“In matters of your past life, you have already forgotten, so I won’t say more. This karmic bond is very difficult to resolve, so do not harbor any wishful thinking. In short, as your cultivation progresses, you will naturally come to understand one day. For now, just follow my command and become a disciple under Eric Bennett. Remember, you must not be negligent toward him.”

“He possesses such cultivation? But I see that he smiles with a murderous air, his words are sharp and intense—he lacks the demeanor of a true cultivator!”

“Sigh, there is a saying in this world: only great heroes can remain true to themselves. Eric Bennett has already reached a realm beyond your idle speculation. Even I hold him in high regard. Moreover, he is a key figure in the future turning point of the immortal path. He has very few disciples and is never selfish with his teachings. By joining him, you will not only be able to learn profound Daoist arts, but also receive his protection. You must understand your master’s painstaking intentions.”

“In that case, I will obey your command, Master.” Though he said this, he still lowered his head.

“Sigh, our master-disciple bond spanning three lifetimes is about to end, and from now on, we will be separated by the divide between heaven and man. You must work hard on your own from here on, never slacken, and focus your mind and spirit. One day, we will meet again in the celestial realms above. Three days from now, I will perform the great ritual to seal the underground fire vein fissure. This is a deed of great merit, and you will participate as well, gaining much merit from it.” Ms. Bennett waved his hand: “That is all I have to say. You may leave now!”

Ethan Bennett saw that Ms. Bennett had closed his eyes and said no more, knowing his mind was made up. Not daring to disobey, he bowed and slowly withdrew.

After he left, Ms. Bennett opened his eyes again, a faint bitter smile on his face, and muttered to himself, “After cultivating for hundreds of years, it is truly not easy to abandon all emotions! Still, what Eric Bennett said is not wrong. For us cultivators, it all comes down to the word ‘one’—those who truly merge with the Dao are exceedingly rare.”

Sighing over the past, he pointed with his hand, and the crystal mirror shone brightly. On its surface, a streak of purple light was flying at a speed that even Ms. Bennett found astonishing, now already approaching that stretch of sea.

As soon as the purple light stopped, it came to a halt in midair at such high speed. Within the purple glow, the figure of Eric Bennett appeared. He turned his head, and happened to face Ms. Bennett, saying, “Fellow Daoist, I am going over now.”

Ms. Bennett let out a soft sigh. This action showed that he had already detected the method by which he was being observed, and had mastered its subtleties, which was why he could speak so directly to him.

At that moment, the purple light around Eric Bennett also made a slight adjustment.

Though the adjustment was subtle, in the eyes of an expert like Ms. Bennett, it was immediately clear that Eric Bennett had activated his sect’s shadow-concealing technique. In fact, the principles behind such shadow techniques are much the same, whether in Daoist or demonic sects—there are only a few core principles, but in practice, there are subtle differences.

As for Eric Bennett now, it was likely that aside from a very few people, no one could detect his presence if they were not actively looking for him. As for the image in his own crystal mirror remaining unchanged, that was even harder than complete silence and invisibility.

Ms. Bennett could not help but be impressed. Following his will, the crystal mirror split in two—one half still reflecting the events above the sea, the other half showing a stream of red fire.

Though it was within the crystal mirror, the underground magma, with its rolling motion, was still terrifying and awe-inspiring, its power palpable.

And above a fissure, golden light shone everywhere. The surging magma, though suppressed by the golden radiance, was still restless. At a glance, it was a sea of magma, making it clear that if it erupted, it would immediately bring disaster to the sea above.

“Sigh, in recent decades, the pressure has grown greater and greater. Even with the celestial artifact Tianjian Jade and my combined efforts, we can no longer suppress it. However, if Eric Bennett and the Nine Earth Magnetic Light Ruler can help, perhaps we can resolve this once and for all!” Ms. Bennett said as he watched.

In his heart, he had high hopes for Eric Bennett’s journey.

※※※

At that moment, just as Eric Bennett and Ms. Bennett finished speaking, a rumbling sound suddenly came from above the sea. As soon as the sound rang out, the sea immediately began to surge, the water spinning rapidly, and in no time, a whirlpool formed.

Everyone knew that the opening of the underwater immortal palace was at hand, and all watched intently.

The whirlpool spun larger and larger, and soon a massive vortex several miles wide appeared, plunging hundreds of meters deep below the surface and rising dozens of meters above it. The waves surged, spray flying to the sky, the momentum so great it was as if a mountain had risen from the sea.

At this moment, a dazzling burst of ten thousand silver rays shot out from the center of the whirlpool, which turned golden, like a great sun rising from the sea floor. On the water walls outside the center, countless starlights appeared, each emitting beams of different colors.

The underwater immortal palace had opened.

“Everyone, the Sword-Hiding Palace is here. Please step aside!” William Thompson shouted with immortal magic.

But suddenly, more than a dozen streaks of various lights appeared in the sky, most ignoring his shout, and with a series of piercing sounds, they plunged straight into the whirlpool and disappeared into the depths, vanishing from sight.

William Thompson was both shocked and angry. He immediately raised his hand, and a bolt of thunderfire containing hundreds of thunderbolts shot toward a passing red streak of light. There was a double crash, and the red light wavered, its speed immediately slowing.