At the peak of the Fiery Cloud Mountain, the area is rich in spiritual energy. Only the Core Formation Elders of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect are allowed to establish their abodes here.
Yet, inside one of these mountain peak caves, a female cultivator in the Qi Refining stage stared silently at the altar for a long time. She gracefully knelt down and bowed deeply to the central altar. Then, the communication charm on her lit up. With a deep sigh, she left the cave.
There were three memorial tablets on the altar:
"In memory of senior brother Qiao Xiangrong."
"In memory of senior brother Qiu Changchun."
"In memory of senior sister Chen Yuehua."
...
Shu Han, accompanied by Elder Zhong, wandered the mountainside. The number of people here was significantly less than at the mountain's foot, mostly Foundation Establishment cultivators. Fiery Cloud Mountain is vast, and with over three hundred caves scattered across its waist, it felt spacious rather than crowded.
At the mountain's center stood the Heavenly Fire Board, crafted from a single piece of red jade. Below the Heavenly Fire Board was the Heavenly Fire Platform. The rules here were similar to those of the Purple Sun Platform: those who wanted to challenge the board needed to pay with spirit stones and then wait in line.
After their tour of the Heavenly Fire Board, Elder Zhong took Shu Han to the largest pavilion on the mountainside, the Misty Cloud Pavilion. The place was bustling with people collecting various materials.
Elder Zhong mentioned that one could exchange contribution points here for spirit stones or materials. However, the Misty Cloud Pavilion only provided raw materials, not finished elixirs or magic treasures. Relying on the advantages of the fiery vein, all Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect were expected to refine their own elixirs and magic treasures. Hence, unlike the Purple Sun Sect, they did not have a designated peak for disciples to craft treasures or elixirs; they had to be self-sufficient.
Above the Misty Cloud Pavilion was a massive palace with wisps of steam rising. Fewer people entered and exited this palace, but those who emerged had rosy complexions and looked exhilarated.
Elder Zhong explained that this was one of Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's unique features: the Fiery Cloud Onsen. This unique onsen water could soften and purify the spiritual power of the Earth Dragon Fire, making it absorbable for cultivators. Practicing the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's techniques within the onsen would allow for nearly triple the cultivation speed.
Shu Han was astonished. Triple the cultivation speed? Could there be such a good thing?
Elder Zhong chuckled, noting that not just anyone could enter the Fiery Cloud Onsen. One needed a substantial amount of sect contributions to cultivate there. Pointing at Shu Han's token, he said, "Since you have been recommended by the Sect Leader, you directly received three hundred contribution points, enough for three sessions. However, I would advise you to use the onsen when facing a bottleneck, maximizing its effects."
So, it aids in breaking through bottlenecks!
Shu Han pondered. He was currently facing a bottleneck in the advanced stage, and he wondered if he could break through it by cultivating in the Fiery Cloud Onsen. However, he suppressed his impulsiveness. After all, attempting to break through was no trivial matter.
Furthermore, the barriers he faced were much higher than those of ordinary cultivators. Relying solely on the onsen might not guarantee success. It would be wiser to prepare more before trying, so he wouldn't waste his limited opportunities.
Subsequently, Shu Han tactfully broached a topic that concerned him the most. He asked, "Elder Zhong, when I was in the sect's marketplace, I noticed an individual with an unusually high bounty. I've never seen such a high reward before. Who is this person, and what have they done?"
Hearing this, Elder Zhong's face darkened instantly.
"Why are you asking about this?"
Scratching his head, Shu Han replied, "I was thinking, what if I encounter this individual when I'm out of the mountain? Knowing one's enemy is essential for victory."
Elder Zhong's mind flashed back to the scene where he was repelled by a single punch from a mad old man. His face darkened even further as he snapped, "Hmph! I don't know! It's a direct order from the Sect Leader. We don't need to know the specifics, just capture on sight. But with your current level of cultivation, I doubt you'd be a match for that person."
Shu Han was taken aback by this revelation.
A direct order from the Sect Leader? What does that mean?
An image of a man in white flashed in his mind. He couldn't recall offending him! And as an obscure individual, who had lived in seclusion in Zhang Village before reaching the Immaculate Realm, how on earth did he become a wanted person by the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's Leader?
As he pondered, the more bewildered he became, unable to fathom the reason. However, since it was an order from the Sect Leader, being hunted must be a top priority. He would have to tread even more carefully in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect in the future!
Suddenly, Shu Han noticed the red clouds above him starting to churn strangely, gradually forming a vortex converging at the mountain's peak. He looked up to see the boiling Earth Dragon Fire at the mountain's peak erupting in a beam of white-red light, piercing through the red clouds in the sky. The surrounding fiery spiritual energy became restless.
"What is this...?"
Elder Zhong remarked, "Hmph! Another junior is receiving such a high-level Foundation Establishment ceremony. Even in my prime, I was not treated this way. Had I received such an esteemed Foundation Establishment back then, how could I have possibly stagnated at the early stage of Core Formation?"
Shu Han was taken aback, "This is a Foundation Establishment ceremony?"
