At the same time, Foundation Establishment cultivators on the three peaks had also been watching the chase with amusement. They had guessed that Elder Zhou was just trying to scare Bai Xiaochun.
But the moment Bai Xiaochun countered the lightning with **Violet Qi into Cauldron Form**, their expressions shifted. Some even moved to intervene — only to realize Bai Xiaochun was **fine**.
Their eyes all gleamed with recognition.
**"He's not ordinary!"**
**"He survived the Luo Chen clan's pursuit — he must be extraordinary."**
**"A real talent. Perhaps not equal to Shangguan Tianyou yet, but definitely on par with Lu Tianlei and Zhou Xinqi!"**
While everyone admired his potential, on Dharma Peak, Sect Leader Zheng Yuandong's eyes also sparkled. He had been watching from the beginning, and Bai Xiaochun's performance had surprised him.
He hadn't stopped Elder Zhou right away — he wanted to see how far Bai Xiaochun could go. Now, satisfied, he nodded and appeared directly in front of the fleeing Bai Xiaochun.
"**Sect leader!! Save me! Elder Zhou almost killed me!!**" Bai Xiaochun immediately hid behind Zheng Yuandong with teary eyes.
Zheng Yuandong coughed awkwardly. He looked down at the pitiful Bai Xiaochun, then up at the furious Elder Zhou, who flew over and bowed.
The two exchanged a glance. Both were cunning old foxes and instantly understood each other.
The phoenix was a minor issue — **scaring Bai Xiaochun into behaving** was the real goal.
With Li Qinghou often away, no one else could really control Bai Xiaochun. Even if the sect leader tried, Bai Xiaochun would probably just cry in front of Li Qinghou's portrait later.
"Let me handle this one, Sect Leader. Bai Xiaochun needs to learn his lesson!" Elder Zhou growled with a wicked grin.
"**It was your bird…**" Bai Xiaochun began, then shut up when Elder Zhou's face darkened. He looked pitifully at Zheng Yuandong.
"Master, I bled for the sect… I earned merit…"
Zheng Yuandong's eye twitched. He sighed.
"Let it go, Elder Zhou. Bai Xiaochun is mischievous, yes — but his heart is good. Next time he causes trouble… I won't interfere."
Elder Zhou reluctantly agreed and flew away, glaring one last time at Bai Xiaochun.
Bai Xiaochun sighed in relief, though his eyes flickered. He realized… something about this didn't feel right.
The sect leader seemed to notice and gently said, "Those phoenixes were raised by Elder Zhou's former Dao companion. She died protecting him in battle. Afterward, he nearly lost his mind. He obsesses over plants and birds to suppress his pain.
So don't provoke him again. If he loses control… I might not be able to stop him in time."
Bai Xiaochun suddenly felt sorry for Elder Zhou — but also felt a chill down his spine. He nodded quickly and muttered, "I really didn't drug it. That bird framed me…"
Zheng Yuandong calmly replied, "There is cause and effect in all things. No matter the truth, since the cause began with you, don't chase the truth too deeply."
Patting Bai Xiaochun's shoulder, he left.
Bai Xiaochun sighed again. Feeling unlucky, he vowed to avoid Elder Zhou from now on. As for the lying bird… he decided not to seek revenge — lest it trigger Elder Zhou again.
"**A real man doesn't fight birds!**" he consoled himself. Back in his hut, he pulled out his **Violet Qi Spirit Ascension Pills**, thinking back on Elder Zhou's attacks.
"Foundation Establishment cultivators really are powerful. I nearly coughed up blood… Thank goodness for my undying skin!"
He refined all the pills three times, making them even stronger. But looking at his materials, he sighed.
**"If only I had materials for four-colored flame…"** They existed in the sect but were rare and costly. Even the market rarely saw them — only during annual auctions.
He checked his remaining spirit tails, then swallowed a pill and began cultivating.
Days passed. As he consumed the pills, his cultivation rose rapidly.
Finally, on a cloudy night, his hut filled with rumbling. His spiritual energy surged like a river dragon, breaking through channels, flowing in a complete cycle.
His cultivation soared, impurities expelled as sweat, and a fresh clarity washed over him. He opened his eyes — bright and sharp.
**"Qi Condensation, Level Eight!"** Bai Xiaochun laughed happily. He bathed, feeling stronger. He hadn't grown much taller, which annoyed him, but at least he was still clean and delicate-looking.
With his strength increased, he tested his control — lifting and controlling a heavy boulder with ease.
**"But what I'm most curious about… is the human-control technique I accidentally used against Chen Heng!"** His eyes gleamed, though he still couldn't grasp it well. After all, controlling people was far harder than controlling objects…