Three more days passed in quiet anticipation.
The flying treasure boat glided silently through the clouds and finally descended at the edge of a vast, ancient forest.
The moment the boat touched down, Master Lei Zhen stepped down first, his white robe fluttering lightly in the morning breeze. Behind him followed the three disciples — Kent, the cold-faced young boy, and the serious-looking young woman.
The area buzzed with a heavy but suppressed energy. Already, countless young disciples and their elders were arriving from distant lands, walking towards the mouth of the forest.
At the very entrance stood a natural archway, formed by two massive ancient trees that had intertwined their trunks and branches as if holding hands for eternity. Beneath the archway, two strange elders stood like stone statues, draped in long, flowing white robes. Their faces were hidden beneath enormous conical hats.
In their hands, they held small purple stones, which they handed silently to each person entering.
“This is the path to the Immortal Living Pool,” Master Lei Zhen said quietly, his voice calm but firm.
“After crossing this forest, we will reach our designated place. Stay close. Don’t do anything foolish.”
Kent, like the others, stepped forward and received his purple stone.
It felt smooth and slightly warm in his palm, but otherwise looked utterly ordinary.
As they moved into the forest, Kent noticed something strange — the purple stone began slowly changing color, a pale red hue creeping over its surface like a drop of ink in water.
He furrowed his brows but said nothing, only keeping close behind his master.
The atmosphere inside the forest was unlike anything he had ever seen or felt.
The air was thick, almost liquid with natural energy, each breath feeling like it cleansed his lungs and invigorated his spirit.
Around them, the trees moved gently, not with the wind, but of their own will. Some bent closer as if whispering secrets to one another. Vines shifted slightly on their own, and vibrant flowers blinked their petals like sleepy eyes.
Surprisingly, most disciples acted as if this was nothing new. They kept their heads low, mouths shut, walking solemnly as if attending a funeral.
Kent, on the other hand, couldn’t contain his curiosity.
He quickened his steps until he was beside Master Lei Zhen.
“Master,” Kent asked softly, “this forest… it feels alive. And not just metaphorically.”
Lei Zhen gave a rare approving glance.
“You have good instincts,” he said.
“This entire forest is blessed by pure living energy. Over the centuries, it seeped so deep into the roots and soil that many of the trees and plants gained their own spirit, some even gaining a form of enlightenment. They are not beasts… but they are not ordinary flora either.”
Kent listened intently, his stone glowing a slightly deeper red.
Master Lei Zhen continued, his voice even lower now.
“This forest is the true wealth of the Immortal Living Pool. Every herb, every tree, every leaf here has untold value. That is why you were given that stone,” he said, gesturing to the purple-red gem in Kent’s hand.
“If you attempt to pluck even a single blade of grass without permission, your stone will stay purple—and you will be immediately imprisoned, perhaps forever. Only those whose stones gradually change color as they walk, showing they followed the rules, will be allowed to proceed.”
Kent nodded seriously, feeling the heavy weight of responsibility settle over him.
He couldn’t help but admire the strict but wise methods of the Immortal Living Pool.
“And remember,” Lei Zhen added, “we must reach the other side of the forest before the stone fully turns red. Otherwise, you will be considered unworthy.”
Thus, with measured steps and careful hearts, they continued their march.
The deeper they went, the more surreal the forest became — trees of silver bark, flowers that floated instead of blooming on branches, streams of water that sang in faint musical notes. It was a living paradise.
After about an hour of steady, silent walking, the thick woods began to thin.
Ahead of them loomed an awe-inspiring sight.
A giant mountain rose abruptly from the ground — not in towering peaks but shaped like a gigantic inverted bowl, smooth and vast.
At the very top of this bowl-shaped mountain stood a grand stone castle, its walls thick and ancient, its turrets rising like fingers clawing towards the sky. The stone gleamed faintly under the sunlight, marked with deep runes and seals that pulsed with protective energy.
And there, nestled inside the hollow of the inverted mountain, lay the heart of it all:
The Immortal Living Pool. One can see it with naked eyes through the cracks on the mountains. Veins like glowing streaks creeped on the mountain which connected to lower living pool.
Kent’s eyes widened in amazement.
The pool wasn’t just water. It was a swirling, glowing lake of pure living energy.
It shimmered with every color of life — green for vitality, blue for spirit, gold for inner strength, and white for clarity. The mist rising from its surface was so thick with living essence that breathing it in felt more nourishing than any medicine.
Around the edges of the bowl, smaller buildings and platforms floated gently, as if anchored in midair by invisible forces. Each platform seemed to house a different faction — disciples from different countries, sects, and great families.
“I can only come up to here,” Master Lei Zhen said, stopping firmly at the foot of the towering mountain. His voice was solemn, yet filled with hidden expectation. “From now on, you must compete with the others. Climbing this mountain and reaching the top of the Castle is also a part of your qualification task.”
He turned around, his gaze sweeping over Kent, the young boy, and the serious-faced girl who had followed him all this way.
“You three are rare talents I found. Don’t disappoint me. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you are selected to be part of Immortal Living Pool, your name will definitely be etched in the history with golden words.” Mater lei Zhen spoke in a serious tone while remembering his young days where he failed to grab his chance.