Chapter 892: Entering the Island

"Even so, Senior Brother Zhao, for you to have investigated this matter so clearly, you must have spent a great deal of effort." The incarnation chuckled. "Senior Brother Zhao, I cannot simply take you to the Dark Lightning Wood grove on your word alone. You must first tell me clearly what you intend to do there. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, it will be difficult for me to explain to the sect."

Zhao Songqiao remained silent for a moment before saying, "Junior Brother, you're right. Then I will no longer conceal it! I once obtained a devilish secret technique. It allows one to borrow the power of yin lightning, guide them into the Qihai, destroy and then rebuild, and forcibly achieve Foundation Building. You should know that the power of lightning is exceedingly violent and terrifying. I may be burned to death by it before I even come close. After much investigation, I discovered that in your sect’s Dark Lightning Wood grove, because of the peculiar nature of the trees, thin traces of yin lightning accumulate there, and they are far gentler than elsewhere. There is a chance I might succeed. But the seniors of my sect would never allow me to risk my life with such a method, so I can only ask you, Junior Brother Zhang. If I truly succeed, I am willing to give this secret technique to you. As for other conditions, you may state them freely. As long as it is within my power, I will not refuse!"

Zhao Songqiao’s tone was resolute.

"Lightning-induced Foundation Building?" The incarnation was stunned.

This was the first time he had heard of such a method. To dare draw lightning into one’s body at the Qi Refining Realm was courting death, with the likely result of being reduced to ashes. This person truly had boldness beyond measure.

However, the words "destroy and then rebuild" struck a chord within him. Back then, both he and the Wandering Man had walked a similar path. Was Zhao Songqiao the same? The incarnation glanced at Zhao Songqiao, his face contemplative.

Fang Ting could not hold back and spoke up in his favor. "Senior Brother Zhang, if it is possible to enter the Dark Lightning Wood grove, then please help Senior Brother Zhao this once."

The incarnation raised a brow. "Junior Sister, with your dual spiritual root and top-grade talent, you will not lack a Foundation Building Pill in the future. What need do you have for such a dangerous secret technique?"

Fang Ting’s face turned red, her lips moved, and then she quietly sent a voice transmission. "Senior Brother Zhao gave me a Youth Returning Pill. I thought my master would also be going, and that I could take it under his name, so... I consumed it. Also, this secret technique may prove useful to you, Senior Brother. If Senior Brother Zhao fails and perishes, then we simply will not practice it, and we lose nothing. But if he succeeds, then you can reach the Foundation Building Realm together with me!"

"A Youth Returning Pill? At your age?" The incarnation was speechless.

The Youth Returning Pill could preserve one’s youthful looks. Though it was not as miraculous as the legendary Appearance-Fixing Pill, it was still rare.

For cultivators, especially those beneath the Core Formation Realm, it was difficult to fully erase the traces of time. Not everyone possessed the Jade Liquid of Three Radiances. Such an herb was especially enticing to female cultivators.

Zhao Songqiao had indeed chosen his gift wisely. Fang Ting’s face flushed crimson. The incarnation heard the sincerity in the latter half of her words and sank into thought.

To borrow Jin Yan’s name to enter the Dark Lightning Wood grove would not be difficult, and he himself wished to roam about. Bringing Zhao Songqiao along might require more effort. The key was whether it was worth it.

He remained curious about this secret art, wondering if it could be adapted for his true body. With his true body’s cultivation, the danger of drawing lightning within would be far less.

Moreover, he had recently heard of a place divided between Landou Sect and Yanmiao Pavilion. If he wished to infiltrate it, he might need Fang Ting’s identity as cover.

After a moment’s hesitation, the incarnation lifted his head and spoke, "Junior Sister Fang, if not for your sake, I would certainly hesitate. Since you plead on Senior Brother Zhao’s behalf, I will do my best to try. I cannot guarantee success, however."

"Truly! Thank you, Senior Brother! As long as you agree, it will certainly work out!" Fang Ting’s worries were finally lifted.

Zhao Songqiao was also overjoyed. He rose and bowed, his voice trembling slightly. "Thank you, Junior Brother Zhang. I am truly grateful for the trouble you are taking!"

"Senior Brother Zhao, no need for such courtesy." The incarnation raised his hand, his voice firm. "I will not demand other conditions, let this be for Junior Sister’s sake. But let us speak frankly beforehand. Once inside, you must follow my command and act as I say. You are not to act on your own. Should trouble arise, I will not speak a word in your defense."

Then he turned to Fang Ting. "Junior Sister, do not celebrate too soon. In time, I will also require your help with something."

"Leave it to me." Fang Ting did not even ask what it was, thumping her chest in agreement.

The three spoke for a while longer, and then Fang Ting and Zhao Songqiao left with smiles on their faces.

After sending them off, the incarnation summoned the Sky-Eyed Butterfly, lost in thought. The butterfly had detected nothing unusual about Zhao Songqiao earlier, so perhaps he was simply overthinking.

When the time came, he would have the butterfly watch Zhao Songqiao closely and observe him practicing the secret technique. Should he show the slightest sign of abnormality, he would be killed immediately.

But to take them inside, he still needed to obtain a task from Jin Yan. With this thought, the incarnation flew out of his cave dwelling and headed straight for the stone hall.

***

Five days later.

A mass of cloud and mist sped like lightning, in an instant leaving the mountains behind, then continued across the sparkling sea at undiminished speed. Faint silhouettes could be seen within the mist.

"Junior Brother Lu, your Cloud-Mist Boat has already been refined to the point of perfect control. When used at full strength, its speed is nearly that of a high-grade astra, is it not?"

At the prow of the cloud and mist stood two Daoists. One of them held a horsetail whisk. It was Daoist Huayang, who turned slightly, speaking flatteringly.

The other looked much younger than Daoist Huayang, with straight brows and bright eyes, carrying natural authority without anger.

Like the sect leader of Landou Sect, Lu Xiaoyun, this man also bore the surname Lu. He was Lu Xiaoyun’s adopted son, possessing astounding talent. Already at the peak of the Core Formation Realm, he was the number one abbot of Canglan Peak.

With Lu Xiaoyun absent, he managed the sect’s affairs. If nothing went amiss, he would one day succeed Lu Xiaoyun as sect leader of Landou Sect.

The incarnation stood quietly at the rear of the Cloud-Mist Boat, hidden among the crowd without a word.

"Senior Brother Huayang, you overestimated it. This vessel has already been reforged many times and its potential exhausted. It cannot be improved further. It is far inferior to a high-grade astra, and can only serve as transportation..."

As he spoke, Abbot Lu gazed ahead. "We departed a little early this time. I wonder if the other sects have arrived yet."

"According to tradition, Yanmiao Pavilion and the others who helped us lay the barrier over Dongming Island will arrive early. As for the rest, they will likely not gather until noon, when Longxing Mountain opens." Daoist Huayang seemed very familiar with the proceedings of the Dharma Assembly.

Abbot Lu gave a slight nod. "This is my first time presiding over such an event. At that time, I will need Senior Brother Huayang’s assistance..."

As they spoke, the Cloud-Mist Boat crossed the blue sky and jade-green sea. Before long, several unusual rays of light appeared ahead, revealed as various flying artifacts.

"It is actually Abbot Lu himself!"

"Greetings, Abbot Lu!"

Several figures flew out from the artifacts to greet him from afar.