Three feet above the ground floated many slender little boats. Each boat was about ten feet long and three feet wide; they appeared to be made of wood, with distinct wood grain patterns on the surface. However, this wood gleamed with a dark metallic luster, resembling gold or iron, making it seem extremely hard. Senior Brother Chuming was directing his junior disciples to arrange the new entrants one by one into the boats.
Each little boat could accommodate around ten people. Once filled, a senior brother jumped to the bow of the boat, making strange gestures with his hands while chanting something under his breath. Then came a loud command: "Rise!" The little boat astonishingly lifted off the ground and soared into the air, darting across the sky like lightning towards the distance.
Li Hong sat in a boat with Bear Kid, who currently went by the name Chuxiong. After everyone was seated, Spirit Stone suddenly jumped to the bow of the boat, pushing aside the senior brother who was about to set off. With a slight movement of his fingers hidden in his large sleeves, the little boat abruptly shot into the air, flying at least ten times faster than the others and quickly reaching the front of the fleet.
The wind howled past their ears as the boat flew steadily and swiftly. Spirit Stone stood firmly at the bow, his sleeves billowing, presenting an ethereal silhouette.
The mountains rolled in waves, showcasing breathtaking scenery. The sound of pine trees swayed in the breeze, accompanied by a refreshing fragrance. In the forests they flew over, some unknown spirit beast roared, startling countless strange birds that took flight with a rustling sound like heavy rain. Occasionally, they passed peaks resembling Nine Vermilion Peaks adorned with numerous buildings; it was likely one of Six Veins. Faintly, they could see people rushing out to point at the fleet of boats flying overhead. In the blink of an eye, they were left far behind.
The fleet soared over several exceptionally beautiful peaks before finally stopping halfway up one of them.
Like many peaks seen on their way here, this one was also filled with peculiar pines, strange rocks, and enchanting flowers and grasses. A great waterfall flowed from a cave at the mountain's summit, splashing like pearls as it cascaded down, leaving behind small pools that shimmered like mirrors along its path. Many pavilions were hidden among the foliage, revealing glimpses of crimson rooftops.
At mid-mountain stood a three-story pavilion with a wooden plaque hanging beneath its eaves inscribed with "Nine Vermilion Peaks." Spirit Stone jumped down from the little boat and walked inside while calling out loudly without looking back: "Chu Hong, come in."
Spirit Stone only called for Li Hong. Chuxuan happened to jump down from another little boat and looked at Li Hong with a complex expression as he followed Spirit Stone into the Small Pavilion.
Inside the second-floor Quiet Room, Spirit Stone sat in a Grandmaster Chair sipping tea. Li Hong stood opposite him with his head lowered, feeling secretly alert.
Spirit Stone spoke: "Now we have finally become master and disciple; it seems we are fated. Once a teacher, always a father; you must not hide anything from me in the future. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Has there been any change in your Upper Dantian regarding the Fire Separation Pearl?"
"No abnormalities."
"Have you told anyone about this matter?"
"Disciple does not dare."
"Very good, you are quite clever, and I appreciate you." Spirit Stone relaxed his expression and instructed, "Before you find a way to take out the Fire Separation Pearl, do not tell anyone about the Fire Separation Pearl being in your Dantian! This includes your seventh junior brother!"
"Understood." Li Hong indeed had not shared his experiences from these days with anyone. He felt it unnecessary; Bear Kid was currently focused on cultivating immortality, so why burden him with the troubles he encountered? It would only spoil his good mood.
Spirit Stone pulled something from his robe and tossed it over. Li Hong caught it and was both surprised and delighted to see it was the Contract of Indenture; Spirit Stone finally agreed to return it. Although he was happy, he maintained a calm demeanor as he awaited Spirit Stone's next words.
"Since you are now my disciple, this Contract of Indenture is no longer needed. In fact, I initially designed it that way to prevent your sister-in-law and Aunt from becoming a burden to you and Chuxiong. Do not hold it against me."
Li Hong quickly glanced at Spirit Stone's face and felt there was some sincerity in his expression. He lowered his head and replied again, "Yes."
Spirit Stone was somewhat surprised. Li Hong appeared completely unfazed; no matter what he said, Li Hong showed no signs of resentment or fear, not even gratitude.
Could it be that he is very deep-minded? Spirit Stone changed his tone to one of earnestness: "Do you know how much responsibility I have taken on for you? I do not ask for repayment; just listen to my words and work hard on your cultivation."
"Thank you, Master. I will remember this," Li Hong expressed some gratitude.
Spirit Stone was satisfied. "Go now, rest for the night. Tomorrow I will take you to a place where you need to be prepared. The Li Fire Formation is only half of the foundation; you have barely completed it. Tomorrow there will be another more dangerous location. Only by succeeding there will you truly establish your foundation."
Li Hong's heart skipped a beat. What! There is another half! How much more is there! It seems that being an immortal disciple is not so easy after all.
********
The sleeves filled with wind, making a whooshing sound. As the target drew closer, Li Hong couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. This place looked familiar from when he flew in the sky; wasn't it that dazzling golden gorge?
"Hold steady!" Spirit Stone stood on a six-foot-long fiery red sword and spiraled down with Li Hong.
The scenery before them could be compared to a fairyland.
A peculiar plant known as Golden Herb grows everywhere. It stands about a yard tall, with translucent golden bamboo-like stems that grow straight towards the sky, branching out irregularly. At the end of each stem are two shimmering, golden palm-shaped leaves, cradling a magnificent golden flower.
The flower is the size of a bowl, single-petaled, resembling a lantern in shape, with clusters of stamens emitting flames of golden light that rise about a foot high. At first glance, each plant appears like an elaborate Golden Lamp standing nearly ten feet tall.
The Golden Herbs are scattered gracefully, resembling a delicate bamboo forest of Golden Lamps. When the gentle breeze blows, the translucent golden stems sway in unison, causing the Golden Lamps to collide and produce a melodious tinkling sound.
Walking beneath the Golden Herbs, Li Hong feels his breath become lighter. There is an enchanting aura here. The herbs seem sentient, as if they have existed for an incredibly long time—so long that they themselves have forgotten the passage of time. Whispers seem to echo in his ears: "Stay here, remain with us..."
Suddenly, someone gave him a heavy slap on the head. Spirit Stone shouted loudly, "You little brat! I haven't even warned you and you've already fallen for it! Remember, this place is extremely dangerous; it is forbidden ground of our sect."
Li Hong shook his head vigorously, abruptly pulling himself out of his daze. Indeed, if it weren't for Spirit Stone's slap, he would have almost sunk into that state.
"Take this!" Spirit Stone shoved a black bead into Li Hong's hand and glared at him while saying, "Don't put it in your mouth, don't tuck it between your legs, and don't place it on your forehead. Just put it in your sleeve pocket. If you swallow your Yue Shangzi Ancestor's Soul Stabilizing Pearl again, hmph! You know what will happen!"
Looking at the beautiful bead shimmering with Black Light in his hand, Li Hong felt overwhelmed. He had inexplicably swallowed a treasured item from their sect and now received another precious item from his Yue Shangzi Ancestor. If he were to accidentally swallow this one too, he might as well give up on life.
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