The Blazing Mountains spanned an immense territory, yet they were nothing but volcanic peaks and yawning fissures, occasionally disturbed by the tread of human feet.

At the foot of one such peak, two robed cultivators moved slowly across the sandstone ground. The oppressive heat baked them, eliciting streams of sweat and constant grumbling.

“Let’s find somewhere to rest, blast it, this godforsaken place is too hot! Even my water-element barrier can’t ward off the heat anymore! If we don’t stop soon, I’m going to get fire poison.”

“Let’s just push past this peak and then rest. It’s cooler in the shadow on the other side. We’ll make camp there tonight.”

These two were Qi Refining stage disciples from the Crimson Cloud Sect in the Land of Chaos: Hou Qianji and Tie Dadan. They were currently on patrol, roaming the Blazing Mountains to prevent cultivators from other sects in the Land of Chaos from entering.

The cultivator leading the way was surnamed Hou; his given name was Hou Xiao’er, though he later changed it to Hou Qianji because he found the original name unseemly. He was somewhat gaunt, with sunken cheeks, and his eyes occasionally darted about, giving him a shifty, cunning air.

However, he never saw himself that way. He always believed he possessed great intelligence and strategy, the stuff of great deeds. If he didn't go out and accomplish something significant, all his wits would be wasted.

He had originally been an itinerant cultivator from a minor kingdom in the Spirit Mist Immortal Realm. He married into a mid-tier immortal cultivation family in that kingdom, plotting to usurp the patriarch’s position to fulfill his ambition. Unfortunately, the patriarch caught wind of his scheme, and he was hunted by the family’s disciples for several years.

Eventually, he fled in disarray to the Land of Chaos, where he was taken in by the Crimson Cloud Sect, finally finding stability.

That was fine by him; he didn't even think much of a mere mid-tier immortal cultivation family. It was that family’s loss for not letting him become the patriarch; he could thrive elsewhere.

The Crimson Cloud Sect was much better. It had a Nascent Soul cultivator as a powerful backer, along with dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators. It had potential. After joining, Hou Qianji immediately started scheming how to gain an audience with the Crimson Cloud Ancestor to secure a chance to display his grand vision.

Alas, the Immortal Realm was too cruel, too pragmatic. Everything was based on cultivation level to determine status, and the Crimson Cloud Sect was no exception. They paid no heed to his shrewdness. With only a seventh-layer Qi Refining cultivation, no matter how cunning he was, he held little position within the sect. He had been a disciple for several years, yet he hadn't even seen the Crimson Cloud Ancestor’s face, let alone begun to realize his ambitions.

What angered Hou Qianji most was that higher-ups in the Crimson Cloud Sect, jealous of his talent, had assigned him to grunt work like patrolling. This job yielded no benefits and wasted time that could be spent cultivating. Only the lowest-ranking disciples were sent to do such tasks.

The other man patrolling with Hou Qianji was a dark and burly fellow surnamed Tie—Tie Dadan. He was aggressive, crude, and at the sixth layer of Qi Refining, his cultivation was even lower than Hou Qianji’s, meaning his status was consequently lower as well.

Tie Dadan lived up to his name in every reckless act. He rarely thought things through and was bloodthirsty; he had killed at least ten Qi Refining cultivators. Over ten years ago, he killed a family’s cultivator while coveting their wealth, only to discover that the victim had deep connections. Consequently, he was hunted and forced to flee to the Land of Chaos for protection.

Although the Spirit Mist Cultivation World was vast, only the Land of Chaos was suitable for cultivators like them who had committed offenses.

“I really don’t understand why we have to patrol this godforsaken place. We never see a single shadow, yet we nearly roast alive every time.” Tie Dadan looked up toward the peak, still several miles away, grumbling aloud. As a sixth-layer Qi Refining cultivator, walking hundreds of miles across the scorching surface of the Blazing Mountains was starting to wear him down.

“Stop the nonsense. These Blazing Mountains are Crimson Cloud territory. Whether someone shows up or not, we patrol. How else will other cultivators know this is our domain?” Hou Qianji retorted sharply.

“Come on, what’s so great about these Blazing Mountains? If we gave them away for free, other sects probably wouldn't even want them. Even our own Crimson Cloud disciples rarely come to this hellhole, let alone outsiders. I say we just find a spot to rest, report back to the sect in a few days, and save ourselves the agony.”

“What if some cultivators from another sect actually show up?”

“The sects in the Land of Chaos are all focused on that fat prize, the Spirit Mist Cultivation World. Who has the time to fight us for these Blazing Mountains? Only the lowest-ranked cultivators like us are left here guarding the door. Even the Ancestor has left for the Spirit Mist Cultivation World; why are we wasting our energy mountain-watching?”

As the two were arguing, a flash of golden light suddenly appeared in the sky, hovering momentarily before descending upon the mountain peak.

Hou Qianji and Tie Dadan froze.

What was that light? A heavenly treasure? Or had a cultivator arrived? Discovering a deviation during their tedious patrol, their spirits lifted, and they swiftly rushed toward the summit.

On the peak stood a cultivator in green robes, holding a golden sword artifact.

This was Ye Qin, who had just arrived at the Blazing Mountains.

He retracted his golden sword and started walking down the mountain, wondering where to begin hunting for demonic beasts when he sensed movement approaching rapidly from below. Looking down, he saw the two figures, Hou Qianji and Tie Dadan, sprinting up from the base of the mountain.

