Time flowed gently. Inside the Rosy Clouds Sect, dappled sunlight fell upon the stone steps in front of the main assembly hall.
Hu Feng and Lin Yao had just finished their morning cultivation session and were strolling side by side, discussing plans to build a monument for their fallen sect brothers, when a deacon hurried over with an anxious look on his face. "Senior Brother Hu Feng, Senior Sister Lin Yao, the sect master urgently summons the two of you to the main hall for a discussion!"
The two exchanged glances, seeing confusion in each other's eyes, and quickly followed the deacon into the hall.
The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn. The sect master sat at the head, with elders seated on both sides wearing grave expressions. Several glowing jade slips lay unrolled on the tables, their spiritual energy fluctuating erratically as if hiding deep concerns.
Seeing Hu Feng and Lin Yao arrive, the sect master raised a hand to signal them forward and said in a deep voice, "I have summoned you here because this concerns the survival of our sect. The main ingredients for our sect's Foundation Establishment pills have run out. Without a supply of new ingredients, future disciples will find it difficult to achieve Foundation Establishment, and the sect's strength cannot be sustained."
Hu Feng's heart sank. It went without saying how important Foundation Establishment pills were to cultivators; they were the crucial key to breaking through the Qi Condensation stage and laying the foundation for spiritual practice.
He cupped his fists and asked, "Sect Master, have we found a source for new ingredients?"
The sect master nodded slightly, his gaze falling upon the floating spiritual realm sand table in the center of the hall, his expression solemn. "The Qi Kingdom secret realm will open in three months. The three sects, four valleys, and five gates will each have one hundred and twenty quotas to dispatch Qi Condensation stage disciples inside to compete for spiritual herbs and medicinal plants. It is rumored that this secret realm conceals the rare spiritual plants needed to refine Foundation Establishment pills. Our Rosy Clouds Sect must secure our share."
Lin Yao frowned slightly, her delicate brows knitted together as she spoke softly, "Sect Master, I have heard that the Qi Kingdom secret realm is extremely perilous, brimming with traps, Monster Beasts, and bizarre restrictions. With intense competition among the various sects, a single misstep could mean the loss of our lives. Can our disciples handle this?"
The sect master let out a long sigh. "Circumstances force our hand; there is no other way. After consulting with the elders, I have decided that Hu Feng will lead the team, with you assisting, to select elite disciples for the journey. Both of you have been through numerous battles and possess abundant experience. Hu Feng's strength is formidable after his cultivation breakthrough, and Lin Yao is meticulous. With the two of you leading, our chances of success will increase significantly."
Without hesitation, Hu Feng dropped to one knee, cupped his fists, and said in a ringing voice, "Rest assured, Sect Master. Since I bear this heavy responsibility, this disciple will fight to the death to protect our fellow disciples and secure the spiritual plants!"
Lin Yao hesitated slightly, raising her eyes to look at Hu Feng with a complex gaze that held both anxiety over the unknown perils and the expectation of journeying together. A moment later, she also knelt and saluted. "Sect Master, Lin Yao is willing to go."
Leaving the main hall, a gentle breeze brushed past, yet it could not disperse the gloom in their hearts.
Lin Yao tugged at Hu Feng's sleeve, her expression hesitant. "Senior Brother, the perils of this trip to the secret realm far exceed imagination. If—I mean, if anything goes wrong, you and I..." The words stuck in her throat, and the corners of her eyes turned slightly red.
Hu Feng turned his hand over to clasp hers, his palm warm, his gaze burning. "Junior Sister, I understand your thoughts. But along our journey together, when have we not snatched a lifeline from the jaws of death? With you by my side, my confidence multiplies. Moreover, for the sake of the sect and our fallen brothers, we cannot shirk this duty."
Lin Yao lowered her gaze, biting her lip gently, and nodded heavily. "Senior Brother is right. I was only—never mind. I will certainly assist you with all my might."
In the days that followed, the two of them were busy selecting disciples, preparing supplies, and studying ancient texts on the secret realm.
At night, Hu Feng sat alone at his desk, leafing through yellowed classics. The flickering candlelight cast the resolute profile of his face. He murmured to himself, "Father, Mother, your son is once again venturing into danger, but this concerns the future of the sect; I cannot back down. Fortunately, I have Lin Yao by my side. If we truly encounter a desperate situation, I will risk my life to keep her safe."
Three months passed in the blink of an eye. At the mountain gate, one hundred and twenty Qi Condensation stage disciples stood looking heroic and sharp, fully equipped and ready for departure.
Hu Feng wore a tight-fitting black robe, with the Red Sun Sword strapped to his back and the Spirit Abyss Mirror in his hand, his posture upright and straight. Lin Yao wore a light blue Dharma robe, holding the Spirit Feather Shield, her dark hair tied back, radiating a gentle yet heroic disposition.
The sect master and elders came in person to see them off. The sect master handed over a Storage Pouch, his expression grave. "Inside are healing pills and restriction-breaking spiritual talismans; use them sparingly. This journey is perilous, so preserving your lives and securing the spiritual plants is paramount. Do not be overly reckless."
