Chapter 725: (This book has an event today) Resolving hidden dangers, then heading to the Profound Heaven Sect

First, a brief aside (there will be a lucky draw event for this book today; the prizes include Black Myth: Wukong and mooncakes.

This is something I am personally funding to give back to everyone who has supported Little Dream all along. Any reader of this book can participate; just go to the introduction section to join the lucky draw group. You don't need to vote or do anything else. I will post an Easter egg page later with the specific prizes and rules, so please keep an eye out.) — Luo Li was kind by nature and did not like to take advantage of others. Years ago, when he had offered her spiritual items, Luo Li had not accepted them. Naturally, Song Qingming did not believe the other party's claim that Luo Li had swindled them out of their belongings.

The reason he had inquired about the strength of "Iron Wind Island" was also out of fear that if the other party had too powerful a background, he might inadvertently bring too much trouble upon the "Profound Heaven Sect" in the future.

Upon hearing that the strongest island master of the other party was merely a fifth-layer Core Formation cultivator, Song Qingming's concerns vanished instantly. His expression changed, and he reprimanded the other party.

Seeing that Song Qingming had not been bluffed by his previous words, the white-haired old man's face grew somewhat awkward. He immediately cupped his hands toward Song Qingming and said:

"We were merely acting under orders. Since the senior does not believe us, this junior naturally dares not disturb you further. Today, they can count themselves lucky."

"Let's go!"

After saying this, the white-haired old man shouted to his companions at his side, then turned around, preparing to leave.

However, at this very moment, a somewhat cold voice reached their ears, forcing them to stop in their tracks.

"Did I say you could leave?"

Hearing this, the white-haired old man and his group stood where they were, not daring to move another step. They could only turn back and cup their hands toward Song Qingming:

"This senior, today our Iron Wind Island only happened to run into you because of some grievances with these two. We had no intention of offending you. Surely, the senior would not truly go against our Iron Wind Island for the sake of these two strangers?"

The "Profound Heaven Sect" was not far from here. When the white-haired old man and his group had made their move against Luo Li and her companion, they had already inquired and learned that both were from Foundation Establishment forces and had no significant background.

In their eyes, Song Qingming must have just been passing by and happened upon the matter. He had no real connection to the two, and at most, he had only spoken up to stop them from continuing their crime. It was impossible that he would truly provoke another Core Formation force for the sake of two strangers.

"Hmph! Senior Song and I have known each other for many years. Who says we are strangers? You people are truly spouting nonsense." Just as the white-haired old man finished speaking, Luo Li, standing to the side, immediately retorted with some displeasure.

Hearing Luo Li's words and seeing that Song Qingming, standing not far ahead, had a calm expression and showed no intention of refuting her, it was clear he had tacitly acknowledged what she had just said.

Realizing that Luo Li was indeed acquainted with this senior, the four men from "Iron Wind Island" were instantly terrified. For a moment, they still found it hard to believe that Song Qingming was truly so familiar with Luo Li.

Originally, they had only intended to deal with two Foundation Establishment cultivators without a background. They had not expected the other party to hide such a deep background, unexpectedly provoking a Core Formation powerhouse for no reason.

"We truly did not know their relationship with you. We hope the senior can forgive us this once. I am willing to offer an apology and compensate these two fellow Daoists for their losses today. What do you think of this?"

Having figured out the situation, the white-haired old man hurriedly led his companions forward to cup their hands and apologize to Luo Li and her companion, no longer showing any of his previous arrogance.

However, Luo Li did not intend to give them a pleasant look. She spoke up angrily: "Hmph! Weren't you calling me a slut just a moment ago? Changing your tune so quickly? I won't accept such hypocritical apologies from you."

Hearing the white-haired old man's words of compromise, the expression on Song Qingming's face remained largely unchanged. He spoke in a cold voice:

"Since you all intended to kill for treasure and happened to be caught by me, you must give this old man an explanation! A mere apology is not enough. Today, you must leave something behind."

Seeing that Song Qingming clearly did not intend to let them go, the white-haired old man and his group exchanged glances. Just as they were at a loss for what to do, one of the younger men suddenly made a move, throwing a second-tier talisman toward Song Qingming.

