Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2312 - 171: Probing (Extra 1) (Part 2)

Yet, a uncommon gleam of delight appeared on his features, compelling him to inquire:

"Wang Ba, what's the current state of the... Little Cang World?"

He had first intended to inquire straight about the Wanxiang Sect, yet with the Longevity Sect Patriarch nearby, he quickly adjusted his words.

"Things are holding up decently, even though certain events have unfolded... Still, the Three Sects and One Clan remain intact, so Grandmaster needn't fret."

Sensing the anxiety within Hui Yunzi, Wang Ba offered a reassuring grin to ease his mind.

Certain secrets are best kept among a select few; no reason to burden all with them.

The middle-aged cultivator Lan He quickly bowed to Wang Ba:

"Lan He offers respects to... the True Man."

After a moment's deliberation, he remained unsure of the proper title.

Wang Ba gave a gentle nod and chuckled softly:

"Sect Master Lan."

A smile crossed the middle-aged cultivator's face, though he soon voiced his concern:

"By disclosing your background before Sect Leader Bai, might it lead others to undervalue you..."

His words hinted at fears that the Wanxiang Sect's status might lack influence, thus diminishing Wang Ba's standing among peers.

Wang Ba hesitated briefly before letting out a relaxed laugh, replying:

"No issue at all. It's hardly a hidden fact, and my background? What's there to fuss over?"

Shifting topics, his face grew somewhat solemn as he questioned:

"Any word on Chongyuan Patriarch's condition these days?"

At this query, Lan He faltered momentarily, his prior enthusiasm fading as he shook his head:

"The outlook is poor."

"It's likely dire indeed." Qitian Patriarch chimed in bluntly, his countenance turning somber:

"During the realm's last fracture, the Supreme True Buddha's Bodhisattva struck him, shattering his Dao Domain and severely wounding his Primordial Spirit. Despite employing various treasures for recovery, reversing the damage proves challenging... His life now clings by a thread."

"That explains his absence this time."

Wang Ba displayed mild astonishment:

"That severe? No alternative remedies?"

Earlier, from Chen Zhongqi's account, he'd assumed the wound was grave but manageable.

Qitian Patriarch shook his head faintly, his expression intricate:

"We've explored several approaches, yet alas..."

A weight settled in Wang Ba's chest; he probed gently for details on the matter, then after reflection, murmured:

"Hold on for me just a bit."

With that, he approached a distant purple-robed youth awaiting him, exchanging quiet words.

The purple-robed youth promptly called over Cloud Sky Sect disciples, issued brief instructions, and the disciple departed, soon returning with an item for Wang Ba.

After a few more exchanges with Wang Ba, who nodded in agreement, the youth watched as Wang Ba clutched a porcelain vial and returned to Qitian Patriarch, offering it forth.

"This is..."

Though suspicions stirred within, Qitian Patriarch gazed inquiringly at Wang Ba.

Wang Ba grinned:

"’Primordial Spirit Creation Pill’, an Eighth Tier Elixir, ideal for mending the Primordial Spirit."

"Give it a shot first; if it falls short, seek me out again."

Qitian Patriarch's face lit with initial elation, then a subtle pause of surprise:

"You won't join us back? Senior Brother would be overjoyed to see you."

This stirred a flicker of temptation in Wang Ba, but he ultimately declined with a sigh of reluctance:

"Some unfinished business lingers here... Once resolved, I'll make my way there for sure."

Truthfully, he yearned to visit and satisfy the deep-seated hopes of countless Wanxiang Sect disciples in the Little Cang World.

However, having now unveiled his identity to Bai Lechan of the Cloud Sky Sect, he had to seize the chance to gauge their intentions before plotting ahead.

His journey to the Cloud Sky Realm went beyond merely greeting the Patriarchs; the core aim persisted in addressing the Little Cang World's entrapment within the Sea of Chaos Realm.

He'd planned to consult the Patriarchs on the dilemma, but their current state suggested limited aid from them.

Circumstances had shifted, demanding he adapt his plans in turn.

Though Qitian Patriarch, Hui Yunzi, and the rest felt perplexed, they trusted his motives and shared a glance before bidding Wang Ba farewell.

"Have Hui Yunzi remain here. He's already spent time in the Cloud Sky Realm, so any queries or issues can be relayed swiftly through him."

Despite his urgency over Chongyuan Patriarch, Qitian Patriarch considered Wang Ba's solitude and added this suggestion.

Hui Yunzi had no qualms, for even after departing the Little Cang World, his concern for the Wanxiang Sect there endured, and he wished to consult Wang Ba further.

Wang Ba mulled it over briefly, then agreed with a nod. Operating solo here did pose occasional hurdles.

Qitian Patriarch and his companions departed in haste.

Wang Ba proceeded alongside Hui Yunzi toward the purple-robed youth.

Noting Wang Ba's conversation concluded, the purple-robed youth offered a subtle smile and a soft exhale:

"I never imagined Taoist Friend Taiyi shared such connections with our Cloud Sky Realm."

Observing their easy exchange, Hui Yunzi stepped back discreetly and even shielded his senses.

Wang Ba gave a bitter smile:

"It's quite the tale. Had events unfolded without a hitch, I too would have ascended to this realm."

The purple-robed youth inclined his head mildly, betraying no shock at Wang Ba's disclosure.

Prior to Chen Zhongqi's visit to the Wanxiang Sect, he'd already examined the histories of the three Patriarchs from Wanxiang Sect, Longevity Sect, and Youxian Temple, relaying the findings to him.

Their joint ascension from the lower realm, combined with the recent display, made it straightforward to infer Taoist Friend Taiyi's roots.