42: Chapter 42: Surveillance from Hong Fu!

"Revered Master, this Disciple failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive me."

As soon as Zhao Changsheng received the sound transmission talisman, although he was somewhat surprised, he still opened the Restrictions of his Immortal Cave at the fastest speed and went out to welcome her.

"It's nothing!"

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Hong Fu's expression was indifferent as she shook her head, not caring in the slightest.

"Thank you, Revered Master. Please come in."

Having said that, Zhao Changsheng ushered Hong Fu into the main hall of his Immortal Cave.

He personally poured a cup of tea and handed it to Hong Fu.

Hong Fu did not stand on ceremony. After taking it, she merely took a small sip and placed it on the table beside her.

Then, she looked at Zhao Changsheng before her with a gaze tinged with profound meaning.

Seeing this gave Zhao Changsheng a rather creepy feeling. He immediately put on a respectful expression and pressed for an answer:

"Revered Master, is there something you wish to instruct this Disciple to do?"

However, he already had a vague guess in his heart; he just didn't know if his guess was correct.

"I heard from the Sect Head, your martial nephew, that you intend to study Formations. Are you aware that you possess a Heavenly Spiritual Root? Cultivation is your most crucial matter. As for these Formations, after you achieve Core Formation, you will naturally have ample time to study them."

Hong Fu stated the reason for her visit in an utterly calm tone.

"You must understand, although a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator has a lifespan of around two hundred years, even a Heavenly Spiritual Root Cultivator like you cannot waste a great deal of time on other matters, lest it delays your cultivation. You must know, the earlier you condense your Golden Core, the greater the benefits for your future Nascent Soul condensation, and the more time you will have. If you can successfully condense your Golden Core before the age of one hundred, then the probability of advancing to the Nascent Soul Stage in the future, if not tenfold, is at least more than half. This is of paramount importance both for the entire Sect and for yourself. Remember not to let these matters hinder your own cultivation, lest you regret it for the rest of your life!"

At this point, a somewhat complex, reminiscent look suddenly surfaced on Hong Fu's face, which was a bit puzzling to see. However, regarding what Hong Fu said, Zhao Changsheng could only nod and choose to agree.

"This Disciple obeys your command. Thank you, Revered Master, for coming to remind me. This Disciple will give up studying Formations from now on."

"There's no need to abandon it completely. After you achieve Core Formation, you will naturally have ample time to learn. It's just that for now, cultivation should be your primary focus, as it is the most crucial matter. As for other things, there is no need to do them at all. If you have any needs, feel free to speak up. Whether it's me, your Revered Master, or the Sect, we will do our utmost to help you."

As soon as Hong Fu finished speaking, her gaze became somewhat sharp, giving Zhao Changsheng a feeling of being seen through.

This feeling truly made Zhao Changsheng uneasy, but on the surface, he still nodded without changing his expression, agreeing once again.

"This Disciple obeys. Thank you, Revered Master, and thank you, Sect."

Although he said so, regarding the matter of the Teleportation Array, he dared not reveal the slightest bit, lest any accidents occur.

Although he possessed the Aptitude of a Heavenly Spiritual Root, the matter of the Teleportation Array was of great importance. He truly did not wish to share it with others, nor did he wish anyone else to know about it.

"It's good that you understand. So, do you have any matters requiring help from the Sect, or from me, your Revered Master?"

Upon hearing Hong Fu say this, the unease in Zhao Changsheng's heart grew even more severe. Yet, his expression remained unchanged, showing a bit of respect and also a bit of gratitude as he said:

"This Disciple currently has no matters that would trouble the School or Revered Master."

"Then, in the time to come, Cultivate diligently within your Immortal Cave and do not venture out casually again. As for other matters, there is no need to worry either; just leave them to the Sect."

Hong Fu reminded him once again, and to her words, Zhao Changsheng naturally expressed his thanks once more, essentially saying nothing at all.

Seeing that she couldn't extract any information, Hong Fu could only choose to say no more, rising directly to leave.

Seeing this, while Zhao Changsheng felt a sense of relief in his heart, he also personally saw her off.

However, he understood in his heart that Hong Fu had probably already guessed something. As long as he didn't speak, there would be no problem. After all, he was a Heavenly Spiritual Root. As long as he didn't violate any fundamental principles—

Such as betraying the Sect—otherwise, there would be no issue.

Moreover, he wasn't betraying the Sect, so there was even less need to worry.

But during this period, he could not leave his Immortal Cave again. Even if he did leave, he would have to leave quietly from the First Immortal Cave.

Fortunately, there was this First Immortal Cave; otherwise, wanting to leave unnoticed would probably be an impossible task.

Thinking of this, he relaxed a little, and the pressure in his heart lessened considerably.

But as for the matter of repairing the Teleportation Array Formation, it was basically out of the question.

At most, he could just study the Formation manuals he had already obtained a few more times to gain some understanding.

Still, he could gain some understanding, so it wouldn't be a complete waste, and the time delayed would also be much less.

Therefore, Zhao Changsheng simply entered a cultivation state, striving to reach the Late Stage Foundation Establishment Great Perfection as soon as possible, and then charge towards the Core Formation Stage.

Anyway, he had no Bottlenecks. As long as things went smoothly without any major accidents, he could break through successfully.

But he just didn't know how much time it would require. Although his cultivation speed was fast enough and he still had no Bottlenecks, the time required would certainly not be insignificant... Unbeknownst to him, after leaving his Immortal Cave, Hong Fu did not return to her own cave. Instead, she went to the Council Hall where the Sect Head resided.

Facing Hong Fu, the Sect's number one Core Formation Stage Cultivator, the Sect Head was extremely respectful.

"May I ask, Senior Martial Uncle, what instructions do you have for this visit?"

The Sect Head personally poured a cup of tea for Hong Fu and inquired about her instructions.

"Changsheng has already agreed to stop studying the Dao of Formations and will focus on cultivation. But to prevent him from quietly leaving the Sect and encountering danger, I need you to arrange for one or two Disciples to open Immortal Caves near his, or assign Disciples to protect his Immortal Cave."

Hong Fu did not drink the tea. Instead, she stated the purpose of her visit, which, to put it bluntly, was to have people monitor Zhao Changsheng.

This surveillance wasn't covert; it was blatant surveillance, though of course, it could be called 'protection' to put it nicely!

"This? I'm afraid it might be somewhat difficult. Mainly because the place where Junior Brother opened his Immortal Cave is, firstly, too remote, and secondly, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi is relatively thin. No Disciples are willing to open Immortal Caves there. Back then, I advised Junior Brother to simply Cultivate in one of the Sect's existing caves with abundant Spiritual Qi, but he disagreed, insisting on choosing that remote place, saying he didn't want to be disturbed by others. Therefore, if we do this, I'm afraid it might annoy Junior Brother, potentially backfiring."

The Sect Head showed a troubled expression and explained the reason.