At that moment, Li Yan was soaring through the skies—but more precisely, it was Li Wu Yi who was carrying him, guiding their flight high above. Li Yan cast a curious glance downward at the mysterious flying device beneath his feet. It looked much like a delicate scroll, and as they flew, the landscape below gradually diminished in size before quickly streaking past.
After emerging from the building, Li Wu Yi produced a small object that resembled a scroll. With a few deft shakes and softly uttered incantations, the item began to swell in the wind. In a matter of seconds, it expanded to a size of nearly twenty to thirty feet in length. Such magical devices were essential for cultivation; after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, a true adept might fly unaided by any tools. But for disciples still in the Condensation Period, relying on spirit weapons, talismans, or other magical instruments was necessary. Even possessing a single flying device was more than sufficient for most of them.
Li Wu Yi had already advanced far beyond the early stages—he had reached the later stage of Foundation Establishment—and as such, he could fly with ease and at remarkable speed. However, since he now had the additional burden of carrying Li Yan, he couldn't simply strap him to his back or carry him by hand. Instead, he retrieved an old flying talisman that he hadn't used in some time.
His plan was to take Li Yan to Laojun Peak, where Li Yan would receive his introductory items, and then return to Xiao Zhu Peak to pay respects to the Sect Master. Yet, since he had already set out with Li Yan on his flying device, Li Wu Yi decided it would be best for his junior brother to become acquainted with the features and landscapes of some of the sect's mountain peaks along the way.
The very peak from which they had just departed was known as "Ling Chong Peak." This was the mountain domain assigned to the cultivator surnamed Yu who had first escorted Li Yan into the sect. On this peak, they had circled around its midsection. Li Wu Yi explained that the summit was strictly forbidden for flight—protected by anti-air restrictions—and only the Sect Master and a select few were permitted to venture into that elevated zone.
As they flew, Li Yan marveled at the scene unfolding around him. Celestial cranes, peacocks, and various unidentified spirit birds flitted past in effortless arcs. Looking down, he observed an enchanting panorama: roofs carved in sweeping arcs, tiled eaves that flowed gracefully along the contours of small hills and bridges, and the gentle tinkle of spring water in mountain streams—scenes so breathtaking that he felt they could only exist in the realm of dreams.
Throughout the peak, many disciples could be seen coming and going, going about their daily routines with calm indifference toward the two figures suspended in the sky. Most of these cultivators wore dark-green robes, much like Li Wu Yi himself, with only a few wearing differently styled garments.
Among these figures, some were riding on fearsome beasts that looked as though they were armored in scales, reminiscent of crocodiles. These creatures, upon noticing the two flying overhead, would lift their massive heads, their small, protruding eyes narrowing in fierce concentration, and let out booming roars while shaking their heads and tails. Others even had a toad—the kind whose entire body was dotted with jet-black bumps—perched on their shoulders, constantly opening its mouth to secrete sticky mucus, which threatened to drip onto their clothes before the creature would retract its tongue and suck the mucus back in.
There was also one man whose robe collar had several multicolored centipedes wriggling out, twisting and weaving along his body. At times, these centipedes would disappear into the folds of his neckline or slip into the gap of his trousers, only to reemerge later in a seemingly endless cycle of movement. And then there was a bewitching woman with a striking figure: a woman whose graceful earlobe bore a dangling, exquisite green snake. Every so often, she would tilt her head in a coquettish manner and bare her heart, and then, with delicate jade-like hands, she would draw the snake's head close to her lips for a tender kiss.
All of these curious sights sent a shiver straight down Li Yan's spine. His skin prickled with discomfort, and he silently wondered, "Surely Xiao Zhu Peak isn't as perverse and repulsive in its cultivation methods as this?" The thought made him feel as if countless insects were crawling over his skin.
Noticing the expression on Li Yan's face—one that looked as though he had just swallowed a fly—Li Wu Yi chuckled gently. "Junior Brother, do not be alarmed. This peak is called Ling Chong Peak. Here, the practitioners specialize in breeding various spirit insects and mythical beasts found throughout the world. Their philosophy is built on a symbiosis between man and beast, resulting in a combined attack power that far surpasses that of beings of similar levels."
Inwardly, Li Yan grumbled, "Spirit insects and spirit beasts? They seem to brim with mystical energy—but in truth, they are just venomous pests and ferocious beasts." Yet, seeing the warm smile on his senior's face, he hesitated to voice his misgivings. Still, as he observed Li Wu Yi's steady, kind face, a spark of curiosity nudged him—almost as if he recalled something important.
