Yuan Bai stared into Chu Mo's eyes. To break through to Golden Core, one needed not only the requisite "law," but also the corresponding method.
Ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators would brave even a dragon's pool or a tiger's den upon hearing such news. And this Junior Brother Youxuan had always been bold enough to challenge the heavens. How could he pass up such an opportunity?
"Sorry, Senior Brother. You should choose someone else."
Yuan Bai's smile stiffened slightly. As though suspecting he had misheard, he asked tentatively, "What did you just say, Junior Brother? I don't think I caught that."
"I appreciate your kindness, Senior Brother."
Chu Mo explained calmly, "But I've only just broken through. My cultivation hasn't fully stabilized, and I still need time to carefully comprehend and digest everything. It really wouldn't be wise for me to venture into danger again immediately.
"Besides, a thousand years can turn blue seas into mulberry fields. There are too many unknowns within the secret realm. With nothing but 'possibilities' and 'conjecture,' the risks are impossible to gauge. Please forgive me, but I cannot accompany you."
Yuan Bai opened his mouth, wanting to offer a few more words of persuasion, but upon seeing Chu Mo's calm gaze, he merely sighed.
"Since your mind is made up, Junior Brother, I won't insist."
He composed himself and regained his poise. "It's just that opportunities wait for no one. Missing this one would truly be a pity. If you change your mind, come find me anytime."
"Thank you for telling me, Senior Brother." Chu Mo cupped his hands.
Yuan Bai chatted a little longer, informing him that Ji Qing had failed to reach Foundation Establishment and had died, his path extinguished.
Chu Mo was mildly surprised. He hadn't expected this privileged scion to die