Chapter 175

At this moment, Fang Xu felt his soul tremble slightly, as if something had gently guided his thoughts before, and now that thing had left.

"Fang Xu..."

In his arms, Gu Qiu struggled a little and let out a coquettish sound.

"Hmm?"

Fang Xu came to his senses and suddenly realized that Gu Qiu was tightly held in his embrace; he immediately felt a bit embarrassed and loosened his arms.

"Senior sister, are you alright?"

Gu Qiu's face still flushed, she smiled and shook her head: "I'm fine."

"Little Fang, you two stop your lovey-dovey, there are still enemies here."

The old ape couldn't stand seeing such a major enemy before them while you two are being lovey-dovey, and he spoke up to interrupt.

Comprehending the dragon clan bloodline inheritance transmitted from the Long Dragon brought him some strange encounters.

The goat-bearded man's face shifted through several expressions, then he glanced at Jiang Feng beside the old ape and the Long Dragon, seemingly realizing that even if they fought, their side had little chance of winning, so he slowly retreated backward.

"What kind of life do I long for?"

The other party seems to know Gu Qiu!

Fang Xu suppressed the doubts in his heart, turned and smiled at Gu Qiu: "Senior sister."

At the moment she woke from the illusion, she also immediately realized that she had been living in an illusion all along before.

Seeing Gu Qiu's words reach her lips only to be swallowed back, Fang Xu felt a bit embarrassed and casually found a topic to speak of.

Especially when he domineeringly held Gu Qiu in his arms and said, "This time you must obey," Fang Xu clearly felt that joy of regaining what was lost and a faint lingering fear!

"Fang Xu?"

Gu Qiu walked straight to the ship's rail and stood beside Fang Xu.

After confirming that the few people had no serious injuries, he directly ordered the helmsman to turn the ship and head toward the Immortal Island.

It made him feel as if, with the passage of time, his mind had undergone a change.

Fang Xu said lightly: "Just like in the illusion—men tilling, women weaving, attending to husband and teaching children, the ordinary life of common folk."

Recalling what happened after seeing Gu Qiu, Fang Xu became doubtful again.

In the cabin, Jiang Feng looked at the seven Gu Qiu before him, questioned each one about the scene when they were captured, and finally found that the one who acted should be that Mirage Old Man skilled in illusions.

On the deck, Fang Xu stood at the edge of the ship's rail, quietly gazing at the sea surface.

This mission was originally to rescue the captured core disciples.

The strength of that group is not weak; they have two more Martial Venerable realm experts than our side, and many more Martial Sovereign realm experts; if we fought, we would have little chance of winning.

Gu Qiu was stunned.

When under the Mirage Old Man's illusion control, she did have some perception of the outside world.

After the other party withdrew, they also returned to the treasure ship.

Under the sea breeze, a scent carrying a faint herbal fragrance drifted from her, making Fang Xu find it very pleasant.

"So the senior sister's longed-for life is like that."

They were afraid!

That was the Mirage Old Man!

Behind the goat-bearded man, a martial artist trembled and spoke in a low voice.

He is an ancient demon king, extremely skilled in illusion arts; ordinary Martial Venerable realm experts find it hard to break his methods.

Now that the mission is complete, there's no need to take risks anymore.

Both couldn't help but blush as they came to Jiang Feng's side.

The other party seems very strong, but his attitude is very gentle, and instead of forcibly seizing one's body upon arrival, he influences oneself in a way one hardly notices.

After weighing both sides' strength, Jiang Feng also did not rashly choose to attack.

"Senior brother, let's retreat!"

Especially when they saw Gu Qiu stand up on the island, he could clearly feel a surge of longing, joy...

Just now, the Mirage Old Man they spoke of made a move, but ultimately died mysteriously before this young man's eyes.

After all, in their view, Fang Xu entered the Mirage Old Man's illusion and then easily slew him in the very field he was most skilled in.

Not to mention that Jiang Feng's group originally had strength not inferior to theirs; just Fang Xu's means of killing the Mirage Old Man alone would be enough to make them fearful.

Could it not be understood that in the aspect of illusion, the other party is stronger than the Mirage Old Man?

"You..." Gu Qiu turned her head, staring at his face, wanting to speak but stopping.

But...

Opposite, the goat-bearded man and his companions were already frightened silly, all looking solemnly at Fang Xu.

Gu Qiu's voice came from behind.

That thread of temporal power is still stored in the Bronze Balance now; but what is the thing that came into my body along with that temporal power?

Fang Xu pondered for a long time but still could not understand.

"I thought..."

"Ah!" Gu Qiu let out a shy, embarrassed scream that cut off Fang Xu's words, then hurriedly asked: "How did you see it?"

Fang Xu said doubtfully: "Senior sister, what's wrong with you?"

"Actually, sometimes I also want..."

"You first tell me, how did you see it!?" Gu Qiu pressed.

"The one who captured you could manifest the illusion you were in, and I and the one in charge of them both saw it..." Fang Xu spoke.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qiu's pretty face showed a hint of despair as she murmured incessantly:

"It's over, it's over..."

"This is embarrassing, really embarrassing..."

"You... you guys saw how much?" After murmuring, Gu Qiu asked cautiously.

Fang Xu looked at her with some confusion.

"Quickly tell me, how much did you see, what scenes did you see!!"

Under her questioning, Fang Xu stammered: "Just the beach... a group of kids, you were weaving fishing nets, and there was a man fishing..."

"Just that?" Gu Qiu hurriedly asked.

Fang Xu nodded: "Just that..."

