Torch Flame Proves Dao, First Cry Stuns Immortals

Outside the Medicine Garden, the atmosphere was grim.

The middle-aged Daoist leading the Enforcement Hall, his Daoist name "Lei Shuo," had a stern face and eyes as sharp as a falcon's. His cultivation had already reached the late True Immortal stage, making him one of the Intercepting Sect's elder deacons known for their impartiality. The Enforcement disciples behind him were all formidable, their gazes cold.

Standing beside Lei Shuo, Lingxiao put on a show of righteous indignation and compassion for the world. However, the slight upturn of his lips and the fleeting glint of malice in the depths of his eyes betrayed his true intentions.

"Junior Brother Xuanwei, you've finally come out," Lingxiao spoke first, his voice laced with feigned heartache. "We are all of the same orthodox Xuanmen path, and should focus on cultivating and comprehending the Dao! How could you secretly cultivate that forbidden demonic art, which drains the life force of spiritual plants and benefits oneself at the expense of others, all for the sake of rapid advancement? Look at your Medicine Garden; the spiritual energy is unstable, and the Earth Vein shows signs of depletion. If I hadn't discovered it in time and reported it to Uncle-Master Lei Shuo, I fear the cultivation resources of many more fellow disciples would have been destroyed by your actions!"

With this grand accusation, he had branded Xuanwei as a practitioner of demonic arts and a traitor who endangered his fellow disciples!

Quite a few Intercepting Sect disciples, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, had already gathered. Upon hearing Lingxiao's words, they erupted in murmurs, their gazes towards Xuanwei filled with surprise, scrutiny, and even disgust. After all, cultivation resources were crucial for any cultivator. If someone truly committed such a despicable act, they would undoubtedly incur the wrath of the masses.

Ma Sui, sweating profusely on the side, wanted to argue but was silenced by Lei Shuo's sharp gaze.

Xuanwei's expression remained calm, but he sneered inwardly. Lingxiao's ability to twist facts and distort black and white was truly masterful. He swept his gaze over Lei Shuo and bowed respectfully, "Disciple Xuanwei greets Uncle-Master Lei Shuo. May I ask the reason for your esteemed visit? Senior Brother Lingxiao's words are pure fabrication, intended to frame this disciple. I implore Uncle-Master to investigate thoroughly."

Lei Shuo's expression was impassive, his voice icy, "Lingxiao has reported you for cultivating demonic arts and harming spiritual plants. The evidence is the abnormal spiritual energy in your Medicine Garden, fluctuations in the Earth Vein, and your cultivation progress far exceeding the norm. Do you have any explanation?"

"Explanation?" Xuanwei smiled faintly, a hint of composure and confidence in his smile. "My rapid cultivation progress is due to the favor of my Master, who bestowed upon me opportunities, coupled with my own diligent practice. Where does the notion of demonic arts come from? As for the spiritual energy and Earth Vein in the Medicine Garden..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Lingxiao with a hint of mockery. "Senior Brother Lingxiao, have you forgotten that what I specialize in is precisely the cultivation of spiritual plants? The fluctuations in spiritual energy and the channeling of the Earth Vein are merely normal interactions between heaven and earth that occur when I cultivate certain special spiritual plants. Just because you are not skilled in this path, do you assume everyone else is like you?"

"You!" Lingxiao was choked by his words, his face instantly flushing red. "You're twisting words! If it weren't a demonic art, how could it make spiritual plants grow so quickly and their quality be so extraordinary? Uncle-Master Lei Shuo, do not be deceived by his glib tongue!"

Lei Shuo frowned. Although he didn't believe Lingxiao's words outright, the abnormality in Xuanwei's Medicine Garden and his peculiar cultivation progress were indeed suspicious. He said sternly, "Words are not proof. Xuanwei, if you wish to prove your innocence?"

Xuanwei had anticipated this question long ago. He said loudly, "Uncle-Master, please see clearly! Whether I cultivate demonic arts or harm spiritual plants can be proven with a single test!"

He turned and pointed to a "Seven Star Begonia" in the Medicine Garden, which he had just accelerated to five hundred years of growth using conventional methods (without using the power of the Torch Flame), and said to Lei Shuo, "Uncle-Master, please inspect this spiritual plant. Are there any traces of its life force being forcibly plundered? Is there any residual demonic qi?"

Lei Shuo's divine sense swept over it. The Seven Star Begonia was full of vitality, its spiritual energy abundant, and its Dao Rhyme naturally formed. There were indeed no signs of it being harmed by demonic arts. He nodded slightly.

