His laughter was filled with admiration and reverence for Chen Ping. In his view, Chen Ping was the hero in his heart, omnipotent.
Chen Ping did not respond. He walked straight to the edge of the immortal spring and sat down cross-legged.
With a wave of his hand, a black and white flame instantly enveloped the spring eye.
That flame danced and flickered above the spring eye as if it had life, emanating a mysterious and powerful aura.
As the flame burned, the immortal qi in the spring water was slowly drawn out, like a lively stream, flowing into his body through his nostrils. Once those immortal qi entered his body, they nourished his meridians and dantian rapidly, as if they had found their home.
With the continuous influx of immortal qi, Chen Ping’s aura grew increasingly profound. His fifth-grade Earth Immortal cultivation also stabilised slowly.
He could feel that the spiritual power within his body had become more refined, as if it had been reforged.
The subtle hidden dangers left from previously absorbing soul energy also gradually dissipated under the nourishment of the immortal qi, like ice and snow in winter melting slowly under the sun’s shine.
Hu Mazi stood guard at the side. He vigilantly watched the surroundings, his eyes full of caution and determination.
He knew that now was a critical period in Chen Ping’s cultivation. He could not allow anyone to disturb him. He was like a loyal sentinel, protecting Chen Ping’s safety, willing to pay with his own life if necessary.
After about an hour, the immortal qi in the immortal spring was completely absorbed. The spring eye lost its previous glow and became indistinguishable from ordinary spring water.
That immortal spring, which had once emitted white mist, now appeared calm and ordinary, as if nothing had ever happened.
Chen Ping slowly opened his eyes. A glint flashed in them, like lightning in the night sky, illuminating the entire hollow.
His aura also stabilised, like a towering mountain, steady and powerful.
“How is it?”
Hu Mazi hurriedly stepped forward and asked, his eyes full of concern and anticipation.
He was eager to know the outcome of Chen Ping’s cultivation. In his view, Chen Ping’s growth in strength meant one more layer of security for them in this perilous world.
“It’s alright. I have stabilised my cultivation.”
Chen Ping stood up and stretched his limbs. The movements were fluid and natural, as if every muscle was under his complete control.
“Though this immortal spring is small, it has resolved an urgent need. However, to break through to the sixth grade of the Earth Immortal realm, I will need more resources.”
His tone carried a hint of determination and anticipation, as if he had already envisioned the day he would break through to a higher realm.
He looked up towards the distance, his gaze firm and profound, as if piercing through the boundaries of time and space to see that unknown future.
“Let’s go. Continue searching for the whereabouts of the Sixth Hall of the Divine Temple. Once we obtain the immortal stones from the Sixth Hall, the breakthrough will not be far off.”
Though his voice was not loud, it was filled with power, like a call to action, motivating himself and Hu Mazi to press forward.
Hu Mazi nodded. The two did not linger and headed towards the direction of the Sixth Hall of the Divine Temple.
The wind on the wasteland remained biting, stinging the face, but it could not dispel their determination to advance. That determination was like a blazing flame, burning fiercely in their hearts and illuminating the path ahead.
Though dangers lay ahead, as long as Chen Ping was there, Hu Mazi had sufficient confidence.
In his view, Chen Ping was his pillar of strength, his reliance in this chaotic world.
Chen Ping also knew clearly in his heart that to uncover the conspiracy between the Divine Temple and the Evil Dao Hall, and to protect the Fourth Hall Master, he must enhance his strength as quickly as possible.
Only by becoming sufficiently powerful could he stand firm in this perilous Sevenfold Heaven and protect all that he wished to safeguard.
He was like a solitary traveller, advancing resolutely on this thorn-filled path, never retreating a single step no matter how many difficulties and challenges he encountered.
Because he knew that behind him, countless pairs of expectant eyes were watching him, and countless people who needed his protection were waiting for him.
He must become stronger, strong enough to control his own destiny, strong enough to change the rules of this world.
