“I know you all have questions, but I’ll leave that to my grandson. No one here understands the QiPhone better than him,” Xianlong said as he stepped aside, his voice calm yet confident.

The representatives exchanged glances, finally understanding why Han Rui, a junior in their eyes, was in attendance.

“Patriarch Xianlong,” began an elder from a neighboring sect, his tone careful but firm. “This isn’t a question—more of a suggestion. Would it be possible to delay the sale of the QiPhone to the general public by a few months?”

A ripple of agreement passed through the room. None of them wanted this revolutionary device falling into the hands of the masses too quickly. If they could monopolize its advantages for even a few months, their respective sects would gain a significant edge. Of course, outright preventing public sales was out of the question, but delaying it? That might be feasible.

Han Rui, Xianlong, and the Han clan elders exchanged glances. The tension in the hall was palpable as the representatives waited for their response.

Xianlong stepped forward once more, his expression measured. “We can discuss that further during a stakeholder meeting. However, we are receptive to the idea. After all, as partners, we should share both the benefits and the risks.”

The elders broke into applause, their smiles wide and approving.

“You’re truly a magnanimous and wise leader, Patriarch Xianlong,” one elder said, his voice dripping with flattery.

Han Rui, watching the display of shameless praise, couldn’t help but chuckle. With a small step forward, he took the floor, and Xianlong retreated to let him speak.

“Elders,” Han Rui began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the hall, “before I address your concerns, I need to explain some key features of the QiPhone that you might find intriguing.”

The chatter ceased as all eyes locked onto the young man. The representatives, curious yet skeptical, leaned forward slightly.

“I’m sure many of you are wondering about the security features of the QiPhone. Specifically, what happens if it’s lost, stolen, or misplaced?”

Zhu Mingxuan, a venerable elder with a sharp mind, nodded thoughtfully. “That was precisely my next question, young master. A device so powerful would be a liability if easily compromised.”

Han Rui’s lips curved into a confident smile. “First, let’s distinguish between the QiPhone and the QiPhone Pro Max. The standard QiPhone, used in our earlier demonstration, is designed for both mortals and cultivators. It comes with basic but robust formation-based security restrictions. I can confidently say that no formation master alive today could breach these restrictions.”

He allowed the statement to sink in, noting the murmurs of approval from the crowd.

“Your call logs, messages, videos, and personal data will remain private, accessible only to you—unless you choose to share them. Additionally, each QiPhone will have a unique ten-digit number assigned to it. This number cannot be changed and will serve as the key for making calls, video calls, and sending messages to other QiPhone users.”

Han Rui paused and turned toward Xianlong. “Grandfather, may I?”

Xianlong nodded and retrieved an even sleeker device from his inventory. The polished surface of the QiPhone Pro Max gleamed under the hall’s light as he handed it to Han Rui.

“This,” Han Rui declared, holding it up for all to see, “is the QiPhone Pro Max—the pinnacle of modern formation expertise. Unlike the standard QiPhone, this version is exclusive to cultivators.”

The hall went silent, every representative leaning in, their curiosity palpable.

“The QiPhone Pro Max has enhanced storage and exclusive apps tailored for cultivators. For instance, Swipe Right for Enlightenment—where enlightenment is only a swipe away. Then there’s QiBank, which allows you to securely store your spirit stones. Or QiVault, a feature to store treasures, formation discs, tools, and more, directly within the device.”

The elders stared, slack-jawed, but Han Rui wasn’t done.

“Both versions also share apps like QiMaps, which helps users navigate unfamiliar regions. Whether you’re mortal or a cultivator, the app calculates the safest and fastest routes based on your cultivation level or lack of. And for the QiPhone Pro Max, there’s SectTalk—an exclusive group chat feature allowing members of the same sect, clan, or faction to communicate seamlessly. Leaders can manage these groups or appoint admins to do so.”

He paused to gauge their reactions. Every elder, save for the Han clan members, looked as though they’d been struck by lightning. Their mouths hung open; eyes wide with disbelief.

