At the edge of the Moon Sea.
The expansive icy domain reflected the sunlight, its surface glittering like a vast frozen mirror. Hovering midair, Lu Bingxuan commanded the frost with a mere thought, conjuring dozens of ice spears that rained down upon the frozen sea.
Crash!
The sound of shattering ice echoed across the landscape, scattering shards into the air. Though the scene was awe-inspiring, this wasn't some grand display of Daoist techniques—it was simply the raw power of Lu Bingxuan's divine sense coupled with his Command Snow ability.
While the technique resembled the Ice Spear spell typically learned by Qi Refinement disciples, the similarity ended there. His spears were imbued with the Extremity of Cold, a unique trait of the Xuanming Dao Body. Once such cold invaded an enemy's body, it would freeze their very life force unless suppressed by rare and powerful methods.
Beyond its lethality, the technique's speed and scale were terrifying. Lu Bingxuan could summon over seventy ice spears simultaneously and control their precise trajectories. For widespread destruction, he could unleash an even greater number at the cost of precision.
"Not bad," Lu Bingxuan mused as he observed the results. This single ability alone granted him formidable combat power, but it wasn't a substitute for learning proper Daoist arts.
Spiritual cultivation might fuel his power, but Daoist arts were how that power was harnessed and directed. Yet, selecting the right arts was proving difficult. Xuanming True Understanding offered countless techniques, each one dazzling in its potential.
"Focus is key," he reminded himself. "I can't afford to waste time mastering everything. I need to strike a balance between cultivation and techniques."
As he pondered, his thoughts drifted to the absurd task the system had given him: to complete a check-in at the "grave of Xiao Yao, Heaven-grade Fire Spirit Root."
"Grave?" Lu Bingxuan scoffed. "Did it specify when the grave needs to exist?"
He smirked as a plan began to form. "What if I just beat him senseless, conjure a tomb over him, and check in that way? It's not like I need to actually kill the guy…"
Still, the logistics were daunting. Earth-element techniques would be necessary to construct the grave, and perhaps some sealing arts to prevent Xiao Yao from escaping mid-check-in.
As he was lost in thought, a shadow materialized nearby.
"Greetings, Master." Lu Bingxuan immediately bowed, recognizing the dark projection of Daochuan, the Water Sect Master of Changsheng Dao Sect.
Daochuan's gaze swept over the icy domain before settling on Lu Bingxuan. "Hmm, it seems your Dao Body contains even more mysteries than anticipated. You're not cultivating the Lingyuan Scripture I gave you, are you?"
"No, Master. This is a cultivation method born from the awakening of the Xuanming Dao Body," Lu Bingxuan replied calmly. It wasn't entirely a lie.
Daochuan nodded thoughtfully. "Not unexpected. Even so, there's no harm in referencing these techniques."
With a wave of his hand, several jade slips appeared, floating toward Lu Bingxuan. "These cover cultivation from Foundation Establishment to Nascent Soul. Study them well."
"Thank you, Master." Lu Bingxuan stored the jade slips in his identity token, his expression respectful.
"Now that you've established your foundation, let's give you a proper Daoist title. How about 'Xuanming'?"
"Disciple Xuanming greets Master," Lu Bingxuan replied without hesitation.
"Good. One more thing: at the end of the year, there will be a small gathering among the Water Sect disciples. Attend it and show your strength—without overdoing it. Let your Dao companion handle the rest; her Ice Spirit Root should suffice."
Daochuan paused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Oh, and don't worry about hiding your relationship with her. The Fire Sect will likely come knocking about the marriage contract. Handle it as you see fit—I'll support you."
Lu Bingxuan's polite facade cracked as cold sweat formed on his brow. "Wait, Master… Luo Lingmiao isn't my Dao companion."
Daochuan blinked, his expression bemused. "Oh? Really?"
Before Lu Bingxuan could elaborate, Daochuan's tone grew serious. "Just don't follow the path of your Third Senior Brother. That idiot's dalliances nearly got him killed. He's still recuperating in seclusion."
The shadowy figure leaned closer, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "Speaking of which, do you need dual-cultivation techniques? I have some excellent ones…"
"No need, Master. I… already have one," Lu Bingxuan blurted out reflexively.
Daochuan's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "Oh~? I see."
Realizing his mistake, Lu Bingxuan's heart sank. I've said too much.
Daochuan didn't press the matter further. A glimmer of light emerged from Lu Bingxuan's forehead and flew into Daochuan's projection.
"This is your life lamp. It'll record your condition and help me track your status."
Daochuan hesitated briefly before adding, "Be wary. The Taiyan and Tianyan royal families have more than one Water Spirit Root disciple. At the gathering, some may target Luo Lingmiao. Keep an eye on her."
"And remember—don't end up like your Third Senior Brother."
Daochuan's projection vanished, leaving Lu Bingxuan standing stiffly in place.
"…Why does this feel like I just made everything worse?"
He sighed heavily. His Master's words about Luo Lingmiao's reputation lingered in his mind. The connection between his Xuanming Dao Body and her Ice Spirit Root was bound to draw attention—and not the good kind.
"I need to plan for this gathering carefully," he muttered, gazing at the Moon Sea. "Otherwise, things could spiral out of control."