Welcome to Misty Peak, Miss…

"Oh, it turns out you know about this," Ye Junlin said.

Hong Qianye's heart stirred like a turbulent wave. With his former position, he had been well-informed, and the Fire Origin Pill was no stranger to him.

For cultivators whose specialty lay in fire-attribute techniques, this was practically a divine pill—its amplifying effects were astonishing.

It was so valuable, even immortals would fight over it!

Moreover, ever since he used his secret technique to kill the pervert chasing him and narrowly escape death, his foundation had been severely damaged. That damage would hinder his future cultivation path. The sudden appearance of this Fire Origin Pill… it was like receiving life-saving aid in a snowstorm!

"This is all for me..." Hong Qianye murmured. Since childhood, no one had ever treated him with such kindness.

All he had ever encountered were schemes, treachery, and cold indifference. But now Ye Junlin had given him a technique and a pill—both of incomparably high grade. The gratitude in Hong Qianye's heart surged uncontrollably.

Wait a second! How did a mere Soul Formation cultivator get things like this?

Even when I was at my peak, I couldn't get my hands on such treasures!

Hong Qianye found it absurd.

What's wrong with this guy?

The technique and pill—items that even the top powers in the Central Region would go mad for—had been casually handed out by a cultivator from the Wasteland Province!

Could it be that he carries some great destiny?

His thoughts spun chaotically. His heartbeat quickened.

Because whether it was the Three Thousand Flame Sutra or the Fire Origin Pill, these were absolutely not things someone at the Soul Formation realm could possess under normal circumstances.

The only reasonable explanation was that Ye Junlin had obtained them from some ancient ruins. But judging by his current mindset and casual attitude, he probably didn't even realize just how rare and valuable these things were!

Thinking of this, Hong Qianye's breathing became rapid, and he began to feel that he was truly fortunate.

"Little Hong, are you not satisfied with what your master gave you?"

Seeing his expression constantly changing, Ye Junlin couldn't help but find it amusing. Just what kind of wild thoughts was this former demonic sect leader caught up in?

Hong Qianye snapped back to his senses. His attitude shifted instantly. He raised both hands respectfully and said in a deep voice, "Master, that's absolutely not the case! For this disciple, being accepted by Master is a tremendous stroke of fortune!"

Given the situation, he might as well follow him. Once his strength recovered, he could slowly uncover this mysterious man's secrets.

"Then take the pill. From now on, your master will protect you."

"Thank you, Master."

Hong Qianye swallowed the Fire Origin Pill, then sat cross-legged and began refining it.

In an instant—

Wisps of green smoke drifted from the top of his head. His snow-white skin turned red like molten iron. His entire face flushed as if it were bleeding. His whole body looked like it had caught fire. At that moment, earth-shaking changes occurred within him.

Boom!

Hong Qianye's aura surged without pause. His cultivation level began to soar.

From Early Foundation Establishment… to Mid-stage… Late-stage… Peak… Perfected…

Then—

He broke through to the Golden Core realm.

Moments later, his cultivation stabilized once more—he had reached the Early Nascent Soul realm!

The Immortal Fire spiritual roots within his body had returned to their original pristine state. His foundation had become exceptionally solid. Going forward, his cultivation path would be smooth and swift.

In just half an hour, he had broken through from Foundation Establishment to Nascent Soul—a speed that would be considered unbelievable even in the Central Region.

But in Ye Junlin's eyes?

This was completely normal.

After all, this guy was a re-cultivating true immortal. With the proper technique and a pill tailored for him, what was so strange about soaring to the heavens?

Hong Qianye felt the changes surging through his body and couldn't hold back his excitement. He raised his head toward the sky and let out a roar, unable to suppress the joy erupting from within.

The roar was filled with pride and ambition, shaking the vast bamboo forest and sending countless birds scattering in all directions.

Just wait! When I return to the Central Region, I'll make every last one of those who ambushed me pay!

But as soon as he noticed the strange look on the silver-haired young man's face, Hong Qianye realized he had lost his composure. He cleared his throat with a few awkward coughs and said, "Apologies, Master. This disciple was rude."

"No problem," Ye Junlin said with a wave of his hand. "Follow me back to the sect. It's time to meet your uncle-masters."

