"Even so, Senior Brother Zhao must have gone to immense trouble to find out all this."
The incarnation gave a soft chuckle. "Senior Brother Zhao, I can't very well take you to the Dark Thunder Wood grove on your word alone. You have to tell me clearly what you intend to do there. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, it will be hard for me to explain to the sect."
Zhao Songqiao fell silent for a moment before speaking. "Junior Brother makes a good point. In that case, I will hide nothing from you! Some time ago, I obtained a demonic secret art. It uses the power of lightning, drawing it into the sea of qi to shatter and rebuild in order to forcibly establish a foundation. As you know, Junior Brother, lightning is violently volatile and terrifying in power. I fear that before I could even harness it, I would end up incinerating myself. After inquiring far and wide, I learned that your sect's Dark Thunder Wood grove gathers a thin concentration of Yin Thunder due to the wood's peculiar properties, and it is far gentler there than anywhere else. Perhaps it might succeed. But my sect seniors would never allow me to risk my life on such a method, so I can only turn to you, Junior Brother Zhang. If I truly succeed, I am willing to offer this secret art to you. You may name any other conditions as well—as long as it lies within my power, I will not refuse in the slightest!"
Zhao Songqiao spoke with absolute resolve.
"Drawing lightning to establish a foundation?"
The incarnation was taken aback.
This was the first time he had ever heard of such an approach. Daring to draw lightning into one's body with only Qi Refinement cultivation was courting total annihilation, leaving not even bones behind. The man was truly reckless.
Yet, as for the concept of shattering and rebuilding, he already possessed deep insight.
Back then, he and Cloudtraveler had walked that very path.
Could this man be another ruthless character?
The incarnation cast a sidelong glance at Zhao Songqiao, his expression thoughtful.
At this point, Fang Ting could not help speaking up to plead on his behalf. "Senior Brother Zhang, if it's possible to enter the Dark Thunder Wood grove, please help Senior Brother Zhao just this once."
The incarnation raised an eyebrow. "Junior Sister, you possess the exceptional talent of a dual spiritual root and won't lack Foundation Establishment Pills in the future. What do you want with such a dangerous secret art?"
Fang Ting flushed. Her lips moved, and she suddenly transmitted her voice in a whisper: "Senior Brother Zhao gave me a Youth-Returning Pill. I originally thought Master would be going too, so I could use Master's name as an excuse, and so... I took the pill. Besides, you might find a use for this secret art, Senior Brother. If Senior Brother Zhao fails and his cultivation ends in death, we simply won't practice it, and we lose nothing. If the secret art succeeds, then you can reach Foundation Establishment alongside me!"
"A Youth-Returning Pill? Just how old are you?"
The incarnation was at a loss for words.
A Youth-Returning Pill preserved youthful looks indefinitely. While not as miraculous as the legendary Face-Fixing Pill, it was still exceedingly rare.
Cultivators—especially those below the Core Formation stage—could rarely erase all traces of aging, for not everyone possessed Three Lights Jade Liquid. Such an elixir held immense temptation for female cultivators.
Zhao Songqiao had truly targeted his gift well.
Fang Ting's face burned with embarrassment.
Noticing the genuine warmth in the latter half of Fang Ting's words, the incarnation pondered the matter in secret.
Using Jin Yan's name to visit the Dark Thunder Wood grove would not be difficult, as he had intended to look around on his own anyway. Bringing Zhao Songqiao along might require some maneuvering.
The real question was whether it was worth the trouble.
Deep down, he felt a spark of curiosity toward the secret art, wondering if his true body might draw inspiration from it. Given his true body's cultivation, drawing lightning into the body would carry far less danger.
Furthermore, he had recently caught wind of a place shared equally between the Landou Sect and the Yanmiao Pavilion. If he wished to sneak inside, he might need to borrow Fang Ting's status.
"Junior Sister Fang, if not for your sake, I would certainly have hesitated. Since you're pleading for Senior Brother Zhao, I will do my best to try, though I cannot make any guarantees."
After a moment's reflection, the incarnation looked up and spoke.
