"Senior, are you preparing to leave the Nine Provinces?" Lu Ye asked again. Although Yang Qing hadn't told him, Lu Ye faintly sensed that Yang Qing wouldn't stay in the Nine Provinces for too long. The Nine Provinces, after all, is just a small pond; how can it accommodate a True Dragon like Yang Qing? Yang Qing smiled faintly, "Isn't this exactly what you all hoped for?" Lu Ye felt embarrassed, "Previously, we didn't understand Senior well, and there were many misunderstandings. Well, if Senior is willing, you can always stay." Previously, the Nine Provinces cultivators couldn't clarify Yang Qing's exact attitude towards the Nine Provinces, so they were inevitably uneasy and wary of his stay. No matter what, he had been sealed in the Spirit Stream battlefield for tens of thousands of years, and there was no guarantee he wouldn't hold a grudge. If such a powerful figure really wanted to vent grievances, the current Nine Provinces wouldn't be able to withstand it. But after these days of interaction, Lu Ye found that Yang Qing actually bore no malice towards the Nine Provinces. The catastrophe brought by Yueh Xin was resolved by Yang Qing, who later took him to the Reincarnation Tree, participated in the magnificent Taichu Realm event, providing care throughout. Observing his various actions, Yang Qing's attitude towards the Nine Provinces has become generally clear. Taking a step back, if a powerful figure like Yang Qing really harbored malice towards the Nine Provinces, who could stop him? On the other hand, if viewed from a different perspective, if the Nine Provinces had a character like Yang Qing stationed, it would be a dream come true for many domains. There had already been a Yueh Xin before; who knows if a second or third will emerge... If that time comes, with Yang Qing not in the Nine Provinces, who can resist? So when Lu Ye realized Yang Qing might soon leave, his mindset changed, wishing more for Yang Qing to stay as the greatest protector of the Nine Provinces! Yang Qing smiled, "To the Nine Provinces, I'm ultimately just a passerby. Had it not been for that unforeseen event, I would have left long ago. Though the Nine Provinces still exist, all my old friends are gone. I have no reason or necessity to stay, not to mention, I have my own matters to attend to." He turned his head to look at Lu Ye, "Your human race is quite a miraculous species, don't undervalue yourselves. The Nine Provinces is your home, so protecting it is your responsibility. Merely relying on others doesn't take you far. But no need to worry too much; the Nine Provinces are located in a relatively remote area. Unless unexpected events occur, few strong characters will come here. I estimate, as long as you are cautious, without exposing the existence of the Nine Provinces or leaving traces outside, it will be safe within a millennium. And with the growth speed of your human race, you should be able to cultivate a group of strong protectors for your home." Lu Ye bowed his head in gratitude, understanding that once someone like Yang Qing has made up his mind, it's hard for outsiders to change it. Since he decided to leave, persuading him further is meaningless. He courteously bowed, "Thank you, Senior, for everything during this time!" Yang Qing waved his hand, "Each of us takes what we need. Hopefully, one day, we can meet again somewhere in stellar space. Maybe by then, I might still need your assistance!" Lu Ye gladly replied, "That would be the greatest honor for me!" "Alright, that's all for now. Focus on cultivation," Yang Qing said, and with those words, he disappeared from sight. His elusive techniques are undoubtedly far superior to Lu Ye using the Void Spirit Runes for teleportation. Even after witnessing many times, Lu Ye couldn't grasp the key; it's not just the significant difference in cultivation but perhaps an application of some mystical power. However, Lu Ye could still feel that Yang Qing hadn't left the Nine Provinces, clueless about what he was doing. It wasn't until most of the day passed that Lu Ye suddenly raised his head, faintly detecting a fleeting shadow outside the Nine Provinces, softly calling, "Number Nine!" A cluster of spirit light gathered not far from Lu Ye, gradually forming the shape of a small white rabbit, hopping towards Lu Ye. "Did Senior Yang leave?" Lu Ye asked. Number Nine spoke human words, "He has left!" Lu Ye was slightly surprised, "You don't seem very happy?" Number Nine sighed, "It's strange, when he was here, I always felt uneasy. But now that he's left, I feel even more restless. Lu Ye, what if another Sun Blaze Realm like Yueh Xin comes over, what will we do?" "Don't jinx it, don't speak nonsense!" Lu Ye glared at it, "Senior Yang said, our Nine Provinces is in a relatively remote location right now. As long as we're cautious, there won't be trouble for a thousand years." "But things don't fear one in ten thousand but fear the slightest chance. What if it really happens? Yang Qing was just giving an estimation, nothing guaranteed." Lu Ye solemnly replied, "That's why we need to rely on ourselves! I must cultivate diligently and improve my cultivation. As for you... start absorbing the essence of the Blood Refinement World to elevate your level; only self-reliance is true strength. Counting on others is ultimately unrealistic." Number Nine said, "I've been absorbing all along, but this matter inherently takes time and can't show results quickly." "Then try even harder!" Lu Ye admonished. Number Nine immediately frowned deeply, unsure how to endeavor more diligently! The battlefield