Similar to the Cloud Sword Sect, the territory of the Sun Furnace Sect spanned a vast distance, and the Sunfire Desert was a major part of it.

And the chasm was the Desert Abyss, a natural barrier preventing a full-scale war between the two mortal kingdoms ruled by the two sects.

Without the interests of their mortal kingdoms being touched, the two sects actually maintained a somewhat harmonious relationship, with occasional small skirmishes here and there, infiltration, and compromises in many aspects, even serving as each other’s outlet for managing public opinion.

However, beneath this facade of harmony, it couldn't be denied that the Sun Furnace Sect was a true demonic sect.

A dual cultivation sect relying on snatching women could hardly be considered upright or orthodox. This sect would be fortunate if it doesn’t become the focus of public outrage!

But, the Sun Furnace Sect had a long history, nearly matching that of the Cloud Sword Sect, and it still hasn’t faced destruction till this day. The reason? Because it was a big sect with the presence of an old Nascent Soul ancestor in charge!

In the world of immortal cultivation, the distinction between light and darkness was often razor-thin. Most of the time, it usually came down to who had the biggest fist.

When two sects were evenly matched, temporary peace prevailed, compromising and burying the hatchet until the day one surpassed the other. This was the situation between the Cloud Sword Sect and the Sun Furnace Sect. This delicate balance also existed among many other sects.

While there were still many details unclear to him, Bubai had gained a fairly general understanding of the situation from Xiao Lan's mouth. And Bubai had to admit, her storytelling skills were quite impressive.

Sitting on his wooden bed within his cabin, Bubai observed Xiao Lan's iceberg-like expression as she conveyed the situation to him.

Below, from her book bag, Bubai still noticed the freshly recorded story of their honeymoon hike...

However, any remorse or fear he might have felt before had dissipated.

So what if she was Fang Bubai's woman? Who dictated that Fang Bubai must be the protagonist? Perhaps he was merely a genius destined to meet an untimely end in the wilderness.

Even if Fang Bubai were the protagonist, Bubai reminded himself that he, too, was Fang Bubai and possessed his own unique advantages!

With his golden finger, if he lacked the courage to face another protagonist, he might as well go commit suicide by slamming his head into a block of tofu out of sheer embarrassment to his fellow transmigrators!

Others are afraid of Fang Bubai, but he, Grandpa Fang, isn’t!

Coming to terms with his situation, Bubai cast aside any reservations and indulged in his desires, practicing sword skills with Xiao Lan to his heart’s content over the past couple of days, gradually transforming this tragic heroine into his shape.

Now, after a few days of training, this iceberg beauty had become adept at drawing up a training plan for him...

It became evident that while Bubai extracted information from her, she, in turn, was also learning about him - and proving to be quite adept at it. Despite the blank, cold facade she presented on the surface, she had been surprisingly proactive, especially as they approached the Sun Furnace Sect.

Naturally, Bubai was aware of the reason behind her increased activeness, especially after she had indirectly communicated her helplessness.

By now, he understood her unspoken plea, yet he refrained from giving her confirmation even after several days. He believed that by maintaining this uncertainty, she would appreciate his eventual decision more.

Additionally, it allowed him to derive greater satisfaction for the remainder of their journey.

After a brief glance at Xiao Lan, Bubai diverted his attention from the sword fight and refocused on the well-kept booklet in his hand.

This was the “101 Ways to Disguise Your Appearance” book he had acquired from the old shopkeeper, and its pristine condition suggested that it hadn't passed through many hands, as if it had been written recently.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

Bubai paid little mind to its state, however, as the content within demanded his full attention.

Initially, he had anticipated the book to teach one hundred different disguises, perhaps with some mundane content fillers like how to disguise oneself as a rock or tree. To his surprise, upon reading it, he discovered that his expectations were entirely off base.

The book barely delved into the physical aspects of disguising, only briefly touching upon makeup and dress-up in its preface.

Instead, the majority of its content explored more abstract facets of disguising, covering topics such as language, intelligence gathering, acting, human relationships and psychology, as well as taboos and risks.

Rather than providing direct instructions on assuming specific disguises or playing particular roles, the book served as a guide to mastering essential mortal skills and psychology.

However, even though it delved into these subjects in-depth, it left the application of these skills, and the art of disguising itself, to the imagination of the reader.

Even though this might appear impractical to some, dismissed as mere theory, Bubai recognized the immense value of this book. Finding someone willing to impart the knowledge of fishing rather than just handing over the fish or the fishing rod was a rarity.

