Chapter 24
As Xiao Ming and Xiao Mei entered the palace, their eyes widened in awe. The grandeur of the holy land never ceased to amaze them. Xiao Ming gave both girls a quick tour of the area, pointing out significant landmarks and explaining their history.
He took a moment to gather his thoughts before turning to Xiao Mei and Xiao Rui.
"Take some time to familiarize yourselves with the Holy Land," he instructed. "The spiritual energy here is unlike anything we've experienced before."
The girls nodded, their excitement evident as they hurried off to explore. Moments later, a deacon appeared, his demeanor respectful but urgent.
"Master Xiao Ming, the Holy Lord has summoned you."
Xiao Ming's expression remained calm. He had anticipated this meeting. Nodding slightly, he followed the deacon to the grand hall.
In the grand main hall of the sect, the Holy Lord sat in his majestic seat, exuding authority and grace. Xiao Ming entered and respectfully saluted.
"The disciple Xiao Ming greets the Holy Lord."
The Holy Lord waved a hand, a warm smile gracing his face. "No need for such formalities. Your progress has been remarkable, Xiao Ming."
He gestured for Xiao Ming to step closer. "Your cultivation speed has been extraordinary, and your foundation appears solid. The news of your victory over the Roaring Lion Sect's master has spread quickly. You have done our sect proud."
Xiao Ming bowed again, his expression neutral. Yet, beneath the surface, his mind worked swiftly. Compliments like these were often precursors to a request.
"This time, I have summoned you for an important matter. The secret realm of the Frozen Grace Sect is about to open," the Holy Lord revealed. "The Frozen Grace Sect, while not as powerful as our Divine Blue Sect, is still a holy land and should not be underestimated."
"Yes, Holy Lord," Xiao Ming responded politely, though his thoughts were elsewhere.
"So, it's as expected," Xiao Ming mused internally. "The secret realm of the Frozen Grace Sect… It's this very place that allowed Ye Chan to establish himself firmly in the Celestial Jade domain. This time, I'll make sure things don't go his way."
The Holy Lord continued, "This time, the Frozen Grace Sect has added an unusual stipulation. They've announced that anyone who helps retrieve the Holy Spirit Scripture from the secret realm will be allowed to marry their saintess. She is rumored to be the most beautiful woman in the northwest lands."
The Holy Lord's words carried a hint of amusement as he added, "I want you to go with the other core disciples of our sect and do your best to retrieve the Holy Spirit Scripture. But be cautious—news of you defeating the Roaring Lion Sect's master will spread. Many challengers will be eager to test their strength against you."
After further discussion and receiving more details, Xiao Ming returned to his palace. He informed the girls about his plans and instructed Deacon Chu to oversee the Xiao family's relocation.
"Don't worry, Master Xiao Ming. I will handle everything personally," Deacon Chu assured him. He was elated to be entrusted with such an important task, as it signified Xiao Ming's growing trust in him. In his heart, Deacon Chu secretly vowed to do his best, imagining the benefits he might gain if Xiao Ming rose to the position of Holy Lord in the future.
Once the arrangements were in place, Xiao Ming retreated into his cultivation chamber. Sitting cross-legged, He retrieved a small ring, its surface engraved with ancient runes that glowed faintly under the dim light.
"It's time to unlock the Xiao family's Immortal Sutra," he murmured.
With a wave of his hand, a crystal-clear drop of blood emerged and melted into the ring. The moment Xiao Ming infused his blood essence into the ring, it began to radiate a golden-red glow. Suddenly, his surroundings shifted. He found himself standing beneath a starry sky, but these were no ordinary stars. They shimmered with otherworldly brilliance as if each contained a universe within.
Before him stood an immense tower, its structure so vast and ancient that it seemed to pierce the heavens. Its surface was adorned with intricate carvings of mythical beasts and celestial patterns. A faint, ethereal mist surrounded it, giving the impression that it existed both in this world and beyond.
Xiao Ming felt a profound sense of awe. This is the legendary ancestral tower of the Xiao family...
As he approached, a sudden pressure descended upon him. It was a divine might, vast and unfathomable, like the will of an ancient god scrutinizing his very existence. Yet, it did not feel hostile. Xiao Ming realized that It was testing if I was truly a descendant of the Xiao family.
Moments later, the divine might faded, and The pressure receded as quickly as it had come, replaced by a beam of light that shot out from the tower's peak. The light enveloped Xiao Ming, flooding his mind with an overwhelming surge of information.
Far away, in an ancient and colossal tower that mirrored the one Xiao Ming had seen, however, was not shrouded in ethereal mist but pulsated with an ominous black energy. a brilliant light suddenly illuminated the structure. However, just as quickly, the light dimmed as if someone suppressed it, and no one except a few people noticed it. This one, however, was not shrouded in ethereal mist but pulsated with an ominous black energy.
Inside the tower, in a lavishly furnished cell crafted from divine metals, sat a man. His appearance was striking—sharp features that exuded both nobility and strength. His long, silver hair cascaded down his back, glowing faintly under the dim light. His eyes closed in meditation. The aura of immense power radiated from him.
Suddenly, as if sensing something, he opened his eyes. The void itself seemed to crack under his gaze, forming intricate spiderweb-like patterns.
Looking into the distance, his eyes filled with joy and longing.
"Well, Linger, it seems you've started your journey," he whispered. "I hope you'll pass your trials soon so that we can meet again."
Back in Xiao Ming's vision, the beam of light faded, leaving him with a newfound clarity. The Immortal Xiao Sutra had fully integrated into his mind. He began cultivating, and as the sutra's profound energies flowed through him, his scarlet-golden energy transformed into a dark, obsidian hue, radiating a cold, unyielding power.
Meanwhile, faint voices began to echo in the depths of the distant tower. They carried an ancient cadence, like the murmurs of time itself.
"It seems the one has appeared."
"Are you certain? Isn't it too early? We must be sure Such things cannot be determined lightly."
Another voice, equally ancient, replied, "There's no doubt. He has broken all previous records of the Xiao family's geniuses, mastering the Immortal Sutra in mere minutes."
"Heh, it seems our Xiao family will rise again," one voice remarked gleefully.
However, a deeper, more authoritative voice interrupted, "The current era is chaotic and full of opportunities. Many dragons and tigers will emerge, and the final victor is yet to be determined. For now, let him walk his path. The time to act has not yet come."
As the voice faded, silence reclaimed the tower, as though the conversation had never happened.
Back in his cultivation chamber, Xiao Ming opened his eyes. His transformation was complete. Though he hadn't broken through to the next stage, his strength had grown exponentially.
Clenching his fists, Xiao Ming marveled at the newfound power coursing through him. He summoned his system panel.
Name: Xiao Ming
Identity: Young Master of the Xiao Family; Core Disciple of the Divine Blue Sect
Cultivation: First Stage of Spirit Ascension
Cultivation Technique: Immortal Sutra
Physique: Immortal Bones, Devil's Heart
Destiny: 10,010
Luck Points: 700 (Black)
Items: Oblivion Jade Pendant, Nine Abyss Soul-Locking Mirror
System Draws Available: 1
Looking at the remaining draw, Xiao Ming pondered for a moment.
"With the secret realm's upper strength limit at False God, I can't afford to take risks," he decided.
"System, execute the draw!"
A faint chime echoed in his mind.
Ding! Congratulations, host! You have received...