Gu Qiu suddenly let out a long breath, patting her chest: "Phew, phew!"

Seeing her like that, Fang Xu couldn't help but laugh: "What's the big deal?"

"You didn't see the illusion scenes of those few senior brothers."

"Just that senior brother in white clothes, holding a silver long sword..."

Fang Xu vividly described to Gu Qiu what he had seen—the deepest, truest thoughts of several core disciples of the Ascension Immortal Assembly.

The core essence of the illusion is to stimulate the most simple, genuine thoughts in people's hearts, amplify desires, and then let the entire illusion world develop according to the direction most longed for by the target's heart, causing people to sink into it, unable to extricate themselves.

Simply put, the entire illusion world is actually just the caster giving an incentive, after which everything is the victim's own brain-filling.

The white-clothed senior brother Fang Xu mentioned, seated high above the nine heavens, gazing down upon billions of beings, this is typical imperial heart.

And that core disciple standing atop the world, exuding terrifying aura, that is the mindset of pursuing the strongest in the world.

Fang Xu narrated one after another, and Gu Qiu listened, dazed!

Pfft!

Suddenly, a laugh came from behind, interrupting their chat.

Fang Xu turned around, and indeed saw six people standing behind him.

Several of them had faces as black as frightening, looking at him with gazes that seemed to want to devour him.

"Uh... a few senior brothers..."

Fang Xu shrank his neck, also not expecting that he was talking behind their backs, only to be caught red-handed.

To say they were also quite unlucky.

Originally bored in the cabin, then learning from Jiang Feng that they were rescued this time, with Fang Xu contributing the most, they wanted to find Fang Xu to personally thank him.

Who would have thought that just stepping onto the deck, they heard Fang Xu narrating their awesome deeds in the illusion.

Originally planning to listen with a melon-eating attitude, but Fang Xu left nothing out, saying everything about their performance in the illusion.

"Junior Brother Fang, you're not being loyal enough!"

The white-clothed youth with imperial mindset walked over with a dark face, gritting his teeth: "Peeking into our inner secrets, and using them to amuse Junior Sister Gu Qiu, you're really something..."

"Exactly!" Another core disciple also strode over fiercely: "We're all fellow disciples from the same sect, we don't oppose you pursuing Junior Sister Gu Qiu, but you can't build your happiness on our pain..."

"Two senior brothers, stop it. There's an unwritten rule on Immortal Island: we old-timers can hold a welcoming ceremony for new junior brothers. By then, we few will have to properly thank Junior Brother Fang..."

"That must be properly thanked..."

Several people stared at Fang Xu with ill intentions—any fool knows this so-called "proper thank you" is definitely not a good thing.

"Senior brothers, please don't!"

Fang Xu bitterly smiled and clasped his hands.

He knew these people had no ill intent, just purely annoyed and embarrassed, preparing to teach him a lesson.

"What 'what'?" The white-clothed youth laughed heartily, putting his arm around Fang Xu's shoulder: "After entering Immortal Island, we'll be brothers from now on, we need to get closer."

"By the way, let me introduce myself—I'm Meng Ying."

"I'm Su Hongyu." The youth Fang Xu called domineering side leak also walked over, word by word.

"I'm Liang Qu Ming."

Several people came one by one, putting their arms around Fang Xu to introduce themselves.

This scene looked harmonious, but Fang Xu couldn't help feeling a chill down his spine.

He knew that once they reached Immortal Island, these guys would definitely not let him off easily.

"Oh dear, senior brothers can't bully people!" Gu Qiu naturally also knew the brothers' inner displeasure, directly pulling Fang Xu out from among them and shielding him behind her: "After Fang Xu becomes a core disciple, he's the youngest, you're not bullying people, are you!?"

"Tsk tsk tsk!"

"Look! Look!"

Seeing Gu Qiu so protective of Fang Xu, Meng Ying smiled and looked at the people behind.

"Haha..."

At this moment, everyone laughed, and Gu Qiu, angry, directly patted her cloth bag, instantly summoning a large number of flying insects hovering in the air.

Seeing these flying insects, Meng Ying and the others' faces instantly changed.

"Junior Sister Gu, this isn't something to joke around with!"

"Junior Sister Gu, this thing bites and one bite can be fatal, quickly put it away!"

"Well, we won't laugh at you anymore, quickly put away your little darlings."

Seeing the others back down, Gu Qiu then retracted the flying insects above her head.

After the laughter and fuss, Meng He and the others looked at Fang Xu and said:

"Let's get down to business, Junior Brother Fang, this time we owe it all to you."

"Senior Brother Jiang said, the one who trapped us, that old clam, is an ancient demon king skilled in illusion arts, and without you, he wouldn't have been sure to deal with."

Fang Xu gave an embarrassed smile: "I didn't contribute much either, that guy just underestimated the enemy."

"Fang Xu, junior brother, you're being too modest—we owe our lives to you, this favor must be repaid."

"But you're digging up our embarrassing past behind our backs for fun—this grudge… must be avenged!"

"Once we reach Immortal Isle, my senior brothers and I will properly entertain you."

After saying that, Meng Ying waved her hand: "Come on, let's go—don't disturb these two lovebirds."

Seeing Gu Qiu about to summon poison insects again, the few of them panicked and scrambled back to the cabin.

Gu Qiu puffed her cheeks, turned to face Fang Xu's gaze, and chuckled: "They're just like that—don't take it to heart."

Fang Xu nodded, curious: "Are the core disciples on the island all on good terms?"

Gu Qiu thought for a moment: "Most of them are fine."