“This junior pays his respects to the senior! We apologize for not greeting you properly upon your arrival at the Crimson Cloud Sect’s Blazing Mountains!”

Seeing Ye Qin, Hou Qianji’s heart skipped a beat. He forced himself forward, cupped his hands in a bow, not daring to show the slightest disrespect. He was uneasy; Foundation Establishment cultivators usually flew right over and never stopped here. Why had this Foundation Establishment cultivator suddenly halted in the Blazing Mountains?

“You are from the Crimson Cloud Sect?” Ye Qin glanced at the markers on their robes and spoke plainly. He had met the Crimson Cloud Ancestor and several other disciples before; their attire bore the same sect markings. He held neither affection nor distaste for the sect, but Ye Qin was slightly surprised that the Blazing Mountains belonged to them. Ye Qin swept his divine sense over the surrounding few miles and, confirming only these two Qi Refining disciples were present, relaxed.

“Your junior and this one are patrolling disciples of the Sect. These Blazing Mountains are our Crimson Cloud Sect’s territory, and we are currently on duty. Senior, this must be your first time in the Blazing Mountains!”

“Oh? How can you tell?”

“Only newcomers to this place would be curious about the bizarre scenery. Regular visitors know how scorching hot it is here and wouldn't linger. Senior, you seem to be in a hurry; are you specifically here for the Blazing Mountains, or are you just passing through and taking a brief rest before heading to the Land of Chaos?”

“What’s the difference?”

“There is a difference, Senior. If you came here deliberately, you must have a purpose. Your junior is familiar with the local conditions and is willing to offer what little service I can. If you wish to go to the Land of Chaos, I can guide the way. Ah… I wonder if Senior would consider joining the Crimson Cloud Sect and becoming one of our cultivators?”

Hou Qianji’s eyes darted shrewdly. He saw that Ye Qin had clearly been in a fight recently, as he hadn't even bothered to change his somewhat tattered robes. In his view, Ye Qin looked like someone who had been chased and was now fleeing here for refuge—just like his own experience fleeing to the Land of Chaos. Out of sympathy, he naturally saw Ye Qin as someone just like himself.

The Land of Chaos had a fearsome reputation, housing many wicked cultivators; ordinary cultivators never dared venture here. Those who came to the Land of Chaos were all forced to flee because they couldn't survive in the Spirit Mist, Sky Dome Plain, or Ten Thousand Moon Lake cultivation worlds. If he, Hou Qianji, could bring Ye Qin into the Crimson Cloud Sect, it would be a major contribution, earning him significant benefits.

It was with this thought that Hou Qianji began to eagerly flatter him.

Ye Qin was slightly amused that this Crimson Cloud disciple was trying to recruit him so soon after meeting. As he walked down the mountain, he casually asked, “Just how strong is the Crimson Cloud Sect that it’s worth my joining?”

“The Crimson Cloud Sect has one Golden Core Ancestor, over twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators, and three to four hundred Qi Refining disciples. In the Land of Chaos, we are considered quite a powerful sect. Especially a cultivator of your strength, Senior, you would certainly be highly valued.”

Hou Qianji subtly massaged Ye Qin’s ego.

“You reveal your sect’s strength so casually to a stranger. Aren't you afraid your Sect Master will punish you?”

“Heh, Senior mocks me. If you held a grudge against the Crimson Cloud Sect, you would have killed me the moment you saw me; I wouldn't have been able to escape. Since you didn't act, it means you have no feud with us, so speaking this makes no difference. Besides, this isn't a secret; our sect’s strength is easily ascertained in the Land of Chaos. If you were to join us, Senior, you could at least serve as a Guardian Elder. If this junior were fortunate enough to secure a minor post under your esteemed command, you would feast, and at the very least, I could slurp some broth.”

Hou Qianji spoke rapidly while observing Ye Qin’s expression. Seeing that Ye Qin’s face remained impassive, showing neither surprise nor joy, he felt reassured. This at least meant the senior cultivator before him had no prior enmity with the Crimson Cloud Sect, and he wouldn't have to worry about his own misfortune.

Ye Qin nodded calmly. “Where is your Crimson Cloud Sect’s headquarters? How many of you are stationed in the Blazing Mountains?”

Hou Qianji was delighted and quickly replied, “The main altar is quite far, several thousand miles straight north, beyond the Blazing Mountains. Normally, only a small contingent of patrolling disciples is stationed in the Blazing Mountains. Senior, are you planning to go to the Crimson Cloud Sect headquarters? This junior can guide you.”

Ye Qin smiled faintly. “No, I have some business here in the Blazing Mountains. Since you are patrolling disciples, the local ‘snakes,’ you must be very familiar with every blade of grass and tree here, right? Do me a small favor—do you know where I can find demonic beasts nearby?”

Ye Qin’s request made Hou Qianji pause visibly. Although he was puzzled, he decided to guide Ye Qin in searching for demonic beasts in the Blazing Mountains. Having an opportunity to curry favor with a Foundation Establishment senior was not something that happened every day.

“Uh, there are quite a few demonic beasts lurking in the Blazing Mountains. I wonder what kind of beast Senior is looking for?”

“Anything. As long as it’s a fire-elemental beast will do.” (To be continued. For future developments, please log in to m for more chapters, support the author, and support genuine reading!)