Tai Xuan Holy Land.
The sky was vast, and the clouds were splendid.
Extremely rich Spiritual Qi gathered into wisps of mist, enveloping the vast Tai Xuan Holy Land.
Mountains were majestic, pavilions stood in abundance, and countless rare and exotic beasts galloped and flew, presenting a scene of immortal grandeur.
Qi Yuan stepped on the smoke and clouds, flying all the way, and quickly passed through the Sect's grand Formation, heading towards an exceptionally magnificent peak.
That peak was noticeably taller than the surrounding several peaks, serene and elegant, with dense Spiritual Qi. It was Yuhua Peak, the Immortal Cave exclusively for the Dao Child.
Yuhua Peak covered a vast area, and its interior was also equipped with layers of Restrictions and various Formations specifically used to aid Cultivation.
To maintain these Formations, a large amount of Spirit Stones was consumed at all times. The resources consumed daily were enough to completely bankrupt a Golden Core Cultivator with considerable wealth. This was the preferential treatment of being a Dao Child of a super force.
In addition, there were dedicated Elder Zhishi and a group of Utility Disciples responsible for managing the affairs of Yuhua Peak for Qi Yuan.
In short, in Tai Xuan Holy Land, Qi Yuan's only mission was to focus on Cultivation and grow as quickly as possible.
"The Dao Child is back!"
"Greetings, Dao Child!"
The two Holy Land Disciples guarding the entrance of the Immortal Cave immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully upon seeing Qi Yuan, not daring to show any neglect.
"Dispense with the formalities."
Qi Yuan nodded slightly and instructed, "You two may go down first. Go back and tell Liang Zhishi that unless there's something exceptionally urgent, he shouldn't come to disturb me."
"Yes."
After the two left, Qi Yuan passed through the Immortal Cave's main entrance and went directly into a Cultivation quiet room, sitting down cross-legged. Then he opened the System interface.
He had previously completed two tasks, earning a total of 150 points of Counterattack Points. These Counterattack Points were not enough to exchange for anything valuable in the mall, but they could be used to test the newly unlocked Epiphany function.
"Open Epiphany function."
With a thought from Qi Yuan, a list of Cultivation Techniques immediately appeared in his mind:
"Tai Xuan Dong Hua Jade Record", "Cloud Firmament Sword Scripture", "Luotian Spirit Refining Art", "Taiyi Star Seizing Hand"
These were the four Cultivation Techniques and Divine Abilities he was currently Cultivating, each of them a top-tier Legacy of the Tai Xuan Holy Land.
After a moment of contemplation, he composed himself and silently recited:
"Epiphany "Tai Xuan Dong Hua Jade Record"."
"Tai Xuan Dong Hua Jade Record" was his main Cultivation Technique at present, serving as the foundation of his Dao, so it naturally had priority for enhancement.
As soon as the thought fell, Qi Yuan immediately fell into a mysterious Epiphany state. The scene before his eyes became hazy and blurred, and scenes of the Great Dao's profound principles surged towards him like a tide.
Several problems that he couldn't figure out on ordinary days were all solved effortlessly in this state, as if he had received a sudden enlightenment, and everything became clear.
This experience was wonderful, making him feel comfortable and intoxicated.
Just as Qi Yuan was immersed in it, he suddenly trembled all over and quickly woke up from the Epiphany state.
Although the feeling of the Epiphany abruptly stopping halfway made him somewhat displeased, what he felt more was shock and awe.
150 points of Counterattack Points could only maintain the Epiphany state for less than half a breath, but its effect was terrifying, actually helping him break through the most crucial barrier before breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm.
Because his progress had been too fast previously, his Dao foundation was somewhat unstable, and his comprehension of the Heaven and Earth Dao was slightly insufficient. He needed a long period of refinement to perfectly condense his Nascent Soul.
He didn't expect that this mere half-breath of Epiphany state would benefit him so much, saving him at least a year of arduous Cultivation.
Coupled with the previous enhancement of his Spiritual Root Aptitude, Qi Yuan now had the confidence to attempt a Breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm in a short period.
"Tai Xuan Dong Hua Jade Record" is a profound Cultivation Technique that directly points to the True Immortal Dao, belonging to the Tai Xuan Holy Land's Sect-guarding secret canon. Unless personally taught by the Sect Leader, others are not allowed to learn it easily.
Before a Cultivator can Ascend, they must pass through nine major Realms, which are Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Soul Transformation, Void Refining, Combined Dao Realm, Undergoing Tribulation, and Mahayana.
A Nascent Soul Cultivator can mobilize the power of heaven and earth, live for thousands of years, and can be called a True Monarch.
Even in the Tai Xuan Holy Land, Nascent Soul Cultivators are considered a backbone force, qualified to serve as Zhishi or Elders of various peaks in the inner Sect.
As the Dao Child, Qi Yuan not only had to Breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm, but also had to condense a Nascent Soul of extremely high quality, otherwise it would be a failure!
