A heart holding a boundless sea, eyes untouched by worldly light

The deer's lilting cries woke the gathered Daoists.

The Daoists in the courtyard looked toward the sound. Heaven and Earth's spiritual mechanism swirled around Little Deer, and she narrowed her eyes in comfort.

A moment later, the spiritual mechanism dispersed.

Not only had this deer successfully entered the Dao and stepped into the first realm of essence refining, but her marrow and essence had also been cleansed, purifying her bloodline.

Before Little Deer could rejoice, her nostrils twitched, and a foul stench assaulted her nose. The instant she opened her eyes, it choked her until her head swam and her eyes rolled.

Xuanming's beard-stroking hand paused briefly. With a light sweep of his sleeve, a gale rose and swept the spirit deer up. Accompanied by her terrified cries, she traced an elegant arc through the air and landed in a pool on Dao-Treasuring Peak.

A splash rang out, sending water flying in all directions—a rather lovely sight.

"I'm afraid I've made a spectacle of myself, fellow Daoist."

True Person Yuanji waved it off and praised her sincerely. "She shed her old flesh and bones in a single morning, breaking free of her cocoon to become a butterfly and setting foot on the path of cultivation. This deer you keep has quite some potential, fellow Daoist."

At those words, Xuanming's brows lifted and his eyes lit with a smile.

The spirit deer was only a brief interlude, and they did not linger on the subject. Outside the gate, the gathered Daoists rose and, led by the Scripture Pavilion's keeper, bowed. "Thank you, senior martial uncle, for bestowing this blessing."

More than a dozen Daoists spoke in unison, their gratitude heartfelt.

A familiar voice, aged yet mellow and rich, followed. "Fortuitous opportunities may be encountered, but never demanded. Since you happened upon