"That's right, this is the highest level of Foundation Establishment in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, known as the 'Fiery Cloud Baptism.' The Sect Leader will personally harness the Earth Dragon Fire to channel the spiritual energy between heaven and earth for the disciple's Foundation Establishment. Anyone who undergoes this method of Foundation Establishment will undoubtedly become a prominent and influential cultivator in the future. Come, young one, consider yourself fortunate! Today, I'll take you to witness it!"
With that, Elder Zhong swiftly took to the sky with Shu Han in tow. As they soared upwards, Shu Han observed numerous Qi Refining cultivators and Foundation Establishment disciples also making their way to the mountain's peak. It was evident that the 'Fiery Cloud Baptism' was a grand event that the entire sect would come to witness.
With the rapid speed of a Core Formation stage cultivator, Elder Zhong brought Shu Han to the observation platform atop the mountain in an instant.
Looking down, Shu Han saw the red and white flames leaping inside the volcano's mouth. It appeared as though a fire dragon was swimming in a lava pool. The Black Abyssal Fire within him instinctively shrunk into a tight ball.
Above the volcanic crater, a massive round stone platform floated. Shu Han sensed that this platform was a magical treasure, one that resonated perfectly with the Earth Dragon Fire's origin. Otherwise, it wouldn't withstand the fiery heat.
Elder Zhong led Shu Han onto the platform, positioning himself in the Elder's section, while the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators squeezed into the opposite side.
As Shu Han settled, an emaciated old man with a face full of wrinkles approached with a smile, "Erle, is this a new disciple you've taken?"
Elder Zhong looked a tad uncomfortable, "No, he's a newly joined loose cultivator. I'm just showing him around the sect."
The old man chuckled, "When did you start playing the role of a welcoming host? Competing for tasks with Foundation Establishment disciples, aren't you afraid of backstabbing?"
Zhong Erle glared at him, "Hmph! Still in the mood to joke about this? How come you haven't died this year, old Lu?"
"Tch! Erle, don't jest about my lifespan. Even if you die, I'll still be alive."
Suddenly, the old man's gaze fixed on Shu Han. Despite his withered frame, his eyes were lively and bright. He stepped forward, grabbed Shu Han's arm, and exclaimed, "Young man, such a vast life essence! You must have not taken many years to reach your current cultivation level. Hmm, good constitution too! Such excellent material!"
Shu Han was taken aback. This old man had discerned his lifespan with just one glance!
"How about becoming my disciple? Under my guidance, I guarantee you'll shine brightly in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect in the future."
At the peak of the Fiery Cloud Mountain, the area is rich in spiritual energy. Only the Core Formation Elders of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect are allowed to establish their abodes here.
Yet, inside one of these mountain peak caves, a female cultivator in the Qi Refining stage stared silently at the altar for a long time. She gracefully knelt down and bowed deeply to the central altar. Then, the communication charm on her lit up. With a deep sigh, she left the cave.
There were three memorial tablets on the altar:
"In memory of senior brother Qiao Xiangrong."
"In memory of senior brother Qiu Changchun."
"In memory of senior sister Chen Yuehua."
...
Shu Han, accompanied by Elder Zhong, wandered the mountainside. The number of people here was significantly less than at the mountain's foot, mostly Foundation Establishment cultivators. Fiery Cloud Mountain is vast, and with over three hundred caves scattered across its waist, it felt spacious rather than crowded.
At the mountain's center stood the Heavenly Fire Board, crafted from a single piece of red jade. Below the Heavenly Fire Board was the Heavenly Fire Platform. The rules here were similar to those of the Purple Sun Platform: those who wanted to challenge the board needed to pay with spirit stones and then wait in line.
After their tour of the Heavenly Fire Board, Elder Zhong took Shu Han to the largest pavilion on the mountainside, the Misty Cloud Pavilion. The place was bustling with people collecting various materials.
Elder Zhong mentioned that one could exchange contribution points here for spirit stones or materials. However, the Misty Cloud Pavilion only provided raw materials, not finished elixirs or magic treasures. Relying on the advantages of the fiery vein, all Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect were expected to refine their own elixirs and magic treasures. Hence, unlike the Purple Sun Sect, they did not have a designated peak for disciples to craft treasures or elixirs; they had to be self-sufficient.
Above the Misty Cloud Pavilion was a massive palace with wisps of steam rising. Fewer people entered and exited this palace, but those who emerged had rosy complexions and looked exhilarated.
Elder Zhong explained that this was one of Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's unique features: the Fiery Cloud Onsen. This unique onsen water could soften and purify the spiritual power of the Earth Dragon Fire, making it absorbable for cultivators. Practicing the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's techniques within the onsen would allow for nearly triple the cultivation speed.
Shu Han was astonished. Triple the cultivation speed? Could there be such a good thing?
Elder Zhong chuckled, noting that not just anyone could enter the Fiery Cloud Onsen. One needed a substantial amount of sect contributions to cultivate there. Pointing at Shu Han's token, he said, "Since you have been recommended by the Sect Leader, you directly received three hundred contribution points, enough for three sessions. However, I would advise you to use the onsen when facing a bottleneck, maximizing its effects."
