One day, as Shu Han was studying talismans in his hut, he suddenly saw a beam of golden light shooting towards the sky from the front mountain. Staring blankly at the light, he realized that it was the Heaven-reaching Stone lighting up, signifying that another disciple of the Dragon Mystical Sect had met the entrance requirements of the Heavenly Mystical Sect. A sudden thump resonated in Shu Han's heart as he thought, among the current disciples of the sect, the one under twenty who is closest to the sixth layer of Qi Refining is Erdan!
Sure enough, the next morning, Goudan and Erdan appeared at the entrance of the valley. The two kids from years ago had grown into young men. Erdan was even more radiant, his every movement filled with spiritual energy, resembling a youthful hero of the immortal dao, a far cry from his humble rural roots.
The two of them, carrying a jar of wine, set a feast at the entrance of the valley. Seeing this scene, Shu Han immediately understood. The light from last night was indeed from Erdan!
Shu Han was genuinely happy for Erdan, but he couldn't help but feel a bit of sadness. In this sect, he rarely interacted with other senior brothers due to his long-term residence in the valley. Only Erdan and Goudan often came to visit him. Goudan was no longer as annoying as he was back in the village, but in Shu Han's heart, Erdan was his best brother.
With his brother about to leave, he had no idea when they would meet again. The once bustling sect was about to become desolate.
With a white sleeve fluttering, Erdan raised a bowl of wine and handed it to Shu Han, laughing, "Brother Big Head, I've reached the sixth layer of Qi Refining and will soon be leaving for the Heavenly Mystical Sect. We may not see each other for a while, so this drink is to honor you."
Shu Han accepted the drink and downed it along with his two brothers.
"We've been in the Dragon Mystical Sect for five years now, I wonder how things are back home."
Erdan chuckled, "Don't worry, Big Head. The Sect Master said he can let me visit Shu Village first. If you and Goudan have any items or messages to send back, you can leave them with me. I'll also arrange for someone to look after our parents. You guys should focus on your cultivation here and try to join me in the Heavenly Mystical Sect as soon as possible!"
Goudan laughed, "How could we possibly be as heaven-defying as you, reaching the sixth layer in just five years? I'm still stuck at the third layer and I don't know if I can reach the sixth layer before turning twenty."
Erdan comforted, "It's okay. After I leave, the Sect Master said he would shift the resources to you. You will definitely reach the sixth layer soon. I'll also send you some pills from the Heavenly Mystical Sect when I can. I hope you guys can join me soon, so I won't be lonely there."
"You're just showing off!"
The three of them laughed heartily.
Three days later, it was time for Erdan to leave. Shu Han handed him the letter for his family, along with three pills for longevity. The last talisman was secretly tucked into Erdan's pocket.
Startled, Erdan asked, "Big Head... What is this?"
Shu Han quietly explained, "This is the Fire God talisman that Master gave me. If used directly, it can release a full blow of a Qi Refining cultivator at the twelfth layer. Given the long and dangerous journey ahead, keep it with you."
Erdan was reluctant to accept it, but Shu Han persuaded him, "Here at the Dragon Mystical Sect, I am protected by Master's 'Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation', so I don't need this talisman. Accept it, and don't think that just because you're going to the Heavenly Mystical Sect, you can stop listening to me!"
With a sob, Erdan hugged Shu Han tightly, and then headed towards the gate of the mountain to wait for the Sect Master. And so, Erdan left the Dragon Mystical Sect.
That night, Shu Han had no interest in studying talismans, so he picked up his sword and practiced his sword technique in the yard. Suddenly, he saw a fire blazing from the back mountain.
The fire was huge and erupted suddenly, like dozens of cultivators using the Fireball Technique at the same time. Shu Han frowned, having an odd feeling that the fire was caused by the Fire God talisman. But the only Fire God talisman in the valley should have been taken away by Erdan!
