Yang Shougui

An invisible ripple spread outward, shrouding the entire courtyard and the surrounding area.

In an instant, the spiritual energy in the air seemed to be drawn in, converging toward the courtyard and increasing the local concentration of spiritual energy by a significant margin.

Simultaneously, a faint, barely visible cloud-like barrier flickered into existence around the perimeter of the courtyard, isolating it from external prying eyes while providing basic defense and soundproofing.

The Flowing Cloud Protection Array was successfully deployed.

Chen Xuan circulated his spiritual power, causing clouds to overflow from his body and diffuse into the surroundings.

Wherever the clouds passed, all dust and moss were thoroughly cleared away.

The cleaned-up cave dwelling looked much more comfortable.

Chen Xuan then proceeded to rearrange his belongings within his new dwelling.

Having settled matters at the cave, Chen Xuan headed toward Cloud Sea Peak.

Cloud Sea Peak, Technique Pavilion.

Using his Disciple Token, Chen Xuan successfully obtained a copy of the Nine Heavens Cloud Sea Scripture: Volume One.

Afterward, Chen Xuan arrived at the Treasure Pavilion.

The Treasure Pavilion was the designated place for trading various rare treasures. Selling items here meant dealing directly with the sect, ensuring a higher price and a guarantee against being swindled.

Of course, the Treasure Pavilion did not accept everything; it only dealt in rare treasures.

Spiritual items naturally fell into this category.

Chen Xuan sold his two remaining first-pattern spiritual items and, having received a large sum of contribution points, prepared to purchase materials for pills and dharma treasures.

The materials for top-grade dharma treasures were expensive; although the contribution points from selling the two spiritual items were substantial, they would likely be insufficient to purchase even a single set of materials for a top-grade dharma treasure.

Therefore, Chen Xuan decided to prioritize pill materials, starting with the ingredients for the third-tier Dragon Pattern Pill, followed by those for the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Like the Spirit Sea Pill, the Foundation Establishment Pill was a type of medicine that aided in breaking through major cultivation realms while also serving to enhance one's cultivation base.

Chen Xuan planned to improve his cultivation first, then earn more contribution points to purchase materials for refining dharma treasures.

After a busy period, Chen Xuan returned to his cave dwelling with the materials.

He then began to refine pills.

Although he had returned the alchemy furnace provided for free by Danxiao Peak, he still possessed another one.

He had forged a new one previously when refining his own dharma tools.

Since materials for dharma treasures were hard to come by, he would make do with his top-grade dharma tool-level alchemy furnace for now.

He would upgrade to something better once he had more resources.

When the time came, he would replace his offensive treasures, defensive treasures, flight treasures, alchemy furnaces, and forging furnaces with the very best.

During Chen Xuan's seclusion, the Affairs Office of Danxiao Peak reported the news of his Foundation Establishment to the Peak Master.

This was not due to any special treatment for Chen Xuan, but rather because those in the Dao Foundation Realm were considered core disciples, and such news naturally had to be reported to the Peak Master.

The Peak Master might choose not to look, but the Affairs Office could not fail to report it.

The information reported to the Peak Master was categorized by importance, and the news of Chen Xuan's Foundation Establishment was listed as a high-priority item.

Having joined the sect for less than two years, a disciple with a Mortal Body had taken first place in the Floating Cloud Trial, first place in the Outer Sect Grand Competition, and had now successfully reached the Foundation Establishment Realm.

If this did not count as important news, nothing would.

Cinnabar Firmament Hall, a study.

The Peak Master, appearing as a kindly old man, was reviewing the many jade slips sent up from below.

As he read, he soon came across the news regarding Chen Xuan sent by the Affairs Office.

Yang Shougui held the jade slip in his hand, his expression showing surprise after reading the contents: "A cultivator with a Mortal Body, yet able to complete Foundation Establishment so quickly?"

After speaking, a trace of doubt arose in Yang Shougui's heart; he hoped the boy hadn't resorted to some shortcut.

Many shortcut methods appeared effective at first, but in reality, they were fraught with endless hidden dangers.

One might experience rapid growth in the early stages, only to have their cultivation stagnate soon after.

In more severe cases, it could even endanger one's life.

Thinking of this, Yang Shougui decided to meet Chen Xuan in person.

No amount of deliberation could compare to seeing him face-to-face.

Yang Shougui swept his divine sense out, locked onto the elder in charge of the Affairs Office, and transmitted his voice directly: "Send someone to find the disciple Chen Xuan who recently achieved Foundation Establishment, and tell him to come to Cinnabar Firmament Hall to see me immediately."

Upon receiving the Peak Master's order, the Affairs Office elder immediately dispatched a disciple to locate Chen Xuan.

Although Chen Xuan had not yet reported the location of his cave dwelling, this did not stump the Affairs Office.

They simply had to scan for the Flowing Cloud Protection Array; wherever a new array had appeared, that was almost certainly where Chen Xuan's dwelling was located.

The Affairs Office soon located Chen Xuan's cave dwelling.

A Spirit Sea Realm disciple from the Affairs Office arrived outside the dwelling and triggered the formation: "Is Senior Brother Chen Xuan within?"

Inside the cave, Chen Xuan sensed the movement outside immediately. As the formation disk whirred, he heard the disciple's words.

Why is a disciple from the Affairs Office looking for me?

Puzzled, Chen Xuan paused his alchemy, extinguished the Purple Imperial Dragon Flame, and stepped out of his dwelling.

"What brings you here, Junior Brother?" Chen Xuan asked upon exiting.

"Senior Brother Chen Xuan, the Peak Master has issued an order for you to head to Cinnabar Firmament Hall immediately to meet with him," the disciple replied.

"The Peak Master wants to see me?" Chen Xuan was taken aback.

Could it be that he found out about my Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment? Why else would he summon me?

"Yes, Senior Brother. Please, make haste," the disciple urged with a nod.

"I understand. Thank you for the trouble, Junior Brother. I shall head there at once."

Chen Xuan did not know why the Peak Master wanted to see him, but since the order had been given, he could not—and dared not—refuse. He immediately mounted his magic tool and flew toward Danxiao Peak.

A short while later, Chen Xuan arrived at Danxiao Peak and headed straight for the main hall at the summit.

He reached the entrance to find the doors wide open, yet the hall itself was empty. Just as he hesitated on whether to enter, a voice drifted from behind the building: "Come in. Head to the study in the back courtyard."

"Yes, Peak Master."

Chen Xuan cupped his hands in salute, walked through the main hall, and entered the back courtyard. Once inside, a quick glance revealed the study the Peak Master had mentioned.

"Disciple Chen Xuan pays his respects to the Peak Master." Chen Xuan approached the study, spotted Yang Shougui inside, and bowed once more.

"No need for such formalities. Chen Xuan, I have summoned you today to ask you something," Yang Shougui said slowly.

"Please, Peak Master, ask away."

Yang Shougui's gaze was profound as it settled on Chen Xuan's face. "You possess a Mortal Body, yet you successfully established your foundation less than two years after joining the sect—even disciples with a Spirit Body cannot match your pace. This makes me curious: have you been practicing some technique or Daoist method not obtained from our sect's Technique Pavilion?"

As he finished speaking, Yang Shougui stared intently at Chen Xuan, seemingly waiting to gauge his reaction.

Hearing this, Chen Xuan understood the reason for the summons. The Peak Master was worried he had strayed onto a crooked path.

"Disciple understands your concern, Peak Master. Words are useless; you will know the truth once you see for yourself."

With that, Chen Xuan manifested the image of his dantian. Above his head, the projection of his Dao Foundation emerged.