"There aren't many core disciples on Immortal Isle—most are either in seclusion or constantly on missions, rarely staying on the island."

"For example, that junior brother from the Yu State branch who came to the island three years ago—since entering Immortal Isle, he's lived alone in the mountains, in seclusion, avoiding all contact."

Three years ago?

Fang Xu pondered, realizing Gu Qiu must be referring to that disciple of Steward Jiang Lu from the Ascension Platform.

According to Huang Qingzhou, that senior brother had been like that even during his time in the Yu State branch—so much so that many disciples there didn't even know he existed.

"Senior sister, could you tell me about Immortal Isle?"

Fang Xu asked casually as the sea breeze blew.

Gu Qiu nodded: "Sure!"

The two walked to a deck staircase and sat down, and Gu Qiu began to speak.

As it turns out, Immortal Isle is much like the Ascension Society branches in various nations.

It has the Divine Arms Hall, the Law Enforcement Hall, the Affairs Hall, and so on.

The only difference from the branches is that all disciples on the island are equal—there's no hierarchy.

Resource distribution among disciples is primarily based on the Three Rankings.

The first ranking is the Newcomers' List, which records disciples who have been on the island for fifty years or less.

Depending on one's rank on the list, the resources obtained vary.

The second ranking is the Hidden Dragon List, which covers all core disciples of the Ascension Society.

The third is the Ascension List.

According to Gu Qiu, the Ascension List currently has only eleven names—she doesn't know the exact requirements, but as far as she knows, in the past century, no twelfth name has ever appeared on it.

Beyond the Three Rankings, Immortal Isle's greatest opportunity is the Nameless Immortal Scripture.

Legend says the Nameless Immortal Scripture existed even before the Ascension Society took control of Immortal Isle, and the society's founder rose to power relying on it.

Each core disciple gets one day per year to contemplate the Nameless Immortal Scripture—time can be accumulated or exchanged with contribution points.

Additionally, every core disciple receives the introductory chapter of the Nameless Immortal Scripture upon arriving on the island, which they can use daily for cultivation.

In short, all cultivation resources on Immortal Isle cover realms above the Martial Warrior Realm.

Compared to martial cultivation below the Martial Warrior Realm, that seems to be the true cultivation.

With Gu Qiu's introduction, Fang Xu finally felt somewhat reassured.

"Senior sister, do you know about ancient martial arts?" Fang Xu suddenly asked.

"Ancient martial arts?" Gu Qiu furrowed her brows: "The island does have records of ancient martial arts, but honestly, it's not a big deal."

"What you call ancient martial arts—aside from the Nine-Layer Star Terrace system being taboo, other systems are practiced by someone on the island."

"For instance, I practice the Wu Dao."

"Wu?" Fang Xu looked at her curiously: "Like the Wu of Mu Yun Kingdom?"

Upon hearing that, Gu Qiu smirked dismissively: "The Wu Dao of Mu Yun Kingdom is just minor branches—true Wu Dao encompasses everything."

"Beast taming, poison cultivation, healing, toxicity, curses, corpse refining—all are Wu Dao methods."

"Do you know all of these, senior sister?" Fang Xu exclaimed.

"Skills have specialties—if cultivation involves too broad a scope, it hinders realm advancement. If Gu Qiu dabbled in all this, she'd likely run into trouble later."

"Of course—after all, I am a Holy Body!" Gu Qiu declared proudly.

Holy Body!?

Fang Xu looked at her in disbelief.

Since stepping onto the martial path, he had only seen two Holy Body possessors.

The first was Chu Mu's Danxiang Holy Body, the second was the Yin Xiao Holy Body youth seen fighting for the Lü family's Lü Liren at the ruins of Titanium Mountain.

Gu Qiu is the third.

"Alright, no more talk—Immortal Isle is almost here."

Seeing Fang Xu seemed to want to ask more about her Holy Body, Gu Qiu stood up directly and interrupted.

Fang Xu also rose and looked toward the distance.

"Fang Xu, besides my master, you're the only one who knows I possess a Holy Body—don't tell anyone else."

Gu Qiu suddenly tilted her head and looked at Fang Xu.

Fang Xu blinked: "Rest assured, senior sister."

……

Time quickly passed to evening, when the endless sea was dyed gold by the sunset's afterglow, a huge island faintly appeared ahead of the treasure ship!

At the island's center stood a towering peak piercing the clouds—from afar, it resembled the mythical sea-stabilizing stele carried by the tyrant Ba Xia.

The sunset's light bathed the mountain peak, mist swirling around it, as if a waterfall flowed from the summit—perfectly illustrating that ancient verse: "Flying stream plunges three thousand feet, as if the Milky Way falls from the nine heavens!"

Standing on the bow, Fang Xu silently gazed at Immortal Isle ahead, unsure whether it was due to the sunset's glow or his own blurred vision.

In that hazy moment, he felt as if a brilliant, ultimate firelight flashed within the island before him!

"The immortal island is just ahead." At this moment, Jiang Feng also walked out of the cabin.

After glancing at the ghost-faced troops on the ship, Jiang Feng looked toward a lush, green small island in the distance and said: "That island should be uninhabited; the ghost-faced troops can rest there now."

"Some supplies—I will have people send them over later."

Fang Xu nodded.

That island is large enough; the three thousand ghost-faced troops are all martial artists, so building some simple dwellings there should not be a problem.

Moreover, this journey to the immortal island has gone more smoothly than expected.

It seems the legendary interception is only the group of the Mirage Old Man and the Goat Beard on that small island.

Once they are dealt with, the group encounters no further trouble along the way.

