Long Chen simple explained and after a few hours as the talk finished and both of them finished with pleasantries.
Elder Xie: "Long Chen, I must say, I never imagined that the Starry River of Sky Art would once again spread so far and wide. It was once merely on verge of destruction yet now… it has become a foundation for many cultivators. And all of this… is because of you."
Long Chen: (Smiles) "Elder Xie, there's no need for such formality. The Starry River of Sky Art is not something that should be hoarded. As the name of the technique suggests: the vastness of the stars, the boundless river of the heavens—it was meant to flow freely, guiding those fated to walk its path. The more people who cultivate it, the stronger its essence becomes."
Elder Xie: "Even so, my sect was on verge of ending as the Technique wasn't being transferred to any of younger generation till the end. You have done something that even I couldn't properly do in the last Thousands of years… and for that, I am grateful."
Long Chen: "Elder Xie, let me ask you something—how have the cultivators progressing in the Starry River of Sky Art been faring in the Starry Sky Legion of Phoenix Cry Empire?"
Elder Xie: "Remarkable… simply remarkable. Ever since it was spread, I've been observing their growth, and the results are astonishing. It seems as in this current age and time the youngsters are blessed at this technique as the feeling is as of the heavens themselves approve of their cultivation."
Long Chen: (Nods) "That is the nature of the Starry River of Sky Art. Unlike rigid techniques, it is fluid, ever-changing like the stars themselves. The more people cultivate it, the more the technique evolves alongside them."
Elder Xie: "Long Chen… what if the Starry River of Sky Manifestation could be merged with the Celestial Manifestation?"
Long Chen: (Raising an eyebrow) "You mean… combining the power of the boundless Starry Sky Chart with the Celestial Manifestation, allowing them to merge into one singular force?"
Elder Xie: "Yes. If one could successfully merge these Two Manifestations, they would not only gain control over the Celestial Energy's Cry of the Heavenly Daos, but they would also become deeply connected with the clusters of stars. This connection would provide constant energy, supporting their cultivation endlessly, while also granting them access to the true Cry of the Heavenly Daos."
Long Chen: "True Cry of the Heavenly Daos… You mean to say that by merging these Manifestations, one would be able to harmonize with Heaven and Earth itself, invoking the very voice of the Daos?"
Elder Xie: "Exactly. This would allow them to progress without limitations until they break through the limits of Mortal Realm and ascend to Immortal Realm. And once they reach that level, the clusters of stars within them would no longer be just energy sources. They would begin to condense at a rate visible to the naked eye… forming actual stars within their Manifestation!"
Long Chen fell silent, deep in thought. The implications of this theory were immense. If true, it would mean an entirely new path of cultivation—one that no one had ever walked before.
Long Chen: "This… this is a completely new approach, Elder Xie. If this method works, then the possibilities would be endless. To not only wield the power of the heavens but to create one's own."
Elder Xie: (Nods) "But of course, this is merely a theory for now. However, it's only part true as if anyone can prove it to be true can only be myth or it would be you, Long Chen a innate Heaven Defier."
The two spoke a bit more about the progress of the technique and the potential future advancements it could lead to. Then, Elder Xie suddenly smirked and looked at Long Chen mischievously.
Elder Xie: "Speaking of progress… I must congratulate you, Long Chen."
Long Chen: (Tilts head) "For what?"
Elder Xie: (Chuckles) "For having so many wives, of course! Haha! I've heard the rumors—wherever you go, you attract powerful women like moths to a flame!"
Long Chen: (Coughs) "Elder Xie, there's no need to tease me. It just happened naturally…"
Elder Xie: "Oh? Naturally, you say? Hahaha! I bet those 'natural' encounters involve legendary battles, dramatic rescues, and you saving the day like some heavenly hero, right?"
Long Chen shook his head helplessly, knowing there was no winning against Elder Xie's teasing though not all were true.
Long Chen: "Elder Xie… thank you. Truly. For everything."
Elder Xie's playful expression softened.
Elder Xie: "And I should be the one thanking you, Long Chen. For everything you have done for me, my sect, and the countless cultivators under your guidance."
Long Chen: (Smiles) "Then let me give you one last thing to look forward to, Elder Xie."
Elder Xie: "Oh? And what is that?"
Long Chen: "You don't have to wait much longer—just two or three years. At that time, I will personally come and take you with me. The body that originally contained everything that belonged to me… that body will become your new host body."
Elder Xie's eyes widened in surprise.
Elder Xie: "…that host body you talked about?"
