With a thoughtful expression, Ji Xian silently muttered to himself, “Recreating this rune will allow me to work from the ground up and build my knowledge on it. From there, finding the solution would be much easier.”

“Hmm, lets' just do it."

With this thought, he no longer hesitated. He sent a strand of spiritual sense to Xia Lihua, informing her that he will need some time to solve the formation before putting his focus on the simulations.

At a distance away from him, Xia Lihua and Xiao Yueyin were waiting in silence.

Xia Lihua had received a message from Ji Xian earlier so she was aware of the current situation. A curious light flashed in her eyes and she released her spiritual sense once more to carefully examine the formation.

She quietly muttered, “A formation created from using a different method from the Lower World and a unique energy equivalent to True Essence but it contains a corrosive quality… Interesting.”

Xia Lihua was surprised to learn about this information from Ji Xian.

Other than True Essence and Astral Essence, are there other types of Essence that people can cultivate? If that’s the case, doesn’t that mean there’s another type of cultivation system, another way to cultivate? Unless… this corrosive energy comes from outside this universe where the Heaven and Earth Essence is different.

Xia Lihua was drowned in her thoughts but quickly shook her head. She, who has yet to even ascend to the Upper World should not worry about something that is beyond the scope of her power. And even though she has only associated with Ji Xian for a short while, she has come to learn that there is always a taller mountain, so it shouldn’t be surprising that there is another Universe out there. The most she can do now is keep this information at heart.

If Ji Xian were to know her thoughts, he would certainly be amused as it was in line with what he was thinking as well.

Beside her, Xiao Yueyin had a cold expression hidden behind the veil on her face.

She had heard what Xia Lihua said.

Xiao Yueyin’s hands were balled tightly into a fist and her eyes glowed with strong killing intent.

Her aura scared away all the beasts in the vicinity and was still spreading.

“If you don’t stop, then don’t blame me for what will happen afterward.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

A voice suddenly entered her mind, knocking her out of her murderous state.

Xiao Yueyin turned to Xia Lihua and said coldly, “It’s them. If what you say is true, then this formation was definitely made by them.”

"There was another formation... the Arcane Mountain has only been watching over the other one and didn't know about this one's existence.

Xia Lihua looked at Xiao Yueyin as she understood some things. After all, her spiritual sense had enveloped Solitude City several times so even though it wasn’t intentional, she had overheard and learned of some pieces of information.

“Retract your killing intent. We don't know what is inside the formation, your killing intent will make our presence known,” said Xia Lihua calmly.

Xiao Yueyin was shaken but did as she was told.

Xia Lihua shook her head and said, “We will wait for Ji Xian.”

“He is right before the formation, our presence may already be expos- wait, where is he?” Said Xiao Yueyin with a frown. She had only briefly taken her eyes off Ji Xian and when she looked back, he was no longer there.

Xiao Yueyin looked around with her glowing purple eyes but she still wasn’t able to find him.

Xia Lihua smiled and didn’t bother explaining. Ji Xian never moved, he was still standing in the same spot as before. Although she was able to find see him, it required a lot of effort. Anyone else wouldn’t even be aware of his existence.

Suddenly, a thought hit her.

That mysterious island that we arrived on… didn’t it also have this quality as well? One second it’s there and the next it’s not. Did Ji Xian learn this after seeing the island?

Xia Lihua pensively looked at Ji Xian with curiosity. Even after spending time with him, he remained a mystery. She reckoned he has secrets, but who doesn’t? She has some as well.

How was he unknown for so long in the Mortal Haven? He has no connection with any sects and he doesn’t seem to have any family. Did he get to this point just by relying on himself?

Shaking her head, she couldn’t help but recall a conversation she had with him after they left the mysterious island and before they discovered Solitude City.

——————

“So how strong are the Celestial race compared to the Nether race?”

Ji Xian glanced at Xia Lihua after hearing her question. He moved his hand to his chin and contemplated. After a moment, he smirked and said, “I don’t see much difference.”

Seeing how casual he looked, Xia Lihua felt annoyed. The Sect Master of the Aether Sect, Huo Honghui once told her the Nether race was much weaker than the Celestial race but this guy is saying they’re all the same? Idiot. Who are you trying to fool?

“Then why did you finally decide to appear and help?

“I just thought I’ll do something good before I left...”

——————

Thinking back, perhaps Ji Xian was already planning to leave the Mortal Haven World a decade ago. But just as he was about to leave, the Celestial race descended, thus he decided to help out once... But then why did he decide to stay afterward? He mentioned before that he stayed because there was more to learn. Somehow I don't believe him...

There was one thing that Xia Lihua has come to understand about Ji Xian, the things he says are never exact truths. It’s either at least seventy percent truth and thirty percent lies or vice versa. Even with her, although he isn’t as extreme, Ji Xian would still keep a lot of things to himself. Basically, everything that comes out of his mouth can only be taken with a grain of salt.

As she was lost in her thoughts, Xia Lihua suddenly shuddered after realizing that Ji Xian at some point had opened his eyes and was staring at her.

The two pairs of eyes met.

Although Xia Lihua couldn’t see Ji Xian’s expression, she knew he was smirking at her.