At the first glimmer of dawn, the eastern sky was steeped in pale golden morning light. Wisps of radiance pierced the gray-white clouds like gauze, cloaking heaven and earth in a hazy, gentle glow.
Across the vast world, mountain ranges rose and fell without end, while countless valleys lay deep, tranquil, and secluded.
Ancient trees towered into the clouds, their lush branches and leaves layered in emerald hues like a naturally formed ink-wash scroll, swaying gently in the breeze.
Su Fan sat cross-legged in silence beside the pool near the Thatched Cottage, wholly focused on cultivating the Fish Leap Dragon Transformation Dao Ruins Treasure Scroll.
As the True Dragon Blood within his body continued to purify, the growth of his various physical functions became increasingly slow, like a snail struggling to climb a perilous cliff.
Yet once a cultivator reached the late stage of the Void Refining Stage, even the slightest increase in any aspect of the body was exceedingly precious.
A moment later, Su Fan slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of turbid air. Then he calmly rose from the ground and strolled toward the small courtyard in front of the Thatched Cottage.
At that moment, Li Chongxiu, who was busy by the stove, caught sight of him.
She hurriedly stopped what she was doing and said with a smile, "Master, please wait a moment. Breakfast will be ready soon..."
Su Fan sat down at the dining table. Just then, several little girls came along on light feet, carrying a large pot together.
They swiftly and nimbly ladled a bowl of spiritual rice porridge for Su Fan, their movements practiced yet careful.
Remembering the time he had intercepted that smuggling flying vessel, Su Fan recalled how the little girls being trafficked as furnace cauldrons had all been