Seeing the surrounding Outer Disciples were intimidated, Wang Jian chuckled. Making the Outer Disciples back down was his task for the day. There were only one hundred slots to enter the Scarlet Forbidden Ground. Simply boarding the ship would automatically grant a spot. It was first come, first served; latecomers would be out of luck.

Some Outer Disciples had long learned the rules for entering the Scarlet Forbidden Ground from Inner Disciples. They didn’t linger in the plaza at all, directly mounting their flying swords to ascend onto the Heaven-Piercing Spirit Ark.

“It’s quite lively this time as well!”

In the sky outside the main peak, Li Meng arrived on his flying sword. Looking down at the bustling plaza below, he chuckled softly. Most Outer Disciples were just there to watch the spectacle. Disciples below the seventh layer of Qi Condensation had no right to board the ship at all. The Spirit Ark was protected by restrictions; those with insufficient cultivation simply couldn’t get on.

Apart from the spectators, there were also disciples focused on cultivation. The main peak where the sect’s grand hall stood was one of the top spiritual lands within the Inner Sect. Both Outer and Inner Disciples enjoyed cultivating on the main peak. The cliffs surrounding it had many stone platforms. On these platforms, pairs of men and women could be seen engaged in Dual Cultivation. They sat facing each other, Yin and Yang energies converging, their Dao techniques intermingling.

Li Meng did not join the crowd in the plaza. Every time the Scarlet Forbidden Ground opened, an Inner Disciple would be stationed in the plaza to intimidate the Outer Disciples. The purpose was to weed out those who were overly cautious or cowardly. In a place like the Scarlet Forbidden Ground, caution equated to incompetence. Cowardice would only get you killed faster. Cultivators with boldness and a spirit of adventure were more likely to survive. And those who survived were guaranteed substantial gains.

Li Meng steered his flying sword toward the Heaven-Piercing Spirit Ark outside the main peak. He descended gracefully, landing softly on the deck.

“Senior Brother Li… you… you are also heading to the Scarlet Forbidden Ground?”

An Outer Disciple recognized Li Meng. He walked over with a look of surprise, cupping his hands in salute.

Li Meng chuckled amiably and returned the salute. “This old bag of bones wants to see what it’s all about while he’s still alive!”

The Outer Disciple gave Senior Brother Li a once-over. A flicker of sadness passed through his eyes. Senior Brother Li was such a good man. He always wore a smiling face toward everyone. It wasn’t a hypocritical smile either. Senior Brother Li’s actions matched his benevolent appearance—a rare sight indeed in a place like the Joyous Union Sect.

“Junior Brother Qian, the Scarlet Forbidden Ground is extremely dangerous. I have two talismans here; take them. They might just save your lives.”

With a wave of his hand, Li Meng sent two High-grade Earth Shrinking Talismans flying toward Junior Brother Qian.

Qian Wen was taken aback but caught them. “High-grade Earth Shrinking Talismans?”

Qian Wen almost exclaimed aloud. These were genuine High-grade Earth Shrinking Talismans! Shrinking space into inches, allowing teleportation over a thousand meters.

Li Meng glanced at a graceful figure not far away. She wore a purple rainbow dress, tall with a hint of baby fat in her face, giving her a very voluptuous feel. The curve of her waist was exceptionally full—a woman who would surely feel wonderful to hold. That female disciple was likely Junior Brother Qian’s Dao Companion.

In the Joyous Union Sect, male and female disciples excelled at combined attack techniques. Therefore, when venturing out on missions, they always paired up male and female disciples. Even if they weren’t Dao Companions, they would find an opposite-sex partner.

“Junior Brother Qian, make sure to protect your Dao Companion well, lest you be left with regrets.”

Qian Wen bowed deeply to Li Meng in salute. “Senior Brother Li’s great kindness is something this Junior will never forget!”

Li Meng chuckled softly, stroking his long beard. “Go on now.”

Qian Wen took two steps back before turning and leaving. He walked over to his Dao Companion.

“Senior Brother Qian, who was that?”

Hua Biying had never seen Senior Brother Qian show such deference to a fellow sect brother before. Yet before that old man, he had been so respectful.

Qian Wen turned his head to look at Li Meng standing by the ship’s railing. “That is Senior Brother Li Meng… a good man.”

