The Crimson Veil Sect burned.
Screams echoed across the inner courtyard as flames crackled through forbidden chambers and silk-draped halls. Yuefeng moved like a phantom, cutting down corrupted disciples and shattering spirit seals. His sword—an unassuming iron blade until now—gleamed with celestial energy.
> [System Alert: Host Combat Rating Increased]
Title Upgraded: Mid-Tier Threat (Recognized by Local Factions)
New Reputation: "The Celestial Rebel"
Cultivation: Qi Condensation (Peak) – Locked until breakthrough event.
Behind him, Lin Xue covered his rear, eyes burning with fury. Her frost aura pulsed in rhythm with his attacks, their qi dancing in perfect sync.
It wasn't just chemistry. It was connection—forged through trust, sharpened by battle, and bonded by the system.
> [System Cashback Triggered]
Bonded Disciple used Shared Battle Formation
Host Gains:
+25% EXP
Skill Fragment Acquired: Frostbite Lotus Palm (1/3)
They were getting stronger together—faster than any sect elder could predict.
A sudden spiritual quake surged across the skies as Elder Yao Lian re-emerged, burned but raging, cloaked in a crimson demonic aura.
"You dare defile the sacred inner sanctum?" she hissed. "You'll regret it!"
Yuefeng raised a brow. "You abduct virgins, feed them poison, and steal their yin essence for false breakthroughs. I'm just cleaning house."
The elder snarled, summoning a spectral whip of blood qi. It lashed toward Lin Xue, but Yuefeng grabbed her waist, pulling her behind him as his own qi exploded outward.
> [Dual Cultivation Link: Temporary Boost Activated]
Shared Defense Form: Celestial Shield
+500% Resistance for 10 seconds
The whip shattered against an invisible barrier, sparks flying.
Lin Xue looked up, breathless. "Master…"
His hand lingered around her waist just a second longer than needed.
"Stay close," he whispered. "And when I tell you to run… don't."
Then he turned, eyes glowing with divine clarity.
Lightning met blood. Frost danced with fire. In a flurry of destruction, the corrupted elder's domain cracked and crumbled. At the final moment, Yuefeng condensed all his remaining qi and struck.
> [System Notification: Host has slain Cultivator Yao Lian (Nascent Soul Realm)]
Rewards:
– 4x Qi Condensation Pills
– Forbidden Cultivation Technique (Cursed)
– Yin Core Fragment
– Hidden Map: Celestial Ruins
The sect collapsed around them, its spirit veins consumed in one final explosion.
They escaped just before dawn, bodies bruised but hearts steady. From a hilltop, they looked down as the Crimson Veil Sect—once feared—was reduced to ash.
Lin Xue leaned against him. "Did we just… take down a whole sect?"
"You did well," Yuefeng said, offering her a light smirk.
She blushed. "Thanks to you. I want to… keep getting stronger. For you."
The system chimed again.
> [System Notice: Bond Level Increased – Loyalty: 72% | Affection: 41%]
Perk Unlocked: Qi Sharing - Passive Regeneration while in Physical Contact
He looked at her for a long second.
"Then we'll keep moving. There's a new path opening."
In the distance, the sky shimmered—clouds parting to reveal a floating ruin outlined in gold and azure.
> [Quest Triggered: Journey to the Celestial Ruins]
Access Condition: Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment
Reward: Ancient Technique – Heaven's Dual Core
A new world was waiting.