System crash? I prove it with my control panel!

When Chen Wen tried to improve the quality of his spiritual root.

The place where he saved Ye Fan.

Suddenly, a figure dressed in a black robe appeared out of thin air.

His face was aged, with a full head of silver hair and deep eyes that revealed a sense of vicissitude.

After he appeared, his gaze fell on a huge pit, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes, and he muttered to himself:

"Yang Leizi, it was Ye Fan who killed Ye Xin and the others? How is that possible? That mixed spiritual root guy?!"

He then scanned the area again and suddenly noticed that the ground next to him seemed to have been turned over.

He raised his hand and pointed lightly, and a faint breath appeared at his fingertips.

Upon sensing the energy, the old man exclaimed in surprise, "Innate Great Capture Technique, Azure Nether Qi Guiding Technique, seventh level of Qi Refining, pure aura. Yet, at only seventh level, it was able to kill Xin'er. An inner disciple of the Azure Nether Sect has made a move?"

"No, the Innate Great Grasp Technique is a top-grade first-tier spell. Inner disciples can only practice it, but cultivating it requires a huge amount of innate energy. To reach such a level, one would probably need to receive the true teachings!"

This made the old man even more puzzled: how could Ye Fan have befriended a true disciple and asked him for help?

Isn't he afraid that the ancestor's magic weapon will be stolen?!

As the old man pondered, a bold guess suddenly popped into his mind.

After Ye Fan entered the sect, he worked as a handyman in the mountains for a true disciple. Could it be that he was the legendary good-for-nothing true disciple?

After a simple calculation, the old man became increasingly convinced that it was possible.

"It seems the family records are incorrect!"

A useless heir? The Ye family is going through a turbulent time; it's best to keep a low profile. Perhaps someone should pay them a visit!

The old man pondered for a long time, then suddenly reached out and gently brushed his hand, releasing a murky aura that enveloped the pit below.

The land below was boiling like water in a kettle.

In a short while, the entire handprint disappeared, replaced by a pool of sand.

The old man's figure slowly disappeared.

...

Luoyun Mountain.

A secluded, enclosed room.

A young man sat cross-legged, his face seemingly calm, but cold sweat was already seeping from his forehead.

The moment the violent green pearl entered his spiritual root, Chen Wen felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer, and his whole body became dazed and confused.

In a daze, I vaguely heard the sound of an eggshell breaking;

"Click—"

The next moment, he saw a giant blue pillar rise into the sky, piercing the heavens.

Then, he was jolted awake and opened his eyes. He found himself still in the secluded cultivation room, with only walls in front of him. There was no towering pillar or shattered sky.

However, he knew that everything that had just happened was not an illusion, but rather the result of his soul wandering.

He then let out a soft exclamation, "Huh, this is... spiritual energy?!"

Chen Wen noticed that he could clearly see the colorful spiritual energy in front of him.

In the past, I could vaguely see them, but I could only see the various colors gathered together, and I couldn't distinguish the specific colors.

But now, he can easily see each and every particle of spiritual energy.

Moreover, even though he wasn't cultivating, those spiritual energy particles were still drawn into his body like moths to a flame.

There's no need to choose which wood elemental energy to absorb as before.

Instead, it is governed by the principle of mutual generation of the five elements, causing all spiritual energy to flow into one's body.

However, only the wood elemental energy was absorbed; the rest of the elemental energy passed directly through the body as if filtered.

Is this what it feels like to have a superior spiritual root?!

He felt somewhat dazed, as if everything before him was unreal... no, it was too real, making him somewhat unable to believe it.

"Sailing against the current..."

The Xuanhuang Refining Heart Technique activated on its own, dispelling his distracting thoughts and restoring his calm and clarity.

He laughed heartily, "Hahaha, from this day forward, I am also a superior-grade spiritual root!"

Improving the quality of one's spiritual roots is extremely difficult.

Only Chen Wen knew the hardships he had endured along the way, the opportunities in the Qingchi Secret Realm, Zhai Ji's Green Pearl, and the years of refinement.

I'm already considered lucky; it's almost impossible for ordinary people to improve their spiritual roots.

He opened the panel and stared at it.

Sure enough, in the spiritual root section, it had become a superior wood spiritual root.

Before he could react...

Suddenly, I felt a fullness in my lower abdomen.

We're about to break through!

Chen Wen instantly realized what had happened.

He quickly glanced at the panel and was surprised to find that his Qi Refining Level 7 cultivation, which was originally at 91, had now become 100.

The power of a top-grade spiritual root is terrifying!

Chen Wen was overjoyed. No wonder those disciples were cultivating so fast; it turned out that even without cultivation, spiritual energy was flowing into their bodies!

He quickly took control of his body and began to activate the Azure Qi Guiding Technique to break through.

The Azure Sky Qi Guiding Technique is already perfected, so it is naturally more complete than the Withering and Flourishing Fusion Technique.

He only needs to switch techniques and practice for a while after breaking through.

