Layered Mountains Continent, Ailao Mountain.
The terrain here was treacherous. Pillar-like mountains closed it off on every side, trapping foul qi within. Even grass and trees struggled to survive, and in the past, no one had wanted to come near. But now a peachwood tree had taken root deep in Ailao Mountain. Wisps of light, clear qi rose from it, transforming the grim landscape of old.
"Suppressing the turbid and raising the clear. The Mountain-Chasing Dao's methods really are something."
Standing atop the altar, Xu Sinian watched the peachwood tree take root and grow, and fell into thought.
When the Mountain-Chasing Dao announced its plans to open up new territory, he had sensed an opportunity. That was why he had brought the Iceflame Sect to answer the Impermanence Sect's call without hesitation, joining the first wave of pioneers.
His choice had proved right. Because they had responded at once, they received preferential treatment and the chance to develop Ailao Mountain. Though it looked like a blighted land, its spiritual qi was abundant. Once transformed, it would be a fine treasure land, enough to support a Purple Mansion power.
More importantly, a natural formation existed here. If the pioneers could bring it under their control, it would help them establish a firm foothold.
And the longer Xu Sinian observed, the more extraordinary the Mountain-Chasing Dao's methods seemed.
"The peachwood tree and the altar are only conduits. What truly suppresses the earth's foul qi is the thing behind them."
A glimmer lit his eyes. Through the peachwood tree, Xu Sinian caught a faint glimpse of a hazy world. It held both immortal grace and divine sanctity, like the dwelling of immortals and gods. Longing stirred in him before he knew it.
"An entire world? Could this be what people here call a