As disciples of the Shenxiao Sect, while enjoying the sect's protection and various benefits, they also had to shoulder corresponding responsibilities. For example, disciples from the main family, being the direct lineage of the sect, were required to successively take up various positions within the sect after advancing to the Blood-Stained Realm. This helped alleviate the pressure on senior cultivators, granting them more time to cultivate. Disciples from branch families, however, had it somewhat easier in this regard. Because they did not have access to the Core Destiny Tome, they could not hold positions within the sect. Apart from enjoying basic benefits, disciples from branch families obtained most other advantages by completing sect assignments and paying Dao coins to [purchase] them. Therefore, the sect's management of branch family disciples was much more lenient. Moreover, branch family disciples could leave the sect, though doing so involved many extremely difficult processes. Even after completing these processes, they were required to swear the Heavenly Thunder Oath, promising not to reveal any of the Shenxiao Sect's Dharma Gates in any way.

"Ge, are you from the main family or a branch family disciple?" Qi Xiu asked curiously, looking at the refined Ge Ping before him and stroking his thumb ring.

"Branch family," Ge Ping replied. "Under our Master, besides Eldest Senior Brother and Sixth Junior Brother who are main family disciples, Second Senior Sister, Third Senior Brother, Fourth Senior Brother, and I are all branch family disciples. Why, haven't you decided yet whether to be a main family or branch family disciple?"

Noticing the hesitation and uncertainty in Qi Xiu's eyes, Ge Ping smiled reassuringly. "Actually, you needn't worry too much about this. You can think about it slowly. One year, two years, even five or ten years, all are fine. The only thing is, before you decide, you won't be able to enjoy the benefits of a sect disciple. But you do need to think this matter through clearly. Main family disciples have their advantages, and branch family disciples have theirs. There isn't a best choice, only the one most suitable for you."

「…」

There isn't a best choice, only the one most suitable for me…

At night, lying in bed with his hands behind his head, Qi Xiu slowly repeated the words Ge Ping had shared.

His gaze flickered, and the simple, unadorned proficiency panel gradually emerged.

[Calligraphy (Fourth Realm): 31%]

[Human Path Merit (First Realm): 15%]

["The Secret of the Primordial Dragon-Tiger Scripture" (Second Realm): 49%]

[Minor Five Elements Water Patrol Escaping Five Elements Escape Skill (First Realm): 88%]

[Formless Sword Mantra (First Realm): 66%]

[Palm Thunder (First Realm): 7%]

[Observing Qi Skill (First Realm): 43%]

[Alchemy (Third Realm): 31%]

[Painting (Second Realm): 83%]

[Cooking: 98.9%]

「…」

His focus centered on "The Secret of the Primordial Dragon-Tiger Scripture."

Qi Xiu's mind involuntarily revisited the time before he was trapped upon entering the Taoist Sect.

Cold winter nights, bitterly cultivating the path ahead.

Day and night, he was like a man possessed by madness.

In those days, he was disheveled, more like a ghost than a human.

He was wholly committed to the idea that if he could not create his own Dharma Gate, he would martyr himself for the Dao!

Ultimately, it was in the great terror between life and death that he finally comprehended this Grand Primordium Technique.

This Dharma Gate might not be considered profound or exquisite in the eyes of truly great sects or powerful families.

Compared to the ancient Daoist Inheritances they possessed, ancient scriptures that could directly point to the Dao Body, and even the Primordial Spirit, it was hardly worth mentioning.

But this path is one I've trod myself, one step at a time. There was no great tome, no true scripture more fitting for me than this! Even if my future achievements are not lofty, my heart will not regret it! I will never shrink back!

The frustration in his heart suddenly cleared. Qi Xiu abruptly sat up, his eyes blazing with fierce brilliance. The overwhelming pride from when he risked his life for Enlightenment and created his own Dharma Gate surged through his heart once more.

At this moment, he no longer hesitated, no longer struggled.

His wavering Dao Heart became like forged iron, firm and unyielding.

My heart is like iron, indestructible!

In an instant, dragon roars and tiger howls sounded as the Primordial shook.

