Chapter 1037: Meeting Dongfang Nana Again

Ye Mo informed You Shanping and Ge Lian before moving to Xu Changji's residence. After his own cultivation, he assisted Xu Changji in perfecting his cultivation method and shared his experience. He longed to purchase a protective cultivation artifact, but feared recognition by the Lightning Cloud Sect and thus remained indoors.

Three months passed. Upon achieving the hollow spirit state with his perfected Blue River Spirit Chant, Xu Changji's joy was boundless. While uncertain of its ultimate effectiveness compared to the original, it was a vast improvement over having no method at all.

Although it was Ye Mo's first encounter with this spirit cultivation method, it was familiar. Despite its higher level, it fell within the cultivation theory of the Three Birth Chant.

"Martial brother, I'm going to find a secluded place to reach the hollow spirit state; I won't wait for you. But beware of Wu Yu. He appears magnanimous, but is vengeful. He'll undoubtedly go to the Truth Fall Palace; be wary," Xu Changji declared, eager to begin cultivation after nearly a century's absence.

Ye Mo smiled. "Martial brother, don't worry. Wait for me in Mo Yue City after your divine damnation." Regarding Wu Yu, Ye Mo's thoughts were simple: Wu Yu should pray they didn't meet again. An encounter would likely result in Wu Yu's demise, much like Tian Aofeng.

Ten days remained before the Truth Fall Palace opened after Xu Changji's departure. Ye Mo finally ventured out, deeming his chances of encountering Ling Xiaoshuang again unlikely after three months. The memory of his previous divine damnation, however, still instilled some fear, prompting him to seek a new set of protective armor.

He visited the Yu Yang Artifact store, not a large or high-grade establishment, but one recommended by Xu Changji. While lacking top-tier artifacts, Yu Yang, a level nine forgery grandmaster, crafted high-quality items, occasionally producing even half-cultivation or low-grade artifacts superior to those of his peers, albeit at a higher cost, attracting only loyal patrons.

Upon leaving, Ye Mo sensed someone following him. Suspecting Wu Yu, he smirked. He planned to deal with Wu Yu at the Truth Fall Palace, but if Wu Yu couldn't wait, Ye Mo wouldn't hesitate.

Choosing a deserted area, he suppressed his spiritual sense to avoid detection. The Truth Fall Palace bustled with activity, but most congregated at the market or the dao discussion stage.

Fifteen minutes later, reaching the city's most desolate corner, Ye Mo unleashed his spiritual sense, confirming his pursuer's awareness. To his astonishment, it was Dongfang Nana.

Unlike their previous encounter, she exhibited no fear or worry, quickly catching up. Ye Mo realized she wasn't following him surreptitiously but rather sought him out.

Dongfang Nana approached and knelt, sobbing. Ye Mo frowned; his impression of her remained unfavorable.

"Big brother, I've wronged Zifeng; kill me!" she cried, wiping her tears.

Ye Mo's expression hardened. Without preamble, he demanded, "What happened to Zifeng? Speak!"

Dongfang Nana sniffed. "I lived with Zifeng in Canada when the portal to the small world opened. Unable to tolerate a peaceful life, I persuaded Zifeng to join me in the Duan Heng ranges…"

"Zifeng is also in South Peace State?" Ye Mo was shocked. Ye Zifeng lacked a spirit root, making survival here extremely difficult. Why had they both come? Dongfang Nana's dantian was also destroyed.

Dongfang Nana nodded. "In the small world, we followed others to Xin Jia Mountain and then to South Peace State. We realized this was a cultivation world with no return. Zifeng wanted to find you, but we knew no one and didn't know where to start."

"Just tell me where he is!" Ye Mo glared, threatening immediate death for any falsehoods.

Dongfang Nana whimpered, "I don't know. We barely survived in a small city until hearing of a sect accepting disciples. Zifeng and I checked our spirit roots. Zifeng had none, but I possess a pure wood spirit root."

Ye Mo was unsurprised by her rapid cultivation progress. The seven-star sect, Eternity Sea, clearly wouldn't let her go, intending to cultivate her as a core disciple.

Dongfang Nana continued, "Eternity Sea saw my pure wood spirit root and rejoiced. But discovering my shattered dantian, they were disappointed."

Ye Mo sneered. "But they then realized you'd never cultivated, so your dantian could be repaired?" A shattered dantian is difficult to repair after cultivation begins, but not impossible for those who haven't cultivated. He hadn't inflicted excessive damage out of consideration for Ye Zifeng.

Dongfang Nana nodded, horrified. "Yes, they repaired my dantian and are taking me to Eternity Mountain."

She sobbed again. "Zifeng was happy for me. I insisted on going with him. He agreed, but the next day, he disappeared…"

Ye Mo interrupted. "Was Zifeng killed by those Eternity Sea bastards? Lie, and I'll kill you, even if Zifeng wishes to protect you."

Dongfang Nana, seemingly ignoring his threat, sniffed. "I don't know, but before he left, he left a letter. He said he couldn't stop following my dream; he'd go find you…"

She produced a letter. Ye Mo recognized Ye Zifeng's handwriting. It read: "Nana, sorry, forgive my departure. Knowing this world's cultivation, your greatest hope is to cultivate. Cultivators have endless life, but I'm useless. I can only follow you and watch me die. I can't stop your pursuit. I can't let a woman sustain me. I'm going to find my big brother; perhaps he can help me cultivate. Sorry, I'm going. If I can cultivate, I'll see you. Take care, Zifeng."

Ye Mo understood. Ye Zifeng was amicable but proud. Following Dongfang Nana would hold her back. Would the Heartless Sea allow Ye Zifeng to hinder a genius disciple's cultivation?

Ye Mo worried less about Ye Zifeng alone and more about whether Eternity Sea would kill him. Dongfang Nana continued sobbing.

"Are you from the Dongfang family?" Ye Mo abruptly asked, knowing her lineage and needing caution given their feud.