It was quite a distance from the Capital, away from the scrutiny of cultivators, and a reliable ally had to be Master Zhao of the Flame Sect. Master Zhao was also out helping with disaster relief, after all. Thanks to the Flame Sect’s long-standing foundation and the resources provided by Nanli, they could still manage for a while. Despite his strong internal energy, the fatigue of recent labors was evident on him.
However, his practice of the Fire Cloud Spell allowed him to immediately sense someone was in the room.
"Who is it?!" he shouted.
He pointed his sword, and the energy within surged forward, striking toward a shadowy corner.
Yun Yubai easily deflected the attack. He hadn’t even withdrawn his fingers when a hint of surprise crossed his face. "So it’s the Fire Cloud Spell?"
His movements were quick and decisive, carrying a threatening aura that Master Zhao had never encountered before.
Shocked and on guard, Master Zhao realized he wouldn’t last even one move against this person. After all, he had a rank on the martial arts leaderboard!
Collecting his thoughts, he remembered the words this stranger had just spoken and asked, "Why have you intruded on my residence? And why mention the Fire Cloud Spell?"
Emerging from the shadows, Yun Yubai showed his face. Since he needed something from Master Zhao, he didn’t hide his appearance. Clad in white and holding a long sword, he exuded an air of charm and confidence.
"I’ll explain my business shortly," Yun Yubai replied, narrowing his eyes. "First, let’s have another round."
As he spoke, his fingers moved, launching another attack.
Master Zhao wondered if this person had come to challenge him. Why did he want to fight without hesitation? But Yun Yubai clearly held back; the silvery light at his fingertips was weak, yet it still nearly overwhelmed Master Zhao.
Using the Fire Cloud Spell, Master Zhao barely managed to fend off Yun Yubai’s strikes. But soon he realized that the stranger was merely probing his skills. Fortunately, the room was spacious, and they exchanged several moves. Master Zhao enjoyed the spar, but Yun Yubai quickly withdrew his hands.
He looked as relaxed as ever, not even out of breath, while Master Zhao was drenched in sweat, gasping for air.
"That was definitely the Fire Cloud Spell," Yun Yubai remarked. "But from what I can see, you haven’t even mastered the first level yet."
Normally, anyone else would have vehemently refuted such a statement, but Master Zhao was humble and loyal. He had brought the Flame Sect to its current state, and after their encounter, he was certain that this person’s strength far surpassed his own. Receiving guidance from a master was indeed a blessing.
Bowing respectfully, Master Zhao said, "What do you mean? The technique I just demonstrated is the Fire Cloud Spell, which I’ve cultivated to the seventh level. I fail to understand why you claim I haven’t mastered the first level."
Yun Yubai sat down leisurely, seemingly treating the place like his own home. Noticing the tea, he frowned and asked, "Is there any wine in your cabinet?"
"Huh?" Master Zhao was taken aback. "How did you know I had wine in my cabinet?"
Could it be that he had already searched through his belongings?
Yun Yubai pointed out the cabinet where the wine was stored and retrieved a jar. After taking a deep breath and expressing satisfaction, he said, "Cultivators have a sharper sense of smell."
"Oh, I see!" Master Zhao exclaimed.
Once Yun Yubai returned to the table, Master Zhao gasped, "Wh-what?! Cultivation?!"
Yun Yubai rubbed his ears, feeling slightly exasperated. "You seem a bit ignorant, Master Zhao."
Master Zhao’s eyes widened as he walked around Yun Yubai, studying him closely.
"So... are you an immortal?" he asked, rubbing his hands together. "No wonder your techniques are so unique; they don’t seem like mere internal energy. How about we go to the training ground for another spar?"
His eyes sparkled with eagerness.
Yun Yubai quickly waved his hand, "I’m not an immortal. Cultivators must pass the immortal tribulation to truly be called immortals. I’m just a Nascent Soul stage cultivator."
Master Zhao, being a martial artist and not like those Taoists who practiced deep philosophy, was unaware of these cultivation realms. He repeated, "Oh, so you’re a cultivator and not an immortal. Shall we go to the training ground for another spar? I want to compare swords!"
He was extremely excited inside. Even if this person was not an immortal, he was still a cultivator far beyond his level!
Yun Yubai replied, "If you trust me, let me take a look at your Fire Cloud Spell."
"Of course!" Master Zhao eagerly dashed to retrieve the Fire Cloud Spell.
It was a piece of parchment resembling sheepskin, inscribed with the internal techniques of the Fire Cloud Spell.
Yun Yubai’s lips twitched. "Master Zhao, you’re quite trusting."
Master Zhao shrugged, "I’m not easily deceived; it’s just that you’re powerful. If you wanted the Fire Cloud Spell, you could have threatened my disciples and me without all this fuss."
After all, having spent years in the martial world, he knew that sometimes reasoning and righteousness were useless; power was the true currency.
Yun Yubai nodded slightly, "That’s true. I’m a Sword Cultivator, and I have difficulty integrating with other forms of cultivation."
He considered his own talent modest; unlike those prodigies, he couldn’t master every technique he encountered. It was already a significant achievement that he had done well in swordplay and talismans.
Suddenly, a smile spread across his face. "Though I can’t practice it myself, I could sell it for spirit stones or give it to my disciples to cultivate."
Master Zhao’s smile suddenly froze.
"Are you really going to rob me?" he thought. "Can I even stop you?"
Yun Yubai glanced at the Fire Cloud Spell, running his fingers over it. "This was made from the hide of a Southern Desolate Fire Rhino. It seems this Fire Cloud Spell is indeed a legacy from a martial immortal."
Master Zhao was confused. "What Southern what? A martial immortal? But I’ve already reached the seventh level, and you could barely last one move against me."
His implication was clear: "You must be mistaken."
Yun Yubai explained, "The hide of the fire rhino is quite interesting. What you see now is just the first level of the Fire Cloud Spell. Once you break through, you’ll unlock the second level."
"In fact, the brilliance of the Fire Cloud Spell lies in the fact that those who cultivate it do not need to draw energy into their bodies. They can reach the Base Building stage and eventually form their own inner elixir."
"Master Zhao, it’s fortunate that your Zhao clan’s talents are lacking; no one has managed to break through the first level and reach the Base Building stage. That’s why the folks from the Immortal World are unaware that the Fire Cloud Spell is in your hands."
This Fire Cloud Spell likely fell into the Human World during the chaotic battles between immortals and demons, back when the Immortal World was still floating in the air.
Master Zhao’s expression turned blank.
Was this even a compliment?