Hu Feng took the pouch and nodded solemnly. "The sect master's teachings are engraved in this disciple's heart. We will certainly not fail the sect's expectations!" With that, he led the team as they soared into the air on their swords, transforming into streams of light heading toward the Qi Kingdom secret realm.
Before half a day had passed, they reached the valley where the secret realm entrance lay. Here, the spiritual energy was so dense it was nearly viscous, wreathed in colorful mists that faintly emanated a dangerous aura.
Disciples from various sects arrived successively. The disciples of the three sects wore luxurious attire and carried a cold, haughty air; the disciples of the four valleys were carefree and unconstrained, surrounded by strange magical treasures; while the disciples of the five gates were conventional and rigid, their sharp gazes eyeing the entrance of the secret realm like tigers eyeing their prey.
A disciple from a certain sect stepped forward. The leading youth wore an arrogant expression, crossed his arms, and sneered, "Oh, isn't this Hu Feng of the Rosy Clouds Sect? I've heard quite a bit about your reputation, always meddling with demonic factions. But this secret realm is no place to play the hero. I advise you to be sensible—our sect has claimed those spiritual plants!"
Hu Feng sneered. Before he could speak, an impatient fellow disciple beside him snapped angrily, "Bah! Stop acting so arrogant. Whoever grabs them gets them; it's anyone's game!" The atmosphere instantly turned taut and explosive.
Lin Yao lightly tugged at Hu Feng's sleeve and said in a low voice, "Senior Brother, do not be rash. There is no need to pick a fight right now."
Hu Feng suppressed his anger and nodded slightly.
At that very moment, a flash of light burst from the secret realm entrance, and the heavy stone gates slowly swung open. Roiling mists tumbled from within, resembling a primordial beast exhaling its breath. Without time for idle chatter, the crowd surged inward.
As soon as they entered the secret realm, the light dimmed abruptly, and a stale, decaying scent rushed toward them. The muddy ground beneath their feet was slick and treacherous, concealing marshy traps that threatened to swallow anyone who wasn't careful.
Hu Feng summoned the Spirit Abyss Mirror, its light dispelling the surrounding darkness as he shouted, "Fellow disciples, form the sword array and watch your footing!" The crowd followed suit, the sword array flickering with light as they advanced slowly.
Reaching a fork in the road, three gloomy and silent passages stretched before them, leading to unknown destinations.
Hu Feng frowned in deep thought. Lin Yao stepped closer and whispered, "Senior Brother, ancient texts mention there is a maze array here. Choosing the wrong path risks trapping us in an endless cycle. I will use the Spirit Feather Shield to scout the way; if we encounter danger, the abnormal fluctuations in spiritual energy will alert us."
Hu Feng hesitated slightly. "Junior Sister, it's too dangerous. What if—"
Lin Yao gave a faint smile. "Rest assured, Senior Brother, I know what I'm doing."
With that, she activated the shield, and a beam of blue light slowly probed into the left-hand passage.
After a long while, there were no abnormalities.
Just as the crowd was about to step forward, a roar of Monster Beasts suddenly erupted from the right-hand passage, followed by scurrying black shadows as a pack of leopard-like Monster Beasts wrapped in toxic mists lunged out, snarling.
Hu Feng drew his sword with a roar, "Watch out!" He took the lead, charging into battle with his sword flashing like lightning to knock away the beasts' toxic fangs.
Lin Yao directed the sword array, spiritual light flashing as they clashed fiercely with the Monster Beasts.
Amidst the intense battle, a disciple was carelessly scratched by a beast. Toxic mist invaded his body, turning his complexion blue-purple as he collapsed to the ground, convulsing.
Lin Yao cried out, "Quickly take the antidote!" She rushed over, pulled out a pill, and fed it to him, channeling her spiritual energy to help neutralize the poison.
Out of the corner of his eye, Hu Feng caught sight of this. Distracted for a moment, he was grazed across the back by a beast's sharp claws, ripping his tunic and sending blood seeping through.
Acting as if he felt no pain, he spun around and drove his sword straight through the beast, nailing it to the ground. "Do not panic!" he shouted. "Hold your ground!"
After finally beating back the Monster Beasts, the crowd was utterly exhausted.
Hu Feng panted heavily, turning to look at Lin Yao. "Junior Sister, are you alright?"
Lin Yao shook her head, her gaze dropping to the wound on his back. "Senior Brother, you're hurt. I'll bandage it for you."
Before the bandage could be tied, an ancient stone gate appeared ahead. Runes flickered across its surface, radiating a mysterious and oppressive aura.
Hu Feng stepped closer to examine it, racking his brains for a way to break the seal. Just as he concentrated, the stone gate shuddered violently as if about to open on its own.
His expression changed drastically. "Not good! We must have triggered the restriction on the gate. Fall back!"
The crowd hurriedly retreated. In an instant, rolling black mists spewed from the stone gate, condensing into humanoid puppets wielding sharp blades, their bodies covered in flashing magic runes as they launched a fierce assault.