The old man's intentions were far from straightforward, and Bubai understood that this favor would likely come with a hidden price tag. All gifts, he knew, were discreetly marked with an undisclosed cost. It was merely a matter of time before he would have to settle these debts.

The old shopkeeper's gift was one; the gift of Xiao Lan was another.

When he reached the end of the book, Bubai encountered the final line of warning, occupying its own separate page. “Believing is the key, but always remember, it is only an act.”

Closing the book, Bubai's gaze became deep as he observed Xiao Lan.

While his outward appearance displayed satisfaction, with his fiery eyes staring at her with lust, internally, Bubai's emotions were cooling. He could invest his efforts in breaking into her heart, but success or failure, it was all an act to fulfill his needs.

Eventually, Xiao Lan leaned back, sitting with her legs tucked under her. With an impassive expression, she looked at Bubai and asked in her usual emotionless tone, "Satisfied?"

A sly grin formed on Bubai's face. “It seems we are almost there. So, even if I’m not, then I have to be.”

Xiao Lan silently stared at Bubai's face for a moment before bowing her head, speaking in a soft voice, "I just want confirmation. So, I can prepare myself and find a way out if needed."

Recognizing the vulnerability she displayed, Bubai seized the opportunity. “Then, I’ll only say it once.”

Extending his finger, he lifted her chin. While staring down at her beautiful yet cold face, he rubbed her soft, purplish lips with his finger. “Woman, you’re mine now and forever.”

Ship Deck.

Bubai gazed down at the seemingly endless desert slowly passing beneath the ship at a snail’s pace, his interest waning due to the monotonous landscape.

When the ship journeyed at its full speed, it passed over the occasional desert oases with tribes and nomads, but the overall desert scenery still held little appeal for Bubai, prompting him to stay indoors to read and delve into cultural studies.

Today, he finally emerged from his cabin because the old geezer, Ma Pei, had summoned everyone to the deck.

Bubai turned his gaze, observing the Golden Core Ma Pei at the bow not far from him.

With this glance, Bubai also saw WeiWei, now adorned in a silky red embroidered dress, reminiscent of the Hanfu style from a TV drama in his previous life, standing a step behind the old man.

As usual, the old geezer was stroking his goatee, “Lassie and young man, pay careful attention. You don’t want to miss this.”

However, WeiWei's attention wasn't directed toward the scenery outside the ship. Instead, her eyes bearing clear jealousy and hostility, was fixated on Xiao Lan, who stood a step behind Bubai, expressionless staring at Bubai’s back, seemingly indifferent to WeiWei's intense gaze.

Ma Pei noticed this but only chuckled and turned his gaze toward the front of the ship. "Lassie, don’t be so narrow-minded. What is yours will be yours in the end. Now, the world is still waiting for you to see. Look… we’re here."

WeiWei pouted and shifted her focus away. Bubai, too, turned his attention to peer down below… only to see endless sand ahead. We’re here? How come there’s-

Abruptly, Bubai witnessed the surrounding void distorting, resembling an illusion or mirage, as if he were passing through an invisible, sticky film. In an instant, the ambient heat gave way to a warm sensation, signaling a peculiar shift in the environment.

“Welcome... to the Sun Furnace Sect.”

In the blink of an eye, the empty desert transformed into an enormous oasis with sandstone and marble-like structures forming concentric rings. There was an outer ring that consisted of mostly sandstone structures, while the inner ring mainly had buildings constructed with the unknown, white marble-like materials.

A variety of towers and spires decorated the sect, with the tallest ones dotting the area of these two rings in an eye-like formation.

And serving as the formation’s pupil stood a majestic Sultan palace, towering above the rest of the oasis! This was the very core of the Sun Furnace Sect and it radiated a prestigious aura of cleaniness!

But… This magnificent, clean appearance was a demonic sect?!

"Hohoho, amazing, isn’t it? Thought a demonic sect would be some gloomy hole hidden between a gap? Hoho, this old man felt the same when he was young!"

Ma Pei chuckled at his own bad joke before turning towards WeiWei and Bubai, “And you two will begin your new lives here. So, have you two thought of a good name?”

WeiWei enthusiastically hugged the old geezer’s arm, “WeiWei will listen to master and be Ma WeiWei from now on, master’s righteous daughter!”

"Hoho! Good. Good. This old man enjoys having a daughter taking care of his old bones the most." Ma Pei laughed and then looked at Bubai. "What about you, young man?"

Staring at the grand, bustling scene below, Bubai's eyes flickered as he contemplated, finally decisively stating the name he had meticulously chosen to convey his message. “You can call me Bubai, Mo Bubai.”