Chapter 974: Seeking the Ripple

Regardless of the true circumstances, now that Wutong Continent was accessible, the high-ranking cultivators of Xianxia Island, outwardly calm but inwardly vigilant, were prepared to act. By the pool, a communication talisman descended from the sky, landing beside Zhu Tingtao. It vanished after he listened intently for a moment.

"Mr. Ji," a voice transmitted, "most of our sect's cultivators above the Chaoyuan realm will be departing the island. Please wait a moment; I'll be back shortly, and then we can leave together."

"Very well, Fellow Daoist Zhu, please lead the way."

After a brief exchange, Zhu Tingtao leaped up and transformed into a streak of light, departing. He was clearly responding to the Sect Master's summons.

The group of cultivators who activated Xianxia Island's Grand Teleportation Array had nearly exhausted their magic power and needed to recuperate. Thus, the search for the phoenix's traces would be undertaken by a different group, including Zhu Tingtao.

Clearly, matters on Xianxia Island were being expedited. Zhu Tingtao returned after just over a quarter of an hour, no longer alone. He was followed by more than thirty individuals, all at least Chaoyuan True Cultivators, who arrived on the wind.

"Mr. Ji," Zhu Tingtao transmitted, "let's depart! These are the accompanying True Cultivators. Please conceal yourself for now; I will send them away later."

Zhu Tingtao's message was transmitted, and Ji Yuan understood. He immediately concealed himself, disappearing from the side of the pool.

Zhu Tingtao briefly paused by the pool with this group of cultivators, feigning to retrieve some items, and then led them away again.

Ji Yuan remained hidden. When Zhu Tingtao ascended into the sky again, Ji Yuan also stepped on the wind, rising to his side. Not one of Xianxia Island's True Cultivators noticed his presence.

Ji Yuan's reputation for his way of doing things was already well-known, and his connection with Xianxia Island was indeed deep. Furthermore, with Zhu Tingtao's authority, even if his presence were announced, the cultivators would likely not object. However, both Zhu Tingtao and Ji Yuan chose to temporarily conceal his whereabouts. Although their specific reasons weren't fully discussed, it was certainly not out of fear that someone would complain to the Sect Master.

Since the search for the divine phoenix was a top secret matter for Xianxia Island, the island's cultivators did not all leave en masse. Instead, they departed in batches, typically with one or two elders or high-ranking sect members leading a group of cultivators, each heading to a potential phoenix habitat.

Although Wutong Continent was called an 'island continent,' it was still one of the Ten Directions of the world. Even though it ranked last and couldn't compare to the Four Great Continents or the mysterious, immeasurable Black Dream Spirit Continent, its area was considerable. It comprised two large countries and three smaller ones, whose combined territory slightly exceeded that of the current Great Zhen.

Such a vast land, rich in mountains, forests, and diverse species, featured tall, ancient parasol trees everywhere, from deep mountain ranges to bustling cities. If the phoenix were hidden there, even Xianxia Island cultivators with some spiritual connection to it would find it incredibly difficult to locate.

Ji Yuan's knowledge of Wutong Continent was limited to hearsay and written information. Although he had just heard a brief account from Zhu Tingtao, his understanding of Wutong Continent was still insufficient. However, one thing was perfectly clear.

The parasol tree was recognized as an auspicious and divine tree on Wutong Continent. In every country on the continent, laws prohibited the indiscriminate felling of parasol trees, and century-old parasol trees were rarely harmed in the slightest.

While Ji Yuan pondered Wutong Continent and the phoenix, Zhu Tingtao had already led them to one end of the island's coast.

From this vantage point, Xianxia Island was still shrouded in mist and remained at sea, but the faint outline of distant land could be seen, indicating their proximity to the shore.

The two stood on the shore, gazing through the mist at the distant land of Wutong Continent.

"Mr. Ji," Zhu Tingtao transmitted, "the Sect Master's instruction is for me to search Jianyun Kingdom and its surrounding mountain ranges. Of course, this isn't a strict limitation; if we find any clues, we can pursue them directly."

"Do the other high-ranking cultivators of Xianxia Island also have designated search areas?" Ji Yuan asked curiously.

Hearing Zhu Tingtao's transmitted message, Ji Yuan asked curiously. Zhu Tingtao, still looking straight ahead without moving his lips, replied using the method of spiritual voice transmission.