Xuanwei continued, "As for my methods of cultivating spiritual plants, although they differ from common practices, they are by no means demonic! Today, I invite Uncle-Master and all fellow disciples to bear witness!"

With that, he ignored the displeased Lingxiao and walked directly to a clearing in the center of the Medicine Garden. He took a deep breath, and his aura suddenly changed!

It was no longer restrained but as profound as the earth and as gentle as a spring breeze! Azure, yellow, and chaotic multicolored light flowed naturally, and at the core of that light, a warm yet tenacious Profound Yellow Star Fire quietly ignited!

"What... what power is that?" The onlookers felt a presence distinct from immortal spiritual energy and exclaimed in surprise.

Xuanwei placed his hands on the ground, channeling the Azure Emperor Longevity Art and his own Wutu Source, and infused that trace of "Humanity's Torch Flame" power into the spirit field beneath his feet like a spring rain that nourishes without a sound!

Instantly, a miraculous phenomenon occurred!

The ordinary spirit soil seemed to be infused with infinite vitality and creation, becoming dark and lustrous, exuding rich Dao Rhyme of life! Seeds of spiritual grass, of varying grades, which had been prepared long ago, were scattered by Xuanwei at will.

Under the shocked gazes of everyone, as soon as the seeds touched the soil, they broke through the earth, sprouted, branched out, leafed, flowered, and bore fruit at a speed visible to the naked eye!

The spiritual plants seemed to be on fast-forward, completing in mere dozens of breaths the growth process that would normally take decades or even centuries! Moreover, the spiritual energy they emitted was incredibly pure, their quality far exceeding that of their counterparts. On their leaves and petals, profound natural patterns faintly appeared, brimming with Dao Rhyme!

Even more unbelievable was that during the entire acceleration process, not only was the life force of the surrounding Earth Vein and other spiritual plants not drained, but the Profound Yellow Star Fire power spread out, making the spiritual energy of the entire Medicine Garden more active and pure. Even the nearby Spirit-Nourishing Grass, which had been somewhat listless, became spirited and vibrant again!

How could this be a demonic art? This was clearly a supreme divine method for enlightening plants and creating life!

"Life-Creating Power... this is the power of Life-Creating!" A disciple skilled in alchemy exclaimed in disbelief!

"How could such pure Dao Rhyme of life be a demonic art?"

"Not only did it not plunder life force, but it's nourishing this land!"

"Senior Brother (Junior Brother) Xuanwei is truly a divine being!"

Public opinion at the scene instantly reversed! Everyone was convinced by this miraculous technique, their gazes towards Xuanwei filled with awe and admiration.

Elder Lei Shuo's stern face also revealed undisguised shock! He could clearly feel that the Profound Yellow Star Fire contained a supreme power that was extremely positive, full of creation and protection, the complete opposite of the deathly stillness and filth of demonic qi!

Lingxiao's face instantly turned as pale as paper. He pointed at Xuanwei, his lips trembling, and tried to say something, "No... impossible! This must be an illusion! It's..."

"Enough!" Elder Lei Shuo's cold shout interrupted him. Lei Shuo's gaze, like lightning, shot towards Lingxiao, filled with deep disappointment and authority. "Lingxiao! You have groundlessly framed a fellow disciple and spread rumors, nearly causing a grave mistake! I will report this matter truthfully to the Sect Master and Daoist Virtue. Now, apologize to Xuanwei immediately, and then scram back to your Yuxu Palace!"

"I..." Under Lei Shuo's late True Immortal pressure and the contemptuous gazes of countless others, Lingxiao trembled all over, consumed by shame and indignation. He glared fiercely at Xuanwei, the malice in his eyes almost solidifying, and finally squeezed out three words from between his teeth: "I... am... sorry!"

With that, he could no longer bear to stay, transforming into a disheveled Jade Purity escape light and fleeing from Golden Ao Island in haste.

Lei Shuo then turned to Xuanwei, his expression much gentler, even showing a hint of praise. "Nephew-Disciple Xuanwei, the Enforcement Hall was negligent today, and you have suffered injustice. You have grasped the true essence of spiritual plant cultivation and possess such profound and righteous power. You are truly a blessing to our Intercepting Sect! Cultivate diligently and do not squander this talent and opportunity."

"Thank you, Uncle-Master, for upholding justice!" Xuanwei bowed respectfully.

The storm subsided just like that. However, Xuanwei's reputation for "Life-Creating Power" spread like a whirlwind throughout Golden Ao Island through the word-of-mouth of those present, and even began to spread to other forces in the Primordial World!

