Chapter 42: Leaving the Spirits Blessed Land
Flux sat cross-legged in a lotus position within the quiet embrace of the Spirit Cave, his breathing calm and even. A faint silver mist swirled gently around him, drawn to the rhythm of his cultivation. The Qi inside the cave was exceptionally dense—more so than even the spiritual Qi atop the mountain where he had previously trained. Every breath was like inhaling liquid energy, and his body responded eagerly, absorbing it without resistance.
Time passed unnoticed.
An hour later, his eyes slowly opened, bright and focused. He stretched slightly, flexing his fingers with quiet precision, and let out a low exhale that seemed to harmonize with the natural aura of the cave.
"Weew… I really do recover fast," he murmured, glancing around at the softly glowing cave walls. "Even with my massive Qi reserves, I'm fully recharged. The spiritual Qi here is on another level…"
A ripple stirred the air, subtle but unmistakable.
From the edges of the cave, the spirits emerged—silent observers until now. They had watched him without interrupting, as if gauging his intentions, measuring the rhythm of his presence. A few flickered faintly like fireflies made of mist, barely visible to the naked eye. But one among them stood out—gliding forward with intent and clarity.
The Nascent Soul spirit. Its translucent form shimmered with hues of deep blue and violet, like spiritual mist woven with starlight. It carried with it an ancient, dignified air, one that resonated with power and deep intelligence.
It extended a hand, revealing a beautiful crystal token pulsing with refined spiritual energy.
"You're welcome to return anytime," the spirit said gently, its voice like wind brushing across calm water.
Flux stood and received the token with both hands, bowing respectfully. "Thank you for your kindness. I'll be back."
The spirit inclined its head with a serene nod. "Cultivate here whenever you like."
A moment of silence lingered, then the spirit tilted its head slightly and asked, "What is the Sky Fox?"
Flux blinked in mild surprise, then smiled. "The Sky Fox is one of the Five most powerful Divine Creatures of the Immortal Realm," he replied.
"The Abyssal Black Turtle, Celestial Qilin, Eternal Flame Phoenix, Voidscall True Dragon, and finally, the Divine Sky Fox—these five are the most powerful race in the immortal realm.
The spirit seemed intrigued. "That powerful? From the immortal realm?Then how did you end up here?"
Flux hesitated. His gaze shifted slightly. "Umm… It's really awkward. I'd rather not talk about it."
The spirit studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I won't ask."
Flux gave a soft nod in return and sat once more, returning to his meditation.
Two peaceful days passed.
The spiritual aura around him grew denser with each hour, as if the land itself had grown fond of his presence. Even the spirits—once distant—drifted near him without hesitation, occasionally circling him like curious birds before settling back into the stone and trees. His cultivation deepened, sharpened, and stabilized.
Then, on the second night, a hum stirred in his pouch.
The token Elder Hogo had given him glowed and vibrated softly. The call had come.
Flux opened his eyes. "So it's time already?"
He stood and rolled his shoulders, activating his disguise spell with practiced ease. His form subtly shifted—taller, older, more refined. His spiritual pressure became restrained, masked beneath quiet confidence.
As he turned to leave, several spirits gathered once more, watching him silently. The Nascent Soul spirit drifted forward again.
"You're leaving now? You can still stay if you like," it offered.
Flux smiled. "Thanks, but I want to test some new techniques. They might be a little... destructive. I'd rather not accidentally harm anyone or damage this place."
The spirit nodded in approval. "That's considerate of you. I'll follow you to the edge. Just in case."
Flux raised an eyebrow. "Just in case?"
"Some humans' natures can be... unpredictable. If others see me with you, they'll think twice before doing anything foolish."
He tilted his head slightly, then gave a small shrug. "Alright. I appreciate it."
Together, they stepped through the silver mist and walked toward the waterfall. Its ethereal cascade glowed with faint lunar light, parting gently around them. As they passed beneath it, more spirits emerged—slipping from the stone walls, the mossy roots, and the surrounding forest.
Core Formation spirits floated out in silent procession.
Their presence was serene, reverent—as if they were bidding farewell to a friend, not just a visitor.
They walked the familiar path where Flux had first arrived, led by Elder Hogo on that first day.
When they reached the clearing outside the spirit grove, Elder Hogo was already waiting beside the flying boat, arms lazily crossed as he stared off into the trees.
He looked up at the approaching figures—and froze.
His gaze locked on Flux, and then—wide-eyed—on the shimmering spirits behind him.
