Chapter 723: Chapter 722: Farewell, Return to the Universe

At this moment, Li Jing could clearly feel that the nature of his Little Universe had changed on an essential level. It was no longer a separate world that strictly belonged to him alone.

For now, he could not discern much.

But he had a rough grasp that the Little Universe was undergoing some kind of transformation due to the connection with the Universe Great World.

This was apparently the first step mentioned by the Star Cloud Heavenly Path, where an independent world would evolve into a larger world.

Taking this step was only the beginning.

He still had a long way to go.

Li Jing could discern this for himself.

The transformation that the Little Universe was undergoing was beyond his control, so all he could do was give it time and wait for the transformation to be complete.

In a certain sense.

This was quite easy. He didn’t need to meet any specific conditions.

The only issue was that he might have to wait a very, very long time. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

But that wouldn’t be a problem.

At this point, what he had in abundance was time.

With a thought, Li Jing looked at the central continent of the Little Universe.

The time in the Little Universe was synonymous with the flow of time in the world where he himself was currently located.

The only problem was when he was in the Earth Realm, where the flow of time was different. The disparity between the perceived external time and the time inside his independent world would confuse his senses and hinder him from making accurate judgments.

At this time, he had spent quite a while in the Divine Domain, where the passage of time was significantly different.

Jiang Yini had completed her tribulation a few days ago and had returned to Chen Tang City as previously discussed.

According to the time difference between Earth and the Divine Domain.

Her tribulation should’ve taken over two years.

The fact that the tribulation took so much time must mean that her realm insights improved and she gained more benefits.

This was a good thing.

The troubling part was.

More than three years’ worth of Earth time had passed in the blink of an eye.

Both before and after.

Time had passed in the Universe Great World for over a hundred years...

A hundred years in the blink of an eye, and Chen Tang City must have undergone significant changes.

It’s worth mentioning that.

Over the years, those affiliated with Chen Tang City would have noticed the huge time difference between the Little Universe and the Universe Great World due to Li Jing’s presence in different Plane Spaces and time nodes. And, they might choose to avoid entering the Little Universe as much as possible to avoid losing touch with the outside world.

For a cultivator, time is the greatest factor in honing one’s skills and power.

Most people wish they could spend more time cultivating.

Considering that Li Jing was on Earth.

The Immortal Realm of the Universe Great World was like a Zhenyuan Tower to the Little Universe. The choice was clear.

It was time to go back...

But first, he needed to check on Earth.

With a thought, Li Jing left the Little Universe and went straight back to Earth.

One thing’s for sure.

The adaptability of humans as a collective is impressive.

Over three years had passed, and the Earth now has a completely different look.

As soon as he returned to his former hometown, Li Jing saw multiple low-level cultivators flying through the sky, turning into streaks of light above the city.

The people walking on the streets maintained their original daily routines.

Work as usual, hang out as usual.

But what differed was.

Most of them had already started their spiritual cultivation.

Although their cultivation levels weren’t high, they had indeed started on the path of cultivation.

This fact, to be honest, was somewhat surprising to Li Jing.

The Blue Star in the Universe Great World had a history of everyone practicing cultivation that had taken countless years to precipitate.

The Blue Star People themselves lived in an environment rich with Spiritual Qi, and they had undergone certain evolution over generations to adapt to the environment, being born with a natural Qi Sense.

Three years ago, when Earth’s Spiritual Qi had revived, it had triggered a transformation in many fortunate individuals bathed in the aura of immortality.

But it seemed illogical that so many people had started their cultivation in just three years.

Did the Earth people have great potential?

He himself was an Earthling, after all.

Why was it so difficult when I first time-traveled?

The environment has changed, hasn’t it?

Li Jing thought about it and looked up at the sky.

If Earth could change so quickly, the Star Cloud Heavenly Path must have done something.

Just as he was thinking, a familiar voice rang in his ear.

"Li Jing, my young friend."

Li Jing was slightly stunned and then frowned.

"Ancestral Dragon?"

"When you hear this message, I should no longer be on Earth. This world still needs a long time to grow. My existence will impact many things; we’ll meet again if fate allows. Also, the Star Cloud Heavenly Path has fallen into sleep, she asked me to tell you that Earth is the last gift she gives to you."

The voice of the Ancestral Dragon echoed in Li Jing’s ear, causing him to look puzzled.

Li Jing did not mind about meeting the Ancestral Dragon again.

After all, the Ancestral Dragon is a primary being.

Although he was close to the Nineteenth Realm, it was still a different world compared to the primary beings.

Maybe when he reached the status of an immortal, he could converse as equals with them.

The message from Star Cloud Heavenly Path is a bit puzzling.

What does it mean by Earth is the last gift she gave to me?

Does that mean it’s okay for me to refine Earth into the Little Universe?

Probably not.

After all, if someone truly wanted to give Earth to him, refining it would require the Star Cloud Heavenly Path itself to help fix the bugs.

Establishing a connection with the Star Cloud Great World doesn’t give him the freedom to do whatever he wants.

Pondering deeply, Li Jing looked around again.

