Another Cliché Cultivation Story

Xia Lihua didn't know how to feel after listening to Ji Xian. She felt he was teasing her but she also thought there were some truths in what he was saying. She touched her chin with her petite fingers and contemplated. After some thought, she raised her head and looked at Ji Xian.

"How long will you be gone?"

"A year or two at most."

Her eyebrows pinched, and she asked, "What about Mortal Haven? If another faction like the Nether race descends..."

Ji Xian shook his head, "That won't happen. After what just happened to Celestials and the Nether, I doubt another faction of the same caliber would come down here without long-term preparation."

"That makes sense..." Xia Lihua contemplated. For some reason, she remembered Ji Xian's lecture.

Close-minded? Never left Mortal Haven? Beyond the Upper World...

Finally, she took a deep breath, seemingly having come to a decision. She said, "I want to go with you."

"No," Ji Xian immediately shook his head.

"I'm not concerned about another invasion but you need to stay here to look after those five brats for me. They will arrive in the Northern Continent soon."

Xia Lihua said resolutely, "I can have Senior Wu Long look after them, I'm sure he won't refuse If I ask him."

Ji Xian gave it a thought before looking at Xia Lihua. Her silver eyes sparkled with anticipation and stubbornness as she stared at him.

I don't think she will take no for an answer. Whatever, what could go wrong? Wouldn't hurt to have such a beauty by my side, not to mention the number of opportunities she might bring me…

Gears turned in his head and subconsciously he let out a mysteriously bright smile. Finally, he snapped out of his thoughts.

"Alright, you can tag along."

Xia Lihua, who was unaware of what Ji Xian was thinking, became dazed when she saw his handsome face breaking out into a smile. She had to admit that the person in front of her was the most handsome man she had ever met. She never thought of herself as superficial and appearances weren't important to her, but Ji Xian was different. His looks, his charm, and his aura have qualities that just drew her in.

Only after hearing him agree that he will take her along did she snap out of her state. A beautiful smile appeared on her face.

"I will let Wu Long know," she said before disappearing in a flash.

While Ji Xian waited for Xia Lihua to return, he was wondering if he should go back to the Southern Continent to make some adjustments to the note he left behind.

It should be fine, I said Xia Lihua will look after those five but it became Wu Long instead. It shouldn't make a difference. On second thought, I'll leave my Hell Soul behind just in case of emergencies. After all, with our absence, who knows what might happen? I was planning on taking the Hell Soul with me since I'm going to an unfamiliar World but this will have to do.

With that thought, a shadow split from his body and shot off towards the cave from which Xia Lihua was using to cultivate. He flew away, leaving behind a few words which entered Ji Xian's ears.

"Have fun, Earth Soul!"

Fifteen minutes later, Xia Lihua returned.

"It's done," she said.

Suddenly, Xia Lihua felt something, she looked in the direction of her immortal cave. She gave Ji Xian a questioning glance but ultimately, chose not to ask.

Ji Xian nodded his head and gestured for her to follow him. They talked and joked as they flew. At their realm, it wouldn't take a long time to fly around the Mortal Haven World, not to mention that although Mortal Haven has produced many experts, it was on the smaller side of the spectrum.

Usually, the number of experts produced in a World correlates to its size. That was because a bigger world produces more resources to house more experts. Mortal Haven World was an exception. This had also confused a lot of factions in the Upper World, thinking there were some secrets to this world.

Xia Lihua soon realized where Ji Xian was taking her.

"This way… the Dark Chasm?"

Ji Xian looked at her and smiled, not bothering to answer.

"The Dark Chasm is the number one forbidden zone in Mortal Haven, even I need to be utmost prepared before I go here. Are you sure about this?" asked Xia Lihua. While surprised, she wasn't worried. She was confident in her strength.

"What are you worried about with me here? Just remember to stick close to me." Ji Xian said calmly.

