Simultaneously.
"Do you truly wish to understand the nature of this world?"
There was an element of surprise in Nangong Wan's voice, intermingled with an elusive flicker of joy.
A mirroring sentiment was palpable in Shangguan Ning's reaction.
To them, the Immortal Martial Continent was no more than a small speck in the grand scheme of things.
Yet for the local cultivators, this little segment of land was unimaginably vast.
Many spent their entire lives without venturing beyond the confines of the Immortal Martial Continent, let alone contemplating their existence beyond this fragment of earth beneath their feet.
That Jiang Chen desired to explore the world beyond the Immortal Martial Continent was akin to a crane standing amidst a sea of chickensdistinctly unique and awe-inspiring!
At the same time, paired with Jiang Chen's outstanding aptitude, it painted an image of him as someone harboring lofty ambitions within the minds of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
This added another mark to his credit.
"Indeed, I implore the seniors to indulge this curiosity of mine."
Anticipation and thrill were etched prominently across Jiang Chen's face.
"Certainly, we can!"
"However, at this moment, we don't have any jade slips to give you."
Nangong Wan replied with a laugh, "What about us relaying it to you verbally?"
"You need to choose your words with utmost care."
Shangguan Ning retorted with a sneer, "Otherwise, if any details are overlooked and I need to fill them in, you'll be the one losing face."
'They're at it again!'
'Do these two genuinely harbor grudges?'
Jiang Chen mused inwardly, though outwardly he responded with earnest agreement: "Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely."
Immediately after, Nangong Wan started to methodically delineate her understanding of this world.
In no time, Jiang Chen came to realize that neither Nangong Wan nor Shangguan Ning originated from the Immortal Martial Continent, nor from its immediate surroundings.
Their origins traced back to the Everlasting Baseless Immortal Domain, arriving here through spatial turbulence from an unknown and remarkably distant location.
The Everlasting Baseless Immortal Domain was teeming with galaxies that supported life.
For instance, Shangguan Ning was a denizen of the Azure Hollow Immortal Star, the most colossal life-sustaining planet within the Azure Hollow Galaxy.
In the universe, there existed numerous super-giant continents comparable to the Immortal Martial Continent, suspended amidst the cosmic abyss.
These super-giant continents, deviating from the typical celestial body's form, were primarily molded directly by exceptionally potent beings using a tremendous quantity of stars!
According to Nangong Wan's knowledge, such expansive continents were plentiful within the Everlasting Baseless Immortal Domain.
Some were devised by formidable cultivation forces aiming to bolster their power.
Others served as gargantuan bases established amidst the outbreak of super colossal wars.
As for the category to which the Immortal Martial Continent belonged, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning remained uncertain for now.
Time gradually drifted by.
With Nangong Wan's narration, Jiang Chen was steadily gaining a more comprehensive understanding of this boundless universe.
The cosmos' void was home to countless galaxies and a variety of planets, such as the Azure Hollow Immortal Star and the Great Heaven Immortal Star.
"I won't escort you out."
A sigh of relief escaped Fang Yuan's lips, barely stopping himself from urging Jiang Chen to leave post-haste.
"Then, I'll be on my way!"
Jiang Chen nodded, offering a hand-clasped bow towards Fang Yuan, and once more towards the ring on Fang Yuan's hand.
"Hmm."
Nangong Wan acknowledged.
Jiang Chen offered a smile before exiting Fang Yuan's cave mansion in good spirits.
"Senior Brother Jiang Chen has emerged!"
"What is Fang Yuan up to, Senior Brother Jiang Chen?"
"Do you think Fang Yuan's cultivation base will continue to steadily improve, Senior Brother Jiang Chen?"
"Fang Yuan must have agreed to accompany you on future ventures, hasn't he, Senior Brother Jiang Chen?"
"..."
Disciples gathered around Jiang Chen one after another.
Their faces beamed with the desire to ingratiate themselves, and they continued to chatter, seeking a few words of conversation with Jiang Chen.
"Junior brothers and sisters."
"Fang Yuan is likely commencing his cultivation."
Jiang Chen relayed with a smile, "If there are pressing matters, feel free to approach him at your earliest convenience."
His remarks bore a hint of ambiguity, seemingly discouraging everyone from disturbing Fang Yuan, while simultaneously urging them to promptly visit Fang Yuan...
And so it went.
Regardless, Fang Yuan could hardly voice any objections.
After concluding his words, Jiang Chen transformed into a streak of light and vanished from sight.
Then, the disciples left in his wake stood flabbergasted for a moment.
Some decided to depart for the time being, while others opted to hasten their visit to Fang Yuan.
The latter group predominantly consisted of individuals with slightly elevated status, or those who shared a closer bond with Fang Yuan.
Fang Yuan was hardly in the mood to entertain these guests.
Yet, he was compelled to greet a few, which ended up consuming a significant chunk of his cultivation time.
During his journey, Jiang Chen extracted his transmission jade token and reached out to Rong Liangcai to inquire about their progress.
Rong Liangcai's response proved quite satisfying.
By this point, they had successfully convinced some individuals to either apologize or pay a visit to Fang Yuan.
'This minor scheme may not be excessively effective.'
'But it does serve a certain purpose.'
'Next, I must continue focusing on my personal growth, then accompany Ji Ruxue to explore life beyond the Purple Heaven Holy Land!'
'At that juncture, I must gather copious amounts of qi and blood energy!'
'...'
Jiang Chen mulled over his plans, a spark of resolve flashing in his eyes.