Taiyi Zhenren and Nezha were seething with hatred for Biyun, constantly plotting their revenge. Meanwhile, Biyun, with the help of Chen Jiugong, had arrived at the Golden Turtle Island.
This sacred ground of the sages was a sight to behold—a paradise of lush landscapes, exotic creatures, and spiritual energy so thick it floated like clouds.
From afar, Biyun spotted a massive stone tablet inscribed with the words: Golden Turtle Island, Biyou Palace—Sanctuary of the Jie Sect. The island, as rumored, was carried on the back of a colossal turtle, gliding majestically across the seas.
"Senior Brother, is this the place where our grandmaster cultivates?" Biyun asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Chen Jiugong grinned. "You're right, Junior Brother. This is the heart of our Jie Sect. It's every bit as grand as the Jade Void Palace on Mount Kunlun!"
Pride shone in Chen Jiugong's eyes. As a disciple of the Jie Sect, he wore his allegiance like a badge of honor.
As they landed on the island, the protective formations activated, and soon a female cultivator approached. She rode a golden-eyed camel, wore a golden crown that radiated a twenty-zhang-long golden aura, and was dressed in a crimson robe with flames swirling around her. Her bare feet and striking features made her look like a goddess.
"Ah, Junior Brother Chen, what brings you to Biyou Palace instead of lounging in the Luofu Cave?" she asked with a playful smirk.
This was the Holy Mother of Fire, a third-generation disciple of the Jie Sect and a direct student of Duobao Daoist, the sect's second-generation leader. Her reputation was so formidable that even some second-generation elders paled in comparison.
Chen Jiugong bowed respectfully. "Senior Sister, Shi Ji was killed by Taiyi Zhenren of the Chan Sect during a duel. Junior Brother Biyun seeks justice for his master, so we've come to inform our grandmaster."
The Holy Mother of Fire turned her gaze to Biyun. With Shi Ji gone, Biyun had shed his youthful appearance. Standing nine feet tall, with chiseled features, sharp brows, and star-like eyes, he cut an impressive figure.
What a handsome cultivator, she thought. Most Jie Sect disciples weren't known for their looks, but Biyun was a rare exception. His modern sensibilities gave him a unique charm that stood out in this ancient world.
"Thank you, Junior Brother Chen," she said. "The Chan Sect disciples have always been arrogant, hiding behind their sage's protection. It's time our grandmaster taught them a lesson."
Her words caught Biyun's attention. She was graceful, confident, and radiant—a true embodiment of beauty and power.
The trio entered the island, where the spiritual energy was a hundred times denser than anywhere else in the Primordial Chaos. Even Mount Skull and Mount Emei couldn't compare.
Since the ancient war between the Wu and Yao clans, the spiritual energy of the Primordial Chaos had dwindled, but the Golden Turtle Island remained a bastion of power. This was one of the reasons the Jie Sect's second and third-generation disciples far surpassed those of the Chan Sect.
"Junior Brother Biyun," the Holy Mother of Fire said, "our grandmaster is currently in seclusion, meditating in the void. It's best not to disturb him. For now, you can explore the island. We'll inform him once he emerges."
Biyun nodded, "Thank you, Senior Sister."
Their eyes met briefly before they looked away. Biyun knew that the Holy Mother of Fire was destined to become the Star Lord of Fire after her death.
After touring the island, the Holy Mother of Fire arranged accommodations for Biyun before taking her leave.
The island was bustling with cultivators, but most Jie Sect disciples lived outside, following the island's movements. The Jie Sect boasted thousands of disciples, and that was just the second generation. Adding the third generation made the numbers staggering.
Seeing that Biyun was settled, Chen Jiugong said, "Junior Brother, I'll return to Mount Emei for now. If you need anything, don't hesitate to find me."
Biyun stood and bowed. "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother. There's something I'd like to say, though I'm not sure if I should."
Chen Jiugong smiled. "We're brothers. Speak freely."
Biyun nodded. "The calamity has begun, and I'm sure you've sensed it too. My master was unlucky to fall to the Chan Sect. Please be careful, Senior Brother. Don't get caught up in this mess. Though Master Zhao is powerful, the Primordial Chaos is full of extraordinary individuals. He should tread carefully."
Chen Jiugong was touched by Biyun's concern. Despite Biyun's limited strength, his insight and sincerity were remarkable.
"When my master gave me the Sea-Calming Beads, he mentioned their extraordinary nature—a universe within each bead. But they have a natural weakness, something on Mount Wuyi. I don't know what it is, but please inform Master Zhao."
Chen Jiugong took this advice to heart. The Sea-Calming Beads were indeed extraordinary, but Zhao Gongming had only used them as weapons, unaware of their true potential. Later, the Ancient Buddha of the Lamp would refine them into the Twenty-Four Heavens, achieving enlightenment.
Biyun's warning was meant to guide Zhao Gongming toward unlocking the beads' true power.
Additionally, Cao Bao of Mount Wuyi possessed the "Money That Falls Treasures," a tool that could nullify spiritual treasures. Zhao Gongming's downfall was partly due to losing the Sea-Calming Beads and other treasures to Cao Bao.
"Thank you, Junior Brother. I'll return to Mount Emei now," Chen Jiugong said before taking his leave.
[Ding! Congratulations, host. Three hundred years of cultivation have been awarded. Please check your rewards!]
With Chen Jiugong gone, Biyun's task was complete. He immediately began absorbing the three hundred years of cultivation, inching closer to the Heavenly Immortal realm.
"Now, let's take a look at the Universe Ring and Cosmic Silk. I haven't had a chance to refine them yet," Biyun thought with a smile.
He pulled out the Universe Ring, a treasure he'd taken from Nezha. Determined not to let it slip away, Biyun decided to refine it as soon as possible.
After all, in a world where survival was the ultimate prize, every advantage counted.