After this incident, Xuanwei's prestige within the Intercepting Sect reached an unprecedented height! No one dared to look down on him anymore because of his origins or cultivation progress. Many disciples even regarded him as a master-level figure in the fields of alchemy and spiritual plants, and those seeking his guidance or wishing to befriend him came in an endless stream.

Xuanwei also took this opportunity to officially launch his "Custom High-Grade Spiritual Plants" service. The prices were not cheap, yet they were still in high demand. Vast amounts of Contribution Points and various rare resources began to flow towards him.

He invested most of his resources into his own cultivation and the nurturing of the Chaos Bead and the Remnant Seed of Jianmu. A smaller portion was used to maintain the Medicine Garden and "feed" the light cocoon beneath the ground.

With ample resources and accelerated time, his cultivation steadily advanced towards the peak of Heavenly Immortal perfection, and his control over various Spiritual Powers became increasingly proficient. The repair progress of the Chaos Bead increased to 5.8%, and the Remnant Seed of Jianmu had already grown into a small tree over a meter tall, its branches and leaves densely covered with chaotic Dao patterns, exuding boundless vitality.

One day, while he was in the Chaos Bead space, comprehending the Azure Emperor Longevity Art with the Dao Rhyme emanating from the Remnant Seed of Jianmu, attempting to break through the bottleneck of True Immortal, the jade talisman connected to Three Immortal Island in his embrace warmed slightly again.

He withdrew his consciousness from the space and read the information on the jade talisman.

It was a message from Qiongxiao, her tone as gentle as ever, but with a hint of unconcealed joy and... a trace of shyness?

"Junior Brother Xuanwei, the batch of 'Calming Purple Orchids' you cultivated using that special method some time ago, Eldest Sister used them to refine 'Nine-Turn Calming Pills,' and unexpectedly produced nine pills of exceptional quality, their medicinal effects far exceeding expectations! Eldest Sister is extremely pleased and said that your contribution to alchemy support is indispensable. Coincidentally, Eldest Sister has recently made further progress in controlling the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper and wishes to hold a lecture on the wonders of 'Primal Chaos Qi.' She specially invites Junior Brother to Three Immortal Island for a discussion on Dao and alchemy. I wonder if Junior Brother would grace us with your presence?"

Xuanwei held the jade talisman, feeling the subtle affection and anticipation within the words, and couldn't help but curve his lips upwards.

Three Immortal Island... Senior Sister Yunxiao's invitation to lecture...

He knew that after the previous incidents, his relationship with San Xiao, especially with Yunxiao and Qiongxiao, had already surpassed ordinary fellow disciple bonds.

This invitation might be an opportunity.

He took a deep breath and replied with a message:

"My senior sisters have invited me, how could I refuse? Xuanwei will prepare briefly and set off immediately."

After replying, he looked in the direction of Three Immortal Island, his eyes filled with anticipation.

However, just as he was about to leave, the System, which had been dormant in his sea of consciousness for a long time, suddenly emitted an unprecedented alert sound, tinged with urgency and warning:

[Warning! Detected a significant increase in the host's correlation with a major plot point of the Primordial World: "San Xiao Niangniang!"]

[Warning! The host's actions have begun to subtly disrupt the predetermined Heavenly Dao trajectory!]

[Hidden long-term mission triggered: Defy Heaven, Change Fate - Calamity of Beauties!]

[Mission Description: Change the predetermined fate of San Xiao Niangniang, who dies and her true spirit is enshrined during the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods!]

[Mission Difficulty: Unknown (related to host's strength, strategy, and the intensity of Heavenly Dao backlash)!]

[Mission Rewards: Varies based on completion, including but not limited to immense cultivation, innate spiritual treasures, Great Dao merit, and special privileges!]

[Failure Penalty: Suffer the tribulation alongside San Xiao!]

[Current Correlation: Yunxiao (35%), Qiongxiao (40%), Bixiao (30%). Reaching 50% correlation will unlock phased rewards!]

Xuanwei looked at the System panel that suddenly refreshed before him, the smile on his face freezing instantly, and his heart felt as if it were bearing a colossal weight!

Defy Heaven, Change Fate - Calamity of Beauties!

San Xiao... dying and their true spirits enshrined!

He had long known the tragic outcome of the Investiture of the Gods war, but when this cold mission prompt was linked to those three vibrant figures, the impact was immense!

He clenched his fist, his gaze becoming incredibly resolute.

"This tribulation... I will never let it happen!"

Whether it was to repay their kindness, or for the affection that had quietly blossomed in his heart, or to defy this predetermined fate!

He would go to Three Immortal Island, not just to discuss Dao and refine pills, but also... to lay the first stone in reversing that tragedy!