Chapter 39: The First Lesson in Cultivating Immortality

Among the thirteen people who entered the central formation, all were teenagers except for Li Fan.

Following instructions, they dared not speak easily, but instead surveyed everything around them with excited and curious eyes.

The moment they stepped into the formation, their surroundings changed dramatically from those of Glazed Island.

It was as if they had instantly traveled from a bustling city to deep mountains. Trees grew lushly all around, vibrant green, filled with the continuous chirping of birds and insects.

In the distance, peaks encircled them, and mountains undulated.

A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, the soft sounds echoing like waves.

Li Fan and the others were currently standing at the foot of the mountain.

Looking up, the mountaintop was hidden in thick clouds and mist, out of sight.

They ascended ancient stone steps, climbing continuously for two hours without stopping.

All these youths had impressive physiques; despite climbing for so long, none of them were even out of breath.

Li Fan, however, being older and having not exercised for quite some time, was drenched in sweat and could barely keep up.

After another hour, they finally reached the mountaintop.

The mountaintop was merely a small clearing, and with everyone standing scattered, it felt a bit crowded.

This peak was the highest among the mountains, and looking around, all they could see was a vast, white sea of clouds.

The wind howled, and the sea of clouds churned, occasionally revealing island-like mountaintops.

All these youths were born and raised on the sea; they had never witnessed such a magnificent sight.

At that moment, they all stared, mesmerized.

To Li Fan, however, this scene was ordinary. He squinted, looking at the sun in the sky.

They had been inside the formation for most of the day, yet the sun's position hadn't changed at all.

It seemed to be some kind of illusion.

"How do you like the scenery?" a voice suddenly echoed beside them.

The youths were startled but quickly reacted.

"Greetings, Immortal Master!" they bowed in salute.

Li Fan also bowed.

The newcomer was naturally Immortal Master He, who guarded Glazed Island.

He appeared to be around thirty years old, dressed in green robes.

With kind eyes and a benevolent, smiling face, he seemed very amiable, almost like a benevolent old man.

Seeing that this Immortal Master wasn't as fearsome as rumored, one of the youths gathered courage and replied, "The scenery here is exquisite, truly befitting an immortal's sanctuary."

"I've never seen such a marvel; it's exhilarating."

Master He nodded with a smile, but his next words suddenly silenced the young people present: "When I first arrived on Glazed Island, this peak was merely at the very end of the mountain range, far beneath the sea of clouds."

The youths were stunned by Master He's words. After a moment of silence, someone finally spoke up in praise: "Immortal Master's divine power is truly incredible, capable of making mountains grow."

Master He let out a wry chuckle. "As a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, how could I possess such ability?"

The youth who had just offered the flattery immediately blushed and lowered his head in shame.

The others exchanged glances, unsure of what Immortal Master He meant by his words.

Li Fan, however, looked thoughtfully at the countless peaks within the sea of clouds.

"Do you know that mountains and rivers in this world can also grow taller, just like people?" Immortal Master He said slowly, no longer holding back.

Upon hearing this, the youths were all wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief.

"This is truly unbelievable..."

"Is… is that really true? Could it be that these great mountains and rivers are also living beings?"

Although the idea of mountains growing taller was too astonishing, since the words came from the revered Immortal Master, the youths naturally chose to believe him.

However, their faces all turned pale, unable to fully accept it at once.

Immortal Master He then continued, "Some peaks may seem towering, but their destiny is already fulfilled, and they can never advance further. Others are currently mere small hills but possess boundless potential. Who knows if, years from now, they won't grow into pillars supporting the heavens?"

"Just like Shaowei Mountain beneath our feet; it was utterly unremarkable back then, but in just a few decades, it already stands high above all other mountains."

"Of course, many more, like the countless peaks beneath this sea of clouds, are destined to be mere backdrops, silently looking up at the mountains above the clouds from beginning to end."

"If mountains are like this, what about people?"

"Today, you are fortunate enough to enter the Spirit Pool and cleanse yourselves of miasma. Whether you can embark on the path of immortality, or even aspire to the Great Dao of Longevity, and what achievements you will have in the future, all depends on your individual destiny."

Seeing the bewildered and confused expressions on the youths' faces, Immortal Master He sighed.

"Regardless of what the future holds, you must give your all today. My words are done; you may go!"

"Immortal Master He, where exactly is this Body Cleansing Spirit Pool?" Some of the youths hadn't fully grasped the Immortal Master's words, but they understood that they would finally enter the Body Cleansing Spirit Pool.

True to their youthful nature, they eagerly asked.

"Right there!" Immortal Master He said calmly.

The crowd followed his gaze. The place Immortal Master He pointed to was none other than a sheer cliff face, thousands of feet deep, beyond the small clearing of the mountaintop!

"Immortal Master, are you perhaps joking?" one youth couldn't help but exclaim.

Immortal Master He's expression changed. With a cold snort and barely any perceptible movement, the youth's head flew high into the air, and his body crashed to the ground.

Blood splattered, drenching those nearby.

This sudden scene stunned all the youths.

Some wanted to scream in fear but desperately clamped their hands over their mouths, trembling and pale-faced.

Others simply went limp with fright and fell to the ground.

Still others immediately knelt and kowtowed to Immortal Master He, begging for forgiveness.

"Let me give you another lesson. When you embark on the path of cultivation in the future, discernment will be extremely important. You must clearly weigh who you can bully, who you must not offend, what can be said, and what cannot. Do not wait until you perish to blame me for not reminding you today." Immortal Master He, shedding his benevolent image, stared coldly at the youths.

Li Fan watched the unfolding drama, observing the youths' varied reactions, and knew that Immortal Master He's lesson would undoubtedly leave a profound impression on them.

Not only the youths, but Li Fan himself also gained some insight from Immortal Master He's discourse.

He bowed deeply to Immortal Master He and said sincerely, "Thank you for the lesson."

Then, he turned and walked to the edge of the mountain.

Ahead lay a sheer drop of thousands of feet; a single misstep would surely result in a shattered death.

Yet, Li Fan showed no hesitation or pause, his expression unchanged, as he took a step forward.

He did not fall. The vast sea of clouds ahead seemed to come alive, swirling and gathering beneath Li Fan's feet, holding him firmly.

He stepped out with his other foot, and once stable, Li Fan was carried by the rolling white clouds, flying into the depths of the cloud sea.

Immortal Master He watched Li Fan's retreating figure and couldn't help but murmur, "Excellent temperament, but what a pity, he's too old!"

"What a waste!"