The long black night had not yet passed.

Fudao Shanren knew it wouldn’t stop anytime soon.

He sat down, leaning against an old tree nearby, holding the still-sleeping big white goose in his arms, watching Jian Chou, who was immersed in cultivation, still in a daze himself.

Had he ever seen this kind of talent before?

No, not yet.

According to legend, there were people in the world called “Children of the Dao”—geniuses on the cultivation path who could be encountered but not sought.

This type of person, because their hearts had no distracting thoughts, was close to nature and merged with heaven and earth.

Once they didn’t step onto the cultivation path, that was one thing, but once they did step onto it, they could proceed unobstructed. One day of their cultivation was equivalent to a hundred days of others’ cultivation.

Jian Chou before his eyes…

He had only opened her spiritual eyes, allowing her to perceive the existence of spiritual energy in the surrounding heaven and earth, yet she had taught herself without a master, actually beginning to automatically absorb and circulate it.

Or rather, it wasn’t that Jian Chou taught herself, but that this spiritual energy, this heaven and earth, had a favorable impression of her, so it was willing to flow through her meridians on its own.

People and heaven naturally had sensing connections.

And Jian Chou’s sensing was probably…

Terrifyingly strong.

Thinking this, Fudao Shanren felt like gasping in amazement.

How long had it been since he’d seen such a beautiful scene?

Points of spiritual energy continuously flowed into Jian Chou’s body through acupoints all over her body, then, after circulating, scattered out as points of starlight that fell on the battle disc, were collected by the battle disc’s Kunxian, and then converged into the central Tianyuan.

Tianyuan was continuously growing larger.

Foundation Establishment in ten days?

Fudao Shanren thought of the disciple Hengxu Laoguai, then thought of Jian Chou asking him how long it normally took for Foundation Establishment.

He remembered saying that his hundred-day Foundation Establishment was already very impressive, but now this disciple of his…

Even if she couldn’t achieve Foundation Establishment in ten days, it wouldn’t be far off.

It’s just that there were differences between Foundation Establishment and Foundation Establishment. If there were some spirit medicines and array formations to assist, the Foundation Establishment would be more perfect. Moreover, their sect was somewhat peculiar—if Jian Chou achieved Foundation Establishment outside, it might not be good.

Right now, Fudao Shanren only hoped Jian Chou’s cultivation session wouldn’t last too long; otherwise, he would have to intervene and interrupt it.

Starting cultivation with no foundation and without sufficient guidance, if she went astray, it would be a lifelong regret for Fudao Shanren.

He had already made up his mind: once Jian Chou finished this cultivation session, he would immediately go handle that matter, then take Jian Chou back to the sect as quickly as possible, hoping she could break through in one go.

How long had it been?

How long since he had felt his blood boil because of one person?

Fudao Shanren couldn’t remember.

Perhaps geniuses were always the most exciting?

Just like himself back in the day.

Unconsciously thinking of those past events, Fudao Shanren’s face also showed a slight smile.

The night was still gradually deepening.

Beneath Jian Chou, the Wanxiang Battle Disc slowly rotated. In the night sky, the pale moon was hidden, with only countless stars adorning it, their light twinkling.

Above and below, corresponding from afar.

Star constellation.

Jian Chou’s body also seemed wrapped in a faint thin mist, swirling around.

At this moment, the Tianyuan position in the Wanxiang Battle Disc had gradually become full, about the size of a baby’s fist. Inside was complete chaos and haziness, with only stardust-like radiance swimming within, full of spirituality, as if alive.

The chirping of insects and birds made this place seem even quieter.

Below the mountain, Qingfeng Nunnery was also completely dark, with only scattered spots of flickering lights.

No one knew that someone was cultivating here.

The east gradually showed a fish-belly white. Fudao Shanren’s gaze remained constantly on Jian Chou, not shifting even once.

The stars filling the sky were outshone by the gradually brightening daylight, slowly disappearing into the sunlight climbing from the sea surface.

A line of light suddenly poured out from the distant sea.

At this moment, the Tianyuan on Jian Chou’s Wanxiang Battle Disc seemed to sense something and suddenly trembled, bursting with brilliant light. The radiance flowing out immediately poured into the external Kunxian.

Swoosh.

A Kunxian, centered on Tianyuan, actually lit up bit by bit!

The originally dim gray gradually became dazzling white!

Illuminated!