"Really?! Thank you, Senior Brother! As long as you agree, it will definitely work!"
The knot in Fang Ting's chest finally loosened.
Zhao Songqiao was equally overjoyed. He rose and bowed deeply, his voice trembling slightly. "Thank you, Junior Brother Zhang! I have put you to great trouble!"
"There is no need for such ceremony, Senior Brother Zhao."
The incarnation raised a hand to stay him, his tone growing firm. "Senior Brother Zhao, let us not speak of conditions; consider it a favor for Junior Sister. But let me make things clear beforehand: once we are inside, you must obey my commands and take no unauthorized actions. If you cause trouble, I will not utter a single word on your behalf."
With that, the incarnation turned to Fang Ting. "Junior Sister, do not celebrate too soon either. In a little while, I will need you to do me a favor."
"Leave it to me!"
Without even asking what it was, Fang Ting patted her chest and took on the commitment wholeheartedly.
The three discussed matters for a while longer before Fang Ting and Zhao Songqiao took their leave, both wearing expressions of delight.
After seeing them off, the incarnation summoned the Heavenly Eye Butterfly and sank into thought. The Heavenly Eye Butterfly had detected nothing amiss with Zhao Songqiao just now, so he was likely overthinking things.
When the time came, he would have the Heavenly Eye Butterfly watch Zhao Songqiao at all times and observe him executing the secret art. If the man made any suspicious move, he would simply strike him down.
Still, if he wanted to bring them inside, the incarnation would need to request an assignment from Jin Yan.
With that in mind, the incarnation flew out of the cave dwelling and headed straight for the stone hall.
***
Five days later.
A bank of cloud and mist sped across the sky like lightning, shooting out from among the mountains in the blink of an eye to arrive over the glistening sea, continuing its rapid flight without slowing in the least.
Faint figures could be discerned standing inside the mist.
"Junior Brother Lu, you have refined this Cloud Mist Boat to the point of operating it at will. Pushed to its utmost, its flying speed must be nearly on par with a high-grade magic treasure."
Two Daoists stood at the very front of the cloud mist.
One held a horsetail whisk—none other than Old Daoist Huayang. Leaning slightly to the side, he offered flattering words with a somewhat ingratiating tone.
The other appeared far younger than Huayang, possessing sword-sharp brows, starry eyes, and a natural aura of authority.
Like Sect Master Lu Xiaoyun of the Landou Sect, he bore the surname Lu. He was Lu Xiaoyun's adopted son, gifted with astonishing talent. Already a cultivator at the peak of the Core Formation stage, he served as the First Peak Chief of Canglan Peak.
In Lu Xiaoyun's absence, he handled the sect's affairs. Barring any unforeseen events, he would succeed as Sect Master of the Landou Sect.
At this moment, the incarnation stood at the rear of the Cloud Mist Boat, concealed among the crowd without uttering a word.
"Senior Brother Huayang flatters me. I have re-refined this treasure multiple times, exhausting its potential so that it can no longer be improved. It falls far short of a high-grade magic treasure and serves merely as a means of travel..."
Saying this, Peak Chief Lu gazed into the distance ahead. "We set out somewhat early this time. I wonder if the other sects have arrived."
"Following customary practice, the few sects like Yanmiao Pavilion that originally set up the restrictions on Dongming Island with us will arrive ahead of time. As for the other sects, they will likely arrive one after another once Longxing Mountain opens at the hour of the rat tonight."
Old Daoist Huayang seemed thoroughly familiar with the procedures of the Dharma Assembly.
Peak Chief Lu gave a slight nod. "This is my first time presiding over the assembly. When the time comes, I will need you to lend a hand, Senior Brother Huayang..."
As they spoke, the Cloud Mist Boat skimmed across the blue sky and green sea.
Before long, several clusters of unusual light appeared ahead—flying magic tools of various shapes and sizes.
"Peak Chief Lu has arrived in person!"
"This Qi greets Peak Chief Lu!"
Several figures flew out from the magic tools, rising to greet them from afar.
Chapter 892