Shu Han watched Song Changyi, who stood defiantly with his sword. He realized why someone would dare to confront the Sect Leader so brazenly - it was the Sect Leader's own son. But even as a direct son, it seemed inappropriate to publicly undermine the Sect Leader's authority.

However, a glance at Zhong Erle revealed that the old fellow was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Shu Han himself became quite intrigued, eager to see how the drama would unfold.

Facing Song Changyi's accusations, Song Jinglun, clad in white, descended gracefully from the sky. Without showing any signs of anger, he spoke with heartfelt sincerity, "Changyi, after all these years of sending you out for experience, you still have this impulsive nature. But since you've asked, I'll tell you - in my eyes, there's only ever been your mother. When I give my word, I always keep it."

Song Changyi's anger slightly diminished. "Then why would you expend such valuable resources for this woman's Fiery Cloud Baptism?"

"As the Sect Leader, every action I take is for the betterment of the sect. Once you reach the Core Formation stage and take over my position, you'll understand."

"The Fiery Cloud Baptism has set guidelines within the sect. I refuse to believe you'd make an exception for someone with a mere 'Thousand Charms and Hundred Graces' physique!"

Turning around, sword in hand and emanating killing intent, he directed his gaze towards Meng Shuran. However, the moment their eyes met, half of his killing intent melted away. Song Changyi found himself swayed by the constant allure radiating from her.

Immediately, he slapped himself and exclaimed, "Such a bewitching woman! How dare you openly charm! Stand up! I won't take advantage of you. I'll suppress my cultivation and challenge you. If you can withstand ten moves from me, I'll accept you're qualified for the Fiery Cloud Baptism."

With that, he thrust his sword towards Meng Shuran.

"Enough!" Song Jinglun finally intervened, suppressing Song Changyi with a mere gesture, forcing him to kneel on the ground, immobile. "You've roamed outside for a decade and have grown even more unruly. Have you forgotten how I raised you?"

Despite the overwhelming pressure, Song Changyi tried to stand up, his bones creaking with the effort. Stubbornly, he retorted, "I haven't forgotten your teachings, Father. I've always upheld the sect's rules, remained loyal, acted as a role model, and abstained from nepotism. But what are you doing now? Besides her bewitching skills, what value does she bring to the sect? I don't accept this!"

"If you don't accept it, wait until you reach the Core Formation stage to challenge me! Instead of greeting your mother upon returning, you confront me! Go see her and let her educate you properly!"

With a wave, Song Jinglun sent Song Changyi flying out of the Fiery Cloud Mountain.

"The commotion is over! Continue the Fiery Cloud Baptism! Meng Shuran, focus and prepare!"

With that said, the fiery clouds in the sky and the Earth Dragon Fire below surged again. Under Song Jinglun's perfect control, both forces infused into Meng Shuran. Overwhelmed by the immense spiritual power entering her body, she couldn't help but let out a soft gasp. Every male cultivator present listened intently.

The Fiery Cloud Baptism persisted for a quarter of an hour, the prodigious spiritual power lingering within Meng Shuran, showing no signs of dispersing. Shu Han could sense the surge of magical prowess within her, catapulting her past the twelfth level of Qi Refining cultivation, and soaring directly to the Foundation Establishment stage. Moreover, her spiritual prowess was robust, its foundation exceptionally solid.

Unable to resist, Shu Han inquired, "Elder Zhong, now that the Sect Leader has explicitly stated he won't take her as a concubine, don't you have an opportunity?"

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Elder Zhong chuckled softly, "Naive lad, you cannot always trust flippant remarks made in such circumstances. To play with a woman's heart requires no title."

He then whispered, so softly that it was almost inaudible, "The Sect Leader's decision to bestow upon her the Foundation Establishment at such a cost makes it evident. The 'Little Devil King' wasn't wrong. In the eyes of many, she's already claimed by the Sect Leader. Who would dare approach her?"

Shu Han queried, "Although he's the son of the Sect Leader, how could he dare to openly defy the Sect Leader's authority? Surely there must be a limit to tolerance?"