After the treasure ship slowly approached the immortal island, it soon arrived at a grand and magnificent dock.

Fang Xu and the others disembarked, exchanged a few words with Sha Tianrui, and the treasure ship immediately turned around and sailed toward the distant sea island.

"Welcome to the immortal island." In the crowd, Gu Qiu stood with hands behind his back, smiling gently as he looked at Fang Xu and said:

Fang Xu nodded, observing everything around him.

Compared to the architecture of Yu State, the buildings on the island are actually closer to the ancient Chinese style with flying eaves and upturned corners.

There is no proper street on the island; all the dwellings are built haphazardly, following the mountains and water, varying in size at random, emphasizing individuality.

Fang Xu was left dazed.

"Senior sister, the buildings on this island..."

Gu Qiu followed his gaze to a few slightly exaggerated courtyards, covered his mouth and laughed: "The immortal island is vast, and there are not many disciples and elders on it."

"These houses were all designed and built freely by the seniors and disciples."

"In short, you just pick a spot you like, then spend some contribution points to ask the Logistics Hall to send people skilled in construction to help you build it."

"Theoretically, you can build as large as you want."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xu was left dazed.

This is too casual, isn't it?

"Come on, once you officially join the sect, I'll take you to visit my residence."

The group followed Jiang Feng directly to the front of a grand hall.

Fang Xu was just marveling that this hall finally had some dignity, when he unexpectedly discovered, halfway up the hill behind the hall, an ancient building over ten stories high standing tall!

The ancient building had walls and courtyards, decorated with garish ribbons, looking somewhat mismatched.

"That... could it not be a disciple's residence?" Fang Xu asked, his head buzzing.

Gu Qiu nodded: "It is a senior sister's."

As soon as he said that, the old ape and the long dragon beside him also became unsettled.

The disciples of the Ascension Assembly really do have individuality!

Building one's residence behind the sect's main hall is not enough—they even built it taller than the main hall, and made it garish.

This forms a stark contrast with the solemn and dignified main hall of the sect.

For such an oddity, do the high-level leaders of the Ascension Assembly just ignore it?

At this moment, Jiang Feng also noticed the bewildered expressions on the three faces, somewhat embarrassed, he shook his head and asked Gu Qiu: "Has Senior Sister Kong's courtyard not been demolished yet?"

Gu Qiu shook his head with a smile: "Elder Zhang of the Logistics Hall has approached her..."

Jiang Feng asked curiously: "How did he put it?"

Gu Qiu's expression turned strange: "He used his fists to speak."

"Senior Sister Kong punched Elder Zhang, and said that unless the sect leader comes in person, no one who tells her to demolish it will be obeyed."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Feng felt a black line appear on his forehead, as if he did not want to say anything more.

Fang Xu, however, heard some things from those words.

First, the owner of this courtyard, namely Senior Sister Kong, has greater seniority than Jiang Feng, since Jiang Feng must address her as senior sister.

Second, her strength is formidable; it seems the entire Ascension Assembly, aside from the sect leader, does not dare to cross her.

Third, Senior Sister Kong is very individualistic, and likely has a bad temper.

It seems I will have to be careful in the future.

If I offend her, probably no one in the entire Ascension Assembly will dare to protect me.

"Alright, stop looking—we're going to the main hall." Apparently considering that building a disgrace to the Ascension Assembly, Jiang Feng hurriedly urged Fang Xu and the old ape and others to walk toward the main hall.

"Fang Xu, I won't go in; I'll wait here for you."

Gu Qiu said.

Fang Xu nodded, and followed Jiang Feng toward the main hall.

At the main hall's entrance, two core disciples guarding the door saw Jiang Feng and respectfully said: "Greetings, Senior Brother Jiang."

Jiang Feng nodded, then led Fang Xu and the three others into the main hall.

The entire hall's decoration is extremely luxurious; gold and jade, which are extremely valuable in the mundane world, are only used here as floor tiles and column decorations.

Moreover, Fang Xu discovered many lamps, tables, and chairs made from rare smelting materials.

Behind the main hall stands a huge statue, somewhat resembling the flying figures in ancient murals from his past life.

Upon seeing the statue, Fang Xu frowned slightly.

Could the mysterious sect leader of the Ascension Assembly actually be a woman!?

"Jiang Feng pays respects to the two elders."

Arriving beside the huge statue, Jiang Feng slightly bowed his hands toward the two above.

Seeing this, Fang Xu also came to his senses, bowed his hands toward the two above, and said: "Disciple Fang Xu pays respects to the two elders."

He did not even notice the two people beneath the statue, nor did he get a clear look at their appearances.

"Jiang Feng, nephew, it's been many years since you returned, hasn't it?"

A gentle voice came from above.

Jiang Feng clasped his hands: "It's been seven years, Elder Huang, Elder Zhang—how have you been lately?"

The two elderly men in white robes on the high platform, their beards and hair all white, slowly rose to their feet, smiling as they looked at Jiang Feng and said: "We two old bones don't have many years left."

"Is this little brat the most promising disciple your Yu State branch has this year?"

Fang Xu lowered his head, feeling two gazes fall upon him.

Jiang Feng clasped his hands and said: "Reporting to the two elders, nephew believes that Fang Xu is the most promising disciple our Yu State branch has seen in nearly a century."

Hearing this, the two on the steps exchanged a glance, then smiled and said: "Jiang, nephew, you rarely praise others like this."

"Then let this old man see if this youth is worthy of your praise."

Before the words finished, a gentle force lifted Fang Xu slowly upward, and then one of the slightly plump white-haired elders flicked his finger, sending a ball of white light into Fang Xu's body.

