I floated there for a moment, just waiting for whatever it was Mother Smiles wanted to show me to happen. That was until a couple breaths later when I realized that whatever she had wanted to show me must have been so miniscule to me, that nothing happened.
"Mother Smiles… I hate to ask but were you trying to tickle me with that? I didn't feel a thing." I asked cautiously.
"Yeah… I figured it might be the case. Which means starting from at least the earth element on you've undergone a far more significant reaction than my open heaven break through." Smiles said, turning to think about what to do, more deeply.
"If that's truly the case, then I need to find a place that won't suffer during my break through. I know of only one place. But there's a clan there I'd rather not return to without reaching open heaven." I said, thinking about what to do. "There is another possibility but I have to wait for those two to gain enough control to keep not only their power under control, but my own. And then…" I continued on, stopping once someone else spoke up.
"Son, heh, I'm going to need to get used to calling you that." Ruo Xi said. "You already have to refine that ink giant spirit god, why not do it there? As an added bonus you might even be able to retrieve some of the ancient divine abilities that were left there to prevent it from leaving. Won't need much of that anyways when the threat is gone." She suggested. "So why not just do it there?" She finished asking.
Listening to her say that, it made sense and wouldn't be too difficult. Plus there was the added benefit of no longer needing to transport that gargantuan amount of energy.
"Are you sure you're alright with that, Mother Ruo Xi? I was thinking you'd want to reclaim the Ancestral Land for your small universe… Actually, this works out. Whatever energy is left over I'll return to the ancestral land, which will give you quite the hefty boost. You may even reach the 9th rank upon reabsorbing it. Even so, I'd rather you remain here and help those two grow. That will be far more helpful in the long run." I replied a little shocked she actually suggested it.
"Well, with a world much closer to us, that has a far better environment for the spirit clans, I doubt there will be any need for the ancestral land to remain as it is. And in the current state it can't be used to help really at all." Ruo Xi said. "But reabsorbing it might be too much. Maybe we can relocate it in its entirety. I might find a way to replenish the vitality of that world." She continued.
"I'm sure if my father and I work together we can move just about anything to anywhere. And I like this idea but, before we make any confirmed decisions. We do have to get the opinion of the others that still call it home. As well as create a detailed plan so everyone is on the same page. One of my first thoughts is to move it just outside the gate to the twins. Doing so, we could have a pilgrimage of sorts for all those born in the new one, to where the Ancestral Land's new location would be. And for those who prove able, they may see the twins themselves." I long-windedly explained.
"Husband! That's an excellent idea! I'm sure the Phoenix Clan would approve of it." Feng Qiang perked up with a joyful expression. "Even after the war is over it will still provide a goal for the spirits to strive for greater strength." She explained wanting to jump on me.
"It's not perfect though. Something so massive should work for everyone. That means all of the Spirit Clans must be able to take part in this and benefit from it. Otherwise, it just won't work." I said, making sure she didn't jump on me at this time. "And just like I said earlier, I can not interact with the star boundary in any direct way for the moment. That includes touching people inside. My father is an exception because he isolated himself as well." I explained. "I'll be fine in a few days, it's just getting used to this new level. It takes a bit to suppress it." I finished after seeing Feng Qiang's slightly pouty look.
"You're going to make up for this. And I won't take no for an answer." Feng Qiang puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms.
"Now, now, I'm sure Leiji will make it up to you in whatever way you want. So listen, I can sense it just as well as you can, so I know you understand. That interaction could cause instant devastation to the star boundary if she isn't prepared for it. That's just how far his elements took him." Su Yan explained.
"Hmph, it doesn't change the fact he could have come back earlier before doing that water one. It's been months since…" Feng Qiang started, then stopped once she realized that she was about to be selfish.
"I know it isn't fair. But try to understand, this time frame isn't anything compared to how long I'll be away for later." I said.
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Chi Qiu asked, before Feng Qiang could make the situation worse.
"Simple, I won't bring you with me to the battlefield this time. For me to fight at my absolute best, which will be absolutely necessary, I need to know that you're all as safe as possible. And that means you're staying here." I explained. "Though, I suppose if you manage to break through… I would have to come up with a better reason to keep you from risking your life there." I continued. "In any case there's still time to talk about it. But that time isn't now." I added, looking towards Su Yan. "Mother, is everything in order for when the day arrives?" I asked.
"Pfft, Son, we're going to be fine. You've already done more than enough…" Su Yan giggled, then looked at her daughter in laws, my wives. "I know why you're so concerned with this. But don't rush it. Things will work out, though once they are old enough, it might be cool for their big brother to give them some cultivation tips." She added with a warm smile, rubbing her large belly.