Within the main hall of the Zichen Cave Abode, dawnlight—the gentle glow refracted by chaotic currents—poured down, bathing the entire hall in warmth.
Xuan Chen and Nüwa sat facing one another, with the Innate Spiritual Root Immortal Apricot brought back from the Kunlun Ruins placed before them. When Nüwa had taken form yesterday, most of the Immortal Apricot's origin power had merged into her 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 rich, melting upon her tongue and transforming into a stream of pure energy that surged into her body. It left her utterly refreshed, and her cultivation improved slightly as well.
Just then, 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 a side mission: Seek Innate Spiritual Roots and raise the limit of her innate foundation.] [Mission description: Innate Spiritual Roots contain pure Great Dao Origin. They can further nourish the disciple's Primal Creation Body, break through the limits of her innate foundation, increase her affinity with the Great Dao, and lay an even firmer foundation for her future attainment of the Dao and ascension to sainthood.] [Mission requirements: Within one month, find at least one top-tier Innate Spiritual Root, such as Ginseng Fruit, Peach of Immortality, or Bodhi, or three mid-tier Innate Spiritual Roots, such as Vermilion Fruit, snow lotus, or reishi.] [Mission rewards: Spiritual Vein Fortification Fluid ×1 (permanently strengthens the Spirit Veins of the Zichen Cave Abode, increasing spiritual energy density by 50%); completion access for the Heaven-Mending Genesis Scripture (unlocks the "Creation Derivation" chapter); 3% of the host's origin power unsealed.] [Failure penalty: The disciple's innate foundation limit will be permanently locked, and her affinity with the Great Dao will decrease by 10%.]
Xuan Chen was delighted at first, then his expression grew somewhat grave. The side mission's rewards were exceptionally generous. The Spiritual Vein Fortification Fluid could raise the grade of the Zichen Cave Abode's Spirit Veins, greatly benefiting both his and Nüwa's cultivation. Unlocking a new chapter of the Heaven-Mending Genesis Scripture would allow Nüwa's strength to rise another level. As for unsealing 3% of his origin power, that meant his strength would increase once more.
Yet the mission's difficulty could not be underestimated. Top-tier Innate Spiritual Roots such as Ginseng Fruit and Peach of Immortality grew in the most central and dangerous regions of the Primordial World, guarded by powerful Primordial Divine Beings or ferocious beasts. With his current Late Golden Immortal cultivation, obtaining them would undoubtedly be a castle in the air. Even mid-tier Innate Spiritual Roots were mostly scattered throughout secret realms rich in Spirit Veins, where countless dangers likewise awaited.
More importantly, the mission time limit was only one month. Time was extremely tight.
"System, do you have any recommended secret realm coordinates?" Xuan Chen asked inwardly.
[Host's needs detected. The secret realm coordinate list has been updated. Three secret realms suitable for the host's current strength have been selected:] [1. Deep within the Kunlun Ruins: Danger level (High). Contains mid-tier Innate Spiritual Root "Kunlun Snow Lotus" ×2. Guardian ferocious beasts: Late Golden Immortal Snow Lion Kings (pack-dwelling, 5–8 beasts). Potential threat: Unknown Primordial Divine Being.] [2. Outer East Sea Penglai Island: Danger level (Medium). Contains mid-tier Innate Spiritual Root "Vermilion Fruit" ×3. Guardian ferocious beast: Mid-Stage Golden Immortal Sea-Patrolling Yaksha (solitary, skilled in water manipulation). Potential threat: Dragon Clan patrols.] [3. Western Extremity Quicksand Realm: Danger level (Medium-Low). Contains mid-tier Innate Spiritual Root "Rainbow Reishi" ×4. Guardian ferocious beast: Early-Stage Golden Immortal Sand Scorpion King (skilled in poison arts and concealment). Potential threat: None.]
Xuan Chen carefully analyzed the information on these 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 influence was immense. If they alerted a patrol, the consequences would be difficult to predict. The depths of the Kunlun Ruins had a moderate number of spiritual roots, but the Snow Lion Kings were pack-dwelling ferocious beasts, and an unknown Primordial Divine Being might be present as well. Its risks were the highest.
"Master, what's wrong?" 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 the information on the three secret realms.