"…Huh?"
The elder's relaxed expression vanished. He straightened abruptly, blinking.
"Why are there's so many powerful spirits!?Then his gaze landed on the Nascent Soul Spirit.
"That's... that's a Nascent Soul spirit. There was a Nascent Soul here!?"
His voice cracked slightly with disbelief.
"These spirits have lived here for centuries... barely showing themselves. Even glimpsing a Core Formation spirit is a once-in-a-lifetime was a blessing. But here—there's a crowd of them. And a Nascent Soul? I heard that it may be a powerful spiritual here but none actually sees them."
As elder Hogo was lost in his thoughts Flux was already near him. Flux noticed his worry's face and walk closer to him.
Flux gave him a calm nod. "Don't worry, Elder Hogo. They just came to see me off."
The elder stared in stunned silence, rubbing the back of his neck. "Where did these spirits come from…?"
Flux didn't answer. Instead, he stepped aboard the boat with practiced ease.
"It's time, yes?"
"Y-Yeah. Let's get out of here," Hogo muttered, still rattled.
With a sweep of his sleeve, he activated the flying boat. It lifted into the air smoothly, catching a soft wind as the forest began to shrink beneath them. The Nascent Soul spirit remained where it was, watching them rise.
Flux turned back and offered a final wave. "I'll visit again soon."
The spirits returned the gesture, drifting silently back into the misted grove.
As the boat approached the boundary of the Spirit-Blessed Land, the sealing fog shimmered with ancient runes. Hogo retrieved his elder token, traced a hand seal, and the fog obediently parted, allowing them to pass.
Only once they crossed the threshold and returned to the outer world did Elder Hogo finally let out a long, tired sigh.
"I can finally breathe again," he muttered, exasperated.
Then his eyes snapped toward Flux, narrowing sharply. "Wait... your cultivation. Is that... Core Formation?"
He extended his spiritual sense toward Flux—and his expression twisted in disbelief. "Middle stage already?! You were only at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment when you went in!"
The wind stirred awkwardly between them.
Flux nodded casually. "The environment was perfect. I got lucky."
Hogo gawked. "Did the spirits help you?"
"They did."
The elder groaned, gripping the edge of the boat. "How? Nobody gets help like this! A glimpse of a spirit is considered a lifetime blessing. And yet... so many spirits show's up with you? What happened there?"
He studied Flux that still haven't wearing his shady hat more closely now —his ethereal features, calm demeanor, the strange pressure that seemed more natural than forced.
"Is it because of your appearance? But no... we've had beautiful disciples before. Spirits never cared."
But as he studied Flux appearance he realizes that none he knows or anything can compare to him in terms of raw appearance at all.
He sighed in frustration. "Maybe it's more than that. Maybe you have something they recognize. Or maybe... they just really like you. Spirits like beauty too, apparently."
He rubbed his temples. "Must be nice... I need to report this."
He pulled out a communication token, murmuring quietly into it. A brief flash of light signaled the message had been sent.
A few minutes later, the token buzzed with a reply.
"They want to meet you. Of course they do."
He turned to Flux with a dry expression. "Do you mind meeting with some elders? They want to... discuss something."
Flux raised an eyebrow. "What do they want?"
"I don't know. Probably something to do with the spirits."
Flux hesitated. The Nascent Soul spirit's words echoed in his mind: Some humans' natures can be unpredictable.
Refusing might draw suspicion—or worse, unnecessary attention. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. I'll meet them."
---
The next day
They returned to Mologan City. The streets were bustling with activity—vendors shouting, disciples trading, and cultivators passing in groups—but Elder Hogo took no detours. He guided Flux through quiet alleys, past shaded courtyards and sealed gates, until they reached a secluded pavilion shrouded in silence.
Before stepping down from the boat, Flux placed his wide-brimmed hat back on and subtly adjusted his appearance. His features was now back at being shady, and his aura became more refined, less eye-catching.
Inside the pavilion, they climbed to the top floor—an open-air chamber with flowing curtains and a serene view of the mountains.
Waiting there was a Nascent Soul elder in indigo silk, sipping tea with a relaxed smile. His presence was calm, but his eyes shimmered with sharp curiosity.
Elder Hogo bowed, said nothing, and took his leave.
The old man gestured to the seat across from him. "Flux, is it? Come. Sit. Have some tea."
He smiled faintly, though his eyes never stopped watching.
"We have much to discuss…"