The first Kunxian!

At this very moment, Jian Chou seemed to sense something and opened her eyes. Brilliant divine light shot out from her pupils before turning and disappearing.

This mountain cliff was the highest place nearby. From here, one could see the vast, boundless sea stretching endlessly to the east.

A red sun now leaped out from the distance, slowly rising higher.

Dazzling light bloomed on the shimmering sea surface. In that instant, the deep blue sea seemed about to burn together with this ball of bright light.

As far as the eye could see, everything was blazing.

Jian Chou had never seen such a magnificent sunrise and was stunned for quite a while.

Footsteps sounded behind her.

Then came Fudao Shanren’s voice: “Beyond the sea are immortal mountains, misty in the cloud sea. People say that where the sun rises, immortals dwell.”

“Is the place where the sun rises Jiushijiu Zhou?”

Jian Chou’s mind was captivated by the scene before her. Without turning back, she unconsciously asked.

Fudao Shanren smiled and shook his head: “It’s not.”

Only then did Jian Chou turn around, looking at Fudao Shanren with surprise.

After a night had passed, Fudao Shanren showed no changes, except that his previously absurd expression had restrained considerably. Bathed in light, he had a different kind of ethereal, immortal bearing.

If someone said Fudao Shanren was a charlatan right now, she would believe it.

“Master, I…”

“Fortunately, only one night passed.”

Rolling his eyes unceremoniously, Fudao Shanren snorted.

“I didn’t expect you to be a genius.”

Or rather, didn’t expect genius to this degree.

Jian Chou was startled by these words, only then remembering that last night she had fallen into a strange state. She didn’t know how to cultivate, yet those things floating between heaven and earth—apparently “spiritual energy”—seemed to deliberately come to guide her.

She had unknowingly been led by them, following her heart’s desire.

Reminded by Fudao Shanren, she hurriedly got up and looked down.

Beneath her, a Wanxiang Battle Disc gradually dimmed as it rotated, but Jian Chou still saw it crystal clear!

A half-foot radius Tianyuan!

One snow-white Kunxian!

Even…

She vaguely felt that even the battle disc seemed slightly larger.

“This…”

Jian Chou was somewhat dumbfounded.

She still remembered that ten days ago, these things seemed like a dream to her.

Yet now they had appeared beneath her feet!

As her mind wandered, the battle disc beneath her feet brightened briefly, then vanished from sight.

Fudao Shanren chuckled and walked around Jian Chou twice, constantly stroking the few sparse whiskers on his chin, looking at Jian Chou like she was some rare animal.

“Little girl, how about it? Surprised?”

“Please enlighten this disciple, Master.”

Teaching the dao, imparting knowledge, and resolving doubts—being a master wasn’t easy either.

When she should ask, Jian Chou wouldn’t “hold back.”

Fudao Shanren hadn’t planned to keep Jian Chou in suspense, simply saying: “You entered a state of being close to nature and merging with heaven and earth, gaining boundless benefits. Even your master’s eyes are turning red with envy. Did you feel that spiritual energy guiding your cultivation, automatically flowing through your meridians?”

“Yes.”

Hearing this, and that Fudao Shanren seemed to know about this situation, Jian Chou’s heart settled mostly.

Fudao Shanren continued: “That’s right. Perhaps because your natural disposition isn’t utilitarian, they particularly like you, which is normal. This situation of merging with heaven and earth to gain unexpected benefits is generally called ‘enlightenment.’ But for people just beginning cultivation, we generally call it ‘Heaven-Favored Child of the Dao.’ That is to say, this person is favored by heaven and is considered by the heavenly dao to be the most suitable person for comprehension.”

His voice suddenly became sour.

Fudao Shanren circled Jian Chou again, as if wanting to carefully examine her inside and out.

“Tell me about yourself—simple experience, no father or mother, even had a husband. Accurately speaking, you were once married. By reason, you should have long passed the time for being close to nature. Why? This mountain dweller doesn’t understand. No wonder those old fellows occasionally cry out, ‘Heaven’s dao is merciless.’ Damn it, this mountain dweller has seen it all!”

Sigh.

Fudao Shanren looked at her melancholically.

“Could it be that in the future, our Jiushijiu Zhou will have to take in many married or even mothers among mortals as disciples?”

Thinking of that scene, Fudao Shanren couldn’t help but feel his scalp tingle.

