Chapter 64: Bai Wanqing

Within the Profound Pill Sect, Outer Peak disciples who reach the Qi Refining Seventh Layer and ascend to the Inner Peak face two choices.

The first is to select a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator as their master and become a Close Disciple, forging a far stronger master-disciple bond.

The second is to affiliate with a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator. In this arrangement, the actual relationship between the disciple and the elder is essentially non-existent.

In many cases, the Foundation Establishment Stage Elder overseeing these affiliations may not even be aware of how many disciples are nominally under their charge.

From another perspective, disciples affiliated with an elder in this way are essentially free disciples. When they advance to the Foundation Establishment Stage, this affiliation automatically dissolves.

However, for Close Disciples who choose the first option, regardless of whether they ultimately reach the Foundation Establishment Stage or the Golden Core Stage, their master remains their master for life—a tradition akin to the adage "once a master, always a father."

Han Yi was able to join Azure Dragon Peak primarily because his master, Luo Yunzhou, approved his application to affiliate with him.

It's important to note that Azure Dragon Peak is the premier Inner Peak, and competition for entry is fierce. Disciples from both the Outer Peak and the other eight Inner Peaks frequently apply for transfers, making vacancies extremely rare.

This time, with Luo Yunzhou's introduction, Han Yi couldn't refuse. A formal greeting was in order, and it would prevent others from thinking he was arrogant.

They arrived at Azure Dragon Peak, specifically the Azure Dragon Palace, at the Elder's Meditation Chamber.

Luo Yunzhou confidently pushed open the door, Han Yi following closely behind.

Inside the room, a female cultivator sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. As they entered, her gaze swept past Luo Yunzhou and fixed on Han Yi.

Han Yi met her eyes and was struck by her breathtaking beauty.

The woman wore a black Daoist robe, the traditional attire of an Elder. Since she was seated and Han Yi didn't dare steal glances, he couldn't discern her figure.

Yet her face was the most stunning he had seen since his transmigration.

A silver hairpin secured her raven-black hair in an elegant bun.

Her delicate face featured bright, intelligent eyes, perfectly arched eyebrows, and a straight, elegant nose—a blend of refined elegance and peerless allure.

Daring not to stare, Han Yi immediately lowered his head in respect.

"Junior Han Yi pays his respects to Elder Bai," he said, bowing slightly with hands clasped.

"Rise. You're Han Yi, aren't you?"

Bai Wanqing's voice was clear and melodious, sounding more like a woman in her twenties than her actual age in her forties.

Indeed, this was Luo Yunzhou's Master, whom he had briefly introduced to Han Yi on their way here.

His Master was a female cultivator named Bai Wanqing, a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator in her early forties. However, like many female cultivators, she possessed techniques to preserve her youthful appearance, making her look like she was in her early twenties.

During their journey, Luo Yunzhou had warned Han Yi that his Master disliked disciples who talked too much. He advised him to be cautious with his words and actions, speaking only when necessary. Han Yi took this advice to heart.

"Yes, Junior Brother Han Yi," he replied.

An uncomfortable silence hung in the air for a full three breaths. Han Yi couldn't help but glance up and found Bai Wanqing's bright eyes fixed on him. After a brief moment of eye contact, he quietly lowered his gaze again, maintaining a neutral expression.

"You are quite good," she said. "Yunzhou mentioned you saved him in Heavenfall City?"

Han Yi glanced at Luo Yunzhou beside him. It seemed Luo Yunzhou hadn't told Bai Wanqing about Han Yi's feat of killing someone above his cultivation level, or she wouldn't have asked this question.

"As fellow disciples, we should naturally help each other," Han Yi replied.

A hint of admiration flickered in Bai Wanqing's eyes. "Would you be willing to become my disciple?" she asked softly.

