The System’s voice echoed in Lu Xuan’s mind, signaling a new mission. “Within half a month, have your eldest disciple, Ji Fuyao, reach Half-step Great Perfection in the Path of Spirit Fire!”
Lu Xuan blinked, a slight pause in his otherwise tranquil day. A cultivation quest for Ji Fuyao, finally. He’d been showering Ye Chen with so many ultimate treasures recently that his eldest disciple was clearly feeling outshone. He certainly couldn’t play favorites!
With that in mind, Lu Xuan called out to Ji Fuyao, “Fuyao, are you confident in reaching Half-step Great Perfection in the Path of Spirit Fire within the next half-month?”
Ji Fuyao’s delicate frame trembled. Her Master was actually assigning her a task! Did he think her Path of Spirit Fire was progressing too slowly? She knew her junior brother, Ye Chen, had been tirelessly refining pills these past few days, his spirit fire mastery advancing by leaps and bounds. He would undoubtedly reach Perfected Mastery by the time of the Pill Refining Exchange Conference three months from now. The pressure was definitely on.
Lost in thought, Ji Fuyao nodded. “Master, I will strive my best! I plan to enter the Fire Abyss Trial Grounds for intensive training in a few days.”
Lu Xuan nodded in approval.
The following period saw Lu Xuan continuing his 'lying flat' life, utterly relaxed. When bored, he’d compose doggerel, paint, or simply read some light novels to pass the time. Life was impossibly comfortable. Each day, the System’s delightful voice chimed in without fail.
“Ding! Your eldest disciple, Ji Fuyao, has gained Spirit Fire insights! Synchronizing!”
“Ding! Your second disciple’s alchemy mastery is rising! Synchronizing!”
“Ding!...”
Pure bliss. He could gain insights and elevate his realm just by lying around. What a truly conscientious System.
During this time, the Sect Master and the others grew a little curious. Azure Mystery Peak was far too quiet. Ye Chen spent his days either eating or secluding himself in his cave dwelling for cultivation, while Ji Fuyao had already ventured into the second layer of the Fire Abyss Trial Grounds. As for Lu Xuan, they had given up trying to understand him; he was still the same old him.
The Sect Master remarked to Elder Mu, “Lu Xuan certainly has it easy as a master. He doesn’t have to lift a finger; both his disciples know exactly what they need to do.”
Elder Mu offered a faint smile. “From that perspective, becoming Lu Xuan’s disciple, despite the lack of direct guidance, offers a surprising amount of freedom. For geniuses like them, unless they hit a cultivation bottleneck, they rarely need much interference.”
The Sect Master nodded. “That’s true. Fuyao has already broken several Profound Sovereign realm records in the second layer of the Fire Abyss!”
Elder Mu’s gaze deepened, and he sighed with admiration. “Both of Lu Xuan’s disciples are truly exceptional talents!”
The Sect Master chuckled, “Still, having them remain on Azure Mystery Peak continues to be a source of frustration for many.”
Elder Mu shared the sentiment. After a moment of silence, Elder Mu suddenly asked, “How are the preparations for the Pill Refining Exchange Conference coming along?”
The Sect Master replied, “Everything is proceeding as planned, no major issues.”
Elder Mu affirmed, “Excellent.”
***
At the Supreme Profound Sect, Nangong Baixue reluctantly bid farewell to Qin Xiao and returned to Pill Saint Yunyang’s peak.
Pill Saint Yunyang, clad in grey robes, offered a gentle smile. “Baixue, your visit to the Ye family has finally severed all past ties. There are no longer any lingering attachments in your heart. You’ve broken free from Ye Chen’s shadow, and with that mental block removed, your cultivation will advance by leaps and bounds.”
Nangong Baixue’s brows furrowed slightly. “Master, there were some... unexpected incidents during my visit to the Ye family.”
Pill Saint Yunyang asked, “Oh? What sort of incidents?”
Nangong Baixue reported, “That waste, Ye Chen, can suddenly cultivate again, and he’s even joined the Grand Dao Sect.”
Pill Saint Yunyang’s expression shifted subtly. “Is that so? Do you know which Spirit Peak Ye Chen joined?”
Nangong Baixue answered, “Azure Mystery Peak, under Lu Xuan.”
