Turning Peril into Safety

Mystic Spirit Mountain, a renowned sect in the cultivation world, now appeared to Gu Liuyun like a dormant giant—mysterious and unfathomable.

He had followed the clues he previously obtained to this place, for it was said that the seventh fragment of the Ascension Stone lay somewhere within this mountain.

Gu Liuyun gazed upon the imposing architecture before him—intricately carved beams, painted rafters, and a majestic grandeur. Excitement and anxiety mingled in his heart.

Excitement, because the fragment was within reach; anxiety, because the sect’s defenses would undoubtedly be formidable. One careless move could alert the guards.

“Fortune favors the bold. I’ll risk it!” Gu Liuyun took a deep breath and slowly approached the mountain gate.

The air was filled with a faint scent of medicinal herbs, mingled with an unfamiliar floral fragrance that was refreshing to the senses.

Yet beneath this peaceful atmosphere, Gu Liuyun felt an inexplicable pressure, as if invisible eyes were watching him from the shadows.

Trying to slip in unnoticed was clearly impossible.

Gu Liuyun decided to disguise himself. He retrieved a set of ordinary disciple robes from his Subtle Space and used a special potion to alter his appearance.

After some effort, he looked like a completely different person—so much so that even his own mother might not recognize him.

“Perfect!” Gu Liuyun cheered silently, then swaggered confidently toward the gate.

But reality had a habit of delivering a slap in the face.

“Stop! Which peak are you a disciple of? I’ve never seen you before,” a guard demanded, blocking his path. His sharp eyes scanned Gu Liuyun as if trying to see through him.

Gu Liuyun’s heart sank—these Mystic Spirit Mountain guards were no pushovers.

Quickly, he switched to a simple, honest expression. “I’m a new miscellaneous disciple, senior brother. It’s my first time here, so I’m not familiar with the place…”

“Miscellaneous disciple?” The guard clearly didn’t believe him, scrutinizing Gu Liuyun suspiciously. Something about him didn’t add up.

This kid’s aura didn’t match that of a mere miscellaneous disciple—it was more like…

“Senior brother, I really—” Gu Liuyun tried to explain, but the guard suddenly shouted, “Seize him!”

In an instant, several guards surrounded him, weapons drawn, their murderous intent palpable.

Gu Liuyun’s heart sank further—he’d been exposed.

Dropping his disguise, he moved like a phantom, weaving swiftly among the guards, dodging left and right as he fought them off.

“Not bad!” one guard sneered. “Brothers, don’t let him escape!”

The battle erupted in a tense flash.

Feeling immense pressure, Gu Liuyun did not panic; instead, he grew more resolute.

“Think you can catch me? Not that easy!” A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips. “The game has only just begun…”

Like a slippery eel, Gu Liuyun slipped inside the sect’s inner grounds within moments.

The guards blinked, then looked again—he was gone, vanished into thin air, leaving them staring helplessly at empty space.

“Damn, is this kid a reincarnated eel spirit or something?” one guard scratched his head, utterly confused.

Watching the chaos behind him, Gu Liuyun’s lips twitched in amusement—this feeling was exhilarating!

He ran while glancing back, defiantly flipping them the bird with a cocky grin.

“Heh, just you guys? Catch me? Dream on!”

But before long, rapid footsteps echoed ahead.

Gu Liuyun’s heart leapt. He quickly hid behind an artificial rock, holding his breath, making no sound.

Peeking out cautiously, he saw a group of disciples in cyan Daoist robes approaching, led by a figure radiating a powerful aura.

“Looks like Mystic Spirit Mountain truly harbors hidden talents,” Gu Liuyun muttered to himself, tightening his focus, not daring to relax even slightly.

He knew his current situation was like walking a tightrope—one misstep and he would be shattered.

While Gu Liuyun concealed himself, outside the sect, Ye Manman and Chen Jiaojiao anxiously waited.

They kept peering into the sect, their hearts pounding with worry.

“This Liuyun—why hasn’t he come out yet? Could something have happened?” Chen Jiaojiao stomped impatiently, her fiery temper barely restrained.

Though Ye Manman said nothing, the worry in her eyes was even deeper.

She clutched a jade pendant tightly, silently praying for Gu Liuyun’s safety.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared in their sight—it was Gu Liuyun!

The two women immediately burst with joy, running toward him like happy little birds, embracing him tightly.

The surrounding air softened, warm enough to melt hearts.

“Are you alright? You scared us to death!” Chen Jiaojiao’s voice trembled with emotion, her reprimand laced with deep concern.

Ye Manman remained silent, holding Gu Liuyun even closer, warm tears dampening his clothes.

Feeling their warmth, Gu Liuyun’s worries and fatigue melted away. A gentle smile curved his lips.

“I’m fine. Sorry for worrying you,” he soothed, patting their backs softly.

At that moment, he noticed a strange energy emanating from a nearby tall tower. A chill ran through him—a foreboding sense that a great secret was hidden within.

He tried to approach but was stopped by an invisible barrier.

Furrowing his brows, he muttered instinctively, “This...”

Narrowing his eyes, Gu Liuyun fixed his gaze on the tower.

At its peak flickered a faint light, identical to the aura of the fragment he sensed.

“The seventh fragment is indeed here!” he whispered, excitement swelling in his chest.

Yet when he attempted to get closer, he found the area surrounded by dense, intricate seals—like invisible walls—firmly blocking his path.

“Damn, this is over the top!” Gu Liuyun grumbled.

The complexity of these seals rivaled the toughest mathematical puzzles, making his scalp tingle.

He tried to decipher them using the memories of an Immortal Lord but found these seals unlike any he had encountered. Every attempt ended in failure, each failure accompanied by a fierce spiritual backlash that left him dizzy.

“Going head-on won’t work...” He massaged his temples, feeling the dull throbbing in his head.

Repeated setbacks left him frustrated; the surrounding air seemed to freeze, suffocating him.

Give up?

Impossible!

At this point, how could he quit so easily?

His eyes gleamed with cunning.

“If brute force won’t do, then let’s try cunning!” He flashed a sly grin and quietly pulled out several specially made spirit stones from his Subtle Space, placing them around the seals.

“Heh heh, I’ll create a diversion and have some fun with you!” Gu Liuyun muttered, setting the trap.

Once ready, he activated the spirit stones, unleashing a dazzling flash and thunderous explosion that shook the heavens.

The guards were startled by the sudden commotion and rushed toward the scene.

“What’s going on? Is there an enemy invasion?” “Hurry, let’s check it out!” Voices clamored in confusion and disorder.

Taking advantage of the chaos, Gu Liuyun slipped silently into the tower.

Like a nimble cat, he moved through shadows, avoiding all watchful eyes.

Inside, the seventh fragment floated serenely, emitting a gentle glow.

Gu Liuyun inhaled deeply and slowly reached out, touching the fragment.

A powerful surge instantly flooded his body; his cultivation soared like a rocket, light radiating from him, illuminating the entire tower.

“Got it!” he clenched his fist, basking in the overwhelming power within, a confident smile spreading across his face.

Suddenly, a cold voice rang out from behind him: “Who are you?”