Han Yi was slightly surprised that this Foundation Establishment Stage Elder would consider him, but he had already made up his mind. Without hesitation, he politely declined, "This junior's talent is ordinary. I fear I would disappoint Elder Bai's esteemed consideration."

Bai Wanqing smiled—her first since Han Yi had entered. When he looked up, he was momentarily stunned by her radiant beauty.

"Good. You show neither arrogance nor impatience. You're quite impressive."

"If you encounter any difficulties in the future, feel free to seek me out."

"Focus on your cultivation and take your leave."

To Han Yi's relief, Bai Wanqing didn't insist on keeping him and even invited him to seek her out in times of trouble.

Naturally, Han Yi took this as a polite formality. He thanked her and quickly withdrew from the room.

Luo Yunzhou followed him out.

"See? I told you! My Master is the most stunning of all the female Foundation Establishment Stage Elders."

"Oh, by the way, Junior Brother Han, did you know my Master doesn't have a Dao Companion yet? If you ever reach the Foundation Establishment Stage yourself, you might consider pursuing her."

Han Yi's lips twitched.

This guy would push his own Master just to curry favor with me? Talk about dedication.

"Junior Brother Han, it's your first day on the peak. Come on, Senior Brother will give you a tour of Azure Dragon Peak and show you the celestial splendor of the number one Inner Peak!"

Luo Yunzhou eagerly offered to guide Han Yi around Azure Dragon Peak.

Han Yi initially wanted to decline, but then he reconsidered. Since he would be spending a considerable amount of time on Azure Dragon Peak, familiarizing himself now would prevent future embarrassment.

Luo Yunzhou was so enthusiastic that Han Yi couldn't refuse, especially since it wouldn't take too long anyway.

Besides, among the nine Inner Peaks, Azure Dragon Peak reigned supreme.

Han Yi was genuinely interested in exploring it.

Until now, he had focused solely on cultivation, venturing out only to the twenty-one market towns of the Inner and Outer Peaks and the Sect Management Halls.

He had already thoroughly explored all eighteen Outer Peak markets during his time at Little Spirit Void Peak.

The three Inner Peak markets were located on Overturning Sea, Crimson Sun, and White Tiger Peaks. Han Yi frequented Crimson Sun Market the most, having established a preliminary trust with the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild there. Though rudimentary, this trust saved him considerable trouble.

As a result, Han Yi had visited Azure Dragon Peak only a handful of times. He recalled visiting once before his transmigration and once afterward when submitting his application.

Both visits had been rushed, with no time to linger.

Earlier, Luo Yunzhou had mentioned that Azure Dragon Peak had over three hundred courtyards, yet the disciple population was capped at under two hundred. This was due to limited resources, primarily the Fourth-Tier High-Grade Spirit Vein beneath the peak.

Exceeding two hundred disciples would severely strain the Spirit Vein, potentially degrading its quality over time. Hence the strict policy.

Luo Yunzhou first gave Han Yi a tour of Azure Dragon Palace, both inside and out. The palace was a breathtaking sight, with its jade towers and ornate halls arranged in orderly rows, veiled in ethereal spiritual energy. The higher one climbed, the more prestigious one's status.

Han Yi gazed up at the summit, where the tallest tower was perpetually occupied by a Golden Core Stage cultivator. This cultivator controlled Azure Dragon Peak's formation restrictions, which, when activated, could repel attacks even from Peak Golden Core cultivators.

"A Golden Core True Person," Luo Yunzhou said to Junior Brother Han, pointing to the tower. "A Golden Core True Person is stationed there every day."

"A True Person indeed," Luo Yunzhou sighed wistfully, his envy plain to see.

"What exactly is a True Person?" Han Yi asked, hearing the term for the first time.

"Oh, you don't know, Junior Brother Han?" Luo Yunzhou explained. "True cultivation actually begins with the Foundation Establishment Stage. Foundation Establishment—establishing the foundation for one's path."

