Handling the situation
Fortunately, Zhou Yuan wasn't one to jump headfirst into things like a reckless bull. As a scion of a prominent cultivation clan, he understood the importance of building a sturdy foundation to venture further down the treacherous road of cultivation. However, to his astonishment, his entire being seemed to be guzzling down Spiritual Qi like a bottomless pit, with no signs of satiation.
He resembled a bottomless black hole, ceaselessly devouring the surrounding Spiritual Qi. To Zhou Yuan's surprise, the majority of this energy did not contribute to enhancing his cultivation after reaching the 9th Rank of Qi Refinement. Instead, it was absorbed by his body, specifically his Heavenly Body. According to records, the fully developed Seamless Flame Heavenly Flame Body possessed the power to incinerate the Heavens and obliterate all laws.
To unlock the astonishing abilities of his Heavenly Body, substantial resources and energy were required for its growth. Heavenly Bodies were unique and exceptional forms believed to have originated from various Heavenly Laws. These celestial entities possessed extraordinary qualities and powers that set them apart from ordinary beings. They were often associated with higher realms of cultivation and were thought to embody the essence of cosmic forces.
Throughout the history of the Heavenly Origin Realm, only a few individuals had achieved an unprecedented level of mastery in this regard.
Above the lake where Zhou Yuan currently resided, two figures stood in the sky directly above him: a man and a woman. Zhou Xuan and Zhou Ning were astonished as they witnessed the voracious little fellow absorbing a significant portion of the Ethereal Mountain Ranges' spiritual qi.
Zhou Xuan's expression darkened as he pondered, "No wonder I haven't seen you these past few days. You've been here, engaged in who knows what."
He observed that Zhou Yuan's cultivation had returned, but he knew the situation was far from simple. While others may not fully comprehend Zhou Yuan's condition, he was well aware of the extent of his struggles. Zhou Yuan's meridian paths were damaged, his body had deteriorated to an irreparable state, and he experienced periodic outbursts of excruciating pain. All of these factors hindered his cultivation and growth, forcing him to rely on elixirs for survival.
The path Zhou Yuan had to tread in order to take a single step forward was unimaginably arduous, causing Zhou Xuan's heart to ache. Excitedly, Zhou Ning inquired, "Has Yuan'er recovered?" Her eyes sparkled with joy.
Like her brother, she empathized with Zhou Yuan's plight, so it was only natural for her to feel elated upon witnessing progress. Zhou Xuan did not respond to her immediately; instead, he remained focused on Zhou Yuan. After a while, he spoke, "Go back and assure them that there's nothing to worry about. As for the matter of the engagement..." Zhou Xuan paused briefly before continuing, "We can discuss it further at a later date. I believe you know what to do next."
Upon receiving her brother's instructions, Zhou Ning wasted no time and hurried back to where everyone else was. Initially, when they discovered something amiss in the Ethereal Mountain Range, Zhou Xuan had told her to follow him while the others remained behind.
After Zhou Ning departed, Zhou Xuan landed on the side of the small island. As he approached, he grew increasingly shocked by the extraordinary changes he sensed in his grandson's body. The best way to describe it was that Zhou Yuan was undergoing a sort of rebirth. Despite his level of cultivation, Zhou Xuan was uncertain how long this process would take. For now, all he could do was wait.
...
Inside the grand hall of the Zhou Clan, an undercurrent of unease permeated the air as the mysterious beam of light materialized. Amidst the gathering of concerned individuals, two figures stood out, their faces etched with extreme worry. The Ethereal Mountain held a paramount significance for their clan, serving as a vital pillar of their very existence. Any harm that befell this sacred land would be an absolute catastrophe.
The elders of the Zhou Clan were particularly distressed, for they relied heavily on the abundant spiritual energy that emanated from the mountain range for their cultivation. In the realm of cultivation, the speed at which one progresses is influenced by various factors, and resources play a pivotal role. The elders had dedicated years to refining their cultivation techniques, honing their skills, and amassing knowledge. The Ethereal Mountain served as their sanctuary, a sacred place where they could tap into the profound energy of heaven and earth, propelling them to greater heights on their arduous cultivation journey.
