement, remained silent momentarily, and then asked calmly. The tranquility of the City of No Return, suspended above the Sea of No Return, owed its existence to the core of the formation within the city.
Although referred to as the formation core, it was, in reality, the ancestral origin left by the city’s founders. The composition of this core, which supported the vast Floating Realm formation barrier, remained shrouded in mystery.
The Floating Realm’s concealment from the outside world and its isolation through formations were credited to the core origin in the City of No Return. However, with the exhaustion and shattering of the formation restriction, it became apparent that the core origin had reached its limit.
Mr. Yu’s recent venture to the Immortal Realm to investigate the Demon Lord’s reality further depleted the core’s energy, breaking several enchantment formations. This allowed inadvertent entry for many outside cultivators during this period.
“If that moment truly arrives, we’ll be left with a choice. Either everyone remains in the Floating Realm, or the rest follows the City of No Return.”
Granny Yao sighed, expressing helplessness in the face of this predicament. Although the Floating Realm had endured through the ages, fostering harmonious coexistence among diverse races, it lacked the power to contend with the entire Immortal Domain and the menacing Demon Lord that terrified even the Immortal Domain.
I understand. If that day ever comes.
Qing Feng nodded solemnly, gazing beyond the City of No Return. He recalled the respect and admiration he received from creatures in many towns outside. Suddenly, he felt the weight on his shoulders intensify. He was an outsider compared to the generations of animals within the City of No Return. His origin remained unknown, with only the knowledge that Granny Yao had found him on the city’s coast. Yet, this city was his home, and the looming catastrophe and signs of fragmentation heavily burdened his heart.
“Where did Cen Shuang go?”
Qing Feng snapped back to attention, recalling another matter, and inquired.
“Cen Shuang led a group to the Land of Mount Bi to slay demons.”
Granny Yao informed him, “She’s aware that time is running out and believes seizing this opportunity will result in the destruction of more demons and the collection of some demon cores.”
The balance of yin and yang, the interdependence necessary for the City of No Return’s survival across epochs, relied not only on the core origin from the great ancestors but also on resources derived from demon cores left by deceased demons in the Cangming Realm. These demon cores played a crucial role in sustaining the city’s existence.
Some elders in the City of No Return speculated about the origin of the core, suggesting it came from a terrible demon clan in the Cangming realm. However, this remained an unproven theory, as the Cangming territory was saturated with demonic energy lethal to non-demons. Cultivators entering would be eroded, possibly transformed into bloodthirsty demons.
Over the years, demons from the Cangming territory would occasionally traverse the cracks and invade the Floating Realm, seeking to prey on its inhabitants. In return, the Floating Realm utilized the demon cores left behind by deceased demons as vital resources, creating a symbiotic cycle that endured for countless years.
“This time, Cen Shuang and Mr. Yu encountered the legendary devil in the outside world. Since their return, she has become determined…”
“She even plans to venture through the crack into the Cangming Realm for a demon ma.s.sacre.”
“If you come across her, find a way to persuade her. This burden is not one she was destined to bear. It’s too heavy, and it will overwhelm her…”
Granny Yao shook her head and continued, “I see, then I will go to see Master now.”
Qing Feng nodded, leaving the place with a tinge of sadness but mostly a wry smile.
The Cen Shuang in question was the granddaughter of the old city lord of the City of No Return and could be considered his junior sister. Upon rescue by Granny Yao, he discovered he had forgotten his past, possessing strength that proved challenging to wield. In response, the old city lord accepted him as an apprentice, guiding him in using divine power and abilities.
The old city lord’s granddaughter had sealed her primordial spirit for an extended period and was born in this era. However, the ancient city lord’s health had deteriorated, his life force diminishing, and it was uncertain how long he could endure. During Qing Feng’s visits, the ancient city lord lay weakly on his bed, his eyes closed for an extended period, managing the affairs of the City of No Return through verbal communication.
Regarded as the wisest figure by the people of No Return City, the old city lord was highly esteemed, surpa.s.sing even Granny Yao and the elders. Guided by several guards, Qing Feng soon arrived at a grand yet serene palace.
Layers of curtains resembling floating mist adorned the innermost layer, permeated by the scent of medicinal herbs. A frail older man in soft brocade lay within, a dry hand extending beyond the curtain, breathing weakly, resembling a flickering candle in the wind.
Master.
Upon arrival, Qing Feng offered a respectful salute, then stood quietly, awaiting the older man’s words.