New System Mission: Seek Innate Spiritual Roots

Within the great hall of Zichen Cave Abode, Dawnlight—the gentle radiance refracted through chaotic currents—spilled down, bathing the entire hall in warm light.

Xuan Chen and Nüwa sat facing each other, with the Innate Spiritual Root Immortal Apricot they had brought back from Kunlun Ruins placed before them. When it had taken form yesterday, most of the Immortal Apricot's origin power had already merged into Nüwa's body. The remaining portion still contained considerable vitality, enough to aid her future cultivation.

Nüwa was taking small bites of the Immortal Apricot's flesh, a satisfied smile appearing on her face. Its flavor was sweet and mellow, melting the instant it entered her mouth and transforming into a stream of pure energy that surged into her body. It left her feeling utterly refreshed, and her cultivation improved slightly as well.

At that moment, the system notification suddenly rang out in Xuan Chen's mind:

[Detected that disciple Nüwa has successfully taken form. The Primal Creation Body has initially awakened, triggering the side mission: Seek Innate Spiritual Roots, raise the upper limit of innate potential.]

[Mission Description: Innate Spiritual Roots contain pure Great Dao origin. They can further nourish the disciple's Primal Creation Body, break through the upper limit of innate potential, increase affinity with the Great Dao, and lay a firmer foundation for attaining the Dao and becoming a Saint in the future.]

[Mission Requirements: Within one month, find at least one top-grade Innate Spiritual Root—such as Ginseng Fruit, Peach of Immortality, Bodhi, and so on—or three mid-grade Innate Spiritual Roots—such as Vermilion Fruit, snow lotus, reishi, and so on.]

[Mission Rewards: Spiritual Vein Fortification Fluid ×1 (permanently strengthens the spiritual vein grade of Zichen Cave Abode, increasing spiritual energy density by 50%); completion authorization for Heaven-Mending Genesis Scripture (unlocks the "Creation Derivation" section); unseal 3% of the host's origin power.]

[Failure Penalty: The disciple's upper limit of innate potential will be permanently locked, and affinity with the Great Dao will decrease by 10%.]

Xuan Chen was delighted at first, but his expression soon grew somewhat grave. The side mission's rewards were extremely generous. The Spiritual Vein Fortification Fluid could raise the grade of Zichen Cave Abode's spiritual veins, greatly benefiting both his and Nüwa's cultivation. Unlocking a new section of the Heaven-Mending Genesis Scripture would allow Nüwa's strength to climb another flight of stairs. As for unsealing 3% of his origin power, that meant his strength would rise once more.

Yet the mission's difficulty could not be underestimated. Top-grade Innate Spiritual Roots such as Ginseng Fruit and Peach of Immortality grew in the Primordial World's most central and dangerous regions, guarded by powerful innate sacred beings or ferocious beasts. With his current Late Golden Immortal cultivation, obtaining them would undoubtedly be a wild fantasy. Even mid-grade Innate Spiritual Roots were mostly scattered throughout secret realms rich in spiritual veins, where countless dangers likewise awaited.

More importantly, the mission time limit was only one month. Time was exceedingly tight.

"System, do you have any recommended secret realm coordinates?" Xuan Chen asked inwardly.

[Host request detected. The secret realm coordinate list has been updated. Three secret realms suitable for the host's current strength have been selected:]

[1. Depths of Kunlun Ruins: Danger level (High). Contains mid-grade Innate Spiritual Root "Kunlun Snow Lotus" ×2. Guardian ferocious beasts: Late Golden Immortal Snow Lion Kings (pack-dwelling, 5–8). Potential threat: unknown innate sacred beings.]

[2. Outer region of East Sea Penglai Island: Danger level (Medium). Contains mid-grade Innate Spiritual Root "Vermilion Fruit" ×3. Guardian ferocious beast: Mid-Stage Golden Immortal Sea-Patrolling Yaksha (solitary, adept at water manipulation). Potential threat: Dragon Clan patrols.]

[3. Western Extremity Quicksand Realm: Danger level (Medium-Low). Contains mid-grade Innate Spiritual Root "Rainbow Reishi" ×4. Guardian ferocious beast: Early-Stage Golden Immortal Sand Scorpion King (adept at poison arts and concealment). Potential threat: none.]

Xuan Chen carefully analyzed the information on the three secret realms. The Western Extremity Quicksand Realm had the lowest danger level and the greatest number of spiritual roots, but the Sand Scorpion King excelled at poison arts and concealment, making it impossible to guard against. Although the outer region of East Sea Penglai Island had only one Sea-Patrolling Yaksha, the Dragon Clan's power was immense. If they alerted a patrol, the consequences would be difficult to predict. The depths of Kunlun Ruins held a moderate number of spiritual roots, but the Snow Lion Kings were pack-dwelling ferocious beasts, and unknown innate sacred beings might also be present. Its risks were the highest.

"Master, what is it?" Nüwa noticed the change in Xuan Chen's expression. She set down the Immortal Apricot in her hand and asked with concern.

Xuan Chen came back to himself and truthfully told Nüwa about the side mission issued by the system, including its requirements, rewards, and information on the three secret realms.

