After taking the bare minimum rest, Fang Yuan and Zhu Huan were now ascending the mountain when they suddenly saw thousands of cultivators rushing downward at full speed.

The expression on their faces as they ran away was that of a scared person.

Fang Yuan’s expression instantly changed as he noticed the pattern on everyone who was rushing away from the mountain top.

His relaxed gaze sharpened with worry as he immediately accelerated upward.

The mountain was where his master currently wait for him, if something happens to her...

Boom!

His figure shot toward the peak like a streak of light.

"H-Hey wait—!"

Zhu Huan hurriedly chased after him, though she was left far behind almost instantly.

A few moments later, Fang Yuan finally reached the top of the mountain and the first thing he saw was the massive spatial crack still swirling violently above the crater.

The second was Zhao Lusi sitting there completely unharmed.

Fang Yuan quietly released a breath.

Looks like his worry had been unnecessary.

"Huff... puff..."

Several seconds later, Zhu Huan finally arrived as well, bent over slightly while catching her breath.

But Fang Yuan didn’t wait for her as the moment he spotted Zhao Lusi, he immediately jumped down into the crater to pay his respect.

The instant he landed though Zhao Lusi opened her eyes and made direct eye contact with him.

"Greetings, Master," Fang Yuan said trying to remain calm while cupping his fists.

Zhao Lusi stared at him expressionlessly and then her eyes slowly narrowed.

"You’re late."

Her voice sounded frighteningly calm.

"My wine bottle is empty..."

She slowly lifted the completely empty gourd in her hand.

"And you didn’t even have the filial duty of a disciple to bring me wine?"

The atmosphere instantly froze and then a terrifying pressure spread outward from Zhao Lusi’s body.

The surrounding space trembled faintly.

Even Zhu Huan, who was still standing far outside the crater, suddenly felt her legs weaken violently.

Her face paled as she nearly collapsed onto her knees.

The pressure was simply too terrifying.

Yet amidst all of that Fang Yuan remained standing. He wasn’t just standing... he even speaking in a somewhat leisurely tone.

"I actually wanted to surprise you about that," he said calmly as he began walking toward her.

Zhao Lusi was visibly taken aback.

To this day, she still didn’t fully understand what this disciple of hers was truly capable of.

Despite becoming her disciple two months ago, he had never once asked recieved her guidance, not did he even asked for one.

When she first him, he didn’t have the capability to walk unscathed under the pressure she was emitting.

What happened within the few weeks he went out? Is he the type of disciple who only grows when left alone?

As she tried to figure out what her disciple was, he was also casually walking toward her while enduring her pressure head-on.

Zhao Lusi’s eyes narrowed slightly and just as she was about to increase the pressure further, to a level far beyond what a Hollow Spirit cultivator should normally withstand she heard it.

The sound of heavenly gospel ringing directly into her soul.

"Master, I have secured a share of Thousand Year Peach Blossom Brew. After everything is done, I’ll be able to bring it all to you as a tribute and you’ll never have to pay for it."

Silence fell and the terrifying pressure instantly vanished.

Zhao Lusi’s cold expression also disappeared so quickly it was almost magical.

In its place was an extremely bright and unbelievably cute smile, her eyes practically sparkled.

Without warning, she lunged forward and hugged Fang Yuan tightly.

"Yay! You’re so perfect!"

She looked genuinely moved.

"Hah— marry me!"

Fang Yuan’s expression stiffened instantly.

With the full strength of an Earth Immortal wrapped around him, he literally could not resist at all.

Not even slightly.

Meanwhile, at the edge of the crater, Zhu Huan had completely frozen.

Her face turned bright red as both hands instantly covered her mouth.

Well...

Mostly covered.

Because she was still peeking between her fingers in utter disbelief.

’No no no no...’

’NONONONO—’

’A relationship between master and disciple is strictly forbidden!’

’Isn’t this taboo?!’

A few moments later, Zhao Lusi finally released him and with a light cough she had already regained her composed demeanor.

The instant she released, Fang Yuan dropped straight onto one knee.

"Cough—!"

He nearly vomited on the spot.

Inside, he was already cursing endlessly.

Fck... I wasted way too much Faith Qi trying to resist her pressure and then she went ahead and spin me around like a doll...

Is she trying to kill me?!

After several deep breaths and a few dry heaves later, Fang Yuan finally managed to calm himself down.

Only then did he slowly raise his head.

"Master," he asked seriously, "where is my realm?"

Zhao Lusi points at the massive spatial crack.

Fang Yuan’s eyes widened slightly.

"This..."

"Yes," Zhao Lusi replied calmly.

"That spatial tear is the connection."

She glanced toward the crack before continuing:

"Walk through it, and you will arrive directly within your lower realm."

Fang Yuan stared at the tear silently.

For a brief moment, countless emotions surfaced within his eyes.

That place...

Was his home.

"Go," Zhao Lusi said softly.

"There is no need to hesitate."

Fang Yuan nodded slowly.

Then he stepped forward toward the spatial tear.

But just as he was about to enter,

"Wait!"

Zhu Huan suddenly shouted from behind.

She hurriedly ran forward while raising her hand enthusiastically.

"Take me with you too!"

Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Me! I want to see your world too!"

Only then did Zhao Lusi finally seem to notice her existence.

"Oh?"

She gave Zhu Huan a brief glance before calmly asking:

"arent you the younger sister of that Zhu Xian?"

Zhu Huan instantly straightened her posture nervously.

"Yes, Senior!"

Zhao Lusi gave a small nod.

Then, with a calm nod, she simply said:

"go ahead and accompany him."

She paused briefly before adding,

"However, don’t do anything to displease his wife."

Zhu Huan looked confused, but still nodded repeatedly.

"Yes! I understand!"

"I’m sure you’ll do fine," Zhao Lusi commented slowly.

She then watched the two step into the portal before recalling the scene she had witnessed earlier.

Her expression turned slightly confused.

"Hah..."

"How did that mere mortal manage to enter the Hollow Spirit Realm and even tame a Hollow Spirit beast within the span of two months?"