Two months passed quietly like a mountain breeze. Within his secluded courtyard, Li Yao sat cross-legged upon a jade meditation mat, his expression calm and solemn. After weeks of focused cultivation, the turbulent qi within his dantian had finally settled into a steady, blazing sea. The spiritual energy that once flowed as threads had now condensed and transformed. Each strand pulsed with the essence of fire- vivid, alive, and brimming with destructive beauty.
He slowly opened his eyes, a subtle glow flickering in their depths. A soft smile touched his lips as he stretched his stiff limbs and rose to his feet. With a thought, he summoned the interface of the Heavenly Observation System.
[Host Status
Name: Li Yao
Age: 15 years
Spiritual Roots: High-grade Fire Spirit Root (+)
Constitution: Human Mortal Body (+)
Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Realm – Early Stage (1st Stage)
Body Refinement: Eighth Level – First Body Refinement Stage
Cultivation Sutra: Emberheart Nourishment Sutra (+)
Battle Art: Nature's Severance (17/100)
Intent: None]
Along with his status, new screens emerged- golden text shimmering in the air like the calligraphy of the heavens.
[Congratulations, Host. You have now unlocked: Mid-Grade Heavenly Fortuitous Encounter]
Li Yao's heart stirred at the sight. Foundation Establishment was a turning point for all cultivators, where the true journey of Dao-seeking began. According to the system, reaching this stage unlocked more dangerous and rewarding encounters. He still remembered his Low-Grade Fortuitous Encounter, which led him to Deacon Bai and changed his fate forever.
But what exactly had been "low danger", Li Yao never found out.
Shaking his head with a smile, he focused on the next prompt- the one he had long waited for, the reward that came as his binding gift.
"System," he said calmly, "tell me about the most useful Fortuitous Encounter for me in the Tianyuan Realm."
[Insight: The Immortal Abode
Location: Primal Extremes Continent
Encounter Type: Heavenly Grade Fortuitous Encounter
Estimated Danger: High]
Li Yao's brows furrowed. Primal Extremes Continent- the name alone was enough to deter most Foundation Establishment cultivators. His master had spoken of it with reverence and warning. It was a land of chaotic ley lines, monstrous beasts, and remnants of ancient immortals. Even Nascent Soul experts tread lightly there.
And yet… a Heavenly Grade encounter. The system only provided that designation when the rewards transcended mortal understanding. Perhaps divine scriptures? A lost inheritance? Or even a supreme-grade artifact?
He sighed. "A treasure only useful to the dead is meaningless for now."
With that, he decided to inform his master of his breakthrough.
Li Yao walked through the familiar stone path leading to his master's courtyard beneath the Embercloud trees. Petals fluttered through the air like falling embers. However, the courtyard was empty, the bamboo chair by the window untouched. Morning turned to evening, and still, Deacon Bai was nowhere to be seen.
Concerned but understanding, Li Yao asked around. Word came quickly- Deacon Bai had left the herbal garden grounds shortly after Li Yao began his seclusion. No one knew where he went.
Li Yao exhaled. "He must be dealing with something important."
With no other path forward, he wandered through the herbal gardens. The colorful array of plants- Veinroot Blossoms, Burning Lilies, Dewdrop Lotus- lifted his mood with their gentle fragrance. He returned to his cottage and took a restful night's sleep, letting his thoughts settle.
The next morning brought bright sun and fresh wind. Deciding to take a short break, Li Yao toured several sect locations to refresh his spirit. As he passed through the Sect Square, a group of outer disciples chattered nearby.
"Did you hear?" one of them whispered. "There's going to be a competition for Foundation Establishment disciples."
"Yeah! The top talents will get a chance to enter the Secret Realm at the Cloudveil Peak."
Li Yao's eyes narrowed slightly. A competition? .
If he wanted to get better information, then who better to speak with than Senior Brother Wei, now a disciple of the Formless Array Peak?
Without hesitation, he made his way toward the great slope leading up to the Formless Array Peak.
The foot of the peak was guarded by two disciples, both wearing the uniform robes of inner sect registrants. They were in the later stages of Qi Refining, alert but courteous.
"Halt, brother. Please state your peak and business," said one of the guards.
They couldn't sense Li Yao's cultivation exactly, but they knew enough to recognize the stable aura of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Clearly, he wasn't just an outer disciple.
Li Yao smiled and cupped his hands. "Disciple Li Yao, of the Herbal Garden Division. Disciple of Deacon Bai. I've come to visit Senior Brother Wei."
Recognition sparked in one of the guards' eyes. "Ah! You're that Li Yao. I remember your name from last year in the outer sect tournament."
The other nodded and gestured forward. "You may proceed. Just follow the path to the inner peak. You'll find Senior Brother Wei near the Azure Wind Courtyard."
Before Li Yao stepped forward, the first guard added, "Also, just in case you didn't know- Senior Brother Wei is now the third personal disciple of Peak Elder Zhao."
Li Yao's eyes widened slightly, then curved with joy. "That's good fortune indeed. Thank you."
He made his way up the mountain path.
The inner peak was serene- ornamental pines and well-maintained stone paths framed every step. Spirit birds chirped from high branches. Then, as he turned a corner, he paused.
Seated near a flowing stream was a young woman clad in icy-blue robes embroidered with patterns of mist and wind. Her face was like snow under moonlight- elegant, untouchable, and her long fingers danced over a silver zither. Each note from the instrument carried an ethereal resonance, as if the strings plucked the wind itself.
Li Yao paused, hesitant to disturb her. But the music stilled, and her eyes met his with quiet curiosity.
"You're not from this peak," she said. "What business do you have at Formless Array Peak, Junior Brother?"
Li Yao quickly cupped his hands. "Greetings, Senior Sister. I am Li Yao from the Herbal Garden, here to visit Senior Brother Wei. Might I trouble you for directions?"
The woman studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Straight ahead. The Azure Wind Courtyard is just past the lotus pond."
"Thank you, Senior Sister."
As he walked away, he glanced back once. The woman had resumed her zither playing, but her gaze lingered a heartbeat longer before returning to the strings.
Zhao Lianyin, the first disciple of Peak Elder Zhao- known for her beauty and her command of wind-based formations. Her melodies were said to calm beasts and sway the minds of men.
Soon, Li Yao arrived at a fine courtyard nestled amidst swaying spirit grasses. The jade plaque at the gate read "Azure Wind." He stepped forward and called out.
"Senior Brother Wei, it's Li Yao. I've come to visit."
A moment later, the door creaked open. Wei stood in the doorway, his robes now bearing the embroidered seal of the Formless Array Peak. His expression lit up in surprise and welcome.
"Li Yao! Come in, come in."
Inside the courtyard, a pot of spirit tea was already brewed on a stone table. Wei gestured for him to sit.
"It's been some time. You've made your breakthrough, haven't you?"
Li Yao nodded. "Two months ago. I've stabilized my realm."
Wei grinned. "Good. I had no doubt."
They sipped the fragrant tea, the scent of Windleaf blossoms carried by the breeze. After some light conversation, Li Yao finally asked, "Senior Brother, I heard about a competition for Foundation Establishment disciples. Do you know anything about it?"
Wei's expression turned thoughtful. "Yes, I do. The sect plans to open the Secret Realm at the Cloudveil Peak early. The competition will decide which disciples are eligible to enter."
Li Yao's heart stirred. "A Secret Realm… and the winner gets to enter?"
Wei nodded. "That's right. It'll be held five weeks later. But the competition won't be easy- top Foundation Establishment disciples from all nine peaks will participate."
Li Yao looked toward the sky, his expression unreadable.