Time flew by, and ten years passed in a blink.
Inside a Cultivation Immortal Cave on Lingxiu Peak.
The Spiritual Qi within was abundant, equipped with an Advanced Gathering Formation, suitable for Cultivators to undergo short-term secluded Cultivation. It charged daily, and the price was not low; generally, only Outer Sect Disciples could afford to seclude themselves here for extended periods.
Han Xuanji naturally wasn't short on money.
Selling some of the rewards he received from daily sign-ins was enough for him to Cultivate in seclusion for decades.
Inside the Immortal Cave.
Han Xuanji sat cross-legged, placed a Profound Enlightenment Pill into his mouth, then enveloped it with spiritual power as it entered his abdomen. A vast surge of Medicinal Power erupted and was quickly refined.
After a while.
Han Xuanji opened his eyes; his Cultivation had reached the seventh level of the Nascent Soul Stage.
The Profound Enlightenment Pill was a common Medicinal Pill for Nascent Soul cultivators. Its raw Materials required a Nascent Soul Yao Beast core and the expertise of an Alchemy Great Master to refine. Han Xuanji, however, consumed several such pills almost every day.
"Not bad. At this rate, it won't be long until I Breakthrough to Soul Transformation."
Han Xuanji thought to himself.
His Sword Dao level had also not fallen behind; he had now reached the Major Achievement Realm of Sword Intent, not far from Sword Intent Perfection.
Although his days were uneventful, the outside world's turmoil seemed to never cease.
"It is said that the Heaven-Grade Aptitude Prodigy in the Inner Sect has already formed a Golden Core."
"Alas, the Cultivation environment for Inner Sect Disciples is naturally countless times better than ours. Some Cultivation Secret Realms are veritable paradises, and they have plenty of Medicinal Pills to consume. Even a pig could form a Golden Core there."
"Forget it. If you had that kind of Aptitude, you would also be nurtured in the same way. If you possessed the Aptitude of an Immortal, the entire Sect would treat you as a treasure."
"It is rumored that many Demonic Cultivators have infiltrated the Outer Sect area. The Disciples of the Demon Extermination Hall are currently searching for their hideouts. If there are any clues, a large number of rewards can be obtained."
"Give it up. Go investigate if you're not afraid of death. It's said that Golden Core Demonic Cultivators have infiltrated."
"Yes, don't go looking for death. It's better to just aim for a Zhuji Pill directly at the Utility Disciple Grand Competition."
Although Han Xuanji diligently Cultivated, he occasionally relaxed and checked the various group chat messages on his Jade Slip.
This was also a way for him to keep up with outside information, lest he completely fall behind the times.
Now, looking at it, he found that the progress of those Geniuses seemed far inferior to his own.
Han Xuanji remained very calm and did not become arrogant because of this.
No matter how high one's talent, without Cultivation as support, it was like a castle in the air.
Many Prodigies throughout history were like shooting stars, fleeting in an instant.
He had no desire to leave his name in history; he simply wanted to live freely and enjoy eternal life... On this day.
After signing in at Danding Peak, Han Xuanji prepared to return to his Cultivation Immortal Cave, passing by Utility Peak.
Along the way, many people would call Han Xuanji "Senior Brother." Some female Cultivators would smile at him when they saw him.
Han Xuanji had grown accustomed to such gazes. As he aged, his features matured, and due to his profound Cultivation, he possessed an extraordinary temperament, an ethereal and transcendent aura that easily drew others' favor.
However, he had no thoughts of romance.
He hadn't even become invincible yet; how could he have time for such things?
Many Junior Sisters' confessions were mercilessly rejected by him.
Han Xuanji had become famous for this, which somewhat troubled him.
He had diligently hidden his abilities for so long, yet he became famous in such a way.
But there was nothing he could do. Although he could conceal his Cultivation, he couldn't hide his charm.
Outside the Utility Courtyard.
