The place where Zhiran was right now was the Azure Star Continent, one of the five continents in this world.
The Divine Cauldron Sect was a second-tier sect located on the eastern slopes of the Verdant Peaks, near the Silvermist River.
It was surrounded by dense bamboo forests and mid-level spirit-rich caves.
To its east lay the Endless Wastes, home to Abyssal Demons and rogue cultivators, while to the west, the Spiritfang Mountains teemed with powerful spirit beasts that tested every disciple who dared venture there.
From his previous life, Zhiran knew that the Divine Cauldron Sect was a branch of the Celestial Peak Sect, a bona fide first-tier sect at the top of the Azure Star Continent.
When a major battle later erupted between the top first-tier sects and a demonic sect, the Divine Cauldron disciples were invited to join the main force, where Tianyu eventually managed to become a core disciple.
Anyway, the place where Zhiran was right now after leaving the sect was called the Crimson Bamboo Forest.
It was located at the far edge of the outer sect's territory, and even with the fastest spirit boat, it took him nearly half an hour to reach it.
'Five low-grade spirit stones just to travel here. If I didn't get those from Wu Kang, I might not even be able to leave the sect.'
Zhiran thought while looking at the thick bamboo forest ahead.
The only difference it had from other normal ones was that the bamboo here wasn't green but red, like blood.
It was said that the soil beneath this land was rich with fire-type spiritual energy, and over time, the bamboo absorbed it, turning their stalks crimson.
These crimson bamboos were highly valued as a rare alchemy ingredient that could enhance a cultivator's body strength.
In his previous life, Tianyu came to this forest on an outer sect mission, during which he stumbled upon the injured elder.
'Now, I just need to find the huge waterfall. According to the map, it is in this direction.'
Zhiran looked at the map he bought before arriving here and immediately walked towards the waterfall faster.
Although he knew that Tianyu met the elder at night and there was still some time, he had to be careful regardless.
After all, this was the first time he was going to snatch someone's opportunity, and he didn't know what would happen.
'Fortunately, there are no monsters in this forest, otherwise…'
Zhiran thought, relaxing slightly.
With his Qi Condensation 3rd layer, he was no match even for the lowest-rank beast.
'There it is…'
After following a winding path deep into the Crimson Bamboo Forest, Zhiran finally heard a loud roar, and soon after, the sight of a cascading waterfall came into view.
'…the cave should be just behind.'
Once he saw the place described by the elder, Zhiran became excited as well as a little nervous.
After all, he had already lived one life as a pathetic side character; he didn't want to live another like that too.
And to change that, he had to grab every opportunity he knew of, as that was the only thing that could make him stronger; nothing else.
So, without faltering even a bit, he slowly moved behind the waterfall, acting as if he were searching for some rare treasures.
'Here it is, just like the one described.'
Sure enough, once Zhiran went behind the waterfall, he saw a small cave winding down into the mountain.
The cave wasn't large, only deep, and he could hear the roar of the water echoing against the stone with a constant thunder that made the cave's mouth feel both hidden and alive.
Dense foliage crowded the entrance, while vines hung like curtains, trying to hide the cave.
Their leaves trembled each time the spray of water caught them.
Once Zhiran entered the cave, he immediately felt the air grow damp and cool, carrying the earthy scent of moss and stone.
Moreover, compared to outside, the cave was clearly richer in spiritual energy.
Of course, it wasn't to the point that it could be considered a blessed place, but still.
'If I remember correctly, that elder was found unconscious at the depths of this cave.'
Zhiran thought and slowly walked inside cautiously, holding the Yellow Grade Sword in his hand that he had stolen from Wu Kang.
Although he came to snatch Tianyu's opportunity, he never acted like that from the beginning.
Instead, he grabbed herbs here and there, searching every nook and cranny as if he were looking for rare herbs.
After all, Zhiran wasn't stupid and didn't believe everything he heard.
'There is no one inside.'
Sure enough, when Zhiran reached the center of the cave, he saw no one.
There was no unconscious figure of the elder, although he could still see faint signs of someone being there.
Still, although he was surprised, Zhiran didn't show it.
He simply went to the center, searched everything, and even grabbed some rare herbs, storing them in his storage bag before mumbling to himself,
"Tch… such a hidden cave, and yet there's nothing inside."
"Now I might not even be able to cover the cost of travel with this outer sect mission. What bad luck… sigh."
After sighing, he turned around as if trying to leave the place and search elsewhere.
"Kid, are you from the Divine Cauldron Sect?"
However, before he could leave, he suddenly heard an aged voice right behind him.
"Who…?"
The voice was so sudden that Zhiran didn't even realize there was someone behind him.
Instinctively, he tightened his grip on his sword and spun around, shouting loudly.
"Kid, don't be afraid… answer me first, are you from the Divine Cauldron Sect?"
Only then did he see a tall, middle-aged man in a black robe, with a beard and sharp eyes, standing there with his hands behind his back, studying him lightly.
Just one glance, and Zhiran already knew this person was the Inner Sect Elder of the Divine Cauldron Sect, Elder Shuren.
The very same one who was found unconscious by Tianyu and was later rewarded greatly for saving him.
Only, from how Zhiran saw him now, it didn't seem like he was injured at all. If anything, he seemed perfectly fine.
'Is he hiding his injuries?'
"Who are you?"