With doubts in his heart, Shu Han quietly left the valley and headed toward the source of the fire. Having practiced martial arts for many years, his Cloud Walking Step technique was almost perfect, fast, and silent.
Soon, he left the usual activity area of the Dragon Mystical Sect and entered a forest of towering ancient trees. The dense foliage of these trees blocked out the sun, and many of them had robust root systems, some requiring three to four people to surround.
Under the bright moonlight, the area was engulfed in darkness due to the thick growth of trees. Shu Han crouched down, sniffed the soil, and was puzzled. The fertility of the soil was average; how could it support the growth of so many towering trees?
Relying on his instincts, Shu Han navigated through the woods until he reached a burnt patch of shrubbery. It seemed as though there had been a huge explosion here, with a large open area in the center and the surrounding trees scorched black, many still crackling as they burned. Shu Han hid in the shadows, holding his breath and observing for a while. Seeing no movement, he dared to step out.
As he carefully inspected the circle of scorched earth, he suddenly spotted a piece of porcelain on the ground. Picking it up for a closer look, Shu Han's heart almost stopped.
"This is..."
Before he had time to think, a feeling of spiritual tear suddenly appeared. For a moment, it felt like it was pulling him back to the time when the seven major sects attacked the mountain five years ago. Shu Han immediately cast a Wind Control Technique on himself and activated his Cloud Walking Step Technique.
The speed of the Cloud Walking Step, aided by the Wind Control Technique, was astonishingly fast and instantly carried Shu Han dozens of meters away. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a spiritual light descending on the spot where he had just been standing. His body was covered in a cold sweat; had he reacted a little slower, he would have been left there forever.
Run!
This was the only thought in Shu Han's mind. But a sinister voice transmission made his heart sink. "You can't escape."
Suddenly, countless ghostly figures seemed to emerge from the burnt ground, bringing with them terrifying wails that echoed in the dark corners of the forest, surrounding Shu Han like circling wolves.
Now, Shu Han didn't care about concealing his cultivation. If he didn't leave this place immediately, he would die! He prepared to fully activate his Wind Control Technique and fly away from this eerie forest. But just as he was about to leap into the air, a pair of cold hands grabbed his ankles.
A chill ran up Shu Han's spine from his feet to his head. Was he going to die here? Suddenly, a light shone from his chest, casting a shadow of a talisman in front of him. Soon, four points of light lit up in the direction of alchemy valley.
Whizz, whizz, whizz, whizz!
The four flying swords forming the Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation rushed to Shu Han's side, their sharp golden light driving away the surrounding darkness.
"Heavenly Quadrant!"
Finally, the figure hidden in the darkness slowly emerged. To Shu Han's surprise, it was the Sect Master! Master Dragon Mystical's eyes were sharp as a sword, he coldly stared at Shu Han, who was protected by the Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation, and said, "You are the disciple of the Second Elder, Shu Han?"
Shu Han hurriedly bowed, "Replying to the Sect Master, I am indeed disciple Shu Han!"
"Do you know this is a forbidden area of the Dragon Mystical Sect? Those who trespass, die!"
Shu Han was terrified and quickly responded, "I didn't know! I saw a blaze over here and was afraid that thieves might be attacking the Dragon Mystical Sect, so I came to investigate! I didn't mean to intrude on the forbidden area of the Sect, please forgive me, Sect Master!"
His explanation was reasonable, leaving Master Dragon Mystical without a reason to vent his anger. Furthermore, his eyes were fixed on the Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation, his expression changing. In the end, he said, "The Second Elder gave you the talisman of the Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation. I suppose he has taken you as his closed-door disciple."
"Replying to the Sect Master, indeed, my Master saw that I have talent in alchemy, so he exceptionally taught me the art of alchemy."
"So be it!"
Master Dragon Mystical turned and left, reprimanding, "Today, I will spare you for the sake of the Second Elder! There won't be a next time! Leave quickly!"
