The Saintess of Xuan Nu Rakshasa Palace

Outside Yuan Zhen’s Cave, Seed Demon Holy Sect.

“What did you say? Are you serious? You’ve already mastered the first layer of the profound technique in just a few days?” Yuan Zhen’s eyes widened in disbelief as he grabbed Qin Gou’s shoulders and shook him furiously.

Dizzy from the shaking, Qin Gou chuckled bitterly. “Elder Yuan, are you trying to strangle the sect’s top seed in its cradle?”

Realizing his overreaction, Yuan Zhen quickly let go, rubbing his hands together with an excited grin. “I’m just too thrilled! Could the Enlightened Dao Body truly be this miraculous? You must understand, this profound technique passed down by our founder has been gathering dust in the sect for over a thousand years. I never thought I’d live to see the day it’s revived.” A trace of sorrow flickered in Yuan Zhen’s eyes.

“So many of the sect’s geniuses have trained tirelessly, yet none could unlock its secrets. I eventually suspected that only someone with the same Enlightened Dao Body as our founder could comprehend this supreme technique!”

“And that’s why you found me?” Qin Gou shrugged. “Honestly, I didn’t encounter much difficulty while cultivating it.”

“Show me! Prove it to me! Let me see your results!” Yuan Zhen’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Qin Gou nodded slightly. “Does this count as a result, Elder Yuan?” He extended his palm, revealing a vibrant green droplet spinning rapidly in his hand.

Yuan Zhen’s pupils contracted as he grabbed Qin Gou’s arm and pulled him onto a spirit boat. Laughing loudly, he said, “Come with me to see the Sect Master!”

***

At the Summit, Seed Demon Holy Sect Main Hall.

“Elder Yuan Zhen, what brings you here in such a hurry?”

Qin Gou finally met the man who ruled the Seed Demon Holy Sect: Gu Feiyan’s father, Gu Jinghong.

Dressed in white with a black cloak draped over his shoulders, Gu Jinghong was of average height and appeared to be in his thirties, though his head was full of white hair.

Yuan Zhen bowed respectfully. “Sect Master, this is Qin Gou, the one I mentioned before. He has successfully mastered the first layer of the Green Emperor Scroll!”

“Is that true?!”

Gu Jinghong’s eyes lit up as he looked at Qin Gou like a treasure trove.

“Summon your spiritual tool prototype. Let me see it for myself.”

It seemed the Seed Demon Holy Sect was well aware that mastering the first layer of the Green Emperor Scroll could give rise to a spiritual tool prototype.

Qin Gou smiled knowingly as the green droplet emerged from his fingertip, floating gracefully in the air.

Gu Jinghong extended his hand, letting the droplet rest in his palm. He stared at it in fascination before bursting into laughter. “Excellent! Truly excellent! As expected of the Enlightened Dao Body, the sect’s top seed!”

“Elder Yuan, do you understand what this means?”

“Although it’s not identical to the founder’s life-bound tool, the Heavenly Demon Seed, this is undoubtedly a unique spiritual tool prototype derived from the Green Emperor Scroll!”

Gu Jinghong clenched his fist, his voice trembling with excitement. “From this day forward, Qin Gou shall be the sect’s top seed, enjoying resources and privileges beyond even the chief disciple. Fulfill his every need.”

“Thank you, Sect Master!” Yuan Zhen laughed heartily, patting Qin Gou on the shoulder. “You brat, hurry up and thank the Sect Master for his generosity!”

Qin Gou bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Sect Master.”

Gu Jinghong waved dismissively, smiling. “Don’t thank me just yet. There’s something important I need to explain. The second and third layers of the Green Emperor Scroll will soon be delivered to you, but I don’t plan to publicly announce your status as the sect’s top seed.”

“Why is that, Sect Master?” Yuan Zhen asked, puzzled.

Gu Jinghong sighed deeply. “I’ve led the sect for two hundred years, dedicating myself entirely to its welfare. Yet in all this time, my own cultivation has stagnated. If this continues, I’ll never reach the Avatar Realm, and the sect will remain a second-rate force in the cultivation world. So recently, I made an important decision.”

“I plan to hold a trial among my three unworthy children to select a young sect master. During my seclusion, they will manage all sect affairs. If I were to announce Qin Gou’s status as the top seed, those three would undoubtedly try to recruit him, causing unnecessary trouble for him.”

“Therefore, you’ll officially be an inner disciple for now. Only I and the elders will know your true status. Of course, I’m not forbidding you from getting involved in their struggles. I just want you to have the freedom to choose your path without coercion. Consider this my way of looking out for you.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Sect Master.” Qin Gou’s gratitude was genuine. Gu Jinghong’s decision was a blessing for him. Gu Feiyan would undoubtedly need a capable ally more than ever.

“Sect Master, are you confident about advancing to the Avatar Realm?” Yuan Zhen asked solemnly.

Gu Jinghong shook his head, laughing. “As cultivators, we must dare to take risks. If I fail, so be it!”

“Sect Master…” Yuan Zhen hesitated but ultimately chose not to dissuade him. Gu Jinghong had sacrificed too much, wasting two centuries of his lifespan. For an ambitious cultivator, this was unbearable.

“Brother Hong, what’s made you so happy?”

A melodious voice, like pearls falling onto a jade plate, echoed through the hall.

The sound of jingling ornaments accompanied the arrival of a stunning woman from the back of the hall. Her every step exuded grace and charm.

“My wife,” Gu Jinghong said, his face softening with affection.

“Greetings, Lady Sect Master. The Sect Master and Lady are truly a match made in heaven,” Qin Gou said warmly, knowing it was crucial to leave a good impression on Gu Feiyan’s parents.

The woman covered her mouth as she laughed, her eyes sparkling with endless allure.

Gu Jinghong glanced at Qin Gou thoughtfully before saying, “This is my wife, the mother of my ‘two’ disappointing sons. Don’t be fooled by her current status as my wife. Back in the day, she was one of the nine saintesses of the Xuan Nu Rakshasa Palace, adored by all!”