As soon as that ball of white light entered Fang Xu's body, it swiftly wandered through his interior.

Fang Xu's brows furrowed slightly, and a purple-black divine flame instantly erupted, burning that ball of white light to ashes!

Moreover, the divine flame followed the connection between the white light ball and the elder, burning toward the elder's true form before him!

Seeing this, the elder furrowed his brow and flicked his sleeve to extinguish the divine flame.

"Such an overbearing flame..."

That gentle force set Fang Xu down.

"Sorry, Elder, I couldn't control it."

The elder smiled and waved his hand: "Although it was only a brief glimpse, I already know your potential."

"Our Ascension Immortal Society has so many rules—no need to be so formal."

As he spoke, light flashed in his hand, and he directly produced a set of clothes and an Ascension Immortal Token, handing them to Fang Xu and saying: "Jiang Feng has already informed us both of your matter. Because rescuing several core disciples delayed the examination, I will not conduct another examination for you."

"This is what you need for promotion to core disciple."

Fang Xu clasped his hands and received the items, only to discover that the seemingly ordinary clothing was actually a set of seventh-grade treasure artifacts!

What a grand gesture!

If this set of treasure artifacts were placed in Yu State, its value would surely be more than ten thousand gold!

"Elder, these two demon clan Daoist friends' disciples are prepared to be recommended by them to serve as mountain lords of our Ascension Immortal Society."

Jiang Feng pointed at the old ape and the long dragon and spoke.

Upon hearing this, the two turned and approached the old ape and the long dragon, examining them closely.

"Extravagant yet broken, then established—Demonic Ape Clan of the Earth Fiend, not bad."

The other elder, gazing at the long dragon, exclaimed in astonishment: "True dragon bloodline, carrying a thread of lightning law—capable of reaching great demon status in a mere hundred years, limitless future."

The two exchanged glances, smiled, and clasped their hands toward the old ape and the long dragon, saying: "Welcome, fellow Daoists, to join our Ascension Immortal Society."

The old ape and the long dragon also hurriedly clasped their hands in return.

"Fellow Daoists, although we two have already agreed to the matter of mountain lord, we still need to pass through the Elder Council, just a formality."

"During this time, please reside temporarily on the island. After we gather the elders to discuss, we will personally bestow upon you the mountain lord token and corresponding items."

The old ape and the long dragon nodded.

"Jiang Feng, send them down first—we two have matters to discuss with you."

……

Outside the sect's main hall, when Fang Xu emerged, Gu Qiu was still waiting outside.

"Senior Sister, why didn't you follow us in just now?" Seeing Gu Qiu, Fang Xu asked curiously.

Gu Qiu shook her head and complained: "I don't want to see those two old fogeys, nagging me every day."

Fang Xu, hearing this, felt both amused and exasperated.

"Alright, let's not talk about that." Gu Qiu waved her small hand, pulling Fang Xu along: "Come, I'll show you my residence!"

The three followed Gu Qiu as they wandered across the island, seeing along the way many core disciples of the Ascension Immortal Society sitting cross-legged at any time and place on roadside stones, in forests, beside waterfalls, in secluded meditation, not at all worried about being disturbed.

The long dragon was very curious.

"Gu Qiu, isn't the immortal island besieged by enemies? Why are they so unconcerned?"

Gu Qiu smiled and said: "They can't get up here."

"They can't get up here?"

Fang Xu asked doubtfully: "But when we were in Yu State, why did Elder Jiang Feng worry so much about the immortal island's situation?"

Gu Qiu pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and said: "Perhaps Elder Jiang Brother overthought it."

"We've arrived!"

Passing through a dense thicket, several people came to a small valley filled with bird song and floral fragrance.

A small waterfall flowed gently down from a distant mountain peak, gathering in the valley into a clear little stream that wound and flowed.

On the left bank of the stream lay a plot planted with many medicinal herbs and strange flowers, and on the stream stood a small wooden bridge covered in purple wisteria.

The wooden bridge led straight to the right bank of the stream.

At the end of the winding sheep-trail path stood several bamboo huts, built in layers according to the mountain's contours.

The land on both sides of the bamboo huts was divided into many small plots, some planted with newly sprouted plants, others fenced off to raise small ferocious beasts.

In the central open space before the bamboo huts stood a towering ancient tree, its vast canopy forming a large expanse of green shade.

Beneath the green shade, stone tables and stone benches carved like white jade were arranged neatly, appearing very tranquil and natural.

"Squeak squeak squeak!"

At that moment, a black shadow suddenly darted out, rushed straight to Gu Qiu's body, and climbed up her clothing to her shoulder.

The little squirrel sat on Gu Qiu's shoulder, waved at Fang Xu, opened its mouth, revealing two large front teeth.

How's it?!

Gu Qiu gently rubbed the little squirrel's head and looked toward Fang Xu, saying.

Not bad, it's a good place for living and cultivating.

Receiving his praise, Gu Qiu satisfiedly led the three to the stone table.

You sit first, I'll go brew you a pot of tea.

Gu Qiu bounced and tossed aside, Fang Xu and the old ape and the long dragon sat cross-legged beside the stone table.

Fairyland...

The long dragon surveyed the surroundings with sincere admiration: This place is much more beautiful than my cold, dark underwater abode!

The old ape also nodded and said: This island truly lives up to its name as a fairy island; the spiritual energy of heaven and earth on the island is much richer than that of Yu State.

The long dragon echoed: Yes, yes!

Fang Xu, however, couldn't help but wryly smile at this moment.