Long Chen: "Yes. A body that is not only perfectly suited to your soul, but one that possesses talent and potential beyond what you can imagine. When the time comes, you will truly be reborn, Elder Xie."
For a long moment, Elder Xie simply stared at Long Chen, his expression unreadable. Then, he let out a deep breath, as if releasing a burden he had carried for years.
Elder Xie: "…Long Chen. I trust you."
Long Chen gave a firm nod.
Long Chen: "Then, until that time comes… be patient. The moment you step into that body, the world itself will tremble at your return."
Elder Xie: (Chuckles) "Hmph… Then I suppose I should start preparing for my grand return, shouldn't I?"
Elder Xie then said:
"So what are the questions. I know you had some while coming to meet me."
"Speak without worry."
"I will answer to my full ability."
Long Chen nodded and directly moved to topics: "Elder Xie, I seek knowledge about Dragon Veins. Their origins, their evolution across the eras, and their significance in the cultivation world today."
The elder smiled knowingly. "Ah, Dragon Veins… the lifelines of the land, the conduits of power that shape the lands keeping it enact by allowing the Heavenly Dao to constant affect the Earth's Essence and form the True Karmic Luck of Heaven and Earth. It's a topic vast and complex, but I shall explain."
Elder Xie took a deep breath and began his explanation, his words carrying the weight of ancient knowledge.
"According to the knowledge passed down in history; within the Primal Chaos Era, everything in the world was balanced. The forces of heaven and earth were in harmony, and Dragon Veins were singular entities—mighty, pure, and untainted by worldly fluctuations. These veins were the beating heart of the land, containing Primal Qi, the essence of creation itself. That time, Dragons were the first beings that were closest to Heavenly Daos and thus the Karmic Luck of Heaven and Earth took the shape of Dragons and was named as 'Dragon Vein' by the Heavens itself."
Long Chen listened attentively. He had always known that the past held greater mysteries than the present, but hearing it directly from someone who had lived through remnants of those ancient times made it all the more profound.
Elder Xie continued, his voice slow and deliberate.
"As time passed through the Desolate Era and finally the Ancient Era dawned, the nature of Dragon Veins began to shift. The once-singular Dragon Veins did not disappear, but they divided. What was once one supreme vein would fragment into thousands of lesser veins. The power of these veins, however, remained formidable. The Ancient Qi they carried, though diluted, was still potent enough to nurture powerful sects and dynasties. In this era, grand empires and immortal sects thrived by seizing control over these fragmented veins, using their energy to expand their dominion."
Long Chen frowned slightly. "So, even though the Dragon Veins multiplied, their strength remained significant?"
"Indeed," Elder Xie nodded. "But now, in the current era, things have changed even further. The fragmentation has continued endlessly, resulting in an unprecedented number of Dragon Veins. If we were to compare, the number of Dragon Veins today is hundreds or even thousands of times greater than in previous eras. However…" He paused, his gaze darkening.
"Their quality has diminished catastrophically."
Long Chen felt a chill run down his spine. "How much weaker have they become?"
Elder Xie's expression turned solemn. "If we were to compare the potency of a Dragon Vein from the Ancient Era, then a Dragon Vein of the current era is not even 1,000th or, in some cases, as weak as 1/10,000th of what it once was."
Long Chen inhaled sharply. "Such a massive decline…?!"
Elder Xie nodded. "Yes. The Dragon Veins of today lack Ancient Qi. They are diluted forms of their predecessors, carrying inferior energy though they may still sustain cultivation on the level of great sects and empires. Only the most exceptional Dragon Veins, those linked to karmic power, retain a fraction of their former might."
Long Chen narrowed his eyes. "Karmic Dragon Veins?"
"Yes," Elder Xie confirmed. "They are the veins that sustain great empires, formed from the faith and destiny of millions. These special Dragon Veins are nourished by the belief and devotion of the people. In the Phoenix Cry Empire alone, there are nearly 200 Karmic Dragon Veins, a number that has grown over time as the empire itself flourished. The stronger the people's faith in their land, their rulers, and their destiny, the more powerful these veins become."
Long Chen pondered this for a moment. "So, while most Dragon Veins have weakened, Karmic Dragon Veins remain an exception due to their connection to the people?"
Elder Xie nodded. "Precisely. This is why great sects and nations often cultivate loyalty, belief, and a sense of destiny among their people—it directly strengthens their Dragon Veins. Well, if I were to say it was during Ancient Era and before as in the current Era (Sigh) only Empires can form Karmic Dragon carrying Karmic Luck while Sects and other places consist only of Karmic Pond or whatsoever."
To Be Continued...