On the Divine Marvel panel, the proficiency of "The Secret of the Primordial Dragon-Tiger Scripture" suddenly surged wildly. A vast wealth of insights and experiences erupted like a torrential spring.

Qi Xiu's eyes became vacant.

His aura changed a hundred times in a single breath, like a silkworm transforming into a butterfly, undergoing a metamorphosis.

An unknown amount of time passed before an indescribable sense of exhilaration and freedom spread through him.

Within his mind, Daoist conches trumpeted long, Dao Drums resounded, and the sounds of the Great Dao chanted endlessly in his ears.

The Mo Jiao roared, shaking the heavens.

The purple tiger howled, moving the earth!

The Yin Yang Energy Mechanism continuously intertwined and collided, constantly elevating the [Primordial] to a higher state.

Within the Heart Palace, the first original Mixed Primordial Bead trembled slightly.

In the next instant, Qi Xiu's soul abruptly detached from his sea of consciousness and took up residence within this original Mixed Primordial Bead.

At this moment, he was the Mixed Primordial Bead! The Mixed Primordial Bead was him!

And just then, "The Secret of the Primordial Dragon-Tiger Scripture" stepped into the Third Realm!

Within Qi Xiu's body, the ten Mixed Primordial Beads surged with a massive amount of Hunyuan True Essence, cleansing his entire body, permeating him from top to bottom. Under this continuous baptism and scouring by the Hunyuan True Essence, Qi Xiu suddenly discovered that the proficiency of his other cultivated Dharma Gates also began to increase.

The Third Realm Divine Marvel of "The Secret of the Primordial Dragon-Tiger Scripture"—Dominion over the Ten Thousand Laws!

The Primordial resides in the center, governing all Dharma Gates of body and mind. One Dharma Gate to command the Ten Thousand Laws!

Realizing the effect of the Third Realm Divine Marvel of "The Secret of the Primordial Dragon-Tiger Scripture," Qi Xiu clapped his hands and chuckled lightly. From now on, he no longer needed to worry about cultivating too many Dharma Gates and being unable to focus on them all. With this power of [Primordial Dominion], in the future, not only could he be ambitious in learning many, but he could also master them thoroughly.

A hexagonal warrior, just around the corner!

「…」

Slowly calming the turbulent aura within his body, Qi Xiu blinked, his pupils filled with profound composure.

Reflecting on the recent period, this choice between "The Secret of the Primordial Dragon-Tiger Scripture" and the "Nine Heavens Shenxiao Thunder Commanding Scripture" had, in fact, unwittingly become a Heart Demon tribulation for him!

If he couldn't successfully overcome the hesitation in his heart, this Heart Demon tribulation would take root in his Dao Heart. Regardless of whether he ultimately chose "The Secret of the Primordial Dragon-Tiger Scripture" or the "Nine Heavens Shenxiao Thunder Commanding Scripture," if he ever harbored the slightest doubt about his initial choice in the future, the Heart Demon tribulation would immediately erupt. He would be mired in self-doubt for a long time, believing his initial choice was wrong, becoming indecisive and hesitant to move forward, until he completely negated himself, succumbed to Qi deviation, and became a puppet of the Heart Demon.

Just as Qi Xiu was sighing with relief at having smoothly passed another trial, an ethereal, alluring hum suddenly sounded in his ear.

"HMPH. You got lucky, little cultivator. A pity about this delicious fleshly shell protected by Human Path Merit. But little sister has remembered you. Next time, next time I will definitely take your body. Don't you dare die before then~"

The faint, playful voice dissipated.

Qi Xiu's pupils contracted, and a drop of cold sweat slid down his forehead.

How perilous. To think I was targeted by a Heart Demon without even realizing it. If I hadn't awakened in time and shattered the illusion, my body would surely have been possessed by the Heart Demon, and I'd have become a walking corpse.

The path of cultivation is fraught with myriad difficulties and dangers at every turn. I've only just reached the Initiate Realm. When I truly reach the Blood-Stained Realm, Dao Body Realm, or even the Primordial Spirit Realm, won't the tribulations I encounter be even more terrifying?