"What's the matter, Junior Brother? Why are you looking at me like that?" Li Wu Yi asked, startled when he noticed a questioning look in Li Yan's eyes—as if he were suddenly wondering whether his own appearance might be compared unfavorably to some of these bizarre creatures below.
"Um, Senior Brother," Li Yan replied hesitantly, "please don't take this amiss—but earlier you mentioned that you're seventy-four years old?" Li Yan had just seen his senior smiling as though nothing were amiss, yet when he looked carefully, he realized that despite the friendly expression, Li Wu Yi's face had hints of age. In Li Yan's village, seventy-four was an advanced age—a time when the old man would be frail and barely able to rise once seated.
Li Wu Yi laughed lightly. "Indeed, that is so. I joined the Wang Liang Sect when I was ten, and after establishing my foundation at nineteen, I began to follow our Sect Master. It has been several decades now, and alas, I still remain in the later stage of Foundation Establishment. Sigh… so much to be ashamed of. I still have over a hundred years ahead of me, and if I never manage to form a Golden Core, then all that will be left is the endless cycle of reincarnation."
When he said that, Li Wu Yi's tone carried a wistful note. To an ordinary person, a hundred years might sound like a lifetime, but for cultivators these periods are measured in the intervals between secluded retreats—brief spans compared to the eternal nature of their pursuits.
Li Yan, meanwhile, marveled inwardly. "Are cultivators really that mighty?" he wondered. "Among ordinary mortals, living to sixty is considered longevity, yet a cultivator in his sixties or seventies appears as vigorous and youthful as one in the prime of life." Such thoughts filled him with hope for what his future might hold. Even as his mind was abuzz with these possibilities, he remained unaware that his inner self was quietly undergoing a transformation.
Furthermore, Li Yan had missed another important point in Li Wu Yi's words—that one could establish one's foundation in as little as nine years. It wasn't that Li Yan had intentionally disregarded it; rather, he simply did not comprehend its full significance. Achieving foundation establishment in eight or nine years was fantastical—it was almost as if one were a "child of heaven." Generally speaking, any cultivator who managed to complete the foundation stage within thirty years was considered extraordinary. But if someone reached the Foundation Establishment stage after turning thirty, then forming a Golden Core in that lifetime was all but unlikely—unless an extraordinary chance emerged. Each stage within Foundation Establishment (pre-, mid-, and later periods) is exponentially more arduous than even the subsequent step in the Condensation Period. Many a cultivator languishes forever in the pre-foundation stage.
As the two continued their flight away from Ling Chong Peak, they advanced for several hundred li until a gigantic mountain, shrouded in a dull yellow mist, appeared on the horizon. Like the other peaks, this one soared high into the clouds, though its true scale and majesty remained a mystery. Drawing nearer, Li Wu Yi explained that the yellowish haze was not mere fog but a layer of mist—a kind of magical "second skin" that wrapped closely around the mountain. This veil did not disperse outward easily, thereby concealing the mountain's true details.
"This is Si Xiang Peak," Li Wu Yi announced. "Here, our senior brothers and elders are masters of array formations. The haze you see is our protective formation for the mountain. Its appearance isn't static—it changes every moment. Not only does its shape vary, but the toxins within it also fluctuate. Every fifteen minutes, as many as 1,080 different types of potent toxins are generated, combining in arrangements that never repeat throughout a twelve‐hour span. Then, in the following twelve hours, these toxic arrangements are completely restructured."
He went on, "Each potent toxin here interacts with others that manifest simultaneously, producing chain reactions the results of which are almost impossible to predict. Perhaps one toxin neutralizes another, while a different toxin might even be a result of a previous toxin combining with new ones. Anyone caught within the array would find it nearly impossible to fend off these successive, unpredictable toxic assaults. We're only circling the peak briefly. Later, if you're inclined, the Sect Master can grant you an entry token for this peak. But be warned—the senior brothers and masters here are somewhat eccentric in temperament. One must be cautious when entering, or else a bout of misfortune is almost guaranteed."
Li Yan listened with both astonishment and admiration. He found himself marveling at the sheer scale of it—1,080 varieties of toxins emerging in just fifteen minutes, each cycle unique over a twelve-hour period. He silently wondered how many different kinds of rare toxins the Wang Liang Sect had developed over the ages. Such knowledge only served as a testament to the deep, ancient legacy and formidable power passed down from generation to generation.