One day, as Shu Han was studying talismans in his hut, he suddenly saw a beam of golden light shooting towards the sky from the front mountain. Staring blankly at the light, he realized that it was the Heaven-reaching Stone lighting up, signifying that another disciple of the Dragon Mystical Sect had met the entrance requirements of the Heavenly Mystical Sect. A sudden thump resonated in Shu Han's heart as he thought, among the current disciples of the sect, the one under twenty who is closest to the sixth layer of Qi Refining is Erdan!
Sure enough, the next morning, Goudan and Erdan appeared at the entrance of the valley. The two kids from years ago had grown into young men. Erdan was even more radiant, his every movement filled with spiritual energy, resembling a youthful hero of the immortal dao, a far cry from his humble rural roots.
The two of them, carrying a jar of wine, set a feast at the entrance of the valley. Seeing this scene, Shu Han immediately understood. The light from last night was indeed from Erdan!
Shu Han was genuinely happy for Erdan, but he couldn't help but feel a bit of sadness. In this sect, he rarely interacted with other senior brothers due to his long-term residence in the valley. Only Erdan and Goudan often came to visit him. Goudan was no longer as annoying as he was back in the village, but in Shu Han's heart, Erdan was his best brother.
With his brother about to leave, he had no idea when they would meet again. The once bustling sect was about to become desolate.
With a white sleeve fluttering, Erdan raised a bowl of wine and handed it to Shu Han, laughing, "Brother Big Head, I've reached the sixth layer of Qi Refining and will soon be leaving for the Heavenly Mystical Sect. We may not see each other for a while, so this drink is to honor you."
Shu Han accepted the drink and downed it along with his two brothers.
"We've been in the Dragon Mystical Sect for five years now, I wonder how things are back home."
Erdan chuckled, "Don't worry, Big Head. The Sect Master said he can let me visit Shu Village first. If you and Goudan have any items or messages to send back, you can leave them with me. I'll also arrange for someone to look after our parents. You guys should focus on your cultivation here and try to join me in the Heavenly Mystical Sect as soon as possible!"
Goudan laughed, "How could we possibly be as heaven-defying as you, reaching the sixth layer in just five years? I'm still stuck at the third layer and I don't know if I can reach the sixth layer before turning twenty."
Erdan comforted, "It's okay. After I leave, the Sect Master said he would shift the resources to you. You will definitely reach the sixth layer soon. I'll also send you some pills from the Heavenly Mystical Sect when I can. I hope you guys can join me soon, so I won't be lonely there."
"You're just showing off!"
The three of them laughed heartily.
Three days later, it was time for Erdan to leave. Shu Han handed him the letter for his family, along with three pills for longevity. The last talisman was secretly tucked into Erdan's pocket.
Startled, Erdan asked, "Big Head... What is this?"
Shu Han quietly explained, "This is the Fire God talisman that Master gave me. If used directly, it can release a full blow of a Qi Refining cultivator at the twelfth layer. Given the long and dangerous journey ahead, keep it with you."
Erdan was reluctant to accept it, but Shu Han persuaded him, "Here at the Dragon Mystical Sect, I am protected by Master's 'Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation', so I don't need this talisman. Accept it, and don't think that just because you're going to the Heavenly Mystical Sect, you can stop listening to me!"
With a sob, Erdan hugged Shu Han tightly, and then headed towards the gate of the mountain to wait for the Sect Master. And so, Erdan left the Dragon Mystical Sect.
That night, Shu Han had no interest in studying talismans, so he picked up his sword and practiced his sword technique in the yard. Suddenly, he saw a fire blazing from the back mountain.
The fire was huge and erupted suddenly, like dozens of cultivators using the Fireball Technique at the same time. Shu Han frowned, having an odd feeling that the fire was caused by the Fire God talisman. But the only Fire God talisman in the valley should have been taken away by Erdan!
