Chapter Fifty-Seven: Exploration

Liu Feng gazed at the hundred or so low-grade spirit stones in his hand, feeling exceedingly pleased. Spirit stones were the universal currency of the Cloud Ascension Continent; all manner of elixirs, weapons, treasures, and more could be bought or exchanged with them. He placed the stones into his storage pouch and turned toward Zhao Yang, saying, “The competition is over. What are your plans next?”

Zhao Yang pondered, “Now that I’ve reached the ninth level of the Qi Gathering stage, progressing further by routine cultivation is yielding little effect. I intend to travel outside, to see if I might find a way to break through my current realm.”

Liu Feng nodded slightly; he too sensed that after breaking through to the ninth level, his recent progress had slowed. “By the way, are you thinking of moving up to the advanced Qi Gathering class? With your cultivation, you’ve been eligible for some time.”

Liu Feng thought for a moment. “Let’s wait a while. I also plan to go out to temper myself. We could go together.”

“How could I miss out on such an adventure?” At that moment, Zeng Lu walked over.

“It would be even better if you joined us, Brother Zeng. I’ll reach out to a few other skilled friends, see if they’re willing to come,” Zhao Yang said to the two.

“Very well, let’s meet here tomorrow,” Zeng Lu replied.

Liu Feng and the others agreed. After settling their plans, they each went their separate ways.

Liu Feng returned to his dormitory, where Li Feng and Wang Yun were already inside.

“This competition was truly spectacular,” Li Feng said, evidently having watched the event.

“I found several competitors to be extraordinarily strong, especially Zhao Hui from Class Two—her strength is unfathomable,” Wang Yun added.

Liu Feng nodded in agreement. After a pause, he said, “I’m planning to team up with a few familiar students to go out and temper ourselves. Would you like to join?”

Li Feng considered, “I haven’t reached the ninth level of Qi Gathering, so I’ll sit this out.” Wang Yun echoed the sentiment.

Liu Feng understood. After chatting for a while longer, they each rested.

The next morning, after breakfast, Liu Feng made his way to the plaza in front of the academy.

He saw that Zhao Yang and Zeng Lu had already arrived.

“I contacted a few people, but none wanted to go out for training. Looks like it’ll just be the three of us,” Zhao Yang said, a bit disappointed.

Liu Feng replied calmly, “No matter. Have you decided where to go?”

Zhao Yang produced a map, pointing to a spot. “Five hundred miles from the academy lies the Flame Dragon Mountain Range. It’s said to be steep and perilous, with strange rocks and abundant rare herbs and treasures.”

Zeng Lu chimed in, “I’ve heard that many sects send their inner disciples or true inheritors there, hoping to obtain rare treasures or opportunities to break through realms. But there’s danger too—one wrong move and you could lose your life.”

“Fortune favors the bold. To break through, one must endure hardships and peril. Without even this courage, how can we hope to become peerless masters?” Liu Feng’s gaze was sharp.

“Alright, today, the three of us will brave this dragon’s lair and tiger’s den and see what obstacles might stand in our way!” Zeng Lu’s whole body radiated a powerful fighting spirit.

With the plan settled, the trio left the academy. They bought some dried provisions, water, and other necessities in town, then set off toward the Flame Dragon Mountains.

Outside the city, the road narrowed, and travelers grew scarce. After about a hundred miles, the villages disappeared; the landscape became rocky and lush, with the occasional roar of tigers and howl of wolves echoing from the mountains, sending chills down the spine.

With their strong cultivation and stamina, the group enjoyed the scenery and chatted as they traveled. By nightfall, they had covered more than four hundred miles.

They decided to find a place to rest for the night and continue tomorrow.

At the foot of an unnamed mountain, they sat on the ground and took out food to restore their strength.

After eating, Liu Feng gathered leaves to lay on the ground and lay down. Above, the sky was studded with stars, twinkling like blinking eyes. The mountain breeze carried the fragrance of flowers and grass.

Liu Feng felt utterly relaxed, the tension built up from days of cultivation melting away.

“I wonder how my parents are doing at home, whether their work is still so tiring,” he thought silently.

He didn’t know how much time passed before he drifted off to sleep.

When he opened his eyes, the sun had already risen, bathing the mountains and forests in golden light, as if draped in a mysterious veil.

Liu Feng stood up and took a deep breath, fresh air flooding his lungs and expelling the stale, leaving his body light and refreshed.

By then, Zeng Lu and Zhao Yang were already up.

Zhao Yang approached from a distance, carrying three plump mountain hens he had already plucked. He placed them on a makeshift wooden rack and lit a fire. Soon, the aroma of roasting chicken spread.

After a while, Zhao Yang handed the cooked hens to Liu Feng and Zeng Lu.

Liu Feng took one, bit into it, and found the meat rich and tender, leaving a lingering taste.

“Zhao Yang, I didn’t expect you to be so skilled at roasting chicken,” Liu Feng praised.

Zeng Lu nodded in agreement.

Zhao Yang grinned, “Of course. When I used to go out training with Wang Yang and Wang Yue, I was always the one preparing food. Over time, I mastered the technique.”

The three joked and laughed, finishing their pleasant breakfast.

After tidying up, they continued their journey.

All around were rocky outcrops and dense vegetation, with no sign of habitation.

Two hours later, they stopped before an imposing mountain range—they had arrived at the Flame Dragon Mountains.

Here, the rocks were jagged, the foliage lush, and the slopes steep, exuding a majestic aura.

The towering peaks stretched across the horizon like a slumbering dragon, the main peak rising thousands of meters, its crest resembling a dragon’s head poised to soar skyward.

Standing at the foot of the mountains, each felt the extraordinary energy here, as if a tremendous vitality surged forth from the range, pressing upon them.

“We’ll proceed slowly. Everyone must be vigilant,” Liu Feng said solemnly.

They exchanged glances and nodded.

Following a narrow mountain path, they advanced with care. The terrain was treacherous—one misstep and injury was certain.

Luckily, their cultivation was strong, their steps steady and powerful. They reached the summit of a massive peak without incident.

There, among scattered rocks and towering trees—some dozens of meters tall, ancient in appearance—they surveyed the landscape.

Suddenly, a thunderous ape cry echoed nearby, and several upright ape-like beasts emerged from the distance.

Their bodies were covered in golden fur, each towering over two meters tall, muscles bulging with strength, their eyes gleaming with a bloodthirsty light.