Although everyone was surprised that Ye Junlin had casually taken in a Nascent Soul cultivator as a disciple during a walk, since they were all members of the same sect now, they welcomed Hong Qianye's arrival.
After all, this only meant the Xuantian Sect had grown even stronger.
Once the crowd dispersed, Ye Junlin led Hong Qianye to Mysterious Peak.
"You're my master's chief disciple now, so feel free to pick any cave dwelling here. Don't hold back," Ye Junlin said sincerely.
Hong Qianye eyed the rundown cave covered in cobwebs. His eyelid twitched before he forced out a strained, "Thank you... Master..."
No exaggeration—this place was worse than the outer disciple dorms back in the Fire Cult.
"Ahem, it's a bit messy. Just clean it up yourself," Ye Junlin added.
"Remember, only the weak complain about their environment. The strong adapt," he said seriously.
With that, he vanished in a flash.
He'd abandoned him on the spot.
Hong Qianye clenched his fists, swallowing the anger bubbling inside. Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "It's fine... I'll endure this..."
To achieve great things, one must first learn to endure humiliation.
Since he had chosen to follow Ye Junlin, he had to adapt to this new identity.
---
News of the Xuantian Sect's annihilation of the Wind Thunder Sect spread like wildfire across the Arid Province.
"What?! The Wind Thunder Sect got wiped out?!"
"No way! Wasn't the Xuantian Sect always at the bottom of the six major sects?"
"Did you hear? The Master of Mysterious Peak didn't actually lose his cultivation! A Nascent Soul-level Qingpeng Demon King attacked—and got killed instead!"
"So he broke through to Nascent Soul long ago? No wonder the Xuantian Sect's been acting so bold. That kind of patience is terrifying!"
"In my opinion, the Wind Thunder Sect just picked the worst time to make a move. Now they're history!"
…
Countless factions were abuzz with speculation, shaken by the stunning turn of events.
The other four major sects, in particular, had begun to monitor the Xuantian Sect closely, no longer daring to take them lightly.
A single Nascent Soul cultivator might not be much in the grand scheme, but in a remote region like the Arid Province, it was a force capable of safeguarding a sect for a thousand years.
"Hmph, if that Qingpeng Demon King hadn't attacked, how long was that Mysterious Peak Master planning to stay hidden?"
"Nascent Soul or not, in our Banshan Sect's eyes, that's still not enough to act arrogant."
Zhao Kongcheng, leader of the Banshan Sect, sneered with his hands clasped behind his back.
Their sect's ancestor was also a peak Nascent Soul cultivator, currently in secluded cultivation attempting a breakthrough to the Transformation Stage.
If he succeeded, the Banshan Sect would dominate the entire Arid Province.
---
Meanwhile, in Qingzhou—the capital of the Eastern Domain.
This land was home to countless cultivation clans, immortal empires, and martial sects.
Among them, the Yuhua Sect stood at the pinnacle, revered as a sacred land of cultivation. For over a million years, it had held unrivaled prestige, worshipped by millions.
Inside one of its ancient ancestral halls, countless spirit tablets lined the walls. Suddenly, one shattered with a loud crack, startling a disciple from his sleep. He awoke in terror, his face pale.
"Heavens... That was Elder Mu's tablet!"
Mu Lao was a highly respected outer elder of the Yuhua Sect, a master of Earth-grade Divine Techniques, and one of the most prominent of his rank.
No one had expected him to die so suddenly.
News of Elder Mu's death quickly reached the sect's upper echelons.
The higher-ups were furious.
Who would dare kill an elder of the Yuhua Sect?
As members of such a revered sect, even their outer disciples were treated with deference. No faction would risk provoking them.
And now, an elder sent on a simple errand had been killed?!
---
On a towering immortal peak.
A middle-aged man in golden robes sat in silence, golden light flickering in his eyes as an overwhelming aura radiated from him. His thick golden hair was braided into hundreds of strands that draped across his chest and back.
This was the Grand Sun Venerable.
"Master, it's my fault… I was the one who asked Elder Mu to deliver a medicinal pill to my father," said a young man kneeling before him, his robes embroidered with a blazing sun.
This was Chen Xiao, son of Chen Yunhai.
"Rise. This isn't your fault," the Grand Sun Venerable said calmly, lifting his hand. A gentle force helped Chen Xiao to his feet.
"Thank you, Master."
Chen Xiao's eyes were filled with unease.
"If there's something on your mind, speak," the Grand Sun Venerable said indifferently.