marking suddenly transmitted a message; Lu Ye investigated and found it was Jian Guhong who sent the message. Earlier, Jian Guhong and the others tasked him with finding Yang Qing to ascertain his attitude towards the Nine Provinces. As soon as Lu Ye arrived, he was taken by Yang Qing to the Reincarnation Tree, delaying his return for three months. During this period, Jian Guhong and the others were unable to contact Lu Ye, not knowing what had transpired. At last, they reestablished contact at this moment. Lu Ye sent a message back, informing Jian Guhong of his current location. Less than half a day passed before several beams of light swiftly approached from afar—indeed, it was Jian Guhong and others. Currently, the Constellation Realm in the Nine Provinces has grown to several hundred individuals, mainly because the Nine Provinces have just advanced to a large domain, allowing many Divine Sea Level 9 cultivators to manifest their potential swiftly. In the Nine Provinces now, nearly every day sees someone advancing to the Constellation Realm. This is typical of any newly advanced large domain. As time goes on, this frequency of advancement will gradually stabilize. Then, the ascent from Divine Sea to Constellation will proceed in a continuous stream, rather than in explosive rounds as it does now. Most Constellation Realm cultivators are out exploring the stellar space, searching for spirit jade used to aid cultivation. They have not ventured too far, scattered within less than a month's journey from the Nine Provinces. Thus, should anything occur in the Nine Provinces, they can return swiftly to assist. Of course, this is also related to the fact that the Nine Provinces have only recently connected with stellar space and the cultivators have just begun their exploration, careful not to venture too far lest they get lost and unable to find their way back, which would be awkward. Most Constellation Realm cultivators are exploring the stellar space, with only a few, including Jian Guhong, staying behind. This mainly concerns Yang Qing; although their strength is insignificant before Yang Qing, as part of the strongest cultivator group in the Nine Provinces now, they have the duty and responsibility to stay and protect. Upon meeting each other, Jian Guhong immediately asked, "How are things?" Lu Ye replied, "Senior Yang has already left." Jian Guhong was taken aback, "Left?" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱 Lu Ye nodded, "He has left the Nine Provinces and may not return in the future." Jian Guhong and others fell silent, unexpectedly finding the long-standing worry resolved so easily, yet feeling regret due to Yang Qing's decisive departure, affirming that he bore no malicious intent toward the Nine Provinces. With the departure of such a formidable figure, the Nine Provinces have lost their protection. Should another adversary like Yueh Xin arrive, they will have to rely on their capabilities to withstand. Human nature is ultimately complex; the Constellation Realm cultivators were anxious when Yang Qing was around, fearful of potential harm to the Nine Provinces. Now that he has left, they cannot help but feel ashamed, realizing they judged him unfairly. After a long while, Jian Guhong finally spoke, "Let him go. The Nine Provinces are our human race's Nine Provinces, and the domain's safety will depend on us in the future." Lu Ye nodded, "What Senior said is reasonable. Therefore, we must cultivate diligently in the future and quickly enhance our cultivation." Wuchang curiously asked, "You've disappeared for more than three months suddenly; where did you go? Why couldn't we contact you?" Lu Ye replied, "Senior Yang took me to a place called the Reincarnation Tree to participate in an epic gathering of thousands of domains!" Upon hearing this, everyone's interest was piqued, Wuchang's eyes widened further, "An epic gathering of thousands of domains?" The Nine Provinces cultivators have thus far only encountered the Blood Refinement World and Unparalleled Continent domains apart from their native land. Although everyone now knows many domains exist in the vast stellar space, the scene of an epic gathering of thousands is hard to imagine—it must be a magnificent spectacle. Seeing everyone interested, Lu Ye briefly explained the events' causes and effects. Learning that the seemingly lifeless small tree before them was actually a doppelganger of an Innate Supreme Treasure, even the most composed among them couldn't help but utter amazement. Listening to Lu Ye describe the gathering of thousands of domain's powerhouses at the Reincarnation Tree, they felt a longing rise within them. As they heard of the wonders and mysteries of various races, their curiosity grew even more intense. Finally, upon hearing that Lu Ye dominated the Taichu Realm, clinching the top place, they all shared his honor and beamed with smiles. Wuchang patted Lu Ye's shoulder, "Well done, kid. It seems that those domain prodigies still can't beat our Nine Provinces. Haha, great work." Jian Guhong asked, "Yiye, why did Senior Yang tell you not to reveal your Nine Provinces origin, but instead use the name Nine Heavens?" Lu Ye seriously replied, "Because prior to the Nine Provinces era, many formidable enemies were provoked. Although it's been ten thousand years, for those top-tier domains and supreme powerhouses, hatred isn't easily forgotten. Our Nine Provinces' decline was due to excessive flamboyance. Hence, when traversing stellar space, we should refrain from exposing our Nine Provinces origin to avoid being targeted."