No matter how rich the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, it's useless to me.

I am a person targeted by the will of heaven and earth, fundamentally unable to absorb any spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look up at the sky.

Stingy little dog-thing, wait until I have the strength, I'll definitely poke a hole in you!

Just as he silently cursed in his heart, the originally clear sky suddenly rang out with a thunderclap from nowhere!

Bright lightning split the night sky, striking toward the direction of the fairy island!

Hum!

Thunder boomed in the sky above the fairy island, suddenly arousing a pale blue light shield.

Huh?

Gu Qiu, carrying the tea, looked curiously at the sky above and asked doubtfully: What's going on, thunder out of nowhere?

Fang Xu couldn't help but mutter: This dog-thing, still angry?

Boom—

Boom—

In the clear night sky, muffled thunder rumbled continuously, as if it were arguing with Fang Xu.

Fang Xu also couldn't be bothered to pay attention, anyway he had figured it out, the will of this heaven and earth is now also helpless against me.

Try my craft!

Gu Qiu brought the teapot to the stone table and poured hot tea for everyone, and the four began drinking and chatting.

Fang Xu, after becoming a core disciple, you also need to pick a plot of land on the island to build a residence.

Tomorrow I'll take you to look around nearby.

Gu Qiu blinked her big eyes and spoke.

Fang Xu said somewhat woodenly: Weren't you saying we could just pick anywhere? Why does it have to be nearby?

As soon as he said that, the old ape couldn't help but spit out the tea in his mouth.

This brat!

Fang Xu was slightly stunned, then noticed Gu Qiu's angry expression, and only then realized: Okay, okay, I'll pick a plot nearby.

Gu Qiu gave him a sideways glance, then poured another cup of tea for the old ape: Senior Ape, as the mountain lord, you can also freely pick a plot to build a house when the time comes.

The old ape chuckled: I won't be picking nearby then.

Right, right, I and Ape Bo want to pick a nice spot facing the sea! The long dragon excitedly said.

He still loves the sea deep down.

The four chatted, and the pot of tea was soon finished.

Just as Gu Qiu was about to go add some tea, Jiang Feng came over.

Chief...

Fang Xu had just opened his mouth, but Jiang Feng laughed and waved his hand: From the moment you became a core disciple, you don't need to call me Chief anymore, we are fellow martial brothers.

Fang Xu nodded: Senior Brother Jiang.

Jiang Feng nodded, looking at the old ape and the long dragon: Although the matter of the mountain lord hasn't been finalized yet, there should be no problem.

The two martial uncles have arranged for Ape Brother you to temporarily reside in the Fengya Villa, and after your residence is built, you'll move there.

Fengya Villa is the residence built by a previous core disciple of the fairy island; that disciple later passed away, so the villa currently has no owner.

It is often used to temporarily house new disciples arriving on the island.

Senior Brother Jiang, I have an empty room here, let Fang Xu stay here for now! Gu Qiu suddenly said.

Jiang Feng was stunned upon hearing this.

Is this perhaps inappropriate?

Gu Qiu stared, eyes wide: What's inappropriate about it?!

Jiang Feng wryly smiled and shook his head: Fine, this matter depends on how Fang Xu decides himself.

Saying that, his gaze turned toward Fang Xu.

Fang Xu was about to speak, but Gu Qiu directly interrupted: What opinion could he have? It's not like we haven't lived together before, right, Fang Xu?

Eh!

Though this sounds somewhat ambiguous, when the two of us previously carried out missions together, we indeed lived together.

Then I'll temporarily stay here. Facing Gu Qiu's pressing gaze, Fang Xu could only reluctantly agree.

Then good, I'll take Ape Brother and Long Dragon to Fengya Villa.

Jiang Feng said this, then led the old ape and the long dragon away from the small valley.

Only Fang Xu and Gu Qiu remained in the valley.

Sitting upright at the stone table, Gu Qiu rested her chin on her hands, gazing at Fang Xu as she spoke: "Do you know why I insisted you stay here?"

Fang Xu shook his head.

Gu Qiu's face darkened slightly as she said: "The fifteenth is coming up soon."

The fifteenth?

Fang Xu looked up at the moon in the sky, puzzled: "What about the fifteenth?"

Gu Qiu sighed deeply: "I already told you about my special sacred body."

"My sacred body undergoes certain changes every full moon night; if I can't hold out then, I hope you can help me."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xu was somewhat dazed, but still instinctively nodded.

"Alright, I'll go tidy your room." Gu Qiu smiled brightly as she stood, pulling Fang Xu to a refined room.

Opening the door, she carefully arranged Fang Xu's bedding, then looked up at him and said: "You'll stay here these few days; I'll stay next door."

"Let's go!"

She shook her hand, producing a clear bell chime, and Gu Qiu closed the door.

Leaning on the railing outside the door, Gu Qiu gazed solemnly at the moon overhead, her slightly baby-faced cheeks turning to look back at the room behind her, a flicker of tenderness and resolve crossing her face.

Inside the room, Fang Xu could sense Gu Qiu standing outside his door.

After Gu Qiu left, he suppressed his chaotic thoughts and sank his consciousness into his body.

Back on the small island, the old clam was killed by the mysterious existence within his own body; the entire demon elixir, along with the old clam's flesh and blood essence, were all absorbed by him.

Afterwards, he hadn't had the chance to examine what changes had occurred in his body.

His consciousness carefully inspected his interior, yet found nothing abnormal.

Fang Xu felt curious: having absorbed the inner elixir and entire flesh and blood essence of an ancient demon king, could it really have no effect?

