Even as he concurrently deployed the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf and the Heavenly Demon Hidden Heart Ring, Jiang Chen managed to retain a notable swiftness in his movements.
This was largely due to the plentiful supply of pills he possessed, which restored his expended Dao Yuan Power.
The pills, generously bestowed by Ji Mingxiu, Mo Yu, and others, were predominantly from the Inquiring Journey Realm, their quality top-notch.
Throughout his journey, Jiang Chen would regularly consume these pills, maintaining his momentum.
Transforming into a practically invisible meteor, he cut a path through the sky, making his way determinedly towards the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Meanwhile, Ji Mingxiu had successfully escorted Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing back to the safety of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Mo Yu, along with the other Supreme Elders, hurriedly joined them upon hearing the news.
Almost simultaneously, another figure entered the scene, promptly answering Ji Mingxiu's urgent summons.
This individual was none other than Xie Zhen, the grandfather of Xie Xiaojing.
Although his face bore the marks of time, a serene tranquility surrounded him.
His amber eyes, an uncanny reflection of his granddaughter's, displayed a harmonious blend of wisdom and concern.
At that instant.
"What's happened here?"
"Why are Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing in this state!?"
"They've been compromised by the spiritual Qi of the Bottomless Abyss!"
"Why would they venture into the Bottomless Abyss!?"
"Weren't they taken to the Red Maple Heavenly Valley by Jiang Chen?"
"What exactly transpired?"
"..."
Upon observing the predicaments of Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, Mo Yu and the others descended into a state of great distress.
However, amid this tumult, Xie Zhen maintained a steady composure, moving towards his ailing granddaughter.
He assessed Xie Xiaojing's condition, his outward calm steadfast.
But his eyes revealed an alternate narrative, a glimmer of sadness reflecting his inner upheaval.
Subsequently, like the rest, he too directed his gaze towards Ji Mingxiu, expectantly awaiting the account.
"Sigh!"
"There was an unexpected disturbance in the Red Maple Heavenly Valley..."
Ji Mingxiu embarked on narrating the ordeals of Jiang Chen and the others.
Instantly, everyone present was etched with a startling fusion of dread and solemnity!
While their concern for Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing's conditions was palpable, their anxiety regarding the future of the Purple Heaven Holy Land took precedence.
The sudden disruption that had transpired in the Red Maple Heavenly Valley seemed to have a direct connection with the Bottomless Abyss.
If the spiritual Qi of the Bottomless Abyss were to proliferate, it could potentially taint the spiritual Qi of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Consequently, the entire Purple Heaven Holy Land might be subjected to a radical transformation!
It's important to note that the current location of the Purple Heaven Holy Land's territory was among the sites with the most abundant spiritual Qi within the Everflowing Truth Domain and its surrounding regions.
"We cannot let word of this get out!"
"The immediate priority is to tend to Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing. Despite the slim chances of success, we are obligated to try."
"Additionally, we need to urgently dispatch individuals to barricade the Red Maple Heavenly Valley! Any approach must be prohibited! Moreover, the disturbance in the Red Maple Heavenly Valley requires constant monitoring."
"..."
Post-discussion, Mo Yu and the others swiftly sketched out a preliminary plan and issued directives.
As for the intricacies of the plan, their subordinates would refine and finalize it.
Their main responsibility was to guide the overall course of action.
"We must act immediately to save Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing!"
"Any further delay will only decrease our chances of healing them."
A wave of sorrow flickered in Mo Yu's eyes as he gazed at Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing.
Both Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing were fundamental to the sect's future prospects.
Additionally, Ji Ruxue held an invaluable place in Ji Mingxiu's heart.
The uncertainty surrounding Ji Mingxiu's future if Ji Ruxue remained untreatable was daunting.
While they conversed, Mo Yu and the others began to bring out various items.
Some produced pills, some revealed extraordinary treasure cauldrons, and a few even procured ancient texts...
Abruptly.
"Everyone."
Ji Mingxiu interjected, "There's no need to continue with this."
At his declaration, a collective sigh echoed from Mo Yu and the others.
"Holy Lord, don't concede defeat!"
"Though there have been no historical records of anyone recovering from the effects of the Bottomless Abyss's Spiritual Qi, who's to say our efforts won't yield success?"
"Yes, even if the outcomes are subpar, if we manage to stabilize Ji Ruxue's condition, it would be a victory in itself!"
"Ji Mingxiu, don't force my hand to admonish you, now is not the time for despair or surrender!"
"..."
Mo Yu and the others took turns in attempting to rally Ji Mingxiu.
