Daoist Guiyuan recalled, “The master of the Crimson Feather sword appeared in the Southern Continent two thousand years ago. At that time, the cultivation world was not as strong as it is now. The land was overrun by the Demon race, who ravaged and plundered, leaving humanity unable to resist. It was not until the master of the Crimson Feather appeared that he slew the Demon Lord, ending the era where the demons treated the slaughter of humans as a pastime.”
“And then?”
“He seemed to have come to the Southern Continent for a specific purpose. Upon witnessing the suffering of the cultivation world, he dealt with the Demon Lord while he was at it. Shortly after, he vanished from the Southern Continent. As for what he came to do, no one knows. He arrived suddenly and departed just as abruptly,” Daoist Guiyuan said with a sigh.
Lu Shi’an was lost in thought; he had no idea so much had happened two thousand years ago. “Then, Master, do you know how to get to the Upper Immortal Realm?” he pursued.
Guiyuan shook his head. “The passage to the Upper Immortal Realm has long been sealed, and its location is unknown. No one in the cultivation world has ascended for a thousand years.”
Lu Shi’an figured he would have to find another way. He thanked Daoist Guiyuan and prepared to leave the cave dwelling. At that moment, the Daoist called out to him, “Shi’an, remember, do not force things. Fate is ordained by heaven. When you are meant to know, you will know.” He did not know why Lu Shi’an was inquiring about the master of the Crimson Feather, but that figure was mysterious and powerful; becoming entangled with him rashly could invite disaster.
Lu Shi’an nodded and turned away. He decided to focus on raising his cultivation level before attempting to uncover the man’s identity. Returning to the bedside, he gazed at the man’s face. He suddenly remembered he had yet to see what was held in the man’s hand. He lifted the man’s hand and found a bead clutched in his palm.
A Ghost Soul Bead? No, this was not the same one. Like the Ghost Soul Bead, it was engraved with mysterious, strange patterns, but it was a deep, dark red. Lu Shi’an studied it carefully, privately speculating on its origin and purpose. While curious, he dared not remove it, suspecting that the man’s lifelike state was tied to the bead. It gave him a headache; knowing too much was clearly not a blessing. There were so many riddles and no clear path to the answers. All he knew was that the man hailed from the Upper Immortal Realm, or perhaps the Divine Realm, and that his purpose in the Southern Continent remained a mystery.
The next day, Lu Shi’an was meditating when he heard a knock. Opening the door, he found Xiao Heng about to knock again. “Brother Xiao?” Lu Shi’an asked in surprise. They sat down together inside.
Xiao Heng smiled slightly. “Brother Lu, what are your plans for the future?”
“After absorbing some of the Ghost Soul Bead’s power, my bottleneck has loosened. I need to find a place to undergo my lightning tribulation,” Lu Shi’an answered.
“Lightning tribulation? A Nascent Soul tribulation is no small matter; you need a safe place and thorough preparation. Wait, Ghost Soul Bead? Was that bead the Ghost Soul Bead?” Xiao Heng sounded incredulous.
“It was,” Lu Shi’an confirmed.
“Brother Lu, I have to say, your luck is truly incredible! We went on an adventure to the Nether Secret Realm, and Yuzhao successfully contracted the legendary Phoenix divine beast. And look at you, you obtained the priceless Ghost Soul Bead! In comparison, I am miserable; other than a slight improvement in my own strength, I came away with practically nothing! It really makes one feel sour!” Xiao Heng sighed.
Knowing his friend felt some disappointment, Lu Shi’an comforted him. “Brother Xiao, do not be so discouraged. If you count carefully, you have not left empty-handed. You obtained many spiritual pills and rare treasures. Besides, this trial is a rare opportunity for all of us; everyone has gained something.”
Xiao Heng smiled, then turned serious. “That may be so, but I have a small proposal.”
Curious, Lu Shi’an asked, “Oh? What sort of proposal? I am all ears.”
Xiao Heng leaned in and lowered his voice. “The decennial Clan Tournament begins in half a month, and the Xiao family happens to be the host this time. I am here to invite you to come and watch.”
Lu Shi’an fell into deep thought. “That sounds interesting. However, I am at a critical juncture for breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage; the lightning tribulation could come at any time.”
Xiao Heng patted his chest reassuringly. “Haha, do not worry! Your Xuantian Sect is far away, but the Xiao family is quite close, only three days from here. If you choose to undergo your tribulation at our family estate, we can guarantee your safety and avoid the risks of a long journey. What do you think?”
After careful consideration, Lu Shi’an nodded. “You have a point; that is a sound strategy. Then I shall trouble you with the arrangements, Brother Xiao. I will surely reward you handsomely after the tournament.”
They decided to set off for the Xiao family estate immediately. Lu Shi’an assumed Ning Yuzhao would simply follow him as he usually did, so he had not thought to ask. He grew perplexed when Yuzhao failed to seek him out. Normally, the boy would be by his side the moment he woke up. Could something be wrong?
Lu Shi’an went straight to Yuzhao’s room. “Yuzhao? Are you there?” Getting no answer, he pushed the door open. Ning Yuzhao was lying in bed, his face flushed. One touch confirmed he was running a fever. In the cultivation world, where practitioners had superior physiques, it was rare for someone to catch a cold or fever. Though it seemed absurd for a Golden Core cultivator to have a fever, Lu Shi’an told Xiao Heng to find a mortal doctor while he stayed to watch over Yuzhao, guarding against any complications.