With doubt, his consciousness arrived at the sea of awareness.

Upon seeing the Dao foundation in the sea of awareness, he was utterly stunned!

As it turned out, the demon king's inner elixir and all his flesh and blood essence had come here!

In the sea of awareness, above the nine-foot dark water Dao foundation, the originally three-foot second layer Dao foundation had now nearly reached nine feet.

And in Fang Xu's perception, his second layer Dao foundation seemed to have devoured the old clam's illusionary abilities; the entire second layer Dao foundation flickered between light and dark, existing between reality and illusion.

His consciousness drew near, and Fang Xu examined it for a moment.

Perhaps... tonight I could break through to the second level of Martial Venerable?

On the path of ancient martial arts, one layer of Dao foundation corresponds to one realm.

Nine feet is the limit; at this moment, the second layer Dao foundation has already reached over eight feet, lacking only a little more to reach nine feet.

Due to being targeted by the will of heaven and earth, he cannot draw any energy from this world.

Fang Xu can only use the power of his consciousness to summon those primordial energies from the seven orifice worlds.

For ordinary martial artists, constructing a Dao foundation is not as simple as opening orifice spaces or constructing star charts.

A Dao foundation must be polished; every step requires extreme care and caution!

For every tiny mistake could lead to soul loss and death at the time of future downfall.

Fang Xu had originally intended to polish it carefully, but never expected that with the influx of primordial energy, his second layer Dao foundation would complete its expansion at a visible speed!

Hum!

In Fang Xu's astonished gaze, the second layer Dao foundation directly expanded to nine feet, emitting a hazy gray light.

This... became?!

Fang Xu stared somewhat dazedly at the black and gray two-layer Dao foundations, feeling somewhat bewildered!

Has my cultivation really gone wrong?

Why is it so easy?

Feeling somewhat disbelieving, he immediately redirected the primordial energy from the orifice worlds toward the Dao foundation again.

He wanted to see if his cultivation truly had no bottleneck.

But no matter how he poured primordial energy afterward, the third layer Dao foundation showed no movement at all, not even growing a single inch!

Fang Xu felt somewhat disappointed.

It seems his cultivation realm does have bottlenecks after all.

At least for now, he doesn't know how to condense the third layer Dao foundation.

How was the previous layer Dao foundation formed?

Fang Xu racked his brains to recall how his second layer Dao foundation came into being.

He remembered!

The second layer Dao foundation was formed when, in the Ti Lan Mountains, he forcibly absorbed the cultivation and essence blood of six fox demons using the Yin Yang Xuan Xiao Jing!

Does forming the third layer Dao foundation require doing it all over again?

Unable to find a solution after deep thought, Fang Xu shook his head and temporarily stopped thinking about it.

Regarding ancient martial arts, the immortal island should have ancient texts to consult; he'll look back and check later.

Due to being punished by the will of heaven and earth, he hardly cultivates at night now, simply lying down and falling asleep.

The next day.

Early in the morning, Fang Xu walked out of his room.

On the immortal island at dawn, mist shrouded the mountains, and the fresh air in the valleys carried a faint floral fragrance.

Fang Xu took a deep breath, instantly feeling refreshed and invigorated.

After sailing at sea for over a month, he finally managed to sleep well this time.

Arriving in the courtyard, he stretched his body slightly, seeing that Gu Qiu had not yet risen.

Fang Xu found the kitchen, saw some ingredients, and prepared to make something to eat.

Having reached his cultivation level, although he could not attain the state of eating mist and drinking dew, forsaking mortal food, most cultivators would choose to replenish their consumption with Blood Qi Pills.

Even if he occasionally ate something, it was merely to satisfy his appetite.

At this moment, Fang Xu was preparing to cook something just to relieve his craving.

Smoke rose from the kitchen chimney; Fang Xu contentedly chopped some blood food into small dice and simmered them together in the millet porridge in the pot.

This dish was called millet gruel in ancient times, and in later ages it was known as lean meat congee.

Too bad there were no preserved eggs...

"Huh, what are you cooking? It smells so good!" At the kitchen doorway, Gu Qiu, with her hair disheveled and sleepy eyes, leaned against the doorframe.

The morning sunlight fell upon her clean, fair face, fine downy hair emitting a faint glow.

Fang Xu turned his head to look at her and smiled: "You'll find out soon."

Gu Qiu pouted, then slightly nodded: "I'll go wash up."

Under the tree shade, by the stone table.

Gu Qiu contentedly rubbed her stomach.

"Although this dish cannot compare to Blood Qi Pills, it is really delicious..."

Leaning against the stone table with her arms as a pillow, Gu Qiu looked at Fang Xu and said: "What is this dish called?"

Fang Xu originally wanted to tell her the name "preserved egg and lean meat congee," but after thinking, he felt it lacked prestige.

"Millet gruel."

Gu Qiu blinked, her face full of confusion: "Millet what?"

"Millet gruel." Fang Xu put down his bowl and chopsticks, explaining: "Millet is millet, 'gruel' refers to meat slices; it's a porridge made by simmering millet and meat slices."

After listening, Gu Qiu laughed: "Did you make up this name yourself?"

Fang Xu gave an embarrassed smile and said nothing.

He stood up, intending to collect his and Gu Qiu's bowls and chopsticks.

"Let me do it!"

Gu Qiu snatched their bowls and chopsticks to take to the kitchen to wash clean, then came to Fang Xu's side and said: "Let me take you to pick a plot of land, then I'll build you a house."

Fang Xu nodded and followed Gu Qiu to the nearby woods.

"How about this plot?"

