After listening to his master’s words, the youth no longer hesitated, obediently steering his Escape Light towards the direction of Earth Flame Island.

After Foundation Establishment, the Escape Light sped swiftly; even though he had just entered Foundation Establishment, the speed was not slow. In just a moment, the youth reached the boundaries of Earth Flame Island.

Already, there were four shadows standing quietly above the boundary of Earth Flame Island waiting.

"Is the arrival here Xie Chengping from Azure Firmament Peak, Senior Brother Xie?"

As soon as the youth’s Escape Light arrived, among the four shadows, a Daoist with red flame glowing in his eyes and a somewhat weathered expression stepped forward, bowing in greeting.

"Senior Brother Ma Wu?"

Although Xie Chengping usually devoted himself to arduous cultivation and cared little for the mundane matters within the Daoist School, recently, he had made an effort to specifically understand those six individuals to whom Gu Yuan had divided Spiritual Qi.

Among them, the ones he valued most were only two. One was naturally the pride of Ruyi Peak, Jiang Ningxue, who possessed the Taiyin Dao Body. However, she had just reached Qi Refining Eighth Layer and must wait for some time to achieve Foundation Establishment.

The other was, of course, Ma Wu, as Ma Wu nearly earned his spot for Upper Seventh Grade Spiritual Qi on his own and arguably might be even stronger than Xie Chengping.

However, this person could only contend against Fire Cultivators, while he practiced Cloud Talisman Qi. Returning to Azure Firmament Peak, his master would bestow him a middle-grade Spiritual Artifact, no doubt Ma Wu would not be able to challenge him in the future.

With this thought, he immediately felt brightened, and his face broke into a smile.

"Senior Brother Xie, let me introduce them; this is Junior Sister Fu, Junior Brother Lvu, Junior Brother Songg. In the future, as we work under Senior Brother Gu, we should watch each other’s backs and support each other!"

Ma Wu diligently introduced.

Forming cliques and grouping for protection is the way for Humble Lineage disciples to survive.

Partly because Gu Yuan could rally everyone together and form a force, they agreed to serve him, gaining a more robust foundation while navigating the Daoist School.

"Greetings to all Junior Brothers and Sisters!"

Xie Chengping also bowed his hands in salute, responding with a smile to the few.

Yet, inwardly he disregarded them.

These amateurs in Pill Artifacts, how could they compete with me? In the future, they won’t be anything more than my pawns.

Ever since his master mentioned that possibility, he couldn’t help but consider himself in the role, eagerly waiting for that day.

"Senior Brother Xie has arrived; now we only lack Junior Sister Jiang. Can she make it in time for this Red Moon River campaign?"

The few didn’t know Xie Chengping’s thoughts, only feeling glad at watching their small group grow ever larger.

"There’s still time before the official campaign, Junior Sister Jiang’s talents are extraordinary, she should be able to make it."

Fu Hongling said softly.

"Let’s hope so."

Ma Wu and the others nodded in agreement, another Foundation Establishment meant additional strength, which should not be ignored.

"Let’s stop waiting for Junior Sister Jiang; we should first pay respects to Senior Brother Gu!"

Xie Chengping secretly didn’t want Jiang Ningxue to achieve Foundation Establishment so quickly, but couldn’t express it directly, he diverted from the topic, urging the few to proceed onto the island.

"No need to rush, Senior Brother Xie. It’s not that we don’t want to enter the island, but Senior Brother Gu seems to be refining a Dharma Seal, isolating the Grand Array. Let’s wait a little longer!"

Ma Wu gestured to the Spiritual Qi swirling over Earth Flame Island, speaking softly.

Wait a little longer?

Xie Chengping felt an instinctive emotion arise within him.

Of course, he showed up and made a Dao Heart Vow of loyalty, but still needs to wait?

"Boom!"

But at that moment, a dense golden light erupted on Earth Flame Island, countless Spiritual Qi surged like tides, rushing from all directions, and not only that, the island’s Grand Array abruptly closed. Subsequently, from the Nine Heavens above, strands of starlight descended, radiant and magnificent, carrying a mysterious power, falling into the stone cavern.

Following this, a sword’s resonant sound soared abruptly, echoing to all directions like the roar of thunder.

"Zhng!"

Furthermore, eighteen dazzling sword beams uncontrollably spilled from the cavern, sweeping across and towards the group.

"Get back! Senior Brother Gu’s Sword Seal power is truly formidable!"

Witnessing the scene, Ma Wu shouted, leading the others to swiftly retreat.

Xie Chengping initially wanted to retreat, but remembering his master’s instructions, he instantly halted his urge to withdraw, placed his hands behind his back, invoked Mana, triggering his Protective Seal, transforming into strands of Cloud Qi to block ahead.

"Zeng!"

But the luminous sword beam, like an invisible thunder, instantly cleaved through all the Cloud Qi, with lightning speed, cutting a faint scar across Xie Chengping’s face.

This scene occurred merely at lightning speed, leaving Xie Chengping with no chance of a second retreat.

Fortunately, the Sword Qi was just dispersing, its power greatly reduced after crossing its boundary, only leaving a scar upon Xie Chengping’s face before being halted by his mana, preventing further damage.

"Senior Brother Xie, are you alright?!"

This sword, however, felt like a slap, harshly smacking across his face. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Ma Wu’s returning concern only intensified his blush.

Failing to even fend off a scattering Sword Qi, how could he establish his prestige and lead others?

Although it was partly due to just having broken through to Foundation Establishment without refining a Dharma Seal, the embarrassment was undeniable.

"It’s nothing, I’m fine!"

He quickly shook his head, signaling he was unharmed, while also activating the Dharma Seal to heal the scar on his face.

Although the sword scar wasn’t deep, it imbued with an intensely sharp Qi, he tried multiple times with his mana flows but couldn’t completely eradicate it, the wound persistently refused to fully heal.