So, it aids in breaking through bottlenecks!
Shu Han pondered. He was currently facing a bottleneck in the advanced stage, and he wondered if he could break through it by cultivating in the Fiery Cloud Onsen. However, he suppressed his impulsiveness. After all, attempting to break through was no trivial matter.
Furthermore, the barriers he faced were much higher than those of ordinary cultivators. Relying solely on the onsen might not guarantee success. It would be wiser to prepare more before trying, so he wouldn't waste his limited opportunities.
Subsequently, Shu Han tactfully broached a topic that concerned him the most. He asked, "Elder Zhong, when I was in the sect's marketplace, I noticed an individual with an unusually high bounty. I've never seen such a high reward before. Who is this person, and what have they done?"
Hearing this, Elder Zhong's face darkened instantly.
"Why are you asking about this?"
Scratching his head, Shu Han replied, "I was thinking, what if I encounter this individual when I'm out of the mountain? Knowing one's enemy is essential for victory."
Elder Zhong's mind flashed back to the scene where he was repelled by a single punch from a mad old man. His face darkened even further as he snapped, "Hmph! I don't know! It's a direct order from the Sect Leader. We don't need to know the specifics, just capture on sight. But with your current level of cultivation, I doubt you'd be a match for that person."
Shu Han was taken aback by this revelation.
A direct order from the Sect Leader? What does that mean?
An image of a man in white flashed in his mind. He couldn't recall offending him! And as an obscure individual, who had lived in seclusion in Zhang Village before reaching the Immaculate Realm, how on earth did he become a wanted person by the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's Leader?
As he pondered, the more bewildered he became, unable to fathom the reason. However, since it was an order from the Sect Leader, being hunted must be a top priority. He would have to tread even more carefully in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect in the future!
Suddenly, Shu Han noticed the red clouds above him starting to churn strangely, gradually forming a vortex converging at the mountain's peak. He looked up to see the boiling Earth Dragon Fire at the mountain's peak erupting in a beam of white-red light, piercing through the red clouds in the sky. The surrounding fiery spiritual energy became restless.
"What is this...?"
Elder Zhong remarked, "Hmph! Another junior is receiving such a high-level Foundation Establishment ceremony. Even in my prime, I was not treated this way. Had I received such an esteemed Foundation Establishment back then, how could I have possibly stagnated at the early stage of Core Formation?"
Shu Han was taken aback, "This is a Foundation Establishment ceremony?"
"That's right, this is the highest level of Foundation Establishment in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, known as the 'Fiery Cloud Baptism.' The Sect Leader will personally harness the Earth Dragon Fire to channel the spiritual energy between heaven and earth for the disciple's Foundation Establishment. Anyone who undergoes this method of Foundation Establishment will undoubtedly become a prominent and influential cultivator in the future. Come, young one, consider yourself fortunate! Today, I'll take you to witness it!"
With that, Elder Zhong swiftly took to the sky with Shu Han in tow. As they soared upwards, Shu Han observed numerous Qi Refining cultivators and Foundation Establishment disciples also making their way to the mountain's peak. It was evident that the 'Fiery Cloud Baptism' was a grand event that the entire sect would come to witness.
With the rapid speed of a Core Formation stage cultivator, Elder Zhong brought Shu Han to the observation platform atop the mountain in an instant.
Looking down, Shu Han saw the red and white flames leaping inside the volcano's mouth. It appeared as though a fire dragon was swimming in a lava pool. The Black Abyssal Fire within him instinctively shrunk into a tight ball.
Above the volcanic crater, a massive round stone platform floated. Shu Han sensed that this platform was a magical treasure, one that resonated perfectly with the Earth Dragon Fire's origin. Otherwise, it wouldn't withstand the fiery heat.
Elder Zhong led Shu Han onto the platform, positioning himself in the Elder's section, while the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators squeezed into the opposite side.
As Shu Han settled, an emaciated old man with a face full of wrinkles approached with a smile, "Erle, is this a new disciple you've taken?"
Elder Zhong looked a tad uncomfortable, "No, he's a newly joined loose cultivator. I'm just showing him around the sect."
The old man chuckled, "When did you start playing the role of a welcoming host? Competing for tasks with Foundation Establishment disciples, aren't you afraid of backstabbing?"
Zhong Erle glared at him, "Hmph! Still in the mood to joke about this? How come you haven't died this year, old Lu?"
"Tch! Erle, don't jest about my lifespan. Even if you die, I'll still be alive."
Suddenly, the old man's gaze fixed on Shu Han. Despite his withered frame, his eyes were lively and bright. He stepped forward, grabbed Shu Han's arm, and exclaimed, "Young man, such a vast life essence! You must have not taken many years to reach your current cultivation level. Hmm, good constitution too! Such excellent material!"
Shu Han was taken aback. This old man had discerned his lifespan with just one glance!
"How about becoming my disciple? Under my guidance, I guarantee you'll shine brightly in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect in the future."