After hearing this, a gleam of eagerness flashed through Nüwa's eyes. "Master, this disciple wishes to go to the secret realm with you and search for Innate Spiritual Roots. I have already taken form. I cannot let Master face danger alone anymore."
Warmth rose in Xuan Chen's heart. Looking at Nüwa's determined eyes, he knew that she had grown up and wished to share his burdens. After pondering for a moment, he nodded. "Good. Then master and disciple shall go together. However, secret realms are fraught with danger. You must stay by Master's side and never act on your own."
"This disciple understands!" Nüwa agreed joyfully, anticipation sparkling in her eyes. She was filled with curiosity about the outside world and wanted to test her strength through real combat.
Xuan Chen looked again at the secret realm coordinates provided by the system, and a decision had already formed in his heart. "We will first head deep into the 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 deal with. Besides, I have been to the Kunlun Ruins once 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 foundation, it can also help you comprehend more mysteries of the Creation Dao."
Nüwa had no objections. She nodded obediently and said, "Wherever Master goes, this disciple will go."
Xuan Chen nodded in satisfaction and immediately began preparing for their 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 also provide defense. At critical moments, it can release chaotic currents to block enemies. You must wear it close to your body and never take it off."
Nüwa accepted the Primal Chaos Pearl. It felt warm and smooth in her hand, and she could clearly sense the vast Chaos Power contained within. She solemnly tied it 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 the scale armor could not be considered an innate spiritual treasure, it still contained Chaos Power and could withstand Golden Immortal-level attacks. Something was better than nothing.
Once these preparations were complete, Xuan Chen reinforced the defensive restrictions of the Zichen Cave Abode and set several warning runes around it. This way, should an enemy approach, he and Nüwa would notice immediately.
"Let's 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.
Outside the Zichen Cave Abode, the chaotic currents remained as violent as ever. However, Nüwa was no longer as lost as before. Her gaze was resolute as she stayed close by Xuan Chen's side. She could feel that as long as Master was with her, she would fear no danger.
Xuan Chen pushed the Chaos Breath Concealment Art to its limits. He not only restrained his own aura, but concealed Nüwa's aura as well. Leading her onward, he sped toward the Kunlun Ruins like two ghostly shadows.
Along the way, they encountered many wandering ferocious beasts, including quite a few at the Golden Immortal level, but they all avoided them with skill. Following behind Xuan Chen, Nüwa watched her master face every danger with calm composure. Her admiration for him deepened, and her resolve to cultivate grew firmer still.
As they traveled, Xuan Chen explained the geography of the Primordial World, the distribution of its major forces, and the habits and weaknesses of common ferocious beasts. Nüwa studied with great focus, committing every piece of information to heart. She understood that all of this was essential knowledge for surviving in the Primordial World.
"Master, are there truly Primordial Divine Beings deep within the Kunlun Ruins?" Nüwa asked curiously.
Xuan Chen nodded, his expression grave. "When the Primordial World first opened, Primordial Divine Beings were everywhere. As one of the lands of the three ancestral veins, the Kunlun Ruins surely contain powerful Primordial Divine Beings cultivating in seclusion. Our objective on this journey is the Kunlun Snow Lotus. Avoid conflicts with other Primordial Divine Beings whenever possible. If we encounter one, remember not to force the issue. Use the Primal Chaos Pearl's concealment and withdraw at once."
"This disciple understands," Nüwa replied solemnly.
Seeing her steady demeanor, Xuan Chen nodded inwardly. Though Nüwa had only recently taken form, she possessed a calm temperament, neither arrogant nor impatient. This was among the most important qualities on the path of cultivation.
The two sped onward without daring to slacken in the slightest. They knew 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 the Kunlun Ruins appeared before them once more. Unlike last time, Xuan Chen had brought his disciple with him this time, prepared to venture deep into the ruins, challenge more powerful enemies, and seek more precious opportunities.
Xuan Chen stopped and looked at Nüwa beside him, his gaze resolute. "Disciple, ahead lies the depths of the 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, reached out, and patted her shoulder. "Good! When master and disciple are of one heart, they can cleave through gold! Follow Master and seize the opportunities that belong to us!"
With that, he led Nüwa forward. Their figures flashed, and like two streaks of light, they shot into the depths of the Kunlun Ruins. A new adventure had officially begun.
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