"There's a saying among Golden Core Stage cultivators: 'Once a Golden Core is swallowed, one realizes one's fate is no longer determined by heaven.' Only then does one become 'True,' hence the title 'True Person.'"

Han Yi nodded thoughtfully. This was new to him. It seemed Luo Yunzhou, being an Inner Sect disciple, possessed a far more solid theoretical understanding of cultivation than he did. He resolved to consult Luo Yunzhou more often in the future.

Next...

Luo Yunzhou led Han Yi out of the Azure Dragon Palace and onto Azure Dragon Peak. Courtyards of varying sizes and unique designs dotted the mountainside. Some were fortified with additional Formation Arts beyond the peak's inherent formation restrictions, creating a peculiar and picturesque landscape when viewed from afar.

Han Yi didn't approach any of the courtyards. Instead, he strolled to the edge of Immortal Peak, gazing at the churning sea of clouds. He spotted an Immortal Boat slicing through the misty expanse, passing between Azure Dragon Peak and the distant Black Tortoise Peak. Without a closer look, one might mistake it for a fleeting streak of light.

"This place is called Azure Dragon Cliff," Luo Yunzhou announced. "Whenever I face setbacks, I come here to contemplate the sea of clouds and admire the immortal mountains. The vastness broadens my perspective, soothes my spirit, and strengthens my resolve on the Immortal Path. Junior Brother Han, this is the First Inner Peak. You won't regret choosing it." He spread his arms as if to embrace the celestial mist.

"Indeed, this is truly an immortal's paradise," Han Yi breathed deeply, then slowly exhaled. As the stagnant air left his body, his mind and spirit settled into tranquility.

The Immortal Path stretches endlessly onward. This shall be the land where I attain enlightenment! Han Yi vowed inwardly, his heart swelling with ambition.

"Oh, I just remembered—Master has entrusted me with an urgent task," Luo Yunzhou said abruptly, cupping his fists in farewell. "I apologize, Junior Brother Han, but I can only guide you this far. Feel free to explore Azure Dragon Peak on your own now. I'm sure it won't disappoint you."

With a formal farewell, Luo Yunzhou hurried away.

Han Yi returned the greeting with thanks.

Watching Luo Yunzhou depart, Han Yi turned back to Azure Dragon Cliff and continued gazing at the sea of clouds.

After a moment, his curiosity piqued, he left the cliff and decided to explore the entire peak.

It took him nearly half an hour to reach the opposite side of Immortal Peak, where he finally decided to return to his new courtyard.

As he passed an uninhabited courtyard, he suddenly sensed something unusual—a faint fluctuation of Spirit Qi within.

Months ago, when Han Yi was still at the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining, he might not have noticed such a subtle shift. But now, having advanced to the Seventh Layer and thoroughly stabilized his cultivation, his divine sense had leaped far beyond its previous capabilities.

It was through this heightened divine sense that he detected the faint disturbance.

Why would such a remote courtyard have Spirit Qi fluctuations? Could this be some kind of Immortal Opportunity?

The term "Immortal Opportunity" encompassed a wide range of possibilities, including Heavenly Treasures, Magic Artifacts, Spirit Treasures, and even high-quality spirit elixirs or Spirit Stones.

This abandoned courtyard was among the most secluded spots on Azure Dragon Peak. Over countless years, nourished by the Fourth-Tier Spirit Vein, it was plausible that a naturally occurring treasure might have emerged here.

Han Yi hesitated. In the outside world, he would have considered the matter more carefully.

But then he thought, On Azure Dragon Peak, my safety is guaranteed, no matter what.

Azure Dragon Peak was the Profound Pill Sect's premier Inner Peak, guarded by Golden Core Stage cultivators and nearly twenty Foundation Establishment Stage Elders. What was there to fear? If discovered, he could simply hand over the Immortal Opportunity to the Sect and receive compensation, earning a decent side income.

With this thought, he lightly leaped over the courtyard wall and landed inside.