As Shen Yuan listened to the system's voice echoing in his mind, his astonishment only grew. The term "Divine rank" reverberated within him, almost challenging everything he thought he knew about power and cultivation. Shen Yuan took a moment, breathing slowly to steady his racing heart, his eyes gleaming with newfound ambition.
"System," he began after a deep breath, his voice calm but laced with an unmistakable edge of excitement, "explain these skills in greater detail. What are the limits of these abilities, and what exactly does 'Divine rank' entail?"
[Ding… The Divine rank is the pinnacle of skills and techniques, host. It surpasses Mortal, Earthly, and Heavenly ranks, standing at the apex of all known powers. Skills at this level are said to connect to the very essence of the cosmos, granting abilities beyond mortal comprehension.]
Shen Yuan's fingers clenched tightly, his mind already racing with the possibilities. The system's words confirmed what he suspected – these were no ordinary skills.
As he refocused on the panel before him, the mechanical voice continued its detailed explanation of each skill:
[1- Immortal Emperor Pupil - High Divine rank. This pupil technique grants you, Shen Yuan, the power to see beyond the ordinary. With it, you can discern hidden information about your opponents, such as meridians and vulnerabilities. You can even replicate their techniques by observing them once. This skill also has the ability to look through any barrier, granting you unmatched perceptiveness, both in and out of battle.]
Shen Yuan's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. The thought of wielding such a power, to pierce through illusions and to learn any technique in seconds, felt exhilarating.
[2- Immortal Summon of Dragon - High Divine rank. This is a skill that calls forth ancient dragons, creatures of myth and primal energy. Through this ability, you can summon dragons of all kinds, forging contracts with them. Each dragon brings its own strength and wisdom, becoming a partner and protector in battle. As the Immortal Emperor, they answer to your call alone.]
Shen Yuan's eyes widened. He had read countless stories of dragons, but the idea of summoning and commanding them? It was beyond anything he could have imagined.
[3- Heavenly Space - High Divine rank. This spatial skill grants access to two unique dimensions: one is a boundless storage space, capable of housing an infinite number of treasures and items. The other is a personal realm that evolves alongside you, where time, cultivation, and healing operate at an accelerated rate. This realm becomes your sanctuary, a place where you can train, heal, and retreat at will.]
As Shen Yuan absorbed these descriptions, a surge of determination filled him. These skills were more than gifts – they were tools for greatness. No longer was he simply Shen Yuan; he was the one who would wield powers of an Immortal Emperor. His journey to the pinnacle of cultivation had just begun.
"System," he whispered, his voice now filled with confidence. "What other paths can Divine-ranked skills unlock? What must I do to attain their full potential?"
The system replied with a slow, deliberate [Ding…], as if anticipating his question.
[The Divine path is boundless, host. To fully master these skills, you must refine your mind, body, and soul. Each of these skills has latent potential that awakens as you ascend. The higher you climb, the more they will evolve, transcending even the limits of the Divine rank itself.]
With these words echoing in his mind, Shen Yuan's resolve solidified. His path was set. The heavens themselves would tremble before his rise.
Shen Yuan felt a thrill as he looked over the new message from the Immortal Emperor Eye: the Extraction Panel was now within his grasp. A rare, amused smile curved on his lips as he decided it was time to head to the clan's meeting hall.
Upon entering, he was met with warm smiles and appraising gazes from the grand elders, including the clan leader. His arrival did not go unnoticed.
"Haha, Xiao Yuan! What brings you here? Do you need any cultivation resources?" the grand elder asked, his voice kindly.
Shen Yuan nodded politely, bowing slightly. "Grand elder, I wish to leave."
The elder smiled again, seemingly pleased. "Oh, you're heading to QingShan Town?"
Shen Yuan shook his head. "No, Grand Elder. I believe there's been a misunderstanding. I wish to return to my original family."
The elder's smile froze as he processed the statement. Memories of Shen Yuan's father's lineage came flooding back. "H-How do you know about this?" he stammered, glancing around as the other council members exchanged confused glances.
"I learned of it recently, from reading a certain green book," Shen Yuan replied, his tone impassive.
The grand elder's eyes widened. "That... that was my diary!" he exclaimed.
"Oh, that was your diary?" Shen Yuan asked calmly, though he'd already guessed. "I hadn't realized."
The elder's expression became thoughtful. He'd always been aware of Shen Yuan's unique lineage—the rare Shen Clan bloodline with its extraordinary talent and handsome features. The clan's ambitions for Shen Yuan were significant, and he'd even harbored hopes of arranging a marriage between Shen Yuan and his granddaughter to keep such a valuable heir close.
"Okay. It's fine, and you may leave the Xiao Family after your coming-of-age ceremony," he said, turning with a commanding tone. Loudly, he announced, "From this moment forward, everyone must address Xiao Yuan as Shen Yuan." His voice was steady as he spoke. With a respectful farewell, Shen Yuan bid goodbye to the Grand Elder.
Days later, in Xun'er's courtyard...
A shadowy figure knelt before Xun'er, his voice carrying a note of utmost respect. "Miss, I have news about the Shen surname from the clan, as you requested."
Xun'er spoke softly, "Uncle Ling, what is the news?"
"Miss," he replied, pausing briefly, "the clan leader has sent a letter regarding the Shen family." He hesitated before continuing, "The Shen family was an ancient clan, known as the Celestial Family, once an ally of the Xiao Clan. However, they were later exterminated by the Tun Ling and Hun clans."