With doubts in his heart, Shu Han quietly left the valley and headed toward the source of the fire. Having practiced martial arts for many years, his Cloud Walking Step technique was almost perfect, fast, and silent.
Soon, he left the usual activity area of the Dragon Mystical Sect and entered a forest of towering ancient trees. The dense foliage of these trees blocked out the sun, and many of them had robust root systems, some requiring three to four people to surround.
Under the bright moonlight, the area was engulfed in darkness due to the thick growth of trees. Shu Han crouched down, sniffed the soil, and was puzzled. The fertility of the soil was average; how could it support the growth of so many towering trees?
Relying on his instincts, Shu Han navigated through the woods until he reached a burnt patch of shrubbery. It seemed as though there had been a huge explosion here, with a large open area in the center and the surrounding trees scorched black, many still crackling as they burned. Shu Han hid in the shadows, holding his breath and observing for a while. Seeing no movement, he dared to step out.
As he carefully inspected the circle of scorched earth, he suddenly spotted a piece of porcelain on the ground. Picking it up for a closer look, Shu Han's heart almost stopped.
"This is..."
Before he had time to think, a feeling of spiritual tear suddenly appeared. For a moment, it felt like it was pulling him back to the time when the seven major sects attacked the mountain five years ago. Shu Han immediately cast a Wind Control Technique on himself and activated his Cloud Walking Step Technique.
The speed of the Cloud Walking Step, aided by the Wind Control Technique, was astonishingly fast and instantly carried Shu Han dozens of meters away. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a spiritual light descending on the spot where he had just been standing. His body was covered in a cold sweat; had he reacted a little slower, he would have been left there forever.
Run!
This was the only thought in Shu Han's mind. But a sinister voice transmission made his heart sink. "You can't escape."
Suddenly, countless ghostly figures seemed to emerge from the burnt ground, bringing with them terrifying wails that echoed in the dark corners of the forest, surrounding Shu Han like circling wolves.
Now, Shu Han didn't care about concealing his cultivation. If he didn't leave this place immediately, he would die! He prepared to fully activate his Wind Control Technique and fly away from this eerie forest. But just as he was about to leap into the air, a pair of cold hands grabbed his ankles.
A chill ran up Shu Han's spine from his feet to his head. Was he going to die here? Suddenly, a light shone from his chest, casting a shadow of a talisman in front of him. Soon, four points of light lit up in the direction of alchemy valley.
Whizz, whizz, whizz, whizz!
The four flying swords forming the Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation rushed to Shu Han's side, their sharp golden light driving away the surrounding darkness.
"Heavenly Quadrant!"
Finally, the figure hidden in the darkness slowly emerged. To Shu Han's surprise, it was the Sect Master! Master Dragon Mystical's eyes were sharp as a sword, he coldly stared at Shu Han, who was protected by the Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation, and said, "You are the disciple of the Second Elder, Shu Han?"
Shu Han hurriedly bowed, "Replying to the Sect Master, I am indeed disciple Shu Han!"
"Do you know this is a forbidden area of the Dragon Mystical Sect? Those who trespass, die!"
Shu Han was terrified and quickly responded, "I didn't know! I saw a blaze over here and was afraid that thieves might be attacking the Dragon Mystical Sect, so I came to investigate! I didn't mean to intrude on the forbidden area of the Sect, please forgive me, Sect Master!"
His explanation was reasonable, leaving Master Dragon Mystical without a reason to vent his anger. Furthermore, his eyes were fixed on the Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation, his expression changing. In the end, he said, "The Second Elder gave you the talisman of the Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation. I suppose he has taken you as his closed-door disciple."
"Replying to the Sect Master, indeed, my Master saw that I have talent in alchemy, so he exceptionally taught me the art of alchemy."
"So be it!"
Master Dragon Mystical turned and left, reprimanding, "Today, I will spare you for the sake of the Second Elder! There won't be a next time! Leave quickly!"
