Li Ruoyu saw Ji Yewei arrive and smiled, nodding slightly as a greeting.

Ji Yewei also returned the smile, then quietly stood to the side, watching Gu Sheng as he immersed himself in the divine essence.

Time passed bit by bit, and Gu Sheng seemed to be immersed in a profound, mysterious world.

He could feel the divine essence of Zhuo Peak continuously repeating, layering upon itself, then dissipating, only to repeat again… The process seemed endless, yet filled with wondrous transformations.

After an indeterminate period of time, Gu Sheng finally opened his eyes. His gaze sparkled with unprecedented brilliance, as if he had comprehended some profound secret technique.

"I felt it!" He rose to his feet excitedly and said to Li Ruoyu and Ji Yewei, "I felt that repeating divine essence. It's like an eternal cycle, endlessly repeating, yet each iteration is completely unique."

Li Ruoyu nodded with a smile: "Good, you've taken the first step in understanding Zhuo Peak's essence. This is an exceptionally rare opportunity."

Ji Yewei walked forward with concern and asked, "Gu Sheng, how are you feeling?"

"I feel amazing, as though a new door has opened for me." Gu Sheng answered enthusiastically, "This trip to the Heavenly Dao Sect has truly been worth it!"

The three exchanged smiles, their camaraderie radiating an infectious warmth. Li Ruoyu led Gu Sheng, Ji Yewei, and Su Ling through the dilapidated mountain gate and into the depths of Zhuo Peak.

With a creak, it was as if an ancient door deep in history had been pushed open. They arrived at the side of Zhuo Peak's summit, where several modest thatched huts stood silently, exuding tranquility and simplicity.

"This is where Su Ling and I live and train," Li Ruoyu said, pointing to the huts.

Gu Sheng glanced around and couldn't help but feel puzzled: "With Zhuo Peak being so vast, why is it just the two of you, master and disciple?"

Li Ruoyu sighed, his gaze showing a hint of weariness: "Zhuo Peak once flourished, but by the time it was passed down to me, it had already fallen into decline…"

He gazed skyward, forming seals with his hands in the void. Instantly, a massive image appeared on the heavenly canopy—like a window to time opening, revealing Zhuo Peak's past glory.

In the celestial image, time rewound to an ancient era. On Zhuo Peak, buildings stood in dense clusters, adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, gleaming with splendor. Disciples in colorful Daoist robes practiced sword techniques, meditated, and exchanged Daoist techniques—their activities painting a lively picture of a thriving sect.

"Look at that. Zhuo Peak in its prime was full of magnificence and prosperity," Li Ruoyu said, pointing toward the image on the heavens, his tone filled with nostalgia.

Gu Sheng and the others focused on the scene on the heavenly canopy. In the image, Zhuo Peak's disciples were flying with swords, casting spells, and sparring—the vibrancy was palpable. That ancient Zhuo Peak was truly a sacred ground for cultivation that inspired admiration.

But good things do not last. In the image, a figure clad in white suddenly appeared—a youth whose flowing robes gave him an immortal air, yet whose eyes emitted a cold black aura. He wielded a black-glowing spear and, unimpeded, conducted a frenzied sweep through Zhuo Peak's gates. Wherever he went, corpses lay strewn across the land...

"Who is that?!" Ji Yewei exclaimed in shock.

"He is the culprit who brought Zhuo Peak's glorious era to an end," Li Ruoyu replied, his tone heavy with sorrow. "On that day, Zhuo Peak flowed rivers of blood, with countless disciples slaughtered under his spear..."

The image on the heavenly canopy gradually faded away, yet the tragic carnage and bloodshed seemed to linger in their hearts. Gu Sheng and the others were silent, mourning Zhuo Peak's fate.

"Since that day, Zhuo Peak has been in continuous decline. The disciples gradually abandoned it, leaving only me to hold my ground here," Li Ruoyu sighed.

"Master, we will restore Zhuo Peak's former glory!" Su Ling clenched her fists tightly, her eyes shining with unwavering determination.

Li Ruoyu lovingly patted Su Ling's head: "Good child, you have ambition! But rejuvenating Zhuo Peak will not be easy. It will require our collective effort."