Afterward, he ignored the others, stepped onto his flying sword, and fled desperately into the distance.

Seeing someone turn and flee, the expressions of the other three changed instantly. Without hesitation, they scattered and began to flee in different directions.

"Senior, they are going to escape!"

Seeing the white-haired old man and his group already dozens of feet away, Song Qingming merely stood where he was, watching them with a playful look, never moving to give chase. Luo Li, standing to the side, hurriedly reminded him anxiously.

Seeing this, Song Qingming replied slowly and softly: "Rest assured! They cannot escape."

After comforting Luo Li, a burst of escape light suddenly rose from Song Qingming's body. His figure vanished from where he stood, flickered a few times in mid-air, and the next moment, he appeared in front of the white-haired old man who had run the fastest.

Seeing Song Qingming blocking his path, the white-haired old man had just opened his mouth to beg for mercy when a sword light pierced directly through his chest. Unwilling, he fell from mid-air toward the sea below.

After dealing with the white-haired old man, who had the highest cultivation, Song Qingming snatched up the storage bag at his waist. He then waved his hand, casting a spell to release "Jin Feng," the "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon," and dozens of "Golden Illusion Butterflies," commanding them to pursue the other three respectively.

"Jin Feng's" cultivation had now reached the peak of the third layer of Core Formation. Dealing with a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator was naturally a simple matter. After catching up to his opponent, he slew him in mid-air within an instant.

In another direction, the "Golden Illusion Butterflies," having been cultivated by Song Qingming over the past few years, had also seen their strength greatly increase.

Dozens of "Golden Illusion Butterflies" above the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment surrounded a cultivator whose cultivation was only at the fourth layer of Foundation Establishment. In less than half a quarter of an hour, they had beaten their opponent into a state of total helplessness.

Hearing only a few screams, the man was killed on the spot by the sharp wind blades released by the "Golden Illusion Butterflies," and the storage bag on his body was retrieved by Jin Feng, who had hurried over.

Only the "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon" side was slightly tricky; the opponent's cultivation was not low, having reached the peak of the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, and he held a second-tier top-grade magic tool. Although he had fallen into a disadvantage under the fierce attack of the "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon," there were no signs of a quick defeat.

Seeing this, Song Qingming did not order "Jin Feng," who was standing to the side, to go and support it immediately. He just stood quietly to the side, watching, intending to give the "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon" a chance to display its own strength.

However, although Song Qingming was not in a hurry, the "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon" saw that the other two battlefields had already ended, leaving only its own. It felt somewhat displeased and once again increased its intensity, driving the flames from its mouth to suppress the opponent.

The "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon" was a spirit beast with a naturally strong bloodline, and its cultivation was higher than the opponent's. Once it truly turned fierce, its opponent's pressure increased dramatically, and he gradually became unable to parry.

After another half a stick of incense, following a scream from the opponent as an ice arrow spat out by the "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon" pierced his head, this fierce battle finally came to an end.

Although it had slain its opponent, the "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon" after the battle was not having an easy time either. Lacking experience in combat, it now also bore several wounds on its body.

Seeing this, Song Qingming rewarded it with a few words, then took out several healing elixirs and fed them to it before recalling the injured "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon" back into his spirit beast bag.

Song Qingming had been cultivating for many years and had always detested the act of the strong bullying the weak and killing for treasure. When his own cultivation was low, he had nearly lost his life several times because of such things.

This time, encountering the four from "Iron Wind Island" wanting to make a move against Luo Li, Song Qingming had not intended to let them leave from the moment he learned of their background.

Firstly, it was to punish evil and promote good; secondly, it was for the future safety of Luo Li and the "Profound Heaven Sect," so as not to leave too many hidden dangers for them.

After all, "Iron Wind Island" was a nearby Core Formation force. Once they were allowed to escape back, after he left the East Sea cultivation world in the future, these people might come to trouble Luo Li and the others.

By personally killing the four, including the white-haired old man, here in the vast sea, no traces would be left behind. Even if "Iron Wind Island" came looking, it would be very difficult to find out who had made the move.

