Mortal: Starting with the Falling Cloud Sect, I proved my Dao through gacha pulls.

Su Mu was able to successfully refine the two strange flames because, firstly, after the cards materialized, the strange flames were all in their nascent stage, which greatly reduced the difficulty.

Secondly, the divine spring water provided a safety net; during the refining process, his physical body shattered several times, but the divine spring water pulled him back to life.

However, the power of the Three Thousand Burning Flames before him was too terrifying. Su Mu had a vague feeling that even with his current physical strength, if he forcibly refined it, he would probably not escape the fate of exploding and dying.

Even though he was extremely envious, he could only suppress his desire for the time being, and wait until his cultivation had greatly improved, or until he had cultivated the Crimson Bright Nine Heavens Diagram to the ninth level, before making any plans to refine it.

【Dragon and Phoenix Combined Cultivation Technique (Purple)】

[Note: This technique originates from the world of Shu Mountain and is a top-tier righteous cultivation secret. It can harmonize Yin and Yang, aid in breaking through cultivation levels, and can be practiced by Daoist partners to share longevity.]

Su Mu hadn't expected that he would end up drawing a dual cultivation technique. He clicked his tongue lightly and directly materialized it.

The card transformed into a golden jade scroll, which he pressed against his brow and examined briefly, instantly grasping the essence of the technique.

This dual cultivation technique is not a heterodox method of absorbing sustenance, but rather emphasizes the fusion of yin and yang, and the joint cultivation and realization. After the cultivation is profound, the dual cultivation partners can communicate their magical power and jointly realize the Great Dao. It is an extremely orthodox and superior auxiliary secret method.

"This Dragon and Phoenix Combined Cultivation Technique is quite remarkable. It would be a real shame not to practice such a technique."

He wanted to cultivate this technique purely because he valued its ability to aid in cultivation, not because of any secrets of dual cultivation recorded within it.

After summarizing all his findings, Su Mu nodded in satisfaction.

Although I didn't draw any gold cards this time, everything I got was extremely useful, and the value for money far exceeded my expectations.

He was just about to start by studying the basics of the Dragon and Phoenix Combined Cultivation Technique when his expression suddenly changed, and his figure instantly disappeared from the world within the ring.

Back in his cave dwelling, he raised his hand and summoned a communication talisman. With a quick scan of it using his divine sense, he understood the situation.

"So we're finally setting off? Good."

He narrowed his eyes, summoned his clone to his side, and gently patted his shoulder.

"This trip depends on you."

......

The next day, outside Tianxing City.

Su Mu and his group rode their escape light and sped towards the ancient cultivator's ruins.

"Fellow Daoists, Old Hu and his companions set off several days earlier and should arrive before us. Let's hurry on our way and not keep them waiting."

Jin Qing, who was leading the way, turned around and smiled at Su Mu and Han Li. When his gaze swept over Qu Hun and Su Mu's clone, his expression became somewhat strange.

He truly hadn't expected that these two fellow Daoists, who claimed to be unskilled in direct combat, would each have an avatar at their disposal; it was quite a coincidence.

"Brother Jin, there's no need to be impatient. Perhaps by the time we arrive, those fellow Daoists will have already broken through the formation and are waiting for us," Han Li said with a slight smile, making a casual joke.

"If that's the case, then that would be perfect, saving us a lot of trouble!"

Jin Qing laughed heartily, said no more, and focused on leading the way at high speed.

At this moment, Han Li turned to Su Mu and secretly transmitted his voice: "I haven't yet congratulated Fellow Daoist Xiao on successfully advancing to the mid-stage of Core Formation. It's somewhat beyond my expectations that Brother Jin was able to invite Brother Xiao, a master alchemist, to accompany us on this exploration of the secret realm."

Su Mu smiled faintly and replied in kind, "Fellow Daoist Han, you are too kind. I am simply quite interested in the ancient spiritual herbs in the ruins. In addition, I previously explored the secret realm with Brother Jin and the others and gained some knowledge, so I came here together."