Han Rui coughed lightly, drawing the elders’ attention back to him. “And there’s more,” he announced, his voice steady despite the incredulous gazes fixed on him. “Another app available to both cultivators and mortals is FaceSect. With this app, you can share your achievements, rare treasures, alchemical recipes, new jewelry designs, or even spirit beasts. Whatever you wish—it’s entirely up to you.”

The elders exchanged intrigued glances, their imaginations already running wild.

“But,” Han Rui continued, “since you are all esteemed cultivators, I’ll focus more on the exclusive features of the QiPhone Pro Max. For example, there’s an app called Tribulation Tracker. It predicts the arrival of your next Heavenly Tribulation and even provides survival tips. The premium version goes a step further by identifying safe zones with lower lightning intensity.”

The room fell eerily silent, the mention of tribulations striking a chord with everyone present.

“Then there’s QiBalance, a wellness app designed to detect imbalances in your spiritual energy and recommend remedies. It even includes daily affirmations like: ‘You are one step closer to immortality.’” Han Rui smiled slyly. “And we’re not done yet. There’s DuelMe, an app for scheduling duels with fellow cultivators. It even has a matchmaking feature for ranked sparring.”

Murmurs of astonishment rippled through the hall.

Han Rui pressed on. “Next is InnerDemon Detector—self-explanatory, I think. And finally, SectTok, a short video app for showcasing martial techniques, alchemical explosions, hilarious tribulation fails, or… whatever you like, really.”

Han Rui paused, surveying the room. If the elders’ jaws dropped any further, they might sweep the floor with their tongues.

I completely understand their reactions, Han Rui mused. If I weren’t from Earth, even I would be just as shocked. But I should probably stop here for now. I don’t want to overload them with too much at once. When they’ve adjusted, I’ll introduce dating apps, gambling apps, food apps, streaming services, and maybe even ride-hailing apps…

Han Rui suppressed a grin. I can already smell the money.

Taking a deep breath, he continued. “Elders, there are also basic apps for notetaking, weather updates, and calculations. These will be available to all QiPhone users. And finally, the feature that truly sets the QiPhone Pro Max apart: Qi Recognition.”

“Qi Recognition? What’s that?” an elder asked, his curiosity piqued.

Han Rui nodded, anticipating the question. “As you know, even cultivators practicing the same technique develop unique qi signatures. This applies across all levels—even identical twins practicing identical techniques will have distinct qi. The Qi Recognition feature ensures that only the owner can unlock and use their QiPhone Pro Max. It’s an unparalleled security measure.”

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The room buzzed with quiet astonishment.

Elder Longwei leaned forward, his expression serious. “Young master, does this mean my wives won’t be able to pry into my affairs when I’m cultivating or away?”

A wry smile spread across the faces of the gathered cultivators, including Han Rui.

“Rest assured, Elder Longwei,” Han Rui replied with a chuckle. “No one can unlock your QiPhone Pro Max without your qi.”

Another elder raised his hand, his brow furrowed with concern. “But… what happens if someone manages to steal our qi?”

The murmurs grew louder, a ripple of unease spreading through the hall. Cultivators stealing qi was not unheard of, and the implications were troubling.

Han Rui raised a hand to calm the crowd. “Elders, I understand your concerns. Let me clarify. The Qi Recognition feature uses your innate qi—the essence unique to you. While qi can indeed be stolen, it cannot retain the same properties outside its original host. Moreover, even if someone were to bypass Qi Recognition—an almost impossible feat—they’d encounter another layer of protection.”

“What kind of protection?” an elder pressed.

Han Rui smirked. “A series of personal security questions that only the owner can answer. These questions could range from simple ones, like your hometown or your first love’s name, to specific ones, like the ranking of people you’d most like to see embarrass themselves publicly.”

A ripple of dry laughter spread through the room, breaking some of the tension.

“This dual-layer security system,” Han Rui continued, “is what our benefactors call Dual Essence Verification. Of course, as with all things in the Sacred Martial World, there’s no absolute security. If someone forces you to unlock your QiPhone, no feature can help you. Ultimately, the ability to protect your wealth depends on your strength.”

