Tian Chen caught a glimpse of sadness that briefly passed over Shu Hen’s face. He didn’t ask any further questions. To him, the sorrow of a leader witnessing the slow downfall of his own peak was a wound that couldn’t be wrapped in words. “Senior, since you’ve allowed me to choose, I’ll stay on the floating mountain at the farthest edge.” Shu Hen looked at Tian Chen with curiosity. “Why are you choosing the smallest residence? A place closer to the training arena would suit you better. Not only is it easier to access the training facilities, but the formation settings around it are also more stable.” Tian Chen lightly shook his head. “I just want to be more secluded.” That short answer gave Shu Hen full understanding. He didn’t press Tian Chen’s choice any further. “Singzhi,” he called, “escort Tian Chen to his residence. Prepare everything he needs.” “Yes, Father.” Singzhi moved immediately. She took out two long swords from her storage pouch, then handed one to Tian Chen. “

While Shu Hen and the others were still frozen in shock, Tian Chen slowly opened his eyes. His body radiated a new kind of pressure, and as he exhaled, the pressure withdrew back into him. He could feel his cultivation had broken through to the eleventh level of the Qi Initiate stage. This was the highest breakthrough he had achieved since he first began forming Qi within himself. However, Tian Chen didn’t indulge in euphoria. His focus wasn’t on the new power—but on the nine giant silhouettes within his dantian sea. Although the vortex and the iron bars had slowly faded after his breakthrough, he clearly knew—they hadn’t disappeared. They had merely gone back to sleep, waiting for a time he didn’t yet understand. “I don’t know what those beings are. If they’re a disaster to me, then I’ll simply have to eliminate them. But if they’re part of my power, then I just need to understand them.” His voice was deep, resolute. Neither hasty nor weak. He knew there were many questions he cou

Time passed unnoticed. Tian Chen spent two full days contemplating only the opening passage. He didn’t continue to the next page. He knew the secret to all the techniques in the book lay in the understanding of that introduction. After two days passed, Tian Chen slowly opened his eyes. There was a different sharpness in his gaze. Those eyes, which were usually clear and calm, now seemed to hold oceans of light and the depth of twinkling stars behind the irises. He stood up and stepped out of his residence. His steps were calm, yet firm. When he stood in front of a tall tree in the front courtyard, there was no wind, and no aura erupted from his body. He simply stared at the tree. Slash!!! The tree immediately fell, as if sliced by an invisible sword. Its branches were cleanly severed, as though cut by a blade with extraordinary precision. No external energy had radiated. No movement had been made. But the tree fell as if without any explainable cause. Tian Chen closed his eyes

First: Class F missions. These were assignments for new core disciples. Their tasks included gathering spirit herbs in safe zones and subduing low-level spirit beasts. Second: Class E missions. These were for slightly more talented core disciples. The missions carried mild risks, such as escorting merchants or Sect guests to nearby villages, or driving away spirit beasts disturbing the local area around the Sect. Third: Class D missions. Missions with moderate danger, including hunting beasts for their cores or escorting merchant caravans to large cities. Fourth: Class C missions. Designed for core disciples considered ‘elite,’ these missions were quite difficult and often required teams. Tasks included exploring ancient ruins, infiltrating enemy territory to gather intelligence, or eliminating bandits that threatened cities. Fifth: Class B missions. Assigned to senior disciples. These were high-level missions involving battles against cultivators from rival sects who threatened t

Meanwhile, Tian Chen, riding atop Yinlei, knew nothing of the events that had just transpired. He continued flying over countless small mountains. The cold wind brushed against his face as he observed the scenery from the sky, but his mind remained calm. The world below looked like an endless painting, yet Tian Chen’s gaze stayed fixed forward. He glanced down at Yinlei beneath him, narrowing his eyes for a moment. He didn’t know whether his horse could only fly or if it could also truly fight with its full strength. But one thing was certain—Yinlei was a tremendous aid for long-distance travel. For half a month straight, Yinlei showed no sign of fatigue. They flew day and night, stopping only occasionally when Tian Chen needed time to meditate or consume cultivation pills. Yinlei adapted to Tian Chen’s rhythm without complaint, and with each passing day, his flying power became increasingly stable. Finally, after half a month soaring through the skies and covering an extraordinary