In the vast expanse of the Heavenly Origin Realm, opportunities for advancement were plentiful. However, the distribution of these opportunities was largely controlled by the Seven Great Sects, wielding immense power and influence. They monopolized the most precious resources, tightly controlling access to them. For cultivation families like the Zhou Clan, their foundations held immense importance. The Ethereal Mountain was not merely a symbol of their heritage; it was a wellspring of strength that set them apart from other clans.
Standing beside Zhou Jing'er, Qing'er's usually radiant countenance turned ashen, and she couldn't help but whisper in a hushed voice, "Young lady, the young master ventured into the mountain a few days ago. Could something have befallen him?" The worry in her voice mirrored the anxiety that gripped her heart.
Hearing Qing'er's concerns, Zhou Jing'er remained silent, but the nervousness in her eyes spoke volumes. She even contemplated revealing everything to her father, fearing the worst. However, before she could act upon her thoughts, a gentle breeze brushed against them, momentarily diverting their attention.
All eyes turned towards Zhou Ning as she made her entrance. The elders, including Zhou Kai, wanted to immediately bombard her with questions. Even Ling Yan and his children became alert, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding events. Ling Jia, in particular, felt an inexplicable sense of unease. Her instincts whispered that something was amiss. Frustration tinged her heart as her goals seemed tantalizingly close, only to be thwarted at the eleventh hour.
Breaking the silence, Zhou Kai was the first to speak. "Sister, what is happening on the mountain?" Deep within, Zhou Ning felt a surge of disgust. She and Zhou Xuan shared the same mother, while Zhou Kai was born from one of her father's concubines. Despite being older than Zhou Kai, their relationship had always been strained due to his jealousy and prejudice towards them. Personally, she harbored a deep dislike for her half-brother.
Maintaining her composed demeanor, Zhou Ning responded to her half-brother's inquiry, "The situation on the mountain is stable, there is no need for concern. We can delve into the specifics at a more opportune time." Instead of delving into details, she shifted her attention to the Ling family trio, addressing them with utmost politeness. "Patriarch Ling, I apologize for this sudden interruption. If it is agreeable to you, my elder brother would prefer to continue this conversation at a more suitable occasion."
Patriarch Ling understood the situation and replied, "Certainly, Elder Zhou Ning. The current matters can be resolved at a more opportune moment. We can reschedule our discussion when circumstances allow."
Zhou Ning maintained a warm smile and added, "You are all welcome to stay as our guests until my elder brother returns."
Zhou Kai, visibly frustrated with Zhou Ning's response, clenched his fists in annoyance. He was eager to learn more about the mountain situation, and his half-sister's evasive reply only heightened his curiosity.
Internally, he felt slighted and infuriated by her apparent condescension. It served as a stark reminder of the deep-seated bonds within a family. Zhou Kai and Zhou Ling shared similarities in their explosive tempers, and if they weren't in a public setting, he might have completely lost his composure.
The Ling trio each had their own reactions to the situation, but it was evident that they were dissatisfied. Nonetheless, they chose to yield and followed a servant out of the main hall.
After seeing them leave the main hall Zhou Ning turned to the remaining members of the Zhou Clan and declared in a serious tone. "Everyone other than the elders, all of you are to leave, today's matters are not to be disclosed to the outside. Anyone who disobeys will be punished by the clan law." Her words caused everyone including the elders to widen their eyes in shock.
Enacting the clan laws for punishments was a rare occurrence, after all no one wanted to willingly go against their clan out of fear. Soon everyone including Zhou Jing'er and Qing'er left the hall leaving behind only the clan elders.
"Aunt, everybody is gone. Now, can you tell us what's going on?" Zhou Hao said in a calm tone. He, including all the other elders, looked towards her for answers.