Chapter 333 Fang Mu's Progress
Early morning.
At Miaomiao Mountain, within a cave at the back mountain.
Demonic energy swirled, so dense that all the disciples on the mountain could sense it from within the cave. Yet no one went to investigate.
Everyone trusted Chu Feng, and trusted that Junior Sister Qianqian would not make a mistake.
At this moment, the demonic heart within Chen Qianqian had fully awakened and was struggling with the Dao heart for control over her body.
As the demonic qi gradually devoured all the Dao light around her heart, only a single Dao character remained within it.
That Dao character was the Great Dao word she had comprehended over the years from the Tao Te Ching.
While the demonic qi consumed the Dao light, her spiritual power surged without pause. She quickly broke through one cultivation bottleneck after another, opening every meridian in her body, finally cleansing her entire being, as though driving out the Dao from her.
Boom!
Along with a towering aura, everyone on Miaomiao Mountain gathered outside the cave.
"This is the aura of the Dao Foundation Realm."
Xiao Chen spoke subconsciously.
"Junior Sister Qianqian has built her foundation in only one hundred days!"
Cao Youqian said enviously.
The surrounding disciples did not speak, but faint envy still flashed in their eyes.
At that moment, Chu Feng's voice suddenly came from afar.
"There's no need to envy that girl Qianqian. She has studied the Tao Te Ching under me for many years without practicing any techniques. Can any of you endure such solitude?"
"We pay respects to Master and Master's wife."
All the disciples bowed in unison to Chu Feng and Bing Yan. Hearing Chu Feng's words, the envy in their hearts also faded.
Indeed, they were all prodigies, only walking different paths. Junior Sister Qianqian's success was still the result of years of accumulation.
As they spoke, a slender figure shot out from the cave.
"Master, Mistress, Qianqian can fly now!"
Chen Qianqian circled twice in the air before landing on the ground.
Seeing this, Chu Feng scolded lightly, "You silly girl, you're already a grown woman, why still act like a child?"
At his words, Chen Qianqian instinctively hid behind Bing Yan, speaking pitifully, "In front of Master and Mistress, won't I always be a child?"
Bing Yan laughed softly. "Qianqian is right, why scold her?"
Chu Feng snorted, "You're always spoiling her. Enough, since Qianqian has stepped into the Dao Foundation Realm, let's return and have a small celebration."
This little girl had built her foundation in one hundred days, which had given him several decades of cultivation along with two points of Great Dao truth.
"Yes."
The disciples responded in unison, and together they returned to the courtyard.
When the celebration banquet reached its peak, Xiao Chen was the first to stand. "Master, after cultivating on this mountain for three years, this disciple wishes to descend the mountain for some experience."
"Approved."
Chu Feng agreed without hesitation.
Next, Cao Youqian, Wang Baole, Ye Beixuan, and Xu Caichen all stood up, declaring their desire to descend the mountain for training. Chu Feng approved each one.
The next day, more than half the disciples were gone from Miaomiao Mountain.
Chu Feng was long used to this. Just as he was preparing to go out and fish, a familiar mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
"Disciple Fang Mu has perfected the Spirit Fire Alchemy Technique. Rewarding host with +3 Great Dao truth."
He immediately changed his plan and headed toward Fang Mu's small courtyard.
With a single step, Chu Feng appeared there. Before he could speak, he heard a Blastoise's voice from within.
"Kid, not bad—you've already reached one-seventh of this lord's level."
Chu Feng instinctively blurted out, "Xiao Huo, in whose presence do you dare call yourself 'lord'?"
The Blastoise inside the room was just about to argue back, but in the next moment it flashed before Chu Feng.
"Master, why have you suddenly come? I was only speaking nonsense. Surely you won't hold it against me."
Chu Feng could not be bothered to argue with the creature. He gave it a warning glance before heading toward Fang Mu's alchemy chamber.
Fang Mu quickly walked out from within and bowed.
"Disciple greets Master."
Chu Feng smiled. "No need for such formality. Judging from what Xiao Huo just said, you should have mastered the Spirit Fire Alchemy Technique to completion."
Fang Mu nodded. "It is thanks to Senior Brother Fire Turtle's guidance. Without him, this disciple would not have progressed so quickly."
"There is no need for false modesty. If you need anything, just tell me."
Chu Feng treated all his disciples equally. Though Fang Mu usually kept a low profile, among the younger disciples of Wendao Academy he was highly respected.
The reason was simple: the pills Fang Mu sold were cheaper than those in Wendao City, and he often helped many disciples refine pills as well.
"Master," Fang Mu said, "this disciple truly does have one request."
"Speak."
Without hesitation, Fang Mu said directly, "This disciple has agreed with several senior brothers to descend the mountain in search of a heavenly flame. I beg Master to allow Senior Brother Fire Turtle to assist me, since he is a powerhouse ranked on the Heavenly Flame List."
Blastoise loved hearing such flattery. If not for Chu Feng's presence, it would have patted Fang Mu's shoulder and given him a thumbs-up.
Chu Feng's expression turned thoughtful, but soon he understood why Fang Mu wanted to borrow Blastoise.
"Very well. Remember to be cautious on the road."
"Many thanks, Master."
Fang Mu could not hide his joy at Chu Feng's approval.
Blastoise was even happier, its flames flickering wildly.
Seeing this, Chu Feng said with mild irritation, "So, you're saying you are unhappy following me?"
Blastoise immediately cowered, shaking its head. "Master, how could you slander my pure reputation? I simply wish to broaden my horizons."
Chu Feng rolled his eyes. "Enough. I know your nature. Remember—outside, Fang Mu is in charge. Do not cause trouble for him, or you know what awaits."
"I understand."
At this moment, Blastoise only wanted to go out and play, so it agreed to everything.
Having received three points of Great Dao truth, Chu Feng was in high spirits and turned to leave.
Once certain Chu Feng was far away, Blastoise hurriedly urged, "Xiao Mu, pack quickly! Let's leave tonight!"
"…"
Fang Mu, seeing its eagerness, suddenly felt a twinge of regret. Bringing Senior Brother Fire Turtle along might turn out to be a mistake.
Still, he patiently said, "Senior Brother, what's one night? Besides, tomorrow I must formally take leave before descending the mountain."
"You humans are troublesome," Blastoise muttered sullenly. It then withdrew its aura and flew into a lantern.
The next day at noon, Fang Mu received Chu Feng's sword jade, bade farewell to everyone, and headed to the Wendao Academy plaza.
Blastoise hid inside the oil lamp in his pocket, grumbling that it was unseemly to be locked away while going out to play.
As soon as Fang Mu landed, disciples from the other academies who had been waiting came forward to greet him.
"Senior Brother Fang."
Fang Mu swept his gaze over them and saw that everyone had arrived. He cupped his fists and said, "Brothers, thank you for waiting. Let us set out now."
No one showed the slightest impatience. All replied in unison, "No matter. Waiting for Senior Brother Fang is only right."
After a few words of greeting, they departed the mountain gates together…
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