A pale-faced man in a grey robe lowered his head, clutching his chest, half-kneeling on the ground, unable to speak.
Many Utility Disciples discussed animatedly.
"This Lu Fan is truly seeking death..."
"Daring to offend Senior Brother Xie, he truly doesn't know what's good for him."
"Does he really think he's still his former self?"
Listening to the words of these Disciples, Han Xuanji shook his head.
Conflicts like these were not uncommon in Shenxuan Sect.
Although it was a renowned righteous Sect, where there were people, there was Jianghu.
Han Xuanji had seen no shortage of "Sect bullying"; generally, older Disciples would bully newer Disciples with lower Cultivation. "Borrowing" Spirit Stones was their most common method.
Someone had once tried to borrow Spirit Stones from Han Xuanji, but their end was miserable.
Consequently, Han Xuanji actually had a bit of a reputation in the Utility Courtyard. New Disciples only thought of him as a handsome and gentle Senior Brother, but in the eyes of some older Disciples, he was an untouchable existence.
As for this Lu Fan, Han Xuanji did know a few things about him.
This person was also full of buffs.
He was originally an orphan, taken as a Disciple by an Outer Sect Elder of Lingxiu Peak due to his outstanding talent. He had a smooth journey, exceptionally becoming an Outer Sect Disciple, but during a training excursion, he encountered an accident, his Meridians were destroyed, and his Cultivation was lost.
His Master exhausted his efforts for him. Although his life was saved, he could no longer Cultivate.
Later, his Master died in battle against a Demonic Path Cultivator, leaving Lu Fan in an extremely awkward position, ultimately becoming a Utility Disciple.
Lu Fan was once a Prodigy, young and impetuous, offending many people. Even though those people were now too lazy to target him, some Disciples below would naturally try to guess their thoughts and act on their behalf.
Hence, he hadn't had a good time these past few years.
Moreover, some people would even deliberately make things difficult for this former Genius, satisfying some dark psychological urges.
This time, it was Lu Fan's deceased Master who was insulted by an old Utility Disciple who was about to reach Foundation Establishment, someone who had once fawned over Lu Fan.
Lu Fan struck first and was almost beaten to death.
Han Xuanji thought for a moment and used a communication Jade Slip to inform Li Shanhai. If someone actually died, the impact would be too negative.
After all, he also came from this Utility Peak and had met Lu Fan once... Spring passed and autumn arrived; three years flew by in an instant.
Three years ago, after he secretly helped Lu Fan.
Later, Lu Fan also learned from Li Shanhai that it was Han Xuanji's doing.
Lu Fan was not an ungrateful person, and their relationship had been quite good these past few years, often communicating via Jade Slip.
It's worth mentioning that Lu Fan began to Cultivate again a year ago, and his progress was extremely fast.
In just one year, he caught up to Han Xuanji's more than ten years of Cultivation progress, although this was only superficial progress.
But that was still quite fast, as Han Xuanji outwardly also had the strength of the eighth level of Qi Refining.
However, Han Xuanji was not at all envious of the other's speed.
Because Lu Fan was truly desperate, often taking on combat missions with rich rewards. In one year, many Demonic Cultivators and Yao Beasts died by his hand.
From Lu Fan's mouth, Han Xuanji experienced the difficulties of Cultivation for ordinary Utility Disciples in another way. When venturing out for training, one had to be constantly careful for safety. A slight oversight could lead to attacks from Demonic Path Cultivators, and these Demonic Path Cultivators were extremely insidious; sneak attacks and poisoning were commonplace.
Whenever he heard such news, Han Xuanji knew that his decision to stay low-key was correct.
During this period, Lu Fan also invited him to explore Secret Realms. Although the other party was very confident, Han Xuanji politely declined.
Are you kidding?
While exploring Secret Realms, he didn't know how many more treasures he could gain from signing in.
Lu Fan did not force him on this matter. After exploring, he would share his experiences.
