High above the heavens, amidst the sea of clouds.
A Spirit Boat drifted slowly, carrying the members of the Cloud Expanse Sect.
Why call it a “boat”? Only because its size was simply too vast, nearly blocking out the sun and sky, resembling a flying mountain.
Standing atop the Spirit Boat, one could truly feel what it meant:
Jade balustrades, carved of crystal, with a sweep of the hand one could grasp the moon.
Jewel towers and celestial pavilions, so high the cold bites deep.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk.”
Leaning against the railings of the Spirit Boat, Limuqun gazed at the surroundings, unable to keep from sighing in amazement.
Such a Spirit Boat—never mind the astronomical price, just keeping it airborne required burning through spirit stones like pouring water into the sea.
And its speed, even then, couldn’t match that of a Purple Mansion Cultivator who could traverse the void directly.
Its only merit was—dignity, pure and simple.
Of course, it wasn’t that Purple Mansion Cultivators weren’t dignified enough crossing the void, but traveling on such a Spirit Boat simply made one feel as if the world was wide and boundless.
After all, on this Spirit Boat, the place that burned the most spirit power wasn’t the Power Furnace, but the Array Projector! Even a mortal on the ground, looking up, could clearly see the three great characters “Cloud Expanse Sect” streaking across the sky.
What was the foundation of an Immortal Sect?
This—this was the foundation of an Immortal Sect.
Could any lesser sect afford such extravagance? Would they even dare?
It’s best to join more of these all-expenses-paid group journeys to broaden one’s horizons.
Otherwise, if I get startled everywhere I go, how can I face myself? Enjoying the chill wind high above striking his face, Limuqun, who had been slouching drowsily before, suddenly stiffened as if sensing something.
In the next instant, as swift as lightning, he disappeared from the Spirit Boat’s deck.
Within seconds, behind him, a girl in a red dress, beautiful as a fairy, stepped from the shadows upon a trail of flowing light, her face full of confusion as she gazed at the direction Limuqun vanished.
“Silly Senior Brother… Why are you hiding from me?”
The newcomer was none other than Jiang Wan’er.
Watching Limuqun slip away in a hurry, her eyes held both puzzlement and sorrow.
The Spirit Boat had already set out from the Cloud Expanse Sect three days ago.
Over these three days, as the leader of this trip, she needed to constantly keep watch over everything aboard to ensure no mishaps occurred and that they would reach The Jade Balance Sword Sect smoothly.
Only now, with the Spirit Boat sailing steadily and the destination not far off, was she finally able to spare a moment.
Her first thought was to seek out the silly Senior Brother who was ever on her mind.
That promise she’d made to her silly Senior Brother on the night before departure, she still remembered well.
Yet for some reason, every time she was about to appear, he always seemed to sense it in advance and hurriedly slipped away.
Could it be, her silly Senior Brother was hiding something he couldn’t say out loud?
Standing on the deck, she frowned in thought.
From the pavilions behind her came bursts of lively laughter.
That was the rest of the disciples chosen to compete in the Heavenly Sword Dao Tournament. Compared to the always solitary Limuqun, these young cultivators of similar age had quickly bonded, gossiping about interesting matters within the sect or exchanging cultivation experiences.
A glance showed a bustling crowd, full of merriment.
Merriment?
That’s it! Silly Senior Brother must have felt there were too many people, and worried someone might see us meeting in private… pfft, no, not in private, just meeting, just meeting, nothing improper!
That’s right. After all, I’m the sect’s Saintess. If the others saw me meeting Senior Brother alone, rumors would surely fly.
Although there’s nothing improper between me and my silly Senior Brother, rumors between men and women have always been the favorite subject of the world—once stirred up, they spread like wildfire.
Silly Senior Brother must be thinking of this, intentionally avoiding me to protect my reputation.
Thinking this, her confusion and sorrow melted away, replaced only by deep emotion.
Silly Senior Brother, you are so gentle.
The tenderness in the girl’s eyes lingered.
Don’t worry, I’ll handle this.
I won’t let you wait too long, silly Senior Brother.
Inside a room at the end of the corridor in one of the pavilions.
Limuqun leaned against the wall, breathing heavily with lingering fear.
Thank goodness, thank goodness! Good thing Master’s Yin-Yang Essence Restoration Pill comes with a warning function—otherwise, with Jiang Wan’er closing in step by step, I would’ve been doomed long ago.
Right before the journey, Luozhilan’s instructions still rang in his ears:
“Disciple, as long as you take this Yin-Yang Essence Restoration Pill for twelve days straight, you’ll restore your innate Yang energy without hindering your Dao.”
“However, this pill is of utmost pure Yang—most taboo are yin energies. So, for these twelve days, you must absolutely avoid the company of women.”
Avoid women?
Limuqun patted his chest and promised, “Master, don’t you know what kind of person I am? I seek only the Dao, no way I’d get distracted outside.”
“That’s for the best, that’s for the best.” Luozhilan nodded with satisfaction.
“Remember, not even skin-to-skin contact!”
“Promise to fulfill the task!”
Watching Limuqun take it to heart, Luozhilan smiled sweetly to herself.
Hmph, twelve days—no matter how you count it, the Heavenly Sword Dao Tournament should be over by then.
Disciple, out there you must protect your purity well.
Once you return to Congealed Fat Peak, Master will personally guide you further.
Back to the present, Limuqun checked his tightly wrapped clothing again, making sure not the slightest bit of skin was exposed.
Yes, a little extra precaution never hurt.
Though he was solitary by nature, staying away from crowds and spending most of his time cultivating alone—
Jiang Wan’er was truly a major threat to his peace of mind.
The past few days were fine, with her busy managing affairs aboard the Spirit Boat.
But today, somehow, she found the time and began going to great lengths to approach him.
Why did she always want to do things that would destroy my Dao path?
“I’ll just stay here and cultivate. Let’s see how you’ll find me.”
Limuqun muttered to himself, determined not to leave his room before reaching The Jade Balance Sword Sect.
Can’t afford to offend—so I’ll just hide!
He sat cross-legged on the meditation mat, preparing to enter cultivation.
Luozhilan’s teachings had benefited him far beyond his expectations.
The spiritual power of a Golden Core cultivator—if even a fingernail’s worth was shared, it would be enough to overwhelm a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
All the more so since the two had truly experienced the union of yin and yang, jointly comprehending the Dao.
Now, Limuqun had finally crossed that chasm and officially reached the peak of Foundation Establishment!
Moreover, the spiritual power within him was still surging ceaselessly.
As long as he stabilized this realm, he could attempt to break through to Purple Mansion Cultivator at any time.
As for the other benefits—Limuqun couldn’t even begin to count them.
A single moment of dual cultivation is worth ten years of bitter training alone.
Sitting alone on the mat, grinding away at his slow, turtle-paced solo cultivation, Limuqun was filled with countless emotions.
If I had never seen the light, darkness would be bearable.
Master, I miss you so much!
Still, even a mosquito is a morsel of meat.
Back to cultivation!
He summoned his Immortal Foundation and began refining the leftover spiritual energy within him.
Just as Limuqun was about to fully immerse himself in meditation, he suddenly felt a wave of restlessness within.
No! This feeling is…
He looked up in alarm, only to hear the shy voice of a girl from outside the door:
“S-silly Senior Brother, Wan’er came to find you.”
“Don’t worry, Wan’er suppressed her aura all the way here—absolutely no one else noticed.”
No, this is bad!
Inside, Limuqun realized too late that he’d already walked into the tiger’s den, with nowhere left to run.