However, Ji Yuan did not emerge as everyone expected, and instead, it took another three months before he concluded his seclusion.
After a total of one year and a little over a month, Ji Yuan slowly opened his eyes within the quiet chamber.
No powerful aura emanated from him, and even the sharpness in his eyes had completely receded. At first glance, he appeared no different from an ordinary person.
But upon closer observation, one would discover that his demeanor was far beyond that of a common mortal.
Furthermore, a cultivator with a powerful cultivation base would sense the terrifying dormant power within him.
"Ming Dao Realm, early stage..."
Ji Yuan looked down at his hands, Dao rhymes appearing in his palms before quietly dissipating.
The year and a month of seclusion not only allowed him to successfully advance into the three realms but also thoroughly stabilized his own cultivation, making it exceptionally solid.
However, Ji Yuan was not entirely satisfied with this. He already had plans to find an opportunity to return to the Nine Xuan Sect and utilize the sect's various important locations to better temper himself.
For instance, the Thunder Pool on Lei Ze Peak could temper the physical body and refine magical power, while the Sword Tomb on Ling Xiao Peak offered sword qi and sword energy.
If he could experience them one by one, his cultivation realm would undoubtedly improve significantly, and his Dao foundation would become infinitely more solid.
But these were matters for later. Now that his breakthrough had been successfully achieved, it was time to end his seclusion.
Ji Yuan could imagine that once he emerged, many matters would undoubtedly await his attention.
While thinking this, he walked out of the quiet chamber and into the courtyard where he resided.
With a wave of his hand, the formations that enveloped the entire courtyard were deactivated one after another. The commotion here naturally drew the attention of others.
Before long, those still in the residence arrived at the courtyard.
Besides Tang Mu Huan, who was responsible for guarding the residence and protecting Ji Yuan during his seclusion, there were Zhao Yue Bai, Lu Yu Zhe, and Zheng Jia Xing. As for the others, they were still scattered across various locations in the five counties.
In the past year, despite the suppression from the Nine Xuan Sect and other sects and powers, as well as the imperial court, the situation in Feiyun Prefecture had become increasingly chaotic.
Demonic cults and unorthodox paths were rampant everywhere, either harming the common people, secretly ambushing cultivators, or even attacking weakened cultivation sects.
"I didn't expect so many things to happen outside while I was in seclusion."
After spending some time understanding the events of the past year.
Ji Yuan couldn't help but sigh, feeling a slight headache.
Such a chaotic situation was not something he, a cultivator in the third realm, could influence. Even protecting the five counties was already quite difficult.
"There's also another matter. Senior Brother Zhao has gone missing."
Finally, Zheng Jia Xing revealed the disappearance of Zhao Yuan Song.
Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan's gaze immediately sharpened, and he quickly pressed for details.
After understanding the specifics, he could only sigh repeatedly. The Nine Xuan Sect had done all it could, but after a year, they still couldn't find the whereabouts of the missing disciples.
Under such circumstances, even if he were to personally investigate, there would be little gain.
Not to mention that the five counties now needed him to hold the fort, and he served as the backbone for both the cultivators of Xiao Yuan Mountain and the disciples of Xuan Tian Peak.
"Send word to Xuan Tian Peak and the Nine Xuan Sect. If there is any news about Old Zhao, inform me immediately."
Ji Yuan pondered for a moment and could only make this arrangement.
Zhao Yue Bai acknowledged and would send word to both places later.
"What about Yu Luo?"
His spiritual sense scanned the entire residence, but Ji Yuan did not sense Chen Yu Luo's presence.
Upon hearing this, Zheng Jia Xing immediately replied, "Junior Sister Yu Luo went on a journey with Senior Brother Li and the others two months ago."
Within Xuan Tian Peak, Zhao Yue Bai and Lu Yu Zhe were considered peers, naturally referring to others as junior brothers and sisters.
As Chen Yu Luo's cultivation progressed extremely rapidly, breaking through to the middle stage of the Enlightenment Realm in less than a year, Li Jun Xian and the others, after much deliberation, decided to take her with them to travel the five counties.
The path of cultivation was not solely about secluded arduous practice; appropriate travel, facing life and death battles, were all indispensable components.
No one could cultivate to an extremely high realm without leaving their home, unless their elders were supreme celestial beings.
Ji Yuan nodded, finding this quite agreeable. With Li Jun Xian and the others accompanying her, he was naturally at ease.
After a brief pause, he turned his gaze to Tang Mu Huan and then inquired about the recent situation of Ming Xin Xuan.
Tang Lao, naturally, revealed all the information he possessed.
Affected by the rebels, the business of the main branch of Ming Xin Xuan in Luo Xia Prefecture could not be said to have plummeted, but it was certainly in decline.
Most trade routes were cut off, and resources were frequently intercepted. In such circumstances, to still maintain a surplus for the year was considered quite good.
As for the branch of Ming Xin Xuan in Feiyun Prefecture, the situation was even worse. Although under the management of Liu Ru Yan, coupled with some confidential intelligence obtained from Ji Yuan on previous occasions,
this allowed Ming Xin Xuan here to earn a large sum of money and expand its scale accordingly.
However, in the current chaotic situation, it could only barely manage to protect itself.
Most of the trade routes that were originally opened had to be abandoned with great reluctance.
Ultimately, it all came down to a shortage of personnel. Without a sufficient number of powerful cultivators and martial artists, it was difficult to ensure their own safety, let alone open trade routes and develop their influence.
"In this era, being able to protect oneself is already quite good,"
Tang Mu Huan sighed, his expression filled with emotion.
In the past year, countless sects and powers had been destroyed. It was already quite difficult for Ming Xin Xuan to persevere.
"We need to expand our personnel and recruit as many cultivators and martial artists as possible."
Ji Yuan pondered for a long time, then said in a deep voice.
Relying solely on the cultivators of Xiao Yuan Mountain and the disciples of Xuan Tian Peak, even protecting the five counties was a bit strained.
Once any unforeseen event occurred, the current manpower would be too dangerous.
"If that's the case, do you have enough resources to support them?"
Tang Mu Huan's brows furrowed. "Relying solely on five second and third-rate counties, there's still a surplus to support the current personnel. But if we expand, it will be insufficient."
After all, the five counties and the surrounding towns and villages belonged to the Great Yu Dynasty, and a large sum of taxes had to be paid annually.
The remaining portion would be used for the repair and construction of many things, and only the surplus would be used for their sustenance.