Wu Tian followed Tian Kui’s advice and went to seek Wu Xiang. “Wu Xiang!” he called as he approached Uncle Wang’s house. Silence answered him. The house was empty, its wooden door slightly ajar, swaying with the morning breeze. Even Wu Ling was nowhere to be found. The air inside was cold, carrying the faint scent of ash from last night’s fire, but no voices, no footsteps. “How strange,” Wu Tian thought. “Wu Xiang should be here, resting. And Wu Ling is usually at home. Where could they have gone?” He called again, louder this time. “Wu Ling! Wu Xiang!” No reply. Only the rustle of leaves outside and the distant cry of a rooster. “They are not here, Wu Tian,” Tian Kui’s voice rumbled from within the pouch. “Try the fields. Wu Xiang often helps his uncle there.” Wu Tian nodded. “You’re right. Perhaps Wu Ling is bringing him food.” He hurried toward the farmland where he had first met Wu Xiang. The soil was damp with morning dew, the scent of freshly turned earth thick i

“I believe the Lo Han warriors have never truly left this village,” Wu Xiang said suddenly, his voice low but firm. “They are hidden within one of the realms of the Nirvana Temple. Most likely the first realm, since they are warriors without the high qi needed to endure the upper levels.” Wu Tian’s eyes widened, shock rippling through him. The words struck like thunder. Wu Xiang had kept silent all this time, though he clearly knew more than he had let on. “What did you say? The Lo Han warriors have been hiding inside the Nirvana Temple all along?” Wu Tian demanded, his tone sharp with disbelief. “How do you know this? And why did you never tell me?” Wu Xiang lowered his gaze, guilt flickering in his eyes. “Forgive me, Wu Tian. I did not fully trust you. I feared you might try to claim the Lo Han scrolls for yourself.” Wu Tian’s voice softened, though his heart still burned. “I am not like that, Wu Xiang. I have no desire to seize the scrolls. I only wish to study them, to und

“I merely found myself stranded among the Kun Lun peaks,” Wu Tian said, his voice calm yet shadowed by memory. “It was Tian Kui who guided me toward Lo Han, where the village youth awaited his destiny in martial arts. That was when I first encountered you, Wu Xiang. Whether fate crowns you a Martial Genius or leaves you a steadfast warrior, destiny alone will decide.” The temple’s lanterns flickered, casting long shadows across the carved pillars. The air smelled faintly of incense, mingling with the damp stone’s earthy aroma. Outside, the wind sighed against the mountain ridges, carrying with it the distant cry of unseen birds. Wu Xiang’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I appreciate your honesty. You sound genuine. But it is impossible for me to be a Martial Genius. My skills are modest. If I can master the Lo Han scrolls and earn renown as a warrior, that alone would bring me joy. Martial Geniuses are born into cultivator families, their strength nurtured from childhood. How co

The forest of the mysterious island unfurled before them, a living tapestry of emerald foliage shimmering beneath shafts of golden light that pierced the canopy. The air was saturated with the perfume of wild blossoms, mingled with the earthy musk of damp soil, while distant bird calls echoed like haunting melodies from unseen perches. Wu Tian and Wu Xiang stepped into its depths with unflinching resolve, their hearts stirred by the serenity that cloaked the land.As they ventured deeper, the scenery grew ever more mesmerizing. Strange, exotic creatures glided gracefully among the trees—beasts adorned with radiant scales, wings glowing like lanterns in twilight, and eyes that shimmered with the wisdom of forgotten ages. The forest seemed alive with secrets, each rustle of leaves whispering of ancient tales.Wu Xiang’s voice broke the silence, brimming with awe. “This is astonishing! I’ve never witnessed creatures like these. Even the Devil Forest pales in comparison to such wonders!”

“Wu Tian! Where have you been all this time?” Wu Xiang appeared suddenly, his face filled with questions and concern. Wu Tian turned calmly, his eyes scanning the forest. “Nowhere. I was simply observing the exotic creatures that dwell here.” Wu Xiang’s brows furrowed. “And the stalker you mentioned earlier—did you discover who it was?” Wu Tian shook his head. “No. The presence is gone. There is no one following us now.” Wu Xiang exhaled sharply, half amused. “I told you—it was only your imagination. No one could have reached this far into the first realm. The journey itself is too long and perilous.” Wu Tian’s voice softened. “Let us return. I need rest before we begin the long voyage to Lo Han Island.” Wu Xiang nodded, fatigue showing in his eyes. “I agree. I too am weary. Let’s rest.” *****“You’ve returned?” Tian Kui’s booming voice echoed as Wu Tian and Wu Xiang approached the cavern entrance. Wu Tian raised a hand. “Tian Kui, may I speak with you privately?” Th