Atop a verdant mountain, white clouds drifted lazily on the breeze. The scent of tea lingered in the air, weaving gently between two figures seated in quiet contemplation.0

Luo Chen and Nangong Jin faced one another across a simple stone table. Steam curled from their teacups, carrying the warmth of freshly brewed leaves. The silence between them was comfortable, almost serene, but the faint look of astonishment on Nangong Jin’s face betrayed the storm of thoughts in his mind.0

"You really succeeded?" he asked at last, the disbelief still clinging to his voice.0

There was a thread of incredulity in his tone.0

Luo Chen smiled faintly, as if the question amused him. He gently blew the steam from his tea and took a slow, unhurried sip.0

"Hah... Fellow Daoist, you can see it, how could it be fake?"0

Even as he spoke, a sudden wave of spirit consciousness burst from him, sharp and unrestrained.0

Nangong Jin's expression immediately turned serious. Without hesitation, he released his own spirit consciousness in response.0

In an instant, their soul forces collided, a brief but potent clash, and then, just as quickly, they both withdrew.0

Hmph! Nangong Jin let out a low grunt, his face paling for a heartbeat before steadying. His eyes, wide with surprise, locked onto Luo Chen.0

"Just stepping into Foundation Establishment, yet your divine soul foundation is this profound!"0

Luo Chen offered a polite, apologetic...0