Chapter 1006: The Figure in the Depths of His Mind

“Ye Mo, I suddenly miss Luo Yue City… when can we go back to visit?” Song Yangzhu asked. Leaving Pei Hai without him felt deeply unsettling.

Ye Mo squeezed Song Yangzhu’s hand, understanding her longing wasn't for Luo Yue City, but for him. He hesitated to mention Yimo; Song Yangzhu, though seemingly strong, was far more fragile than she or Ye Ling appeared.

“Yangzhu, I promise I’ll return soon, and bring you all with me. When our power is sufficient, perhaps we can go back to Luo Yue City. I miss it too,” Ye Mo said. He knew, however, returning would be difficult. Even at truth realization, a level-nine teleportation formation only reached the Heartless Sea's distance. He suspected the small world's connection to Luo Yue City wasn't established by cultivators from his realm.

Ye Ling's presence didn't erase her brother, Ye Zifeng, from Ye Mo's thoughts. Though unsaid, he sensed her profound longing. His mind wandered to Yun Bing, Wen Dong, Xu Ping—wondering about their lives and progress. He considered Dongfang Wang's actions, trusting Huang Yinian to thwart him.

Countless familiar faces – Zeng Zhengxia, Han Zaixin, Xiao Lei, Sister Yan, Yu Erhu, Yu Miaodan, Shi Xiu – flooded his memory, and a wave of melancholy washed over him. How long until he could return? Would they even still be there?

Finally, one image solidified: Luo Xuan. He realized her presence wasn't just a fleeting thought; her image was deeply ingrained in his mind. The girl who jumped from the twelfth floor with him—perhaps her words, "I just didn't want Brother Ye to be disappointed again," were the key.

Was that all?

“Perhaps I owe her,” Ye Mo murmured. He owed her the golden page world—two of the three pages, hidden from her sisters. After her fall from Shuang Shi Cliff, his countless searches yielded nothing. The golden page world's significance was undeniable; without it, he would have perished countless times, never achieving his current standing. His success was inextricably linked to Luo Xuan. Yet, he couldn't even find her body. A sigh escaped him, deepening his despondency.

Sensing his distress, Song Yangzhu leaned against him, holding his arm. “Is something troubling you?”

Preparing to depart, Ye Mo pushed aside his gloomy thoughts. He grasped Song Yangzhu’s hand. “Yangzhu, don’t worry. I’ll return as soon as possible, and bring you all. Cultivate diligently; don’t worry about me.” This was his third reassurance. He vowed to create a place for his loved ones, a sanctuary where they could gather, free from wandering.

“Mhm, I believe you,” Song Yangzhu replied, wanting him to leave with a lighter heart.

“Yangzhu, I’m leaving. I won’t say goodbye to Jingwen and the others. Tell them I’ll be back soon…” He wanted a final meeting, but knew goodbyes were difficult. It would dampen their spirits, interrupting their cultivation.

Song Yangzhu nodded softly. “Do you have enough spirit stones? Mo Yue has plenty; do you need some?”

Ye Mo shook his head. He possessed over 100 million spirit stones—a similar amount to Mo Yue's, acquired through compensation from the Yang Hai Merchant Association.

Silence settled between them, a shared warmth despite the bustling street. Inner peace filled them.

A sudden rustling shattered the tranquility. Ye Mo looked up to see a man and woman accosted by three Foundation Establishment tertiary-stage cultivators. The couple appeared distressed, unsure how to react.

To Ye Mo’s surprise, he recognized the woman: Yu Yuyan, from a previous encounter. She had plotted to use him as a scapegoat, a plan he thwarted.

“It’s you? Ye Mo…” Yu Yuyan exclaimed, joy battling with their past. The desire for aid, however, remained. He was unlikely to hold a grudge, but assistance was impossible.

“Don’t mention Ye Mo or Mo Ye to me; I don’t care who he is. You’re going to tell me what you ate, no matter what,” the Foundation Establishment level-nine cultivator coldly demanded of Yu Yuyan.

Song Yangzhu bristled at this aggression towards Ye Mo. “Such a temper…” The cultivator turned, glaring, but was interrupted by his companion, who bowed to Song Yangzhu. “Wan bei Zhu Changtian greets Mo Yue’s Song qian bei…”

The words ‘Mo Yue’ paled the cultivator's face. He’d realized his mistake.

“You three are quite arrogant. Who gave you the audacity to cause trouble in Pei Hai? Leave now, or you won't be leaving at all,” another cold voice cut through the air. The voice then bowed. “Pei Hai City Lord Estate, Wang Di greets Association Leader Ye…”

The cultivators' faces turned deathly pale. Wang Di, usually aloof, was intervening in such a minor dispute. The youth with Song Yangzhu was, they realized, Mo Yue's mysterious association leader.

“Manager Wang, a pleasure,” Ye Mo replied, saluting. He disliked Wang Di, but Mo Yue’s future in Pei Hai necessitated caution.

“An honor, Association Leader Ye. How shall I handle these three?” Wang Di knew Ye Mo’s lack of concern stemmed not from indifference, but from his imminent departure and the powerful backing of the Wang Yue Sect.

Ye Mo shook his head, uninterested.

“Get out!” Wang Di shouted, then addressed Yu Yuyan. “Girl, if you need help, just ask.” He assumed she knew Ye Mo, thus currying favor with her equaled currying favor with Ye Mo.

Yu Yuyan shook her head, approaching Ye Mo. “Thank you for your help, I’m sorry for…” Her words trailed off as she fled, leaving her companion behind.

Manager Wang, uncertain of the situation, remained silent. Ye Mo likewise ignored her, bidding farewell to Manager Wang and escorting Song Yangzhu to the teleportation formation.