“He said that originally he had long since withdrawn from worldly affairs, but after some subtle calculations, he realized that this underwater immortal palace would determine the thousand-year fate of future cultivators. For the well-being of the cultivation world over the next millennium, he could not help but offer some guidance.” William Thompson spoke with a hint of excitement as he recited the sentences, so as to satisfy the curiosity of his two anxious junior brother and sister.

“Go on!” The two listened intently.

“The underwater immortal palace is divided into the inner palace and the outer palace. In the outer palace, there are five arrays of evasion. These five immortal arrays are quite mysterious, different from ordinary five evasions, and can produce wondrous effects of the five elements, with great power. Of the five palaces and five elements, the metal and water palaces are the most insidious and poisonous, specializing in confusing the true nature of cultivators, but at the same time, the host has the power of life and death. Unlike the wood, fire, and earth palaces—once you fall into them, you will be devoured by the formation. Those with high cultivation may have their primordial spirit escape with injuries, but it is almost impossible to preserve oneself. You must not be careless and fall in.”

“When you get there, you can follow the formation diagram and the method to break the formation drawn on my note to head straight to the core of the outer palace. Along the way, you will definitely pass through the metal and water palaces. You can use the Gen Mountain Bracelet to protect your body, and the talisman leaves on my note to protect your mind. Also, keep your mind steady. With the foundation of you three, and by taking the shortcut I calculated, you will surely pass through the metal and water palaces safely and reach the core of the outer palace.”

“When you reach the core of the outer palace, there will be a central earth restriction. You must quickly collect the ‘Six Harmonies Cauldron’ at the formation’s eye according to the incantation. Be extremely careful during the process. This Six Harmonies Cauldron specializes in collecting all kinds of primordial spirits. The strange birds and beasts carved on it are not fake—they are truly transformed from the primordial embryos of ancient exotic species. During the subduing process, they will definitely attack, so be careful to defend yourself.”

“Once the ‘Six Harmonies Cauldron’ is collected, you can immediately activate the formation. With someone presiding, the power of the five palaces and five elements in the outer palace will be greatly enhanced, and it will surely be possible to block outsiders. After three hours, when the inner palace opens, you can naturally enter the main hub of the inner palace. The crystal throne in the inner palace is the main hub of both the inner and outer palaces. Once you obtain it, the underwater immortal palace will be yours.”

“Miles Clark’s Daoist arts are truly unfathomable. For this matter, I silently used the innate numbers of the Book of Changes and calculated for three days, but there are still many twists and turns I do not know. I cannot speak clearly. However, this underwater immortal palace is of great importance—it is the key to establishing a base for demon-slaying and leading the righteous path in the future. I hope you all do your best.”

After William Thompson finished reading, the note turned into a golden leaf, and then the leaf became faint points of light, which scattered onto the radiance of the Gen Mountain Bracelet. He knew that Mr. Young had already bestowed another layer of protection upon him, so he solemnly said, “Did everyone hear that? This opening of the palace greatly concerns the fate of our sect. There are dangers involved, so we must be serious and cautious.”

“We heard you, Senior Brother. Don’t worry, we will be careful.”

“Good, then it’s about time. Everyone, get ready.”

“Yes!” The two also cast spells to empower their magical artifacts, preparing to break into the underwater palace.

“Haha, I didn’t expect even Ethan Young to get involved. Is his relationship with the Sword-Hiding Palace really that close? He’s working so hard for them?” Beneath the crystal mirror, Eric Bennett sneered, already standing up.

“I heard there is some connection, but mainly, he probably doesn’t want turmoil in the immortal world! Didn’t he just explain that?” said Ms. Bennett.

“You mean what he said: ‘The underwater immortal palace is of great importance—it is the key to establishing a base for demon-slaying and leading the righteous path in the future!’ That sentence?” Eric Bennett thought for a moment and said.

“Yes!” Ms. Bennett smiled and said, “His calculations are not wrong, but he probably thinks the Sword-Hiding Palace is the only worthy candidate for this.”

“Another fool trying to impose his own views as the mandate for the world!” Eric Bennett said bluntly. “People like them always think this way, as if they are heaven’s chosen, and everyone else must follow their arrangements.”

As he spoke, he glanced at the crystal mirror. “Time is almost up. I’m going.”

“Fellow Daoist, please go slowly. Also, please show mercy—do not create an irreconcilable enmity with the Sword-Hiding Palace. After all, we are all people of the immortal path, sharing the same fate.”

“Haha, I know what I’m doing.” The radiance on Eric Bennett’s body surged, and in an instant, he turned into a beam of purple light, soaring into the sky, completely unaffected by the island’s restrictions.

“Master, why did you abandon me? Why must I become that person’s disciple?” Ethan Bennett came up from below the hall, saw her master, and couldn’t help but shed tears. “Did I make a mistake? Then please punish me, Master. I would rather endure a thousand bolts of lightning than become his disciple.”

“Foolish disciple, you and I have been master and disciple for three lifetimes—our bond is different from others. How could I harm you? Don’t look at Mr. Bennett as if he were a youth—he has already cultivated to the level of drawing down the heavenly dew from the Purple Mansion. His divine light is as bright as the sun and sky. In the future, his achievements will surpass mine. Being able to become his disciple is your good fortune. Why act like a worldly person?”

Ethan Bennett only wept in silence.

“Moreover, after I ascend, the sect’s lineage will be inherited by my eldest disciple. Although he is not an evil person, he bears a grudge against you from a past life and harbors resentment. With me here, he dares not act, but without me, he will be the sect leader. If he takes the opportunity to punish or kill you, will you resist or accept it?”

Hearing this, Ethan Bennett was shocked and turned pale. “Although my senior brother and I do not get along, it wouldn’t go that far, would it?”