Chen Xiao took a deep breath. "Elder Mu's death troubles me. I suspect something happened to my father's sect. I'd like to go to the Arid Province and see for myself."
The Grand Sun Venerable shook his head. "Xiao'er, do you know why I accepted you as my disciple?"
"Because I possess the Solar Sacred Body… and the potential to become an Immortal?" Chen Xiao replied.
In the world of cultivation, one's physique was nearly as important as their spiritual roots. The stronger the body, the greater the potential for growth and combat.
Physiques were ranked from Spiritual Bodies to Precious Bodies, Immortal Bodies, and Sacred Bodies.
Chen Xiao possessed the Solar Sacred Body—one of the highest tiers.
The Grand Sun Venerable remained calm. "That's part of it. The other reason... is your ambition."
"How can you pursue true power while burdened by worldly attachments? The True Inheritance Disciple Tournament is approaching. Focus on winning it. Defeat the other true disciples and claim first place. Then the sect will pour its resources into your cultivation. That's what truly matters."
"But—"
"No buts. I'll send someone to investigate the Arid Province."
Chen Xiao had no choice but to suppress his worry. He cupped his hands respectfully and said, "I won't let you down, Master."
Then he turned and left.
The Grand Sun Venerable's cold voice rang through the air, "Someone, go to the Arid Province and investigate."
A deep voice echoed from the void, "Understood."
---
Back at Xuantian Sect's Mysterious Peak.
The air was rich with fragrant smoke and the savory aroma of grilled meat.
Hong Qianye expertly turned skewers of lamb over a fire, seasoning them with a perfect blend of spices. The meat sizzled and gleamed with juices, promising a mouthwatering bite.
He glanced over his shoulder at the silver-haired young man reclining lazily in a sunlit chair and frowned.
This was once the infamous master of the Demonic Path—a man whose name had shaken nations across the Central Region.
Now? He was living like a slacker in a remote sect.
If his old enemies could see him now, they'd probably laugh themselves to death.
"Eat, eat, eat! What's so special about grilled meat anyway? He's in the Transformation Stage and still obsessed with food?"
"How shallow," he muttered to himself.
"Xiao Hong! Is it ready yet? Your Master can't wait!" Ye Junlin called out lazily.
"Almost done, Master! I'll bring it right over!" Hong Qianye replied.
He brought over a plate stacked high with perfectly cooked skewers and handed it to Ye Junlin.
Reclining back, Ye Junlin grabbed one and took a satisfying bite.
To be honest, he didn't really need to train at the moment—just checking in daily was enough for his Divine Techniques and Martial Skills to level up automatically.
The system was insanely efficient.
And since the random rewards were often over the top, he would just hand out the extra ones to Xu Yonian and the others. Their power increased dramatically, and they viewed him with unmatched loyalty.
[Ding! Host, are you satisfied with the system's special grilled skewer seasoning reward?]
A childish loli voice chimed in his mind.
"Of course! This flavor reminds me of home… There used to be a city famous for this exact taste."
[Ding! As long as Host is happy!]
Ye Junlin turned toward Hong Qianye and jerked his chin. "Hey, grab one. Don't be shy."
Hong Qianye shook his head. "Master, I've long let go of worldly desires. I no longer indulge in such things."
Ye Junlin clicked his tongue. "What's the point of cultivating if you can't enjoy life a little? Just listen to your Master and eat."
"No thank you, Master. I really have no interest," he replied flatly, thinking that Ye Junlin was the strangest cultivator he'd ever met.
"What?! Refusing your Master's generosity? When I say eat, you eat! What's with all this nonsense?"
Ye Junlin narrowed his eyes.
You really think I can't make you eat?
Hong Qianye: "…"
In the end, under Ye Junlin's mounting pressure, he reluctantly picked up a skewer. With a frown, he brought it to his nose, sniffed it cautiously—then took a hesitant bite.
Boom!
A surge of flavor exploded across his tongue.
He chewed slowly, and an inexplicable warmth spread through his body.
His entire being trembled, as if struck by lightning. A comforting, nostalgic feeling swept over him, something buried deep in the recesses of childhood.
Tears welled in his eyes.
Two streaks slid silently down his cheeks.
"So… so delicious…"
---
This Mc would be Overpowered. But the battles would be thrilling, he'd be ruthless but not a killing Maniac.
He's not the kind that stays low-key, he loves to show off.
Send Powerstones, if you're still reading.