“Oh, what a joyous occasion! Eric Bennett is willing to act as protector for fellow Daoist!” Eric Bennett immediately said this, for one must know that at the moment of ascension, it is the true transformation of a cultivator from “human” to “immortal.” All remaining tribulations in the world mostly erupt at this time. Therefore, except for those who have accumulated boundless merit and have celestial immortals descend to protect them, everyone else faces great danger during ascension.

“Then I thank you, fellow Daoist. However, what I ask of you is not this matter.”

“Oh, Eric Bennett has received great favor from you, fellow Daoist. Whatever you instruct, if I am able, I will certainly comply.”

“You also know, although cultivators are different from ordinary people, as long as there are gatherings of people, there will be disputes and rivalry. After I ascend, the one to inherit my lineage should naturally be my eldest disciple. This person is excellent in all respects, except for being somewhat jealous of talent. And my most recent disciple, Ethan Bennett, in terms of foundation, is truly the best in my sect, but has not cultivated for long...!”

Eric Bennett immediately understood and smiled: “Such disputes and rivalry, not to mention the mortal world—even in the heavens, I think they cannot be avoided. I will certainly protect his safety, but since Ethan Bennett is your sect’s disciple, I have no reason to interfere.”

“That is exactly why I ask you to accept him as your disciple, to have him join your sect. What do you think?” Ms. Bennett thus made the request.

“Ah!” Eric Bennett was taken aback, but after a moment’s thought, said, “Very well, since you ask so, I will accept him as a disciple of my Purple Gorge Cave.”

“Haha, fellow Daoist, you are indeed straightforward.” Ms. Bennett laughed, then suddenly said with deep meaning, “Your sect’s Daoist arts are orthodox Xuanmen; in the future, it will surely flourish.”

“Ah, then I thank you for your prophecy.” Eric Bennett knew there was deeper meaning in these words, but he only smiled in response.

“The Blood Lotus Palace has become your enemy. How do you plan to deal with it?”

“At present, it’s not yet a matter of dealing with the Blood Lotus Palace. This must be considered carefully.”

“That’s true. Although the Blood Lotus Palace is a demonic sect, it also has its own foundation. I’ve heard that the current palace master is Blood Lotus Jialan, and she is said to be close to becoming a Heavenly Demon. Those close to becoming Heavenly Demons are ever-changing, act as they please, and their magical powers are extremely profound—very difficult to deal with!”

“Difficult or not, I must deal with it!” Eric Bennett said calmly. “Her disciple killed my disciple, and I have utterly destroyed one of hers. We both have enmity now. Besides, she is of the demonic sect, I am of the Xuanmen; both sides have reason to go to war!”

“That’s true! However, Blood Lotus Jialan opposes you, and she has other disciples and followers as well. I hear there are quite a few with deep foundations and profound magic. You may be outnumbered, fellow Daoist!”

“That can’t be helped. At worst, I’ll delay my ascension for several hundred years and fight them. I believe there will be opportunities to defeat them one by one, taking it slowly.”

“That is also a way. However, the other night during meditation, I learned something that may be of help to you.”

“What is it?”

“The Miles Clark from eight hundred years ago—you know of him, right?”

“Yes, I’ve heard of him. Didn’t he ascend long ago?”

“He did ascend long ago, but he left behind an underwater immortal abode!”

“Oh, you mean his underwater immortal abode is about to open?”

“Exactly. Originally, his underwater immortal abode was protected by layers of formations, sealed tight at all times, impossible to open without great fortune or external force. But now, eight hundred years have passed, and the immortal abode will open on its own. If someone can enter and obtain the immortal throne within, they can control the entire palace. It’s said there are countless magical treasures inside, many immortal medicines, and even the two-volume Daoist scripture left by Miles Clark. Although it may not be of much use to you, Eric Bennett, it would be of immeasurable benefit to the next generation. Gaining this underwater immortal abode would make the sect flourish with ease.”

“How many days until it opens?”

“In just three days.”

“Then why don’t you go yourself?”

“I am about to ascend, all mortal ties are severed, and I must not act rashly, or my ascension will be troubled. Besides, among my disciples, none seem to have such fortune, so I have forbidden them from going out to compete.”

“Oh, I understand. I will give it a try. If I succeed, I will offer a third of the treasures to you.”

“A third is unnecessary. Without the right fortune, possessing great treasures only brings disaster. It’s just that before I ascend, there is one major matter to attend to, and I need a certain magical treasure from that place.”

“What major matter?”

Ms. Bennett said solemnly, “Do you know there is earthfire at the earth’s core?”

“Of course I know.”

“Then do you know that beneath my island, there is a fissure? If I hadn’t suppressed it for hundreds of years, it would have erupted long ago.”

“Is that so?” Eric Bennett was quite surprised.

Ms. Bennett said, “If the earthfire erupts, mountains will collapse and the earth will split. Especially here under the sea, it would surely cause a massive tsunami. I fear that for a thousand miles along the coast, millions of people would be swallowed by the waves! Normally, I suppress it, and that is why I have not left this hall for centuries. If I ascend, and no one suppresses the earthfire fissure, it will surely erupt. That is what worries me! I have thought of a way to resolve this once and for all, but it requires a magical treasure from the underwater immortal abode. That is why I ask you, after obtaining the immortal abode, to generously lend me such a treasure!”

Upon hearing this, Eric Bennett stood up again and bowed solemnly.