The Shameful Flight and a Fated Encounter

After another half-month of sword flight, the trio of Xia Yi finally arrived within the bounds of Hanhai City.

This journey of over half a month had brought Xia Yi to a profound realization.

It was Foundation Establishment! He absolutely had to achieve Foundation Establishment without delay!

Only the days he spent flying on his own sword could truly be considered good days!

Initially, Xia Yi had intended to fly on his sword solely with Pei Yunxiang.

However, during every rest stop, Fei Miaoyun’s mournful gaze, pitiful as that of a discarded little white rabbit, would fall upon him.

Unable to resist his softening heart, he reluctantly agreed to a change in their travel arrangements.

Thus began a journey fraught with embarrassment.

At first, Fei Miaoyun’s restless nature manifested as incessant demands for kisses or hugs, and she perpetually delighted in provoking Pei Yunxiang.

Consequently, the very next day, Pei Yunxiang reclaimed Xia Yi, employing the same tactics, if not even more audacious ones!

From that day forward, though Xia Yi couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment, the two women’s flying swords consistently began to shrink.

It wasn’t until two days prior that they abandoned all pretense, directly carrying Xia Yi as they flew, often in a myriad of embarrassing poses.

On one occasion, Fei Miaoyun’s lack of control nearly sent them plummeting.

In that fleeting moment, Xia Yi even imagined he saw the Boss’s (TL Note: A humorous reference to a well-known internet meme, often implying impending doom or a ‘game over’ scenario.) smile.

Fortunately, at the crucial juncture, Pei Yunxiang intervened, helping Fei Miaoyun stabilize her flying sword and promptly snatching Xia Yi away.

Yet, she too soon lost control, almost crashing once more, before PeiPei ultimately rescued them all.

Following this series of near-disasters, Xia Yi, for the first time, sternly demanded that the two women produce their original flying swords.

He then confiscated all those outrageously slender flying swords, which were thinner than writing brushes.

With a face etched in exasperation, Xia Yi collected over a dozen minuscule flying swords from the two women.

He couldn’t fathom who would even purchase such contraptions; they were too thin to stand on securely, let alone accommodate two people.

Aware of their culpability, the two women subsequently behaved themselves, dutifully transporting Xia Yi to Hanhai City without indulging in any further thrilling antics.

Given Fei Miaoyun’s status as a Core Formation True Person, gaining entry into Hanhai City proved remarkably simple.

“Master, let us first find a place to settle down, and then tomorrow we can ascertain the recruitment schedule for the Azure Feather Immortal Sect. How does that sound?”

No sooner had they passed through the city gates than Xia Yi laid out his plan.

He had not concealed the purpose of their journey from the two women: he wished to approach Bing Yingying, the Fated Immortal Maiden.
Pei Yunxiang, for her part, remained unconcerned, even harboring a sense of gratification, akin to watching her own pig willingly go after a young cabbage.

Fei Miaoyun, however, exhibited all the emotions a normal Dao companion might: shock, bewilderment, and indignation, among others, poured forth from her.

Though riddled with guilt, Xia Yi repeatedly explained that his sole intention was to save Bing Yingying and that he would never again do anything to wrong either woman.

Nevertheless, Fei Miaoyun ultimately fled, her eyes brimming with tears.

Xia Yi, about to give chase, was halted by Pei Yunxiang, who offered him a reassuring glance before unhurriedly following after Fei Miaoyun herself.

Xia Yi had no idea what Pei Yunxiang said to Fei Miaoyun, but that very evening, Fei Miaoyun’s attitude underwent a complete 180-degree turn.

Not only did she consent to Xia Yi’s ‘infidelity,’ but she even offered her assistance!

The precondition was that she required Xia Yi to swear an Oath to the Heavenly Dao, vowing never to abandon or betray her.

Xia Yi understood that Fei Miaoyun, having been betrayed once by Zhen Aoyu, was now somewhat fearful, so he readily agreed to the oath she proposed without much deliberation.

Only after completing the Heavenly Dao Oath and appeasing Fei Miaoyun did the trio finally reach an agreement.

As for what Pei Yunxiang had actually said to Fei Miaoyun, Xia Yi couldn’t ascertain.

Pei Yunxiang merely dismissed Xia Yi to accompany Fei Miaoyun with the classic enigmatic phrase: “You will know in time.”