He quickly pulled out a chicken leg and stuffed it in his mouth.

Luye Laozu, this time I need to calm my nerves—I’m going to be scared to death by myself!

Throughout this process, Fudao Shanren’s gaze was extremely strange.

Jian Chou wasn’t idle either, constantly recalling the realm divisions Fudao Shanren had introduced to her.

“You said that when Tianyuan is complete, one has truly stepped onto the cultivation path. When the battle disc is illuminated, one can seal the disc for Foundation Establishment. Now that this disciple has illuminated Tianyuan and one Kunxian, does this mean I’m already considered a cultivator?”

“That’s not wrong.”

Fudao Shanren spoke vaguely, gulping down the last bite of chicken leg meat with satisfaction and burping contentedly.

Jian Chou thought for a moment and asked again: “Then, in Master’s opinion, how long will this disciple’s Foundation Establishment take?”

“…”

For some reason, after hearing Jian Chou’s question, Fudao Shanren had an urge to strangle her.

After holding it in for a long time, he said stiffly: “Not very long.”

“How long is not very long?”

Why was her master always so vague like this?

Jian Chou frowned and pressed for details.

Fudao Shanren was nearly driven half to death by this tactless disciple. He jabbed his bamboo pole hard into the ground, constantly stirring up dust, but didn’t stop.

“Not very long means not very long! Why are you asking in such detail? Are you trying to surpass and eliminate your master? Was it easy for your master to achieve Foundation Establishment in a hundred days? Was it easy for me? Hah? The day before yesterday, someone with a ten-day Foundation Establishment came to anger me, and now even my disciple doesn’t know how to sympathize with the master’s fragile little heart. Just how much do you want to work hard at cultivation to trample master underfoot!”

“This…”

Jian Chou finally understood a little, however…

“But if I don’t trample Master underfoot, how can I trample the disciple of that Hengxu Laoguai you despise underfoot?”

“…”

Fudao Shanren wanted to spray chicken legs in her face!

“You disciple, this mountain dweller can’t teach you anymore! Take this!”

Rummaging around in his chest, Fudao Shanren was already so angry his whiskers were bristling. He pulled out a tattered little booklet and threw it at Jian Chou.

Jian Chou was startled: “Master?!”

She hurriedly caught the little booklet with both hands and looked down. The cover was torn and greasy, with what seemed like writing on it, but Jian Chou really couldn’t make it out.

Fudao Shanren just picked up the big white goose, huffing angrily: “This is the cultivation method. Since you want to trample this mountain dweller underfoot, then go ahead and trample well! I’m going down to handle business. You cultivate properly here for me. If I come back and see you slacking off, hmph—watch out for your hide!”

Having said this, he directly turned and headed toward the long path behind the cliff.

“Master!”

Jian Chou was somewhat surprised and shouted.

Fudao Shanren waved his hand with his back to her: “Stop shouting—I’m angry!”

“…”

Completely speechless.

Jian Chou suddenly sighed. This master was… couldn’t even take half a joke.

She knew it was probably time for Fudao Shanren to handle his business. After all, he had watched over her all night yesterday, but…

You’re going to handle business, so why are you taking the big white goose?

Watching Fudao Shanren’s figure gradually disappear on the mountain path, Jian Chou knew he was going to handle business. Her gaze couldn’t help but move down to focus on the sparsely populated Qingfeng Nunnery ahead.

What kind of business would a cultivator from Jiushijiu Zhou handle in this mortal world?

Jian Chou couldn’t help being curious, thinking she’d have to ask properly when the master returned.

As for now…

Her gaze returned to this little booklet. Jian Chou thought it was time to cultivate.

She took out the silver lock threaded with red cord from her sleeve. Thinking of that unborn child, thinking of the “ten-day Foundation Establishment” person mentioned by Fudao Shanren, she felt only a blazing fire burning her heart.

Xie Buchen…

Her fingers slowly tightened, gripping the silver lock in her palm again, causing sharp pain.

Perhaps only this way could she remind herself: she had no right to stop.

She still had to seek justice for herself and for the innocent child who died in her womb.

Slowly exhaling, Jian Chou gradually sat cross-legged, placed the tattered booklet in front of her, and slowly opened it.

Brilliant golden sunlight covered the earth. On Qingfeng precipice, Jian Chou’s shadow was solitary.

One page, one page.

And another page…