Without the system's rewards, I'm afraid I'll be stuck at this bottleneck for a long time.
Han Xuanji shook his head, not thinking much of it.
Who says the system isn't part of his effort?
He stood up, stretched his limbs, felt the surging power of the five elements within his body, and began to plan his next move.
After a year of seclusion, the changes in the outside world were greater than he had imagined.
He took out a communication jade talisman and probed it with his Divine Sense. Unread messages piled up like a mountain, several times more than when he last came out of seclusion.
Most of the messages came from people he didn't know at all. There were disciples from a collateral branch of the Soul Household, cultivators from other forces in Thousand Souls City, and even a few who claimed to be managers of certain merchant guilds or forces. Their words were full of flattery, and they were trying to invite him over for a "sit" (both openly and covertly).
He ignored them all and only picked out a few important replies.
Hun Qianxue's message was brief and powerful.
Basically, they wanted Han Xuanji to attend a Lineage council meeting, saying they would give him a surprise.
"Surprise?"
Han Xuanji murmured to himself, feeling somewhat curious.
Hun Qianling's message also mentioned this matter, similarly describing a pleasant surprise, which made Han Xuanji even more curious.
Besides that, it mentioned what happened to the Soul Household that year.
The long string of information kept Han Xuanji occupied for quite a while.
In the Eternal Continent, a year is insignificant, but in this year, the reputation of the Soul Household has indeed soared. After the news spread, the number of talented individuals coming to join the Soul Household was several times greater than in previous years.
Among them are even S-level talents, all of whom are renowned geniuses.
Hun Qianxue's position as the head of the clan is now secure, and Hun Qianling's status has also risen accordingly, with her beginning to wield power within the clan.
In her messages, Hun Qianling expressed her gratitude to Han Xuanji many times, all of which were heartfelt expressions of appreciation.
"You're getting better..."
Han Xuanji thought to himself, then silently replied to the message, indicating that he had emerged from seclusion.
His arrival has not yet had any impact on the situation on the Eternal Continent, but it has had a positive influence on those around him.
Once he reaches a certain level, Han Xuanji plans to bring his disciples, who are far away in the Chaos, as well as the Immortal Ancestor and others, over.
These people have top-tier talent in the Chaos, and they wouldn't be bad even in the Eternal Continent. With his guidance, their achievements will be remarkable.
Moreover, his abilities and status at that time were incomparable to what they were back then.
Pulling herself back to reality, Han Xuanji realized that she hadn't received a reply to her message, and wondered why.
They discovered that Hun Qianling had already appeared outside the cave abode.
Han Xuanji waved his hand, letting the other person in.
After exchanging greetings, Hun Qianling began to recount the events that had occurred in the Soul Household over the past year, all of which had been mentioned in previous communications.
"You have no idea, after the news of your ascent to the top of the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway spread, the entire Soul Household was in an uproar."
Hun Qianling became more and more excited as she spoke, gesturing wildly.
"Those who used to speak ill of you now shrink back and avoid me whenever they see me."
My brother's prestige also rose accordingly, and those old fogies in the clan no longer dared to gossip behind my back."
Han Xuanji listened quietly, nodding occasionally.
Han Xuanji shook his head. "It's your brother's own ability; it has little to do with me."
"Don't be modest."
Hun Qianling waved her hand, then changed the subject.
"Oh, by the way, you need to attend the Lineage meeting in a few days."
What meeting?
"Firstly, it's an official announcement of your salary increase, and there's also a big surprise; secondly..."
Hun Qianling paused, then gave him a meaningful look.
Ling Feng will formally apologize to you at the meeting.
Han Xuanji's brows twitched slightly.
Hun Qianling explained:
Actually, Ling Feng had wanted to apologize to you for a long time, but you were in seclusion and he couldn't find an opportunity.
"This Lineage meeting will allow him to clarify things in front of everyone, which will also give you an explanation. From now on, all grudges will be settled, preventing any future trouble."
Han Xuanji chuckled inwardly.
Apologize?
Ling Feng, deep down, is probably unwilling.
However, since he brought it up himself, it means he's not completely stupid.
Although he didn't take this person seriously, they still managed to disgust him.
If he doesn't give me an explanation, he won't retaliate openly, but he might give me a "helping out" sometime in the future.
Now that the other party has offered him a way out, he doesn't need to hold back.
"Alright, let's go then."
Han Xuanji nodded.
Hun Qianling clapped his hands and laughed:
"That's more like it! Don't worry, my brother has prepared a big gift for you, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Han Xuanji glanced at her, a hint of curiosity rising in his heart.
Three days later, in the Soul Household Council Hall.
This grand hall is one of the oldest and most solemn buildings in the Soul Household. It is entirely constructed of ten-thousand-year-old black stone. Inside, there are carved beams and painted rafters, and dozens of chairs are arranged on both sides. Behind each chair stands a core disciple or elder of the Soul Household.
In the deepest part of the main hall, a dark gold chair sits high above, the seat of the family head.
When Han Xuanji stepped into the main hall, it was already full of people.
His gaze swept over the crowd, and he noticed that many of the faces were unfamiliar, presumably the powerful figures from the various branches of the Soul Household.
Several gazes fell upon him, some with curiosity, some with scrutiny, and a hint of awe.
"Here's the Xuanji, please sit down."
Hun Qianxue sat in the main seat. When he saw Han Xuanji enter, he smiled warmly and gestured for him to sit in the first chair on the right.
That position is second only to the head of the family.
Han Xuanji nodded slightly, did not refuse, and went straight over to sit down.
A low murmur of discussion immediately arose inside the hall.
That position is usually occupied by the most senior elders in the clan. The fact that it has been given to a young junior shows Hun Qianxue values Han Xuanji.
Hun Qianling sat opposite him and winked at him, signaling him to relax.
Hun Qianxue stood up, looked around, and the discussions in the hall immediately subsided.
"There are two main things I've called you all here for today."
Hun Qianxue's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
First, regarding Han Xuanji.
He looked at Han Xuanji, his tone solemn:
" Xuanji's ascent to the top of the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway has brought immense glory to our Soul Household and proven the true value of S-Rank Talent. Those who questioned and slandered him back then now seem utterly absurd and laughable."
Silence fell over the hall, and many people lowered their heads.
"Our Soul Household is founded on talent and revered for strength."
Hun Qianxue's voice gradually rose in pitch:
"Now that Xuanji has proven himself, I will not treat him unfairly."
From this day forward, Han Xuanji's treatment will be elevated to the highest standard for S-Rank Talent —his annual Lineage contribution points will double, he will receive a bonus of one million contribution points, and he will be allowed to choose one treasure from the Soul Household Treasury as a reward for his ascent to the top of the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway.