"The day he starts to shimmer and shine, you would have long been in the ground, old man!"

Elder Lu frowned, "Erle, back when you had just entered the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect and established your foundation, you showed utmost respect when you saw me. It seems age has truly stripped you of your manners."

"Old man, in the cultivation realm, it's the cultivation level that speaks. When you were at the Core Formation stage, and I was just establishing my foundation, there was a clear distinction. Now, we're both at the Core Formation stage, so don't act superior because of your age. Let's see who outlasts whom."

Elder Lu, with a dark expression, turned to Shu Han and offered, "Young man, would you like to take me as your master?"

Shu Han was hesitant to associate closely with a Core Formation cultivator from the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect. He quickly replied, "I've recently joined the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect and am still getting familiar with the environment here. I'm honored by your kind offer, Elder. I would like to get more acquainted before making a decision."

"Very well." The old man handed Shu Han a fiery red pill, remarking, "This is the Earth Essence Pill I've crafted. It can slightly alleviate cultivation bottlenecks, something you might need at this moment. If you ever wish to, come find me. You're always welcome."

After Elder Lu left, Zhong Erle stared at Shu Han in disbelief, murmuring, "Is your talent really that exceptional? I can't see it. That old man even gave you the Earth Essence Pill."

Shu Han had naturally heard of the famed Earth Essence Pill, a highly coveted remedy that greatly aids in breaking through bottlenecks. However, due to its rarity, not to mention its recipe, even the finished pills were rarely seen.

Holding the pill, unease brewed in his heart. Receiving such a significant gift upon their first meeting, what did this old man truly see in him? It would be best to inspect it thoroughly before deciding whether to consume it.

By now, the Fiery Cloud Platform was crowded with spectators, all there to witness the Fiery Cloud Baptism Ceremony.

A quarter-hour passed, and suddenly the bustling crowd hushed. A rainbow descended from the sky, touching down at the center of the platform. From it emerged an ethereally beautiful woman draped in red.

She was breathtaking, with an aura of elegance surrounding her, as a celestial maiden descended from the heavens. Her indifferent face held no smile, yet it radiated an allure that could captivate any soul. All male cultivators present held their breath, entranced, silently admiring.

This was the first time Shu Han had seen another female cultivator whose beauty could rival the Shangguan sisters. However, this woman captivated more attention than the Shangguan sisters, as she naturally exuded a bewitching charm.

This enchanting allure was somewhat reminiscent of the Gu Panchun sisters, but when compared to this woman, they were as different as night and day.

Blessed with the Clear Bright Spiritual Eye, Shu Han remained immune to her mysterious allure, while the eyes of the other male cultivators glinted with lascivious intent.

Zhong Erle, of such cultivation, couldn't help but exclaim, "She possesses the natural 'Thousand Charms and Hundred Graces' physique! If she is cultivated as a dual cultivation partner, it would indeed be an ethereal pleasure every night! No wonder the Sect Leader plans to bestow her with the Fiery Cloud Baptism."

"'Thousand Charms and Hundred Graces' physique? What's that?"

Zhong Erle, without taking his eyes off the woman, snapped, "Hold your tongue! I've no time for you right now!"

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Old lecher!

Shu Han contemplated using the Clear Bright Spiritual Eye to inspect the woman, but amidst numerous Core Formation cultivators, using such a conspicuous technique could attract unwanted attention. Moreover, the Clear Bright Spiritual Eye has the ability to see through all, and even if her beauty rivaled that of Shangguan Ruolin, he did not wish to see her in her bare form.

The woman gracefully descended to the center of the platform. Her fluidic gaze swept across those present and suddenly settled on Shu Han.

Meeting her gaze, Shu Han's mind briefly faltered, feeling an uncanny familiarity in her eyes.

The woman's delicate brows knitted slightly, but she quickly retracted her focused gaze, returning to her previously detached demeanor.