After hearing this, a spark of eagerness flashed through Nüwa's eyes. "Master, this disciple is willing to enter the secret realm with you and search for Innate Spiritual Roots. I have already taken form. I cannot let Master take risks alone any longer."

Warmth stirred in Xuan Chen's heart. Looking into Nüwa's determined eyes, he knew that she had grown up and wanted to share his burdens. After pondering for a moment, he nodded. "Good. Then master and disciple shall go together. But secret realms are perilous. Remember to stay by Master's side and never act on your own."

"This disciple understands!" Nüwa agreed happily, anticipation glittering in her eyes. She was filled with curiosity about the outside world and wanted to test her strength through actual combat.

Xuan Chen looked once more at the secret realm coordinates provided by the system, and a decision had already formed in his heart. "We will first head into the depths of Kunlun Ruins. Though its danger level is rather high, the Snow Lion Kings may be pack-dwelling ferocious beasts, but they are not impossible to handle. Besides, I have visited Kunlun Ruins before and am quite familiar with its terrain. Most importantly, the ice-element origin contained within the Kunlun Snow Lotus complements your Primal Creation Body. Not only can it improve your innate potential, it can also help you comprehend more of the mysteries of the Dao of Creation."

Nüwa had no objections. She nodded obediently and said, "Wherever Master goes, this disciple will go."

Xuan Chen nodded in satisfaction, then began preparing for the journey. He placed the Primal Chaos Pearl on Nüwa and instructed her, "This Primal Chaos Pearl is an innate spiritual treasure. It can store items and provide defense. At critical moments, it can release chaotic currents to block enemies. You must keep it close to your body and never take it off."

Nüwa accepted the Primal Chaos Pearl, finding it warm and smooth in her hand. She could clearly sense the vast Chaos Power contained within it. She solemnly tied the pearl around her waist and said, "This disciple will remember."

Afterward, Xuan Chen took out the defensive scale armor refined from Taotie and helped Nüwa put it on. Though this scale armor could not be considered an innate spiritual treasure, it still contained Chaos Power and could withstand Golden Immortal-level attacks. Better than nothing.

After making these preparations, Xuan Chen reinforced the defensive restrictions of Zichen Cave Abode and set down several warning runes around it. This way, should an enemy approach, he and Nüwa would notice at once.

"Let us go." Xuan Chen rose to his feet and spoke to Nüwa.

Nüwa nodded and followed closely behind Xuan Chen as they headed out of the cave abode.

Once they left Zichen Cave Abode, the chaotic currents outside remained as violent as ever. Yet Nüwa was no longer as lost as before. Her gaze was resolute as she stayed close beside Xuan Chen. She could feel that as long as Master was by her side, she would fear no danger, no matter what she encountered.

Xuan Chen pushed the Chaos Breath Concealment Art to its utmost limit. Not only did he restrain his own aura, he concealed Nüwa's aura as well. Taking Nüwa with him, he sped toward Kunlun Ruins like two ghostly shadows.

Along the way, they encountered quite a few wandering ferocious beasts, including many at the Golden Immortal level, but they deftly avoided them all. Following behind Xuan Chen, Nüwa watched her master handle every danger with calm composure. Her admiration for him deepened further, and her resolve to cultivate became even firmer.

As they traveled, Xuan Chen explained the geography and terrain of the Primordial World, the distribution of its major powers, and the habits and weaknesses of common ferocious beasts. Nüwa studied with great seriousness, committing every piece of information to heart. She understood that these were essential lessons for surviving in the Primordial World.

"Master, are there truly innate sacred beings in the depths of Kunlun Ruins?" Nüwa asked curiously.

Xuan Chen nodded, his expression solemn. "When the Primordial World first opened, innate sacred beings were everywhere. As the site of one of the three great ancestral veins, Kunlun Ruins must have powerful innate sacred beings cultivating in seclusion there. Our goal this time is the Kunlun Snow Lotus. We should avoid clashing with other innate sacred beings as much as possible. If we encounter one, remember not to force matters. Use the Primal Chaos Pearl's cover and withdraw immediately."

"This disciple understands," Nüwa replied in a low voice.

Seeing how composed she was, Xuan Chen nodded inwardly. Although Nüwa had only recently taken form, her temperament was steady, neither arrogant nor impatient. This was the most important quality on the path of cultivation.

The two raced onward without daring to slacken in the slightest. They understood that time was pressing. They had to find enough Innate Spiritual Roots and complete the system mission within one month.

Three days later, the outline of Kunlun Ruins came into view once again. Unlike last time, Xuan Chen now had his disciple with him. They were preparing to venture deep into the ruins, challenge stronger enemies, and seek more precious opportunities.

Xuan Chen stopped and looked at Nüwa beside him, his gaze resolute. "Disciple, ahead lies the depths of Kunlun Ruins. The true danger is about to begin. Are you afraid?"

Nüwa raised her head, fearless light shining in her eyes. She shook her head and said, "With Master here, this disciple is not afraid!"

Xuan Chen smiled faintly and reached out to pat her shoulder. "Good! When master and disciple are of one heart, they can sever gold! Follow Master, and let us seize the opportunity that belongs to us!"

With that, he took Nüwa with him. Their figures flashed, and like two streaks of light, they shot into the depths of Kunlun Ruins. A new adventure had officially begun.