Hu Feng knew these puppets were impervious to ordinary attacks. Immediately channeling the Nine Yang True Formula, he infused the Red Sun Sword with searing heat and slashed fiercely at the puppets.
With every swing of his sword, he chanted inwardly, *This has to work, or everyone is going to perish here!*
The puppets ignited upon contact with the flames, yet they still lunged forward, unafraid of death.
Lin Yao unleashed the Spirit Feather Shield to fend them off with all her might, shouting aloud, "Senior Brother, there are too many puppets! Find a flaw and break through first!"
Clenching his teeth, Hu Feng swept his gaze around, spotting an area in the upper-left corner of the stone gate where the runes were dim. He yelled, "Attack there!" Pooling their strength, the group unleashed their spiritual energy together, striking the target with a resounding crash.
The stone gate shook, and the puppets' assault slowed. Seizing the opportunity, Hu Feng slashed open a path with his sword and roared, "Let's go!" The crowd poured through in a single file.
Behind the stone gate lay a vast expanse of medicinal fields. Spiritual herbs swayed in the breeze, filling the air with a rich medicinal fragrance. At the center stood several translucent spiritual plants radiating spiritual energy—precisely the key ingredients needed to refine Foundation Establishment pills.
The eyes of the crowd lit up. Just as they stepped forward to pluck them, the surrounding ground suddenly bulged, transforming into muddy giant hands that lunged to grab them.
Hu Feng reacted with lightning speed, summoning the Spirit Abyss Mirror. Its light froze the giant hands in place as he shouted, "Open a path with the sword array and grab the spiritual plants quickly!"
The various sects rushed in at the sound, immediately charging into the medicinal field.
Cries of battle and the clash of spiritual energy instantly intertwined. Hu Feng and Lin Yao protected their fellow disciples while struggling to harvest the spiritual plants.
A master from one of the valley factions launched a sudden sneak attack, heading straight for Lin Yao. Seeing this, Hu Feng was burning with anxiety and threw himself forward, blocking a fatal blow meant for Lin Yao. The sharp blade pierced straight through his shoulder, his blood staining his robes red. Lin Yao's eyes split with grief. "Senior Brother!"
Enduring the pain, Hu Feng gritted his teeth and said, "Never mind me! Take the spiritual plants!"
Filled with grief and rage, Lin Yao unleashed a torrent of violent spiritual energy. The light of the Spirit Feather Shield blazed brilliantly, beating back the enemy as she turned to support Hu Feng. "No, Senior Brother, we leave together!"
At that moment, chaos reigned across the medicinal field as traps triggered constantly. Casualties mounted among the various sects, yet no one retreated; everyone fought desperately for the spiritual plants.
Struggling to his feet, Hu Feng surveyed his surroundings. Many of his own disciples had fallen, but the majority of the spiritual plants were already in hand.
With a resolute gaze, he ordered, "Fall back! Return to the sect!" Fighting as they retreated, the group battled their way through and finally broke out of the secret realm.
As soon as they stepped out of the valley mouth, they saw the sect elders waiting to receive them. Supporting Hu Feng, Lin Yao cried out anxiously, "Elders, please save Senior Brother!"
The elders quickly stepped forward, feeding him a pill and channeling spiritual energy to soothe his injuries. Frowning, an elder asked, "How did he get hurt this badly?"
Hu Feng smiled weakly. "It's nothing. As long as we secured the spiritual plants, it's fine."
On the way back to the sect, Hu Feng slipped into unconsciousness. Lin Yao stayed by his side, holding his hand tightly, her eyes wet with tears. "Senior Brother, you must get better. From now on, I will never let you risk your life like this again..."
Back within the Rosy Clouds Sect, upon receiving the news, the sect master came personally to the mountain gate to welcome them.
Seeing the return of the disciples—some covered in blood yet wearing resolute expressions, and looking upon Hu Feng severely wounded on a stretcher—his eyes turned red with emotion. "Good children, you've worked hard! The sect will remember your deeds today! Quick, take the injured for treatment, and let the rest rest and recover properly."
When Hu Feng finally regained consciousness, three days had passed.
Lin Yao kept vigil by his bedside, her eyes red from lack of sleep. Seeing him wake up, she wept tears of joy. "Senior Brother, you're finally awake!"
Hu Feng raised a hand to gently wipe away her tears. "I've made you worry, Junior Sister. Were all the spiritual plants brought back?"
Lin Yao nodded. "They're all here, thanks to Senior Brother risking your life. Just focus on recovering your health for now, and don't be so reckless again."
Hu Feng grasped her hand and spoke softly, "With you here, even recklessness is fine. After this battle, I only feel that the road ahead is long. With you by my side and the sect to lean on, we can push through even the most perilous hardships. Once I heal, we shall join hands to continue protecting the sect and wiping out the demonic factions."
Tearful yet smiling, Lin Yao nodded heavily. The gazes of the two intertwined, filled with the relief of having survived a calamity and expectations for the future, as if all the perils of this world were merely the furnace fires forging their true hearts—burning ever brighter, never to be extinguished.