"No."
"On our journey back, I exhausted every possible method, but none had any effect..."
As Ji Mingxiu began to shake his head, Mo Yu interjected.
"That's simply because your methods weren't effective!"
"What if our strategies succeed?"
"Step aside promptly. We are determined to do everything within our power to save Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing."
"..."
Mo Yu and the others scowled, believing that Ji Mingxiu's despair stemmed from the heavy blow he'd received.
Nevertheless.
"Supreme Elders."
"You are all well aware that I have already mastered all of your techniques."
"Besides, I haven't finished speaking."
A glimmer of hope shone in Ji Mingxiu's grief-laden eyes as he shook his head, "Haven't you observed that Jiang Chen is absent from my side?"
"Hmm?"
"Jiang Chen?"
"Indeed, where has Jiang Chen gone? Why didn't he return with you?"
"Holy Lord, are you insinuating that Jiang Chen might possess a remedy for the girls? Have you lost your sanity?"
"Good heavens, Jiang Chen is merely at the Heavenly Origin realm, originating from the Everflowing Truth Northern Domain, how could he possibly know how to treat the Bottomless Abyss Spiritual Qi infection?"
"Ji Mingxiu, don't harbor delusions that Jiang Chen has the answer. Let us give it a try."
"..."
The disbelief was palpable amongst Mo Yu and the others, and they all came to the conclusion that Ji Mingxiu had lost his mind, for placing his hopes on an inexperienced Heavenly Origin realm cultivator like Jiang Chen.
While it was true that Jiang Chen possessed a shockingly high aptitude, it merely represented potential, not actual prowess.
"No!"
"Jiang Chen will have a solution, I trust him!"
Taking a deep breath, Ji Mingxiu clenched his fists tightly, his gaze locking with Xie Zhen's.
He found himself echoing Jiang Chen's previous words, mentioning his acquaintance with the two formidable seniors on the verge of stepping into the Fourth Realm.
"He's gone insane!"
"Ji Mingxiu, you've truly lost your mind!"
"How could you place your faith in such a claim?"
"..."
Mo Yu and the other elders cried out in shock, shaking their heads in resigned despair. One of them turned to Xie Zhen, saying, "Old man, it's high time you chimed in. Your granddaughter's life is on the line here."
The ensuing silence seemed to thicken the atmosphere as all eyes turned towards the figure who had remained relatively silent throughout the deliberations.
"Supreme Elders."
At last, Xie Zhen's voice cut through the stillness, steady and undeterred, "We know the brutal truth of our situation. Given that there is no one here capable of saving my granddaughter and the Holy Maiden, why not take a chance on Jiang Chen, as the Holy Lord suggests?"
Xie Zhen's faith in Jiang Chen was not without basis.
He had observed the admiration his granddaughter held for the young cultivator, the fiery glint in her eyes whenever she spoke of him.
Her unwavering faith in Jiang Chen gave him reason to hope, a reason to believe.
Following Xie Zhen's statement, a heavy silence fell over the group.
Mo Yu and the others exchanged looks, their expressions a blend of disbelief, uncertainty, and a hint of hope.
If the family members were willing to place their trust in Jiang Chen, what grounds did they have to object?
Meanwhile.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the plot. The protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 1000 points!]
[Ding! You have gained 2000 Villain Value points!]
Two system notifications echoed in Jiang Chen's mind.
'By the heavens!'
'It's here!'
'The notification for the plot alteration has finally arrived!'
'A straight deduction of a thousand points from Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate, that's remarkable!'
Hearing the pleasing sound of the notification reverberating in his mind, Jiang Chen's eyes instantly lit up with excitement.
Subsequently, more thoughts began to flood his mind.
'The system notification just sounded.'
'Perhaps it's because a significant plot point has just been altered!'
'Based on the timeline, Ji Mingxiu should have already reached the Purple Heaven Holy Land.'
'Thus, his decision could dictate the future progression of this matter.'
'In the 'original plot' influenced by Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value, Ji Mingxiu, Mo Yu, and the others would undoubtedly be at a loss, leading a desperate Ji Mingxiu to recruit outside help, eventually leading to Fang Yuan's entrance.'
'But now, I've instilled hope in Ji Mingxiu. He didn't choose to take that route, thereby depriving Fang Yuan of the chance to be involved in treating Ji Ruxue!'
'For the life experiences that Fang Yuan should have had, this is undeniably a major shift.'
As these thoughts coursed through Jiang Chen's mind, a faint smile gradually stretched across his lips.
