"The secret hidden in the heart is like darkness concealed in the night, waiting for dawn to break, inevitably revealing itself."Five camel-horses continued their steady climb up the mountain, eventually reaching the halfway point. Two figures awaited their arrival, appearing as though they had been there for some time.

　　The foremost figure, donned in a gray cloak, boasted gray-white hair, a lean and rugged physique, and a snowy white beard cascading down his chest, emanating an aura of wisdom and dignity.

　　Following closely behind, the second figure, also sporting white hair and beard, displayed robust muscles, a scar cutting across his left eye, and was garbed in a matching gray cloak.

　　Upon spotting Gong Kong bound to the camel-horse, the venerable old man exuded an air of wisdom and grace, expressing his discontent, "Master Tianyou instructed you to escort the Third Young Master here, not to restrain and deliver him."

　　Gong Kong was freed, his eyes uncovered and the gag removed, yet his hands remained tied.

　　At that moment, Gong Kong's awareness shifted from the eagle back to his physical self. Glancing back at the four individuals who had accompanied him up the mountain, he noticed their now concealed expressions.As he stood there, his thoughts seethed with indignation, "Even with your faces hidden, I know one of you is the traitor, the one I've always respected as Pops!"

　　"Forgive the lack of manners, Third Young Master. I go by the name Xuan Jizi, and this is Xue Jizi," the old man indicated the scar-faced man standing behind him.

　　"Welcome to the Celestial Valley of the Summit nestled in the Misty Mountain Range. Acting on the orders of the Grand Mage Divine Forsaken Clan, we extend a warm invitation to the Third Young Master to grace our Divine Forsaken with his presence."

　　"The Divine Forsaken Clan ?" Gong Kong sought clarification.

　　"It's what your GongYou Clan refers to as the 'Divine Forsaken Clan' or the 'Wizard Clan.'"Before, Gong Kong had learned of the Divine Forsaken Clan's history from the GongYou Clan. Originating from the GongYou Clan, the Divine Forsaken Clan had turned away from venerating the celestial gods of the Yellow Clan. As a result, they found themselves abandoned by both their celestial deities and their own kin, compelling them to seek solace in the mountains, thus earning them the moniker of the "Divine Forsaken Clan."

　　"Third Young Master, please come this way!"

　　May I... not follow you?"Xuan Jizi led the way, then abruptly turned, his eyes ablaze as they locked onto Gong Kong. Despite his reluctance to proceed, Gong Kong found himself compelled to move forward after Xuan Jizi's piercing gaze.

　　"By the heavens, these Divine Forsaken Clan members truly wield magic!" Gong Kong, shaken to his core, reluctantly followed Xuanjizi up the mountainside. Xue Jizi shadowed closely, ensuring no escape.

　　The path ahead consisted solely of steps, necessitating a slow ascent on foot.

　　"Listen here, old man. The GongYou Clan and the Divine Forsaken Clan have never crossed paths, maintaining our own peace. So why drag me here now? What's your angle?" Gong Kong grumbled, a battle of wills raging within him. Despite his inner resistance, an unseen force seemed to tug him forward."Once you come face to face with our Divine Forsaken Master, everything will fall into place," Xuan Jizi remarked, a tinge of surprise coloring his expression as he realized his spells hadn't entirely subdued Gong Kong. Keeping his lips sealed, he chose not to reveal any further details.

　　As they reached the foot of the steps, a cavern entrance suddenly loomed before them, embellished with characters proclaiming " Celestial Valley ."

　　Stepping inside, they were greeted by a vast expanse housing a grand hall dominated by an imposing statue.

　　Gong Kong studied it intently, recognizing it as a representation of the celestial gods of the Yellow Clan. The table before the statue was adorned with a plethora of offerings, from flowers to fruits.

　　"They were meant to have forsaken their devotion to the celestial gods of the Yellow Clan. Why does reality contradict this narrative?" Gong Kong pondered silently.

　　Delving deeper into the cave, they stumbled upon numerous caves of varying sizes, passing by several members of the Divine Forsaken Clan along the way. These cave-dwellers would pause their tasks upon spotting Xuan Jizi, bowing respectfully in his presence.

　　Observing each member of the Divine Forsaken Clan closely, Gong Kong reflected inwardly, "So the Divine Forsaken Clan has been dwelling here all this time. Once rumored as outcasts with mystical abilities, spurned by the celestial gods. Yet now, they exude warmth and kindness, appearing as nothing more than ordinary folk."Xuan Jizi approached the unassuming cave entrance, pausing before it, ready to knock.

　　A voice from inside, that of an elderly woman, called out, "No need for knocking, come on in." Xuan Jizi pushed the door open, with Gong Kong trailing closely behind.

　　Inside the cave, simplicity reigned, with only the essentials present and no hint of luxury. Seated on a bamboo chair, legs crossed, was a blind elderly woman cloaked in white. Her pallid complexion mirrored the cloak, giving her an ethereal and fragile appearance.

　　"Could this be the 'Divine Forsaken Master' Xuan Jizi mentioned?" Gong Kong pondered silently.

　　Upon entry, Xuan Jizi bowed to the elderly woman, "Master, the guests have arrived."

　　"Understood. Young man, please take a seat," the elderly woman replied.

　　She then "looked" towards Xuan Jizi and Gong Kong, as if conveying a message. However, Gong Kong heard nothing, finding it odd, and wondered, "Could they be communicating silently?"