Yet, even as Li Yan absorbed these facts, he resolved that he would not trouble himself by repeatedly visiting this peak. Clearly, a single misstep here might easily lead to a fatal poisoning, and he had no intention of mastering array formations anyway. The risks far outweighed any conceivable benefit for him.
After circling Si Xiang Peak for a while, the two ascended and flew toward another imposing mountain on the opposite side. In roughly the time it would take to drink a cup of tea, before their eyes emerged a huge, grayish mountain. Unlike the previous peak, this one was free of swirling mists; its surface was laid bare. The mountain's slopes were densely populated with tall, sword-like plants, each roughly 40 to 50 feet in height. Dozens of these spear-like structures grew side by side, with their bases separated by less than two feet. Each structure resembled a mystic staff filled with a thick, dark, almost ink-like sap. Their dense clustering gave the mountain the appearance of a gigantic hedgehog—an image that made Li Yan shudder as he imagined prickly spikes threatening to impale him.
"Could it be," he thought with disquiet, "that the sect I've joined is not only infamous for its dubious, almost dark cultivation methods, but also chooses living quarters that are so abnormal? Every peak I have seen is either overrun with venomous pests and vicious beasts, or shrouded in a toxic haze in which countless poisons coalesce. And here, this mountain—resembling a giant, grim hedgehog with its violent sword-like plants—suggests nothing pleasant at all."
Li Wu Yi then explained, "This is Ni Li Peak. Here, the main focus is on gu cultivation—a method by which ascension is achieved by cultivating and refining poisonous creatures. The plants on this mountain serve as the thriving habitat for nearly all sorts of gu insects. That's why we keep our distance; to avoid disturbing them. If we encroach too closely, you might find yourself beset by swarms of unknown gu insects raining down from among these formidable, spear-like plants. Some of these insects can adhere to one's skin and feed on one's flesh, and for a cultivator in the Condensation Period, having even four or five of these attach could, within mere breaths, reduce one to nothing but a carcass. Others might penetrate the body through the eyes, ears, or nasal passages and begin to consume internal organs from within until nothing remains but skin fluttering in the breeze. And some are even more insidious—if they hide inside, they may settle near the heart or even crawl into the brain, slowly devouring one's blood or brain matter. What I have described are only the most common types; these mad alchemists have bred countless varieties of such venomous gu insects. In my decades here, I've had far more encounters with Si Xiang Peak than with this one, and frankly, I would prefer not to return." Li Wu Yi coughed lightly as he recalled the unpleasant memories.
At that moment, Li Wu Yi's handsome features betrayed a flicker of discomfort, as though a painful memory had surfaced. "Just remember what I've told you, and let's leave," he said. Without waiting for an answer from Li Yan, he mounted the flying device once more and shot off into the distance. Li Yan, having heard these words, no longer felt any desire to linger—even his heart longed to escape this uncanny place.
As soon as Li Wu Yi had disappeared into the distance, a number of people on the ground caught sight of the flying contraption. In one cluster of the sword-like, spiked plants, a red-robed beauty was seen sitting cross-legged at the base. She glanced up at the departing Li Wu Yi and softly exclaimed, "Eh, that flying device just now seemed to belong to that Li Wu Yi fellow. But who was that other person riding atop it? He only circled around briefly before departing. I was hoping to share a drink and recite some poetry with him." After a brief pause, she sighed and added, "Never mind—I'll look for him again in a few days. That little fellow is growing up so fast."
With a figure that was both captivating and alluring, she had a curvaceous physique and an ample bosom that caught the light of the sky. Her red garment flowed like liquid silk, and for a moment she carefully examined a faint, intricate line in the center of her palm. Then she closed her eyes and pressed her jade-like hand against the living plant, as if invoking a secret wish.
High above, Li Wu Yi seemed to sense a change in the ambient energy. Suddenly, an intense surge of spiritual power welled up beneath his feet, and the speed of the flying device increased dramatically—propelling them forward like an arrow released from a bow. Li Yan couldn't help but take several extra glances; until now, his senior had always appeared calm and unflustered. Yet this abrupt acceleration made him seem unusually anxious, as if he'd lost his customary poise.
