The surface of the fire lake churned with towering waves, and its aura of danger was something anyone could feel.
The lake was so perilous that even the two Supreme Elders of the Chu Heavenly Clan dared not draw any closer.
Yet not far away, the clear spring stood in stark contrast to this dangerous fire lake.
One repelled all who beheld it, driving them to keep their distance.
The other drew people in, captivating them with its allure.
But no one could have guessed that the spring water, so rich in the energy of heaven and earth, had erupted from the depths of the fire lake itself.
As for Chu Zhiyuan, ever since Chu Feng and Chu Youyuan had jumped into the fire lake that day, he had been cultivating within this spring without pause.
During this entire time, he had not opened his eyes even once.
His dedication was truly extreme.
"I wonder how Brother Zhiyuan's cultivation is progressing," said Chu Ruoshi.
"Rest assured. Spring water that contains such dense energy of heaven and earth is of immeasurable benefit to those of you in the True Immortal realm."
"From what I can see, Zhiyuan's breakthrough to the Heavenly Immortal realm is a certainty at this point." After finishing these words, Chu Haoyan's grandfather turned to Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather and said, "Old man, what do you think?"
"I'd say it's about the same," Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather replied with a faint smile.
His grandson's cultivation was about to advance significantly — and by such a wide margin at that. Naturally, as a grandfather, he was delighted.
But just then, Chu Zhiyuan — who had been immersed in cultivation with his eyes shut — suddenly opened them and looked toward the three of Chu Ruoshi.
"If given sufficient time, I can break through to Second Rank Heavenly Immortal," Chu Zhiyuan said.
It turned out he had heard the conversation between Chu Ruoshi and the others, and had deliberately opened his eyes and paused his cultivation for the sole purpose of letting them know just how great his gains from the spring truly were.
"Brother Zhiyuan, then what are your gains so far?" Chu Ruoshi asked eagerly.
"Breaking through to Ninth Rank True Immortal is no longer an issue. As for the Heavenly Immortal realm, I need only a little more." As Chu Zhiyuan spoke these words, his face was brimming with pride and smugness.
"Then, Zhiyuan, how much longer do you need before you can break through to Second Rank True Immortal?" Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather couldn't help but press — after all, this was his grandson, the one who carried all of his hopes.
"Grandfather, rest easy. Before we leave this Nine Moons Divine Domain, I will have comprehended the martial path needed to break through to Second Rank True Immortal," Chu Zhiyuan said.
"Good! That's my grandson!" At that moment, Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather was overjoyed.
"Grandfather, put your mind at ease. I am absolutely certain of achieving Second Rank True Immortal. Your grandson will not disappoint your expectations, nor will I let Ruoshi's efforts on my behalf go to waste," Chu Zhiyuan said with complete confidence.
Splash— But just then, the spring water that had been erupting suddenly dropped, and then ceased entirely. The pool of water here began flowing back in through the very spot from which it had erupted.
At the same time, the dense energy of heaven and earth that had filled the air gradually dissipated.
"Th-This… what's going on?"
In that instant, not only Chu Zhiyuan — everyone present was shocked.
"Why did the spring water disappear? Grandfather, what's happening?"
Chu Zhiyuan panicked and hurriedly turned to his grandfather.
"Zhiyuan, it seems your fortune has reached its end." Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather was equally unwilling to accept this, but there was nothing he could do.
"No — no, I can't accept this! I haven't reached my goal yet! Right now, I can't even break through to the Heavenly Immortal realm!"
"Grandfather, think of something — can you break through this rock? The spring water comes from deep underground. If we push downward, we should be able to find it again!"