He turned to Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei: "Are you willing to help us?"

"Of course!" Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei said in unison.

Li Ruoyu looked relieved and smiled: "Good! With your help, I believe Zhuo Peak will rise again!"

The night deepened, stars twinkled faintly. At the summit of Zhuo Peak, Li Ruoyu stood, gazing at the two young individuals before him. His eyes radiated expectation and affirmation.

"Gu Sheng, Yewei, are you willing to join Zhuo Peak and stand side by side with us in this journey?" His voice drifted in the night wind, carrying an undeniable dignity.

Gu Sheng's eyes shone with resolve. He took a deep breath and said solemnly: "I feel a connection with Zhuo Peak and am willing to become a registered disciple here, contributing my strength to its future revival."

Ji Yewei gave a carefree laugh: "Sounds fun! I've got nothing better to do, so why not join too?"

Li Ruoyu nodded approvingly but then spoke seriously: "To officially join Zhuo Peak, you both must pass a test—the ascent to the summit of Cangfeng Peak."

Under the night sky, Cangfeng Peak stood tall, piercing the clouds like a sharp sword. Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei shared a knowing smile—they understood their journey of adventure was just beginning.

The two embarked on the climb, first arriving at the Water Element Secret Realm. Before them was a boundless sea, its waves turbulent as if intent on devouring everything.

"Is this an illusion realm?" Gu Sheng frowned slightly, but he quickly activated the Great Moon Pupil Skill, causing the illusion before him to shatter and revealing a teleportation formation. "Yewei, follow me."

Ji Yewei also sensed the formation's patterns. She carefully touched the void and said, "Yes, I can feel it. Let's go."

Stepping into the teleportation formation, they instantly arrived at the Wood Element Secret Realm. Towering ancient trees stood like giants, and each leaf radiated an aura of life. Yet beneath this tranquil exterior, hidden dangers lurked.

Suddenly, a Lightning Bird screeched and dove toward them, its speed astonishing. Gu Sheng unleashed Gale Nine Swords, his Sword Qi streaking through the air to strike the Lightning Bird. Simultaneously, he summoned a golden palm to engage in battle. Ji Yewei, relying on her radiant moon-like phenomenon, faced off against a cunning Xiezhi.

After a fierce battle, the two finally found the teleportation formation's exit, arriving at the Fire Element Secret Realm. Flames raged, as though determined to incinerate everything to ashes. Gu Sheng wielded Gale Nine Swords, his Sword Qi dispersing the flames like a storm. Concurrently, he manipulated his cultivation technique, summoning golden waves to extinguish the fires. Ji Yewei relied on her acute perceptions, deftly avoiding the fiery attacks.

They faced similar trials in the Earth Element Secret Realm, Gold Element Secret Realm, Power Secret Realm, and Wind Element Secret Realm, each filled with concealed dangers. But Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei prevailed through their skills and ingenuity, narrowly overcoming each difficulty and finding each exit.

By the time they reached the summit of Cangfeng Peak, the dawn had begun to break in the east. Sharing a look, they were filled with indescribable joy and pride. They knew they had passed Zhuo Peak's trial and had now become its true disciples.

"Welcome to Zhuo Peak!" Li Ruoyu's voice echoed in their ears, bearing both majesty and delight.

In the days that followed, Gu Sheng focused on sensing Zhuo Peak's divine essence. Half a month later, he arrived at a method that could expedite his understanding.

He decided to engage in dual cultivation with Su Ling, employing the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra to create a virtual space.

At the break of dawn, Zhuo Peak's summit had been painted poetic and picturesque by the morning glow. Standing at the cliff's edge, Gu Sheng's gaze was deep, as though pondering something crucial.

"Su Ling, I have an idea that might help me quickly perceive Zhuo Peak's divine essence." Gu Sheng turned to the woman beside him, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Su Ling lifted her eyebrow slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes: "Oh? What idea? Tell me."

Gu Sheng took a deep breath and elaborated on his plan: "We could try dual cultivation, practicing the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra to conjure a virtual space. Within that space, we could draw closer to Zhuo Peak's essence and perhaps achieve breakthroughs."

Su Ling seemed surprised but quickly nodded: "Since you say so, let's give it a try."

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