Hengsheng traveled with these disciples for three days, and during that time, they did not stop to rest. He was surprised when they began to get tired after only half a day of travel. At that point, the Golden Sword Sect disciples brought out a flying sword and began riding it like a surfboard, using it to glide quickly above the ground.
Hengsheng watched with jealousy; he, too, longed for a flying treasure. However, he soon discovered that their Spiritual Qi was being consumed at a rapid rate by the flying sword. They could only use this method to rest their bodies for a couple of hours before having to resume traveling on foot.
During the journey, he learned all their names and got some insight into their situation. It turned out that the 1,000 disciples of the Golden Sword Sect who operated within the outer rim were the best of their generation. He also heard that a few of the strongest disciples, like himself, had awakened their own Dao Hearts and gained power far beyond the norm within the Spiritual Foundation Realm.
Another revelation was why they joined the gathering with other forces. Although they could come and go from the secret land at will—since that land was essentially their sect’s backyard—the 1,000 disciples joined not for resources but to secure their sect’s facilities inside the secret land, What facilities is? never be answered.
Apart from common topics, they never spoke about “God Spawn” or “Traitor.” It seemed that these were matters meant only for others. Hengsheng couldn’t help but frown, sensing a fishy secret that might affect him.
While traveling within the inner circle of the outer rim, he noticed that the demon beasts in this area were more powerful than those outside, as all he met had now reached the Spiritual Foundation Realm. Some attempted to attack him and the disciples, but as expected, they stood no chance—earned him some extra system points.
On the third day of travel, Hengsheng finally opened his eyes as his upgrade finished. His [Sun Gaze Genetic Trait] had advanced to Tier 2 - C Level. When it was Tier 1 - S Level, it functioned only as a flashlight with slightly better vision; now, at Tier 2 - C Level, it can shoot a laser beam from his eyes. Although this power is still weak—comparable to the early stage of the Qi Gathering Realm—it is a valuable addition, as he can use it to surprise his enemies.
He had never heard of any technique that allowed someone to shoot a Qi burst from the eyes, since learning and practicing such a technique was considered too dangerous because the eyes are Delicate and complex; failure could mean losing one's sight permanently. If he fought someone of equal strength and unleashed the laser beam, his opponent would surely be caught off guard and might expose a weakness.
After checking the result of the upgrade by testing it on some aggressive Demon beast, Hengsheng opened his Solar Eyes system panel to see how much the next upgrade would cost.
Sun Gaze Genetic Trait: Tier 2 - C [Upgrade requires 3,000 SP]
It was cheaper than he had expected; he had enough system points for one more upgrade. However, he decided not to upgrade further right away, preferring to save his system points to upgrade his Spirit Core, which he knew was the most cost-effective investment. He still remembered that when he upgraded his Spirit Core to Earth grade his strength became twice as strong at that time and with 10,000 system points to upgrade it to Heaven grade, he became twice as strong—if the result held the same.
"Everyone, we are almost there. Please stay alert!" shouted Cao Feng, who led the group forward, warning them to be careful, as the enemy might attack at any moment.
The disciples grew tense, expecting an ambush. Meanwhile, Hengsheng activated the [3D Map] function by spending 100 system points to scan the area within a 10-kilometer radius. He found no sign of black-masked cultivators or God Spawn—only demon beasts.
He did not lower his guard, for he knew this world contained many methods and techniques beyond his understanding, There is no guarantee that his system is absolute. Soon, he noticed Cao Feng ahead slow down and stop in the middle of the metal tree forest.
Hengsheng saw the disciples nod at each other and turn their gaze toward him. He immediately became alert, suspecting a possible betrayal. Although he appeared clueless on the surface, he was already secretly calculating his Spiritual Qi.
Cao Feng walked toward him and he said, "Fellow Dao Lan, we have arrived at our sect facility."
Hengsheng was momentarily confused, as there appeared to be nothing around here only the metal tree. But then he realized it was a Hidden Formation—a high-level one that emitted no natural Qi or other sign of Inconsistency, an entirely different level compared to the one he set on the entrance of the Lan Clan base.
He gazed at his active [3D Map] and noticed that the area in front of him appeared as a blank space—no sign of trees or any features on the map—completely at odds with the vision he had seen with his own eyes.
"But we can't let outsiders enter because of safety reasons. So, I am afraid we might have to separate now, Fellow Dao Lan, and I will surely speak to the sect to reward your deeds once the gathering ends," Cao Feng said, bowing with both hands in apology.
Hengsheng looked closely at Cao Feng and other the disciples' movements; it seemed they were not betraying him as he had expected, which was good since he did not want to drag his clan into conflict with the Overlord's disciples.
Hengsheng clasped his hands together, bowed, and replied, "I have no problem with this, but I have another thing to tell you."
He continued, "While fighting a black-masked cultivator before I met your group, I uncovered some of them possess a technique resembling Lightning or Thunderclap. I hope this information proves useful."
Cao Feng gritted his teeth in anger, understanding the meaning behind Hengsheng's words. "Thank you for the information, Fellow Dao Lan. I will definitely report it to the sect!"
As Cao Feng said goodbye, Hengsheng saw one of the disciples step into the forest and vanish without a trace, Later all of them disappeared.
He was amazed by the formation power because he couldn’t recall which direction they had taken, he had never seen the formation that could twist his sense to this extent before.
[Congratulations! You completed the quest.]
[Rewards]: 20,000 SP.
[You have earned: 20,000 SP.]
As Hengsheng reviewed his newly acquired system points, he also considered what his next move should be—whether to pursue his target immediately or spend more time upgrading himself before continuing his mission.
Hengsheng decided to chase his target immediately, as he was already close to them when he followed the Krama thread last time; his information indicated that they were in the inner circle before the Krama thread disappeared. If he took too long, he feared they might relocate, and he would have to waste more time chasing them again.
He activated [Heavenly Insight Mode]. His eyes formed a golden ring inside, and once more he began to see the red thread of the Krama—this time it appeared much more visible, and he seemed to be able to read its contents to some extent. This change was due to his upgraded [Sun Gaze Genetic Trait], as he had designed the system's function to link with his trait power.
Unable to resist, he cautiously peered into the Krama’s content. His eyes glowed with intense golden light, and then he saw a vague vision:
"They call everyone……" Just a second of the vague vision goes on his instinct kicks in.
Hengsheng quickly pulled himself out of the vision before he saw anything further, sensing a negative intent—an aura reminiscent of the Heavenly Dao warning him not to peer any deeper.
"Meow…" Yunsu, hovering above his head, suddenly reacted; her paw tapped his face. Hengsheng then noticed on his face there was a small amount of blood dripping down from his eye sockets.
He gently rubbed Yunsu’s head. "Thank you," he murmured, quickly wiping the blood away with a handkerchief. He was grateful he had learned his lesson to control his impulsiveness; if he had not pulled back in time, there might have been serious consequences.
He recalled what he had seen—it seemed that the Thunderclap Blade Sect was cooperating with another force, and they were the ones who received the orders. Hengsheng frowned, unable to imagine who could command first-rate sect disciples as if they were subordinates.
Moreover, he observed through the Krama thread that his target was coming his way. Hengsheng smiled. "Good—I don't have to run around to find them since they are the ones who come at me. No, they come for..." He paused, gazing into the empty space in the middle of the [3D Map].