Even as he concurrently deployed the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf and the Heavenly Demon Hidden Heart Ring, Jiang Chen managed to retain a notable swiftness in his movements.
This was largely due to the plentiful supply of pills he possessed, which restored his expended Dao Yuan Power.
The pills, generously bestowed by Ji Mingxiu, Mo Yu, and others, were predominantly from the Inquiring Journey Realm, their quality top-notch.
Throughout his journey, Jiang Chen would regularly consume these pills, maintaining his momentum.
Transforming into a practically invisible meteor, he cut a path through the sky, making his way determinedly towards the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Meanwhile, Ji Mingxiu had successfully escorted Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing back to the safety of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Mo Yu, along with the other Supreme Elders, hurriedly joined them upon hearing the news.
Almost simultaneously, another figure entered the scene, promptly answering Ji Mingxiu's urgent summons.
This individual was none other than Xie Zhen, the grandfather of Xie Xiaojing.
Although his face bore the marks of time, a serene tranquility surrounded him.
His amber eyes, an uncanny reflection of his granddaughter's, displayed a harmonious blend of wisdom and concern.
At that instant.
"What's happened here?"
"Why are Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing in this state!?"
"They've been compromised by the spiritual Qi of the Bottomless Abyss!"
"Why would they venture into the Bottomless Abyss!?"
"Weren't they taken to the Red Maple Heavenly Valley by Jiang Chen?"
"What exactly transpired?"
"..."
Upon observing the predicaments of Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, Mo Yu and the others descended into a state of great distress.
However, amid this tumult, Xie Zhen maintained a steady composure, moving towards his ailing granddaughter.
He assessed Xie Xiaojing's condition, his outward calm steadfast.
But his eyes revealed an alternate narrative, a glimmer of sadness reflecting his inner upheaval.
Subsequently, like the rest, he too directed his gaze towards Ji Mingxiu, expectantly awaiting the account.
"Sigh!"
"There was an unexpected disturbance in the Red Maple Heavenly Valley..."
Ji Mingxiu embarked on narrating the ordeals of Jiang Chen and the others.
Instantly, everyone present was etched with a startling fusion of dread and solemnity!
While their concern for Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing's conditions was palpable, their anxiety regarding the future of the Purple Heaven Holy Land took precedence.
The sudden disruption that had transpired in the Red Maple Heavenly Valley seemed to have a direct connection with the Bottomless Abyss.
If the spiritual Qi of the Bottomless Abyss were to proliferate, it could potentially taint the spiritual Qi of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Consequently, the entire Purple Heaven Holy Land might be subjected to a radical transformation!
It's important to note that the current location of the Purple Heaven Holy Land's territory was among the sites with the most abundant spiritual Qi within the Everflowing Truth Domain and its surrounding regions.
"We cannot let word of this get out!"
"The immediate priority is to tend to Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing. Despite the slim chances of success, we are obligated to try."
"Additionally, we need to urgently dispatch individuals to barricade the Red Maple Heavenly Valley! Any approach must be prohibited! Moreover, the disturbance in the Red Maple Heavenly Valley requires constant monitoring."
"..."
Post-discussion, Mo Yu and the others swiftly sketched out a preliminary plan and issued directives.
As for the intricacies of the plan, their subordinates would refine and finalize it.
Their main responsibility was to guide the overall course of action.
"We must act immediately to save Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing!"
"Any further delay will only decrease our chances of healing them."
A wave of sorrow flickered in Mo Yu's eyes as he gazed at Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing.
Both Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing were fundamental to the sect's future prospects.
Additionally, Ji Ruxue held an invaluable place in Ji Mingxiu's heart.
The uncertainty surrounding Ji Mingxiu's future if Ji Ruxue remained untreatable was daunting.
While they conversed, Mo Yu and the others began to bring out various items.
Some produced pills, some revealed extraordinary treasure cauldrons, and a few even procured ancient texts...
Abruptly.
"Everyone."
Ji Mingxiu interjected, "There's no need to continue with this."
At his declaration, a collective sigh echoed from Mo Yu and the others.
"Holy Lord, don't concede defeat!"
"Though there have been no historical records of anyone recovering from the effects of the Bottomless Abyss's Spiritual Qi, who's to say our efforts won't yield success?"
"Yes, even if the outcomes are subpar, if we manage to stabilize Ji Ruxue's condition, it would be a victory in itself!"
"Ji Mingxiu, don't force my hand to admonish you, now is not the time for despair or surrender!"
"..."
Mo Yu and the others took turns in attempting to rally Ji Mingxiu.
