[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on subduing the Beginning Qilin as your guardian beast! Your power has surged, and your cultivation has reached the ninth level of the Hunyuan Taiji Celestial Venerable realm!]
As the system notification rang out, a dazzling golden light shot skyward from Zhou Xuan's body.
Zhou Xuan's eyes were gently closed, his whole body wreathed in a hazy glow.
A moment later, he slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was deep as an abyss, and the corner of his mouth lifted into a faint smile.
"The ninth level of the Hunyuan Taiji Celestial Venerable realm... One more step, and I'll reach the Hunyuan Wuji Divine Venerable realm..."
He murmured to himself, lightly rubbing the arm of his chair. He gazed into the boundless void, a sharp, cold glint showing in his eyes.
"Once I reach the Hunyuan Wuji Divine Venerable realm, I'll stand as Heaven's Dao's equal... By then, even if Hongjun has Heaven's Dao backing him, I'll be able to beat him until he's on his knees, begging for mercy!"
At that thought, Zhou Xuan gathered his thoughts and looked at the little Beginning Qilin, still lying obediently on the ground before him. His expression softened. He raised a hand to stroke its single horn and said with a smile:
"Wangcai, from now on, you're the guardian beast of Lingxuan Dao Field!"
"Besides patrolling the Dao Field, you'll also have to look after the spiritual roots and trees. Water them every day, and weed and clear away pests regularly. Don't damage my Spiritual Fruit Garden. Understood?"
The little Beginning Qilin raised its head and gave a well-behaved "Awoo!" Its voice was childish, but it carried an unusual note of solemnity:
"Yes, Master! Wangcai understands! Wangcai will work hard and never slack off!"
Its big, round