Chapter 892: Entering the Island

"Even so, Senior Brother Zhao must have put in a great deal of effort to gather such detailed information."

The avatar chuckled, "Senior Brother Zhao, I can't simply take you to the Dark Thunderwood Forest based on your word alone. You must first clearly explain what you intend to do. Otherwise, if anything goes wrong, it will be difficult for me to account for it to the sect."

Zhao Songqiao was silent for a moment, then said, "Junior Brother, you are right. Then I shall hide nothing more! I once acquired a demonic secret art that allows one to draw the power of thunder into their Qi Sea, breaking through and then rebuilding, to forcibly establish their foundation. As you know, the power of thunder is exceptionally violent and terrifying. I fear I might incinerate myself before I even touch the lightning. After much inquiry, I learned that in your esteemed sect's Dark Thunderwood Forest, due to the peculiar characteristics of the Dark Thunderwood, there is a sparse accumulation of Yin Thunder, which is much gentler than elsewhere. It might just work. However, our sect elders would certainly not permit me to risk my life with this method, so I can only appeal to Junior Brother Zhang. If I truly succeed, I am willing to give this secret art to Junior Brother Zhang. You may also propose any other conditions; as long as I can fulfill them, I will not refuse in the slightest!"

Zhao Songqiao's tone was resolute.

"Using lightning to establish your foundation?"

The avatar was stunned.

This was the first time he had ever heard of such a method. To dare to draw lightning into one's body at the Qi Refinement stage, with the constant risk of being utterly disintegrated, this person was truly audacious.

However, he had long understood the concept of "breaking through and then rebuilding."

Back then, both he and Yun Youzi had experienced similar journeys.

Was this another ruthless individual?

The avatar glanced at Zhao Songqiao, a contemplative expression on his face.

At this moment, Fang Ting couldn't help but interject, pleading on his behalf, "Senior Brother Zhang, if we can enter the Dark Thunderwood Forest, please help Senior Brother Zhao this once."

The avatar raised an eyebrow, "Junior Sister, you possess excellent dual spiritual roots and will not lack Foundation Establishment Pills in the future. Why would you want such a dangerous secret art?"

Fang Ting's face flushed. Her lips moved, and then she quietly transmitted her voice, "Senior Brother Zhao gave me a Rejuvenation Pill. I originally thought Master would be there too, so I could use Master's name to... consume the Rejuvenation Pill. Besides, Senior Brother, you might be able to use this secret art. If Senior Brother Zhao fails and perishes, we simply won't cultivate it; there's no loss for us. If the secret art succeeds, Senior Brother, you could establish your foundation with me!"

"A Rejuvenation Pill? How old are you?"

The avatar was speechless.

The Rejuvenation Pill could maintain one's youthful appearance. While not as miraculous as the legendary Face-Setting Pill, it was still very rare.

For cultivators, especially those below the Core Formation stage, it was difficult to completely erase the traces of time, and not everyone possessed the Three-Light Jade Liquid. This kind of spiritual medicine was particularly tempting to female cultivators.

Zhao Songqiao had truly given the right gift to the right person.

Fang Ting's face was beet red.

The avatar discerned a genuine sincerity in the latter part of Fang Ting's words and fell into deep thought.

Going to the Dark Thunderwood Forest under Jin Yan's name would not be difficult, and he himself planned to explore the area. Taking Zhao Songqiao along, however, might involve some complications.

The key was whether it was worth the effort.

Deep down, he was still somewhat curious about this secret art and wondered if his main body could learn from it. With his main body's cultivation, the danger of drawing lightning into the body would be much lower.

Furthermore, he had recently learned about a place jointly controlled by the Lándòu Sect and the Yanmiao Pavilion. If he wanted to infiltrate it, he might need to use Fang Ting's identity.

"Junior Sister Fang," the avatar said after a moment's thought, raising his head, "If it weren't for your sake, I would definitely hesitate. Since you've pleaded for Senior Brother Zhao, I can try my best, but I cannot guarantee success."

"Really! Thank you, Senior Brother! If Senior Brother agrees, it will definitely work!"

Fang Ting's concern finally eased.

Zhao Songqiao was also overjoyed, rising to bow, his voice even trembling slightly. "Thank you, Junior Brother Zhang, for your trouble!"

"No need for formalities, Senior Brother Zhao."

The avatar raised a hand as if to stop him, his tone becoming serious. "Senior Brother Zhao, I won't ask for any more conditions; consider this a favor for Junior Sister. However, let me be clear: once we're inside, you must obey my commands and not act on your own. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, I will not say a single word in your defense."

Then, the avatar looked at Fang Ting. "Junior Sister, don't celebrate too soon. In a while, I'll need your help with something."

"Leave it to me!"

Without asking what it was, Fang Ting patted her chest, taking full responsibility.

The three discussed for a while longer before Fang Ting and Zhao Songqiao departed, faces alight with joy.

After seeing them off, the avatar summoned the Heavenly Eye Butterfly and pondered silently. The Heavenly Eye Butterfly hadn't detected anything unusual about Zhao Songqiao earlier, so perhaps he was overthinking it.

When the time came, he would have the Heavenly Eye Butterfly constantly monitor Zhao Songqiao, observing him as he performed the secret art. If Zhao Songqiao made any unusual moves, he would simply eliminate him.

However, to bring them inside, the avatar still needed to request a task from Jin Yan.

Thinking of this, the avatar flew out of his cave dwelling and headed straight for the stone palace.

Five days later.

A mass of cloud mist streaked across the sky at lightning speed, flying out of the mountains in the blink of an eye and arriving above the shimmering sea. It then continued its swift journey without any decrease in speed.

Faintly discernible figures could be seen standing within the cloud mist.

"Junior Brother Lu, your Cloud Mist Boat has been refined to the point of mastery. When used at full power, its evasion speed is almost comparable to a top-grade magical artifact, isn't it?"

At the very front of the cloud mist stood two Daoists.

One of them, holding a whisk, was precisely Old Daoist Huayang. He turned slightly, offering a somewhat flattering compliment.

The other man looked much younger than Old Daoist Huayang, with sword-like eyebrows and piercing eyes, exuding an aura of authority without needing to appear angry.

This man, also surnamed Lu like the Lándòu Sect's Sect Master Lu Xiaoyun, was Lu Xiaoyun's adopted son. His talent was astonishing; he was already a peak Core Formation cultivator and the First Seat of Canglan Peak.

With Lu Xiaoyun absent, he handled sect affairs. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this person would likely succeed as the Lándòu Sect Master in the future.

At this moment, the avatar stood at the very back of the Cloud Mist Boat, hidden among the crowd and silent.

"Senior Brother Huayang, you flatter me," the First Seat Lu replied. "This treasure has been repeatedly refined by me and has exhausted its potential. It cannot be improved further and is far from a top-grade magical artifact; it merely serves as transportation..."

As he spoke, First Seat Lu gazed forward. "We departed a bit early this time. I wonder if the other sects have arrived yet."

"According to custom, the Yanmiao Pavilion and a few others who helped us set up the restrictions on Dongming Island will arrive early. As for the other sects, they will probably only start arriving once Mount Longxing opens at midnight tonight."

Old Daoist Huayang seemed very familiar with the proceedings of the cultivation gathering.

First Seat Lu nodded slightly. "This is my first time presiding over a cultivation gathering. I'll need Senior Brother Huayang to take on more of the burden then..."

As they spoke, the Cloud Mist Boat glided through the blue sky and vast sea.

Before long, several unusual clusters of light suddenly appeared ahead – various kinds of flying magical artifacts.

"First Seat Lu himself has arrived!"

"Qi bows to First Seat Lu!"

Several figures flew out from the magical artifacts and approached from a distance.