Even though Timothy had scored big wins with the help of the system, he wasn't about to let his guard down.
The cultivation system in this world was divided into several stages: Aura Initiation, Energy Foundation, Mystic Core, Ocean's Gate, Transcendence Realm, and Ascension Phase.
Goddess Sylvia had reached the peak of the Transcendence Realm and was on the verge of stepping into the Ascension Phase, making her a powerhouse in her own right.
Not to mention Timothy himself, even the haughty elders of the Demonic Sect would be no match for her.
If she really wanted to, she could wipe them out with a flick of her finger.
Timothy listened intently as Sylvia finally began to speak slowly, "When I say I'll do something, I mean it. Since I've promised you, I won't go back on my word, and I don't mind if you talk about it. However, your current strength is lacking, so it's best not to let this slip to outsiders. Otherwise, it might just bring a fatal disaster upon you."
"I understand," Timothy naturally grasped the gravity of the situation.
People who adored Goddess Sylvia could line up from here to the edge of the universe. Before awakening the system, his own body didn't even have the aptitude for cultivation.
With his current strength, if he let slip, he'd likely have people desperately trying to kill him.
'Ah, maybe this is just the trouble with being too handsome!' Timothy sighed inwardly.
"There's one more thing," Sylvia said quietly, turning her head with a look of hesitation and conflict.
Finally, she clenched her hand in the air.
Specks of golden light twinkled, and two crystal-clear stones slowly descended—one blue and the other light pink.
"I've got some matters to handle recently and can't leave the Sky Sanctuary. You should return to your Sect and wait for my message. This is a bonding stone,with it, I can contact you anytime."
Sylvia's gaze flickered, and after a long hesitation, she finally handed the light blue bonding stone to Timothy.
Holding the stone, Timothy channeled his spiritual energy into it, and sure enough, Sylvia's stunning face soon appeared on the crystal.
"Alright, stop staring. Remember to keep this hidden until you get back."
Sylvia playfully scolded Timothy to put away the bonding stone, seemingly afraid it might be discovered by others.
Timothy tucked the bonding stone into his chest.
Clouds gathered once more, forming a stairway leading down the mountain.
"I hope you don't break your promise, and remember, the path of cultivation is much longer than you imagine. Go back and train hard, don't let the Demonic Sect's bad influences corrupt you. If what you wrote in your letter is true, I'll do everything I can to help you fulfill your wish."
Behind him, a voice as beautiful as the heavens called out.
Timothy turned around to see that seemingly aloof and noble face tinged with unspeakable affection.
Like a lake under a gentle breeze, her eyes softly stirred.
"Sylvia, don't worry, I won't let you down. Even as a disciple of the Demonic Sect, one day I will step onto this cloud stairway in front of all cultivators to let them know that my feelings for you will never change."
Though he couldn't stay in the Sky Sanctuary, receiving a bonding stone from Sylvia was like a girl giving him her number with a special nickname saved—it was more than enough for him!
"By the way, when are we going out on a date?" Timothy suddenly turned around.
"A date... you!"
Sylvia's eyes shifted, her lips trembling slightly, somewhat at a loss, "I... haven't thought about that yet... besides..."
"Ha, got it."
With one last look at the magnificent Sky Sanctuary, Timothy laughed and stepped onto the cloud stairway, descending from the mountain peak.
He dared not press further.
If Goddess Sylvia accidentally lost control of her emotions and slapped him, his frail body wouldn't stand a chance.
"Use the lottery."
Walking along, Timothy used his lottery chance.
The system store had many incredible treasures.
Among countless techniques, charms, physiques, magical treasures, spiritual tools, herbs, and more, the pointer finally slowed to a stop.
[Congratulations, Host: You have obtained the Rainbow Lotus.]
A stunningly beautiful flower appeared in Timothy's mind, radiating dazzling rainbow light.
It was indeed very pretty.
"Uh, is this thing useful for anything?" Timothy asked the system about the Rainbow Lotus.
[Analyzing: Cannot be used in alchemy, not suitable as a medicine, no additional properties. However, it seems to be able to cure a certain type of cold poison.]
"That's pretty average."
Compared to the newbie gift pack he had received, the Rainbow Lotus seemed a bit underwhelming.
Timothy didn't really mind, though. He finally stepped off the cloud-formed staircase and reached the base of the mountain.
Looking back, the clouds obscured his view, and Sylvia was no longer visible.
Following the path he had come by, Timothy made his way to the spot where Elder Gregory Ford had agreed to wait for him.
When he arrived at the designated tree, sure enough, it was just as he expected.
Elder Gregory Ford had clearly anticipated Timothy's certain demise and had left behind a Pegasus, fleeing without a trace.
Timothy sighed deeply, mounted the Pegasus alone, and headed back to the Doomed Soul Sect.
After he left, the guards inside the Sky Sanctuary quickly returned to the main hall, all solemnly standing on either side, daring not to speak.
Although they didn't understand why the Goddess had let a disciple of the Demonic Sect go, since it was the Goddess's decision, naturally no one dared to question it.
Only Sylvia's heart was racing.
"I'm in love."
No, strictly speaking, she had only agreed to his request, not that she really liked him.
But still...
Despite repeatedly telling herself this, Sylvia found her heartbeat wouldn't slow down.
Situated at the summit, the temperature inside the Sky Sanctuary was extremely low, yet her body felt as if it was in the scorching heat of summer, unbearably warm.
Timothy's image kept reappearing in her mind, and the words he had written in the letter echoed in her heart, lingering for a long time.
"What exactly is this feeling?"
Fortunately, the guards standing solemnly on either side didn't dare to glance sideways.
Otherwise, they would have been utterly astonished to see that the usually unapproachable Goddess Sylvia, who seemed forever out of reach, now had flushed cheeks and a shy expression.
Saying she had urgent matters to attend to and couldn't leave was just an excuse.
She could leave whenever she wanted.
But the thought of walking side by side with Timothy made Sylvia realize she had no idea what to do.
Reflecting on her 600 years devoted to cultivation, apart from hierarchical relationships, she had never known how to interact in a normal male-female relationship.
Especially... between lovers.