"Cloud Dream Lake… so this is it."
Wu Chi marveled at the sight of the towering mountain ahead.
Its peak pierced the heavens, extending for what seemed like tens of thousands of meters. Compared to this behemoth, even Mount Everest from his previous life was like an insignificant ant.
The majestic mountain split the sea of clouds, radiating an enigmatic and ancient aura.
Suddenly, the flood dragon beneath him slowed and called out, "Xiao Yu! Come help! I can't fly any higher!"
"Useless trash!"
A similarly childish voice echoed from the clouds.
The sea of clouds parted, revealing a massive feathered serpent tens of thousands of meters long. It flew over gracefully, laughing as it approached.
"You're such a failure! Aren't you afraid the guest will mock you?"
"I'm just a kid!" the flood dragon protested. "Besides, I'm not allowed to approach Cloud Dream Divine Mountain. The bloodline wails are too strong!"
"Fine, I'll handle it!"
The feathered serpent snorted. A gentle gust of wind enveloped Wu Chi, lifting him onto the serpent's broad head.
"Please, take a seat, guest!" the serpent chirped cheerfully.
Buzz!
The space around them shifted dramatically.
In the blink of an eye, they traversed over a hundred thousand miles, arriving near the base of Cloud Dream Divine Mountain.
Then, with a sweep of its wings, the serpent soared higher, fierce winds carrying them up nine more layers of clouds, until they reached the very summit of the divine mountain.
"Guest, Master is waiting for you in the main hall! This is as far as I'll take you."
The feathered serpent lowered its head, allowing a soft breeze to deposit Wu Chi gently onto solid ground. It then spread its wings and disappeared into the sky.
On the summit, Wu Chi stood frozen, overwhelmed by the mythic grandeur of the scene.
"Cloud Dream Fairy… she really lives up to her name as a fairy."
His heart raced as he recalled his earlier behavior.
"Did I go too far before?"
His hand tingled slightly at the memory. Was it too late to beg for forgiveness?
Shaking off his distractions, Wu Chi surveyed his surroundings.
The divine mountain, though imposing, lacked the mythical flora and fauna he had imagined. There were no vibrant spiritual herbs or legendary beasts, and the air didn't hum with divine resonance.
Instead, the mountain exuded a stark, ancient stillness.
It was an unexpected contrast to the pictures that had formed in his mind, leaving him slightly disappointed.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Wu Chi strode forward boldly.
Roughly twenty minutes later, he arrived at a temple.
The structure was as ancient and unadorned as the mountain itself, its simplicity bordering on crude.
"Fairy Luo's taste is certainly unique," Wu Chi mused, finding himself growing more curious about her personality.
Unlike other women, she appeared extremely reserved and indifferent, her preferences starkly different from what he'd come to expect from others.
A melodious voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in. What are you staring at?"
It was Fairy Luo's voice.
Wu Chi smirked, clicked his tongue, and walked into the temple.
Inside, the temple was as plain as its exterior—no decorations, no extravagance.
In the main hall, a few stone tables and chairs were sparsely arranged.
Fairy Luo sat on one of the chairs, her legs crossed elegantly, her sharp gaze fixed on him.
"Miss Luo," Wu Chi greeted, bowing respectfully.
Fairy Luo nodded slightly. "You seem surprised?"
"Indeed," Wu Chi admitted with a smile. "I thought your domain would be like the celestial realms or legendary paradises. At the very least, I expected a thriving, prosperous world. But…"
"It's desolate, isn't it?"
The red-robed beauty smiled faintly, a playful glint in her eye.
"Desolate isn't the word I'd use," Wu Chi replied. "I just saw a dragon and a feathered serpent—those are legendary creatures. Your domain is impressive in its own right."
He meant it. Though lacking in the typical grandeur of immortality, the ancient aura and mythical presence of the creatures left a strong impression.
Fairy Luo didn't seem concerned by his observation.
"I once descended to the mortal world and came across the Eleventh Mountain Scripture from the Classic of Mountains and Seas," she explained casually.
Her words caught Wu Chi off guard—she was revealing a personal secret.
"The scripture gave birth to what you now see: Cloud Dream Lake and Cloud Dream Divine Mountain."
"Because of it, I was able to ascend step by step, ultimately transcending to my current state."
"Fallen dragons, feathered serpents, spiral turtles… Cloud Dream Lake is a haven for ancient beings."
Wu Chi was stunned.
The Classic of Mountains and Seas!
Legends about worlds derived from this classic abounded.
Each was said to be a mythical universe, sometimes even housing multiverses, vast realms, or endless worlds.
Fairy Luo's fortune in obtaining such an artifact was no small matter.
"But why is she telling me this?"
Wu Chi's mind raced as he scrutinized the red-clad beauty before him.
Seemingly unconcerned, Fairy Luo continued.
"This time, I've called you here to offer you a reward."
"I originally prepared one million Void Crystals, a purple Hero's Decree, and five rare buildings."
"But…"
She paused, her gaze lingering on Wu Chi with a sly smile.
"Your performance made me decide to give you something else instead."
Her words were deliberate, laced with both challenge and promise.
It was a common principle across all major powers: exceptional contributions warranted greater investment.
Even Shenhe Academy's sponsorship and reward systems adhered to this principle.
Wu Chi wasn't overly concerned with his "performance" or whether he was considered a "genius."
He had no blood feuds or vendettas to avenge, nor any desire to flaunt his abilities unnecessarily.
Having lived two lifetimes, he had his own goals.
"Let's see what you've got for me," Wu Chi replied with a faint smile, his tone calm.
Fairy Luo seemed taken aback by his composure.
"You're quite the balanced one," she remarked. "Unmoved by joy or sorrow—impressive."
Then her tone turned playful.
"I must say, you're bold. Very bold."
"Bold? What do you mean?"
Wu Chi asked, slightly startled.
"You faced hundreds of rookie lords head-on and emerged victorious. Your courage and strength are remarkable."
"But," she added with a smirk, "can you truly call yourself a prodigy?"
Her words were both a question and a temptation.
Wu Chi hesitated for a moment, then answered firmly, "Yes."
"Good!"
Fairy Luo nodded, her tone turning serious.
"After today, many will try to recruit you. They'll offer enticing benefits. As Shenhe Academy's principal, I can't lag behind."
"Therefore, I'll raise the level of your rewards and grant you a treasure from my personal vault."
A treasure?
Wu Chi's eyes lit up as he rubbed his hands together.
"Of course! Thank you, Miss Luo!"
"Look closely," she said, raising her hand.
Clouds swirled around her fingers, transforming into a book and a golden orb.
Wu Chi's eyes locked onto the items, and a moment later, their attributes appeared before him:
[Buddha's Relic]
Quality: Legendary Gold
Level: None
Description: A relic formed from the condensation of a true Buddha's divine power upon enlightenment.
[Princess of Pure Mind]
Quality: Legendary Gold
Level: 200
Description: A profound Buddhist manual that teaches mortals to cultivate purity of mind. Mastery eradicates all emotions and desires, transforming one into a Buddha.
Requirements: Level 180, possession of Buddha Bone, Wisdom Heart, and Dharma Foundation.