Months flew by, and news of Li Tian's remarkable achievements spread far and wide. He had slain a record number of experts in the core realm from the opposing side, resulting in an astronomical bounty being placed on his head. His bounty had even rivalled that of rebirth realm cultivators.
It was rumored that he had yet to suffer a single defeat against anyone below the rebirth realm. Thanks to his efforts, a war that was expected to drag on for years was rapidly nearing its end. The core realm experts of the sea race had suffered heavy losses at his hands.
The sea race was gradually being pushed back into the depths of the ocean, and the war was on the verge of conclusion. Now that the six-month period had passed, Li Tian had to return and meet with Lady Xia. Missing this opportunity meant potentially waiting for many more years until he and his subordinates were qualified.
After reporting to his commanding officer, he took his leave. Having reached the third level of the core realm, his speed was astonishing. Combined with his exceptional movement technique, he arrived in City E within a single day.
As he appeared in the sky above the city, his aura and the palpable killing intent emanating from his body suffocated the entire city. Fear gripped the hearts of those who beheld him. Li Tian realized that the momentum he had built on the battlefield was ill-suited for areas populated by ordinary people.
He immediately attracted the attention of many individuals, including Ironblood and Shi Ruo, who flew up to greet him. Shi Ruo had already broken through to the fourth level of the foundation, radiating a powerful aura, but it paled in comparison to the two beside her.
"Are your preparations complete?" Li Tian inquired.
"Yes," they both nodded in response.
"Good. We will depart as soon as the two women return," Li Tian affirmed.
"They are already here," Ironblood interjected. Li Tian extended his spiritual sense and discovered them sitting in his living room, just as they had done before, with Ru Yi enjoying her meal.
Li Tian flew towards his villa and greeted them upon his arrival. "Lady Xia, it's good to see you again. I hope all is well."
Hearing Li Tian's words, Lady Xia responded, "Everything is in order. I have concluded my business here and am ready to depart whenever you are."
"Thank you. How about we leave tomorrow?" Li Tian proposed.
"That's fine by me," she replied, rising to depart. Li Tian was taken aback and quickly added, "Miss Xia, you are welcome to spend the night here. We have plenty of room."
She turned and silently regarded Li Tian before nodding.
Their conversation was brief and to the point. While Shi Ruo escorted them to their rooms, Li Tian went to bathe and rest. He was mentally exhausted, as the sea race had been an eye-opening experience for him. Their abilities were enigmatic, and he had never witnessed such a wide array of water techniques.
Lady Xia and Ru Yi were astonished when they discovered the spiritual water that Li Tian used as a swimming pool. They spent their time with Shi Ruo, who entertained and quickly bonded with them.
The next day, they departed. As they reached the city gate, Li Tian turned and cast a backward glance. He had no idea if he would ever return to this place, but it was his homeland, and bidding it farewell brought a tinge of sadness, knowing that it might be the last time.
The group of five soared into the sky and headed westward. The world's tallest mountain, Kunlun Mountain, awaited them there. To those who were unaware, it was believed that the path to immortality could be found on this mountain.
Two days later, they arrived at their destination. Before them stood a massive mountain shrouded in clouds, its peak obscured from view. It inspired awe in all who beheld it for the first time.
The mountain's spiritual pressure bore down upon them, forcing them to their knees. This was precisely why only rebirth realm experts were qualified to ascend it. Only they possessed the ability to withstand the mountain's test by utilizing their rebirth wheel to endure the pressure.
Just as Li Tian and the others could bear the pressure no longer, Lady Xia produced a token that emitted a brilliant light, enveloping all five of them and nullifying the pressure entirely. Relief washed over them as they ascended the mountain.
Flight was prohibited on the mountain, so they ascended on foot. Despite their swiftness, it took them an entire day to reach the summit.
At the peak, they discovered a platform adorned with intricate patterns running through the ground. Li Tian recognized it as a formation and learned that it was a teleportation formation. Li Tian provided the required spirit stones to activate it.
In less than thirty minutes, they were ready. Standing at the center of the formation, they placed the final spirit stone. The formation lit up, revealing cryptic mysteries that LiTian and the others couldn't comprehend. Soon, they vanished. Their vision blurred for a moment, and when they reopened their eyes, they found themselves in an entirely different place.
The atmosphere was saturated with dense spiritual Qi, and Li Tian could sense that the pressure exerted on him was even greater. He flew into the sky and quickly realized that he couldn't ascend to the same heights as in the previous world. Shi Ruo struggled to reach a mere 20 meters above the ground.
"Welcome to Kunlun," Lady Xia's voice echoed, filling the air.
She had already provided them with extensive information about this world. According to her, science was not advanced here, as it had long been abandoned due to its limitations. The attire and customs of the locals were different from what Li Tian and his companions were accustomed to.
Lady Xia explained that Kunlun was home to various races, and the best way for cultivators like them to survive was to join a sect. She extended an invitation for them to join her sect, Mysterious Purple Peak, as she held the esteemed position of a core disciple.
It was only then that they learned her name was Xia Yanru, but she still concealed her face.
Li Tian saw no reason to refuse her offer, as all he desired was a place to cultivate without trouble and occasionally encounter some exciting twists in life. He agreed, and they flew toward the sect.