It looks like Earth’s rapid transformation really is something done by the Star Cloud Heavenly Path before she fell into sleep, and it’s because of him.

"Always doing unnecessary things."

Shaking his head, Li Jing sighed with a bitter smile.

Despite not wanting to admit it.

As an Earthling, he did have a special attachment to Earth.

He could understand the Star Cloud Heavenly Path wanting to thank him.

But for this trip, he had already gained enough...

There was no need for the Star Cloud Heavenly Path to do more for him.

Interfering with Earth’s development after the revival of spiritual qi, she must have paid a hefty price, going into a longer slumber.

Why bother?

Looking at it from a different perspective.

The Star Cloud Heavenly Path did calculate this move well.

On one hand, this move was a favor, but also a reason for him to have more dealings with the Star Cloud Great World.

Normally speaking.

If Earth was only just revived by spiritual qi, the development of the cultivation civilization would inevitably take several hundred or even a thousand years of accumulation before gradually getting on the right track.

Li Jing wouldn’t have much dealing with such a world.

Firstly, this world is not suitable for people of his level, and secondly, even if he wanted to help the development of Earth’s cultivation civilization, the Earthlings couldn’t handle the things he brought.

However, the situation changed greatly when the Star Cloud Heavenly Path gave Earth a push before her hibernation.

Earth had the hardest foundation from the start, and it’s bound to develop rapidly.

Even if Li Jing doesn’t have the idea of fueling this development, there is more reason for him to be involved.

Rubbing his eyebrows, Li Jing let out a sigh.

Well.

The Little Universe is already linked to the Star Cloud Great World, making interdimensional travel unnecessary in the future. If there’s a chance, it would be nice to come back and visit more often.

Without further thought, Li Jing waved his hand, tore open space, and stepped into it.

The next instant.

He arrived outside the Layered Space, where the Zero Mechanism located on the border of the Hua Xia’s outer sea.

The array he laid down himself naturally wouldn’t stop him.

He easily crossed the Seven-Star Formation and entered the Layered Space. The magnificent scene immediately came into Li Jing’s view, causing him to sincerely marvel at Hua Xia’s deserved reputation as construction maniacs.

Back then, he expanded the Layered Space for the Zero Mechanism, making it wider but didn’t do much else.

After more than six years have passed.

The No.0 Mechanism, which used to be a solitary island in the layered space, has been transformed into a massive island, covering an area even more extensive than that of a typical small island nation.

Around the No.0 Mechanism, countless offshore work "sites" were building platforms.

Just as he was reflecting on this, an alarm suddenly rang out on the island where the No.0 Mechanism was located.

Li Jing was slightly startled.

Before he could react, the alarm was abruptly discontinued. Then, a dazzling figure flew out from the center of the island, cheerfully waving at him.

Seeing this person, Li Jing showed a faint, gentle smile.

This person was none other than Li Xi.

The young girl seemed to be enjoying life on the No.0 Mechanism.

More than three years ago, when he heard from Jiang Yini, she was at the cultivation level of the Three Realms.

But now, she has reached the peak of the Four Realms...

If we exclude the few cultivators who were hidden on Earth before the revival of the Spiritual Qi, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this little girl is now the foremost person on Earth.

With a flash of his body, Li Jing came to Li Xi’s side.

It was only when he got closer that he realized.

The once half-grown girl had blossomed into a stunning beauty in these six years.

The path of cultivation indeed makes a difference.

Not only had Li Xi grown up, but she also seemed to have the beauty filter that Blue Star cultivators inherently possessed.

Upon receiving someone’s close scrutiny, Li Xi laughed with a bit of embarrassment.

"Big brother, you’re here! I knew that the one who could break into the No.0 Mechanism without hindrance must be you!"

Just as she was about to say something else, Li Jing spoke with a smile.

"I just came to see you, I will leave soon."

Hearing this, the bright smile on Li Xi’s face stiffened for a moment, then she bit her lower lip lightly and nodded.

"Will we have the chance to meet again in the future?"

"Of course."

Li Jing chuckled and said.

"I won’t be back for a while, but barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will come back to Hua Xia from time to time."

Hearing his words, a smile quickly returned to Li Xi’s face.

"Don’t worry, big brother, I will definitely work hard at my cultivation. I’ll give you a surprise next time you come."

Li Jing nodded silently and left quietly.

Li Xi was stunned to see this.

She hadn’t expected someone to leave so abruptly and decisively just after mentioning it.

Knotting her adorable nose and holding back the redness in her eyes, she looked around.

But she also understands.

From the moment Li Jing accidentally crossed over, it was fated that they belonged to two different worlds - it was not just a matter of spatial hierarchy.

It also had to do with the boundary between ordinary people and cultivators.

But now, she had at least the chance to go down the path of cultivation.

She was no longer an ordinary person.

As long as she worked hard enough.

Sooner or later, she could be in the same "world" as Li Jing.

...

After leaving the No.0 Mechanism’s location, Li Jing quietly arrived at an unnamed cemetery in his hometown.