"Yes!"

…

…

Xuantian Sect

The atmosphere was lively and jubilant. Everyone's faces were glowing with joy.

After all, they had just won a great victory. Their pride was overflowing.

"If it weren't for Master Ye, our Xuantian Sect would have been reduced to ruins!"

"Yes, Lord Ye Junlin is truly our savior!"

"Sigh, it's a pity I was blind back then and missed the chance to join Misty Peak. If I had, I could be one of his disciples right now!"

"It must be amazing to join Misty Peak—just being able to see Master Ye every day would be a dream!"

"Master Ye Junlin is now the strongest cultivator in the entire Xuantian Sect. His standards for accepting disciples must be unimaginably high. I wonder what kind of heaven-defying talent could possibly catch his eye."

"Look, look! Master Ye has returned!" a disciple shouted.

At once, countless gazes turned skyward.

They saw Ye Junlin descending gracefully from the clouds, silver hair dancing in the wind, his robes billowing with elegance. His face was youthful and handsome, and his aura ethereal like a true immortal.

"Eh? Who's that woman behind him?"

Trailing behind Ye Junlin was Hong Qianye, dressed in flowing crimson robes, his long jet-black hair cascading like a waterfall to his waist. His features were exquisitely delicate, with a noble nose, porcelain skin, and a flame-shaped mark glowing between his brows.

He radiated otherworldly beauty—but his icy temperament kept people at a distance, as if no one dared get too close.

"So beautiful..."

Several male disciples murmured, their hearts pounding violently. Their expressions were dazed—as if they had just fallen in love at first sight.

"Dammit, where did this vixen come from? And why is she standing so close to Master Ye?" The female disciples were nearly frothing with jealousy, their hearts filled with envy and rage.

"Little Hong," Ye Junlin said with a grin, "this is Xuantian Sect—my home. From now on, you'll be the chief disciple of Misty Peak."

Hong Qianye's iconic phoenix eyes flashed with faint disgust.

This so-called immortal sect was downright shabby, and the cultivators here were weak beyond words.

Compared to the Central Region, it was like comparing heaven and mud.

Even the Flame Demon Cult he had once founded—any random outer disciple from back then—could probably wipe this place out.

Forget it, Hong Qianye thought to himself. Since I need a quiet place to train, I'll stay here for now.

If it weren't for Ye Junlin, he wouldn't have even spared this place a second glance.

But if he wanted to uncover the secrets behind this bizarre young man, he had to learn to be patient—and hide his true self.

"Junior Brother Ye, are you…" Xu Younian stepped out from the main hall, catching sight of Hong Qianye behind him. His words paused awkwardly.

"I picked up a disciple along the way," Ye Junlin said casually. "Little Hong, come greet the sect master."

Sensing the man's weak cultivation base, Hong Qianye felt a twinge of disappointment—but understanding the situation, he stepped forward and cupped his hands respectfully. "Disciple Hong Qianye greets the Sect Master."

"Disciple…?"

"Whoa, what a stunning girl…" The master of Heavenly Fragrance Peak swayed over with graceful steps. When her eyes landed on Hong Qianye's breathtaking face, she couldn't help but lean in closer.

Hong Qianye's gaze sharpened like twin blades, and he barked coldly, "I'm a man."

Boom!

As the words fell, a terrifying aura erupted from his body.

The master of Heavenly Fragrance Peak turned pale, her legs trembling. Her voice shook: "N-Nascent Soul Realm…"

"This person is actually at the Nascent Soul stage?!" Xu Younian and the others were stunned.

"Bastard! That's my senior sister!" Ye Junlin scowled. "Hurry up and apologize!"

Realizing he'd lost control, Hong Qianye quickly retracted his aura and forced down his irritation. He clasped his hands and said flatly, "This disciple was out of line."

"No, no, it's fine…" The master of Heavenly Fragrance Peak looked flustered, not daring to approach any further.

"Junior Brother Ye, where on earth did you find this disciple? He's in the Nascent Soul Realm!" Xu Younian clicked his tongue in amazement.

"I just picked him up along the way." Ye Junlin waved it off.

Everyone turned to look at each other in silence, completely speechless.