Zhong Erle bragged, "Did you see? She just looked at me! Ah, even in my advanced years, my charisma remains as captivating as ever! Worthy of the 'Thousand Charms and Hundred Graces' physique. Just one glance from her sends my heart racing."

Shu Han remained silent.

Then, Elder Zhong sighed, "Alas, with the Sect Leader personally bestowing the Fiery Cloud Baptism, she's bound to become his plaything in the future. Otherwise, I'd truly wish to take her to my cave abode and revel in her company."

A cold smirk formed in Shu Han's mind. The white-robed Sect Leader, for all his ethereal demeanor, was just another cultivator beguiled by beauty. Yet, this commonplace side of him felt somewhat more genuine to Shu Han. Indeed, which male cultivator isn't entranced by beauty? Were it not for Shangguan Ruolin dominating his thoughts, even he might not have looked away.

At this moment, the fiery clouds above grew denser, gradually morphing into a sea of fire, seemingly ready to press down upon them.

Suddenly, a piercing white light broke through the crimson sea. A figure stood atop the light, gliding amidst the fiery clouds, instantly calming the turbulent sea.

Uniformly, everyone on the platform chanted, "We welcome the Sect Leader!"

Raising his gaze, Shu Han recognized the man – it was indeed the white-robed figure he'd seen earlier.

The white-robed man, with an air of casual elegance, acknowledged the prostrations of his disciples. When he spoke, his voice was soft, like a gentle breeze, but each word resonated deeply, compelling all to listen intently.

"The magnificent fiery clouds above, the raging Earth Dragon Fire below. I am Song Jinglun, the Supreme Leader of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, serving my fourth term. Today, in accordance with our ancient tradition, I will use the essence of the Earth Dragon Fire and the spiritual energy of the fiery clouds to lay the foundation of the Dao for our disciple Meng Shuran. All Qi Refining disciples should be self-motivated. In the future, upon achieving greatness, you too might be bestowed this honor!"

"Meng Shuran!"

The woman bowed slightly towards the sky, responding, "Present!"

"Sit in meditation and gather your Qi!"

"I will follow the Sect Leader's decree."

With all eyes on her, Meng Shuran focused her energy and sat in meditation at the center of the mountaintop platform. Above her head swirled the spiritual energy of the fiery clouds, while below her raged the Earth Dragon Fire.

Seeing this, Shu Han thought to himself that this Foundation Establishment was truly extraordinary, comparable to when Master Mystical Dragon used high-quality spiritual stones to establish his foundation.

The Sect Leader extended his hand, stirring the fiery clouds in the sky, ready to start the Fiery Cloud Baptism.

Suddenly, a dazzling sword light shattered the solemn silence. A blazing red longsword unexpectedly appeared in the sky, immediately followed by a defiant voice.

"I object!"

Shu Han was taken aback. With the supreme authority that the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect Leader held, who dared to oppose him?

Zhong Erle perked up, commenting, "Ah, the little devil has returned! Young man, you're quite lucky to witness such a drama in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect on your first visit."

Instantly, a fireball approached from the distance. Within it, a dashing and extraordinary young man gradually emerged. He grabbed the flying sword and positioned it in front of Meng Shuran, glaring defiantly at the Sect Leader above.

"This woman has just joined our Fiery Cloud Instant Sect. She hasn't topped the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard, nor made significant contributions to the sect. By what merit is she bestowed the Fiery Cloud Ceremony? I object! Sect Leader, this is blatant favoritism!"

Song Jinglun, gazing at the spirited young man on the stage, replied with a calm smile, "As Sect Leader, I have the authority to make exceptions and bestow the Fiery Cloud Baptism on any disciple. Changyi, step back and do not interfere with the ceremony!"

"No!" The young man's voice grew even more resolute as he shouted at Song Jinglun, "Father! You are merely smitten by her 'Thousand Charms and Hundred Graces' physique and wish to take her into the sect! My mother remained silent out of respect for your reputation, but I won't allow this to happen! Have you forgotten the promise you made to my mother?!"