The elders nodded in solemn agreement. In the martial world, power had always been the ultimate guarantee of security.

“Young master,” another elder interjected, “what happens if our QiPhone is stolen or lost?”

Han Rui addressed the room with confidence. “If your QiPhone is lost or stolen, you can simply acquire another. During the purchase process, the device will ask for the reason you’re replacing it. For example, if your previous device was lost in a secret realm that only opens once every few centuries, your information can be transferred seamlessly to the new QiPhone. The old one will then be rendered inactive. Additionally, every QiPhone includes the Find My QiPhone app, which allows you to locate your device using a friend or family member’s QiPhone—no matter where it is.”

A murmur of approval swept through the hall at the convenience of the feature.

Before Han Rui could continue, Elder Fang Wenhao stepped forward, snapping open his intricately designed fan with a crisp flourish. “My question relates to the materials stored within the QiPhone. How can we be confident that our secret arts, techniques, or wealth won’t be stolen?”

The room grew tense, all eyes drifting to Xianlong. Surely the patriarch would be best suited to handle such a delicate question. However, to everyone’s surprise, Han Rui spoke instead.

“Elder Wenhao, with all due respect, let me ask you a question in return. If the Fang Clan—or even you—possessed the capability to craft such an item, would you waste your efforts on pilfering cultivation techniques, treasures, or secret arts from the sects here?”

Han Rui’s calm yet pointed question silenced the room. His words rang true, resonating with the assembled cultivators.

“The materials used to construct the QiPhone,” Han Rui continued, “are treasures in themselves. They far exceed any treasure our individual factions—or even all our factions combined—could muster. That these devices are being sold at what amounts to a giveaway price is already astonishing. Personally, I don’t believe there’s anything we possess that would interest our benefactors. That said, your concerns are valid. Thankfully, no one is being forced to adopt the QiPhone. If you deem it too risky, you are free to continue using your current methods.”

Elder Song Longwei erupted into laughter, clapping his hands vigorously. “Well said, young master! Let the cowards stick to their old ways. We of the new era will march boldly forward!”

He cast a mocking glance at Wenhao, who bristled but quickly masked his irritation, folding his fan with a sharp snap. Taking a deep breath, Wenhao reined in his temper and inclined his head toward Han Rui. “Thank you for addressing my concerns, young master.”

Han Rui cupped his fists in respect. “Thank you, Elder Wenhao. Your question was both valid and important.”

Before the tension could linger, Elder Chang Xiao stepped forward, his serene smile diffusing the atmosphere. “Young master Han Rui, you’ve mentioned many features. Forgive me, but it was a bit overwhelming. Is there a way for us to learn about these on our own?”

Han Rui nodded. “Of course. Upon activation, the QiPhone explains all its features to the user in detail. This tutorial can be repeated as many times as needed. There’s no risk of being left confused.”

“That’s excellent to hear,” Chang Xiao replied with a warm smile. “If I may, I have one more question.” He paused, bowing respectfully to the room. Seeing no objections, he continued, “Does the QiPhone cater to those with disabilities?”

A hush fell over the hall. Cultivators, despite their power, often risked crippling injuries or losing their cultivation bases entirely. It was a question that struck a nerve.

Han Rui’s smile softened. “That’s an excellent question, and I thank you for raising it. Yes, the QiPhone is designed to accommodate both able-bodied cultivators and those who have suffered disabilities or lost their cultivation bases. While there are additional procedures to access stored items in such cases, I assure you—nothing will be lost.”

The elders visibly relaxed, some even sighing in relief.

“Thank you, young master,” Chang Xiao said with a deep bow, then stepped back into the crowd.

Han Rui scanned the room, his gaze meeting that of an elder from a nearby sect. The elder stepped forward, cupping his fists. “Young master, how does one power the QiPhone? Surely such a device must require something to keep it functioning?”

Han Rui’s smile brightened. “Another excellent question. The QiPhone absorbs the essence of heaven and earth to power itself. No matter what realm you find yourself in, the QiPhone will continue to function optimally. You don’t need to worry about it losing power at a critical moment.”

