Morning light poured over the Immortal Grave peaks.
Mist rolled through the pine forests, and within the Lingxiao Sect, two figures stepped out from the radiant golden doors of the Technique Pavilion.
Zhao Han and Luo Xueyao.
Both wore expressions of disbelief mixed with joy.
They had each found their destined arts.
Zhao Han's face was glowing with triumph — no, glowing with divine arrogance. His eyes seemed to burn with golden light, and faint dragon-like qi flowed around his body.
In one night, he had not only broken the seal that kept his spiritual veins closed, but directly pierced through the Core Formation Realm, the Golden Core Realm, and entered the Spirit Sea Realm.
It was as if the heavens themselves had remembered their mistake and hurried to make up for it.
Luo Xueyao, standing beside him, was no less shaken. Though she did not possess a special physique, she had somehow comprehended the Six Divine Scripture, one of the strongest cultivation arts among the heavens.
Even now, her qi was like a quiet ocean — deep, fluid, and immensely vast.
The wind blew softly. Zhao Han clenched his fists and felt the power flowing through him. It was intoxicating.
He waved his hand lightly, and the surrounding spiritual energy instantly surged, forming rippling shockwaves that scattered nearby clouds.
"Junior Sister!" he called out, his voice filled with unrestrained pride. "This Senior Brother has succeeded!"
Luo Xueyao turned toward him, her eyes widening. "Senior Brother, you… you opened your spiritual veins?"
Her voice trembled slightly. She could feel it clearly — Zhao Han's aura had become as vast as the sea.
"You're already in the Spirit Sea Realm…"
Her words trailed off in disbelief.
Yesterday, he had no spiritual veins. Today, he had already surpassed most of the Southern Wasteland's so-called geniuses.
This is the Fighting Saint Body?
She swallowed, her heart filled with awe and just a trace of helplessness. It's too unreasonable!
She had entered the Spirit Sea Realm at seventeen, ranking among the top prodigies of Qing Province — her name even appeared on the Tianjiao List.
But now her Senior Brother, who had been a walking joke just yesterday, had caught up in a single night.
"Hehe."
Zhao Han chuckled, his voice full of smug satisfaction. "Junior Sister, now do you believe what I said yesterday?"
He placed his hands behind his back, chin raised. "This Senior Brother wasn't joking — the heavens themselves have acknowledged me!"
He paused for effect, then nodded solemnly. "Indeed, destiny cannot be denied. I, Zhao Han, am the future Emperor!"
Luo Xueyao looked at him blankly for a moment, then sighed. "…Congratulations, Senior Brother."
Her tone was polite, but inside she was screaming.
Why does he act like he's already reached the Grand Heavens Realm?!
Still, she couldn't deny it — he had changed. His every movement carried an indescribable pressure, the kind that could only come from a heaven-defying physique.
"Junior Sister," Zhao Han said with self-importance, "you must've also gained a peerless technique. Tell me, what did you comprehend?"
Luo Xueyao nodded. "It's called the Six Divine Scripture."
"Oh?" Zhao Han stroked his chin. "Not bad. You're worthy of being my Junior Sister. I, Senior Brother Zhao, am very optimistic about your future!"
"…Senior Brother, please be serious."
"Seriousness," Zhao Han said sagely, "is for those without strength."
"…"
Before Luo Xueyao could respond, a majestic voice resonated through the mountains, calm yet impossible to ignore.
"Zhao Han, Xueyao — come to the Main Hall."
Both froze for a moment, then quickly composed themselves.
"Yes, Sect Master!" they said in unison.
When they arrived, the atmosphere inside the Lingxiao Main Hall was solemn.
Qin Wucheng sat on the main seat, dressed in white robes, hands clasped on the armrest. His expression was calm, but his eyes held a faint gleam — the kind that saw through everything.
Beside him stood Luo Jingtao, the King of Grand Xu, who had stayed overnight after pledging allegiance to the sect.
"Zhao Han, Luo Xueyao," Qin Wucheng said lightly, "I assume you've both gained enlightenment from the Technique Pavilion."
The two disciples bowed deeply. "Yes, Sect Master."
