World Rift, North Mountain.
Zhang Yu and Tao Dingfu sat together in a newly built pavilion atop the mountain, drinking tea and discussing the Dao. Fragrant steam rose from the tea on the stone table between them, mingling with drifting clouds.
After half a cup of tea, Tao Dingfu rose to his feet. With his hands clasped behind his back, he gazed at the silver-white lake gleaming amid the lush wetlands in the distance and said, "The scenery here is beautiful, the sights strange and magnificent. It is hardly inferior to the Mystic Profound Realm."
He had emerged from the Mystic Profound Realm two days earlier. For nearly a year, he had been building flying vessels with several fellow cultivators while also honing his Dao techniques. Having finished his work this time, he had come out to clear his mind—and, incidentally, to see the giant Frost Continent vessel Zhang Yu had mentioned.
Zhang Yu said, "How many days does Senior Brother intend to remain outside this time?"
Tao Dingfu said, "Only a little over a month. Ah, they cannot do without me there. If I stay out too long, those fellow cultivators will surely start complaining."
"Oh, right." He turned around. "Has the Perceptive True Spirit I crafted for you, Junior Brother, awakened yet?"
Zhang Yu said, "It is still in deep slumber."
Tao Dingfu was somewhat surprised. A year had already passed; by rights, the thing should have awakened long ago. Yet seeing Zhang Yu's expression, he assumed that Zhang Yu had his own arrangements. He smiled and did not ask further.
At that moment, he noticed several cultivators meditating below on the stone platform. "These must be disciples of the Eastern Court Profound Residence who have come here to train, yes? Now that I think of it, after