The elder exhaled in relief and bowed deeply. “Thank you for your answer, young master.”

The meeting stretched on for two more hours as Han Rui patiently answered question after question, each response sparking fresh inquiries. Eventually, Patriarch Xianlong intervened, his voice cutting through the din.

“I believe we’ve had a very productive discussion,” Xianlong announced, his tone signaling the meeting’s conclusion.

The elders rose as one, cupping their fists. “The pleasure is all ours, Patriarch Xianlong. Thank you for hosting us!”

“I will send an invitation to all your respective factions in the coming days,” Xianlong declared, his voice calm yet commanding. “We will further discuss what has been shared today and outline the key details of our collective cooperation. For now, I hope you enjoy the refreshments we have prepared.”

He paused, raising his hand. A series of decorative packages appeared from his spatial ring, each one elegantly wrapped and exuding a faint, mystical aura. With a wave of his hand, the packages floated toward the representatives, each one landing gently before its intended recipient.

“These contain the QiPhones promised, along with the initial subscriptions. Additionally, each package includes an extra device, meant for your respective clan or sect leaders,” Xianlong explained with a faint smile.

“Thank you so much for your altruism and generosity, Patriarch Xianlong,” the elders chorused, bowing in unison.

Xianlong simply nodded, his expression serene.

At that moment, an elder from Sacred Valley stepped forward, his face urgent. “Forgive me, Patriarch Xianlong, but I must take my leave. I must return to Sacred Valley immediately. I assure you, the Grandmaster will pay you a special visit in the coming days.”

Xianlong inclined his head. “I understand. I wish you a safe journey.”

The elder bowed deeply, his entourage following suit, before they departed swiftly.

That single departure seemed to spark a chain reaction. One by one, the other representatives approached Xianlong, each expressing their regret at having to leave early while vowing that their leaders would visit the Han Estate soon. Xianlong bade each of them farewell with his characteristic composure, offering polite smiles and saying little else.

Finally, Song Longwei and his entourage approached, his dazzling grin as sharp as the edge of a blade. “Patriarch Xianlong, I too must return to my clan. Please forgive my discourtesy.”

Xianlong chuckled softly. “I understand. Please send my regards to Haotian.”

Longwei’s attention shifted to Han Rui, who stood beside Xianlong. His grin widened, though his gaze held a hint of mischief. “Young master Han Rui, I’ve always admired your scholarly talents. How about having tea with my granddaughter sometime soon?”

Han Rui’s smile froze, turning as dry as the desert sands. Longwei’s cheerful tone might have seemed innocent, but the glint in his eyes made it clear this was not a request.

“He has a fiancée, Elder Longwei,” Xianlong interjected, his tone cooling noticeably as his frown deepened.

Longwei cocked his head, feigning innocence. “It’s just tea, Patriarch Xianlong. How does that change anything? Surely, they won’t have babies from simply drinking tea, right? Young people should have the chance to get to know each other better. Isn’t that right, young master?”

Xianlong opened his mouth to refuse again, but Han Rui gently tapped his grandfather’s arm. “It’s fine, Grandfather. It’s only tea,” he said softly.

“Yes, only tea!” Longwei declared, clapping his hands together in delight. “Xianlong, you should really let your grandson enjoy life a little more,” he added with a chuckle.

Han Rui cleared his throat. “Elder Longwei, I’ll reach out to you in the coming days. I’ll be quite busy assisting my grandfather with the preparations for the upcoming meetings.”

“Of course, of course,” Longwei laughed; his good mood seemingly unshakable. “Take all the time you need, young master. I’ll look forward to your message.”

He cupped his fists respectfully before departing with his entourage.

As the hall finally quieted, only Han Rui, Xianlong, and the Han clan elders remained. For a moment, they exchanged knowing glances. Then, as if on cue, their expressions cracked into sly grins, and a wave of cheerful laughter erupted.

Tears streamed down their faces as they laughed, their mirth echoing through the grand hall.