Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2281: 161: Treasures (Sleep!) (2)
The profound aura surrounding him appeared to be reaching a state of absolute completion.
“Is it possible that Sect Leader Bai is on the threshold of ascending to the Great Mahayana Realm?”
Wang Ba could not help but have this thought flash through his mind instinctively.
Accompanied by the other Cloud Sky Sect cultivators who had arrived to provide support, Chen Zhongqi descended quickly toward Wang Ba. His expression was a complex blend of deep appreciation and slight shame.
“We are grateful for your aid just now, Taoist Friend... However, we must retreat to the realm immediately!”
Even though his efforts had not successfully halted the Northern Great Bodhisattva, Chen Zhongqi remembered how Wang Ba had prioritized pushing them to safety at the most perilous moment—a gesture of grace that could not be ignored.
Wang Ba waved his hand dismissively, his face clouding with concern.
“Think nothing of it. My only worry is Sect Leader Bai...”
A flicker of certainty returned to Chen Zhongqi’s eyes.
“Do not be troubled, Taoist Friend. Since my Master has personally entered the fray, there is no cause for alarm. We should withdraw for the time being so as not to become a distraction to him.”
Wang Ba shifted his gaze toward the distant horizon, observing the silhouette of the youth in purple robes and the gray-robed monk, whose eyes were filled with caution. Feeling a sense of relief, Wang Ba nodded in agreement.
“Perhaps I was over-cautious; indeed, we must not hinder Sect Leader Bai. Let us move!”
With a nod, Chen Zhongqi led the way, and the group flew rapidly toward the Cloud Sky Realm.
As they navigated through the dense, swirling Chaos Origin Substance that shielded the Cloud Sky Realm, Wang Ba found himself deeply moved despite his expectations.
The concentration of Chaos Origin Substance in this place was far beyond anything he had ever imagined.
Based on a quick calculation using the consumption rate of the Little Cang World, the abundance of Chaos Origin Substance here could likely sustain a world for countless millions of years...
“What an incredibly prosperous land!”
Wang Ba felt a rare sense of shock deep within his soul.
If the Little Cang World could ever be established in such a location, he would never have to fear the depletion of resources or the eventual death of his home world.
“Taoist Friend Taiyi, to ensure no infiltrators have hidden themselves among us, I must ask you to release your companions... Please understand, this is a formality and not a sign of distrust toward you.”
As they neared the Realm Membrane, Chen Zhongqi and his companions slowed down, speaking with a hint of awkwardness.
None of them truly believed Wang Ba was an agent of the Supreme True Buddha. In their eyes, the enemy likely didn't have anyone of Wang Ba’s caliber to spare. Furthermore, there were far easier ways to spy than sacrificing three Bodhisattvas and a Taoist Master to prove one’s loyalty.
Still, while Wang Ba was trustworthy, the same could not be guaranteed for everyone in his company.
Wang Ba understood the necessity of the request. Without showing any irritation, he looked at the Cloud Sky Realm cultivators standing guard in their strict formations.
With a wave of his hand, he released True Man Ba, True Man Nie, and the others from his storage space.
Despite their injuries and weakened auras, True Man Ba and True Man Nie immediately offered a respectful bow to Wang Ba the moment they appeared.
“We thank you, Taoist Friend, for saving our lives!”
Wang Ba quickly stepped forward to support them, a gentle smile on his face.
“We stood together against a common threat for our mutual survival. In the face of such danger, it is only right that we defend one another. There is no need for such formality between us, Taoist Brother Ba, True Man Nie.”
True Man Ba shook his head firmly.
“In that desperate hour, had you chosen to flee alone, no one would have dared to criticize you. Yet, you risked everything to pull me back from the brink. This is a debt that transcends simple friendship.”
“Furthermore, back in Soul Falling, you set aside our past friction to save me once before.”
His voice grew passionate as he continued:
“From this day forward, if Taoist Brother Taiyi has any need, you need only send word. No matter the distance or the danger, I will come without hesitation!”
His earnest declaration touched the hearts of the surrounding cultivators. They nodded in agreement, adding their own voices of gratitude to the chorus.
Whether they were truly sincere or simply swept up in the moment, they all felt the need to pledge their support.
Wang Ba remained humble. His actions were partly instinctive and partly a calculated move to build a network of allies. As long as they remained loyal in the big picture, he didn't mind their individual motivations.
Naturally, he maintained the expected social graces by politely declining their excessive praise.
However, True Man Nie reached into his sleeve and pulled out an object, speaking with great seriousness:
“Taoist Brother Taiyi, I lack the means to truly repay you for my life, but I found this item by luck. It may be of use to you. I insist that you take it.”
“True Man Nie, there is really no need...”
Wang Ba tried to refuse, but True Man Nie pressed the item into his hand with unwavering sincerity.
“It is necessary; consider this a small token of Nie Yun’s gratitude!”
The weight of the object nearly caused Wang Ba to drop it.
Upon inspection, he saw a dull, dark, oval-shaped stone roughly the size of a small fruit.
To his amazement, the stone felt like an entire domain held within his palm, vibrating with the faint but profound essence of infinite natural laws.
“A Realm Corpse?”
Chen Zhongqi blurted out in surprise when he saw the object in Wang Ba’s hand.
“As expected of an expert from the Cloud Sky Realm, your knowledge is indeed vast.”
True Man Nie looked at Chen Zhongqi with a wry smile and a sigh of genuine respect.
Chen Zhongqi’s expression soured slightly at the comment.
Why did he have to bring up the 'expert' title again at a time like this?
“What exactly is a Realm Corpse?”
Intrigued by the name, Wang Ba asked for clarification.
Chen Zhongqi explained with a solemn tone:
“It is exactly what it sounds like—the remains of a dead domain. These usually form when a domain has completely drained its supply of Chaos Origin Substance. Life withers away, the world collapses into desolation, and it eventually perishes. If the core remains intact, it condenses into this stone. It houses the residual laws of that domain, making it an invaluable tool for Cultivators to study and refine their own understandings of the Dao Domain.”