As the sun began to dip below the horizon, its golden light painted streaks of fire across the sky. Gao Tian and Shu Yu continued their journey, riding atop a flying sword that glided silently above a sprawling forest. After an entire day of travel, the fatigue had begun to settle into their bones.
Through the thinning tree cover, a shimmering body of water caught their eyes—a lake, nestled in the heart of the forest, like a hidden gem untouched by man.
Shu Yu's voice broke the silence, calm and clear.
"Is that a lake?"
Gao Tian leaned forward, squinting. "Yeah, I think so."
"Let's stop there," she said without hesitation.
Gao Tian smiled faintly. "Oh, okay. Let's stop."
Shu Yu gently guided the sword downward, her movements fluid and practiced. The blade dipped through the forest canopy and landed softly on the grassy lakeside. Gao Tian stepped off first, stretching his arms before walking toward the lake's edge. He crouched down and splashed water onto his face with both hands.
"This place looks perfect to spend the night," he said, wiping the water from his cheeks.
The ruler dog leapt off Gao Tian's head, padded leisurely beneath the shade of a nearby tree, and curled up to sleep, its soft snores soon blending with the rustling leaves above.
Shu Yu dismounted from the sword and sheathed it behind her back with a swift motion. She approached the lake and sat beside him.
"Yes," she replied simply, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "I think you're right."
She dipped her fingers into the lake and tested the temperature. The water was cool, clean, and still—perfect for a bath. She didn't say anything, but a slight softness entered her eyes.
Gao Tian glanced at her and suddenly remembered something.
Oh, right—her dagger.
He reached into his spiritual ring and retrieved the weapon. The black dagger with red patterns shimmered faintly in the fading light as it appeared in his hand.
Shu Yu noticed the familiar shape and turned her head. When Gao Tian extended it toward her, she silently took it back and examined the blade for a moment. Then, without a word, she returned it to her spiritual ring.
Gao Tian stared at her face, waiting for something.
She didn't even say thank you, he thought, a little deflated.
But her face remained calm and unreadable, as always—expressionless, like a still lake. Beside them, the forest grew quiet, with only the distant calls of birds echoing through the trees, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore.
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting its silver glow upon the tranquil lake. On the far side, Gao Tian sat behind a tall tree, his back turned completely toward the water. His face was flushed red as he sat cross-legged, nervously glancing in the opposite direction.
Why the hell am I blushing? Damn it… this body is too perverted.
Frustrated, Gao Tian slapped both his cheeks with a sharp smack and took a deep breath. Determined to suppress his thoughts, he closed his eyes and sank into meditation. His breathing slowed as he began to cultivate, drawing spiritual energy into his dantian.
The ruler dog trotted over to Gao Tian and sat quietly beside him. It glanced up at him with narrowed eyes, as if judging him in silence.
"This bastard can't even control his lust," it thought grimly.
Meanwhile, in the lake behind him, Shu Yu bathed in silence. Her snow-white figure glimmered beneath the moonlight, the rippling water reflecting off her pale skin. Her crimson eyes stared into the distance, lost in thought as the moonlight danced upon the surface of the lake. Not a ripple disturbed her solemn grace.
---
Whitefield Forest – Outside the Hidden Cave, Night
Far from the lake, the second body of Gao Tian sat at the mouth of the cave that once housed the Whitefield Chamber. Now that the chamber had vanished—its mysterious cube sealed within his body—he had no destination.
He opened his eyes and stood.
"I guess I'll head back to the Gao residence… Real body hasn't called me, but I don't have anywhere else to go," he murmured.
With that, he raised a hand and surged into the sky, using a flying technique taught only to ancient experts. Created by the Wind Ancestor of the Immortal World, the art allowed even Body Tempering cultivators to fly freely.
Like a swift shadow, the second body cut through the night wind.
---
Gao Residence – Night
The ancient walls of the Gao residence stood firm beneath the starlit sky. Peace hung over the estate like a heavy blanket—until a subtle ripple in the sky above broke the calm.
High in the air, the second body hovered over the residence, looking down at the place he once called home.
At once, seven flashes of light streaked from different directions, surrounding him in midair.
Seven figures appeared—cloaked in dark robes marked with the Gao clan insignia. They were the seven assassins who once served him. Now, they were the official guardians of the Gao family.
