Riley chose not to tinker with the system rewards at this time; there would be a better moment and place for that.
"It's been fine. I've had a rather adventurous time here in the sect before I discovered my heritage. I spent my…" Riley played along, answering all the sect master's questions.
It was strange, though, because he could easily order the old man to take his own life, and he would do so without hesitation.
Yet, Riley refrained.
After all, there were walls with ears, and as a young ant in this cultivation world, he couldn't be sure the chamber was as safe as it was claimed to be.
He spent a full hour with the sect master, enjoying food and drink as he was treated like royalty. When everything was finished, the sect master personally led him to a new place.
"This cultivation mountain is called the Thousand Stars Summit. The spiritual essence here is a hundred times more abundant than even the inner disciples' designated courtyards. You can stay here, young master. Use this token to acquire anything from the sect. If anyone dares to make things difficult for you, simply summon me with this token, and I'll make them pay dearly."
The sect master handed Riley a simple token, engraved with a mountain motif. Though it appeared light, it felt surprisingly heavy in his hand. This was no ordinary wooden token.
"Thank you for your care, Uncle Gideon," Riley replied, his voice respectful.
"No need to mention it, young master. This is nothing compared to what my master gave me in the past. If you need anything—anything at all—don't hesitate to summon me," the old sect master said with a smile.
"I won't." Riley smiled big.
"You will also have some attendants soon. After all, it would be far too tiresome for you to traverse the vast expanse of the sect on foot," the sect master said, a warm smile curving his lips.
His tone was filled with genuine care, as though he wished to make Riley's stay as comfortable as possible.
"I appreciate the thought, Uncle. That would indeed provide much convenience for me," Riley responded with a smile of his own, his eyes betraying a hint of gratitude.
They had arrived here on a large flying sword, and given the speed with which they traveled, it was clear this place was at least one hundred kilometers away from the main sect area.
The domain of the Stone Mountain Sect was massive, and Riley couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of it all. The thought of walking such a distance would be not only exhausting but impossible.
"It's the least I can do for you, young master," the sect master replied, his voice carrying a note of sincerity.
"This is the only way I can begin to repay the immense teachings and guidance I received from my master. Your grandmaster is a giant among cultivators, and I can only hope he is doing well. Do you know where he is, young master? I'd love to pay my respect in person to my old master."
The sect master's words reflected his reverence for Riley's grandmaster, and there was a sense of awe in his tone.
Despite the fabricated memories and the mind control Riley had subtly placed on him, his curiosity and deep respect for his old master remained unshaken.
It seemed that the sect master's innate personality, driven by curiosity and respect, was a big part of what had led him to rise to such a position of power.
He stood at the top, commanding millions, and yet his humility and honor for his predecessors were evident in the way he spoke.
Riley paused before answering, his expression turning thoughtful. He gave a small, sad smile.
"I'm afraid I don't know either, Uncle Gideon. I only found the letter too late and had only the stone I gave you earlier as a clue. I've never even seen my grandfather in person, let alone know what he looks like or where he is right now."
There was a moment of silence as the sect master absorbed Riley's words, a soft look of understanding crossing his face.
"It doesn't matter," he said gently, laying a reassuring hand on Riley's shoulder.
"We can only hope that he is well, wherever he is. And judging by how powerful he is, only a select few could ever make the great Shadow Master worry." His voice carried a hint of reverence, as though speaking of a mythic figure whose strength transcended all.
After a brief pause, the sect master removed his hand from Riley's shoulder and straightened, his demeanor shifting back to that of a leader.
"You are free to explore and settle in, young master. The attendants will arrive shortly to assist you. If you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to call on me."
Riley gave a slight bow, a gesture of respect, though his mind remained focused on his next steps. "Thank you, Uncle. I will keep that in mind."
With a final nod, the sect master turned to leave, his figure disappearing into the winding corridors of the mountain.
His steps were slow, but purposeful, fading into the darkness.
More than a dozen breaths later, Riley stood alone in the vast, cavernous hall.
The gentle hum of the sect's spiritual formations filled the air, a constant reminder of the powerful energies that flowed through this sacred place.
As he took in the grandeur of his surroundings.
"The Thousands Stars Summit, huh?" Riley looked up at the night sky, where countless stars blanketed the heavens.
This mountain stood solitary beneath the vast, beautiful expanse—an isolated peak amid the celestial canvas.
"What a sight. What a sight indeed." He smiled, then effortlessly made his way up the mountain.
Behind him, a hum of power resonated as the intricate formations of the mountain activated, sealing the entire place.
Inside, the mountain was vast, with numerous rooms lit by bright lanterns that guided his path.
Eventually, he explored the largest room, which he could only guess was the master's cultivation cave—complete with a useful amenities, a mirror, and a large bed in the center.
He inhaled deeply, the rich spiritual essence in the air almost tangible, compressed and abundant in this sacred space.
"The rich really do have it easy," Riley chuckled, jumping onto the bed. He glanced at the system rewards that had been presented to him.
Ding!
"Please select one of the three available rewards."
1. Primordial Chaos Physique – A legendary and powerful body that channels the very essence of chaos, creation, and destruction. It embodies the primal forces that shaped the universe itself. This physique is considered one of the most fearsome and coveted in cultivation, granting its possessor unmatched strength, raw energy, and an unparalleled connection to the foundation of existence.
2. Heavenly Sword God Physique – A legendary cultivation body that channels the boundless power of the cosmos. With this physique, the cultivator becomes an extension of the heavens, able to draw upon celestial energy and wield swords imbued with divine might. The very essence of the cosmos fuels their strikes, making each one capable of causing unimaginable devastation.
3. Void Sanctuary – A personal, hidden dimension accessible solely by the user. This pocket space exists beyond the boundaries of the physical and spiritual realms, rendering it utterly undetectable to any being. Not even true immortals, with their vast powers and knowledge, can breach or perceive its existence. The Void Sanctuary serves as the ultimate refuge, ensuring the user's safety and privacy under any circumstances.
"Hmmmm..." Riley thought long and hard before making his choice.
"I pick..."