Upon hearing this, Pill Saint Yunyang let out an amused chuckle. “Then there’s no need to concern yourself with Ye Chen any longer. Joining Azure Mystery Peak, he’s as good as crippled. Moreover, what’s destined to begin must also end; there are no longer any ties between you.”
Nangong Baixue nodded. “Understood.”
Pill Saint Yunyang continued, “Rest assured, if Ye Chen causes any trouble at the Grand Dao Sect, I will personally see to it that you receive justice.”
Nangong Baixue bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Master!”
Following this, Nangong Baixue entered seclusion.
Meanwhile, on Supreme Peak, Qin Xiao was still making meticulous preparations for the Divine Son Challenge. The Qin Family had lavished him with immense cultivation resources, understanding that if Qin Xiao could secure the title of Divine Son of the Supreme Profound Sect, the Qin family’s prestige in the Southern Wilds would rise even further.
One day, a Qin Family Elder descended upon the Supreme Profound Sect, bestowing upon Qin Xiao a treasure trove of high-grade Spirit Stones and elixirs. Qin Xiao recounted Nangong Baixue’s journey to the Ye family to the elder.
The Qin Family Elder merely nodded indifferently. “Since the engagement has been annulled, there are no longer any ties to the Ye family.”
Qin Xiao asked, “Can we just eliminate the Ye family? They’re an eyesore.”
The Qin Family Elder frowned. “That can be discussed later, at least after you’ve secured the Divine Son position. If our Qin family were to move against the Ye family now, it would be seen as bullying the weak, and tarnish our reputation. However, since Ye Chen has joined the Grand Dao Sect, we can find an opportune moment to arrange for some talented cultivators to issue him life-or-death challenges, ensuring his demise!”
Qin Xiao nodded. “I understand. My focus remains entirely on the Divine Son Challenge!”
The Qin Family Elder affirmed, “Excellent.”
Qin Xiao then added, “My Master has already exchanged the first volume of the Supreme Scripture for me. This cultivation technique truly lives up to its reputation as the Supreme Profound Sect’s foundational art; its offensive power is incredibly potent. If combined seamlessly with my Qin family’s supreme cultivation techniques, my combat strength will increase tenfold!”
The Qin Family Elder mused, slowly stating, “Among the Emperor-tier cultivation techniques in the Southern Wilds, the Supreme Scripture ranks among the top ten, even surpassing the Grand Dao Scripture. The Grand Dao Scripture primarily embodies the ‘Dao Follows Nature,’ brimming with terrifying Dao patterns, whereas the Supreme Scripture focuses on offensive prowess. This is a perfect fit for you, and it was precisely why we encouraged you to join the Supreme Profound Sect in the first place.”
Qin Xiao declared, “Elder, when you return, please inform my father and Old Ancestor that I, Qin Xiao, am absolutely determined to secure the Divine Son position!”
The Qin Family Elder wore a look of satisfaction before departing.
As Qin Xiao watched the elder’s retreating figure, Ye Chen inexplicably crossed his mind. He let out a disdainful scoff. “Just an ant.”
***
Grand Dao Sect, Azure Mystery Peak.
Half a month swiftly passed. During this time, Ji Fuyao had been diligently cultivating within the Fire Abyss Trial Grounds, while Ye Chen juggled both pill refining and martial arts cultivation. Ji Fuyao’s realm had advanced to Third-stage Profound Venerate, and her Path of Spirit Fire was now a hair’s breadth away from Half-step Great Perfection! As for Ye Chen, he had already become highly proficient in refining Jade-tier pills, and his martial arts realm had stepped into Late-stage Profound Sovereign Great Perfection!
Lu Xuan’s gains during this period were undeniably substantial! He had directly broken through to Seventh-stage Profound Venerate! His Path of Spirit Fire continued its relentless progress towards the Transcendent Realm.
This day, Lu Xuan was leisurely basking in the sun in front of his straw hut. Suddenly, the System’s voice chimed.
“Ding! Ji Fuyao’s Path of Spirit Fire has reached Half-step Great Perfection! Synchronizing insights!”
Boom!