After dealing with the four, Song Qingming had just returned to the flying boat when Luo Li and her companion, who had been standing there, hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to Song Qingming, thanking him for his help.

"Thank you, Senior, for saving our lives!"

Nearly ten years had passed since they last met. Luo Li's cultivation had also successfully advanced to the fourth layer of Foundation Establishment, showing that she had not been negligent in her cultivation, just as Song Qingming had said.

The other woman in white had a slightly higher cultivation than Luo Li, having reached the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment. Her appearance was also very elegant and somewhat similar to Luo Li's; standing together, they looked like sisters.

As the two stepped forward to salute, Song Qingming hurriedly waved his hand: "Haha! You and I are already acquainted; naturally, I could not ignore it when I saw you. There is no need for such courtesy, please rise."

"This is a place of right and wrong and should not be stayed in for long. You two come onto the flying boat first; I will take you away from here before we talk!"

Hearing this, Luo Li hurriedly nodded, took the woman in white beside her, and jumped onto the "Phantom Boat" controlled by Song Qingming. Soon, the three turned into a beam of white light and vanished from the spot.

"Today it's all my fault for being careless and letting the people from Iron Wind Island target us, and I nearly implicated Sister Guo. Fortunately, Senior happened to pass by here and saved us, otherwise, I fear Luo Li would never have seen Senior Song again in this life."

Not long after the flying boat left the battlefield, Luo Li, standing behind Song Qingming, immediately said with some self-reproach.

Hearing this, Song Qingming hurriedly waved his hand at her: "I didn't just happen to pass by here today; I came specifically to find you."

"I promised to come see you years ago, but I never found the time and dragged it out until now. In the end, it is I who broke my word; I hope you won't blame me."

"Senior came specifically to see me this time?" Hearing Song Qingming's explanation, a look of surprise immediately appeared on Luo Li's face.

When she had met Song Qingming by chance in "Heavenly Elixir City" years ago, although she had received his promise to come see her, Song Qingming was, after all, a successful Core Formation cultivator with his own cultivation matters. How could he keep the words of a small Foundation Establishment cultivator in his heart at all times?

Song Qingming hadn't come for so many years, and Luo Li had thought he might have forgotten about what happened back then. She hadn't expected Song Qingming to still keep her in his heart, only arriving a little late. Seeing Luo Li so happy, Song Qingming also smiled and nodded slightly: "I should have come to see you sooner, but it just so happened that I was tied up with some family matters and didn't have the time to come to the East Sea."

"I didn't expect that arriving early is not as good as arriving at the right time. Since I was able to save you on the road this time, it seems it is a stroke of fate given to you by the heavens."

"Haha! Senior is right. Ever since I met Senior, whenever I have had difficulties, I have always been able to receive Senior's great kindness. Senior is the greatest stroke of fate bestowed upon me by the heavens, otherwise, I would not have been lucky enough to cultivate to this point."

Hearing Luo Li's words, Song Qingming smiled with some gratification and said nothing more, focusing on controlling the flying boat ahead to continue forward.

A distance of several hundred miles was not too far for a Core Formation cultivator. In less than two quarters of an hour, Song Qingming had already arrived at Baishadao, where the "Profound Heaven Sect" was located.

Just as the three landed, the woman in white standing beside Luo Li immediately stepped forward and cupped her hands toward Song Qingming:

"Senior Song, Little Sister Luo Li, today we were delayed by thieves. I still need to go home first to check on things, so I won't disturb you here any longer. I will come to visit Senior in two days."

Along the way, through Luo Li's introduction, Song Qingming had also learned the name of the woman in white before him: Guo Yuting.

Guo Yuting was a Foundation Establishment family cultivator. Her family territory was on another island not far to the west of "Baishadao." There were also several Foundation Establishment cultivators in her clan, and their strength was slightly stronger than the declining "Profound Heaven Sect."

Seeing Guo Yuting step forward to say goodbye, Luo Li looked somewhat puzzled: "Sister Guo, didn't you always want to ask Senior Song for advice on cultivation matters? Why are you in such a hurry to go home today now that Senior has come?"