Han Xuanji was also somewhat curious.
But after listening, he only had one feeling.
It was a good thing he didn't run around everywhere.
Out there, it was a battle of wits and courage. Not only did one have to guard against Yao Beasts and Devils, but also be wary of other Cultivators. Sometimes, dealing with the young ones only brought out the old ones, which was truly a pain... Unlike him, who diligently Cultivated in the Sect.
Indeed.
His Cultivation had now reached the ninth level of the Nascent Soul Stage, and stepping into Soul Transformation was just around the corner.
On this day.
Han Xuanji arrived at the Scripture Pavilion of Lingxiu Peak.
"System, sign in."
Han Xuanji didn't think much and silently chanted in his mind.
"Congratulations to the host for successfully signing in at the Scripture Pavilion. You have received the Cultivation Technique "Wuji Thunder Method."
"Thunder Method?"
Han Xuanji's expression brightened.
Over these past ten-odd years, he hadn't signed in at the Scripture Pavilion many times. After all, too much is bad; some Cultivation Techniques he learned were basically never used. Rather than signing in for a useless Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique, a bottle of top-grade Medicinal Pills was more practical.
However, this Thunder Method was rare; it was his first time seeing it.
After all, Thunder Dao Cultivators were relatively uncommon. Most Cultivators practiced Five Elements Cultivation Techniques that matched their Spiritual Roots.
Instantly.
A vast Legacy concerning the "Wuji Thunder Method" flooded into Han Xuanji's mind.
A moment later, Han Xuanji opened his eyes and slowly nodded.
The "Wuji Thunder Method" is a Heaven Rank Thunder-attribute Cultivation Technique. When Cultivated to a profound level, it can summon the Thunder God Incarnation, transforming into a thousand-zhang Thunder God, capable of collapsing mountains and splitting seas with a raise of a hand.
Most importantly, mastering it not only enhances thunder resistance but can even absorb the power of the Lightning Tribulation to strengthen the Physical Body, increasing strength and speed.
Heavenly Tribulation is a hurdle that Cultivators cannot overcome, especially for Prodigies, whose Heavenly Tribulations are often even stronger.
And Han Xuanji possessed a full-attribute Immortal Spiritual Root, so he could naturally Cultivate Thunder Methods.
At that time, Undergoing Tribulation would also be easier.
"I can try Cultivating it."
Han Xuanji thought to himself.
Returning to the Utility Courtyard, Li Shanhai seemed to have something to announce this afternoon, gathering all the Utility Disciples.
Lu Fan was also in the crowd at this time, and his Cultivation was not low, already at the ninth level of Qi Refining. His entire demeanor had completely changed.
Han Xuanji secretly used his Divine Thought to investigate and found no abnormalities on him.
The only thing he could discern was that the other party should have Cultivated a powerful Body Refining Cultivation Technique. His Qi and blood were strong, and his combat power should be among the best in the same Realm.
At this moment, Han Xuanji vaguely heard some Disciples quietly discussing a "competition."
"Perfect, Xuanji, you're here. I think you're quite suitable."
Li Shanhai said with a smile.
"Suitable for what?"
Han Xuanji was a bit confused.
Li Shanhai explained with a smile:
"Our Utility Peak will be holding an internal Utility Disciple competition soon. Each Utility Courtyard will select three Disciples to compete. The top ten will be rewarded with a Zhuji Pill, and the first place will also receive a Foundation Establishment Realm Flying Sword. I think you're excellent; you can take one spot."
"Senior Brother Li, please don't make things difficult for me. My shoddy skills would only disgrace you."
Han Xuanji laughed. You want a dignified Nascent Soul Great Power to bully Qi Refining rookies?
Isn't this equivalent to a King playing against Bronze?
That's a bit inhumane!
However, he also knew that Li Shanhai meant well. As the manager of the Utility Courtyard, the other party could be said to have watched Han Xuanji grow up, an existence that was both Master and friend.