He nodded, glancing toward Zhao Han. Even without using his divine sense, Qin Wucheng could feel the difference — his disciple's qi had transformed entirely.
Good heavens… this kid really opened his veins overnight? And broke through all the way to the Spirit Sea Realm?
A flicker of satisfaction passed through his heart. So this is the power of the Fighting Saint Body.
A grin almost crept onto his lips, but he quickly straightened his expression. "Zhao Han, you have done well."
Zhao Han clasped his fists, his face glowing with pride. "This disciple has not shamed the Sect Master!"
Qin Wucheng nodded faintly. "Not bad. As for you, Xueyao…"
He focused his gaze on her. Her aura was steady and profound, faint ripples of divine power dancing around her.
"System," he asked silently, "check her information."
[ Ding. Luo Xueyao, disciple of Lingxiao Sect. Currently at Spirit Sea Realm Ninth Heaven. Previously cultivated the Luo God Art, an inherited method of the Grand Xu Dynasty. After entering the Technique Pavilion, she comprehended the peerless Immortal Scripture — Six Divine Scripture. ]
Immortal Scripture?
Qin Wucheng almost choked. What did it say?
He quickly recovered, but couldn't help grumbling inwardly. "System, did you just say 'Immortal Scripture'? For a second, I thought you said…"
[ Ding. Host, please maintain proper cultivation focus. 'Six Divine Scripture' is one of the highest-tier methods among ancient Immortal lineages. Equal in grade to the Battle Saint Method realized by Zhao Han. ]
Qin Wucheng coughed lightly, face unreadable. "Ahem. The Six Divine Scripture — a fine technique indeed."
Luo Xueyao bowed respectfully. "This disciple will not disappoint the Sect Master's expectations."
"Good." Qin Wucheng's voice carried a faint smile. "Cultivate diligently. With the Battle Saint Method and the Six Divine Scripture, you two shall become the pillars of Lingxiao Sect."
Luo Jingtao, who had been standing silently at the side, finally couldn't help but speak.
"Sect Master Qin," he said with a tone of awe, "the disciples of your sect truly defy the heavens. To produce such talents… it seems Lingxiao Sect's foundation runs far deeper than this world imagines."
Qin Wucheng gave him a modest smile. "The heavens bless those who persevere. My Lingxiao Sect merely follows destiny."
Inside, he was thinking: It's all the damn system's doing, but sure, let's call it destiny.
At that moment, the system's familiar cold tone sounded again in his mind.
[ Ding. Congratulations to the Host — two disciples have each comprehended peerless immortal techniques. Sect reward: one Advanced Summoning Card and 500 Sect Points. ]
His eyes flickered slightly. "Advanced Summoning Card?"
That was the tier capable of summoning Immortal Emperors and even Heavenly Emperors!
He couldn't help but smile faintly. "System, I must say, this time you've done well."
[ Ding. The System appreciates the Host's rare praise. Would the Host like to use the Advanced Summoning Card now? ]
He paused.
Now?
He looked at his disciples and the Grand Xu King in front of him — three faces waiting expectantly for his next profound command.
"…Not yet," he said calmly. "Let them think their Sect Master is planning something grand."
[ Ding. Understood. ]
Outwardly, Qin Wucheng rose from his seat. His white robe drifted lightly, the faint aura of the Soul Transformation Realm spilling into the air.
"Zhao Han, Xueyao," he said, his voice steady, "your next task is simple. Consolidate your cultivation. Within seven days, I will test your strength."
"Yes, Sect Master!"
They bowed deeply.
Luo Jingtao too clasped his hands. "Sect Master, this old man has seen many so-called Holy Lands, but none possess such vitality. If the world knew what I've witnessed today, it would tremble."
Qin Wucheng smiled faintly. "No need to speak of what should remain hidden. Let the world think Lingxiao Sect is still asleep. When we reveal ourselves, even heaven will kneel."
The words rolled through the hall, calm yet carrying a hidden edge.
Both disciples felt their hearts race.
Zhao Han whispered, "Sect Master really does sound like an Emperor…"
Luo Xueyao nodded, eyes shining.
Qin Wucheng, however, turned away before they could see the faint grin tugging at his lips.
If I don't act like an Emperor, how else am I supposed to keep this circus under control?