This breakthrough was just as smooth as ever.

With just a little guidance, Chen Wen successfully expanded his dantian and compressed his magical power, thus breaking through to the eighth level of Qi Refining.

The dantian returned to an empty state, and it was necessary to continue accumulating magical power.

The magical energy vortex circulated more smoothly, yet with a sense of unhurriedness.

Using the Transformation of the Withering and Flourishing Fusion Technique, Chen Wen transformed and further refined his previous magical power.

The magical power within his body also transformed from a state of pure stillness to a state of coexistence of vitality and desolation, with blue and gray mingling together, yet clearly distinct.

This transformation also caused a dramatic change in Chen Wen's temperament. He was like a withered tree, yet also like a newborn tree, full of contradictions, yet perfectly integrated, appearing extremely mysterious.

Finally, with a turn of the Azure Nether Qi Guiding Technique, he regained his serene and tranquil state.

As soon as I stood up, I heard the little guy's congratulatory and affectionate voice in my mind, and I was happy for him.

Chen Wen smiled slightly and flicked out a Huangya Dan pill.

They were then carried out of the seclusion room.

He wasn't particularly happy about breaking through his cultivation level.

Because this means that Chen Polang will also be coming out soon.

In fact, Chen Polang can be released at any time.

After he learned the formation and broke through to the late stage of Qi Refining, he found the seal in his Niwan (a point on his head).

It's less of a seal and more of a hidden, isolating barrier.

This allows him to remain undetected by outsiders while also preventing the earthly evil energy from backfiring on him.

But now that he has reached the late stage of Qi Refining, and the Earthly Fiend Qi has long since merged with him, he naturally no longer needs to worry about the Earthly Fiend Qi backlash.

He could have removed the seal long ago, but he was worried about potential hidden dangers that he was unaware of when he did so.

Moreover, he was only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, while Chen Polang was already at the peak of Qi Refining when he went in.

Just to be on the safe side, Chen Wen is still conserving his strength.

When Chen Polang can't sit still any longer, he will naturally come out.

Moreover, he also left some backup plans for dealing with Chen Polang.

I just feel it's not enough. With a win rate of only 98%, what's the difference between that and suicide?

Upon arriving outside the valley, Chen Wen brewed a cup of tea, slowly savoring it while admiring the rosy clouds in the sky.

He had suspected it before.

Can the seal left by Chen Polang really keep it from powerful experts in the Purple Mansion realm?

Could it be that they're waiting?

Once I break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining, I'll see if I can win.

After all, he had come to Zixia Peak and become a true disciple, but he had never even met the peak master. He was only given the status of a true disciple and the title of a nominal disciple.

Looking back now, if I hadn't won, it seems there was no need to meet, because by then it would have been a different person.

As for how the sect will treat him.

Chen Wen didn't know, and there was no need for him to know.

By then I'll be dead, so who cares about a dam!

He wondered if the deputy peak master would tell Qin Shuiru if she knew.

So Qin Shuiru's invitation to go to the secret realm was intentional.

In that sense, everything makes sense.

Chen Wen couldn't help but gasp. Scheming was truly everywhere; without realizing it, he had fallen into someone else's trap.

He thought he was just being cautious.

If we think about it this way, then Qin Shuiru might have played a role in stirring up trouble for the Snowwing Eagle.

He forced himself into becoming a lone wolf, relying solely on her to survive.

Even if he knew now, he was already trapped and unable to escape.

We can only follow their plan and enter the secret realm to find the celestial and terrestrial energy for them.

Besides, maybe I'm just overthinking it?

Chen Wen sighed softly, realizing that he himself had begun to harbor such wishful thinking.

Ultimately, it all comes down to their weak strength.

If I am strong enough, no matter how much you scheme, I will destroy you with a flick of my hand!

His gaze gradually hardened.

...

Meanwhile, at the summit of Zixia Peak, in a palace hall...

Qin Shuiru strolled among them, gracefully arriving at the front of the hall where she stopped, bowed her head, and said, "Master!"

A gentle female voice came from inside the hall, "Come in."

Qin Shuiru then got up and pushed open the door to enter.

The hall was brightly lit by candles, and a graceful woman sat regally at a table to the side, seemingly painting.

Qin Shuiru stepped forward, not daring to utter a sound, and waited silently to the side.

Finally, the woman put down her pen, raised her head, and revealed a stunningly beautiful face with a touch of mature charm.

She looked up at Qin Shuiru, who was waiting beside her, and revealed a hint of tenderness that was almost imperceptible, and said:

"Are you all ready?"

Qin Shuiru immediately knelt down and reported, "My spies in the mountains said there was spiritual energy fluctuation in his secret chamber, confirming that he has broken through to the eighth level of Qi Refining..."

After saying this, she hesitated for a moment, but ultimately held back.