Li Shanhai was also aware that Han Xuanji had been diligent and hardworking in his Cultivation over the years, so he wanted to give him an opportunity.
"It seems I'm still not low-key enough."
Han Xuanji sighed slightly in his heart.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, he didn't pretend his cultivation was low. Instead, his cultivation progressed rapidly. On the surface, he was already at the eighth level of Qi Refinement, which was definitely among the fastest in his batch of Utility Disciples.
In Li Shanhai's opinion, Han Xuanji was also close to Foundation Establishment, so preparing a Zhuji Pill in advance was crucial.
At this moment, the other Disciples' gazes towards Han Xuanji had changed considerably.
After all, this was a good opportunity. There were ten utility courtyards on Utility Peak. If one was lucky enough not to encounter strong opponents, they might even make it into the top ten.
"Are you serious?"
Li Shanhai was a little angry.
Han Xuanji nodded and said, "Naturally, I'm not speaking falsely."
"I think this opportunity can be given to other Senior Brothers."
"Oh, you..."
Li Shanhai sighed, but he didn't truly get angry over it.
Han Xuanji had been like this for more than a day or two: pure-hearted, content, and diligently Cultivating with a down-to-earth attitude, which aligned with Lingxiu Peak's principle of arduous cultivation.
Compared to Han Xuanji, many Disciples of Lingxiu Peak seemed a bit restless. They either wanted to descend the mountain to slay Yao Beasts and establish their reputation, or they yearned to venture into a Secret Realm to obtain a Legacy from a powerful Immortal and ascend to greatness in one step.
Over the past few decades, Li Shanhai had seen many who failed to recognize their own strength, thinking that slaying Yao Beasts was simple, only to lose their lives on their first outing.
Han Xuanji, however, had been consistent for ten years, diligently and never slacking off, always accepting tasks from the Miscellaneous Affairs Hall daily to earn Spirit Stones.
He was truly a model for Lingxiu Peak.
Moreover, Han Xuanji's cultivation also increased at a good pace.
If he continued like this, Foundation Establishment would not be a problem at all.
"Alright then."
Li Shanhai didn't think much of it, only assuming that Han Xuanji was not skilled in combat.
"Then who do you recommend?"
Li Shanhai asked.
"I think Lu Fan is quite good."
Han Xuanji replied casually.
"Lu Fan?"
Li Shanhai mused, and a decision formed in his mind.
Lu Fan had some unknown fortuitous encounter a few years ago, restarting his cultivation with astonishing progress. He was now close to the Foundation Establishment Realm.
He even alarmed some people in the Inner Sect, but the Elders had examined Lu Fan and found no abnormalities, simply attributing it to a personal opportunity without investigating further.
Lu Fan was once a Prodigy of the Outer Sect. Now that he had returned to cultivation, having him participate was a good idea.
"Oh, right. Be careful if you go out during this time."
Li Shanhai's tone shifted, and he said seriously.
"What major event has happened?"
Someone asked curiously.
"Demonic Path spies are omnipresent. Recently, many Disciples have fallen victim, including even Inner Sect Disciples."
Li Shanhai said solemnly.
Upon hearing this,
many Disciples felt a chill of fear.
"But there's no need for you to worry too much. This is nothing new. The Sect will naturally have people to eradicate these Demonic Cultivators."
Li Shanhai then offered reassurance.
At this point, a Disciple asked curiously:
"Senior Brother Li, why do those Demonic Path spies always like to come to Shenxuan Sect?"
Li Shanhai hesitated for a moment, then decided not to conceal it and spoke of what he knew.
In fact, this was no secret; older Disciples generally knew this history.
"A thousand years ago, the Demonic Path produced an unparalleled Prodigy who swept across the world after only a thousand years of cultivation, earning the title Heavenly Night Demon Lord. This person even attacked our Shenxuan Sect. Many Masters of our Shenxuan Sect were no match for him. Fortunately, an Ancestral Master intervened and repelled this top figure of the Demonic Path.
