In the center of the magnificent square paved with white jade, a tall figure sits cross-legged, eyes closed.

As the seal in his hands slowly changes, the ten strands of Dao Origin hovering above begin to flow with brilliance, surging endlessly, exuding waves of profound and mysterious Dao aura.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Jiang Shu's body trembles slightly, and he opens his eyes, a gleam flashing in his gaze.

The ten strands of Dao Origin above his head then swoop down, merging into his head and dissipating.

"Whew..."

Letting out a long breath of turbid air, Jiang Shu lowers his eyes and senses the increasingly solid and rich Power of Great Dao within him, nodding with satisfaction.

As he finishes his cultivation, the voice of Wenxian Palace's Artifact Spirit filled with age speaks out:

"In just a hundred years, the cultivation realm you broke through after receiving the inheritance has completely stabilized."

"Also, that Disaster Dao you absorbed has been completely integrated, without the slightest hindrance."

"To maintain such progress while advancing to the Vientiane Realm, your insight is truly unimaginable. Had my master been here back then, maybe he would have really taken you under his wing…"

The tone carries unabashed admiration, making Jiang Shu smile slightly, as he rises to salute the ancient stone gate with a light smile, saying:

"Such progress is largely thanks to your guidance and teachings over the past century. Thank you, predecessor."

It turns out that since entering the abyss fissure on Thunder Sound Island and conversing with the Artifact Spirit of Wenxian Palace, Jiang Shu has been cultivating within this palace for a hundred years.

For a Daoist Monarch of the Vientiane Realm, a hundred years is not long, but it has been enough to completely solidify and stabilize his initially somewhat insubstantial Vientiane Realm cultivation, laying a solid foundation.

Various Divine Skills he mastered have also greatly improved during this period.

Afterwards, he can prepare to advance to a higher realm.

According to the time flow rate of 365 to 1 inside Wenxian Palace, only about three months have passed in the outside world.

If True Martial Sect's Lu Chong and other acquaintances saw the current Jiang Shu, they would surely be astounded by his incredible cultivation speed.

The stone gate shimmers slightly, and a gentle, aged voice speaks:

"No matter, it's a trifling thing. Helping you is also helping myself."

"Next, do you continue cultivating here, or proceed to the Demon Domain?"

The Artifact Spirit asked.

The former is the most conservative, as Wenxian Palace contains many methods for comprehending Dao. If Jiang Shu continues to comprehend within, relying on this time flow, his realm will surely reach the peak of the Vientiane Realm.

The latter choice, however, is fraught with both danger and opportunity.

Perhaps the advancement will be quicker.

Or perhaps it won't be as fruitful as painstakingly cultivating in Wenxian Palace.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shu answers solemnly, having already made his decision:

"I'm going to the Demon Domain. Since cultivation is like what you said, the more one comprehends Dao, the more they merge into Heavenly Dao, I should now timely seek a different path in the Demon Domain, one that leads to immortality."

Upon hearing this, the Artifact Spirit of Wenxian Palace responds indifferently:

"Hmm, very well, since that's the case, I won't keep you. The commandment containing the word 'immortal' houses a thread of my Origin Power. You may occasionally meditate upon it when idle, perhaps cross-verifying it with your own Great Dao, and gain some benefit."

"I hope that the next time we meet, you'll bring me even greater surprises."

"I will remember."

Jiang Shu nods with a smile, saluting the stone gate once more before primordial power surges from his body. Transforming into a streak of light soaring skyward, he vanishes into the endless darkness above.

"In tens of thousands of years, only this little fellow has had fortune resembling my master's from back then. It seems he might truly possess a sliver of potential to reach heights my master never could."

With a long sigh, watching Jiang Shu's light vanish into the sky, the ancient stone gate falls silent.

The spacious, magnificent hall returns to its quietude, leaving only the flickering candlelight, as in times past.

On Thunder Sound Island, spirit light flickers, Jiang Shu manifests, yet does not rush forward, his gaze falling upon the abyss fissure hidden amidst lush forests, and his palm quietly gathers primordial power.

Since the Demon Sect and Demon Race have already occupied a large segment of the Endless Sea Domain, Thunder Sound Island will inevitably be exposed to their scrutiny. Once Wenxian Palace is discovered, it will surely draw the attention of the Demon Daoist Venerable, and Jiang Shu cannot sit idly by as this situation unfolds.

Swish swish swish!

Momentum rising, Jiang Shu swiftly strikes several fingers through the air, interweaving spirit light to swiftly form a Mysterious Array that falls upon the abyss fissure.

As the formation is set, the view of the forest completely changes from the outside, leaving no trace of the hidden abyss, nor any leakage of aura.

With Jiang Shu's current cultivation in the Vientiane Realm, personally setting up this Concealment Maze, unless a Daoist Monarch of Vientiane Realm or stronger arrives, the Demon Sect and Demon Race's true inheritors and commanders in the Nirvana Realm would see nothing through his arrangement.

Not to mention, the Artifact Spirit of Wenxian Palace, though heavily injured, lies dormant in slumber.

Should a formidable foe break the formation, it will naturally sense the intrusion and conceal itself instantly.

Having completed these tasks, Jiang Shu is finally at ease, and with a single thought, his form swiftly vanishes into the Void.

...

Ten days later.

Gentle sea winds, surging waves.

At the end of the sea, a faint, curtain-like barrier stands tall, separating the vast ocean and sky distinctly.