NOVEL NEXT Chapter 608: Not a Chance
After scientific and meticulous attempts, Fang Zhou can now be 100% sure that the dual cultivation of the Yin Yang Treasure Book is indeed very effective.
Moreover, the effect is explosive; it greatly benefits both parties involved and significantly enhances the enjoyment of the entire process.
Ming Aoshuang completely lost herself, spending twenty out of twenty-four hours a day hanging onto Fang Zhou without wanting to come down.
They left traces of battle in the grass, amidst the trees, by the riverbanks — everywhere.
Ten days later, when it was time to leave Refining Immortal City, Ming Aoshuang felt satisfied enough to return to find Xiao Yin.
Fang Zhou felt lucky his three-dimensional attributes were high enough; otherwise, after high-intensity exercise for over ten days, he feared he would turn into a mummy, ready for burial.
When the day to finally leave arrived, the group left Refining Immortal City and came to the giant rock before the gate.
The gate was already open, holding a jade token allowed you to exit, and many people looked back at Refining Immortal City floating in the air, reminiscing over the month's experiences.
Yu Qing and Han Li stood by Fang Zhou's side, while the rest stayed hidden inside the gourd, unwilling to come out.
Although his smuggling escapade was no secret, he still needed to give the Righteous Alliance some face — he couldn't just walk out with everyone openly.
Once they exited through the gate, the shuttle was already waiting outside.
"Ah, who knows when we'll be able to enter Refining Immortal City again next time,"
someone sighed, reluctantly.
Many people had similar feelings; a month's time was too short, and they were not done exploring the entire Refining Immortal City.
Fortunately, the Righteous Alliance did not limit the number of times one could enter. As long as they can get a spot next time, they can still go in.
Fang Zhou heard the sigh and thought to himself: You won't get another chance.
As a disciple of the Demon Suppression Saint, Fang Zhou was now the sole heir of Refining Immortal City, holding its true essence in his hand.
The gate controlled by the Righteous Alliance was intentionally opened by the Demon Suppression Saint to lure people in.
After Fang Zhou walked out, he completely closed the gate, and next time when the Righteous Alliance tries to pull this trick again, they'll find the gate won't open.
Fang Zhou could now open the gate anytime and anywhere freely.
The Righteous Alliance had already plundered the twenty-seven floors below Refining Immortal City. Fang Zhou didn't mind this, but trying to fleece again? Not a chance.
The group took the shuttle back to Luofu Mountain, and from there it was each to their own homes.
Yu Hua, Hong Guan, and Donggong Fu, the three true disciples, took a profound look at Fang Zhou before leaving.
Returning to their domain, their cautious demeanor finally disappeared, but they didn't foolishly come to look for trouble.
Hong Guan didn't go off to report Fang Zhou for smuggling either since Fang Zhou's strength and influence had proven formidable; the smuggling was seen as a minor mistake.
All three wanted to hurry back to report this matter to their elders.
Ming Aoshuang and Xiao Yin also left in a hurry, preparing to inform the Righteous Alliance about what happened in Refining Immortal City.
Fang Zhou also met Chang Kong, who came to greet him.
At first sight, Chang Kong wore a surprised expression, looking Fang Zhou up and down: "You've... entered the Golden Core Realm?"
Fang Zhou chuckled: "It's just luck."
He could now also see Chang Kong's cultivation level, similar to his own, well into the Golden Core Realm's second stage.
Fang Zhou remained calm while Chang Kong struggled to accept that Fang Zhou had progressed from Innate Cultivation to Core Formation within just a month.
Although the first two stages of the Golden Core Realm are relatively easy, it's still not something that can be achieved casually; even outstanding talent requires decades of hard work.
Chang Kong guessed that Fang Zhou must have encountered some extraordinary opportunity in Refining Immortal City, but this wasn't the place for detailed discussion, so he suppressed his inner shock.
Yu Qing and the others also had breakthroughs, mainly due to the rewards from the Demon Suppression Saint.
Han Li benefited the most; she was just a step away from Innate cultivation, and now with the reward, she's crossed that threshold.
Once everyone returned to their quarters, Fang Zhou shared only select parts of his experience to satisfy the curiosity of the ladies.
Of course, he absolutely couldn't mention the situation where he was trapped with Ming Aoshuang; otherwise, with Yu Qing's keen senses, she'd surely notice something unusual.
After listening, everyone marveled, enviously.
Yu Qing didn't follow up with questions, which allowed Fang Zhou to breathe a sigh of relief; otherwise, he wouldn't know how to cover it up, with many details unable to withstand scrutiny.
...
As they left Refining Immortal City, it was already late, and they planned to stay overnight at Luofu Mountain, leaving the next day.
Han Li privately found Fang Zhou; since their chance meeting entering Refining Immortal City, they hadn't had a proper talk.
The two found a quiet, elegant spot and sat down to chat, mainly Han Li talking while Fang Zhou listened.
He could sense that Han Li had many worries, overwhelmed with no interest in romance.
The conversation shifted unexpectedly to events in Refining Immortal City, and Han Li seemed a bit hesitant.
Fang Zhou was curious: "Do you have something important to tell me? Speak freely, what's there between us?"
Seeing Fang Zhou's slightly concerned expression, Han Li felt a warmth in her heart.
Although they hadn't spent much time together, Fang Zhou had grown into a significant figure in the Cultivation World, yet he remained unchanged in heart and treated her like always.
Han Li set aside her concerns and said to Fang Zhou: "Did you encounter a special flame in Refining Immortal City?"
Fang Zhou was slightly taken aback, as he indeed possessed a special flame.
It was the Molten Fire taken from the Three-headed Dragon, an Exotic Species True Fire.
Fang Zhou released a little flame from the gourd, holding it in his palm, confident in his current ability to withstand the burn of Exotic Species True Fire.
Han Li's eyes widened, staring at the viscous liquid-like flame in Fang Zhou's hand. Her breath quickened.
"That's it!!"
Her voice raised slightly, filled with excitement.
Fang Zhou was surprised: "Your true target in entering Refining Immortal City was the Exotic Species True Fire?"
Han Li nodded shyly: "Mainly to find Enlightenment Zen Grass; the Exotic Species True Fire was just a leap of luck."
Fang Zhou curiously asked: "What do you want this for?"
Han Li hesitated before answering: "I'm looking for it on behalf of my sister."
"Sister?"
Fang Zhou was a bit startled, remembering that Han Li's sister was his long-unseen fiancée, Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan once went to Iron Sword Mountain for the Exotic Species True Fire; Han Li finding it for Xiao Yan was understandable.
"Why didn't she come herself?"
Fang Zhou felt a sense of relief; luckily Xiao Yan didn't come. Otherwise, envisioning Yu Qing, Wu Lin, Han Li, Xiao Yan, and Ming Aoshuang standing together was enough to make him see his impending doom.
Han Li's eyes showed a hint of sadness, speaking softly: "She has other important matters, so I came in her place."