Chu Tian sighed helplessly at the elder's kind words. "Senior, since fate has brought us together, I'll take the risk and try to break the array for you."

Qiong Feng hesitated and said, "It's useless. Don’t take the risk. Just leave quickly!"

Whether for the system's mission or to save such a kind-hearted person, Chu Tian felt compelled to give it a shot. He smiled and said, "Senior, don't underestimate me. What if I really manage to help you?"

Qiong Feng wanted to refuse, but Chu Tian added, "Senior, you should tell me quickly. If your junior brother arrives, it’ll be trouble."

Seeing Chu Tian's determination, Qiong Feng relented. "Alright, I’ll tell you. This Bloodthirst Array has ten array cores. Each core must be attacked with a powerful and precise strike. If the attack is too weak or inaccurate, the array will retaliate."

Chu Tian grinned after hearing this. "Got it, Senior. Just tell me the positions."

Qiong Feng had no choice but to reveal the location of the first core. Chu Tian gripped his Blazing Sword, focused on a faint red glow on the wall, and took a deep breath. Infusing spiritual energy into the sword, he unleashed a powerful strike. The sword energy erupted with immense force, hitting the core and causing an explosion.

Qiong Feng was shocked. He was certain Chu Tian would trigger the array because his attack was too dispersive to focus on the core.

But to his surprise, the array remained still even after some time. Chu Tian smiled and said, "Senior, the first core is taken care of."

Qiong Feng was incredulous. "How... how did you do that?"

Chu Tian confidently replied, "Senior, don’t underestimate me. Although I’m only at the peak of Foundation Establishment, I can unleash power comparable to the peak of Golden Core or even near Perfection."

This revelation stunned Qiong Feng. "A genius!"

Chu Tian also thought of himself as one, though he credited his unique dantian and the fact that he had gone through 81 Foundation Establishment tribulations. He was far from an ordinary cultivator.

Unaware of these details, Qiong Feng, filled with hope, excitedly said, "Alright, let's continue."

In less than 15 minutes, Chu Tian dealt with the remaining cores. Then, a system notification rang out:

Ding~ Bloodthirst Array dismantled. Acquired a Primary Immortal Residence. Use it now?

"Immortal Residence?"

Chu Tian was stunned. He had expected some sort of artifact, but this was called an Immortal Residence. Curiosity and excitement surged within him, though he hesitated to summon it in the cave—it might be too conspicuous.

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At that moment, Qiong Feng used a voice transmission to remind him, "Quickly take me away. If he finds us, it’ll be trouble."

Chu Tian immediately used his Cloud Step to pull Qiong Feng from the groove and rushed out of the cave. As Qiong Feng clung to Chu Tian's back, he was shocked. "Is this guy really just at Foundation Establishment?"

Once outside, Chu Tian set Qiong Feng down and said with a smile, "Senior, we're out."

Qiong Feng, feeling uneasy, said, "If the needles in my body aren’t removed, he’ll track me."

Chu Tian frowned. "How can we remove them?"

Qiong Feng sighed. "These needles are incredibly potent. Without sufficient strength, it’s impossible to remove them."

Chu Tian, unwilling to give up, tried pulling the needles but to no avail. When Qiong Feng let out a pained groan, Chu Tian quickly stopped and apologized awkwardly, "Sorry!"

"Take me to a cliff, throw me somewhere isolated, and leave immediately."

Chu Tian shook his head. "That’s not an option. If a spirit beast passes by or that guy tracks you down, wouldn’t it all be for nothing?"

Qiong Feng felt helpless. He knew Chu Tian couldn’t take him far. But Chu Tian suddenly addressed the system: Activate the Primary Immortal Residence!

In an instant, Chu Tian found himself inside a magnificent residence. He could even see Qiong Feng outside. Qiong Feng, confused, called out, "Young man, where did you go?"

Chu Tian realized that outsiders couldn’t perceive him entering the Immortal Residence. Thrilled, he exclaimed, "What an incredible spatial artifact!"

Curious, he wondered, "How do I get out?"

With just a thought, Chu Tian exited the residence. He was amazed to discover that entering and leaving was as simple as a mental command.

The system then notified him:Ding~ The Primary Immortal Residence can hold up to two people. To accommodate more, upgrade to the Intermediate Immortal Residence, available through the system store.

Chu Tian checked the store and found that upgrading to the Intermediate Immortal Residence required 10,000 Rage Points. He cursed internally, Damn system, so greedy!

At that moment, Qiong Feng shouted, "Young man, run! He’s here!"

Chu Tian sensed a terrifying aura approaching from above. He quickly exited the residence and pulled Qiong Feng inside. Qiong Feng was astonished. "What is this place?"

Chu Tian pointed beyond the transparent walls, showing the outside. "Senior, this is my spatial artifact."

Qiong Feng was amazed by such a miraculous item. Soon, a man descended from the sky. Dressed in red armor with shoulder plates emitting fiery fists, he had crimson eyes and a purple mark on the left side of his face.

Qiong Feng asked worriedly, "Can this artifact hide us from him?"

Chu Tian, unsure, replied, "It should."

Despite his anxiety, Qiong Feng watched as the man entered the cave. A short while later, the man emerged, enraged. His crimson eyes flashed violently as he roared, "Who dares?!"

In his fury, trees around him ignited, showcasing his immense power. Chu Tian silently thanked the Immortal Residence for keeping them safe.

After a while, the man left. Relieved, Qiong Feng said, "Thank you, young man."

Chu Tian smiled. "No problem."

Grateful and feeling reborn, Qiong Feng said, "If you don’t mind, I’ll stay in your spatial artifact. When your strength grows, I’ll ask for your help to remove these needles."

Chu Tian readily agreed. Qiong Feng calmed down and smiled. "You came here risking your life. Was it to become a great Rune Master?"

Chu Tian chuckled. "That’s the plan."

"Even if you hadn’t asked, I would’ve taught you."

Chu Tian was surprised. "Why?"

Qiong Feng explained, "First, your explosive power shows your body’s strength—an ideal trait for a Rune Master. Second, you saved me. Third, I need your help to remove these needles."

Thrilled at the prospect of having a master residing in his Immortal Residence, Chu Tian eagerly bowed. "Master, please accept my respect!"

Qiong Feng laughed. "You cheeky one. Alright, enough formalities. Let’s discuss what you need to prepare to become a Rune Master."