Three months passed in the blink of an eye.
Before the Xuanzong Sect's gates, Lin Qingyu stood with eight disciples, ready to depart. Over the past three months, under Qi Tian's guidance and the complete Xuanzong Art, everyone's cultivation had soared. Lin Qingyu had advanced from early to mid-Golden Core. Liu Hanshuang had rocketed from the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment to its peak, a mere step from Golden Core. Even the youngest disciple, Zhao Hu, had leapt from the seventh layer of Qi Refining to early Foundation Establishment.
"Master, is Senior really coming with us?" Zhao Hu whispered, his eyes darting toward the sect's interior.
Before Lin Qingyu could respond, her expression turned solemn, and she respectfully looked behind them. "Senior."
The group turned to see Qi Tian approaching slowly. Unlike his usual attire, he wore the robes of a Xuanzong Sect disciple, his aura suppressed to early Foundation Establishment, blending in as an ordinary inner disciple.
"Senior, this is…" Lin Qingyu asked, puzzled.
Qi Tian smiled faintly. "For this trip, I'll join as a Xuanzong Sect disciple. Call me Qi Tian—no need to make a fuss."
Lin Qingyu understood immediately. "Yes… Qi Tian." Addressing him by name felt awkward on her tongue.
With a subtle shift of his energy, Qi Tian's appearance transformed into that of an unremarkable young man. For someone of his realm, altering his looks was child's play.
"Qi Tian, why the disguise?" Lin Qingyu asked.
"I might encounter old acquaintances," Qi Tian replied. "I'd rather they not recognize me."
Liu Hanshuang studied him curiously. Even with his appearance changed and aura concealed, there was an indescribable quality about him. His eyes, deep as the starry sky, set him apart from any ordinary disciple.
"Let's go," Qi Tian said, naturally taking a place in the disciple lineup beside Liu Hanshuang.
Lin Qingyu summoned a flying boat, the sect's only remaining flight artifact, rarely used but brought out for the Cultivation Conference. The boat soared toward Lingxiao Pavilion. Qi Tian stood at the stern, gazing at the rivers and mountains below. Ten thousand years had altered the landscape, but its general contours remained. He noted the pitifully thin spiritual energy; many once-thriving cultivation havens were now mundane wastelands.
"Qi Tian," Liu Hanshuang ventured, hesitating, "why are you personally attending this conference?"
Qi Tian's gaze was distant. "Lingxiao Pavilion… I recall the name. Ten thousand years ago, it was called the Lingxiao Sword Sect, a subsidiary of the Tai Xuan Sect."
Liu Hanshuang's eyes widened. "Lingxiao Pavilion has such a long history? They claim only three thousand years…"
"That's why I'm going," Qi Tian said calmly. "Also, for the cultivation world to hold a conference in its current state—there's something afoot."
Liu Hanshuang nodded thoughtfully. Three months with Qi Tian had shown her that this ancient powerhouse, though seemingly casual, acted with deep intent.
After half a day's flight, a majestic mountain range appeared ahead, its main peak adorned with grand halls shrouded in mist—far more imposing than the current Xuanzong Sect.
"That's Lingxiao Pavilion," Lin Qingyu said, guiding the boat to descend. "They have three Golden Core cultivators, and their Pavilion Master, Lingxiaozi, is at peak Golden Core, widely regarded as the Eastern Continent's foremost cultivator."
Qi Tian gave a noncommittal "hmph." In his eyes, this so-called "premier sect" wouldn't have ranked even third-rate ten thousand years ago.
The boat landed at a reception platform at the mountain's base, where a dozen other flight artifacts were already docked, indicating the early arrival of other sects.
"Xuanzong Sect has arrived—"
The welcoming disciple's announcement carried a hint of disdain. As Lin Qingyu and her group disembarked, several Lingxiao Pavilion disciples snickered openly.
"Xuanzong Sect brought so many people? Weren't they down to a handful of weaklings?"
