C118 Lan Linglong's Beloved!

After Azure clarified things, Qin Buyi had a complete understanding.

He gazed at the pale violet dragon egg and remarked, "Whether it hatches or not is up to fate."

Azure once again hauled the dragon egg back into the palace.

His voice echoed across the Small Chiliocosm, "Everyone, please gather at the center of the Little Thousand World. I have an announcement to make."

Qi Yun's eyes fluttered open within the Lan family's residence. Upon hearing Qin Buyi's call, he immediately made his way to the Little Thousand World Center.

Lan Wenhao, the Patriarch of the Lan family, followed suit, setting aside all his tasks and summoning his kin to the specified location.

Lan Linglong's eyes sparkled with intrigue at the sound of Qin Buyi's voice.

Standing next to her, Lan Tianhe couldn't resist a jab, "What's the matter? Can't contain yourself when you hear your sweetheart's voice?"

Lan Linglong shot Lan Tianhe a look and retorted, "Uncle Seven, you're such a pest, always teasing me."

"Haha, in the entire Small Chiliocosm, who doesn't know about your crush on Qin Buyi, aside from the man himself?" Lan Tianhe burst into laughter.

"Hmph, Uncle Seven, I'm done with you."

With that, Lan Linglong spun around and strode off, with Lan Tianhe calling after her, "Wait for me, Uncle Seven made a mistake. Isn't an apology enough to make amends?"

Lan Linglong was both flustered and astonished by Lan Tianhe's words. Embarrassed that he had so easily exposed her innermost feelings, and shocked that her affection for Qin Buyi was now an open secret in the Small Chiliocosm.

Indeed, Lan Linglong had, without realizing it, fallen for Qin Buyi during their time together. She couldn't pinpoint the moment his image had become indelibly etched in her heart.

Meanwhile, Qin Buyi awaited everyone at the palace the Lan family had erected for him at the heart of the Little Thousand World Center.

Over time, the Lan family had constructed three palaces.

One was his own, crafted with the finest materials and utmost care.

The other two, slightly smaller, were built for Azure and Great Immortal Huang, yet matched in quality and craftsmanship.

Great Immortal Huang's acquisition of a palace was largely thanks to Qin Buyi.

As the cherished pets of Qin Buyi, the Lan family was naturally obligated to treat them with equal care and caution.

Within a mere fifteen minutes, everyone in the Small Chiliocosm had gathered, save for those who were old, infirm, or ill.

Azure and Great Immortal Huang stood by Qin Buyi's side like two formidable guardians.

Qin Buyi surveyed the crowd, and all eyes were on him in return.

Breaking the silence, Qi Yun inquired, "Qin, have you made another breakthrough?"

Without denying, Qin Buyi confidently acknowledged, "I've had some recent gains, and my cultivation has indeed advanced."

Qi Yun clicked his tongue, remarking, "This isn't just a small advancement; you've made a quantum leap."

"If I'm not mistaken, you're just a hair's breadth away from Tribulation Crossing now, aren't you?"

Qin Buyi responded, "Whenever I choose, I can initiate the heavenly tribulation at will."

Qi Yun lamented, "It's maddening how people differ; your cultivation seems to transform daily."

"Haha, you flatter me, Elder Qi," Qin Buyi chuckled.

Hearing of Qin Buyi's cultivation progress, the rest of the group's eyes went wide with astonishment.

On Blue Star, had it not been for Qin Buyi's emergence, Qi Yun would have been the sole practitioner at the Combination Stage.

The Tribulation Crossing Stage had been absent for so long that most had nearly forgotten such a level existed beyond the Combination Stage.

Lan Wenhao stepped forward from the crowd, leading the accolades, "Congratulations, Grand Upper Elder, on the furtherance of your cultivation. May you soon achieve the Tribulation Crossing Stage."

Inspired by Lan Wenhao, the Lan family members echoed in unison:

"Congratulations, Grand Upper Elder, on the enhancement of your cultivation. We wish you a swift breakthrough to the Tribulation Crossing Stage."

"Congratulations, Grand Upper Elder, on the elevation of your cultivation base. May your transition to the Tribulation Crossing come swiftly."

"Congratulations to the Grand Upper Elder on your cultivation's progression. We hope for your prompt ascension to the Tribulation Crossing Stage."

After the crowd had offered their enthusiastic congratulations several times, Qin Buyi raised his hands, gesturing for silence, and began to speak.

"I've come today to make an announcement to everyone."

"We've departed from Blue Star and have arrived in the Heavenly Desolate Realm."

"In this realm, there's a dynasty known as the Ming Dynasty, where I've found us a place to settle."

"I've called you all here to see if anyone is interested in venturing out to explore the wonders of this other world and experience its unique customs and people."

After Qin Buyi finished speaking, the crowd below showed a mix of reactions.

Some were visibly excited, others remained composed, and a few furrowed their brows in thought.

"Grand Upper Elder, what's the strength level of the Heavenly Desolate Realm?"

"Grand Upper Elder, can we return once we leave?"

"Grand Upper Elder, is it dangerous out there?"

"Grand Upper Elder, what's the power status of the Ming Dynasty?"

Qin Buyi, observing the barrage of questions from below, raised his voice and commanded, "Quiet!"

With his words, the clamor subsided into silence.

"One at a time," Qin Buyi instructed the crowd.

"You, go ahead," he said, pointing to a middle-aged man.

The man, caught off guard to be singled out by Qin Buyi, asked hesitantly, "Grand Upper Elder, what's the might of the Ming Dynasty, and where does it stand within the Heavenly Desolate Realm?"

"The peak cultivation within the Ming Dynasty is at the Perfection of the Mahayana Stage, held by Hee Yan, the First Dean of the College of Ming Dynasty," Qin Buyi answered.

"Next question," he prompted.

The crowd exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of who should speak next.

It was then that Lan Wenhao stepped forward and inquired, "Mr. Qin, where exactly will our foothold be?"

At Lan Wenhao's question, all eyes turned to Qin Buyi, for the location of their new home was of utmost importance to them.

"I've had a longstanding friendship with the Third Prince of the Ming Dynasty, and it's at the College of Ming Dynasty where we'll be taking residence," Qin Buyi revealed.

He went on to share a concise overview of the Heavenly Desolate Realm and the Ming Dynasty, as well as recounting his recent experiences, carefully omitting sensitive details.

The crowd listened with rapt attention, and as Qin Buyi uttered his final word, it was as though they were all roused from a spellbinding dream.

Expressions of surprise, longing, and envy were evident on their faces.

With a wry smile, Qi Yun said to Qin Buyi, "It seems I've truly aged. The adventures you've had recently, Mr. Qin, sound more thrilling than my entire lifetime."

Lan Wenhao remarked, "Mr. Qin's prowess in battle is astonishingly formidable. He has vanquished foes from the Early and Late Tribulation Crossing Stages, as well as the Half Step Mahayana."

"Such combat strength is exceedingly rare throughout history."

Lan Tianhe chuckled, "Without such formidable power, how could he hold the position of the premier master teacher at the College of Ming Dynasty?"

By now, the Lan family had a clear grasp of their predicament. As long as they followed the rules, they could even audit classes at the finest academy in the Ming Dynasty.

For those who grew up on Blue Star with its fragmented heritage, this opportunity was like placing a slice of cake before the lips of a famished beggar.