The Heaven-shaking Formation on Miao Miao Island was located in the plaza outside the main hall. At the break of dawn, Chong Zhao and the other disciples gathered on the plaza, each channeling their celestial power into the five-pointed star formation etched into the ground. Stimulated by their energy, the star formation lit up, and five beams of light shot toward the sky.
Initially, a glimmer of hope appeared on everyone’s faces, only to quickly be replaced by alarm. Without warning, the five beams in mid-air were extinguished, and the star formation on the ground instantly faded. Just then, Song Feng arrived at the hall’s entrance, supported by a few disciples.
“Master! The star formation has been extinguished!” Even the normally calm Chong Zhao couldn’t hide his shock.
“Master! Master!” Before Song Feng could respond, a few younger disciples who guarded the island’s gate rushed up to the plaza, their voices trembling. “Something terrible has happened!”
“What’s happened? Speak slowly!” Er Yun barked, her tone cold and commanding.
The young disciples, still pale with fright, pointed in the direction of the sea surrounding the island. “The sea… something’s happened over the sea…”
Everyone turned to look, only to see dark clouds blotting out the sky, while massive waves raged around Miao Miao Island. These towering waves had formed an impenetrable barrier, isolating the entire Eastern Sea.
The disciples standing outside the plaza turned pale, too frightened to utter a word.
“Zhao’er, you and Er Yun, come with me.” Song Feng’s voice suddenly cut through the silence as he gently released the disciples supporting him and made his way into the hall. Chong Zhao and Er Yun exchanged a bewildered look before quickly following him.
In the eerie forest, Bai Shuo turned, her heart pounding, but sighed in relief when she saw who it was. She playfully punched the young man on the shoulder.
“You scared me! A-Zhao, what are you doing here?”
Chong Zhao immediately pulled her into an embrace. “I finally found you. Thank goodness you’re safe!”
Bai Shuo blinked, then gave his shoulder a light tap. “A-Zhao?”
Chong Zhao exhaled deeply, releasing her and adopting a stern expression. “How many times have I told you? The Eastern Sea is full of hidden dangers outside Miao Miao Island. With your limited power, why would you dare wander around?”
Bai Shuo stared at him, surprised, as he continued his familiar scolding. She realized it had been years since she’d seen this side of Chong Zhao.
“What is it?” Chong Zhao asked, noticing her expression.
Bai Shuo’s eyes reddened slightly as she took a deep breath. “It’s nothing. I… I…”
“I know. You came here to refine a grade-one pill for me.”
“How did you know?” Bai Shuo blurted out before quickly catching herself. “That darn turtle! Can’t keep a single secret!” She furrowed her brow, thinking. “Wait a minute. That old turtle tricked me into going somewhere else, so how did you know I was here?”
Chong Zhao held up a bamboo flute identical to the one he’d given Bai Shuo. “These flutes are bound with my celestial essence. As long as you carry yours, I can find you.”
“That explains it.” Bai Shuo nodded in understanding, then looked around. “A-Zhao, do you remember this place?”
Chong Zhao nodded. “Of course. This is where we found Master three years ago. But, A-Shuo, why did you come here?”
Before Bai Shuo could respond, Chong Zhao suddenly covered her mouth, pulling her behind a thick tree trunk.
Bai Shuo’s eyes widened, and Chong Zhao whispered urgently into her ear, “Don’t move. Something’s coming!”
She held her breath, and before Chong Zhao had finished speaking, a dark shadow swept over their heads. The figure was massive, radiating a menacing aura and an overpowering presence as it swiftly glided into the forest.
Bai Shuo’s eyes lit up. She pushed Chong Zhao’s hand away. “Come on! Let’s follow it!”
“A-Shuo!”
But before Chong Zhao could stop her, Bai Shuo had already grabbed his hand, leading him deeper into the forest.
They followed the direction in which the shadow had disappeared, venturing further into the woods. The deeper they went, the more astonished they became. The barren landscape of rocks and twisted trees gave way to a verdant valley, filled with lush grass, a babbling stream, and fields of vibrant wildflowers. A rainbow arched over the stream, casting its colors on a large rock by the water, and on that rock lay the very shadow they had followed.
It was a pure white tiger, its coat shimmering. Wings sprouted from its back, and it was resting with its eyes closed, seemingly unaware of their presence.
A scene of paradise, hidden within the desolate island—Chong Zhao was filled with questions, but Bai Shuo’s reaction was different. To her, such a miraculous place was surely where a grade-one treasure must be hidden!
Bai Shuo’s gaze landed on something beside the white tiger, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“There it is! The spring!” Overcome with excitement, she slipped, stepping on a dried leaf that crackled beneath her foot. Chong Zhao quickly caught her and, in a flash of light, moved them to safety just as the white tiger’s eyes snapped open, peering in their direction.
Its large, golden eyes scanned the area, but seeing nothing, it lay back down on the rock, though it didn’t close its eyes this time.
Hidden behind a rock, Bai Shuo clamped her hand over her mouth, hardly daring to breathe.
“A-Shuo, we need to leave. That flying tiger is at least at the peak of the Upper Lord realm. Even Master would be no match for it. If it finds us, we won’t stand a chance!” Chong Zhao whispered.
“No, I came here specifically to find it!” Bai Shuo shook her head.
“To find it?” Chong Zhao was taken aback.
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