"I heard the Blood Fiend Sect was mysteriously wiped out. Does Xuanzong think they're hot stuff now?"
"Shh, keep it down. They've got a Golden Core Sect Leader, at least…"
The mocking whispers reached the Xuanzong group, their faces darkening. Liu Hanshuang clenched her fists, but Qi Tian lightly pressed her shoulder.
"No need to bother with ants," his voice echoed in her mind.
She glanced at him, surprised, then relaxed her fists, understanding his meaning.
"Welcome, friends of Xuanzong Sect."
A middle-aged man in blue robes approached with a perfunctory smile. His early Golden Core cultivation marked him as a Lingxiao Pavilion elder.
"I am Elder Lan Feng, in charge of receiving guests," he said, his gaze sweeping over the group and pausing briefly on Qi Tian with a flicker of doubt before moving on. "Follow me; your accommodations are prepared."
Lin Qingyu thanked him and led her disciples up the mountain. Along the way, cultivators from other sects cast curious glances, their whispers incessant.
"That's Xuanzong Sect? So many new faces…"
"Rumor has it they stumbled onto some legacy, boosting their cultivation…"
"Pfft, how far could they go? Aside from Lin Qingyu, they don't even have a Golden Core…"
Qi Tian heard every word but merely smirked, finding it amusing. Ten thousand years later, the cultivation world's scheming hadn't changed a bit.
Lan Feng led them to a secluded courtyard halfway up the mountain. "Space is limited, so please make do here. The Cultivation Conference begins tomorrow. Tonight, the Pavilion Master hosts a banquet for sect representatives. Sect Leader Lin, your presence is expected."
Lin Qingyu nodded. After Lan Feng left, the disciples couldn't hold back their complaints.
"This is outrageous! This courtyard barely fits five, and we're ten!"
"It's so remote—clearly they're looking down on us!"
Lin Qingyu sighed. "In the cultivation world, strength reigns. Our sect's decline makes disdain inevitable."
Qi Tian, ignoring the discussion, sat at a stone table in the courtyard and retrieved a tea set from his storage ring. "Liu Hanshuang, brew some tea."
Liu Hanshuang hurried over, taking the tea set. When she saw the leaves in the teapot, her hand trembled, nearly dropping it.
"This… this is…" Her voice quavered.
"What's wrong?" Lin Qingyu approached, then froze. "Nine… Nine-Leaf Spiritual Tea?"
The teapot held several leaves, each marked with nine golden veins, radiating dense spiritual energy. Lin Qingyu had only read of this legendary tea in ancient texts—a single leaf could propel a Golden Core cultivator to the next minor realm.
"Just something to sip," Qi Tian said carelessly.
The Xuanzong group exchanged stunned glances. This divine treasure, and he called it "something to sip"?
Liu Hanshuang, suppressing her shock, carefully brewed the tea, serving Qi Tian first before pouring for the others. The fragrance alone was invigorating, accelerating their spiritual energy flow.
"Sit and drink," Qi Tian said, taking a sip and frowning. "It's been stored too long; the spiritual energy's faded."
The group nearly choked. Faded? This was already beyond their wildest dreams!
As they savored the tea's effects, the courtyard gate swung open. A young man in lavish purple robes strode in, followed by several Lingxiao Pavilion disciples.
"I heard Xuanzong Sect got some lucky break—" The youth stopped mid-sentence, sniffing the air. "What's that fragrance?"
His eyes locked onto the teapot, greed flashing in them.
"I am Ling Feiyang, Young Master of Lingxiao Pavilion," he declared, puffing out his chest. "Forgive my uninvited visit, friends of Xuanzong."
Lin Qingyu rose to greet him. "Young Master, we're honored by your presence."
Ling Feiyang waved dismissively, his eyes fixed on the teapot. "What tea is this? Why is its spiritual energy so potent?"