Xia Lihua stared at Ji Xian's face and couldn't help but asked, "Just how strong are you? There is a high chance of Holy realm experts dying if they go to the Dark Chasm, yet you are so confident?"

She was unconscious when Ji Xian was fighting with the Nether race so she was unaware of his abilities. She had only been told of the event by the Northern Continent Ancestors.

"Guess," said Ji Xian mysteriously.

"You told me once before that you take a different path. Other than Qi Cultivators, who take in True Essence from Heaven and Earth to cultivate, and Body Cultivators who produce their own Essence, which is Astral Essence from their Internal World, what other path can there be? A Dual Cultivator who practices both Qi and Body? That's impossible."

"Oh? And why is that impossible?" asked Ji Xian.

Xia Lihua heard a teasing in his tone. She suddenly stopped flying and stared at Ji Xian.

"Because True Essence from Heaven and Earth rejects Astral Essence produced by the Internal World of Body Cultivators."

With a questioning look, she asked, "Did you find a way to…"

"No." Ji Xian immediately shook his head.

"The rejection between the two Essences is not something I can resolve yet."

"Then you…"

"I cultivate True Essence."

"But you…"

"You don't need to ask, my path is different."

Xia Lihua was indignant.

All that and you're basically saying nothing!

The two of them continued on their way to the Dark Chasm.

As they approached the Chasm, the land which was brimming with life became more barren and desolate.

Standing in the air, the two of them looked down at the large fissure that stretched as far as the eyes can see. Thundering roars and screeches resounded from below. Rocks and boulders shook from vibration coming from the fissure. This scene would frighten anyone away.

"Let's go," said Ji Xian casually.

Xia Lihua nodded with a serious expression.

The two of them descended into the chasm. The lower they descended the more cautious Xia Lihua became.

Ji Xian silently chuckled upon seeing this.

All of a sudden. A roar reverberated, shaking the chasm from below. It was unknown which monster this roar originated from, but it contained a terrifying murderous intent.

The Dark Chasm, which was filled with the sounds of various monsters suddenly quiet down upon hearing this roar. Then, the shuffling sound of movement could be heard. The chaotic chasm became strangely tranquil.

Xia Lihua immediately went into defense mode while Ji Xian continued descending. She bitterly shook her head upon seeing his casual behavior. They landed on the ground and she looked around suspiciously.

"Where are all the monsters? The last time I was here, I was attacked the moment I descended."

"Who knows, It is pretty late. Maybe they went home." Ji Xian replied.

"…"

"Follow me," he said.

Ji Xian led her into a cave. After walking for four hours, taking occasional turns here and there in this underground maze-like tunnel, they arrived at a dead end.

"Is that a formation?" Xia Lihua asked when she saw thousands of complex runes inscribed into the wall ahead of them. They appeared to be placed randomly but on a closer look, they appeared complete and whole.

"Indeed, I found this place while strolling around the Dark Chasm when I was younger."

"Strolling? The Dark Chasm?" Xia Lihua wasn't sure if she heard Ji Xian correctly.

Ji Xian casually added some more runes onto the wall. After he was done, he channeled his immense True Essence into the formation. The runes lit up one by one, and they glowed with a yellow light before connecting to one another. The brightness lit up the entire cave as a door materialize from the wall, glowing mysteriously.

She watched him do all this in shock. What Ji Xian just did look easy but was exceedingly complex.

Ji Xian put out his hand in front of Xia Lihua, catching her slightly off guard. She understood his intention and smiled. She grabs ahold of his hand.

She took one last look back and slightly hesitated. Unsure if what she was doing was right.

"It's fine, I left my clone behind. Nothing will happen." Ji Xian reassured her.

"So that presence in my cave was your clone…"

She no longer hesitated. The two of them walked into the door hand in hand.

The second they passed through, the runes dimmed. The door fades away. The cave calmed as it was before.

RRROOAARR!!

A familiar roar reverberated once more after they left. The chasm that was quiet and deserted has become active once more.