"Who are you!?"

Atop the grayish-blue mountain ranges.

Gao Yu, the master of the Stone Poverty Realm, stared gravely at the person and beast that appeared out of nowhere.

Although his face showed little emotion, his heart was already filled with shock and doubt.

Although the Stone Poverty Realm had fallen, even a broken ship has three pounds of nails. At the very least, the formations outside the Stone Poverty Realm shouldn't allow anyone to sneak in silently and easily.

However, the person and beast in front of him appeared without a trace of sound or movement, and he hadn't sensed anything at all.

This could only mean one thing, which was already clear as day.

Evidently, the existence before him was likely far beyond his own realm.

And the sudden uninvited appearance of such a high-level stranger instantly made him think of the successive mysterious disappearances of the Taiping Palace and Wanyue Mountain.

With such thoughts, his heart sank slightly, growing more wary.

At the same time, he split his attention, subtly scrutinizing the surroundings.

However, the dwarf cultivator opposite him simply laughed heartily:

"What is Taoist Friend Gao worried about?"

"Could it be you're afraid the Stone Poverty Realm will disappear like the Taiping Palace and Wanyue Mountain?"

Gao Yu's heart tensed, his eyes narrowed, and he said deeply:

"It seems that this Taoist Friend has heard everything. But I wonder who you are, and why you have come to my Stone Poverty Realm?"

Though his tone was grave, it carried a trace of caution and anger born of frustration.

Such is the sorrow of a small power, even if intruded upon at home, they dare not shout loudly, fearing to anger the other party.

The dwarf cultivator chuckled:

"I am but a nameless servant, not worth mentioning. If the Taoist Friend does not know what to call me, you may call me 'Wang Yi.' I came not for other reasons, but under the orders of my master to first ascertain the safety of your realm. However, I saw your despondency and worries, reminiscent of my past self, and could not sit idly by, hence I spoke."

"Your master?"

Gao Yu's expression froze for a moment before he quickly recovered, his heart immediately tightening.

The mere fact that the person and beast before him could silently infiltrate the Stone Poverty Realm attested to their prowess. What kind of existence must their master be for such formidable beings to willingly serve?

The Eight Heavenly Palaces?

Could there be such a person in the Eight Heavenly Palaces?

Or perhaps, is it one of the hidden Great Cultivators behind the factions in the Sea Market?

His heart filled with apprehension and uncertainty.

He increasingly felt the insularity of his information.

Living at the edge of the Immortal Forbidden Land did allow him to avoid much conflict, but it also cut him off from the mainstream of the Sea of Chaos Realm, and by the time news reached his ears, it was often ancient and difficult to verify.

Yet he did not dare to be negligent, and saluted:

"Thank you, Taoist Friend, for your guidance. I wonder who your honorable master is..."

The dwarf cultivator's expression turned solemn, clasped his hands, and made a distant salute toward the void.

This gesture made Gao Yu more serious as well.

Then, the dwarf cultivator said solemnly:

"My master achieved Dao beyond the Sea of Chaos Realm and gained renown in the Sea Market. Known for his supreme insight, even Ying Yuan Daoist Master and Vajra Realm Master must respectfully acknowledge his title and not dare to precede him."

"The Great Dao is vast, all-encompassing, containing all within, one with all."

"Thus, he is honored as Taiyi, the Taoist Master Taiyi!"

His words were forceful, resonating with authority.

"Taoist Master Taiyi?"

Gao Yu was first stunned, then his expression slightly changed:

"Your master is actually the one recently rumored to be the fourth Wonderful Feeling Realm Great Cultivator in the Sea of Chaos Realm, Taoist Master Taiyi!?"

Although the news from outside was fragmented, occasionally, some special information would reach his ears.

Taoist Master Taiyi was the most notable among them.

He wasn't sure of the details but had heard that this individual might not be weaker than the Three Realms' Masters.

Just this alone was enough to make him cautious, not daring to show any negligence.

At the same time, he grew more anxious, wondering why this being would specifically focus on the small Stone Poverty Realm and what their real motive was.

He also harbored suspicions about the truth of the visitor's words, but his mind was in turmoil, leaving him at a loss about distinguishing the truth.

Quickly, he said:

"May I ask if your honorable master, Taoist Master Taiyi, has issued any decree?"

The dwarf cultivator smiled, though his ugly visage made the smile more unsettling, and reassured:

"Taoist Friend Gao needs not worry; my master merely wishes to personally inquire about some matters with you. Regarding your realm, with his status, he wouldn't pay it much mind."

Gao Yu remained unswayed; words were just words, but the disappearances of Taiping Palace and Wanyue Mountain were recent events, so how could he relax his vigilance?

Hence, he carefully asked: "What question merits the master's personal inquiry?"

The dwarf cultivator shook his head and said:

"That, I am unclear on, and it's not something under my control... However, regarding your earlier worries, though we have only just met, may I offer a piece of advice?"

Gao Yu hesitated internally but, as a leader of a faction, showed no expression and simply nodded:

"I am willing to hear your teaching, Taoist Friend."

The dwarf cultivator saw this but didn't point it out, cheerfully saying:

"The Sea of Chaos Realm has been peaceful on the surface for a long time, but deep inside, the Three Realms oppress, the Eight Heavenly Palaces, and those in the Sea Market all collaborate with evil, each with their hidden schemes. Various forces have long suffered, a fact that, I believe, Taoist Friend is fully aware of without me having to elaborate."

Gao Yu hesitantly nodded.

The dwarf cultivator continued:

"When the Sea Market existed, internal conflicts weren't as great because those people needed various forces to risk their lives in the Sea Market, gathering treasures. Thus, the Sea of Chaos Realm still had places for peace. Now that the Sea Market has collapsed and possibly won't reappear, with no more meat to eat, they will naturally turn to you..."

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