Therefore, he had been extremely cautious about condensing his Nascent Soul previously, fearing any mistakes. Now with the System, it could be considered an unexpected aid.
Thinking of this, he composed his thoughts and silently looked at the task panel:
"...The Linglong Saintess's exquisite beauty and cold, ruthless words lingered in your mind. You decided to cheer up. Since you have the System, as long as you complete the counterattack tasks well, you will one day make her look at you in a new light."
"Mission Objective: Please Breakthrough to Qi Refining second layer within one month and pass the assessment of Falling Cloud Valley to become a Utility Disciple."
"Mission Difficulty: Three Stars (Normal)"
"Mission Reward: 100 Counterattack Points, five High Grade Returning Spring Pills, one low-grade Magical Artifact, free activation of a three-hundred-cubic-meter portable System space (currently not usable for storing living creatures)"
Looking at these few lines of bright, shining small characters, Qi Yuan's expression was somewhat stiff. He now strongly suspected that if he continued to do these ridiculous tasks, he might one day die from a brain hemorrhage out of sheer anger.
Breaking through to the Qi Refining second layer was one thing, but what in the world was a Falling Cloud Valley Utility Disciple?
He had never even heard of a Sect called Falling Cloud Valley. It must be some small force hidden in who-knows-what remote corner.
Small Sect, Utility Disciple... a standard waste-to-hero beginning.
What's even more outrageous is that his current identity is the Dao Child of the Tai Xuan Holy Land. Would joining the so-called Falling Cloud Valley as a Utility Disciple count as betraying the Sect?
Good heavens!!!
He couldn't even imagine what would happen if such a thing got out. It would surely explode in popularity and instantly make the headlines of the Cultivation World—
Shocking! The Dao Child of Tai Xuan Holy Land Betrayed His Sect and Willing to Mingle as a Utility Disciple in a Weak Sect. The Reason Behind It Is Heartwarming!
At the thought of such a scene, Qi Yuan couldn't help but shiver, and he quickly made up his mind.
No matter what happened, he must not reveal his identity during the course of this mission, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable.
Thankfully, the System gave a one-month buffer period this time, allowing him to return and arrange the affairs within the Holy Land first...
Just as his thoughts were turning, a respectful voice suddenly came from outside the door:
"Dao Child, the Sect Leader has summoned you to the main hall."
Master summoned him?
Hearing this, Qi Yuan was first stunned, then quickly got up and hurried towards the direction of Tai Xuan Peak.
A moment later.
Inside a solemn and majestic white jade hall.
"Disciple greets Master."
Upon entering, Qi Yuan immediately bowed, respectfully saluting the Daoist robed old man seated at the head of the table.
The old man wore a lotus crown and had a lean, ascetic appearance. There was no trace of magical power fluctuations on his body, as if he were just an ordinary Mortal old man, and not a Combined Dao Realm Cultivator who had lived for thousands of years.
He was none other than Qi Yuan's Master in this life, the Sect Leader of Tai Xuan Holy Land, Daoist Hengzhen.
At this moment, Daoist Hengzhen frowned slightly, seemingly still contemplating something.
Seeing that the other party did not reply, Qi Yuan inexplicably felt a hint of unease in his heart.
The existence of the System could be said to be his biggest secret at present, and as a Combined Dao Realm Great Master, Daoist Hengzhen might very well notice something unusual. If he were exposed, it would be disastrous.
Fortunately, Qi Yuan's worries seemed to be superfluous. Daoist Hengzhen quickly regained his composure and slowly raised his hand.
"Rise."
"Oh?"
Then, Daoist Hengzhen seemed to have discovered something and looked at Qi Yuan with a hint of surprise.
"I haven't seen you for a few days, and your progress is actually so fast. Originally, I thought you would need at least two more years to condense your Nascent Soul. Now it seems you won't need much longer to Breakthrough."
Qi Yuan smiled humbly upon hearing this.
"Disciple had a sudden Epiphany not long ago, which led to some advancement. It was merely a stroke of luck."
Daoist Hengzhen nodded with satisfaction, "You are a promising child, much better than your unreliable Senior Brother."
Hearing his Master's sharp comment about a certain person, Qi Yuan couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth, thinking to himself:
If you knew what your Disciple did yesterday, I'm afraid the title "unreliable" will no longer be exclusive to Senior Brother in the future...
Although he silently sighed in his heart, he remained calm on the surface and said:
"Senior Brother is exceptionally talented and Cultivates diligently. Disciple is foolish and dares not compare himself to him."
"Heh, where did you learn to be so smooth, little brat?"
Hearing these words, Daoist Hengzhen couldn't help but laugh and scold him, then his expression turned serious as he began to lecture:
"Since you have taken the position of Dao Child, your every word and action represent the entire Tai Xuan Holy Land. You must be prudent and dignified in your conduct, and by no means tarnish the Holy Land's reputation."
"Master's teachings are correct."
Qi Yuan quickly responded solemnly, but secretly felt uneasy in his heart.