Left with no alternative, Xia Yi decided to abandon his inquiries, reasoning that Pei Yunxiang would never harm him, and thus he would let her be.

“There’s no rush concerning the Azure Feather Immortal Sect’s disciple recruitment. I believe we should first go to the Myriad Treasure Pavilion to certify your identity as a Third-Grade Alchemist.”

“Indeed, possessing the identity of a Third-Grade Alchemist would greatly facilitate our future endeavors.”

Fei Miaoyun, standing nearby, also offered her perspective, noting that while the status of a Core Formation realm cultivator was already quite elevated,the identity of a Third-Grade Alchemist often proved even more advantageous.

“Hmm, that makes sense. Then let us proceed to the Myriad Treasure Pavilion to certify my alchemist identity.”

Having made up their minds, the trio of Xia Yi inquired about the location of the Myriad Treasure Pavilion.

Before long, the three arrived before the Myriad Treasure Pavilion.

The Myriad Treasure Pavilion truly lived up to its reputation as the wealthiest sect in the cultivation world; even a mere branch store was adorned with such splendor.

Outside, century-old Star-Patterned Wood formed the grand pillars, inlaid with intricate spirit runes, supporting towering pavilions with layered, upturned eaves.

At the main entrance, a warm jade luster flowed, casting a gentle glow over the doorframe.

Inside, however, was a world unto itself—streaks of light outlined an even vaster space, where the spiritual essence of countless treasures surged like a tide, exuding extraordinary opulence.

“Welcome to the Myriad Treasure Pavilion. How may I assist the three esteemed guests?”

No sooner had the trio stepped through the doors of the Myriad Treasure Pavilion than a beautiful female attendant, cultivating at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, greeted them.

“We are here to certify a Third-Grade Alchemist identity.”

“Ah, so it is an esteemed Alchemist Master. Please, the three of you, follow this humble one.”

Xia Yi and his companions were all dressed as typical cultivators, and the stunning beauty of both Fei Miaoyun and Pei Yunxiang had been masked by Pei Yunxiang’s illusionary art.

Coupled with the Myriad Treasure Pavilion attendant’s discerning eye, the classic trope of a protagonist being looked down upon by snobbish individuals, only to subsequently deliver a satisfying counterattack, did not occur.

This left Xia Yi feeling a touch disappointed.

The trio followed the Myriad Treasure Pavilion attendant past a series of display counters showcasing spiritual treasures and medicinal herbs, eventually arriving before a room.

“Esteemed Master, this is the Third-Grade Alchemist certification room. Please, enter.”

After knocking and receiving a response, the attendant pushed open the door, gesturing for Xia Yi and his companions to enter.

“Ho-ho, I didn’t expect someone to come to Hanhai City to certify as a Third-Grade Alchemist! This old man’s name is Xuan Shen.”

“Heh heh, this old man’s name is Chi Danzi. Are all three of you here for certification?”

Upon entering the room, they saw two white-haired elders, one tall and one short.

The taller elder, Xuan Shen, was gaunt and as slender as bamboo.

His hair and beard were entirely white, yet meticulously combed.

The shorter one, Chi Danzi, had a ruddy complexion and a voice like a booming bell.

His hair and beard were a messy, fiery red, resembling a burning flame, and often dusted with medicinal ash.

“No, only I am.”

“Oh! Remarkable. To be able to certify as a Third-Grade Alchemist at such a tender age, young friend? Truly, the younger generation is formidable.”

Seeing that the one who stepped forward among the three was the youngest, Xia Yi, Chi Danzi first expressed surprise, then let out a sigh of admiration.

“During the Third-Grade Alchemist certification, no disturbances are permitted. Might I ask the two of you to accompany me to the examination waiting room first?”

“Self-evidently.”

Pei Yunxiang glanced at Xia Yi, and seeing him nod, she then agreed to Xuan Shen’s request and followed him out of the certification room.

“May I know your esteemed name, young friend?”

“This junior is named Xia Yi.”

“Young friend Xia Yi, is this your first time certifying at our Myriad Treasure Pavilion?”

“Yes, this junior is indeed here for the first time.”

“Heh heh, no matter. Then allow me to introduce young friend Xia Yi to the certification process for Third-Grade Alchemists at our Myriad Treasure Pavilion.”

As he spoke, Chi Danzi led Xia Yi over to a cauldron.

He then began to explain the Myriad Treasure Pavilion’s alchemist certification procedure.