Volume 1, Chapter 8: The Great Wilderness Bell as an Alarm Clock

[Ding! Lin Hongye’s cultivation has improved; beginning double return of disciple’s cultivation!]

With that, Lin Yang felt a vast and pure surge of spiritual energy pouring into his body, just like the previous time.

"Boom!"

Accompanied by another thunderous toll of the Great Wilderness Bell, Lin Yang broke through to the Feathering Realm.

As for the people within the Great Wilderness Immortal Sect and even across the entire Central Province, they heard the sound of the Great Wilderness Bell ringing once again. However, compared to the shock of the first few times, everyone no longer found it strange; they simply assumed the bell was broken and was ringing at random. Some even suggested that the Great Wilderness Immortal Sect should send someone to repair it, lest it keep ringing and drive everyone mad with the noise.

Lin Yang couldn't help but twitch his lips. Good heavens, he had broken through to the Feathering Realm just by lying in bed—could there be a more effortless way to advance? And what was up with that bell ringing? Was it an alarm clock?

Still, a breakthrough in cultivation was a good thing. Lin Yang stretched comfortably and rose to leave his room. Stepping outside, he was greeted by the aroma of food drifting from the kitchen.

He went to the kitchen and found Lin Hongye wearing an apron, busy cooking. Hearing his movements, she turned back and offered a gentle smile. "Master, you're awake? Please go sit for a moment; the meal will be ready shortly."

Lin Yang nodded in satisfaction and took his seat. Before long, Lin Hongye returned with a large pot of porridge made from Scarlet Sun Immortal Grass.

Looking at the pot, Lin Yang asked in slight surprise, "Didn't we finish the Scarlet Sun Immortal Grass yesterday? Where did this come from?"

Lin Hongye shook her head and explained, "I didn't actually eat it all. There were some remnants left with the essence of fire still quite potent, so I used them to make porridge."

Lin Yang didn't press further and began to eat, while Lin Hongye watched him silently from the side. Sensing her respectful gaze, Lin Yang felt even more perplexed.

"Why are you staring at me? Come eat with me."

"Yes, Master." Lin Hongye replied, then fetched her own bowl and chopsticks to join him.

Lin Yang found the change in her attitude strange, as she hadn't been like this at the beginning. But to Lin Yang, between the Scarlet Sun Immortal Grass, the Emperor-grade Crystallized Pills, and his later explanation of the Dao of Immortal Fire, these were all immense favors. Even a fool could see by now that Lin Yang was not the "useless good-for-nothing" others claimed him to be; naturally, she could no longer treat him with her previous attitude.

...

After the meal, Lin Yang let out a satisfied sigh, while Lin Hongye asked with bright, expectant eyes, "Master, could you explain the Dao of Immortal Fire to me once more?"

Yesterday's insights had benefited her immensely. Realizing that Lin Yang’s understanding of the Dao of Immortal Fire was far superior to her own, she did not want to miss any opportunity to grow stronger.

Faced with her request, Lin Yang thought for a moment and finally agreed. "Very well. In that case, I shall help you take your Dao of Immortal Fire a step further."

He stood up, and Lin Hongye asked impatiently, "Master, where shall we go for the lesson? Shall we go to the tea room?"

Lin Yang shook his head. "Knowledge from books is always shallow; mere explanation is not as effective as seeing it for yourself. It will bring you greater insight."

He opened his palm, and a tiny white flame suddenly appeared. Lin Hongye recognized it as the Immortal Fire, though it was comically small. However, what happened next left her jaw hanging open.

"Boom!"

With a surge of Lin Yang's spiritual power, the flame in his palm expanded instantly into a massive fireball. Feeling the intense heat, Lin Hongye knew this was no illusion—a mountain-sized orb of Immortal Fire hung before her eyes.

"Boom!"

Lin Yang waved his hand, and the Immortal Fire transformed into a colossal white fire dragon, circling the entire Scarlet Sun Peak. The disciples of the Great Wilderness Immortal Sect witnessed this awe-inspiring sight and began to discuss it fervently.

"My goodness, what kind of spirit skill is this white fire dragon?! It’s so magnificent!"

"What kind of spirit skill could have such power? Is this the might of the Great Dao?!"

"Who released this white fire dragon? Lin Hongye? It couldn't possibly be that useless Sect Master, could it?"

The fire dragon wound around the peak, the Immortal Fire scorching everything it touched. But then, Lin Yang snapped his fingers; the dragon dissipated instantly, and the burn marks left behind vanished as if restored to their original state.

Only after the dragon had faded did Lin Hongye snap back to reality, her breathing ragged. "Master... what exactly is your level in the Dao of Immortal Fire?"

Lin Yang smiled without answering, then asked, "Did you gain any insight?"

Lin Hongye thought for a moment, nodded eagerly, and said, "Master, I need to go back and contemplate this."

With that, she hurried back to her cave dwelling. Lin Yang watched her go and called out, "Hey! You could at least wash the bowl and pot first!"

...

A whole week passed, and Lin Hongye remained lost in contemplation of the Dao of Immortal Fire, which left Lin Yang feeling rather frustrated. Because she wasn't training, he couldn't improve his own cultivation. As for the Dao of Immortal Fire she was studying, Lin Yang had already reached perfection in it long ago; he couldn't gain a single bit of progress from it.

Just as he was feeling bored, a knock came at his door.

"Master, are you resting?"

Seeing it was Lin Hongye, Lin Yang opened the door and asked curiously, "What is it?"

Lin Hongye took a deep breath and explained, "These past few days, I have been contemplating the Dao of Immortal Fire and my strength has improved. I intend to go to the Mission Hall to accept a task and hone my combat skills."

Lin Yang naturally had no objections and nodded. "Good. Honing your combat skills is wise; staying cooped up in your room isn't the only way to learn. By the way, when do you plan to leave?"

"I plan to go tomorrow," she replied.

"Very well. In that case, come to the main hall tomorrow; I have something to give you."

Lin Yang closed the door, leaving Lin Hongye puzzled. "Something? What could it be?" she murmured to herself, but she didn't overthink it; she would find out tomorrow.

...

The next day, Lin Hongye arrived at the main hall and bowed respectfully to Lin Yang, who was sitting on the main seat. "Master, I am here."

Lin Yang nodded. His storage ring flashed, and a sword, completely crimson and radiating a murderous aura, clattered onto the floor.