Inside an isolated cave near the Misty Serenity Sect, Jiang Zenhai and Zhao Xun were immersed in deep meditation. The stillness of the environment was broken only by the soft sound of water droplets falling from the stalactites on the ceiling. After hours in a trance, Jiang Zenhai slowly opened his eyes, his thoughts still connected to the sword technique they had learned.

“This sword technique is truly profound and overwhelming…” he murmured, his voice low, as if afraid to disturb the serenity of the cave.

Beside him, Zhao Xun opened his eyes as well, excitement evident on his face. His fists clenched instinctively, as if he was already imagining himself in the middle of a battle.

“With this technique, we’ll be able to crush those demons!” Zhao Xun exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with fiery determination.

What they didn’t know was that while they were honing their skills, the war against the demons had already ended. Tian Ling had defeated the Green Demon in a short span of time, resolving a threat that could have shaken the entire region.

Jiang Zenhai sighed, a trace of concern surfacing in his words.

“Now that we’ve accepted that veteran as our master… I just hope the sect master won’t be angry with us.” His expression was one of helplessness, as if already anticipating the master’s disappointment.

A few months after the Green Demon’s defeat, in the main hall of Elder Mei Lianhua, two figures sat across from each other. Mei Lianhua and Lian Ziyue, both beauties with serene appearances, wore peculiar expressions — a mixture of seriousness and hesitation.

“If that’s what you want, you need to be direct and pursue him,” Mei Lianhua said firmly, though a slight trace of frustration could be heard in her voice, as if she wasn’t entirely pleased with the subject.

Lian Ziyue lowered her gaze, her face turning a deep shade of red.

“I understand, elder, but…” Her words caught in her throat, and the blush on her cheeks deepened.

Mei Lianhua let out a small grunt, crossing her arms.

“Hmph! If you don’t act, don’t expect him to do anything. Tian Ling is an ascetic; he won’t make a move, even if he invited you to the Mythical Realm. That doesn’t mean he has any romantic intentions toward you.”

Lian Ziyue lowered her head even further, as if trying to hide her embarrassment.

“I... I understand.” Her voice was soft, almost inaudible, carrying a tone of helplessness.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Over the years, the demons' defeat shook the entire Nine Stars Region. Even so, Tian Ling’s name remained unknown. Only a few members of the Misty Serenity Sect knew that he was the true savior of the sect. While other sects remained indifferent to the demons' threat, offering no support, the victory over the Green Demon greatly enhanced the Misty Serenity Sect’s reputation. Many sects began sending gifts and tributes, acknowledging it as one of the strongest in the region.

On the other hand, the sect master, preoccupied with administrative matters, had neglected his own cultivation. As a result, he remained stuck at the ninth level of the True Soul Realm, unable to advance for several years.

Lian Ziyue returned to the Mythical Realm a few months after her conversation with Mei Lianhua. Tian Ling hadn’t locked the teleportation portal, allowing her smooth entry. Determined to improve, Lian Ziyue dove into her cultivation, striving to break through to new levels. However, she still couldn’t fully sense the spiritual Qi’s change around her. Her cultivation was too low to perceive the true essence permeating the Mythical Realm.

After three more years of intense cultivation, Tian Ling finally opened his eyes. The soft light of the Mythical Realm enveloped his figure as he let out a deep sigh.

“Fifth level of the True Soul Realm...” he murmured, frowning in frustration. “Tsk... I couldn’t concentrate properly these past years, worried about that powerful being that appeared five years ago. If not for that, I’d never have taken this long, especially with so much abundant spiritual Qi here.”

He calmed his mind, adjusting his state of spirit, and activated the system to check if anything significant had happened during his time in isolation.

[Your friend Yu Meilin has comprehended a celestial-level technique. Her cultivation has increased significantly.]

[Your friend Zhao Xun has comprehended a celestial-level technique. His cultivation has increased significantly.]

[Your friend Jiang Zenhai has comprehended a celestial-level technique. His cultivation has increased significantly.]

[Your acquaintance Kim Long received guidance from the Spirit of the Heavenly Dao. His cultivation progressed drastically.]

A smile spread across Tian Ling’s lips as he read the notifications. All his friends were advancing rapidly on their respective cultivation paths. He opened Yu Meilin’s status and was surprised by her progress.

“She’s already reached the seventh level of the Core Formation Realm?” he murmured in satisfaction. “At this rate, she could break through to the next realm within the next twenty years. Her talent is truly remarkable.”

Next, he reviewed the notifications about Zhao Xun and Jiang Zenhai.

“They comprehended a celestial-level technique together? Those two are inseparable lately.” He chuckled softly, picturing his two companions training side by side.

Tian Ling didn’t bother watching the scenes of their comprehension. He knew that, most of the time, the visions were just cultivators meditating, which didn’t pique his interest. Then, he came across the notification about Kim Long and opened his status.

“Tsk... That kid is ridiculous. It hasn’t even been ten years since he broke through to the True Soul Realm, and he’s already at the second level.” A trace of irritation appeared in his voice. “It seems his system is better than mine... No, I can’t let him surpass me.”

Determined not to fall behind, Tian Ling straightened his posture. However, just as he was about to resume his cultivation, he sensed two familiar presences outside his abode.

Jin Yu and Lian Ziyue were talking, their voices softly echoing through the air. Both were patiently waiting for Tian Ling.

“Looks like my rest will have to wait a little longer...” he murmured, slowly rising to greet them.