Chapter 13

"What do you mean, Deacon Chen?" Xiao Yao asked, his curiosity piqued.

Deacon Chen let out a sigh before explaining, "The matter dates back thousands of years when one of our sect's ancestor encountered a great opportunity within a secret realm. Among the countless resources and cultivation techniques he obtained, there was also an old, tattered book containing the lifelong skills of someone known as the 'Undine Immortal.' However, the technique had a strict requirement—it could only be cultivated while still in the Qi Refining Stage. Once past that stage, it became impossible to practice."

He shook his head before continuing, "Despite this limitation, the techniques recorded within the book were incredibly unique and powerful. The sect saw its potential and assigned many talented disciples to study it, hoping to uncover its secrets. But, alas, something seemed to be missing. No one was able to truly master it, no matter how promising they were. In the end, with no way to utilize it, the sect had no choice but to place the manual among other unconventional and troublesome inheritances in Wildbone Peak."

"That's why I mentioned Wildbone Peak, although you could choose Wildbone Peak for a chance to access that inheritance, mastering it would be extremely difficult—perhaps even impossible," Deacon Chen said, glancing at Xiao Yao from the corner of his eyes.

Noticing the spark of interest in Xiao Yao's expression, his eyes flickered slightly before he continued, "So, rather than chasing after something uncertain, it would be much wiser to choose the Five Elements Peak. There, you'll have access to a vast array of techniques suited to your element, ensuring you receive a proper inheritance."

Although Xiao Yao listened to Deacon Chen's advice, his thoughts were already elsewhere.

He wasn't too tempted by the Five Elements Peak. After all, with the inheritance of an Enlightening Stage cultivator already in his possession—along with a sword technique—what could that peak truly offer him? Some spells, perhaps, but those were things he could acquire through other means.

What truly caught his attention was the 'Undine Immortal' inheritance in Wildbone Peak. If even the elders and ancestors of a first-rate sect deemed it unique and powerful, then it had to be at least an Enlightening Stage inheritance—something far beyond ordinary techniques.

And he didn't believe he couldn't cultivate it.

Senior Xiang had already explained how the countless Water Spirit Fruits he had consumed had deepened his connection with water laws, making his path in the later stages far smoother—let alone now, when he was just beginning.

At worst, he would waste some time. But if he succeeded? Then he would gain yet another powerful trump card.

So he made up his mind and said with a firm look, "Deacon Chen, I choose to join Wildbone Peak."

Deacon Chen sighed, shaking his head. "Think again, Little Brother Xiao. It's nothing but a futile attempt. You'll only waste your time and lose the chance to join a more suitable peak—one that could truly shape your future."

"Thank you for your advice, Deacon Chen, but I will still go with the same choice," Xiao Yao replied firmly.

Deacon Chen let out a sigh, shaking his head. "Ah, the stubbornness of youth..." he muttered before looking at Xiao Yao again. "Alright then, do as you wish. But remember, if you find yourself unable to practice the inheritance, don't waste your time in vain."

Saying so, he waved his hand, and a paper along with an ink feather flew over, hovering in front of Xiao Yao.

He glanced at Xiao Yao and said, "Little Brother Xiao, just focus your mind on this feather and answer the questions on the page. It will use your qi to record your identification and automatically fill in the given answers."

Then, shifting his gaze to Baobao, he shook his head slightly as another paper descended. "As for this pet of yours..." he muttered, trailing off.

"Fill this one, registering him as your pet," Deacon Chen added, pushing the second paper toward Xiao Yao.

And then, Xiao Yao filled up all the information regarding himself, from name and spiritual root to birthplace and family, which he didn't hide, seeing no reason to.

Next, he similarly filled Baobao's information, and under species, he casually wrote 'Penguin,' as he really didn't know what else to put. If the Shenhao Sect found any issue with it and corrected him, at least he would finally know what species Baobao was.

After filling out both forms, he passed them to Deacon Chen, who read them over.

"Penguin, eh? First time I'm hearing this," he murmured before continuing to read.

Then, he put both papers away somewhere and disappeared.

After a few moments, he returned, holding a bag and two black-colored badges—one engraved with Xiao Yao and the other labeled Xiao Yao's Pet: Baobao.

"These badges serve as identification for you and your pet within the sect. They not only display your status but also track contribution points earned through missions or any valuable deeds for the sect. Additionally, they are required for entering and leaving the sect."

Deacon Chen said as he tossed the badges toward Xiao Yao and Baobao, who caught them with both hands.

Xiao Yao observed the badge. It was nearly identical to the one he had received outside, with his name and "Outer Disciple" inscribed on one side, while the other bore the words "Shenhao Sect."

Then, Deacon Chen tossed a bag toward him. "This is a primary storage bag. It has limited space and can only store non-living things," he explained. "Inside, you'll find a booklet containing basic information about the Shenhao Sect and the surrounding area, an outer disciple robe for Wildbone Peak—which you usually won't need to wear except during competitions or official events—ten low-grade spirit stones, a bottle of Qi Refining Pills, and a voucher to access one basic-level technique and two spells from Wildbone Peak's Sutra Pavilion."

"And if you need anything else, little brother, you'll have to use sect contribution points to obtain them," Deacon Chen added.

"And yes, little brother, you need to return the sect token you got outside to me," Deacon Chen added.

"Yes, Deacon Chen," Xiao Yao nodded and retrieved the black token from his clothes, handing it over.

"Um." Deacon Chen stored the token in his storage ring before leading Xiao Yao and Baobao outside the Outer Sect Resource Hall.

"Then, little brother Xiao, I wish you a smooth cultivation journey," he said, waving as Xiao Yao took out the booklet from his storage bag and made his way toward Wildbone Peak.

Watching Xiao Yao's figure fade into the distance, Deacon Chen turned back toward the Resource Hall. After giving some instructions to another person there, he quietly left in a different direction.

After some time, Deacon Chen arrived at a secluded cave. He took out his personal badge, causing the formation at the entrance to ripple as a path revealed itself.

Stepping inside, he glanced around cautiously, extending his spiritual consciousness to ensure no one was nearby. Once certain he was alone, he activated a hidden mechanism within the formation, making it shift in an eerie and bizarre manner as a faint mist gathered around him.

Soon, a mirror-like surface materialized in front of him.

"Slave Chen Ping greets the Honorable Guardian," he knelt on both knees as a vague shadow gradually took form within the mirror.

"Hmmm, why have you contacted me now?" a hoarse voice echoed from within.