His heart filled with vigilance, Qi Xiu silently resolved to be more cautious, paying even closer attention to his Mental State in future cultivation. Tribulations of the Mental State were unlike those of actual combat; they came without a shadow and left without a trace. By the time one noticed, it might already be too late.

I wonder if there are any Dharma Gates or magic artifacts specifically for defending against Heart Demons. If so, I could acquire some and prepare in advance. I still have over ten thousand Dao coins. That should be enough.

Speaking of Dao coins, Qi Xiu's thoughts unconsciously drifted to Wu Lincong of Shen's Million Treasure Firm in Qingliu County. All the Dao coins he possessed were obtained from selling Talisman Scripts through this person, to whom he had even given exclusive rights to sell the [Sword Talisman]. Later, he was ambushed by the Sea Patrolling Yaksha, turned the tables, and while pursuing the Yaksha, he had fortuitously stumbled into the Shenxiao Sect's assessment.

Over a year has passed in the blink of an eye. With my sudden disappearance, that shopkeeper must be frantic with worry. It seems I need to find an opportunity to write him a letter and explain.

「…」

「The next day.」

Early in the morning, Qi Xiu left his residence. Following a mottled path paved with smooth, round pebbles, he arrived before a unique courtyard that resembled a small forest, filled with a vast number of towering Spirit Plants. The dense aura of vitality gave the entire courtyard a warm, comforting feeling, like being bathed in a spring breeze, instantly calming the heart.

A wooden plaque hanging at the courtyard entrance bore the name of its owner: Ge Ping.

"Excuse me, is Senior Brother Ge in?" Standing at the courtyard gate, Qi Xiu did not enter rashly but first called out softly.

"Who is it?" Before Qi Xiu's voice had faded, a woman with an alluring appearance, entirely jade-green skin, and two pairs of cicada-like wings, walked out curiously, carrying a broom.

Hmm? A Demon? Sensing the other's somewhat "faint" demonic aura, Qi Xiu's eyes narrowed slightly. A crimson Lei Mang flashed in his palm, thundering resonantly.

"AH! A DEMON SLAYER!" Seeing the crimson Lei Mang stirring in Qi Xiu's palm, the yao woman let out a shrill cry, dropped her broom, and turned to flee.

BANG!

She collided head-on with Ge Ping's chest. The yao woman let out an OUCH!, clutching her reddened nose, her eyes brimming with tears, and timidly scrambled to hide behind Ge Ping.

"Master! Your enemy has arrived!"

"Nonsense, that's Master's newly accepted junior disciple." Ge Ping lightly tapped the yao woman's head and led her to the entrance. "Junior Brother, good morning."

"Good morning, Ge." Qi Xiu cupped his fists in greeting, his gaze thoughtfully sweeping over the yao woman cowering behind Ge Ping.

Noticing Qi Xiu's gaze, Ge Ping smiled and explained, "This silly girl isn't a Demon; she's a spirit formed from a hundred-year-old Spirit Wood. She grew up within our Shenxiao Sect, is kind-hearted and pure, and has never harmed anyone. She currently looks after my courtyard."

"Did you hear that? I'm not some Demon!" Hiding behind Ge Ping, the spirit woman waved her fists and pouted with an indignant huff.

"Bai Ling, don't be rude. Go and greet Seventh Master," Ge Ping chided softly, patting the spirit woman Bai Ling's head again.

"Oh." Moving very reluctantly, Bai Ling approached Qi Xiu, her small face downcast, and performed a curtsy. "Little Demon Bai Ling greets Seventh Master."

"Junior Brother, for you to come looking for me so early, is there something… EH?" Ge Ping's expression suddenly turned serious. He let out a soft sound of surprise and, after carefully scrutinizing Qi Xiu for a few moments, a sharp glint appeared in his eyes. "Junior Brother, what remarkable fortune! To undergo such a complete transformation in just one night. Master truly has a discerning eye."

Not expecting Ge Ping's perception to be so sharp as to notice the change in him at first glance, Qi Xiu smiled and said, "This is all thanks to Ge's advice yesterday. I came today specifically to thank you, Senior Brother."

「…」

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.