"Haha! Senior Song came specifically to see Little Sister this time. It wouldn't be convenient for me to keep following you and talking. Asking for advice on cultivation isn't something that needs to be done in a rush; what does it matter if I come in two days?"

"Senior has finally come for a visit, Little Sister Luo Li, you must remember to entertain him well. In the future, this sister of yours might still need to bask in a bit of your light in cultivation."

Seeing Guo Yuting speaking while hinting with her eyes, Luo Li also nodded somewhat awkwardly and did not insist further, soon sending her off to leave first.

"It's been so long, it seems like everything here is still the same as it was back then, with no changes!" After sending Guo Yuting away, Luo Li had just turned around and taken a few steps when she heard Song Qingming beside her let out a sigh as he looked at the town ahead.

Hearing this, Luo Li smiled and nodded: "Senior hasn't been here for a long time, yet you still remember what Baishadao looked like back then so clearly."

"When I first arrived here with Senior, Luo Li had only just begun cultivating. In the blink of an eye, forty years have passed. In such a long time, there have actually been many changes in the town."

"It's just that when I was young, I often followed my Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters down the mountain to play, but ever since I established my Foundation, there have been many cultivation matters, and I haven't had much time to go down the mountain."

"Hmm! Having stepped onto the path of cultivation, one must always face loneliness. Whether it is friends or relatives, it is very difficult for them to accompany you for a lifetime. When your cultivation is higher and you reach the Core Formation realm, you should gradually get used to it."

Song Qingming, who was walking slowly forward, answered Luo Li with a calm expression.

Luo Li, walking beside him, heard Song Qingming's words and couldn't help but nod slightly: "Senior is right. The deeper I cultivate, the more I can realize this point."

"Ever since I came here, Master, as well as my Senior Brothers and Sisters, have all been very good to me. It's just that cultivation is not easy, and I am the only one in the sect who has successfully established a Foundation. I don't know how much longer Master and the others can accompany me."

"Senior, is the path of cultivation destined to be so lonely in the end, or are these all processes that we must experience?"

Facing Luo Li's somewhat confused inquiry, Song Qingming paused for a moment before answering earnestly: "The path of cultivation will always encounter more people. Old friends pass away, and you will encounter more new friends."

"If one day you can ascend and attain the Dao, perhaps you might even have the chance to break through the Great Dao of Life, Death, Yin, and Yang, traverse reincarnation, and see these departed old friends."

"Since we have chosen this path of cultivation, we must walk it well. Whether one is an immortal or a mortal, it is impossible for everything to go as one wishes in a lifetime."

"You will gain a lot because of cultivation, but you will also lose a lot. Whether it is good or bad, these will all be a part of your life, and none can be missing!"

"Hmm! Senior is right. How can everything in life go as one wishes? That I can have today's achievements can already be considered the protection of my parents from the netherworld. How could I dare to truly covet the Great Dao of Longevity?"

"That's not necessarily true. Who can attain the Dao and ascend is not something that can be seen at a glance. Whether it is me, you, or others, as long as the path of the Dao is not severed, everyone will have the possibility of obtaining this stroke of fate."

"Although the Great Dao of Longevity is a slim hope for us, as long as one cultivates diligently, one will not fail oneself in the end."

Hearing this, Luo Li nodded thoughtfully, then bowed slightly to Song Qingming: "Senior, Luo Li has been taught!"

The two walked slowly for a long time before finally arriving at the town at the foot of the mountain.

Ever since establishing her Foundation, Luo Li had rarely gone down the mountain to interact with mortals. At this moment, walking into the town with Song Qingming, it immediately sparked many of her beautiful memories from before. Looking at many familiar places on the street, she kept introducing them to Song Qingming without stopping.

Seeing this, Song Qingming also slowed his pace, taking Luo Li to stroll around the town properly until both were satisfied, before they reluctantly arrived at the foot of the spirit mountain where the "Profound Heaven Sect" was located.

"Junior Uncle Luo, you're back! Who is this senior?" Just as they arrived at the mountain gate, two Qi Refining disciples wearing "Profound Heaven Sect" attire immediately opened the formation and came out to welcome them.

