«After flying quickly along this small path for several hundred li, you will come across a canyon marked by a barrier. It’s not wide, but extremely long. Inside and outside the canyon are two completely different worlds.»
«There are two paths through here, called the ‘Mysterious Crystal Path’ and the ‘Molten Rock Road.’ One is piercingly cold; a moment’s carelessness and your body will freeze solid. The other is scorching hot; you’ll likely be reduced to ashes. Only by reaching the end of the canyon can you find the teleportation array to leave. That’s how you complete the second trial of the Fire and Ice Path. And before entering the canyon, just as those two from the Star Palace said, everyone has one day to search for heavenly and earthly spirit herbs. What you find depends on your own fortune,» Xuan Gu Shangren said coolly.
Hearing this, Han Li’s mouth moved a few times. He was about to ask something more when Xuan Gu Shangren’s expression shifted slightly, and he fell silent.
Because behind them, the teleportation array flashed with white light again, and more cultivators emerged one after another.
These newcomers didn’t even glance at Han Li and Xuan Gu. With excited looks on their faces, they transformed into several streaks of colored light and flew toward the distant mountain ranges, clearly just as eager to find treasure as those before them.
Watching them disappear into the distance, Xuan Gu frowned slightly. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke: «Let’s go too! Otherwise, once Ji Yin and the others teleport out, they might cause more trouble.» Without waiting for Han Li’s reaction, his figure flickered and transformed into a dark cloud, soaring into the sky.
Han Li’s expression remained unchanged. Without a word, he turned into a streak of cyan light and followed.
Not long after Han Li and Xuan Gu departed, Ji Yin, Wan Tianming, and other Nascent Soul stage cultivators also teleported out.
However, representing the righteous and demonic paths respectively, they naturally grouped under Man Huzi and Wan Tianming, standing on opposite sides.
The moment Ji Yin appeared, he quickly scanned the surroundings. Not seeing Han Li, he felt a slight twinge of disappointment, though it didn’t show on his face. He even continued chatting with the scholarly elder as usual, exchanging a few whispered words from time to time.
However, the beautiful woman Wen Fu glanced at everyone and spoke coldly: «I’m going to gather spirit herbs. When I’m done, I’ll return to the pavilion. As for the rest of you, fight however you want—just don’t drag me into it.» After saying this, she crisply transformed into a large ball of silver light and pierced through the sky, vanishing.
This left the righteous and demonic factions staring at each other.
Wan Tianming exchanged glances with the demonic cultivators, then spoke solemnly to Tian Wuzi and the others. Shortly after, the three rose into the air simultaneously and merged into a three-colored rainbow without a word, speeding off in a specific direction.
The remaining demonic elders were left blinking in surprise, unsure whether to give chase or simply go their own way. They seemed caught off guard.
But before they could react, the righteous cultivators had already disappeared from sight.
Ji Yin, the Ancestor, saw this and a strange light flickered in his eyes. He coughed dryly, then said with a full smile: «Brother Qing, Brother Man! I need to gather a few spirit herbs to refine pills, so I’ll take my leave first. We’ll meet again at the canyon entrance.»
With that, Ji Yin the Ancestor flicked his sleeves, and a large mass of black mist erupted, sweeping his companion Wu Chou into it. A gust of yin wind rose, and they vanished without a trace.
Man Huzi’s expression shifted slightly, his look turning somewhat sinister.
The elder in the green robe, Qing Yi, also furrowed his brows, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
«That Ji Yin fellow sure ran off quickly! It seems his escape techniques are becoming more refined. Brother Qing! If you’re not otherwise occupied, why not join me in gathering some Longevity Fruits? With your assistance, I’d have a better chance against that mountain goblin guarding the spirit tree. We can split the harvest then. Your age isn’t young anymore. With this fruit, you could extend your life significantly.» Man Huzi turned his head toward the scholarly elder, who was lost in thought.
Elder Qing Yi, the Green-Robed Hermit, was momentarily stunned. But after a few quick glances, he replied with a hint of embarrassment: «Brother Man, I’m truly sorry! I also have important matters to attend to and can’t accompany you on this trip. Let’s meet again at the canyon entrance!»
After speaking, the elder gave an apologetic cupped-fist salute and also flew off.
Man Huzi’s face turned a frightening shade of green!
«Hmph! As if I, the Island Master, need your help to obtain the Longevity Fruits! Wait until we reach the Inner Palace—I’ll show you two!» Man Huzi muttered under his breath, then stomped his foot, and his figure appeared in the sky. After several flickers of yellow light, he vanished.
…