He stood in front of a dust-laden tombstone, brushing away the heavy dust with gentle force and arranging a simple cleaning formation, before placing a bundle of flowers.

Without lingering, Li Jing opened his own domain and entered the Little Universe, then returned to Chen Tang City.

Over a hundred years have passed.

Chen Tang City has undergone significant changes.

Just arrived, Li Jing could hardly believe this is his old haunt.

Randomly picking anyone from Chen Tang City, which used to be frequented by low-level cultivators, you’d find they have at least the cultivation level of the Ten Realms.

Those of the Eleven Realms, Twelve Realms, or even Thirteen Realms are not in the minority.

Tons of previously non-existent modern building rise around the base of the modern high-rises that were first erected in Chen Tang City, stretching as far as the eye can see. This Earth Realm no longer looks like a small city, but a vast state.

Seeing all of this, Li Jing was filled with emotion.

Unconsciously.

The Chen Tang City he established on a whim has developed to such an extent.

Compared to the earlier century, the most recent hundred years have brought even more earth-shattering changes to Chen Tang City.

As he was in his thoughts, a lovely figure dressed head-to-toe in red hummed a tune as she walked out of the Zhenyuan Tower.

At the sight of Li Jing, she gave a brief pause, then exclaimed with joy.

"Dad! You’re back!?"

Li Jing instinctively turned at the sound of her voice and found himself face-to-face with Little Fire Phoenix, who was charging at him like a tiger pouncing on its prey. He had no choice but to catch her with a wry smile.

"You rascal! How old are you now to still be behaving like this?"

Pampering her with a scolding, Li Jing struggled to remove Little Fire Phoenix who was clinging tightly to him like an octopus, and helplessly said.

"Take it easy, otherwise, Blue Phoenix will scold you again!"

"So what if she does! She’s not my real mom!"

Little Fire Phoenix retorted defiantly, still trying to move closer.

The rebirth of the Fire Phoenix after a transformation.

Though she wasn’t technically Li Jing’s daughter, their blood bond was beyond compare.

It wasn’t just that Li Jing could not handle Little Fire Phoenix but that she had always been particularly attached to him from birth.

About this,

Blue Phoenix has had grievances for a long time.

In her words,

if Fire Phoenix was small, it wouldn’t matter, but as she grew older, shouldn’t she understand and respect the difference between men and women?

You two aren’t real father and daughter, what if inappropriate sparks fly?

Of course, Li Jing agrees with what she says, after all, Blue Phoenix’s words make a lot of sense.

But unfortunately, Fire Phoenix appears to be completely unfazed by this concept.

Helplessly pushing away Fire Phoenix, who determinedly wanted to rest her cheek on him, Li Jing was surprised to find that she had reached the Fourteenth Realm and was on the verge of entering the 15th Realm.

Holy cow!

A hundred years ago, she had only just stepped into the Twelfth Realm.

Is this some sort of turbo growth?

"How are you already in the Fourteenth Realm? Did you have some sort of fortuitous encounter?"

Curious, Li Jing asked.

Seeing him asking about her cultivation progress, Little Fire Phoenix took the opportunity to flaunt her accomplishment with pride.

"Dad, are you underestimating me? Even at my worst, I’m still a genius of the Fire Phoenix Clan. Although I died once and had to start from scratch, I still remember the path I’ve taken. Besides, its not like my power completely disappeared, it was just dormant within me. With the Zhenyuan Tower, the jewel of Chen Tang City, I can spend all day soaking up its energies, how hard could it be to return to my previous peak state?"

Li Jing was at a loss for words.

If the Fire Phoenix were to put it this way, then she does have a point.

As a divine beast phoenix,

It is indeed extraordinary when it comes to this aspect.

Just as he wasn’t sure what to say, another figure in a blue dress emerged from the Zhenyuan Tower.

Catching sight of this figure, Fire Phoenix immediately shrunk her neck and without a second word, hid behind Li Jing.

Having noticed this, Li Jing twitched the corners of his mouth and looked behind him.

This little girl; wasn’t she very confident just a moment ago?

On the other side,

The blue-dressed figure came out from the Zhenyuan Tower, paused her steps briefly after seeing Li Jing, walked over, and gave a gentle smile.

"When did you get back?"

"Just now."

Li Jing responded with a nod and a smile.

"Blue Phoenix, it’s been a long time."

"It has been indeed, but you should be saying this to Sisi and the others, not me."

Blue Phoenix responded with a light smile, then tilted her head.

"Do you mind if I take the girl behind you?"

"No problem."

Li Jing decisively pulled the shocked Fire Phoenix out from behind him, placed a restriction on her in her incredulous eyes, and passed her over to Blue Phoenix.

Without saying a word, Blue Phoenix took Little Fire Phoenix, who was immobilized and couldn’t talk due to the restriction, and turned around to go back to the Zhenyuan Tower.

Just as she was about to go in, her bell-like voice rang in Li Jing’s ears.

"Welcome back."

Hearing this, Li Jing paused slightly, then smiled and began to re-examine Chen Tang City once again.

...