"If that is truly the case...
then the Forbidden Sea of today is a genuine death ground where even I must tread with utmost caution.
You are merely a Nascent Soul Cultivator. Without supremely powerful protection, once you set foot within, death is certain."
"Senior!"
True Lord Mingxiang abruptly raised her head. Tears shimmered in her eyes, yet an unshakable fire burned within them.
"To this junior, Master's grace was akin to giving me life anew—even greater than that of my birth parents!
Now that Master's whereabouts are unknown and his fate uncertain, this junior's Dao heart cannot rest, nor can my cultivation advance another inch!
Even if a mountain of blades, a sea of flames, the Nine Netherworlds, and the Yellow Springs lie ahead, this junior is determined to press onward!
I only beg Senior... to grant this wish!"
She bowed deeply once more. Though an invisible force held her up and prevented her from kneeling, her posture had already made everything clear.
Cheng Buzheng watched her stubborn figure in silence for a moment.
The atmosphere in the hall was heavy, and no one dared make a sound.
At last!
He let out a soft sigh, one that seemed to contain some complicated emotion.
"Very well."
Cheng Buzheng's voice returned to its usual calmness, yet it carried the weight of assent.
"Since I intend to ascend to the Spirit Realm, I must ultimately make another journey into the Forbidden Sea.
When the time comes..."
He looked at True Lord Mingxiang.
"I can incidentally inquire into Fellow Daoist Zong Bao's whereabouts for you."
He had not agreed to take her with him, only promised to "incidentally inquire."
True Lord Mingxiang's delicate body trembled, and an incomparably brilliant light instantly burst forth from her eyes, mingled with gratitude, hope, and tears.