Chapter 272: It's Possible!

Xiao Qing revealed a meaningful smile, a smile that made Zhang Chulan feel a sudden chill for no reason: "Sure, it just so happens I haven't taken on an apprentice in a long time. However..." Her gaze suddenly became sharp, "My training is not child's play. You need to think it through; once it starts, it will be too late if you want to quit halfway."

Zhang Chulan straightened his chest: "I understand! No matter how bitter or tiring it is, I will not back down!"

"Good, then we start tomorrow." A flash of cunning light crossed her eyes, "I hope you will still be able to say such things tomorrow."

Just like that, Zhang Chulan settled down at Baiyun Guan. However, early the next morning, when a basin of ice water was poured over his head, he realized just how naive he had been yesterday.

"Get up!" Xiao Qing's voice was unquestionable, "The sun is already shining on your backside, what are you still sleeping for?"

Zhang Chulan shivered as he climbed up and looked at the sky; the horizon was only just beginning to brighten. This was nowhere near the sun shining on his backside; he couldn't even see the shadow of the sun!

Yet this was only the beginning. What followed was four long hours of basic training, including meditation, circulating Qi, physical conditioning, and various other aspects. Xiao Qing's requirements were surprisingly strict; any deviation in the slightest detail could not escape her eyes.

"Your posture is wrong!" Xiao Qing pointed out mercilessly, "The Sea of Qi must sink, the dantian must be tightened, and the strength of your whole body must be concentrated at one point. With such a lazy posture, how could your Qi possibly circulate smoothly?"

Zhang Chulan gritted his teeth and adjusted his posture. He had never imagined that the foundation of Qi techniques he had always been proud of would be so unbearable in Xiao Qing's eyes. Every movement he considered a matter of course was pointed out to have countless problems by Xiao Qing.

After a short rest at noon, the afternoon was for combat training. This made Zhang Chulan truly understand what "despair" meant, as she gave him absolutely no chance to catch his breath. Every exchange ended with Zhang Chulan being sent flying.

"Too lax!" Xiao Qing sent Zhang Chulan flying with a palm strike, "Your Qi is still not condensed enough! With strength like this, you don't even count as having entered the door! I really don't know how you managed to get by in the Outsider world before!"

Zhang Chulan climbed up from the ground, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. Yet his eyes became increasingly firm. Yes, the former him was perhaps truly too complacent. In front of an expert like Xiao Qing, the little bit of skill he was proud of was simply like children playing house.

Just like that, half a month passed. Although he was abused miserably every day, Zhang Chulan could clearly feel his own progress. Especially in the application of Qi, he was much more precise than before. Movements that previously required his full concentration to complete could now be performed with fluid ease.

However, just at this moment, a sudden change occurred. Lin Xuan, who was cultivating in the Quiet Room, suddenly felt a sharp pain, and his Heart Fire actually showed signs of spiraling out of control. That violent power raged within his body, as if it were about to incinerate his meridians.

"Not good!" Lin Xuan immediately understood, "The Heart Fire has reached its limit; I must find the Dust of Earth to calm it. Otherwise..."

He dared not imagine the consequences. The Heart Fire was inherently the most Yang and rigid power between heaven and earth; if it completely lost control, it would not only destroy his Dao foundation but could also trigger a catastrophe.

"I can only try this method." He attempted to use it to sense the location of the Dust of Earth. The nature of the Dust of Earth was the most Yin and soft, which could perfectly restrain the violence of the Heart Fire.

Following the activation of the Heart Fire, a peculiar power began to circulate between heaven and earth. Suddenly, the sky changed drastically, dark clouds rolled, and golden light shot in all directions. A brilliant pillar of light descended from the sky, pointing directly into the distance.

This strange phenomenon instantly caused a sensation. Media outlets from all sides rushed to report it, and the view counts for videos online rose crazily. People discussed it heatedly, all guessing what that mysterious pillar of light meant.

"My god, it's Baiyun Guan again!" "How many times has this phenomenon happened now?" "Look at that pillar of light, it seems to be pointing somewhere!" "Could it be that an Immortal has truly manifested?"

Zhang Chulan looked at the phenomenon in the sky, also with a face full of shock: "This... what is going on?"

Xiao Qing, however, revealed a worried expression: "Benefactor is going to search for the Dust of Earth. It's just that this commotion is a bit too large."

At this time, Zhao Fangxu was in a meeting at the Company when he suddenly received a report from his assistant saying that videos related to Baiyun Guan had appeared online again. However, this time the phenomenon did not appear at Baiyun Guan, but pointed to somewhere else.

"What?!" Zhao Fangxu stood up abruptly, "Investigate the location that pillar of light is pointing to immediately! I want to know what kind of Outsider exists there!"

He had a faint premonition in his heart that this matter would likely not be so simple. An existence capable of triggering celestial phenomena was definitely not an ordinary Outsider.

Soon, the Company's investigators brought back preliminary news: the pillar of light pointed to a remote deep mountain, a place shrouded in clouds and mist year-round, where even satellites could not capture clear images. And according to local legends, that area seemed to be related to a mysterious sect from ancient legends.

"Interesting." A flash of light shone in Zhao Fangxu's eyes, "It seems this time, there really will be a good show to watch."

And at this moment, Lin Xuan was already making preparations for the upcoming action. The Dust of Earth was of great importance; not only could it help him calm the Heart Fire, but it might also be the key to unlocking certain secrets. It was just that, looking at the current situation, obtaining the Dust of Earth would likely not be so easy.

"Xiao Qing, Xiao Bai," Lin Xuan's voice was a bit hoarse, "Go and prepare; we will set off early tomorrow morning."

"Yes!" There was no room for the slightest delay.

Zhang Chulan was firm: "Lin Daozhang, let me go with you! Having received your guidance during this time, I also want to test my progress in the field."

Lin Xuan glanced at him and nodded slightly: "Very well. But remember, this operation is exceptionally dangerous. Once we set off, there is no turning back."

"Understood!" Zhang Chulan nodded heavily.

Just as the people at Baiyun Guan were preparing to set off, the pillar of light pointing to the deep mountain remained dazzling. However, no one noticed that within the range illuminated by the light, some ancient Runes hidden for a thousand years were quietly reviving.

At the same time, an old man inside a Dongying shrine suddenly opened his eyes, a trace of eerie light flashing through them: "Has it finally appeared? The Dust of Earth... this is truly a heaven-sent opportunity!"