"We have some vague territorial divisions, but the specific methods are up to each individual. Jianyun Kingdom is a small country, but it certainly has many ancient parasol trees. Senior Phoenix has resided in Jianyun Kingdom several times."

"Oh, and by the way, this situation is serious. It's not suitable for all thousands of Xianxia Island disciples to know, nor is it advisable to publicize it too much externally. All relevant information will be communicated by the Sect Master True Person via communication talismans."

Listening to Zhu Tingtao's words, combined with his own hidden presence, made Ji Yuan feel a little odd. While it could be argued they didn't want to attract attention with a grand display, Xianxia Island's Sect Master Dugu clearly had his own intentions. It was likely he wasn't truly unaware of Ji Yuan's arrival; what was unclear was whether Zhu Tingtao knew. If he did, it seemed a bit disingenuous. There was no need to hide it from Ji Yuan. Could they truly not trust him?

However, upon careful thought, a strange idea suddenly crossed Ji Yuan's mind: could Xianxia Island truly suspect him? Zhu Tingtao had mentioned 'Phoenix Seeking Mate' several times; perhaps he thought Ji Yuan was one of the most suspicious individuals capable of absconding with a phoenix in this world?

No way, really?

Ji Yuan was speechless, but he certainly couldn't ask about such a thing. He could only act according to circumstances.

Within the sight of Zhu Tingtao and the others, streams of immortal light continuously departed from Xianxia Island, flying in various directions towards Wutong Continent. After standing on the coastline for about half an hour, Zhu Tingtao also gave the order to depart.

"Let's go."

With Zhu Tingtao's command, the next moment, he, Ji Yuan, and dozens of Xianxia Island True Cultivators took a step forward, treading on the water's surface.

Jianyun Kingdom was not far from their location. After reaching the shore, they walked along its edge, and two hours later, they had arrived at the border of Jianyun Kingdom.

Wutong Continent certainly lived up to its name. In just two hours of rapid travel, Ji Yuan had already seen numerous parasol trees, with towering trees over ten zhang tall being commonplace.

"Alright, let's start here! All of you, proceed according to the Radiant Cloud Array's deployment. Remember to act cautiously and immediately send me a message if you find any information."

"We obey your command."

Zhu Tingtao gave the order, and all the Xianxia Island cultivators, in pairs, either ascended into the sky or used shrinking-earth magic, departing in various directions. They clearly had a plan beforehand.

Only after the others had departed did Ji Yuan reappear.

"Ah, coming to Xianxia Island and having to act like a thief."

"My apologies, Mr. Ji!"

Zhu Tingtao offered an apology, and at the same time, took out a brocade pouch with a talisman attached from his sleeve. From it, he drew an object: a phoenix feather enveloped in a faint glow. As Ji Yuan's eyes slightly widened, Zhu Tingtao simply nodded at it, then with a surge of magic power, the feather's radiance brightened further.

In Ji Yuan's eyes, the radiant glow on the phoenix feather subtly rose like smoke, yet it also had a certain directionality, which was not due to wind or spiritual energy flow.

"Mr. Ji," Zhu Tingtao explained, "this item was privately given to me by the Sect Master. It is a shed feather from Senior Phoenix. Xianxia Island currently possesses only two such flawless feathers, and this is one of them. We can use it to sense Senior Phoenix's lingering aura. However, she has resided on Wutong Continent for many years and visited countless places. This feather will react to all these locations, making it truly difficult to find Senior Phoenix by relying solely on it."

Ji Yuan naturally understood. He also sensed that Zhu Tingtao's burden seemed heavy, so he said no more.

"Fellow Daoist Zhu, please take the lead then."

The two rapidly traversed the land, carefully tending to the dissipating radiance of the phoenix feather. Their first destination was a valley in a small mountain, where a clear mountain stream flowed and a massive parasol tree, twenty zhang tall, stood.

Radiance from the phoenix feather drifted towards the parasol tree, causing a faint glow to rise from the entire tree. But it was clear that the phoenix could not be there.

However, Ji Yuan was already at the foot of the parasol tree, squatting by the clear stream. He placed a bamboo tube on the water's surface, letting a large amount of mountain spring water flow into it. Only when it was nearly full did Ji Yuan stand up.

"Let's go."

Zhu Tingtao uttered this, then continued to activate the feather, and he and Ji Yuan departed the area. According to Zhu Tingtao's explanation and Ji Yuan's own perception, employing this method was akin to a form of divination, with the radiance occasionally shifting and appearing somewhat unstable.