Han Li nodded knowingly, his gaze lingering briefly on Su Mu's clone before suppressing his curiosity and asking no further questions. He then focused all his energy on activating his escape light to continue his journey.

Two months later.

After flying through this remote sea area for a long time, the group finally spotted a giant island in the distance.

This island is vast and boundless, spanning a thousand miles in circumference. The island is covered with rolling hills and sand dunes, and as far as the eye can see, it is all gloomy and yellow, without a trace of beauty or charm.

"It's strange that such a large island is so desolate and lifeless."

Han Li stopped his escape light, observed carefully, and couldn't help but show a hint of surprise on his face.

"Yes, there isn't even a trace of spiritual energy on the entire island. Old Jin and I searched for a long time before we finally found the trace of that formation, which is on that earthen hill more than a hundred miles to the west."

Jin Qing nodded and said with a sigh.

"Let's go, Brother Hu and the others must have been waiting for quite some time."

Su Mu spread out his divine sense to the fullest extent and instantly captured the auras of Hu Yue and the others.

A moment later, Su Mu and his companions approached the thousand-foot-high earthen hill covered in yellow sand.

The group withdrew their escape light and landed steadily at the foot of the mountain, where they successfully reunited with Hu Yue and her group who were waiting there.

When the group met, they naturally exchanged pleasantries and greetings.

At this moment, Jian Ming, the mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, and Shi Die from Red Moon Island stepped forward together, cupped their hands in a respectful bow to Su Mu, and were very enthusiastic.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Xiao. Master Xiao's name is already well-known in Tianxing City. I am Shi Die, and my father is none other than True Man Shi from Red Moon Island."

Su Mu smiled slightly and returned the greeting calmly: "So you are the daughter of Island Master Shi. I have long admired Master Shi's profound mastery of formations."

His gaze swept over Jianming beside Shidie without making a sound, his mind racing.

In the original story, Shi Die, the daughter of a Nascent Soul cultivator, died a rather unfortunate death, without even a decent trump card, which is truly unbelievable.

Now it seems that Jian Ming was most likely the guard sent to secretly protect her on this trip, which makes sense.

Compared to her respect for Su Mu, Shi Die's attitude towards Han Li was much colder.

"Fellow Daoist Han, I arrived a little earlier than you and have already glimpsed some clues about this formation, so I'll make a move first. If you have a way to break it, please feel free to use it."

Before she could finish speaking, she raised her hand and summoned seven or eight magical artifacts, which she then directly injected into the formation.

Su Mu found an open space and sat cross-legged, quietly observing. Although he also had several methods to break the formation, he had no intention of showing them off here. He would leave the limelight to Han Li.

As expected, Han Li eventually managed to break the formation by activating the Big Dipper Yin-Yang Formation. After this incident, Shi Die's attitude towards Han Li changed drastically.

Two months later, Han Li and Shi Die joined forces to break through several layers of restrictions and finally reached the last seal.

However, within that light barrier lurked countless fire-type demon spirits called Winged Evil. They were extremely ferocious, and Han Li and Shi Die found it quite troublesome. They had no choice but to gather everyone to discuss countermeasures.

"Winged Evil?"

Jin Qing and the others looked at each other, completely bewildered. They had clearly never heard of such a monster before, let alone knew how to deal with it.

Su Mu's heart stirred, and he slowly walked to the light barrier, raised his palm, and took out the Nine Heavens Profound Jade Bottle.

"I happen to possess a magical artifact capable of capturing such a demonic creature. I would be grateful if you fellow Daoists would protect me for a moment."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up, and they quickly gathered around.

"Brother Xiao, do you truly have a solution? This is a naturally occurring fire spirit, something we cultivators avoid like the plague. Fellow Daoist, please be extremely careful!"

Han Li quickly offered his instructions, a hint of curiosity in his gaze as he looked at the Nine Heavens Jade Bottle.

"Please rest assured, everyone."

Su Mu smiled confidently and slowly raised the Nine Heavens Mystic Jade Bottle.

These mere fire-type spirits are perfectly suitable as nourishment for magical artifacts.