"No."
"On our journey back, I exhausted every possible method, but none had any effect..."
As Ji Mingxiu began to shake his head, Mo Yu interjected.
"That's simply because your methods weren't effective!"
"What if our strategies succeed?"
"Step aside promptly. We are determined to do everything within our power to save Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing."
"..."
Mo Yu and the others scowled, believing that Ji Mingxiu's despair stemmed from the heavy blow he'd received.
Nevertheless.
"Supreme Elders."
"You are all well aware that I have already mastered all of your techniques."
"Besides, I haven't finished speaking."
A glimmer of hope shone in Ji Mingxiu's grief-laden eyes as he shook his head, "Haven't you observed that Jiang Chen is absent from my side?"
"Hmm?"
"Jiang Chen?"
"Indeed, where has Jiang Chen gone? Why didn't he return with you?"
"Holy Lord, are you insinuating that Jiang Chen might possess a remedy for the girls? Have you lost your sanity?"
"Good heavens, Jiang Chen is merely at the Heavenly Origin realm, originating from the Everflowing Truth Northern Domain, how could he possibly know how to treat the Bottomless Abyss Spiritual Qi infection?"
"Ji Mingxiu, don't harbor delusions that Jiang Chen has the answer. Let us give it a try."
"..."
The disbelief was palpable amongst Mo Yu and the others, and they all came to the conclusion that Ji Mingxiu had lost his mind, for placing his hopes on an inexperienced Heavenly Origin realm cultivator like Jiang Chen.
While it was true that Jiang Chen possessed a shockingly high aptitude, it merely represented potential, not actual prowess.
"No!"
"Jiang Chen will have a solution, I trust him!"
Taking a deep breath, Ji Mingxiu clenched his fists tightly, his gaze locking with Xie Zhen's.
He found himself echoing Jiang Chen's previous words, mentioning his acquaintance with the two formidable seniors on the verge of stepping into the Fourth Realm.
"He's gone insane!"
"Ji Mingxiu, you've truly lost your mind!"
"How could you place your faith in such a claim?"
"..."
Mo Yu and the other elders cried out in shock, shaking their heads in resigned despair. One of them turned to Xie Zhen, saying, "Old man, it's high time you chimed in. Your granddaughter's life is on the line here."
The ensuing silence seemed to thicken the atmosphere as all eyes turned towards the figure who had remained relatively silent throughout the deliberations.
"Supreme Elders."
At last, Xie Zhen's voice cut through the stillness, steady and undeterred, "We know the brutal truth of our situation. Given that there is no one here capable of saving my granddaughter and the Holy Maiden, why not take a chance on Jiang Chen, as the Holy Lord suggests?"
Xie Zhen's faith in Jiang Chen was not without basis.
He had observed the admiration his granddaughter held for the young cultivator, the fiery glint in her eyes whenever she spoke of him.
Her unwavering faith in Jiang Chen gave him reason to hope, a reason to believe.
Following Xie Zhen's statement, a heavy silence fell over the group.
Mo Yu and the others exchanged looks, their expressions a blend of disbelief, uncertainty, and a hint of hope.
If the family members were willing to place their trust in Jiang Chen, what grounds did they have to object?
Meanwhile.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the plot. The protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 1000 points!]
[Ding! You have gained 2000 Villain Value points!]
Two system notifications echoed in Jiang Chen's mind.
'By the heavens!'
'It's here!'
'The notification for the plot alteration has finally arrived!'
'A straight deduction of a thousand points from Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate, that's remarkable!'
Hearing the pleasing sound of the notification reverberating in his mind, Jiang Chen's eyes instantly lit up with excitement.
Subsequently, more thoughts began to flood his mind.
'The system notification just sounded.'
'Perhaps it's because a significant plot point has just been altered!'
'Based on the timeline, Ji Mingxiu should have already reached the Purple Heaven Holy Land.'
'Thus, his decision could dictate the future progression of this matter.'
'In the 'original plot' influenced by Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value, Ji Mingxiu, Mo Yu, and the others would undoubtedly be at a loss, leading a desperate Ji Mingxiu to recruit outside help, eventually leading to Fang Yuan's entrance.'
'But now, I've instilled hope in Ji Mingxiu. He didn't choose to take that route, thereby depriving Fang Yuan of the chance to be involved in treating Ji Ruxue!'
'For the life experiences that Fang Yuan should have had, this is undeniably a major shift.'
As these thoughts coursed through Jiang Chen's mind, a faint smile gradually stretched across his lips.