Qi Tian didn't look up, continuing to sip his tea. Liu Hanshuang answered for him. "Young Master, it's just ordinary spiritual tea."
"Ordinary?" Ling Feiyang sneered. "Do you take me for a fool? This is at least Six-Leaf Spiritual Tea!" He paused, then ordered, "Present this tea to me, and Lingxiao Pavilion will reward you handsomely."
Lin Qingyu's face stiffened. "Young Master, this…"
"What? Unwilling?" Ling Feiyang's expression darkened. "Does Xuanzong Sect dare disrespect Lingxiao Pavilion?"
The atmosphere grew tense, the Lingxiao disciples' hands already on their artifacts, ready for conflict.
Then, Qi Tian set down his teacup with a soft clink.
"Leave."
One word.
Ling Feiyang froze, then erupted in fury. "Who do you think you are, speaking to me like that?" Pointing at Qi Tian, he roared, "Kneel and apologize, or—"
"Or what?" Qi Tian finally looked up, meeting his eyes.
With that single glance, Ling Feiyang was struck as if by lightning, flying backward and crashing into the courtyard wall. His face paled, blood trickling from his mouth, his eyes filled with terror.
"Young Master!" The Lingxiao disciples rushed to his aid.
"Insolence!" A sharp cry came from outside, and a white-haired elder flashed into the courtyard, his late Golden Core aura surging. "You dare harm our Young Master? You're courting death!"
The elder struck at Qi Tian with a palm strike.
Qi Tian remained still, merely glancing at him.
Pop!
The elder staggered back, spitting blood, retreating seven steps before stabilizing, his face a mask of disbelief.
"You…" He stared at Qi Tian in horror. "Who are you?"
Qi Tian ignored him, turning to Liu Hanshuang. "The tea's cold."
Suppressing her shock, Liu Hanshuang obediently refilled his cup with hot tea. The courtyard fell silent, everyone stunned.
A single glance had repelled a late Golden Core cultivator!
In today's cultivation world, late Golden Core was near the pinnacle, rivaled only by a few peak Golden Core masters. Yet this youth, seemingly at Foundation Establishment, had done it with a look.
The elder's face flickered with uncertainty before he clasped his fists. "I am Bai Chen, Third Elder of Lingxiao Pavilion. Forgive my offense, Senior!"
He wasn't foolish. To injure him with a glance, this man was at least peak Golden Core—perhaps even that legendary realm!
Qi Tian glanced at him. "Take your people and leave."
Bai Chen didn't dare linger, supporting the dazed Ling Feiyang and leading the disciples away in a hurry. Before leaving, he cast a deep, wary look at Qi Tian, as if memorizing his face.
After they left, the Xuanzong disciples snapped out of their daze, their awe for Qi Tian deepening.
"Senior, won't this…" Lin Qingyu began, worried.
Qi Tian sipped his tea. "No matter. It was bound to come out eventually." His lips curved. "Playing the pig to eat the tiger is amusing, though."
Liu Hanshuang stifled a laugh. Three months had revealed Qi Tian's occasional penchant for mischief beneath his aloof demeanor.
"Rest now," Qi Tian said, setting down his cup. "Lin Qingyu and I will attend tonight's banquet."
The group dispersed to their rooms. As Liu Hanshuang turned to leave, Qi Tian called her back.
"Stay."
Once the others left, he produced a jade slip. "This contains the Mysterious Yin Scripture, suited to your physique. Skip tonight's events and focus on studying it."
Liu Hanshuang took the slip, puzzled. "Why so suddenly, Senior?"
"Your physique is awakening. Ordinary techniques will yield half the results for twice the effort," Qi Tian explained. "If I'm not mistaken, you have the Mysterious Yin Spirit Body, which thrives under a full moon. Tonight is one."
Liu Hanshuang's eyes widened. She'd never heard of having a special physique, nor had her master mentioned it.
"Go," Qi Tian said, waving her off. "No matter what you hear, don't come out."