He then turned back to his Dao Companion, stepping forward and pressing one of the Earth Shrinking Talismans into Hua Biying’s hand. “Keep this safe. It’s a life-saving treasure Senior Brother Li gave us.”

Hua Biying looked down. The Spiritual Power emanating from the talisman made her expression freeze.

“A… a High-grade Earth Shrinking Talisman!”

She hurriedly stored it away. Hua Biying understood the principle that wealth should not be flaunted openly. Even among fellow sect members, incidents of murder for treasure could not be entirely avoided—though such things usually only happened outside the sect walls.

Hua Biying looked at the short, old Senior Brother not far away with astonishment. That Senior Brother Li actually possessed such treasures as High-grade talismans… and had given them away so casually without a second thought.

“Ah… Senior Brother Li probably doesn’t expect to return alive,” Qian Wen said with deep admiration as he looked at Senior Brother Li. “That’s why he’s giving away his life savings like this.”

If it were him, he could never be so free-spirited about it.

His Lifespan Limit approaching?

Hua Biying fell silent. She could see the thick aura of death surrounding Senior Brother Li—an unusual phenomenon that only appeared on cultivators whose lifespans were ending, nearing their Sitting Death. Mortals couldn’t see it, but cultivators who had opened their spiritual eyes could.

“Senior Brother Li?”

Another familiar, charming voice rang out.

Yuan Baobao and Xuan Hao flew over through the air and landed on the deck. A familiar elderly figure by the railing caught Yuan Baobao’s attention. A closer look confirmed it was indeed Senior Brother Li.

Yuan Baobao trotted over to Li Meng’s side. “Senior Brother Li, what are you doing here?”

She looked at him with curious eyes.

Li Meng chuckled, stroking his long beard. “This Senior Brother also plans to venture into the Scarlet Forbidden Ground.”

“That’s wonderful! Senior Brother Li, let’s go together!” Yuan Baobao’s eyes curved into crescents.

“Junior Sister, don’t be ridiculous!”

Xuan Hao walked over with a helpless expression. He cupped his hands toward Li Meng in salute. “Senior Brother Li, whatever spirit herbs you need, this Junior and Junior Sister will definitely find them for you. The Scarlet Forbidden Ground is too dangerous. Please reconsider going.”

Li Meng returned the salute, chuckling. “Junior Brother, since I’ve already boarded the ship, there’s no reason to disembark. Life and death—each follows its own destiny.”

Since Senior Brother Li had already made his decision, Xuan Hao naturally couldn’t say more.

Afterward, the three of them stood by the railing, chatting idly. Yuan Baobao’s personality remained lively; she chirped around Li Meng nonstop. To an unknowing observer, they might seem like a grandfather-granddaughter pair. Xuan Hao rarely interjected, mostly listening quietly.

Yuan Baobao swept her gaze across the deck. She lowered her head, adopting a mysterious air. “Senior Brother, do you know who is leading this expedition?”

Li Meng looked up toward the multi-story pavilion on the rear deck. “Which Supreme Elder?”

The opening of the Scarlet Forbidden Ground would always have a Nascent Soul Ancestor leading the team.

Yuan Baobao’s eyes darted playfully. She leaned closer to Li Meng, whispering conspiratorially. “It’s the Supreme Elder from Masked Moon Peak!”

Nangong Wan?

A flash of surprise crossed Li Meng’s eyes. Among all the Supreme Elders, only Nangong Wan and the legendary Yin-Yang Old Demon were considered the most mysterious. He hadn’t expected Nangong Wan, a Supreme Elder, to lead the expedition for this Scarlet Forbidden Ground opening.

Yuan Baobao looked toward the pavilion’s upper floors with an expression of admiration. “I heard Supreme Elder Nangong Wan is the most beautiful female cultivator in the State of Zhao. I wonder what her immortal grace looks like!”

The State of Zhao had an Immortal Beauty Ranking. The number one spot was occupied by Nangong Wan; she had dominated the top position for over five hundred years. The number two spot was held by a rising star, Sheng Yi’er. She was a Golden Core Elder of the Qingxu Sect, rumored to possess a special constitution. She had progressed from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core formation in just seventy years, reaching the mid-Golden Core stage at the age of one hundred and fifty. She was also ranked fourth in the State of Zhao’s Heavenly Pride Ranking.