The restricted back mountains of Dragon Tiger Mountain.
In a small grove.
One elder and two youths walked deeper into the woods. The old man paused occasionally, observing his surroundings with what seemed like nostalgia or perhaps melancholy.
Meanwhile, the two young men following behind him conversed in hushed tones.
"You know, Dragon Tiger Mountain really lives up to its reputation as the most famous tourist attraction," Zhang Chulan remarked as they walked. "I didn't expect so many people even on a Saturday."
"Especially with those outrageous ticket prices—over two hundred per person! It's practically robbery. If we hadn't borrowed enough money, we might not have gotten in at all."
Wu Tong listened to Zhang Chulan's complaints with a complicated expression. "Ah, even heroes are helpless without money. In modern society—no, in almost every world—you can lack anything except cash."
"Exactly! Money makes the world go round. If Grandpa hadn't qualified for the senior discount, we wouldn't have had enough," Zhang Chulan agreed.
"You know, Chulan, since Feng Xingzhao took a liking to you, if you'd just agree to marry into their family, you wouldn't have to worry about money anymore," Wu Tong teased, eyeing Zhang Chulan with amusement.
"Feng Shayan? No way! That woman's impossible to handle," Zhang Chulan shuddered at the thought of Feng Shayan's difficult personality, shaking his head vehemently. Then, after sizing up Wu Tong, he added, "But I think you'd stand a chance, Tong-ge."
"Don't even start. I introduced you so you could become the son-in-law of the Tianxia Group and never worry about money again. I don't need the cash—why would I become a live-in son-in-law?" Wu Tong immediately shot down Zhang Chulan's suggestion.
Truth be told, if not for the need to avoid drawing attention, Wu Tong could have easily obtained a large sum of money. Not to mention the small mountain of gold soul coins in his spirit tool, even the rare medicinal herbs he carried could fetch millions.
But for safety's sake, Zhang Chulan had persuaded Wu Tong against selling gold or herbs.
Wu Tong had no choice. As a guest, he had to defer to his host's wishes. So despite having viable ways to get money, Zhang Chulan's excessive caution left them scraping together funds just to visit Dragon Tiger Mountain.
As they bantered, a cool voice interrupted their conversation.
"Honored guests, the back mountain is not open to the public. If you've wandered here by mistake, please leave promptly, lest this humble Daoist has to escort you out personally."
They turned to see a young Daoist priest standing before them, his mouth still slightly open from speaking.
Clearly, he was the one who had addressed them.
Wu Tong and Zhang Chulan exchanged glances—they'd been mistaken for ordinary tourists who'd strayed into the restricted area. Just as they were about to explain, Zhang Huaiyi cut in first.
"Young master Daoist, we are also practitioners. We've come uninvited today because we have urgent business with the Heavenly Master. We request an audience—please accommodate us."
The elderly voice sounded hoarse yet robust, filled with vitality.
The young Daoist studied them skeptically, but upon closer inspection, noticed the subtle flow of qi circulating through their bodies.
Realizing his mistake, he bowed apologetically. "My apologies, fellow practitioners. I failed to observe carefully earlier and caused this misunderstanding. Please forgive this oversight."
"Allow me to guide you inside," he offered, then began leading the way.
The young priest didn't question their motives—this was Dragon Tiger Mountain, home of the Heavenly Master's residence. Who would dare cause trouble here unless they wanted to experience the Heavenly Master's lightning techniques firsthand?
Only their stated purpose of meeting the Heavenly Master had gained them entry; otherwise, an apology might have been all they received.
Without hesitation, the group followed the young Daoist deeper into the mountains.
Before long, they arrived at a cliff edge. No bridge spanned the chasm—only several iron chains connected the two sides above the bottomless abyss.
It was easy to imagine how perilous crossing would be. The chains swayed gently in the wind, creaking ominously as gusts howled up from the depths like wailing ghosts.
"Fellow practitioners, this is as far as I can take you," the young Daoist said. "The Heavenly Master's residence lies beyond. I must return to my duties, so I beg your pardon for not accompanying you further."
Understanding that the young priest needed to resume his post, Zhang Chulan quickly waved him off. "No problem, we can manage from here. Thanks for your help."
"Then I wish you success in your endeavor. I take my leave." With that, the young Daoist departed.
They watched his retreating figure until it disappeared from view, then turned their attention to the swaying iron chains.
"Let's go. We're almost there," Zhang Huaiyi said, gazing at the faint outline of the Heavenly Master's residence in the distance. Suppressing his excitement, he stepped onto the chains.
Despite their aged appearance, the chains' surfaces were surprisingly smooth, gleaming as if new. Zhang Huaiyi walked across as steadily as if on solid ground.
Seeing this, Wu Tong followed suit.
Immortal's Grace: Lightfoot Technique.
Activating his movement skill, Wu Tong's figure became ethereal as crimson-gold true qi enveloped his body.
A flash of red light—and he stood on the opposite cliff edge as if teleported, leaving only dissipating heat waves and fading sparks on the chains as evidence of his passage.
"Was that teleportation?" Zhang Chulan gaped at Wu Tong's speed, astonished by the near-instantaneous crossing.
Watching his grandfather's confident stride and Wu Tong's transcendent, almost divine movement, Zhang Chulan considered his options.
After peering down at the abyss below the chains, he made his safety-first decision.
He promptly lay flat, wrapped his limbs around the chain, and began inching across like a caterpillar.
From the opposite cliff, Wu Tong facepalmed at the sight.
The Luo Tian Grand Ritual wasn't happening now—there were no crowds of practitioners requiring them to hide their abilities.
So why was Zhang Chulan pulling the exact same stunt as before?