The thirteen individuals entering the central array, apart from Li Fan, were teenagers of around thirteen years old.
They had been given instructions and didn't dare to speak lightly, their eyes filled with excitement and curiosity as they observed their surroundings.
The instant they entered the array, the environment they found themselves in was completely different from Liuli Island.
It was as if they had gone from a bustling city to the depths of the mountains. Lush trees surrounded them, and the air was filled with the sounds of birds and insects.
In the distance, peaks and ranges intertwined, creating a picturesque landscape.
A light breeze passed by, causing rustling sounds that echoed like waves.
Li Fan and the others were standing at the foot of the mountain at this moment.
Looking up, the mountaintop was hidden in thick clouds and mist, completely obscured from view.
The group ascended ancient stone steps, climbing upwards for two hours without stopping.
These teenagers all had impressive constitutions; despite climbing for so long, they didn't even seem to breathe heavily.
As for Li Fan, due to his not-so-young age and lack of recent exercise, he was drenched in sweat and could barely keep up with the group.
Another hour passed, and they finally reached the mountain top.
The mountaintop was only a small clearing, and the group dispersed, already feeling a bit crowded.
This peak was the highest point among the group of mountains, and looking around, all they could see was a vast sea of clouds.
The wind roared, and the sea of clouds churned, occasionally revealing island-like mountaintops.
All these teenagers were born and raised above the ocean, and they had never witnessed such a spectacular sight.
At this moment, they were all staring in awe, lost in their thoughts.
For Li Fan, this view was ordinary. He squinted and looked at the sun in the sky.
They had already been inside the array for most of the day, but the position of the sun hadn't changed at all.
It seemed to be some kind of illusion.
"How's this scenery?" Suddenly, a voice rang out beside the group.
The teenagers were startled at first, but then they immediately reacted.
"We've seen the Immortal Master!" they greeted respectfully, bowing.
Li Fan also followed suit.
The speaker was naturally the Immortal Master who guarded Liuli Island.
He appeared to be around thirty years old, dressed in a green robe.
With a kind expression and a smiling face, he looked very amiable, exuding the image of a kind-hearted person.
Seeing that this Immortal Master didn't seem as frightening as the rumors, one of the teenagers gathered the courage to reply, "The scenery here is excellent, truly befitting of a sacred place for immortals."
"I have never seen such a marvelous sight before; it stirs one's heart," another youth added.
...
Immortal Master He Zhenghao smiled and nodded, saying something that instantly silenced the young people present: "When I first came to Liuli Island, the height of this peak was one of the shortest within this mountain range, far below the clouds."
The young people were stunned by He Zhenghao's words and fell silent for a while. Finally, someone praised, "Immortal Master's supernatural powers are truly unbelievable to be able to raise a mountain like this."
He Zhenghao smiled wryly, "I'm just a humble cultivator in the Foundation Establishment stage. How could I possess such skills?"
The youth who had just flattered blushed instantly, feeling ashamed and lowering his head.
The rest of the people exchanged glances, unsure of the meaning behind Immortal Master He Zhenghao's words.
Li Fan, on the other hand, looked at the countless peaks in the sea of clouds, lost in thought.
"Do you know that the mountains and rivers in the world can gradually grow taller, just like people?" Immortal Master He Zhenghao no longer kept them in suspense and said slowly.
Upon hearing this, the youths were all dumbfounded, their faces filled with disbelief.
"This is truly unbelievable..."
"Is this... true? Could it be that these mountains and rivers are also living beings?"
Although the idea of mountains and rivers growing taller was too astonishing, coming from a high and mighty immortal like Immortal Master He Zhenghao, the youths naturally chose to believe it.
However, their faces turned pale, and they had a hard time accepting it at the moment.
Immortal Master He Zhenghao continued, "Some peaks, although they seem tall, have already reached their limit and can never progress further. Some might be just small mounds now, but they have boundless potential. Who knows, after several years, they might grow into towering peaks that touch the heavens?"
"Just like the Mount Shaowei under our feet; it was inconspicuous at first, but in just a few decades, it has already surpassed many other mountains."
"Of course, most mountains are like the countless peaks below this sea of clouds, always destined to be mere decorations, silently gazing up at the peaks above the clouds."
"If mountains are like this, what about people?"
"Today, you all have the fortune to step into the Pure Body Spirit Pool and rid yourselves of the miasma. Whether you can step onto the path of immortality, or even have the hope of longevity on the great road in the future, it all depends on your individual destiny."
Looking at the bewildered and dazed group of youths, Immortal Master He Zhenghao sighed.
"No matter what happens in the future, give your best today. I've said what needs to be said; now, go!"
"Immortal Master, may I ask where the Pure Body Spirit Pool is located?" Although some of the youths didn't fully understand the meaning behind Immortal Master He Zhenghao's words, they could at least comprehend that they were going to enter the Pure Body Spirit Pool.
After all, they were still young at heart, so they eagerly asked.
"It's right there!" Immortal Master He Zhenghao said calmly.
Following his direction, they saw that the location Immortal Master He Zhenghao was pointing to was not on the mountaintop but at the edge of a cliff thousands of feet high!
"Immortal Master, are you joking?" One of the youths couldn't help but exclaim.
He Zhenghao's expression changed, and with a cold snort, he seemed to make no movement, but the head of that youth suddenly flew high, and his body fell to the ground.
Blood splattered, staining everyone nearby.
This sudden scene stunned all the young people.
Some were scared and wanted to scream, but they covered their mouths tightly, only trembling and pale.
Some were so frightened that their bodies went limp, falling to the ground.
Some immediately knelt down and kowtowed to He Zhenghao, apologizing.
"I'll give you another lesson: in the future, when stepping onto the path of cultivation, having a broad perspective is crucial. Know who you can offend and who you cannot, what words you can say, and what words you cannot. Be careful and considerate. Don't wait until you die to blame me for not warning you today." He Zhenghao, no longer the amiable old man, looked coldly at the group of youths.
Li Fan watched this drama unfold, observing the varying reactions of the young people. He knew that this lesson from Immortal Master He Zhenghao would undoubtedly leave a deep impression on them.
Not to mention these young people, even Li Fan, after listening to He Zhenghao's words, felt like he had gained some insights.
He deeply saluted the Immortal Master, sincerely saying, "Thank you for the lesson."
Then he turned and walked towards the edge of the mountain.
In front of the thousand-foot cliff, without any hesitation or pause, Li Fan, with an unchanged expression, took a step forward.
But instead of falling, the sea of clouds in front seemed to be conscious, rolling and gathering under Li Fan's feet, steadily holding him up.
As he took another step and stabilized himself, Li Fan was carried by the rolling white clouds, flying towards the depths of the sea of clouds.
He Zhenghao watched Li Fan's figure and couldn't help muttering, "Excellent temperament, but unfortunately, too old!"
"What a pity!"