One of them stepped forward, his voice cold and alert.
"Who are you? State your purpose. Are you here to stir trouble?"
The others drew their weapons, ready to strike.
The second body gave a small nod, then smiled.
"You've all forgotten my voice so quickly?"
His tone froze the guardians in place.
One by one, their expressions shifted from suspicion to disbelief. Then, as the second body slowly removed the veil from his face, revealing his familiar features, their eyes widened in shock.
"Master…" one of them whispered.
Then, all seven dropped to their knees in midair.
"We are sorry for our rude behavior!" they said in unison, heads bowed low.
The second body didn't respond. He simply descended toward the ground, silent and composed.
The seven guardians followed, landing on the ground with their heads still lowered in reverence.
The seven guardians knelt before the second body with absolute reverence. Their presence emanated loyalty and power, a living testament to the legacy of Gao Tian's family.
The second body, arms behind his back, gazed over them and asked in a calm tone, "Has anything happened during my absence?"
One of the female guardians raised her head slightly and responded respectfully, "Master, after you left, nothing unusual occurred."
Another woman stepped forward. "Yes, and we've been guarding your clan's members diligently whenever they've ventured out."
A small smile formed on the second body's lips. "Good. What about your cultivation progress?"
One of the male guardians replied promptly, "Our cultivation is advancing rapidly, Master, ever since you granted us the mark. We're stronger than ever."
The second body nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent."
He paused for a moment, glancing at them thoughtfully. He opened his mouth as if to call out a name—but nothing came to mind. He frowned slightly. "Actually… I don't know any of your names. Tell me your names so I can remember them properly."
The first woman, who had spoken earlier, nodded. "We were never given names, but your clan members began naming us. If you permit, I will share them."
He gave a nod. "Go ahead."
"My name is Guardian Luo."
Another woman stepped forward, her eyes steady. "I am Guardian Zui."
The third woman followed. "And I am Guardian Ci."
Then, the men began to speak one after another.
"I'm Guardian Fen."
"Guardian Wei."
"Guardian Xuan."
"And I am Guardian Lin."
The second body committed each name to memory with a nod of approval. "Very well. You are all performing your duties excellently. I'm leaving now—do not mention to anyone that I was here."
"Yes, Master!" they chorused in unison, bowing as the second body turned away.
With a flash of spiritual light, he rose into the sky and flew silently away from Wai City. As he soared through the clouds, he began to establish a spiritual connection with the real body.
---
Forest Path – En Route to Sen City – Midnight
A calm silence hung in the forest, broken only by the distant chirping of crickets and the soft rustle of leaves. Gao Tian sat behind a tree, his legs crossed, immersed in cultivation. Across the lake, Shu Yu also sat in meditation, her aura flowing steadily like the still surface of the water.
Suddenly, Gao Tian's eyes opened as he felt the familiar pulse of connection.
A voice echoed in his consciousness.
"Ah, Gao Tian," came the calm tone of the second body.
"What is it?" Gao Tian replied aloud, his voice soft. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothing serious," the second body replied. "But something strange happened. While I was cultivating in the Whitefield Chamber, the entire chamber suddenly vanished—and then... it entered my body."
The ruler dog, resting beside Gao Tian, lazily opened one eye and glanced at him.
"Who is he talking to?" it wondered, drowsiness still clinging to its thoughts.
Gao Tian's brows furrowed, his expression turning serious. "It entered your body? Are you saying you refined it?"
"No," the second body replied. "I was simply cultivating. I didn't try to absorb anything, but the chamber fused with me on its own."
Gao Tian sat silently for a moment, the revelation heavy in his thoughts.
"I don't know why this happened… but for now, go to Gao Clan. Change your appearance and stay hidden. No one must know who you truly are. No one. Understood?"
"I understand," the second body answered firmly.
Wai City Outskirt
Far above the ground, the second body adjusted course and descended toward the outskirts of Wai City. Landing just beyond the main gates, he stepped onto the earth and exhaled.
A red aura surged around him, cloaking his body. Within moments, his features began to shift, his hair and face reforming with spiritual energy. His robe changed shape and color, becoming a modest outfit that would not draw attention.
At Body Tempering or above, cultivators could form clothes from spiritual energy with a thought.
Now fully disguised, the second body turned toward the gates.