Gu Qiu pointed to the open space ahead and said.

Looking at the plot she had chosen, Fang Xu somewhat helplessly smiled wryly.

"You might as well let me have the vegetable field on the left bank of the small river; I'll just build a house here."

The plot she chose was only a few meters away from the vegetable field on the left bank of the river.

"Well, it's not impossible..." Gu Qiu seriously pondered: "Let's just use this plot; later I'll clear the medicinal herbs grown here, you build a house here, and we'll face each other across the river!"

"I was joking!" Fang Xu quickly said.

"I'm serious!" Gu Qiu glared at him and directly dragged him to the Administration Hall.

The Administration Hall of the Immortal Island looked much more imposing than that of the Yu Kingdom Ascension Society branch.

However, perhaps because the Immortal Island was besieged, the core disciples on the island could not go out to perform missions, so there was hardly anyone in the Administration Hall.

"Gu Qiu Senior Sister, Fang Senior Brother, greetings."

At the front desk of the Administration Hall, an elderly man nearly seventy years old, upon seeing the two, respectfully spoke.

Fang Xu curiously looked toward Gu Qiu and whispered: "Why does this person call me Senior Brother?"

Gu Qiu laughed: "Do you think everyone on Immortal Island is a core disciple?"

Fang Xu was somewhat taken aback.

Gu Qiu explained: "There are quite a few disciples on the island who were brought directly from elsewhere by the sect's elders."

"Their early potential was great, but ultimately many failed to pass the core disciple examination."

"Core disciples need to focus on cultivation, while some basic matters on the island need handling, so the elders left them behind."

"The person in charge of each hall handling these worldly affairs is not a core disciple."

Fang Xu suddenly understood.

"Elder Xun, help me find a book of architectural plans."

Although the elderly man before them was not a core disciple, having lived on the island since childhood, many core disciples seeing him still respectfully addressed him as "Elder Xun."

"Gu Qiu Senior Sister, please wait a moment." The old man chuckled, took out a thick stack of plan books, and handed them to Gu Qiu: "After you make your selection, I'll give you a quotation."

Gu Qiu nodded, holding the plan books, and came with Fang Xu to a side to examine them carefully.

"How about this one?"

"This one seems not bad either..."

As the two were discussing, the main gate of the Administration Hall suddenly darkened.

"Kong... Kong Senior Sister, greetings."

The elderly Xun at the front desk, upon seeing the visitor, his voice trembling slightly, greeted.

Not far away, Fang Xu and Gu Qiu simultaneously raised their heads, looking toward the figure at the doorway.

"Oh no, how did I run into this madwoman?"

Gu Qiu muttered, then quickly buried her body beside Fang Xu.

That figure glanced around the Administration Hall, eventually still spotting Fang Xu and Gu Qiu.

A hint of a sneer appeared at the corner of her mouth; the woman strode forward with large steps.

Bang!

A pair of hands wearing strange gloves pressed down on the documents in front of Fang Xu.

Fang Xu frowned.

"Kid, get out of the way!"

The woman glanced at him, impatiently waving her hand.

Fang Xu remained unmoved.

Knowing that this Kong-surnamed senior sister was not to be provoked, Fang Xu did not want to provoke her.

But even a clay figurine has three parts of fire; her attitude made him very uncomfortable.

"Huh?"

Seeing that she had spoken, Fang Xu remained unmoved, and upon seeing Gu Qiu now holding Fang Xu's arm, the woman flashed a hint of anger in her eyes.

The iron-hoop-like hand directly grabbed Fang Xu's shoulder, intending to throw him out on the spot!

But at this moment, Fang Xu remained utterly still!

Nonsense!

Possessing the abilities left by the Casting Cauldron Star Chart and the Kui Ox Star Chart, if he wished, his body's weight could exceed ten thousand jun!

Although this Kong-surnamed senior sister possessed the cultivation of the Elemental Martial Realm, she still lacked enough to overwhelm Fang Xu in strength.

Seeing that she could not move Fang Xu for a moment, the woman flashed a hint of surprise in her eyes, then loosened her grip and coldly said: "You are Fang Xu from Yu State, aren't you?"

Fang Xu slightly clasped his hands: "I have seen you, Kong Senior Sister..."

"Don't!" The woman suddenly raised her hand, then glanced at Gu Qiu and declared domineeringly: "Gu Junior Sister is mine; sucking up won't help!"

???

Fang Xu's face showed a hint of bewilderment, his gaze sweeping over the woman's nearby weapon, after confirming her gender again, he then looked at Gu Qiu.

"What are you looking at?"

The woman slowly straightened her body, looking down from above at Gu Qiu: "Gu Junior Sister, come with me."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qiu lifted her head from behind Fang Xu, clasped her hands together, and pleaded with a beseeching face: "Kong Jie Senior Sister, please let me go."

"We two really cannot be together."

Upon hearing this, Kong Jie's eyes widened.

"Then you and him will do!?"

"What's so good about men!?"

Fang Xu, sandwiched between the two, listened to Kong Jie's words, his head feeling somewhat dazed.

He never expected to encounter such a bizarre situation even in the world of cultivators.

Lesbians?

"Come with me!" Completely ignoring Fang Xu, Kong Jie directly reached out to grab Gu Qiu.

Whoosh!

Fang Xu suddenly stood up, blocking Kong Jie's body.

"Kong Senior Sister, you can't force a melon to be sweet."

"Get lost!"

Seeing this, Kong Jie's eyes flashed with a hint of ferocity, her overwhelming aura pressing directly toward Fang Xu!

(End of Chapter)