Spirit Cloud Sect, Danqing Peak.
A massive black-and-red fire lotus suddenly bloomed atop the peak, stirring a terrifying upheaval in heaven and earth.
In an instant, Spirit Cloud Sect's Grand Elder, Chao Wendao, and Danqing Peak's master, Lin Qingxuan, appeared behind Zhou Yue.
Zhou Yue had just left the Illusion Realm when he felt Karmic Fire erupt within him and surge through his meridians. He had promptly left Zhong Yi's Qingfeng Pavilion and come to the summit to refine it.
In less than half an hour, he had caused such a phenomenon. His aura was fuller now, too.
"My good disciple... are you about to break through!?"
Lin Qingxuan looked at Zhou Yue, beside himself with excitement.
"Not yet... but soon."
Zhou Yue cupped his fists with a respectful smile and drew the skyful of red lotuses back into his body.
"True Disciple Zhou, was it because of Lu Ze's Illusion Realm too?"
Chao Wendao asked in delighted surprise.
"Yes, Elder Chao. I believe so... In Junior Brother Lu's Illusion Realm, I happened upon a recluse wreathed in Karmic Fire. After sparring with him for a long time in an ordinary human body, I gained some insight. That was what advanced my cultivation!"
Zhou Yue answered honestly, hiding nothing.
Refining Karmic Fire with his cultivated body was one thing. Experiencing it in an ordinary human body was quite another.
He had already gained insight in the Illusion Realm and happened to brush against a Heavenly Dao Opportunity as well. Only then had his cultivation advanced. He had now reached the perfected late stage of the Transformation God Realm, just one step from the Refining Void Realm.
And he knew full well that the key to his breakthrough was very likely still hidden with the Buddha Carver!
"Wonderful, wonderful... Yesterday, True