Chapter 022: A Narrow Escape from Grave Error

"I—damn it!" Mu Tianhen cried out, cursing unexpectedly. His expression was tense, sweat breaking out on his forehead.

Both his hands clung tightly to the mountain vine, his heart racing so fast he could clearly hear its pounding. At that moment, the vine abruptly reached its end. Were it not for Mu Tianhen's quick reflexes, grabbing the tip, he would have lost all foothold and plunged downward.

The ground was still dozens of yards below. With his current cultivation, a fall would mean certain death, smashed to a bloody pulp.

But Mu Tianhen managed to seize the vine's end. Little White, however, was not so fortunate.

It slipped from his shoulder, plummeting straight down at terrifying speed.

"Little White!" Mu Tianhen cried out in alarm, but could only watch helplessly as the fox fell, an inexplicable pain stabbing his heart.

Yet to his astonishment, Little White's body slowed dramatically when it was still about ten feet above the treetops. As it reached the height of the branches, it floated down like a feather, landing softly and unharmed.

Mu Tianhen was both surprised and delighted, yet filled with questions.

Just then, Little White spoke, "Master, what are you still hanging up there for? Come down, let go."

Mu Tianhen hesitated; after all, it was a daunting height. But recalling Little White's descent, he felt there would be no danger.

He drew a long, deep breath to calm himself, then released his grip and dropped quickly downward.

Whoosh, whoosh—the wind roared past his ears, whipping his clothes and hair. He fell faster and faster. In only a few breaths, he was only several yards above the treetops. It was then that an inexplicable current of air surged upward, gently supporting his body as if with cotton, easing his fall.

Just like Little White, Mu Tianhen's descent slowed, finally settling him gently on the ground, unharmed.

He had never experienced such a thing; even the Infinite Heart Manual contained no record of it. Amazed, he pondered its mystery.

"Could this be a powerful formation not recorded in the Infinite Heart Manual?" Mu Tianhen wondered, then asked Little White, "Little White, what's going on here? What force is holding up the falling bodies?"

Little White leaped onto Mu Tianhen's shoulder, shook its head, and answered, "I don't know the exact reason. My parents told me about it and took me through it once."

"That was the last time; there will never be another chance."

Mu Tianhen turned to Little White, puzzled, "Why do you say that? Once we find your parents, won't you be able to do it again?"

"They..." Little White glanced down at the vast mountain plain before continuing, "Master, I'm sorry. I lied to you."

"My parents didn't simply go missing; they're no longer in this world. They left me forever. They were hurt after they left."

"I don't know who the enemy is. My parents told me not to seek revenge alone—I must find my master first."

"Find me?" Mu Tianhen grew even more confused. He lifted Little White down and placed it on the rocky ledge in front, asking, "Little White, did you know I would come?"

Little White shook its head, "I didn't know when you would arrive. My parents, before passing, told me to leave the valley and wait near the outskirts for my master."

"Luckily, I had only been out for less than a month before I found you. Otherwise, I would have been killed by the savage bull-monster and never avenged my parents."

Mu Tianhen asked, "Why wait for me? How did you know I was the one?"

Little White replied, "I don't know why I must wait for you, only that my parents said so. As for how I knew you were the one, it was through blood perception."

"When I met you, my blood told me the person I was waiting for had arrived. So I proactively formed a soul blood contract with you, and lied to bring you here."

Looking up, Little White gazed timidly at Mu Tianhen. "Master, do you... blame me?"

Mu Tianhen, regarding the adorable fox, felt it was no ordinary snow fox. Such intelligence must be inherited from its parents.

He reached out and stroked Little White's head, smiling, "I don't blame you. You haven't lied about everything. There must be spiritual herbs in this valley."

"Lots of spiritual herbs!" Little White hopped back onto Mu Tianhen's shoulder, pointing all around. "There are countless spiritual herbs here. I grew up eating them."

"But since my parents left, some areas have been claimed by powerful beasts. Getting those herbs is very difficult."

"Still, as long as master grows stronger, you can kill those beasts and obtain the herbs. So, master, you should focus on improving your cultivation first!"

As Little White spoke, it pointed toward the flatland below. "Master, let's go there first."

Mu Tianhen didn't ask why; he strode down the mountain. He had no doubt about Little White's guidance now. Perhaps something awaited him there.

So, carrying Little White, he quickly left the forest and entered the plain.

It was vast and perfectly flat, forming an irregular rectangle about a hundred miles long and fifty miles wide, covered in lush green grass, dotted with wildflowers, the air filled with a delightful fragrance.

Among the blooms, butterflies and bees danced, gathering nectar. Rabbits and other small creatures played among the grass, creating a peaceful scene.

Yet Mu Tianhen knew this serenity was only a facade; hidden dangers lurked everywhere, and the slightest misstep could mean death.

So, even with Little White leading, Mu Tianhen remained vigilant, expanding his senses and proceeding slowly, wary of any sudden attack from unknown beasts.

Fortunately, they didn't venture too far. After about ten miles, they stopped, standing in a circular clearing about thirty feet in diameter.

This place was peculiar; not a single plant grew, only yellow earth. At its center, a square area glimmered with runes—a small formation.

Little White jumped down from Mu Tianhen's shoulder and said, "Master, my parents told me I must bring you here first, so you may receive the baptism."

"Baptism?" Mu Tianhen looked ahead, confused. "Isn't this a formation? Shouldn't we break it? Why call it a baptism?"

"No, no!" Little White shook its head. "Master, my parents specifically said this is not a formation. You must never try to break it, or you'll die miserably."

"Ah?" Mu Tianhen hurriedly withdrew his senses from the formation records, realizing he had narrowly avoided disaster. He had found a similar formation and was about to attempt its unraveling.

Had Little White not spoken in time, he would have made a grave mistake. The formation he found was only somewhat similar, and with no better guidance, he was ready to try.

It was truly a close call!

But how exactly was one to receive the baptism? Was it enough to simply stand within? Or should one cultivate inside to improve the body's meridians?

Mu Tianhen turned to Little White, intent on hearing its explanation, determined not to act rashly.