When Long Nian looked at the flame and focused his senses into it,
he suddenly felt a strange sensation stirring in his heart.
Am I able to control it?
Curious, he began to test this possibility.
After numerous attempts, he discovered that he could ignite the flame with his consciousness.
He opened his palm, and a tiny flame flickered to life.
However, it lasted for less than a single breath before vanishing.
Watching this magical phenomenon, Long Nian's interest surged.
He continued experimenting, discovering new ways to interact with the flame.
To his amazement, the flame could refine spiritual energy, making it purer.
It also seemed capable of enhancing and widening his meridians, strengthening his bones, and more.
As he continued absorbing this purified energy,
a sudden clear sound echoed from within his body.
Long Nian was stunned—he had broken through!
He had now reached the first level of the Spiritual Purification Realm.
When did breakthroughs become this easy?
He blinked in disbelief, then burst with joy.
At that moment, admiration for the clan leader grew in his heart.
Without him, he wouldn't have obtained the body purification pills or refined spiritual energy.
It was cause and effect—this strength came from the guidance of his leader.
It wasn't just strength he admired now.
The clan leader had become a beacon, a guide to follow.
"I won't just be a spectator anymore. I'll help strengthen the clan!"
Suppressing his joy, Long Nian looked into the distance and murmured.
He resumed his training, now equipped with spiritual purification pills,
a mysterious flame, and incredible absorption speed.
Time passed.
A week later, Long Chen's comprehension of Sword Intent had deepened significantly, nearly reaching the peak of the second level.
Suddenly, his gaze shifted to the door.
"What's he doing here?" he muttered with amusement.
A golden light flashed in his eyes, and through the door,
he saw a young boy approaching quickly.
It was Long Nian.
To Long Chen's surprise, when he checked his cultivation,
he found that Long Nian was no longer in the Body Tempering Realm.
He had reached the first level of the Spiritual Purification Realm.
Oh? It seems we've found a genius within the clan.
There was a glimmer of intrigue in Long Chen's eyes.
Before Long Nian could knock, Long Chen opened the door himself.
The moment their eyes met, Long Chen scanned his stats again:
Name: Long Nian
Cultivation: First level of the Spiritual Purification Realm
Root Bone: Unmatched (originally: Ordinary)
Comprehension: Tianjiao (previously: Ordinary)
Fortune: Golden (First-Class Genius)
Talent: Human Body
Opportunity: Reincarnation of an Ancient Emperor, with a Mythical Flame in the Dantian
Qualification Tiers: Dim – Ordinary – Low – Medium – Superior – Genius – Unmatched Genius – Supreme – Immortal
Long Chen's eyes gleamed with surprise.
Compared to yesterday, Long Nian's potential had skyrocketed.
Before Long Nian could speak, Long Chen smiled and said,
"First level of the Spiritual Purification Realm? Seems like someone had a stroke of luck..."
Long Nian was initially startled, then scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"The clan leader sees everything. Long Nian was simply fortunate."
Long Chen was about to speak again when suddenly, the system rang out:
[Side Quest: To nurture the family, do not neglect its geniuses. Please cultivate or create geniuses. Reward: For every genius, you will receive a Multiverse Box.]
Long Chen's heart skipped a beat.
A Multiverse Box? Those cost at least a million fortune points!
The reward was like a treasure chest of destiny—
it could grant heavenly treasures or useless pebbles. All based on luck.
He looked at Long Nian again and made a decision.
This child will be the first genius I nurture.
Feeling the clan leader's intense gaze, Long Nian grew uneasy.
Noticing this, Long Chen cleared his throat and said seriously,
"Since you've reached the Spiritual Purification Realm,
you will be ranked first and enjoy clan resources, even without contribution—for now."
"But don't get cocky.
You'll be given a task each month. Fail to complete it,
and you lose all support. Your future depends on these rankings!"
Long Nian's expression turned serious, and he bowed.
Long Chen smiled faintly.
"You are truly a worthy son of the Long family."
He took out two books from his storage ring.
"These are the Chaos Art and the Heavenly Body Technique.
Study them well. You'll carry the pride of the Long clan on your shoulders."