Facing the two stepping forward to salute, Luo Li, who had just been happy, immediately restrained her expression, turned into the appearance of a "Profound Heaven Sect" Foundation Establishment Elder, and waved her hand at the two.

"This is a guest I have invited; he will stay on the mountain with me for a few days. How has Master been lately? Is everything alright?"

"Reporting to Junior Uncle Luo, the Sect Master has been fine lately. Just a few days ago, I even saw him go to the Ancestor Hall!"

"Hmm! That's good. You two guard the mountain gate well; do not be careless." Hearing that her Master was fine, Luo Li felt relieved and led Song Qingming to walk quickly toward the top of the mountain.

Luo Li's Master, Chen Jianghai, had a lifespan of two hundred and thirty years, and he was not far from his Foundation Establishment limit.

Because in his early years, Chen Jianghai had once attempted to break through to the Core Formation realm, he had injured the meridians in his body and left behind some hidden illnesses. In the last two years, he had begun to be plagued by illness.

Luo Li's trip out with Guo Yuting this time was to go to a large market nearby, wanting to purchase a high-tier healing elixir for Chen Jianghai.

Unexpectedly, on the way back, they were unfortunately targeted by a group from "Iron Wind Island," which led to the scene Song Qingming saw later.

The last time Song Qingming saw Chen Jianghai was more than forty years ago. At that time, although he looked somewhat aged, there were no problems with his mental state.

He hadn't expected that after only a few decades, Chen Jianghai's physical condition would have reached this point. Having learned from Luo Li earlier that Chen Jianghai was now plagued by illness, Song Qingming was also somewhat surprised.

Following Luo Li, the two soon arrived at a great hall on the top of the mountain.

After Song Qingming sat down and had just tasted a few sips of spirit tea, "Profound Heaven Sect" Sect Master Chen Jianghai, who had heard the news, accompanied by another Foundation Establishment Elder of the sect, immediately hurried to Song Qingming's side with a happy face.

"Senior Song! I truly didn't expect that this old man would have the chance to see you again in this lifetime. It is truly the blessing of the ancestors!"

Upon seeing Chen Jianghai, Song Qingming's expression immediately became somewhat solemn. He stood up directly and walked to his side, placing his hand on Chen Jianghai's forehead.

Feeling the gentle spiritual power coming from his head, Chen Jianghai did not resist Song Qingming's sudden action, just stood quietly where he was without moving.

"Senior, what are you doing?"

Seeing this situation, Luo Li, who was puzzled on the side, was just about to step forward to ask, but was stopped by another "Profound Heaven Sect" Foundation Establishment Elder on the side.

"Senior Song wants to check on Senior Brother's injuries. Don't make a fuss; you might disturb them later."

At the reminder from her Junior Uncle, Luo Li immediately nodded and closed her mouth, opening her big eyes wide to watch Song Qingming, who was closing his eyes and casting a spell.

After a long while, Song Qingming slowly withdrew his magic power and opened his eyes.

Afterward, Song Qingming's hand moved with spiritual power, and he took out a small purple jade bottle from his waist, saying to Chen Jianghai before him: "The injuries to the meridians in your body are somewhat severe. Ordinary low-tier elixirs are now of no use to you."

"This elixir is for repairing the physical body and meridians. Take it and refine one every three years. Although it cannot make you recover in a short time, it can help you temporarily suppress the effects brought by the meridian damage, so you won't pass away prematurely."

"Also, remember from now on, taking too many elixirs like this will also cause some damage to a cultivator's physical body. From now on, try your best not to take other elixirs."

Looking at the purple jade bottle handed over by Song Qingming, Chen Jianghai, already streaming with tears, hurriedly knelt on the ground and bowed to Song Qingming: "Senior's great kindness, this junior will never forget. Please accept this bow from me."

Over the past few years, because his lifespan was nearing its end, Chen Jianghai, tormented by illness, had long felt that his days were numbered. He hadn't expected to meet Senior Song, a Core Formation senior, before he passed away, and that the other party would even take out a bottle of high-tier healing elixir to extend his life. How could he not be deeply moved? (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 726 =====