Lu Xuan felt his comprehension of the Path of Spirit Fire deepen immensely! Beyond Perfected Mastery in the Path of Spirit Fire lay the Transcendent Realm. The Transcendent Realm signified a gradual touch upon the true essence of spirit fire, offering the potential to attain Emperor status through it in the future. The Transcendent Realm comprised ten stages. Yao Yan, for instance, was at the fifth stage of the Transcendent Realm in Spirit Fire. And now, Ji Fuyao, in less than three months, had gone from minor accomplishment to Half-step Great Perfection – truly astonishing!
Lu Xuan smiled faintly. “Not bad, Fuyao finished just in time, completing the quest!”
At that moment, the Transmission Jade Slip in Lu Xuan’s hand vibrated slightly. He injected his spirit energy, and Ye Chen’s voice emerged, sounding a little embarrassed. “Master, I will be entering seclusion for the next few days to break through to Xuan-tier Alchemist. I won’t be able to prepare meals for you. I’ll make it up to you once I emerge.”
Lu Xuan chuckled softly. “No big deal, go for it.”
“Thank you, Master,” Ye Chen replied.
Lu Xuan nodded. “Mm.”
Ji Fuyao’s disciple cultivation quest was complete. However, Ye Chen’s quest still needed finishing. Advancing from Jade-tier to Xuan-tier Alchemist within the remaining few days would be no small feat. Yet, Lu Xuan was confident that Ye Chen would undoubtedly achieve Xuan-tier Alchemist!
Soon, it was dinnertime. Lu Xuan decided to play chef for the night. His mood was excellent as he began pan-frying spirit chicken. Tonight was a ‘binge meal.’ Spirit chicken cutlets, spirit chicken nuggets... a whole spirit chicken family bucket!
Sizzle!
Oil splattered. Suddenly, a bright, bell-like voice rang out from outside the straw hut.
“Master!”
Lu Xuan turned his head to see Ji Fuyao standing at the entrance of the straw hut, her fiery red dress billowing around her, a radiant smile on her face as dazzling as a summer flower.
Lu Xuan chuckled. “Fuyao, you’re back?”
Ji Fuyao tilted her elegant neck slightly and nodded. “Master, I’ve completed the mission. I didn’t disappoint your expectations.” She had finally reached Half-step Great Perfection in the Path of Spirit Fire today and immediately rushed back to deliver the good news to her Master.
Lu Xuan smiled faintly. “Then come and rest, and try my cooking. Ye Chen will be in seclusion for the next few days, so it’s just the two of us for dinner.”
“Alright.” Ji Fuyao didn’t leave; instead, she stood at the entrance of the straw hut, observing Lu Xuan as he cooked. Lu Xuan’s cooking was fluid and effortless, his movements graceful and unhindered. Ji Fuyao meticulously observed his every action, comparing it to her own. Lu Xuan manipulated the spirit fire at will, its power contained yet ready to unleash, embodying a ‘natural’ flow.
Very quickly, Ji Fuyao came to a conclusion: she still had a lot to learn! She had long since taken Lu Xuan’s words to heart: “Cooking is also a form of cultivation.” She always felt as if her master embodied the very essence of ‘Great Dao is Simple’ and ‘Dao Follows Nature’ – a profound mystery she had only just begun to grasp from the Grand Dao Scripture. The Grand Dao Scripture spoke of the Dao Following Nature, where true powerhouses transcend external aids and worldly attachments, no longer relying on arduous cultivation but rather becoming one with the Dao and the heavens, cultivating without conscious effort. Ji Fuyao felt that Lu Xuan had long since entered such a state!
She let out a soft sigh. The gap between herself and her Master was still immense, like the difference between clouds and mud! She knew that in her previous life, though she had attained Emperor status through the Path of Spirit Fire, it was mostly through grueling hard work! In this life, under Lu Xuan’s guidance, her Path of Spirit Fire had yielded many profound insights. The reason for her rapid breakthroughs in the Path of Spirit Fire was more about ‘enlightenment.’ Cultivation without contemplation was futile, and contemplation without cultivation was perilous! In this life, following Lu Xuan, she balanced both cultivation and contemplation, leading to faster progress in both her cultivation and her spirit fire mastery!
With this in mind, Ji Fuyao asked, “Master, I’ve now reached Half-step Great Perfection. To achieve true Perfected Mastery, I need to comprehend the ‘nature’ of the Dao. What do you believe I should do?”