Elder Zhong sighed, "Ah, apart from his mother, there's no one in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect that the 'Little Devil King' fears. Youngster, heed my advice. Should you encounter him in the future, better to keep a wide berth. Even I don't dare provoke him."

"Is he that formidable?"

"What do you think? He's the Sect Leader's son! He's the top cultivator on the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard!"

The top of the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard? Surely that made him an almost Core Formation cultivator?

Soon, the Fiery Cloud Baptism concluded, yet Meng Shuran remained on the platform, absorbing the residual spiritual power.

Shu Han could distinctly sense her cultivation level still escalating. A single Fiery Cloud Baptism not only propelled her to the Foundation Establishment stage but also seemed to edge her close to its zenith.

Zhong Erle, grasping Shu Han, chastised him, "Stop gawking, you rascal! Setting covetous eyes on the Sect Leader's woman? Tread carefully, or you'll meet a grisly end!"

With that, he led Shu Han away from the peak of Fiery Cloud Mountain, depositing him halfway up the mountain, in the Heavenly District.

"By the rules, with your mid-stage cultivation, you should be in the Earthly District. However, the magnanimous Sect Leader has granted you a Heavenly-grade cave. Here's your token. Find your cave. My duty as your guide concludes here."

Having said that, he promptly turned and departed.

Holding his token, Shu Han infused it with his magical power. A soft glow emanated, leading him through a flight across the expansive midsection of the Fiery Cloud Mountain.

This midsection was designated for Foundation Establishment cultivators and was divided into four subsections: Heavenly, Earthly, Mysterious, and Primordial.

Among these, the Heavenly and Earthly sections were reserved for those at the advanced stages of Foundation Establishment. The spiritual energy there was notably abundant.

Particularly in the Heavenly District, its energy was comparable to the upper echelons of the Core Formation domain, specifically reserved for the top talents on the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard.

Following the guidance of his token, Shu Han arrived at an eastern-facing slope. The gentle luminescence of the token pointed straight ahead to a spacious cave dwelling.

Throughout his journey, he noticed the surroundings of this cave were quite desolate, and rarely visited by others. Moreover, the cave overflowed with spiritual energy, making it an undoubtedly desirable abode. Just as he prepared to enter the cave, he suddenly spotted a dejected young man drinking heavily in front of the stone entrance.

Upon seeing him, a chill ran down Shu Han's spine. Wasn't this the Little Devil King, Song Changyi?

Song Changyi glanced at Shu Han, sizing him up from head to toe, and exclaimed disdainfully, "Who are you? How did a mere mid-stage cultivator end up here at my dwelling? Get out of the Heavenly District! You've no business here!"

At a loss for words, Shu Han brandished his token, saying, "Apologies, senior brother, but this cave now belongs to me."

"You?" Taking back his wine gourd, Song Changyi examined the token handed over by Shu Han. "A decree from my father! So, not only does he break tradition by bestowing the Fiery Cloud Baptism on a bewitching woman, but he also gifts a mid-stage cultivator a cave in the Heavenly District! Father, as Sect Leader, do you even remember the sect's regulations?"

Left speechless, Shu Han responded, "Senior brother, surely your dwelling isn't here?"

Song Changyi snorted coldly, "My father assigned my cave at the mountain's peak. However, I'm not a Core Formation cultivator. According to sect regulations, I'm ineligible for a dwelling there, so I've been residing here."

Shu Han thought, Such obstinance!

Handing back the token, Song Changyi remarked, "Since you entered without ill intentions, I won't punish you. Since your presence here violates the sect's regulations, find yourself a cave in the Mysterious District."

Shu Han's patience now wore thin.

"Your words might sound simple, senior brother, but without a token, where would I find a dwelling in the Mysterious District? Since you're adamant about adhering to sect regulations, you should recognize that with this token in my possession, this cave is rightfully mine. Kindly step aside. If you have grievances, take them up with the Sect Leader to retrieve my token."

"Hmph!" Song Changyi's aura erupted, "You wish to claim this dwelling? Prove your worth in combat! Demonstrate the prowess of an advanced stage cultivator, and I shall cede this cave to you!"