Less than half an hour had passed.
Before the grand hall atop the mountain, more than twenty cultivators gathered. Although their realms had fallen, Li Yi had left behind a considerable amount of Spirit Stones last time before he left. Now, they used those resources to sustain their lives and stabilize their realms, avoiding the need to start from scratch in the Three Flowers realm.
But that was all they could manage. In this Dharma Decline World, being able to sustain one’s life and realm was already quite an achievement. To restore their peak strength or advance further, there was only one path.
And that path was to cross realms and leave this place.
Li Yi glanced around, and he didn’t continue waiting, as it was uncertain how long it would take for the remaining twenty-odd people to return. He didn’t want to linger in the End of Dharma Cultivation World, so he immediately said, "Respected seniors, for this cross-realm departure, I plan to take five people with me."
The crowd fell silent for a moment and then exchanged glances.
No one knew who the lucky ones would be.
Li Yi said, "Since I have certain personal matters to attend to, I can’t wait for all seniors to gather. Therefore, I’ll make the decision myself this time. I plan to take Tu Daoist, Nun Liu, and Xiangxiangzi. As for the remaining two, it will be fairer to decide by drawing lots."
"Do the seniors agree?"
He dared not take too many cultivators to Earth in one go, mainly because his capabilities were limited, and he feared he couldn’t control them. After all, he had just entered the Five Qi Realm Second Layer and his strength was still weak. To put it bluntly, if the master is weak and the followers strong, chaos could ensue. In ancient times, an aging monarch, if unable to rein in his ministers and generals, had to be cautious and vigilant.
Handling so many experts, Li Yi was indeed treading on thin ice. The Sacrifice Spell could only ensure he would not be killed in retaliation and could not guarantee he could restrain them.
But currently, Li Yi needed some manpower, as relying only on Xuan Yuezi, Wu the Taoist, and Cang Erzi was becoming insufficient.
"No problem, since Taiyi has decided, we naturally support it." Xiang Xiangzi’s eyes lit up, and he immediately stopped beating Tu Daoist, straightened his Daoist robe, and said with a cold and proud expression.
Tu Daoist also became excited.
Finally, he could restore his strength and rebuild the Daoqi Sect.
Nun Liu was also quite delighted. Indeed, befriending Li Yi from the beginning was the right choice, as one could receive assistance when it mattered the most.
"If Taiyi decides, we naturally consent. Drawing lots it is." Everyone nodded.
Even though the Heavenly Dao Sect had secured another slot, since neither Tu Daoist nor Nun Liu were from the Heavenly Dao Sect, and with the remaining two chosen by random draw, there were no objections.
"Lan Ji." Li Yi called out.
A three-dimensional projection appeared, and the Thunderbolt Fighter on a distant peak was immediately activated.
Li Yi said, "Randomly select two seniors from those present."
"Understood, Master." Lan Ji said with a smile, and then two beams of light came from afar, shining directly on two Daoists among the crowd.
"Haha, friends, I am humbled." A middle-aged Daoist with graying temples was surprised, then smiled and cupped his hands to the others.
"It’s Feiyunzi, he’s a loose cultivator in the Tri-Floral Realm who previously served as a guest elder for several small sects." The crowd looked on, their expressions subtly changing, yet they were familiar with this person.
In the End of Dharma times, for a loose cultivator to have endured to the present, sensed the opportunity, followed Taiyi to the Treasure Court, settled in this valley, and now obtained the opportunity to cross realms... his life could be considered legendary.
The other person was an elderly man with a gloomy aura, named Qian Daoist. He did not originate from the Tao Court but migrated there during the End of Dharma times. It was said he was the head of a sect, traveling far and wide in search of opportunities to rebuild the Tao lineage, yet always finding his efforts in vain.
"Thank you, Taiyi, thank you all, friends."
Qian Daoist was also quite pleased, having given up hope, he didn’t expect to be chosen.
Although the crowd felt a bit disappointed, they extended congratulations to the two.
Li Yi said, "Although I’m taking only a few people this time, next time I’ll ensure most people will cross realms and leave the End of Dharma Cultivation World. You won’t have to wait for long, seniors."
"Taiyi is too modest. We’ve endured these years, waiting a few more is no problem." Someone said with a smile.
"Indeed, our life spans are still sufficient, waiting a few more years is no issue, so Taiyi need not bear any burden." Another Daoist said candidly.
They clearly understood Li Yi’s concerns but chose not to point it out.
After all, putting oneself in his shoes, one wouldn’t dare take everyone to another world at once, knowing that gathering forty-nine cultivation experts in one place could cause a fracture in a realm if chaos erupted.
"After I leave, I’ll have to trouble the Goddess with many affairs here."
Suddenly, Li Yi addressed a stunningly beautiful woman of exceptional grace and charm with a bow.
Divine Lady Yun Feizi smiled faintly, like a hundred flowers blooming, possessing an unparalleled beauty. She said, "Fear not, Taiyi. I will assist with all matters here."
Li Yi nodded and then added, "Lan Ji, grant the Thunderbolt Fighter’s authorization to the Goddess."
"Divine Lady Yun Feizi, authorization confirmed." Lan Ji said.
Yun Feizi merely smiled and accepted the authorization with ease, knowing that after Li Yi left with the five experts, she’d be the only one with enough power and prestige to manage everything here. Thus, possessing the Thunderbolt Fighter’s authorization ensured the absolute security of this place.