The surface of the Fire Lake still churned with towering waves, and the aura of danger was something anyone could sense.
The peril of this lake was such that even the two Supreme Elders of the Chu Heavenly Clan did not dare approach it again.
Yet the clear spring not far away stood in stark contrast to this dangerous Fire Lake.
One inspired fear, driving people to keep their distance.
The other inspired longing, drawing people in so deeply they could not pull themselves away.
But no one could have imagined that the spring water, which contained such dense energy of heaven and earth, had actually erupted from the depths of the Fire Lake itself.
As for Chu Zhiyuan, ever since the day Chu Feng and Chu Youyuan had jumped into the Fire Lake, he had been cultivating within this spring without interruption.
During this entire time, he had not even opened his eyes once.
His dedication was truly extraordinary.
"I wonder how Brother Zhiyuan's cultivation is coming along," said Chu Ruoshi.
"Rest assured. Spring water containing this much energy of heaven and earth is of immeasurable benefit to those of you at the True Immortal realm."
"In my estimation, Zhiyuan's breakthrough to the Heavenly Immortal realm is all but guaranteed." Having said this, Chu Haoyan's grandfather turned to look at Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather and added, "Old friend, what do you think?"
"I'd say the same. It's just about certain," replied Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather with a faint smile.
His grandson's cultivation was about to advance, and by such a significant leap at that — as a grandfather, he was naturally overjoyed.
But just at that moment, Chu Zhiyuan — who had kept his eyes closed while immersed in his cultivation — suddenly opened them and looked toward Chu Ruoshi and the other two.
"As long as I'm given enough time, I can break through to second-grade Heavenly Immortal," said Chu Zhiyuan.
So he had overheard their conversation and deliberately opened his eyes, pausing his cultivation, precisely so that Chu Ruoshi and the others would know just how great his gains within this spring had been.
"Brother Zhiyuan, then how are your gains right now?" Chu Ruoshi asked excitedly.
"Breaking through to ninth-grade True Immortal is already no problem at all. As for the Heavenly Immortal realm — I'm only a tiny bit short." As Chu Zhiyuan spoke these words, his face was brimming with pride and smug satisfaction.
"Then, Zhiyuan, how long will you need to break through to second-grade Heavenly Immortal?" Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather couldn't help but press, for this was his grandson, the one in whom all his hopes rested.
"Grandfather, rest easy. Before we leave the Nine Moon God Domain, I will have comprehended the martial path needed for the breakthrough to second-grade Heavenly Immortal," said Chu Zhiyuan.
"Good. As expected of my grandson." At those words, Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather was overjoyed.
"Grandfather, just put your heart at ease. This second-grade Heavenly Immortal realm is already mine for the taking. Your grandson will absolutely not disappoint your expectations, nor will he fail the sacrifices Ruoshi has made for me." Chu Zhiyuan's confidence was overflowing.
Splash—
But just at that moment, the spring water that had been erupting suddenly dropped back down. After that, it ceased erupting entirely. Even the pool of water here began to flow back down through the spot where the spring had been gushing.
At the same time, the dense energy of heaven and earth that had filled the air gradually dissipated.
"What… what's going on?"
In that instant, forget about Chu Zhiyuan — everyone present was stunned.
"How did the spring water disappear? Grandfather, what's happening?"
Chu Zhiyuan panicked and hurriedly turned to his grandfather.
"Zhiyuan, it seems your fortune has come to an end." Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather was equally unwilling to accept this, yet there was nothing he could do.
"No — it can't be! I haven't reached my goal yet! Right now, I'm still a little short of even breaking through to the Heavenly Immortal realm!"