C144

Qin Buyi made no effort to hide his presence.

His formidable aura dominated the entirety of Area One.

Lan Wenhao and Qi Yun instantly picked up on Qin Buyi's aura, their expressions brightening with delight.

They dropped everything and hurried over to where Qin Buyi was.

A grin spread across Lan Wenhao's face. "Mr. Qin, you're back at last. These past three days have had me worried to death."

Qi Yun's smile mirrored his, "Congratulations, Mr. Qin, on your successful ascent to the Tribulation Crossing Stage. You're the first in a millennium on Blue Star to reach this level."

Qin Buyi responded to them both, "I'm sorry for causing you concern."

Lan Wenhao playfully thumped Qin Buyi on the chest, "Mr. Qin, talking like that makes us feel like outsiders."

Qi Yun chimed in, nodding, "Exactly, it's like you're treating us as strangers."

Qin Buyi hastened to clarify, "Not at all. You're reading too much into it."

Lan Wenhao burst into hearty laughter, "Haha, Mr. Qin, let's set that aside for now. To mark your breakthrough and homecoming, why don't we throw a three-day celebration?"

Qi Yun's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, "I love that idea. Count me in."

Qin Buyi agreed with a nod, "Alright, let's do it Mr. Wenhao's way. A collective three-day festivity for everyone in Area One."

Exchanging a glance, Lan Wenhao and Qi Yun declared in unison, "We'll get started on the preparations right away."

Once Lan Wenhao and Qi Yun had departed, Qin Buyi chose not to return to his quarters but instead strolled through Area One, its every corner echoing the essence of Blue Star.

As he took in the familiar sights, a flood of memories from Blue Star washed over him...

Lan Wenhao spread the word of Qin Buyi's return and the upcoming three-day festivity to all.

The news set Area One abuzz, dispelling the previous somber mood as the place erupted in a riot of color and cheer.

To the people there, Qin Buyi stood as a towering peak, a steadfast mountain upon which they all depended.

Should the day come when the mountain fell, what chance would there be for the eggs beneath a toppled nest?

Before they knew it, a community of shared fate had formed around Qin Buyi at its core.

The news of Qin Buyi's return took flight, swiftly reaching every corner of the College of Ming Dynasty.

The faculty and students buzzed with excitement: "I told you Instructor Qin was formidable; he's back in just three days!"

"It's beyond belief. How on earth did he survive that last, fearsome lightning tribulation?"

"I need to rush home and tell my father to pull some strings, no matter what, to get me into Instructor Qin's tutelage."

"Among the six senior instructors, the other five combined don't measure up to Instructor Qin alone. I'm going to find a connection to train under him too."

This sentiment was widespread throughout the academy; strength was as coveted as gold and welcomed everywhere.

Before long...

Hee Yan, Ying Zhi, and the other five senior instructors convened in Area One.

Upon seeing Qin Buyi, Ying Zhi wasted no time, embracing him tightly and saying,

"Mr. Qin, if you hadn't returned, I was ready to pack up and scour the ends of the earth for you."

This was no idle talk. Ying Zhi had mobilized every resource at his disposal in recent days to locate Qin Buyi.

Moreover, Ying Zhi had his provisions ready, prepared to personally join the search if necessary.

Qin Buyi, moved by Ying Zhi's earnestness, responded, "Well, here I am, no need for you to wander far, Mr. Zhi, haha."

Afterward, Qin Buyi led the group to a tavern in Area One.

The tavern's proprietor was none other than Wang Fugui, who had previously served Qin Buyi at the five-star hotel on Blue Star.

Before leaving Blue Star, Qin had sent Lan Linglong to offer Wang Fugui the chance to join them, a golden opportunity.

Expecting some deliberation, they were surprised when Wang Fugui accepted on the spot.

Lan Linglong was taken aback by his swift decision.

But for Wang Fugui, it was clear: opportunities like this come once in a lifetime – seize it and it's yours, miss it and it's gone forever.

Wang Fugui, lacking both background and influence, was not about to miss this chance.

Upon encountering Qin Buyi, Wang Fugui dashed out from behind the bar and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Grand Upper Elder."

Qin Buyi lifted Wang Fugui to his feet, replying, "No need for formalities. We're in need of a quiet space."

Led by Wang Fugui, Qin Buyi and his companions were escorted to the most opulent top floor of the establishment.

Without waiting for Qin Buyi to request anything, Wang Fugui promptly offered, "Grand Upper Elder, I'll stand guard by the stairs. Should you require anything, just call for me."

Once Qin Buyi signaled for him to leave, Wang Fugui respectfully withdrew.

Settled in their seats, Yu Jin blurted out, "Mr. Qin, how did you withstand such an intense Tribulation Crossing?"

Ying Le shot Yu Jin a sharp look, and he immediately realized his faux pas, quickly standing to clarify, "Mr. Qin, I meant no offense. Please don't take it the wrong way."

In the realm of cultivators, even between master and disciple or father and son, probing blindly into one another's secrets could easily lead to enmity.

Especially between two individuals without any prior connection.

Given Qin Buyi's demonstrated potential and prowess, a misunderstanding by such a formidable figure could leave Yu Jin with no place to turn.

Yet, Yu Jin had voiced the very question on everyone's mind. All eyes were now on Qin Buyi, expectantly awaiting his response.

Naturally, Qin Buyi wasn't about to divulge the actual events. He carefully composed his response, stating, "The Azure Phoenix carried me for three days, during which the thunderous energy it bore strangely diminished. By the third day, it had reduced to the mere intensity of a complete Tribulation Crossing."

"Seizing the moment, I tore through the Azure Phoenix's belly, dispersing it into the energy of the thunder tribulation. That was how I ultimately transcended the ordeal."

After Qin Buyi's explanation, a hush fell over the group. No one uttered a word.

Deep down, they were skeptical of Qin Buyi's tale of the thunder's mysterious weakening, but he had provided them with an explanation.

To probe any further might risk antagonizing him.

Despite their doubts, they all managed to compose their faces into expressions of understanding, aligning with Qin Buyi's narrative.

Qin Buyi was aware that the crowd harbored doubts, yet to him, their belief held no consequence.

He had provided his answer, and should anyone persist in their questioning, Qin Buyi wouldn't hesitate to teach them an unforgettable lesson.

Fortunately, those gathered were wise enough not to press the matter further, instead offering their congratulations to Qin Buyi.

After exchanging pleasantries, Qin Buyi addressed the group, "I appreciate your concern. Today, I'd like you all to savor some specialties from my hometown."

This piqued everyone's interest. Whether it was Hee Yan, Ying Zhi, or Bao Shui, they were all intrigued by Qin Buyi's origins and the land he hailed from.

Their curiosity only deepened upon witnessing the distinct architectural styles and advanced technologies, so different from those in the Heavenly Desolate Realm.

Seizing the moment Qin Buyi brought it up, the crowd eagerly showed their politeness.

Hee Yan chuckled, "Today, I'm definitely going to sample the hometown delicacies of Instructor Qin Buyi."

Bao Shui laughed, "Haha, I'm all set to not return until I've had my fill of drink."

Ying Le chimed in, "Likewise, Instructor Qin, don't keep us waiting. Let's have those delicious dishes you've promised."