Among the thirteen individuals entering the central formation, aside from Li Fan, all were teenagers. They had been instructed not to speak lightly, only observing their surroundings with eyes full of excitement and curiosity.
Upon stepping into the formation, their environment was entirely different from Glass Island. It was as if they had been transported from a bustling city to a deep mountain, surrounded by lush trees, vibrant greenery, and the continuous sounds of birds and insects. In the distance, peaks were shrouded in mist, with mountains rising and falling.
A gentle breeze blew, and the rustling sound echoed like waves. Li Fan and the others were standing at the foot of the mountain. Looking up, the mountain peak was hidden in thick clouds, out of sight. They climbed the ancient stone steps without stopping for two hours. These teenagers were of extraordinary constitution, climbing for so long without even panting.
However, Li Fan, being older and having not exercised for a long time, was already drenched in sweat, barely able to keep up without falling behind. After another hour, they finally reached the mountain top. The summit was just a small clearing, and standing there was already somewhat crowded.
This peak was the highest among the surrounding mountains, and looking around, there was nothing but a vast sea of clouds. The wind howled, the cloud sea rolled, occasionally revealing mountain tops like islands. These teenagers, having grown up by the sea, had never seen such a magnificent sight. They were all entranced, staring in awe.
For Li Fan, however, this scene was ordinary. He squinted at the sun in the sky. They had been in the formation for most of the day, yet the sun's position hadn't changed. It seemed to be some kind of illusion.
"How is the scenery?" Suddenly, a voice sounded beside them. The teenagers were startled but quickly reacted. "Greetings, Immortal Master!" they bowed and greeted. Li Fan also followed suit.
The newcomer was naturally Immortal Master He, the guardian of Glass Island. He appeared to be around thirty years old, dressed in a blue robe. With kind eyes and a friendly smile, he seemed like a benevolent elder.
Seeing that this immortal master wasn't as intimidating as the legends, one of the teenagers mustered the courage to respond, "The scenery here is exceptional, truly a sacred land of the immortals." "I've never seen such a wondrous sight; it's truly exhilarating."
Immortal Master He nodded with a smile, but his words made the young ones fall silent, "When I first came to Glass Island, this mountain peak was at the bottom of the range, far below the cloud sea."
The teenagers were stunned by Immortal Master He's words, silent for a while before someone praised, "The immortal master's abilities are truly incredible, able to raise mountains."
Immortal Master He chuckled, "I'm just a small cultivator in the Foundation Establishment stage; I don't have such capabilities."
The teenager who had just flattered him blushed with embarrassment, lowering his head in shame. The others exchanged glances, unsure of the meaning behind Immortal Master He's words. Li Fan, however, looked at the countless peaks in the cloud sea, lost in thought.
"Do you know that the mountains and rivers of the world, like people, can gradually grow taller?" Immortal Master He no longer kept them guessing, speaking slowly. The teenagers were all wide-eyed and incredulous upon hearing this.
"This is truly unbelievable..." "Really... is it true? Could it be that these great mountains and rivers are also living beings?"
Though the idea of mountains growing taller was shocking, since it was spoken by a high and mighty immortal master, the teenagers naturally chose to believe. Their faces turned pale, struggling to accept it.
Immortal Master He continued, "Some peaks, though seemingly towering, have reached their lifespan limit and can no longer advance. Some are mere small hills now but have limitless potential. Who knows if they won't grow into sky-piercing pillars in the future?"
"Just like this Shaowei Mountain beneath your feet, it was once insignificant, but in just a few decades, it has become a vantage point over the surrounding mountains."
"Of course, more are like the countless peaks below the cloud sea, forever serving as a backdrop, silently gazing up at the peaks above the clouds."
"If mountains are like this, what about people?"
"Today, you have the fortune to step into the spirit pool, cleansing your body of miasma. Whether you can embark on the path of immortality, or even aspire to the great path of longevity, and what achievements you might have in the future, all depend on your own fate."
Seeing the bewildered and confused faces of the teenagers, Immortal Master He sighed. "Regardless of what happens in the future, today you must give it your all. I've said all I can; you may go now!"
"Immortal Master He, where is the Purification Spirit Pool?" Some of the teenagers, though not fully understanding Immortal Master He's words, were eager to finally enter the spirit pool.
Being young at heart, they eagerly asked. "It's right there!" Immortal Master He said calmly. Following his direction, they saw that the place he pointed to was beyond the small clearing at the mountain top, at the edge of a ten-thousand-foot cliff!
"Immortal Master must be joking?" a teenager couldn't help but exclaim. Immortal Master He's expression changed, and with a cold snort, without any visible movement, the teenager's head flew high, and his body collapsed with a thud.
Blood sprayed out, splattering on those around. This sudden scene shocked the teenagers. Some wanted to scream in fear but covered their mouths tightly, trembling and pale. Some were so frightened they collapsed to the ground. Others immediately knelt, kowtowing to apologize to Immortal Master He.
"Let this be another lesson for you. On the path of cultivation, having a discerning eye is crucial. Know who can be offended and who cannot, what can be said and what cannot. Weigh these carefully. Don't blame me for not warning you when you face death and the end of your path," Immortal Master He, shedding his previous benevolent image, coldly addressed the teenagers.
Li Fan watched this drama unfold, observing the varied reactions of the teenagers, knowing that this lesson from Immortal Master He would leave a deep impression on them. Even Li Fan himself, after hearing Immortal Master He's words, felt he had gained some insight.
He bowed deeply to Immortal Master He, sincerely saying, "Thank you for the lesson." Then he turned and walked to the edge of the mountain. Before him was a ten-thousand-foot cliff; a single misstep would surely lead to a shattered body.
Yet Li Fan showed no hesitation or pause, stepping forward without changing his expression. He did not fall; the vast cloud sea seemed to have a will of its own, rolling and gathering beneath his feet, supporting him steadily.
With his other foot stepping out and standing firm, Li Fan was enveloped by the rolling white clouds, flying into the depths of the cloud sea. Immortal Master He watched Li Fan's departing figure, muttering to himself, "An excellent disposition, but alas, too old!"
"What a pity!"
(End of Chapter)