Since the news spread that Chong Zhao was to be taken into the Celestial Palace for spiritual training, numerous immortals suddenly began calling him “brother.” The once-quiet Pine Crane Pavilion bustled with visitors, mostly disciples from smaller sects. Had Er Yun not used Chong Zhao’s seclusion for healing as an excuse, they might have worn out the pavilion doors.
Not far away, in a stone pavilion, a group of noble immortals accompanied Nan Wan, who took one look at the crowd in front of Pine Crane Pavilion and frowned.
Northern Kunlun, Southern Yun Xiao—among the young generation of the Three Realms, only he and Bei Chen stood at the top, with Qing Yi of Daze Mountain occasionally competing with them. But now, an unknown disciple from Miao Miao had won the Wu Tong Martial Gathering, making him lose face.
Shou An, seeing Nan Wan’s expression, quickly said, “They’re a bunch of fools, making a fuss over nothing. What’s so special about a small, struggling sect producing one upper lord? Had it not been for you being wronged by the evil spirit in Foreign City, that boy wouldn’t have stood a chance in the spotlight.”
Nan Wan’s expression softened, but another immortal chimed in, “Brother Shou An, you should be careful with your words. While Chong Zhao may come from a small sect and has only recently reached the rank of upper lord, Jin Yao has chosen him for spiritual teachings in the Celestial Palace. No matter whom he apprentices under, he’ll soon be far above us in rank.”
It was the hard truth. Remembering how he had given Chong Zhao a hard time in Foreign City, Shou An turned pale.
Nan Wan’s expression darkened with irritation, and he rose to leave, sleeves billowing. His fellow disciples looked at one another in surprise, while Shou An glanced back at Pine Crane Pavilion’s entrance and, gritting his teeth, hurried after Nan Wan.
“Brother Nan Wan, Brother Nan Wan!” Shou An called, panting as he caught up.
Nan Wan looked at him with displeasure. “I am going to meditate; you may go as you please, Brother Shou An.”
“Brother, I have urgent news to report.”
“What is it?”
Shou An leaned in, whispering a few words. Nan Wan’s face changed. “Is that true?”
“It’s absolutely true. I saw it with my own eyes in the Foreign Tribe’s stone hall.”
“This is serious. I must report it to my master and verify the facts,” Nan Wan said hurriedly and left without another word.
A glint of satisfaction flashed in Shou An’s eyes.
Not far away, Fu Ling watched the scene, raising an eyebrow. With a flick of her hand, a message written on a demon flower appeared.
“Deliver this to the Yun Feng Hall in the Celestial Palace.”
“Yes,” a purple-clad demon warrior replied, taking the message and departing.
Fu Ling cast a meaningful look toward Pine Crane Pavilion, a subtle smile on her lips.
Under the scorching sun, Qing Yi opened his eyes, raising his hand instinctively to shield them from the glare. A loud, cheerful voice rang out beside him.
“Immortal friend, you’re awake?!”
Only then did Qing Yi realize he was lying on a shabby wooden board, held up by a rope. When he looked up, Bai Shuo was already crouched beside him, handing him a wooden gourd with a grin.
“Good, you’re awake! Thirsty? Here, have some spring water.”
Qing Yi, noticing his body was wrapped in bandages, chuckled wryly. “Miss, you…”
“I’m Bai Shuo, a herbalist from South Sea City. I saved you.”
"I am A-Yi. Thank you, Miss, for saving my life," Qing Yi said with a warm smile, recognizing the girl before him as a mere demi-immortal.
A-Yi? Bai Shuo’s heart leaped with joy, wondering which Daoist master of Daze Mountain he might be a disciple of. The moment she had landed in that cursed place, she had noticed his Daoist robe, one that only the ancient Daze Sect in the Immortal Realm used. What luck! Looks like I’ve found my way onto Phoenix Island!
"Brother A-Yi, what kind of monster was that attacking you in the forest?" she asked.
Qing Yi frowned. "It seemed like a tree demon, though ordinary tree demons shouldn’t possess such power."
Bai Shuo thought back to the sinister bodhi tree she had encountered on Fire Ice Island, a chill running through her.
"It’s understandable if that demon wood came from the Abyssal Marsh."
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