　　After a brief interaction, Xuan Jizi and Gong Kong nodded, left the cave, and closed the door behind them.

　　"Well, since you're here, might as well see what unfolds. Let's discover the tricks up your sleeves. Planning to make a meal out of me?" Gong Kong mused to himself. With a change in demeanor, he shed his previous gloom, revealing a trademark grin, and casually settled onto the nearby bamboo chair.The elderly woman sat poised on the bamboo chair, her words flowing gently, "You're our honored guest, and the way they treated you was just plain rude."

　　With her last syllable hanging in the air, the ropes binding Gong Kong's hands mysteriously snapped, leaving him, with his previously sullen expression, dumbfounded, his eyes wide in disbelief.

　　"What on earth is happening here? Have we stumbled upon a ghost?" Gong Kong couldn't fathom why the ropes had suddenly given way.

　　Across from him, the elderly woman remained composed, not lifting a finger. Yet, Gong Kong had a fleeting sensation that a breeze had swept by, as if an unseen presence stood before him, though his eyes failed to perceive it.

　　"If it weren't for my age and frail health, preventing me from venturing far, I would have personally gone to the forest's edge to welcome you to our Divine Forsaken Clan," the elderly woman remarked, her words punctuated by a series of hearty coughs, as she gently tapped her chest."Hey there, old lady, what's the deal with tying me up like this? Are you trying to rope me into becoming your son-in-law? Sorry to break it to you, but I'm already taken," Gong Kong managed to mask his surprise, throwing out a playful grin as he spoke.

　　His aim in these words was simply to stall for time. While keeping up the banter, he slyly scoped out the cave's contents from the corner of his eye, on the lookout for anything he could use as a weapon, plotting to snatch the old lady and make a break for it.

　　Despite her blindness, the elderly woman seemed to see right through him.

　　"Young Master, no need to think about escaping or kidnapping me. We brought you here as an honored guest, with no hostile intentions. It was a misunderstanding among my people that led to your being tied up, and for that, we apologize," she clarified.

　　Gong Kong's inner musings were laid bare, leaving him a tad sheepish. "Ma'am, I, I never had any such thoughts. And besides, you're not exactly a beauty for me to be kidnapping."

　　"This... this is just too overwhelming for me,"," Gong Kong gasped, caught off guard once again. Sure, he usually puts on this tough-guy act, but he's got a soft spot for respecting elders. And seeing this elderly woman, well, it hits differently – she's about to kneel down to him, a mere youngster. So, he rushes over, helping her settle into a bamboo chair, trying to keep his cool.

　　With his forehead now exposed, a thin scar stands out. Since birth, he's been hiding it under that yellow headscarf. And his secret? Only a handful within the GongYou Clan know about it.

　　Meanwhile, the old lady's eyes are brimming with tears, her voice trembling as she delves into the tale of human history and the roots of the Divine Forsaken Clan.

　　Turns out, those folks from the Divine Forsaken Clan used to be servants within the GongYou Clan, tasked with serving the celestial gods of the Yellow Clan.In the ancient days of yore, the human race was forged by the celestial gods of the Yellow and Black Clans. But in their creation, these gods were bound by a sacred code, a cosmic agreement known as the "Laws of Creation." These laws dictated the bounds of power, the limits of life, and every facet of the beings they crafted.

　　Yet, the leaders of the Yellow and Black Clans couldn't bear to see their masterpieces, the humans, burdened with imperfections. Thus, in a clandestine act during creation, they discreetly implanted a key within the minds of humanity. This key, if discovered and wielded through diligent cultivation, would unlock a hidden door, granting humans abilities reserved solely for the celestial gods.

　　Many ages later, as tensions among the celestial pantheon mounted and the specter of the "War of the Gods" loomed, the leader of the Yellow Clan foresaw his own downfall. In a bid to empower the human servants around him, he clandestinely imparted the knowledge to unlock the key.

　　To provide these chosen humans a sanctuary for their cultivation without raising suspicion, the Yellow Clan leader, feigning offense at their perceived disrespect, banished them from the GongYou Clan.

　　Thus began the tale of the Divine Forsaken Clan, although they chose to name themselves the Divine Blessed Clan.After a long journey, the Divine Blessed Clan finally found solace in the misty Mountain Range, where they secluded themselves in the caves atop the peaks to delve into their spiritual practices.

　　The War of the Gods raged on for countless years, and in a pivotal moment of the conflict, the leader of the Divine Blessed Clan, Divine Son, along with Xuan Jizi, clandestinely sought an audience with the Yellow Clan's leader, hoping to join the fray and pledge their allegiance to the celestial gods of the Yellow Clan.

　　As the elderly woman recounted this moment, her emotions stirred within her. "The mighty leader of the Yellow Clan personally received me," she exclaimed, her voice quivering with intensity. "He spoke to me, saying, 'The future is written; my defeat and demise are certain. Your efforts in cultivation will be futile, and participating in the battle will be in vain. Why subject more lives to needless suffering?'"

　　Continuing, she recounted the leader's words, "My demise holds no weight. I have a son, born of my union with a mortal woman. I have entrusted him to the care of the GongYou Clan. When he reaches maturity, I implore you to lend him your support. With this, I can find peace in my passing."

　　As she spoke, the elderly woman trembled uncontrollably, her emotions overflowing. "The memories of those times are etched vividly in my mind, but alas, the world has shifted beyond recognition."

　　Having absorbed the elderly woman's tale, Gong Kong found himself overcome with tears, his thoughts drifting back to days long past.