After checking his property panel, Li Taixing noticed some unexpected changes.
"I can actually see the system level this time?"
[This system is being gradually improved. Hosts are requested to use this system more so that more functions can be restored.]
"Oh?"
Li Taihang realized the system could now communicate on its own, which was definitely something to explore later.
"Having said that, with an immortal's level of comprehension, wouldn't it be easy for me to step into the Golden Core Realm?"
Just as he was speaking, a flood of information about the Golden Core Realm poured into his mind. It was as if he suddenly understood everything.
"Damn, I'm about to break through."
Li Taixing's eyes widened as he felt his cultivation rise, edging toward a breakthrough. He quickly began consolidating his realm, using Wang Xuanwu's previous teachings.
"Wait a second... With my new immortal comprehension, do I even need Master's help?"
But then, a startling realization hit him: his master's knowledge was somehow even more profound than the comprehension of an immortal.
"What the hell?"
Li Taixing was completely stunned. His seemingly carefree master had provided him with such powerful guidance all along? He had underestimated her.
"Seems like I've been taking this too lightly, treating her as an ordinary person. My master might be hiding her true abilities."
Driven by curiosity, Li Taixing consolidated his Golden Core Realm with ease and heard the system chime once more.
[Ding! A breakthrough in the host's realm has been detected. Triggering the tens-billion-fold increase effect. The current realm is: the ninth level of the Golden Core Realm.]
Li Taixing couldn't resist asking the system, "Do you know anything about my master?"
[Host, with your current strength, you cannot fully access your master's information.]
[However, your master is incredibly strong. Before this system upgraded, she almost discovered its existence.]
"What?"
Li Taixing was startled. Could Wang Xuanwu really be that powerful?
[Yes. But rest assured, host, now that the system has been upgraded, it won't be detected again. The system has reached Level 3.]
"Level 3? When did that happen?" Li Taixing was speechless at the system's ability to upgrade silently.
[Currently, the system upgrades automatically.]
"So, what new features does this Level 3 system have?"
[Unfortunately, the system update section is missing and cannot be accessed at the moment. You'll have to explore and discover its new functions yourself.]
"Of course," Li Taixing muttered, rolling his eyes. He continued, "Then, how much do you know about my master?"
[1. Your master is aware that you have a unique ability to amplify items, but she hasn't detected the system itself.]
[2. Your master is a super boss.]
[3. Your master has secretly protected you multiple times. However, do not reveal the existence of the system to anyone, including her.]
Li Taixing let out a sigh of relief. "Well, I wasn't planning on being that stupid."
Still, the fact that the system held his master in such high regard was shocking. Wang Xuanwu, a super boss? And she had secretly protected him? He hadn't noticed anything!
If the system hadn't upgraded, he would've been entirely in the dark about all of this.
"I need to reevaluate this master of mine," Li Taixing muttered, a little bewildered by the discovery.
The system being able to communicate more freely was something he appreciated. Now, many questions could be easily answered. However, the system's incomplete functionality was a little disappointing.
"I wonder what other hidden functions there are," Li Taixing pondered.
But for now, he focused on his cultivation. With his realm stabilized at the ninth level of the Golden Core Realm, he was already at a bottleneck for the next breakthrough into the Nascent Soul Realm.
Just as Li Taixing was preparing for this next leap, the system's voice interrupted him.
[Host, it is recommended not to attempt a breakthrough just yet.]
"Why not?"
[It's advised that the host consult your master for guidance on future breakthroughs.]
"Why should I do that?" Li Taixing asked skeptically. With his immortal-level comprehension, he could easily understand everything up to the Tribulation Realm. What could his master possibly add?
[First, your master is concealing something. If you break through under her guidance, the benefits will be enormous.]
[Second, it will increase the intimacy between you and your master. While your master may seem indifferent, if you earn her trust, it will be of great help in the future.]
The system had detected something hidden within Wang Xuanwu but couldn't disclose it directly to Li Taixing. Such knowledge could endanger both the system and Li Taixing himself.
"Huh? Is it really that magical?" Li Taixing was surprised by the system's insistence.
[Yes.]
The suggestion about growing closer to Wang Xuanwu made him pause. Was the system implying that his master could become something more? Maybe even... a romantic interest?
"Whoa! What am I even thinking?"
Li Taixing quickly shook the idea from his mind, sensing how dangerous that line of thought could be.
"Fine, I'll take the system's advice for now," he relented, deciding not to push for a breakthrough just yet.
He donned some new equipment for Golden Core cultivators, including a high-grade spiritual weapon called the Spirit Fighting Sword. However, the gear was too flashy and would instantly reveal his strength. To avoid unnecessary attention, he used his transformation mask to disguise it as his usual Xuantian Sect inner disciple attire.
With that sorted, Li Taixing took out the treasure map and began to study it.
"When they all reach the Golden Core Realm, I'll take everyone on a treasure hunt."
A week later, all of his pets—except for the spider queen, who was still munching on inner elixirs like candy—had entered their evolution stages.
Bear Spirit's fur grew earth-colored patches, and its limbs thickened as its black coat became glossier. The Giant Bird Monster King swelled in size, almost blocking the cave entrance, while the Giant Crocodile King's shell began to crack, as if ready to shed.
The Spider Queen, stuffed from a week of elixirs, looked like she was about to vomit from overindulgence. But when she saw Li Taihang, her expression changed.
"Master, have you broken through?"
She noticed Li Taixing's newfound strength in the Golden Core Realm.
"Yes, that's right."
"Master, you are amazing."
The Spider Queen hadn't even realized when he had made the breakthrough, which left her deeply impressed.