"Brother Li," Dong Cheng arrived at Li Xuan's room early in the morning.
"Brother Dong. May I ask why you've come so early?" Li Xuan also rose to greet him.
"It's like this. In one more day, we'll reach Jade Star. The people there are very friendly, and if Brother Li wishes to purchase a new flying vehicle, Jade Star has them for sale. I, however, must continue on my journey, so I came ahead to inform Brother Li to be prepared."
Dong Cheng sat down and began to speak.
"Jade Star? Very well. In that case, thank you, Brother Dong." Li Xuan nodded.
"It's nothing. Then it's settled. Brother Li, you should rest. I won't disturb you any further." Dong Cheng said, standing up and walking towards the door.
"Ah!"
Suddenly, Dong Cheng let out a cry and collapsed.
Large, bean-sized beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead.
"Brother Dong!"
Seeing this, Li Xuan quickly helped Dong Cheng onto the bed. However, Dong Cheng was groaning incessantly, and sweat soaked his clothes in moments.
Li Xuan activated his divine sense and instantly probed into Dong Cheng's body.
"No!" Dong Cheng seemed to sense it and, enduring the pain, stopped Li Xuan.
"Daddy, it's that thing inside Uncle that's causing trouble," Li Li suddenly said when Li Xuan was at a loss.
"A'Li, can you tell what that thing inside Uncle is?"
"Daddy, it seems to be another consciousness. It's fighting for control of the body with Uncle's original consciousness. Daddy, do you need A'Li to help Uncle?" Li Li asked.
"You can help him?" Li Xuan was astonished. Even Dong Cheng, lying on the bed, paused for a moment.
"It's very simple," Li Li said, stepping forward and placing her left hand on Dong Cheng's forehead.
*Hum.*
As Li Li placed her hand on Dong Cheng's forehead, Dong Cheng's entire body suddenly lit up. His face, in turn, turned pale and then red.
Li Li seemed to get angry, and with a forceful clap, a beam of mystic light flew out from Dong Cheng's forehead. Vaguely visible within it was a tiny human figure.
"Brother, catch him," Li Li suddenly shouted.
"Understood," Li Jin said, and with a gulp, he sucked the mystic light into his mouth. Li Xuan watched this scene, dumbfounded. Meanwhile, Dong Cheng slowly sat up.
"Brother Dong, are you alright?" Seeing this, Li Xuan quickly went forward to support Dong Cheng.
"Brother Li! Thank you. I've never felt so comfortable. Thank you, thank you!" Dong Cheng said, getting out of bed and bowing respectfully to Li Xuan.
"This... Brother Dong, may I ask what exactly that consciousness was just now?" Li Xuan asked after returning the bow.
"If not for Brother Li, my life would likely have been forfeit. You could be considered my savior. I won't hide anything from you."
"Actually, it's all my own doing. Five years ago, I heard about a ruin surfacing. I was curious and rushed over, only to find it was a trap."
"After I entered the ruin, the traps and formations activated. I managed to pass all the checkpoints and reached the main hall of the ruin. Unexpectedly, I was ambushed and lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was in another place, and I felt no physical problems, so I didn't pay it much mind at the time."
Dong Cheng sighed and continued, "Then, a year ago, I discovered that no matter how I cultivated, my strength wouldn't increase. In fact, it was subtly declining. It was then that that voice appeared in my mind."
"And every time I used spiritual energy, that thing in my mind would seize the opportunity to try and control my body. I've always had Fairy Fei Yan seal it for me. I never expected it to suddenly flare up today."
"So that's how it is. The news back then was likely deliberately spread to lure people there. The person probably failed their tribulation and resorted to soul possession."
After hearing Dong Cheng's account, Li Xuan had a general understanding of the entire situation.
"Indeed. What Brother Li said aligns with the information I've gathered. That person did fail their tribulation and sought to be reborn by possessing someone else's body. I just didn't expect that person to be me," Dong Cheng said with a wry smile.
"Brother Dong, if I recall correctly, you mentioned there were other people on this ship, all recruited by you. Do you have some important matter to attend to?" Li Xuan asked with a smile.
"This... actually, it's fine to tell Brother Li. A few days ago, I told Brother Li I was returning to my family. The first reason was to find the elders of my clan to help me seal this consciousness. The second was the election for the family head candidacy. And one of the challenges in the candidacy is to compete using one's recruited followers."
Dong Cheng, with no reservations towards Li Xuan now, revealed everything.
"Family head candidate? Brother Dong, it seems your Dong family has considerable influence." Li Xuan teased.
"Brother Li, you haven't heard of our Dong family?" Dong Cheng asked in surprise.
"Brother Dong, to be honest, my children and I have been living in a secluded place. This is the first time we've ventured out. Let alone your Dong family, I don't even know where this place is. So, I truly haven't heard of your Dong family," Li Xuan said sheepishly.
Li Xuan knew that this was not the starry sky of continents he had seen before, and it was clearly beyond the level of the Ultimate Continent.
Furthermore, when Li Xuan inquired about the Heavenly Dao Brush, it remained silent for a long time. Seeing this, Li Xuan gave up on asking and decided that when the time was right, he would naturally know.
"I see. Very well, I'll explain to Brother Li. Here, we are collectively known as the Outer Realms. The Outer Realms are composed of countless planets. I'm not entirely sure of the exact number."
"Within the Outer Realms, there are Five Great Families: Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li, and Dong. And the Dong among the Five Great Families is our Dong family. Do you understand now, Brother Li?" Dong Cheng said.
"I never imagined, Brother Dong, that you have such a powerful background! If you succeed in being elected family head candidate, won't you become the ruler of this realm in the future!" Li Xuan exclaimed in surprise.
"Brother Li, you flatter me too much. I am ranked thirteenth. Not only do I have twelve older brothers, but I also have eleven younger brothers and five younger sisters. To be successfully elected family head candidate among so many people is extremely difficult," Dong Cheng said with a wry smile.
"So many! Are they... all your father's?" Li Xuan was also shocked.
Seeing Dong Cheng nod somewhat uncomfortably, Li Xuan was speechless.
This is more offspring than a sow could give birth to!
*Boom.*
Suddenly, a violent tremor shook the ship. As Li Xuan was about to ask further, he noticed Dong Cheng's expression change.
"Brother Dong, what's wrong?" Li Xuan asked.
"They've made their move. Alas, we are of the same root, why must we tear each other apart? Enough, enough. If you are unrighteous, do not blame me for being unrighteous," a trace of resolve flashed across Dong Cheng's face.
"Brother Li, I'll be back shortly." Dong Cheng said, then vanished from his spot.
*Boom.*
After Dong Cheng left, the cruise ship trembled again. Li Xuan released his divine sense, and everything outside entered his perception.
He saw several cruise ships launching attacks on Dong Cheng's ship. At this moment, the people on the ship also emerged onto the deck.
"A'Li, A'Jin, let's go out too." Li Xuan thought for a moment, then took the two little ones and stood up to go out.