The Heavenly Night Demon Lord also suffered significant injuries, and then internal strife broke out within the Heavenly Demon Sect, and the Demon Lord disappeared without a trace.
Later, rumors from unknown sources claimed that the Legacy of the Heavenly Night Demon Lord was hidden within the Shenxuan Sect, leading to countless Demonic Path spies infiltrating our Shenxuan Sect."
Li Shanhai sighed as he finished speaking.
This Ancestral Master was actually an unparalleled Master of Lingxiu Peak, but his Lifespan was nearing its end. After that one intervention, he had exhausted his vitality.
"Steward Li, is there really a Demon Lord's Legacy in our Shenxuan Sect?"
Suddenly, a Disciple asked.
"How would I know?"
Li Shanhai glared at the Disciple, annoyed, saying,
"That Devil Head's fate is unknown. Who knows where he died, or perhaps he isn't even dead."
Han Xuanji couldn't help but ask:
"What Realm was this Demon Lord in?"
Li Shanhai pondered for a while before speaking:
"How would we know the Realm of such a Cultivator? At the very least, he must have been a powerful being in the Combination Realm."
"Combination Realm?"
Han Xuanji was startled.
At such a Realm, generally speaking, if one doesn't court death, one won't die.
Clearly, this Demon Lord had courted death.
This also served as a warning to Han Xuanji: even a powerful being in the Combination Realm had died recklessly. What right did he, a Nascent Soul cultivator, have to act recklessly? Even upon reaching the Combination Realm, he must not become arrogant!
The Dao of caution was the path of cultivation he needed to uphold.
"If any of you encounter suspicious individuals, you must promptly inform the Sect, understand?"
As he said this, Li Shanhai's gaze sternly swept over the Disciples.
"Understood, Steward."
The Disciples immediately replied.
Li Shanhai finished speaking and left.
The crowd dispersed, and Han Xuanji was about to return to his room.
Lu Fan walked over, cupped his hands, and said:
"Thank you for your kindness, Junior Brother Han. If you ever encounter trouble in the future, just tell me."
Han Xuanji blinked and said:
"I believe Senior Brother Lu will achieve a resounding victory."
"Haha, thank you for your auspicious words, Junior Brother."
Lu Fan laughed heartily, full of high spirits.
"I feel like he's truly a Child of Luck."
Han Xuanji mused.
He could tell that Lu Fan's Foundation was incredibly solid, not like someone who had rapidly progressed by cultivating some evil or Demonic Technique. If he didn't die prematurely, he would definitely make a name for himself.
However, it would likely be very difficult to catch up to him.
After all, he had a cheat.
Seven days later.
The Utility Disciple competition concluded.
As expected, Lu Fan took first place and even gave Han Xuanji a Zhuji Pill... On this day,
Han Xuanji encountered a Bottleneck while cultivating the Wuji Thunder Method.
"After all, it's a Thunder Method. No matter how high one's talent, without the aid of the power of lightning, it can never be fully mastered."
Han Xuanji pondered.
There were also Thunder Cultivators within the Sect, so there should be such a place, right?
He took out his communication Jade Slip, intending to ask the knowledgeable Lu Fan.
Before long,
the other party replied with a message.
"There is a place within the Sect called Leiling Valley, which is open to Sect Disciples for free."
"However, do not go too deep. The power of lightning is not something we can easily control."
Although Lu Fan didn't know Han Xuanji's purpose, he still offered a warm reminder.
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
Han Xuanji immediately thanked him.
It had to be said, this was the advantage of a large Sect.
Many special cultivation grounds were actually open for free, though they were also quite dangerous. If one encountered problems during cultivation, the Sect would not be held responsible.
Han Xuanji didn't think much of it and set off for Leiling Valley.