Liu Hanshuang nodded solemnly, tucking the jade slip away. She sensed tonight's banquet would be anything but peaceful.
That evening, Qi Tian donned simple white robes and accompanied Lin Qingyu to the main peak for the banquet. To avoid standing out, he kept his aura at Foundation Establishment but no longer disguised himself as a disciple.
The banquet was held in the Moonlit Hall, already filled with over twenty sect representatives—mostly sect leaders or elders, all at least early Golden Core. As Lin Qingyu and Qi Tian entered, the lively hall quieted, countless eyes turning to Qi Tian. The day's events had clearly spread.
"Sect Leader Lin, this way," a Lingxiao disciple guided them to seats near the back, an obvious slight. Lin Qingyu sat calmly, while Qi Tian surveyed the hall with interest, his gaze lingering on the star pattern adorning the ceiling.
"That's the one who injured Elder Bai Chen? He looks ordinary…"
"Shh, quiet! They say he did it with a single look…"
"When did Xuanzong Sect produce such a figure? An old monster in seclusion?"
The whispers continued. Qi Tian ignored them, pouring himself a cup of wine and grimacing—it was so bland it barely qualified as spiritual wine compared to the poorest brews of ten thousand years ago.
"The Pavilion Master of Lingxiao arrives—"
A herald's call silenced the hall. All stood, turning to the main seat.
A middle-aged man in golden robes strode in, his presence commanding, his aura deep as an ocean. This was Lingxiaozi, Pavilion Master of Lingxiao Pavilion, the Eastern Continent's undisputed top cultivator.
The moment Qi Tian saw him, a glint flashed in his eyes.
"Interesting…" he murmured.
Lingxiaozi carried a faint, familiar trace—the ripple of a core Tai Xuan Sect technique. Though subtle, it couldn't escape Qi Tian's perception.
"Welcome, friends, to Lingxiao Pavilion," Lingxiaozi's voice boomed through the hall. "This Cultivation Conference aims to foster exchange among sects and discuss the future of our cultivation world…"
After the formalities, the banquet began. After three rounds of drinks, Lingxiaozi's tone shifted. "I hear Xuanzong Sect has recently produced remarkable talents, earning even Elder Bai Chen's praise. Sect Leader Lin, would you introduce this… friend?"
The hall fell silent, all eyes on the unfolding drama.
Lin Qingyu rose and bowed. "Pavilion Master, this is Qi Tian, our… guest elder."
She improvised a title, unable to reveal he was an ancient titan.
"Qi Tian?" A flicker crossed Lingxiaozi's eyes. "A fine name. Where does Friend Qi hail from?"
Qi Tian set down his cup unhurriedly. "No sect, no master—a lone cultivator."
"Oh?" Lingxiaozi clearly didn't believe him. "Then why join a… modest sect like Xuanzong?"
The words dripped with disdain. Lin Qingyu's face tightened, but she held her tongue.
Qi Tian smiled. "Fate." He paused, then countered, "But tell me, Pavilion Master, where does the name Lingxiao Pavilion come from?"
Lingxiaozi's pupils constricted, though he quickly recovered. "From 'ascending to the heavens,' symbolizing our lofty ambitions."
"Is that so?" Qi Tian said meaningfully. "I thought it might stem from the Lingxiao Sword Sect."
Boom!
A terrifying aura erupted from Lingxiaozi, shaking the hall's tables and chairs. The guests paled—this presence surpassed peak Golden Core!
"Friend, your knowledge is impressive," Lingxiaozi's voice turned cold. "What else do you know?"
Qi Tian remained unfazed, meeting his gaze. "Not much. Just, for instance…" He locked eyes with Lingxiaozi. "The crack in the heavens."
The words struck like thunder. Lingxiaozi's face changed, and he shot to his feet. "Who are you?!"
The hall's atmosphere turned electric, a storm brewing on the horizon…