Above the bamboo forest, the powerful collided, causing a heaven-shaking explosion. Blinding white and gold lights intertwined, shining like a moon rising from the ground, illuminating a vast area. This was soon followed by a sweeping shock wave that leveled everything in its vicinity.

In the aftermath of this collision, Shu Han's golden phantom instantly disintegrated, and Wei Haolong's twenty-eight Fire Dragon candle stands were extinguished in an instant.

Both men fell from the sky.

Wei Haolong clutched his chest, his energy in turmoil, and sat paralyzed on the ground. Looking at the motionless Shu Han, he laughed, "Kid, it's too early for the new generation to surpass the old! Lucky for you that my attack didn't kill you for breaking our agreement and revealing my secret!"

"No wonder you're in the top three of the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard. Pretending to be weak when you're this powerful, what were you thinking!"

Gurgle!

Shu Han sprang up with a swift motion, leaving Wei Haolong stunned by Shu Han's still vibrant complexion. He blurted, "How? Your spiritual power was clearly drained! How can you still be so lively? I get it, you're probably running on fumes. Stop pushing yourself."

Running on fumes?

Shu Han slammed his palm on the ground, creating a crack that extended under Wei Haolong, startling him into a cold sweat.

Shu Han chuckled, "Although my spiritual power is nearly depleted, my physical strength remains. So, 'cross-dresser', you've lost."

Holding his head in pain, Wei Haolong sighed, "Now I can't even beat someone in the later stages like you, and the secret of my cross-dressing is out! Why don't you just call my father to finish me off with one stroke?"

Shu Han approached and sat next to Wei Haolong, placing an arm around his shoulder, "You can't always live under the weight of others' expectations. I think you actually enjoy presenting yourself as a woman. You have to take this step eventually. Besides, Brother Song is honorable; he'll keep your secret."

Song Changyi flew over and said, "I came to learn a secret technique from the old madman, and I'm not interested in your affairs. If Brother Wei wishes to keep this a secret, I'll respect his wishes."

Wei Haolong sighed deeply, looking at Shu Han, "Between the two of you, I can't win in a fight or an argument. What else can I do?"

Shu Han laughed, patting his shoulder, "Relax. Given your experience, you should have advanced to the Core Formation stage long ago!"

Wei Haolong shook off his hand, angrily saying, "After being beaten up by you, how can I relax? Damn, couldn't you have been gentler? I'm not thick-skinned like you!"

Shu Han chuckled and took out a wine flask, offering it to Wei Haolong.

Wei Haolong glanced at it, "You think a flask of wine will make up for this? I'm not drinking!"

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"Heh!"

Shu Han promptly forced open his mouth and started pouring in the wine.

At first, Wei Haolong struggled, but as the exquisite wine slid down his throat, he felt an immediate rejuvenation.

Surprised, he looked at the flask, feeling a warm current soothing his injuries and replenishing his drained spiritual power.

"This wine is incredible! So delicious!" He exclaimed, taking the flask and drinking with enthusiasm.

Shu Han smiled inwardly. Of course, it's magical; it contains the Heavenly Creation Fluid.

Shu Han then passed another flask to Song Changyi. After a sip, Song's face showed astonishment. He quickly responded, "Brother Yu, this wine is too precious! I cannot accept such generosity without doing anything in return."

Meanwhile, Wei Haolong, without any reservations, grabbed Song Changyi's flask, saying, "Don't bother being polite with this sly fox! If he can hand it out so generously, he must have plenty in reserve. Trust me, this guy never ends up at a loss! I once saw him gifting a bunch to the old madman!"

Smack!

Shu Han slapped him and handed the wine flask back to Song Changyi, "Brother Song, please don't stand on ceremony. Since I've arrived at Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, both of you have shown me kindness. This little token of appreciation is the least I can offer."

Song Changyi smiled, "Then I thank you for your hospitality, Brother Yu. If there's ever a time you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask!"

Wei Haolong added, "Same goes for me, but if it's something trivial, try not to ask me!"

Shu Han couldn't help but laugh, kicking him lightly, "Weren't you just deeply resentful? Why's your skin suddenly so thick?"

Taking another sip of wine, Wei Haolong sighed, "Honestly, I know you're right. I can't keep living this way, hiding in the shadows."

He then stood up, with a serious expression, "I have a favor to ask of both of you."

Shu Han responded, "Let's get one thing straight; I value my life. Someone else also depends on me. I won't take on any dangerous tasks!"

Wei Haolong's face twitched, suppressing his anger, "It's not exactly dangerous, but it's something I can't accomplish alone. I want to obtain a precious herb from the Southern Forest. However, as Brother Song knows, our relationship with the Forest Clan within the forest is tense."

Song Changyi said, "Indeed, they never allow monks from the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect to enter the Southern Forest, let alone pick their herbs."

Then, Song Changyi asked, "But the Forest Clan doesn't have many powerful masters. I don't think many could stop you if you wanted to pick the herb."

Wei Haolong explained, "If I were to sneak in and pick ordinary herbs, it wouldn't be an issue. However, the herb I want grows on their sacred tree, which makes things complicated."

Song Changyi understood, "That does make things difficult. The Forest Clan regards their sacred tree as a divine spirit. Given our poor relationship, obtaining the herb from the sacred tree seems improbable, even if both Brother Yu and I assist."

Song Changyi, with curiosity, continued, "The strongest member of the Forest Clan is only at the early stages of the Golden Core. If you really needed it, Heavenly Fire Elder alone could obtain the herb. Why do you need our help?"

Wei Haolong sighed, "About that... I don't want my father to know..."

"You mean you don't want Heavenly Fire Elder to know!" Song Changyi frowned, "As fellow sect members, I'm willing to assist. However, if this matter is something even Heavenly Fire Elder wouldn't undertake due to potential harm to the sect, I won't get involved. Brother Wei, if you need my help, please clarify the reason."

Wei Haolong, knitting his brows, turned to look at Shu Han, who was sipping his wine, "Do you want to know the reason?"

"I'm not interested in your troubles. If this mission poses any danger, I'm definitely not participating!"

Wei Haolong snapped, "Why are you so afraid of death?"

"What's wrong with fearing death?" Shu Han spread his hands helplessly, "I made a promise to someone. My life is partly hers. I can't just die recklessly."

Wei Haolong said, "As you heard, the strongest in the Southern Forest is just an early stage Golden Core cultivator. Even if he has murderous intent, the three of us together can ensure our safety."

Shu Han stood up, dusting off his clothes, "Alright, if Brother Song agrees, I'm in."