Before long,
he arrived at Leiling Valley. At this moment, many people were already in the valley.
Although Spiritual Roots of the Five Elements were rare, there were so many Shenxuan Sect Disciples that there were quite a few Thunder Cultivators.
Moreover, some people here used lightning to refine Magic Treasures.
Fortunately, Leiling Valley was also very large, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people. Everyone could occupy a large area without disturbing each other.
According to information, the deeper one went into the valley, the richer the Thunder Spiritual Qi became, and the more powerful the lightning force would be.
For him, a Nascent Soul cultivator, naturally, he had to go deep into Leiling Valley.
Han Xuanji moved swiftly and soon reached the depths of Leiling Valley.
Here, the Thunder Spiritual Qi was exceptionally active, with lightning striking from time to time, which was extremely terrifying.
Besides him, only one Cultivator was cultivating not far away.
"Such terrifying lightning. If an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator came here, they would probably find it difficult to withstand."
Han Xuanji was surprised, then a look of joy appeared on his face.
This intensity was just right for him.
At the same time,
a bolt of lightning struck.
Han Xuanji neither dodged nor flinched, directly circulating the Wuji Thunder Method to withstand it.
The Cultivator not far away also opened his eyes and, upon seeing this scene, couldn't help but gasp:
"Is this how Thunder Cultivators Cultivate?"
After thinking for a moment, the Cultivator silently distanced himself from Han Xuanji, afraid of being affected.
Not everyone could withstand Heavenly Thunder head-on.
A day passed in a flash.
Han Xuanji thought that the System sign-in count had refreshed, and he still needed to go back.
However, on second thought, this Leiling Valley also felt like a place imbued with Dao Rime.
"System, can I sign in here?"
"Yes."
The System's reply was quick.
Han Xuanji didn't hesitate and silently thought:
"System, sign in."
"Congratulations to the host for successfully signing in at Leiling Valley, obtaining the entry 'Ten Thousand Tribulations Thunder Body'."
"The Dao Rime here is exhausted; you cannot continue to sign in."
"Ten Thousand Tribulations Thunder Body": "A rare lightning-attributed spiritual Physique. Your cultivation speed for lightning-type Cultivation Techniques is increased, and you have high resistance to lightning-attributed attacks."
"Ten Thousand Tribulations Thunder Body... not bad, but it's a pity I can only sign in once."
Han Xuanji.
Although this wasn't an incredibly abnormal Physique, it was still good.
Cultivators with this Physique would have at least a thirty percent higher success rate when undergoing Heavenly Tribulation compared to ordinary Cultivators.
Especially in the Late Stage of cultivation, the utility of this Physique became even greater.
If one had resources to Cultivate it, and with good Aptitude, reaching the Soul Transformation Realm would not be difficult.
Such Aptitude, even within the Shenxuan Sect, would qualify one to start as an Inner Sect Disciple, and some Elders with lightning Spiritual Roots would be very willing to take such a Disciple.
For Han Xuanji, it was like adding wings to a tiger.
Without hesitation, Han Xuanji directly claimed the reward and fused with the Ten Thousand Tribulations Thunder Body.
"It doesn't seem like anything..."
Immediately, Han Xuanji felt that his absorption of the surrounding Thunder Spiritual Qi became even faster.
And he didn't know why,
the frequency of Heavenly Thunder striking him increased.
The Cultivator nearby watched with a pounding heart.
It wasn't until the third day, when Han Xuanji left Leiling Valley, that he finally let out a sigh of relief.
"I knew it, how could anyone continuously draw Heavenly Thunder to Cultivate?"
However, what he didn't expect was that soon,
Han Xuanji returned.
"?"
Seemingly noticing the Cultivator's gaze, Han Xuanji politely nodded towards him.
"..."
The Cultivator also nodded, and then both continued to Cultivate, but he moved even further away from Han Xuanji.