The sword cultivator's performance received the recognition of Master Li. After observing for a while, he left with peace of mind. He didn't want to stay there indefinitely, as his expertise wasn't in the Fire of Five Elements, but the Southeast Daoist path was like a chess game, and he had no choice being under its roof.
Hou Niao completed his duties well, and in just a few days gained the approval of the other nine cultivators, gradually easing their vigilance towards him. They did this with every newcomer, not out of concern for ulterior motives but to prevent anyone from acting recklessly. In the Cultivation World, there's no shortage of those who think too highly of themselves.
Having familiarized himself with his position and function within the array, Hou Niao quickly focused his attention on observing and understanding the Fire Spirit Pearl beneath the molten lava. He had experience with the other four pearls, making him quite adept at what lay before him.