Qin Jingyao, the deputy peak master who was admiring her own painting, knew what he was thinking without even looking up, and said calmly:

"You don't need to say anything more. I have my own plans for letting him enter the secret realm at the eighth level of Qi Refining. However, that kid is different now. You should give him more compensation. If he can establish his foundation, he will be qualified to be my disciple!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Shuiru suddenly looked up, staring at her master in disbelief.

The master has always had extremely high standards, and he only has four disciples under his tutelage, unlike the other peaks where everyone wants to recruit all the geniuses.

That kid only has a mid-grade spiritual root and no physique whatsoever. At most, he's just a little clever. How could Master have such a thought?!

She was puzzled, but dared not ask.

There must be a reason why Master did this.

However, she could go and find out what earth-shattering thing that little guy had done!

Immediately, she collected her thoughts, bowed to Qin Jingyao, and said, "Yes, Master. I originally intended to give him the Grade C spiritual field, but I wonder if it needs to be adjusted?"

"That's too petty. You should know that you are a true disciple of Yifeng and a direct descendant of the Qin family's main branch. Your actions should be befit your status."

Qin Jingyao shook her head slightly and continued:

"Give him the first-class sacred land as well."

Qin Shuiru was somewhat puzzled. "Master, a Grade A spirit field can earn three thousand contribution points annually. Adding Grades B and C on top of that, isn't that a bit too much?"

Qin Jingyao glanced at her, her tone even more indifferent, "Aren't you his good sister? How come you don't even know how much he earns each month?"

"I......"

Qin Shuiru wanted to argue a few more words, but Qin Jingyao stopped her by raising her hand.

"Go then. If you continue to be so foolish, then go and meditate in the Cave of Radiant Light."

"Yes."

Qin Shuiru dared not say anything more and could only accept the order and leave.

Once outside, she suddenly realized that she hadn't even inquired about the little guy's income before offering him a reward.

This move is likely to not only fail to win people's hearts, but will also arouse their dislike.

But... just how many contribution points can that little guy earn these days?

Qin Shuiru pondered for a moment, then walked down the mountain before flying away on her sword.

...

Bailian Peak.

In a square.

Everywhere you look, there are people shirtless, nourishing their bodies with pure gold liquid.

Hundred Refinement Peak is a body-refining peak, and its cultivation method is called Hundred Refinement, which uses various kinds of heaven and earth essence metals to temper the body.

However, this method has a drawback: it leaves the body hairless.

If you encounter a Hundred Refinement Peak disciple with hair, it means either their training is inadequate or they are only practicing the Hundred Refinement Technique as a supplement, and their actual focus is still on Qi cultivation.

However, at this moment, in front of the group of Qi Refining disciples, there were two people with hair who stood out among the disciples, especially one of them who was wearing a purple robe but had hair, making him seem out of place.

The other man, dressed in a green robe and adorned with precious jade belt ornaments, followed behind the purple-robed man with a respectful expression.

"Senior Brother He, we've found out that the boy's spiritual energy fluctuated wildly today, indicating that he has broken through to the eighth level of Qi Refining. It's likely that he will enter the secret realm in the next two years to help Qin Shuiru obtain Qi."

The man in purple robes was He Yuzhu. Upon hearing this, he simply nodded slightly and said, "Understood."

The man in blue did not leave, his face showing some hesitation.

He Yuzhu frowned, "Why are you being so fussy?!"

"Senior Brother He, Junior Brother, we are just curious why you keep focusing on Qin Shuiru."

The man in blue smiled sheepishly after his thoughts were exposed, and whispered:

"Junior brother, may I be so bold as to ask why?"

"You knew it was presumptuous of you to ask!"

He Yuzhu pouted and glared at him irritably. "Get lost, I'm going to practice my kung fu!"

After saying that, he made a hand seal and waved it, removing his purple robe and carefully removing his hair, placing it aside.

He revealed his muscles, which looked like they were cast from refined steel, and his shiny bald head.

He then came to a giant cauldron and poured a stream of golden liquid over himself.

Seeing this, the man in blue had no choice but to leave.

He thought to himself, "How could I not know if you hadn't told me?"

He recalled a piece of unofficial history he had heard before, which said that Qin Shuiru and He Yuzhu were childhood sweethearts.

However, He Yuzhu later practiced the true martial arts of Hundred Refinement Peak, which caused his body shape to change drastically and he lost all his hair. He was disliked by Qin Shuiru, but He Yuzhu still pursued her relentlessly.

Finally, in order to test his sincerity, Qin Shuiru asked for his Earthly Fiend Qi.

He Yuzhu gave it to her without hesitation, but later discovered that Qin Shuiru was playing him. He was furious and his love turned to hate.

From then on, he clashed with Qin Shuiru and bribed one of Qin Shuiru's cousins, with whom she had a good relationship, to sabotage her foundation-building process, which is why the two of them have not been able to achieve foundation-building to this day.

"Unofficial histories may not be entirely true, but they're definitely unofficial!"

Chen Wen put away the jade slips containing romantic tales about the disciples of the Qingming Sect that Ye Fan had found in Qingming City, and was filled with emotion.

..........