Around dusk, after half a day's travel, Ji Yuan and Zhu Tingtao arrived at the outskirts of a village. At its center stood a flourishing ancient parasol tree. A mere glance at the village allowed Ji Yuan to discern its extraordinary fortune; both scholarly and martial destinies flowed within, indicating that many villagers had achieved prominence.

"Where the phoenix lands, blessings naturally follow."

"Hmm, but I believe it's also a synergistic relationship. If the villagers didn't possess the auspiciousness to receive blessings, the phoenix wouldn't have resided here."

"That's true. I just wonder how Senior Phoenix is doing now..."

Upon setting foot on Wutong Continent, Zhu Tingtao had felt a persistent unease. With another surge of magic power, he pressed on without delay, continuing with Ji Yuan to search for traces of the phoenix in various locations.

From the countryside to towns, from streamsides to riverbanks, from deep mountains to paddy fields, the phoenix's dwelling habits differed from those of ordinary spiritual creatures. It had low requirements for population density or abundant spiritual energy. It didn't necessarily reside in large parasol trees; traces were even found on trees only twenty or thirty years old. When the phoenix landed on a branch, the tree might have been planted only a few years prior. It was conceivable that while residing in various places, the phoenix would not only conceal its brilliance but also change its size and even form.

With the assistance of formations set up by other Xianxia Island cultivators, Zhu Tingtao's magic casting within this kingdom's territory reached peak efficiency. In just a few days, they had nearly scoured the entire Jianyun Kingdom area.

However, that night, as Ji Yuan and Zhu Tingtao meditated beneath a parasol tree in a desolate, rocky wilderness, Ji Yuan suddenly felt a subtle stirring within him and immediately opened his eyes. Zhu Tingtao, sensing Ji Yuan's reaction, also awoke from his meditation and looked at Ji Yuan, saying,

"Mr. Ji, have you detected something?"

"Yes, Fellow Daoist Zhu. Just pretend I was never here."

With that, Ji Yuan lightly leaped onto the parasol tree. Then, activating a Grand Void Jade Talisman and performing his own aura concealment technique, he seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving not a trace of his presence.

Zhu Tingtao frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then closed his eyes to meditate again. Approximately ten breaths later, a calm voice approached from afar.

"Junior Brother Zhu, quickly come with me! I might know where Senior Phoenix is, and I need your feather for assistance."

"Senior Brother You?"

A cultivator in a blue robe flew in on the wind, looking overjoyed to see Zhu Tingtao meditating. Zhu Tingtao stood up, and while still bewildered, cast a quick glance at the parasol tree, then immediately nodded.

"If this is true, we should depart immediately!"

"My spiritual senses would not deceive me! I just can't confirm the exact location. Junior Brother, quickly come with me!"

"Understood!"

Zhu Tingtao assented. The very moment the blue-robed cultivator turned around, Zhu Tingtao suddenly burst into action, pointing a finger. A shuttle of radiant light instantly shot out, striking the back of the other's head.

"Ah—Junior Brother, you..."

The blue-robed cultivator screamed, directly struck more than ten zhang away. His protective magical light flickered erratically, clearly indicating severe injury.

From the tree, Ji Yuan inwardly remarked, 'Splendid!' He hadn't expected Fellow Daoist Zhu to be not only as forthright and straightforward as he appeared, but also so decisive in his actions!

"Hmph! What vile creature dares to impersonate a high-ranking cultivator of my Xianxia Island? That shimmering radiance about you, I fear, must have come from absorbing more than one Xianxia Island disciple, haven't you?"

"You, what a Zhu Tingtao! In that case, die!"

The blue-robed cultivator roared, his aura instantly becoming terrifying. A swath of radiant light mixed with fierce flames struck towards Zhu Tingtao. The latter did not retreat a single step, instead flicking his single sleeve, conjuring three zhang of flowing light to sweep away the incoming attack.

Bang...

Large swathes of fire and radiant light dissipated. Zhu Tingtao was slightly stunned; the opponent wasn't launching a strong attack at all. Under the feint, he had already fled far into the distance.

"Vile creature, don't you dare flee!"

Zhu Tingtao roared, treading on radiant light as he swiftly gave chase.

Perched on the tree, Ji Yuan sighed. He had just inwardly praised Zhu Tingtao, but it turned out Fellow Daoist Zhu had been led away in a different manner...