Penglai Island, within a canyon.
While Gu Mo and the others were heading to Heavenly Island, Xiaobai gripped a sword and entered this canyon, making her way deeper into it.
As she walked, she sent a voice transmission: "This place is called the Valley of Beginning and End. It signifies the beginning of all things, and also the end of all things. It is considered a forbidden ground of Penglai Island. However, all of Penglai Island's rules lie in Oneness of Heaven and Man, following one's heart and nature. So although this is a forbidden ground, entry is not restricted except for the innermost cave."
Deep within the canyon, emerald cliffs cradled a winding, murmuring stream. The water flowed over pebbles, splashing into tiny silver pearls. Vines hung down along both banks like green curtains, moss blanketed strange rocks, and several wild orchids breathed out a faint fragrance from the rock crevices. Only the sound of running water and the occasional cry of mountain birds made the valley seem all the more tranquil.
Xiaobai tapped the ground with her toes, and after several leaps, she darted into the deeper reaches of the valley. The cliff face ahead suddenly caved inward, forming a natural cave, its entrance half-concealed by several gnarled ancient pines. On the blue stone slabs before it sat four people cross-legged: a youth, a young man, a middle-aged man, and an old man, corresponding respectively to short, tall, fat, and thin figures, each radiating a wholly different aura.
The four appeared to be meditating separately, yet their auras faintly intertwined, forming an invisible barrier. Even flower petals drifting down at the cave entrance spun in midair and took a long while to fall.
Xiaobai stood beneath a large tree in the distance and sent a voice transmission. "Cunmang