Of course, Li Wu Yi noticed Li Yan's curious stares, but he pretended not to see, his unwavering gaze fixed resolutely ahead. "Junior Brother, ahead lies Laojun Peak," he announced. "This is the main center for handling our daily affairs. The vice-ministers reside here as well, and all administrative functions—be it the management hall, the mission hall, sectal teachings, or the grand competitions—are held on this very peak."
Under the force of Li Wu Yi's potent spiritual energy—applied with the speed of half a cup of tea's time—they soon reached the main peak of the Wang Liang Sect: Laojun Peak. Along the way, Li Wu Yi explained the peak's significance to Li Yan.
Aside from Xiao Zhu Peak, each of our mountain peaks features its own administrative hall that enforces the sect's rules. Meanwhile, collections of martial techniques and precious scriptures are managed independently by each peak. This is because the elemental focus of cultivation varies from peak to peak, and each manages the techniques corresponding to its own specialty. Although books on general methods can be found everywhere, borrowing them from another peak typically incurs considerably higher fees.
Furthermore, Laojun Peak not only houses these fundamental functions but also boasts an extra administrative hall dedicated solely to handling external affairs and various sect matters. For instance, Li Yan's journey this time was precisely for the purpose of retrieving his introductory items.
Other routine events—such as the monthly lectures in which Foundation Establishment experts from various peaks are dispatched to impart lessons—are also held here. Even occasional visits from mature Golden Core cultivators to give talks are common, and during such sessions the entire peak buzzes with activity as figures traverse the sky in constant motion. There are also grand competitions held every five years for disciples below the mid-Foundation stage, and larger contests for those in the mid-to-late Foundation stages that occur once every ten years. All these events take place on Laojun Peak.
The sect's master serves as the peak's chief and is also revered as a top-tier alchemy master. But alchemy in the Wang Liang Sect is not merely the ordinary kind found in other sects. In many other schools, alchemists work solely to produce pills for immortality by firing up a furnace. Here, the concoctions include not only pills to assist with cultivation, detoxification, and advancement but also those for prolonging life and healing illnesses—medicines that are beneficial in a host of ways.
As Li Yan looked around the spacious administrative hall and surveyed the surrounding buildings and the steady flow of people, he felt a sense of relief. Finally, here was the image of a sect that appeared "normal"—or at least, reasonably normal. Although from time to time someone might arrive accompanied by venomous pests or fierce beasts, even these animals were subdued using methods that caused them to lower their heads respectfully. Moreover, Li Yan could sense that in these few peaks the ambient spiritual energy was extraordinarily abundant; every breath he took filled him with a soothing warmth that invited a quiet, contented sigh.
This concludes our journey through the skies for the moment. Li Wu Yi and Li Yan had been exposed to the surreal beauty—and occasional strangeness—of their sect's various mountain peaks. From the mysterious Ling Chong Peak with its eerie spirit beasts, to the formidable Si Xiang Peak protected by ever-changing arrays of toxins, and finally to Laojun Peak, the heart of the sect's daily administration and alchemical prowess, Li Yan's eyes had been opened to a world that both dazzled and disquieted him.
Even as Li Yan absorbed the wonder of soaring amongst celestial cranes and witnessing the bustling life on these sacred mountains, his mind was alight with questions about his own destiny. The peculiarities of each peak, the extraordinary speed of the magical device beneath them, and even the casual quirks of those he encountered—from riders on armored beasts to flirtatious voices of elegant women—all contributed to a realization in Li Yan: the path of cultivation was far more mysterious and multifaceted than he had ever imagined.
Perhaps, he thought, the secret of long life and power lay not in the simple accumulation of strength but in embracing the inherent chaos of nature's myriad toxins and harnessing them for one's own use. And yet, despite the dangers and the unknowns, Li Yan felt an inexplicable stirring—a determination to forge ahead, no matter how perilous the journey might become.
With every revelation, Li Yan's inner self evolved. The wonder at the natural beauty around him mingled with a newfound resolve to reconcile his own humble origins with the monumental traditions of the Wang Liang Sect. Even while his senior brother's words carried an undercurrent of caution and melancholy—reminding him that even a cultivated life had its price—Li Yan could not help but find hope in the eternal, vibrant energy that seemed to animate every breath taken here.
And so, as Li Wu Yi continued to guide their flight toward Laojun Peak, Li Yan silently vowed to learn, adapt, and grow. For in that moment, amid ancient peaks shrouded in mystic mists and guarded by formidable arrays of ever-changing toxins, he felt both the weight of destiny and the promise of an extraordinary future.